Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Revision Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue Amount of revenue attributable to disposal group. Excludes discontinued operations. Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Loss Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Amount of operating income (loss) attributable to disposal group. Excludes discontinued operations. Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Summary of Other Non-Operating Income Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Education [Member] Education [Member] Education [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Transaction [Axis] Transaction [Axis] Transaction [Axis] Transaction Type [Domain] Transaction Type [Domain] Transaction Type [Domain] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[Member] Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Classified Ventures Llc [Member] Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Wireless Licenses [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Line Items] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Additional gain on sale of Classified Ventures Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Foreign currency (loss) gain, net Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Gain on sales of businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain on formation of joint venture Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Gain on Berkshire marketable equity securities exchange Gain on Share Exchange This item represents the total realized gain included in earnings for the period as a result of exchanging marketable securities. Gain on sale of headquarters building Gain (Loss) On Sale of Building Amount of gain (loss) on sale of disposal of building. Losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Other, net Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Total Other Non-Operating Income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Impairment write-down of a marketable equity security Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Gain (loss) on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Cable [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Corporate Segment [Member] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Subsegments [Member] Reportable Subsegments [Member] Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Higher Education [Member] Higher Education [Member] Higher Education [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Kaplan Ventures [Member] Kaplan Ventures [Member] Kaplan Ventures [Member] Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] Kaplan Corporate And Other [Member] Operating Revenues Revenues Income (Loss) from Operations Operating Income (Loss) Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other Income, Net Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Depreciation From Continuing Operations The amount of expense recognized in the current period for continuing operations that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related to depreciation. Amortization Of Intangible Assets and Impairment of Long-lived Assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets and Impairment of Long-lived Assets From Continuing Operations The amount of amortization expense for intangible assets for the period and the amount of impairment loss recognized in the period resulting from the write-down of the carrying amount of long-lived assets to fair value for continuing operations. Amortization of intangible assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets From Continuing Operations The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets of continued operations (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Net Pension (Credit) Expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Identifiable Assets Identifiable Assets Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the Company's operations in each business segment. Investment in Marketable Equity Securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities, Current Investments in Affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Prepaid Pension Cost Prepaid Pension Costs Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total Assets Assets Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Total loss recognized during the period from the impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets. Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments Investments In Marketable Equity Securities And Other Investments Total debt and equity financial instruments including: (1) securities held-to-maturity, (2) trading securities, and (3) securities available-for-sale which are intended to be held for less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer. Also includes other current investments such as mutual funds. Accounts receivable, net Accounts and Other Receivables, Net, Current Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Inventories and contracts in progress Inventory, Net of Allowances, Customer Advances and Progress Billings Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets held for sale (includes $0 and $1,235 of cash, respectively) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets, Current Amount classified as current assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill, Net Goodwill Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Amortized Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Deferred Charges and Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Long Lived Asset, Current Amount classified as long lived assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of within one year or an operation cycle, if longer. Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Dividends declared Dividends Payable, Current Short-term borrowings Debt, Current Current liabilities held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Current Liabilities, Current Amount classified as current liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred Income Taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Current Amount classified as noncurrent liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Total Liabilities Liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Preferred Stock Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Cash flow hedge Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Total Common Stockholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Foreign currency translation adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Translation adjustments arising during the period, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Translation adjustments arising during the period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Translation adjustments arising during the period, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustments, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI For Exchange Sale Or Writedown Of Securities Before Tax Amount before tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income for unrealized gain (loss) realized upon the exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities. Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI For Exchange Sale Or Writedown Of Securities Tax Amount of tax expense (benefit) of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income for unrealized gain (loss) realized upon the exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities. Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI For Exchange Sale Or Writedown Of Securities Net Of Tax Amount after tax of reclassification adjustment from accumulated other comprehensive income for unrealized gain (loss) realized upon the exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities. Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Pension and other postretirement plans: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Net of Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Tax Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Settlement gain included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax Settlement gain included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Tax Settlement gain included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Net of Tax Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Total pension and other postretirement plans, income tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Total pension and other postretirement plans, after tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash flow hedge: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Gain for the period, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Gain for the period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Gain for the period, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Basis of Presentation Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets Held For Sale Assets Held For Sale Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of the accounting policy describing under what circumstances an asset or business is classified as held for sale. Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial Periods Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] A 2011 Acquisition [Member] Acquisition In 2011 [Member] A 2011 Acquisition Prior Period Adjustments [Axis] Prior Period Adjustments [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Prior Period Adjustments [Domain] Prior Period Adjustments [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Related to certain items recorded in 2011 and 2010 [Member] Related To Certain Items Recorded In 2011 And 2010 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Lease and severance obligations and accelerated depreciation [Member] Lease And Severance Obligations And Accelerated Depreciation [Member] Lease and severance obligations and accelerated depreciation [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Non U.S. [Member] Non-US [Member] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Number of campuses announced to close or consolidate Number Of Campuses Announced To Close Or Consolidate Number of campuses announced to close or consolidate Favorable out of period adjustment Immaterial Error Correction Amount Amount of effect on financial statements related to corrections of prior period errors in the current period financial statements when the effect of the prior period error was immaterial to the prior period financial statements and the current period correction is immaterial to the current period financial statements. Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Total operating revenues Foreign long-lived assets Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Long-Lived Assets Excluding Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets In Foreign Countries Amount of long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets located in foreign countries in total in which the entity holds assets. Adjustment to increase liabilities assumed Business Acquisition Liabilities Assumed Adjustment Adjustment to increase liabilities assumed in a prior period acquisition. Favorable net adjustment Favorable Net Adjustment Favorable net adjustment. Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Owned Number of television broadcast stations owned by the Company. Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt [Table] Debt [Table] Schedule of all debt, including both short term and long term. Cable Spin-Off [Member] Cable Spin-Off [Member] Cable Spin-Off [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member] Seven Point Two Five Percent Unsecured Notes Due February One Two Thousand And Nineteen [Member] Seven Point Two Five Percent Unsecured Notes due February One, Two Thousand and Nineteen [Member] 5.75% Unsecured Notes due June 15, 2022 [Member] Five Point Seven Five Percent Unsecured Notes Due June Fifteen Two Thousand And Twenty Two [Member] 5.75% Unsecured notes due June 15, 2022 [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Four Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Seventeenth Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Four Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Seventeenth Two Thousand Eleven [Member] Four-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated, June Seventeenth Two Thousand Eleven [Member]. USD [Member] Four Hundred Fifty Million U S Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- AUD [Member] Fifty Million Australian Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member] AUS $50 Million Borrowing Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Unsecured notes Unsecured Debt Secured Debt Secured Debt Revolving credit borrowing Long-term Line of Credit Other indebtedness Other Long-term Debt Total Debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Less: current portion Total Long-Term Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Information related to Disposal Group Held for Sale Schedule Of Disposal Groups Excluding Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Excludes a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Education Education revenue Revenues from a range of education and related services worldwide for students, professionals and other organizations. Subscriber Subscription and Circulation Revenue Advertising Advertising Revenue Other Other Revenue, Net Total Operating Revenues Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Operating Expense Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations including the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Excludes selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total Operating Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Income from Operations Interest income Other Interest and Dividend Income Interest expense Interest Expense Other income, net Provision for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends Net income attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic net income per common share in dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic average number of common shares outstanding in shares Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted net income per common share in dollars per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted average number of common shares outstanding in shares Weighted Average Number Of Potentially Dilutive Shares Outstanding The weighted average number of shares outstanding that could potentially dilute basic EPS. Summary of Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Additional shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the antidilutive effect of restricted stock using the treasury stock method. Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Revision of Prior Period Amounts [Abstract] Revision of Prior Period Amounts [Abstract] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Cash Flow Hedge [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Other income, net Income tax on unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income Income Before Tax Interest expense Settlement gain included in net income Income Net of Tax Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Plan Asset Location [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES International [Member] International [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] U.S. equities [Member] U S Equities [Member] U.S. Equities [Member] U.S. fixed income [Member] U S Fixed Income [Member] U.S. fixed income [Member] International equities [Member] International Equities [Member] International equities [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Four-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated, June 17, 2011 [Member] AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member] USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Money market investments Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Commercial paper Commercial Paper Total Unsecured short-term debt instrument issued by corporations which are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to know amounts of cash. Commercial paper Commercial Paper Investment Unsecured short-term debt instrument issued by corporations which are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to know amounts of cash. These investments have original maturities greater than 90 days and less than 180 days. Marketable equity securities Other current investments Other Short-term Investments Interest rate swap Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value Total Financial Assets Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities: Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred compensation plan liabilities Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Debt instrument Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure AUD Revolving credit borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Interest rate swap Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Total Financial Liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock [Line Items] Antidilutive Shares [Abstract] Antidilutive Shares [Abstract] Weighted average restricted stock Antidilutive Restricted Stock Additional shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the antidilutive effect of restricted stock using the treasury stock method. Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] WPLG [Member] WPLG [Member] WPLG [Member] Sale of WPLG [Member] Sale of WPLG [Member] Sale of WPLG [Member] Daily Herald [Member] Daily Herald [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] Sale Of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] The sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries, which is comprised of WP Company LLC, Express Publications Company, LLC, El Tiempo Latino, LLC, Robinson Terminal Warehouse, LLC, Greater Washington Publishing, LLC and Post-Newsweek Media, LLC. Kaplan Virtual Education [Member] Kaplan Virtual Education [Member] Kaplan Virtual Education Member. Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member] Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member] Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member] Sale of Kaplan EduNeering [Member] Kaplan EduNeering [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sales of Kaplan EduNeering and Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member] Kaplan EduNeering and Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sale of Kidum [Member] Kidum [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Disposition of Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member] Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Number of schools sold Number Of Schools Sold The number of schools sold. Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Expenses in discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Expenses in discontinued operations, net of tax Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Operating Expense Net Of Tax Amount of operating expenses, after tax, attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period. Early retirement program expense Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special or Contractual Termination Benefits Recognized During Period Early retirement program expense, net of tax Defined Benefit Plan Cost Of Providing Special Or Contractual Termination Benefit Recognized During Period Net Of Tax The cost of providing special or contractual termination benefits recognized during the period on the projected benefit obligation, net of tax. Income tax benefits in connection with sales and/or dispositions of businesses Income Tax Benefits In Connection With Sales And Or Dispositions Of Businesses Income tax benefits related recorded in connection with sales and/or dispositions of businesses related to the excess of outside stock tax basis over the net book value of the net assets disposed. Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Non-compete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Student and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Databases and Technology [Member] Database Rights [Member] Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Other [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Franchise Agreements [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure And Accreditation [Member] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Exchange And Other [Table] Exchange And Other [Table] Exchange And Other [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member] CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVenture [Member] A joint venture formed between Celtic Healthcare and Allegheny Health Network Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Class A and B [Member] Common Class A and B [Member] Common Class A and B [Member] Exchange And Other [Line Items] Exchange And Other [Line Items] [Line Items] for Exchange And Other [Table] Number of Shares Exchanged Number of Shares Exchanged Number of shares exchanged in a transaction. Amount of Cash Exchanged to Berkshire Amount of Cash Exchanged Amount of cash paid in a transaction Number of shares received in Berkshire Hathaway agreement Number of Shares Received in Exchange The number of shares received in an exchange transaction After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition Fair value of available-for-sale equity securities exchanged Available For Sale Securities Equity Securities Exchanged Fair Value Fair value of of available-for-sale equity securities exchanged. Estimated fair value of business exchanged Estimated Fair Value of Business Exchanged Estimated fair value of business exchanged. Treasury stock increase Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Percentage of revenue Percentage of Celtic Revenue The percentage of total Celtic revenue that is now part of the joint venture. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Single Equity Concentration [Member] Single Equity Concentration [Member] Information about an entity's defined benefit plan's significant investment concentrations in either a single entity, type of industry, foreign country and/or individual fund. Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] Geographic Concentration [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Assets Total [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Assets Total [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Foreign Investments [Member] Foreign Investments [Member] Information about the entity's defined pension plan foreign investments. Fixed income securities [Member] Fixed Income Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Schedule Of Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee Name [Axis] Schedule Of Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee Name [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee, Name [Domain] Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee, Name [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] Multiemployer Pension Plans Member Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Washington Post Newspaper Member Robinson Terminal Warehouse and Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Robinson Terminal Warehouse And Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Robinson Terminal Warehouse and Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Post-Newsweek Media [Member] Post Newsweek Media [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Groups [Domain] Pre-Age 65 [Member] Pre-Age 65 [Member] Pre-Age 65 [Member] Post-Age 65 MA-PD Plan [Member] Post Age 65 M A P D Plan [Member] Post-Age 65 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Member Post-Age 65 Non MA-PD Plan [Member] Post Age 65 Non M A P D Plan [Member] Post-Age 65 non Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan Member Mulitemployer Pension Plan [Axis] Mulitemployer Pension Plan [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Multiemployer Pension Plan [Domain] Multiemployer Pension Plan [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan [Member] C W A I T U Negotiated Pension Plan [Member] CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan [Member] GCIU Employer's Trust Fund [Member] G C I U Employers Trust Fund [Member] GCIU Employer's Trust Fund [Member] Early Retirment Program Expense [Axis] Early Retirment Program Expense [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Early Retirement Program Expense [Domain] Early Retirement Program Expense [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Separation Incentive Program [Member] Separation Incentive Program [Member] Separation Incentive Program [Member] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) Net Periodic Benefit For Defined Benefit Pension Plans Excluding Early Retirement Program, Special Separation Benefit Expense, Curtailment And Settlement The net periodic benefit or expense for defined benefit pension plans excluding the early retirement program and special separation benefit expense, curtailment, settlement and other programs separately disclosed in the financial statements. Total Cost (Benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Number of investment companies actively managing plan assets Number Of Investment Companies Managing Plan Assets The number of investment companies actively managing plan assets. Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, equity securities Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator Defined Benefit Plan Target Allocation Percentage Of Assets Singular Equity Security Limit Without Approval Of Plan Administrator Target allocation maximum percentage of investment in a single equity security to total plan assets without prior approval of plan administrator. Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, fixed-income securities, range minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Minimum percentage of plan assets considered as significant concentrations in pension plans Concentration Risk, Percentage Amount of plan assets managed internally by company Amount Of Plan Assets Managed Internally By Company Amount of plan assets managed internally by the company. Settlement gain Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Discount rate to determine benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Description of Direction and Pattern of Change for Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Value of investments Investments Percentage of total plan assets Value of related party investments Defined Benefit Plan, Amount of Employer and Related Party Securities Included in Plan Assets Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Number of investments the company's pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets Number Of Investments Companys Pension Plan Held Which Individually Exceed 10 Percent Of Total Plan Assets Number Of Investments The Companys Pension Plan Held Which Individually Exceed 10 Percent Of Total Plan Assets Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets Number Of Foreign Countries For Which Companys Pension Plan Holds Investments That Exceed 10 Percent Of Total Plan Assets Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Depreciation Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Intangible assets impairment charge Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Including Discontinued Operations Total loss recognized during the period from the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets (including losses reflected in discontinued operations). Intangible and other long-lived assets impairment charge Impairment Of Intangible And Other Long-Lived Assets The amount of impairment loss recognized in the period resulting from the write-down of the carrying amount of intangible and other long-lived assets. Net pension benefit Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan Withdrawal Charge Charge resulting from employer withdrawal from a multiemployer a) pension plan under circumstances that would give rise to an obligation or (b) other postretirement benefit plan under circumstances that would give rise to an obligation or an increase in the contribution to the fund during the remainder of the contract period to make up a shortfall necessary to fund the vested and negotiated benefits. Stock-based compensation expense, net Share-based Compensation Foreign exchange loss (gain) Net gain on sales and disposition of businesses Net Gain Loss On Sales And Disposition of Businesses Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of an organization or integrated set of activities (for example, but not limited to, a partnership or corporation) engaged in providing a product or service in a commercial, industrial, or professional environment. Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Net loss (gain) on disposition or write-downs of marketable equity securities and cost method investments Marketable Securities And Cost Method Investments Realized Gain Loss This item represents the net total realized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting. This item also includes losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the marketable securities and cost method investments. Gain on sale of equity affiliate Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of certain distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions (Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Including Discontinued Operations The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities. Net loss on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment and other assets Net Loss On Sale Or Write Down Of Property Plant And Equipment And Other Assets The net gain or loss resulting from the sale and aggregate write down of property, plant and equipment and certain other assets. Net (gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Net loss (gain) on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment GainLossOnSaleOrWritedownOfPropertyPlantEquipment Amount of gain (loss) on sale, disposal or write-down of property, plant and equipment assets. Net gain on sale of intangible assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets Change in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Decrease in accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable (Increase) decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Decrease in deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue (Decrease) increase in income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes (Increase) decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of property, plant and equipment Investments in equity affiliates and cost method investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments Net proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and other assets Net Proceeds From Sale Of Businesses Property Plant And Equipment And Other Assets The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the sale of a portion of the company's business, for example a segment, division, branch or other business, during the period. Also included is the cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets and other assets. Investments in commercial paper Investments In Commercial Paper Cash outflow from investments in commercial paper. Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from maturities of commercial paper Proceeds From Maturities Of Commercial Paper Cash inflow from maturities of commercial paper. Net distribution from equity affiliate Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Purchases of commercial paper, marketable equity securities and other investments Payments To Acquire Marketable Securities And Other Investments Cash outflow for purchase of available-for-sale marketable equity securities and other investments. Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Issuance of borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of Financing Costs Payments of Financing Costs Repayments of borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Common shares repurchased, including the Berkshire Exchange transaction Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repayments of short-term borrowing Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Repayment of short-term borrowing Proceeds From Repayments Of Revolving Credit And Commercial Paper The net cash inflow or cash outflow from borrowing and repaying revolving credit and commercial paper. Purchase of shares from a noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Repayments of borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Cash of Discontinued Operations Cash, Including Discontinued Operations Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid during the year for: Cash Paid During The Year For: [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Income Taxes Paid, Net Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest Paid Interest Paid Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Defined benefit plans consisting of various pension plans and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Axis] Reflects the description and required disclosures pertaining to the entity's defined benefits pension, by plan or groupings of similar plans. Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain] Periodic Cost [Member] Periodic Cost [Member] Periodic cost assumptions. Benefit Obligation [Member] Benefit Obligation [Member] Benefit obligation assumptions. Schedule of Net Funded Status Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] HomeHero [Member] HomeHero [Member] HomeHero [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member] Corinthian Colleges, Inc. [Member] Corinthian Colleges [Member] Corinthian Colleges, Inc. [Member] Bowater Mersey Paper Company [Member] Bowater Mersey [Member] Bowater Mersey Paper Company [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Commercial paper and money market investments Commercial Paper And Money Market Investments Unsecured short-term debt instrument issued by corporations which are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to know amounts of cash and interest-bearing accounts that typically pay a higher interest rate and are FDIC insured. New investments in marketable equity securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security (Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Gain on exchange of Berkshire Hathaway shares Investments in commercial paper Cash distribution from equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Cash Distributions Amount of gross cash distributions received from an equity method investment. Investment maturity length for commercial paper Investment Maturity Length For Commercial Paper Investment maturity length for commercial paper. Proceeds from sales of marketable securities in Q1 settled in April Proceeds From Sales of Marketable Securities Settled Proceeds from sales of marketable securities Ssettled. Sales of marketable equity securties Sales Of Marketable Equity Securities Sales of marketable equity securties during the period. Amount of time investment had been in an unrealized loss position Amount Of Time Investment In Unrealized Loss Position Amount of time investment had been in an unrealized loss position. Pre-tax gain on equity method investments Estimated fair value of Classified Ventures Total Estimated Fair Value Of Business Company Partially Owns Total estimated fair value of a business in which the Company holds an equity interest. Gannett's Ownership of Classified Ventures Gannett's Ownership of Classified Ventures The percentage of ownership of Classified Ventures' common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting held by Gannett Company. Shares held in investee company Marketable Securities Equity Securities Shares Held In Investee Company Equity Method InvestmentShares Held In Investee Company Company's investments in marketable equity securities Percentage of total fair value of the Company's investments in marketable equity securities Marketable Securities Equity Securities Percentage Of Total Marketable Securities Equity Securities Percentage of total fair value of the Company's investments in marketable equity securities. Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Unrealized loss on investment Available-for-sale Equity Securities Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) Amount of unrealized gain (loss) on investments in equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Percentage of equity method investment ownership sold Equity Method Investment Ownership Percentage Sold The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting that was sold. Proceeds from sale of equity method investment Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Amount of cash proceeds held in escrow Amount Of Equity Method Investment Sale Cash Proceeds Held In Escrow Relating to the sale of an equity method investment, the amount of the remaining cash proceeds held by a third party on behalf of the other two parties until all remaining sale agreement obligations have been fulfilled. Percentage Of Common Stock Held By Investee Company Percentage Of Common Stock Held By Investee Company Percentage of the Company's common stock held by an investee company. Cash held for sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Per Share Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Per Share Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares Cash of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, net, beginning balance Measurement period adjustment Goodwill, Subsequent Recognition of Deferred Tax Asset Reallocation, net Goodwill, Other Changes Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Dispositions Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Reclassification to assets held for sale Goodwill Reclassified To Assets Held For Sale Reclassification of the carrying amount of goodwill associated with a reporting unit that is classified as held for sale in the period, not yet disposed. Reclassification to discontinued operations Goodwill Reclassified To Discontinued Operations Reclassification of the carrying amount of goodwill associated with a reporting unit that is classified as discontinued operations in the period, not yet disposed. Foreign currency exchange rate changes Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill, net, ending balance Total cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Net unrealized gains Total Fair Value Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) Early retirement program expense Recognition of prior service cost Recognition Of Prior Service Cost Related To Dispositions Including Discontinued Operations The amount of prior service cost recognized in net periodic benefit costs relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation. This portion of the recognized cost is related to a disposition and portions or all can be included in discontinued operations. Settlement gain Settlement gain Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Total Cost (Benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition Asset (Obligation), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition Asset (Obligation), before Tax Amortization of prior service credit (cost) Recognized actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income Recognized Actuarial Loss Gain Of Defined Benefit Plan Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost Before Tax Recognized actuarial loss or gain in other comprehensive income before tax Curtailment loss Other adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Other Adjustments Before Tax Pretax change in the value of either the benefit obligation or the plan assets resulting from other adjustments not otherwise defined, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects) Total Recognized in Total (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects) Total Recognized In Total Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Before Tax Total Recognized In Total Benefit Cost And Other Comprehensive Income Before Tax Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Education Division And Other Businesses Segment [Axis] Education Division And Other Businesses Segment [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Education Division And Other Businesses Segment [Domain] Education Division And Other Businesses Segment [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Businesses Segment And Education Division [Member] Other Businesses Segment And Education Division [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased Noncontrolling Interest Purchased Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased during the period. Assumed debt Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Debt Amount of debt due assumed at the acquisition date. Acqusition purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Percentage of interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest Business Combination Acquisition Of Less than 100 Percent Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value This element represents the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date. Pension and Postretirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Option Plan [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock Awards [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Stock Option [Member] Kaplan Stock Option [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Senior Manager [Member] Senior Manager [Member] Senior Manager Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Accelerated dividends in lieu of regular quarterly dividends in 2013 [Member] Accelerated Dividends [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Antidilutive securities, shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dividends declared per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Right to elect Board of Directors percentage Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of stock from Class A to Class B, percentage Percentage Of Conversion From One Class Of Stock To Another Percentage Of Conversion From One Class Of Stock To Another Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Number of shares authorized to be repurchased remaining under previous authorization StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchasedUnderPreviousAuthorization Number of shares authorized to be repurchased remaining under previous authorization. Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2013 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year One Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year One Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2014 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Two Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Two Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2015 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Three Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Three Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2016 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Four Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Exercisable Number Year Four Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options outstanding exercisable now Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Now Options outstanding exercisable now. Options outstanding exercisable in 2013 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year One Options outstanding exercisable in year one. Options outstanding exercisable in 2014 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Two Options outstanding exercisable in year two. Options outstanding exercisable in 2015 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Three Options outstanding exercisable in year three. Options outstanding exercisable in 2016 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Four Options outstanding exercisable in year four. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of options unvested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Unvested Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Unvested Intrinsic Value Market value of company's stock Common Stock Stated Market Value Per Share Common Stock Stated Market Value Per Share Options unvested, average exercise price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Nonvested Weighted Average Exercise Price The weighted average price as of the end of the year at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan which are not vested. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Fair value of company common stock Fair Value Of Company Common Stock Fair value of company common stock Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis] Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis] Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis] Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Domain] Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Domain] [Domain] for Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis] July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] Q3 2015 [Member] Q3 2015 [Member] Q3 2015 [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] GHC dividend received from Cable ONE Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Cable ONE, unsecured notes Debt Instrument, Face Amount Number of shares modified Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number Of Shares The number of shares modified of an equity-based compensation plan. Number of employees effected by modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number of Employees Affected Number of shares with accelerated vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Accelerated Vesting, Number Number of shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Incremental stock compensation from modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Diaz Case [Member] Diaz Case [Member] United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al., included three separate complaints: Diaz, Wilcox and Gillespie. Diaz Claims [Member] Diaz Claims [Member] Diaz claims included in the United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. complaint. [Member] Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [Member] Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Cases [Member] United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. (unsealed March 25, 2008) and United States of America ex rel. Charles Jajdelski v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. et al. (unsealed January 6, 2009). [Member] Jajdelski Case [Member] Jajdelski Case [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Title IV Participating Institutions Including Broomall PA and Pittsburgh PA and Kaplan University [Member] Title IV Participating Institutions Including Broomall PA and Pittsburgh PA and Kaplan University [Member] Title IV participating institutions including KHE's Broomall, PA and Pittsburgh, PA locations, and Kaplan University [Member] Title IV participating institutions including Broomall, PA [Member] Title I V Participating Institutions Including Broomall P A [Member] Title IV participating institutions including Broomall, PA [Member] KHE's Broomall, PA location [Member] K H Es Broomall P A Location [Member] KHE's Broomall, PA location [Member] Kaplan University [Member] Kaplan University [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other OPEID units [Member] Other O P E I D Units [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Charlestown and Kenmore Square campuses [Member] Charlestown And Kenmore Square Campuses [Member] Charlestown and Kenmore Square campuses [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Separate Complaints Included In Diaz Case Received Rulings Separate Complaints Included In A Series Of Rulings On Number of separate complaints included in the Diaz case that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a series of rulings on. Number of allegations not dismissed Number Of Dismissed Allegations Reversed By The US Circuit Court For The Ninth Judicial Circuit Number of dismissed allegations reversed by the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Number of claims appealed Number of Claims Appealed Number of claims appealed to and heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court. Number of claims affirmed for dismissal by US Court of Appeal Number Of Claims Affirmed For Dismissal by US Court of Appeals Number of claims affirmed for dismissal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court. Number of claims revered and remanded by US Court of Appeal Number of Claims Revered And Remanded by US Court of Appeals Number of claims reversed and remanded by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court. Number of unsealed cases filed by former employees under the U.S. Federal False Claims Act Number Of Unsealed Cases Filed By Former Employees Under U S Federal False Claims Act Number of unsealed cases filed by former employees under the U.S. Federal False Claims Act Number of allegations communicated by the Massachusetts Attorney General Number Of Allegations Communicated The number of allegations communicated by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts. Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Number of pending program reviews Number of pending program reviews Number of pending program reviews. Number of open DOE program reviews Number Of Open And Or Pending Program Reviews Number of open and/or pending program reviews. Estimated Campuses OPEID Units Over 90/10 Ratio Estimated Campuses OPEID Units Over Ninety Ten Ratio Management's estimated number of KHE Campuses' OPEID Units that could have a 90/10 ratio over 90%, absent proposed changes, in the next year. 2013 Percentage Of Revenue Of Campus OPEID Units Over 90/10 Ratio Percentage Of Revenue Of Campus OPEID Units Over Ninety Ten Ratio Percentage of revenue of campus OPEID units over ninety ten ratio in prior year OPEID units with 90/10 ratio over 90% O P E I D Units with Ninety Ten Ratio Over Ninety Percent The number of OPEID units that will have a 90/10 ratio over 90%. Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs Percentage Of Receipts From Title IV Programs Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs. Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule Portion Of Regulations Under Ninety Ten Rule Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule Amount of OPEID numbers O P E I D Identification Number Some KHE schools are combined into groups of two or more schools for the purpose of determining compliance with certain Title IV requirements, and each such group is assigned its own identification number, known as an OPEID number. Education division revenue derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV programs Education Division Revenue Derived From Financial Aid Received By Students Under Title I V Programs Education division revenue derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV programs Percentage of Title IV revenue received from largest OPEID reporting unit Percentage Of Title I V Revenue Received From Largest O P E I D Reporting Unit Percentage of Title IV revenue received from largest OPEID reporting unit Percentage of receipts derived from Title IV Percentage Of Receipts Derived From Title I V Percentage of receipts derived from Title IV Students enrolled in programs placed on conditional approval Students Enrolled In Programs Placed On Conditional Approval Students Enrolled In Programs Placed On Conditional Approval. Management's estimated outcome absent adoption of changes Managements Estimated Outcome Absent Adoption Of Changes Management's estimated outcome absent adoption of changes Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 2013 Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations Prior Year Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Prior year reported quarterly operating results after reclassifying certain operations to discontinued operations. Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Prior year and two years prior reported operating results after reclassifying certain operation to discontinued operations. CY Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations Current Year Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Current year quarterly operating results, for periods already reported, after reclassifying certain operations as discontinued operations. Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investment [Text Block] Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Restricted cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Restricted Cash, Current Amount classified as restricted cash attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Current Assets Held for Sale Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Goodwill, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Indefinite-lived intangible assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit. Amortized intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Amortizable Intangibles, Current Amount classified as amortizable intangible assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Deferred charges and other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Revenue, Current Current Liabilities Held for Sale Other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Other Indebtedness [Member] Other Indebtedness [Member] Other Indebtedness [Member] Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2015 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Twenty-nine Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Five-year Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2015 [Member] Senior Credit Facilities [Member] Senior Credit Facilities [Member] Senior Credit Facilities [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2015[Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Thirty Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 30, 2015 [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] First year after funding [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Second year after funding [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Third year after funding [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Fourth year after funding [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] Fifth year after funding [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] Minimum interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Maximum interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Debt Instrument, Face Amount Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Minimum fee percentage for line of credit facility Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Minimum Percentage The minimum percentage used to calculate the quarterly facility fee on the Company's line of credit facility. Maximum fee percentage for line of credit facility Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Maximum Percentage The maximum percentage used to calculate the quarterly facility fee on the Company's line of credit facility. Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Debt Instrument, Payment Terms Debt Instrument, Payment Terms Termination of credit agreement Termination Of Credit Agreement Reflects the amount of the credit facility terminated by the Company. Borrowings outstanding Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under Credit Agreement. Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio based upon the ratio of consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement. Debt Instrument, Covenant Description Debt Instrument, Covenant Description Repayments of Line of Credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Notional amount of derivative that matured Notional Amount Of Derivative Matured The notional amount of a derivative that matured. Expressed in absolute value. Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Average borrowings outstanding Average Outstanding Debt Amount Average borrowings outstanding during the period, both short and long term. Weighted average interest rate of borrowings Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Net interest expense incurred Interest Expense, Debt Fair value of debt instrument Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility minimum requirement of shareholder's equity Line Of Credit Facility Minimum Requirement Of Shareholders Equity Line of credit facility minimum requirement of shareholder's equity Carrying value of debt instrument Carrying value of debt instrument Types of Interest Rate Derivatives Used Types of Interest Rate Derivatives Used Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] KHE Campuses [Member] KHE Campuses [Member] KHE Campuses [Member] Number of businesses disposed Number Of Businesses Disposed The number of businesses disposed of by the entity during the period. Estimated loss on sale of KHE Campuses Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Number of nationally accredited ground campuses Number Of Nationally Accredited Ground Campuses To Be Sold The number of nationally accredited ground campuses to be sold. Unfavorable out of period expense adjustment Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Impairment of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Estimated amortization of intangible assets, remainder of 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Operating revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating costs and expenses Income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Provision from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Net Income from Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued operations (Benefit) expense from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Before Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Translation adjustments arising during the period Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, net Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income Reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale security included in net income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Write-down of Securities, before Tax Pension and other postretirement plans: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Actuarial gain (loss) Prior service credit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Settlement gain included in net income Foreign affiliate pension adjustment Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Affiliate Pension Adjustment Foreign affiliate pension adjustment in other comprehensive income due to application of non-US GAAP by affiliate. Cash flow hedge gain Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Amounts and Line Items of reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Class A Common Stock [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Prior Period Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Gain on Celtic joint venture transaction Proceeds from sale of building Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of wireless licenses Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Table] Disclosures pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] [Line Items] for Disclosures pertaining to an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share. Income from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders Less: Dividends-common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares Dividends Paid Common Stock And Share-based Compensation-Cash Amount of paid and unpaid common stock dividends declared with the form of settlement in cash and amount of paid and unpaid cash dividends declared and applicable to holders of share-based compensation, for example, but not limited to, non-vested shares, stock options, or restricted stock units. Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percent allocated to common stockholders Percentage Of Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Stockholders Represents the percentage allocation of undistributed earnings to common stockholders. Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Stockholders Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Stockholders The earnings that is allocated to common stock to the extend that each stockholder may share in the earnings as if all the earnings for the period has been distributed. Add: Dividends-common stock outstanding Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Numerator for basic earnings per share Basic income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders The earnings that is allocated to common stock as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options Additional Undistributed Earnings Due To Dilutive Stock Options The earnings that is allocated to common stock due to the dilutive effect of stock options in diluted earnings per share. Numerator for diluted earnings per share Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding Add: Effect of dilutive stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted earnings per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders: Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Shareholders. Number of television broadcast stations Percentage of ownership indicating control for consolidation purposes Percentage Of Ownership Indicating Control For Consolidation Purposes Defines percentage of ownership required in the Company's domestic and foreign subsidiaries for consolidation of assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. Investment Maturity Length Investment Maturity Length For Classification As Cash And Cash Equivalents Investment maturity length for classification as cash and cash equivalents. Number of education business categories Number Of Education Business Categories Number of categories that comprise Kaplan's businesses