Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] 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. -- Q3 2015 [Member] Q3 2015 [Member] Q3 2015 [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Education [Member] Education [Member] Education [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Higher Education [Member] Higher Education [Member] Higher Education [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Number of television broadcast stations Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Owned Number of television broadcast stations owned by the Company. 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. Immaterial Error Correction Amount 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. Impairment of goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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, amortization and long-lived asset impairment Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization And Impairment The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets, including write-downs for impairments. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Net pension 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. Early retirement program expense Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special or Contractual Termination Benefits Recognized During Period Stock-based compensation expense, net Share-based Compensation Gain on disposition of businesses, property, plant and equipment, investments and other assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Foreign exchange loss Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax 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. Net (gain) loss 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 Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of distributions Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Benefit 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 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. Change in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Income taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes 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 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment, investments 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. Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of marketable equity securities Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Investments in equity affiliates and cost method investments Payments To Acquire Equity Method And Cost Method Investments The cash outflow associated with the purchase of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence or cost method investments. Investments in commercial paper Investments In Commercial Paper Cash outflow from investments in commercial paper. Proceeds from maturities of commercial paper Proceeds From Maturities Of Commercial Paper Cash inflow from maturities of commercial paper. Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Common shares repurchased Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends Net cash distributed to Cable ONE in spin-off Payment Of Distribution To Affiliate Cash distribution from the Company to an affiliate. Issuance of borrowings Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Repayments of borrowings Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Payments of financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash 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 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other Non-Operating Income Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table] Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] Kaplan Corporate And Other [Member] Prior Period Adjustment [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] 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 Residential and a Michigan hospital joint venture [Member] Residential And Michigan Hospital Joint Venture [Member] Residential and a Michigan hospital joint venture [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Colloquy [Member] Colloquy [Member] Colloquy [Member] Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Classified Ventures Llc [Member] Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Residential Healthcare [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] 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] Transaction [Axis] Transaction [Axis] Transaction [Axis] Transaction Type [Domain] Transaction Type [Domain] Transaction Type [Domain] 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] Gain on sale of land Gain on sales of businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Number of businesses disposed Number Of Businesses Disposed The number of businesses disposed of by the entity during the period. Additional gain on sale of Classified Ventures Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Gain on formation of joint ventures Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Favorable out of period adjustment Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] 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] Impairment of long-lived assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived 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] Net Prior Service Cost [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Net Actuarial Loss [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) 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 Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Reclassifications, before tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Provision for Income Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassifications, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Interest expense Interest Expense Provision for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Net of Tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Curtailment gains Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract] Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Acquisition Pro Forma Financial Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Information related to Disposal Group 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. 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. Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Residential Hospice Illinois [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Residential Home Health Illinois [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Mander Portman Woodward [Member] Osborne Books [Member] Osborne Books [Member] Osborne Books [Member] Group Dekko [Member] Group Dekko [Member] Group Dekko [Member] SmartPros [Member] SmartPros [Member] SmartPros [Member] 2016 Acquisitions [Member] Current Year Acquisitions [Member] Current year acquisitions [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Number of television stations included in agreement to acquire Number Of Television Stations Included In Agreement To Acquire The number of television stations included in agreement to acquire. Payments to acquire businesses per agreement Payments To Acquire Businesses Per Agreement The payments to be paid to acquire businesses per agreement. Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Acqusition purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Percentage of interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Goodwill expected to be deductible for income tax purposes Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount Revenues of acquired companies since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Operating income of acquired companies since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Number of Business Lines Number of Business Lines The number of business lines. General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] 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. -- Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] 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] Equity Funds [Member] Equity Funds [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [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 Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Office [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] Cable Spin-Off [Member] Cable Spin-Off [Member] Cable Spin-Off [Member] Sale of KHE Campuses business [Member] Sale Of KHE Campuses Business [Member] Sale of KHE Campuses business [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) Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Percent of plan assets managed internally by the company Percent of Plan Assets Managed Internally by Company The percentage of plan assets managed internally by the Company. Percent of plan assets managed by investment companies Percent Of Plan Assets Managed By Investment Companies The percentage of plan assets managed by investment companies. 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, 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 maximum percentage of assets, equity securities Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum 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 the company Amount Of Plan Assets Managed Internally By Company Amount of plan assets managed internally by the company. Value of investments Investments Percentage of total plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations 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 Investments [Abstract] Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] [Line Items] for Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Pension and Postretirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] 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] Summary of Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Amounts and Line Items of reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] 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] Student and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Databases and Technology [Member] Database Rights [Member] Non-compete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [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 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure And Accreditation [Member] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Markel Corporation [Member] MarkelCorporation [Member] Markel Corporation [Member] HomeHero [Member] HomeHero [Member] HomeHero [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Celtic Healthcare [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. Number of shares held in investment Number Of Shares Held In Investment The number of shares held in an investment. Marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Cash paid for new marketable equity securities Marketable equity securities purchased Available For Sale Securities Equity Acquired Equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities acquired. Gain on sales of marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Proceeds from Q1 sales of marketable securities settled in April 2016 Proceeds From Sales Of Marketable Securities Settled Proceeds from sales of marketable securities settled in subsequent period. Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] 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 Goodwill Measurement period adjustment Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Impairment 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. Foreign currency exchange rate changes Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Goodwill, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill, net, ending balance Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] 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] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[Member] Foreign currency (loss) gain, net Gain on sales of marketable equity securities (see Note 3) Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Other, net Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Total Other Non-Operating Income Impairment write-down of a marketable equity security Gain (loss) on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) 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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Investments Investment [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] 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] Discontinued Operations Cash Flows Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of cash flow information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component. Summarized Discontinued Operations Information Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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. 2014 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. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 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 and Options 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. 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] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] 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 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 Net assets divested Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities Net Net assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Net assets divested, net of cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Net Assets Net of Cash Net assets, net of 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. Spin-off Costs Spin-off Costs Costs incurred as a direct cost to transact a spin-off. After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member] Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member] Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [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] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Total cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Gross unrealized gains Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax Gross unrealized losses Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax Total Fair Value Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership, acquired at the acquisition date. Goodwill Indefinite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Amortized intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities Total Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Weighted Average Life (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 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. Advertising Advertising Revenue Other Other Revenue, Net Total Operating Revenues 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 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 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 The aggregate amount of write-downs recognized during the period for long-lived assets. Total Operating Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Income from Operations Operating Income (Loss) Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Other income, net Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income from Continuing Operations Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net Income 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, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders Basic income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic income 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 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. Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost 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) Curtailment gain Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense Total Cost (Benefit) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Debt [Table] Debt [Table] Schedule of all debt, including both short term and long term. Four-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated, June 17, 2011 [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]. AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member] Fifty Million Australian Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member] AUS $50 Million Borrowing USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member] Four Hundred Fifty Million U S Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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] Kaplan Four-Year Credit Agreement dated July 14, 2016 [Member] Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member] Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, first anniversary [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, second anniversary [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, third anniversary [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate 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 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term 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 Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying value of debt instrument Unsecured Debt Debt Instrument Price Percentage Of Outstanding Balance Redeemed Debt Instrument Price Percentage Of Outstanding Balance Redeemed Percentage of outstanding balance of debt redeemed. Borrowings outstanding Long-term Line of Credit Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] 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 Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance Discontinued Operations, Cash Flow Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operations, Cash Flow Disclosures [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net Cash Used in Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Summary of Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table 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] Stock Option Plan [Member] Restricted Stock Awards [Member] 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 Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Loss, 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss), before Reclassification and Tax Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, before Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Unrealized losses for the period, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Reclassification of realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax 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 Total unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax Pension and other postretirement plans: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Amortization of net prior service cost 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 actuarial loss included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Curtaliment gains included in net income Curtailment and settlement included in distribution to Cable ONE Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Spin-off, Before Tax Amount before tax of gain (loss) adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from settlement or curtailment of defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans due to a spin-off. Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Cash flow hedge gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income 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 Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Plan Asset Location [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES International [Member] Non-US [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent) Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] KHE Campuses [Member] KHE Campuses [Member] KHE Campuses [Member] Graham Healthcare Group [Member] Graham Healthcare Group [Member] Graham Healthcare Group [Member] Number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold Number Of Nationally Accredited Ground Campuses Sold The number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold. Maximum letter of credit or other credit support Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Term for letter of credit Length Of Guarantee Length of time for letter of credit or other credit support, if issued. Unfavorable out of period expense adjustment 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. Percentage of joint venture sold Percentage Of Joint Venture Sold The percentage of a joint venture sold. Noncontrolling interest purchased Noncontrolling Interest Purchased Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased during the period. Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Redemption Value Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Redemption Value Noncontrolling interest exchanged Noncontrolling Interest Exchanged The percentage of redeemable noncontrolling interest exchanged. Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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] 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 and Pittsburgh PA [Member] Title I V Participating Institutions Including Broomall P A And Pittsburgh P A [Member] Title IV participating institutions including Broomall, PA and Pittsburgh, PA [Member] 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 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 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 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 Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Number of pending program reviews Number of pending program reviews Number of pending program reviews. Number Of Preliminary Program Review Reports received Number Of Preliminary Program Review Reports Received The number of Preliminary Program Review Reports received. Length of program review Length Of Full Review Of Student Files The length of a full review of student files. Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents 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 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 ($1,235 of cash) 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 Investments in Affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Goodwill, Net Amortized Intangible Assets, Net Prepaid Pension Cost Prepaid Pension Costs 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. Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Dividends declared Dividends Payable, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, 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. Short-term borrowings Debt, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, 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 Income Tax Liabilities, Net Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount, Noncurrent Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total Liabilities Liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount 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 (loss), net of tax 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 Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury Treasury Stock, Value Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity 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. Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Pro Forma Operating revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro Forma Net income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Operating revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating income Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) Amount of other non-operating income (expense) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation. Income from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Provision for 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 Loss on sale of discontinued operations Provision for income taxes on disposition of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [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. Other current investments Other Short-term Investments Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value 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 Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Disclosure Fair value of the Noncontrolling interest that an entity is required to redeem for cash or other assets at a fixed or determinable date or upon the occurrence of an event. Debt instrument 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 Wireless Licenses [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Gain on sale of intangible asset Gain (Loss) on Disposition 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 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 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] 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] Operating Revenues Income (Loss) from Operations Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Net Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Impairment Of Other 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. Net Pension (Credit) Expense Identifiable Assets Identifiable Assets Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the Company's operations in each business segment. Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets during the period. 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. Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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 stockholder Less: Dividends paid-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 (loss) 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 (Loss) 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 paid-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 (shares) Add: Effect of dilutive stock options (shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Denominator for diluted earnings per share (shares) 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. Business Segments [Table] Business Segments [Table] Business Segments [Table] Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member] Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member] Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member] Business Segments [Line Items] Business Segments [Line Items] [Line Items] for Business Segments [Table] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Four Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Seventeenth Two Thousand Eleven [Member] USD [Member] AUD [Member] Unsecured notes Revolving credit borrowing Other indebtedness Other Long-term Debt Total Debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Less: current portion Total Long-Term Debt Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] 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] Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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. Weighted average stock options Antidilutive Options Additional shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the antidilutive effect of options using the treasury stock method. 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]