Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Kaplan [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Future minimum sublease payments due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Rent expense for operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Sublease rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue Long-term programming purchase commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Acqusitions, Dispositions and Exchanges [Abstract] Acqusitions, Dispositions and Exchanges [Abstract] Pro Forma Operating revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro Forma Net income (loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options [Text Block] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Decrease Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Axis] Exercise Price Range [Axis] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain] Exercise Price Range of $369-$396 [Member] Price Range One [Member] Exercise Price Range of $343-$396 Exercise Price Range of $419-$439 [Member] Price Range Two [Member] Exercise Price Range of $419-$439 Exercise Price $503 [Member] Price Range Three [Member] Exercise Price of $503 Exercise Price $652-$653 [Member] Price Range Four [Member] Exercise Price of $652 Exercise Price $730 [Member] Price Range Five [Member] Exercise Price of $730 Exercise Price $1,111 [Member] Price Range Six [Member] Exercise Price $954 Exercise Price $XXX [Member] Price Range Seven [Member] Exercise Price $954 Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items] Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [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 intangible and other long-lived assets 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. Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gain (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Cash Flow Hedge [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) 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 Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations and Other Purchase of Business Transactions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories and Contracts in Progress Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cost Method Investments Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Self Insurance Reserve [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Translation Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncemets New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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. -- Special Separation Benefits [Member] Special Separation Benefits [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Separation Incentive Program [Member] Separation Incentive Program [Member] Separation Incentive Program [Member] Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Exchange of WPLG, Separation Incentive Program and VRIP [Member] Exchange Of WPLG Separation Incentive Program And VRIP [Member] Exchange Of WPLG, Separation Incentive Program and VRIP [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. -- Concentration Risk by Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] 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] Defined Benefit Plan by 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. 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. Fixed income securities [Member] Fixed Income 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 Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] Pension Plans [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Plans [Member] Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] Multiemployer Plans, Pension [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Washington Post Newspaper [Member] Washington Post Newspaper Member Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Cable [Member] Daily Herald [Member] Daily Herald [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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. -- 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. 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 Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain] 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] Western Conference Teamsters Pension Trust Fund [Member] Western Conference Teamsters Pension Trust Fund [Member] Western Conference Teamsters Pension Trust Fund [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. Number of multiemployer plans contributed to Number Of Multiemployer Plans Contributed To Number of multiemployer pension plans to which the Company contributed. Pension plan assets transferred from plan Defined Benefit Plan, Assets Transferred to (from) Plan Early retirement program expense Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special or Contractual Termination Benefits Recognized During Period Special termination benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Special Termination Benefits Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Estimated employer contributions in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year 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. 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 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. Minimum percentage of plan assets considered as significant concentrations in pension plans Concentration Risk, Percentage 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 Value of investments Investments Percentage of total plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Value of related party investments Defined Benefit Plan, Amount of Employer and Related Party Securities Included in Plan Assets Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments Curtailment 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 Assumed health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Direction 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 Ultimate health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Discount rate to determine periodic cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate 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. Contributions to multiemployer pension plans Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Expense associated with the retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Intersegment Eliminations [Axis] Business Intersegment Eliminations [Axis] Information about reportable segments' intersegment eliminations for revenues, measures of profits or loss, assets, or amounts for every other significant item of information disclosed, to the consolidated amount. Business Intersegment Eliminations [Domain] Business Intersegment Eliminations [Domain] Information about reportable segments' intersegment eliminations for revenues, measures of profits or loss, assets, or amounts for every other significant item of information disclosed, to the consolidated amount. Intersegment Elimination [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Education [Member] Education [Member] Education [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Segments [Member] Other Segments [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 International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [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] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Total Operating Revenues Revenues Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Equity in earnings of affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) 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 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. 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. Pension (Credit) Expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Capital expenditures Payments To Acquire Property, Plant, And Equipment From Continuing Operations The cash flow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale of continuing operations; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. 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 of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Total Assets Assets Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Beginning of year, unvested, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Awarded, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period End of year, unvested, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Beginning of year, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Awarded, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value End of year, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Schedule of Quarterly Results of Operations and Comprehensive Income Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Quarterly Impact From Certain Items Schedule Of Quarterly Impact From Certain Items [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure Quarterly Impact From Certain Items. 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2020-2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] 2012 Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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. 2011 Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] 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 [Table Text Block] 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. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 year 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract] Unrealized gains for the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income 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. Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities 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] Actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Prior service cost Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Amortization of net actuarial (gain) 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 Amortization of net prior service 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 transition asset Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition Asset (Obligation), before Tax Curtailments and settlements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, before Tax Foreign affiliate pension adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Affiliate Pension Adjustment Foreign affiliate pension adjustment in other comprehensive income due to application of non-US GAAP by affiliate. 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 pension and other postretirement plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Cash flow hedge gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss (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 Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Summary of Amounts and Line Items of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block] 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] Benefit Obligation [Member] Benefit Obligation [Member] Benefit obligation assumptions. Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase 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) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit And Other The amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation and other. Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year 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. Curtailment Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Current year actuarial gain (loss) Current year prior service cost Amortization of transition asset Amortization of prior service credit (cost) Recognized net actuarial gain (loss) Curtailments and settlements Other adjustments 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 Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Accelerated depreciation Restructuring and Related Cost, Accelerated Depreciation Lease obligation losses Restructuring Reserve Lease Obligation Losses Amount of lease obligations charged against earnings associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring plan. Severance Severance Costs Accelerated amortization of intangible assets Restructuring Reserve Accelerated Amortization Amount of accelerated amortization of intangible assets charged against earnings associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructuring plan. Software asset write-offs RestrucuturingSoftwareAssetWriteoffs Restructuring costs associated with software asset write-offs. Other Other Restructuring Costs Total restructuring costs Restructuring Charges Investments [Abstract] Investments Investment [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Beginning of year, Number of Shares Granted, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Exercised, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Expired or forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period End of year, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Beginning of year, Average Option Price (in dollars per share) Granted, Average Option Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised, Average Option Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expired or forfeited, Average Option Price (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price End of year, Average Option Price (in dollars per share) Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, 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] Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] Cash Equivalents And Other Short Term Investments [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- U.S. equities [Member] U S Equities [Member] U.S. Equities [Member] International equities [Member] International Equities [Member] International equities [Member] U S Federal agency mortgage- backed securities [Member] U S Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] U S Federal Agency Mortgage Backed Securities Member Corporate debt securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Other fixed income securities [Member] Total investments [Member] Total Investments [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Payables, net [Member] Payables Net [Member] Payables, net [Member] Receivables [Member] Receivables [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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] Pension plan assets at fair value Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues 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 Operating Costs and Expenses 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 Total Operating Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Income from Operations Interest income Other Interest and Dividend Income Interest expense Interest Expense Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Provision for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from Continuing Operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Net Loss (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 Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders 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 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. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt [Table] Debt [Table] Schedule of all debt, including both short term and long term. Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 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]. 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] 7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019 Unsecured Debt Revolving credit borrowing Long-term Line of Credit Other indebtedness Other Long-term Debt Total Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less: current portion Debt, Current Total Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Interest rate of debt instrument Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Interest rate, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum Interest rate, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum Volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Volatility, minimum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum Volatility, maximum Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Maximum Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Unrecognized prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Gross amount Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Deferred tax liability (asset) Defined Benefit Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Tax Tax recorded on the defined benefit plan accumulated other comprehensive income. Net amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at begining of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy Defined Benefit Plan Benefits Paid Net The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets. This amount is net of Medicary subsidies. Curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Benefit obligation at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions and other Benefits paid Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Fair value of assets at end of year Funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Kaplan Virtual Education [Member] Kaplan Virtual Education [Member] Kaplan Virtual Education Member. Product Information [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Number of nationally accredited ground campuses Number Of Nationally Accredited Ground Campuses The number of nationally accredited ground campuses. Number of education business categories Number Of Education Business Categories Number of categories that comprise Kaplan's businesses Number of television broadcast stations owned Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Owned Number of television broadcast stations owned by the Company. Number of major national networks each station is affiliated with Number Of Major National Networks Affiliation With The number of major national networks each of the Company's stations are affiliated with, other than the Jacksonville, Florida station (WJXT). Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class A Common Stock [Member] Common Class A [Member] Class B Common Stock [Member] Common Class B [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value per share Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Redeemable Preferred Stock, redemption value per share Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Redeemable Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Per Share Redeemable Preferred Stock, shares authorized Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized Redeemable Preferred Stock, shares issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Redeemable Preferred Stock, shares outstanding Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, par 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 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 Treasury Stock, Shares Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Pension and Postretirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Loss Carryforwards [Member] Tax Loss Carryforwards [Member] Tax Loss Carryforwards Member Capital loss and foreign tax credit carrybacks to 2010 tax year [Member] Capital Loss And Foreign Tax Credit Carrybacks to 2010 Tax Year [Member] Capital Loss And Foreign Tax Credit Carrybacks to 2010 Tax Year [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] State [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] U.S. Federal [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] U.S. Federal and State [Member] Domestic And State [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Carryforwards Period [Axis] CarryforwardsPeriod [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Carryforward Period [Domain] Carryforward Period [Domain] Carryforward Period Domain Through 2019 [Member] Loss Carryforwards Expirations Range One [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- After 2019 [Member] Loss Carryforwards Expirations Range Two [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Expire at end of 2022 [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 1 [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 1 [Member] Expire at end of 2023 [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 2 [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 2 [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Impairment charges related to non-U.S. affiliates Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Tax (benefits) expenses with respect to losses from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Loss From Discontinued Operations Including Tax Expense On Disposal Of Discontinued Operations Loss From Discontinued Operations Including Tax Expense On Disposal Of Discontinued Operations Loss From Discontinued Operations Including Tax Expense On DisposalOf Discontinued Operations Income tax loss carryforwards to expire Income Tax Loss Carryforwards Subject to Expiration Income tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration. Deferred state income tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions Tax Loss Carryforward Prior Stock Acquisition Utilized Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions to be fully utilized. Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Foreign tax credit carryforwards Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards Foreign tax credits available to be credited against future U.S. Federal income tax liabilities. Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Tax loss carryforwards as a result of operating losses and prior stock acquisitions Operating Losses And Prior Stock Acqusitions Carryforward Tax loss carryforwards as a result of operating losses and prior stock acquisitions Deferred tax assets with respect to non U.S. income tax loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign Valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded for the tax losses carryforward Deferred Tax Asset Operating Losses And Prior Stock Acquisitions Carryforward Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded for the tax losses carryforward. Tax loss carryforwards from operating losses and prior stock acquisitions that can be carried forward indefinitely Operating Losses And Prior Stock Acqusitions Carryforward Indefinitely Tax loss carryforwards from operating losses and prior stock acquisitions that can be carried forward indefinitely. Tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration Operating Losses And Prior Stock Acqusitions Carryforward Subject To Expiration Tax loss carryforward resulting from operating losses and prior stock acquisitions subject to expiration. Valuation Allowance, Amount Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Valuation allowance related to operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance Deferred income tax liabilities related to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Excess of book value over tax basis of investment Excess Of Book Value Over Tax Basis Of Investment Excess of book value over tax basis of investment in non-U.S. subsidiaries. Additional deferred tax liabilitites due to excess of book value over tax basis of investment Additional Deferred Tax Liabilitites Due To Excess Of Book Value Over Tax Basis Of Investment Additional deferred tax liabilitites due to excess of book value over tax basis of investment in non-US subsidiaries Income Taxes Receivable Income Taxes Receivable Unrecognized tax benefit that would impact the effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Federal tax impact of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate Federal Tax Impact Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate The federal tax impact of the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Penalties and interest accrued related to the unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table] Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table] Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table] 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] Education division and corporate office [Member] Education Division And Corporate Office [Member] Education division and corporate office [Member] Kaplan and other businesses [Member] Other Businesses Segment And Education Division [Member] Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Classified Ventures Llc [Member] Classified Ventures LLC [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member] Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [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] Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items] Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items] Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items] Early retirement program expense and related charges, restructuring charges and software asset write-offs, after tax Early Retirement Program Expense Restructuring Charges Software Asset Writeoff Net Of Tax Early retirement program expense, restructuring charges, and software asset write-off, net of tax. Early retirement program expense and related charges, restructuring charges and software asset write-offs, per share (dollars per share) Early Retirement Program Expense Restructuring Charges Software Asset Write-off, Per Share Early retirement program expense, restructuring charges, and software asset write-offs, per share. Severance and restructuring costs, after tax Severance And Restructuring Costs, Net of Tax Severance and restructuring costs, after tax. Severance and restructuring costs, per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Severance and Restructuring Costs Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Severance and Restructuring Costs Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets, after tax Impairment Of Intangible And Other Long-Lived Assets, Net of Tax Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets, net of tax Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets, per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share Diluted Impairment Of Intangible And Other Long Lived Assets Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets, per share Gain on sale of equity method investment, net of tax Equity Method Investment Realized Gain Loss On Disposal Net Of Tax Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of an equity method investment, net of tax. Gain on sale of equity method investment, per share (dollars per share) Equity Method Investment Realized Gain Loss On Disposal Per Share Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of an equity method investment, per share. Gain from equity method investments, net of tax Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Tax Income (loss) from equity method investments, net of tax. Gain from equity method investments, per share (dollars per share) Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Per Share Income (loss) from equity method investments, per share. Gain on Berkshire Exchange, net of tax Gain On Berkshire Exchange Net Of Tax This item represents the total realized gain included in earnings for the period as a result of exchanging marketable securities, net of tax. Gain on Berkshire Exchange, per share (dollars per share) Gain On Berkshire Exchange Per Share This item represents the total realized gain included in earnings for the period as a result of exchanging marketable securities, per share. Gain on sale of Corporate headquarters building, net of tax Gain Loss On Sale Of Building Net Of Tax Amount of gain (loss) on sale of disposal of building, net of tax. Gain on sale of Corporate headquarters building, per share (dollars per share) Gain Loss On Sale Of Building Per Share Amount of gain (loss) on sale of disposal of building, per share. Gain on sale of intangible assets, net of tax Gain Loss On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Net Of Tax Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of intangible assets, net of tax. Gain on sale of intangible assets, per share (dollars per share) Gain Loss On Disposition Of Intangible Assets Per Share Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of intangible assets, per share. Write-down of marketable equity securities, after tax Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount, After Tax Marketable securities realized gain/loss other than temporary impairment amount, after tax. Write-down on marketable equity securities, per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses), after tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized, Net of Tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), After Tax Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses), per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized Goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment, after tax Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets, Net of Tax Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment, after tax Goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment, per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets Gain on sale of cost method investment, after tax Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss), After Tax This item represents the gain (loss) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and any losses recognized thereon for impairments of other than a temporary nature, after tax. Gain on sale of cost method investment, per share (dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Cost Method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Cost Method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Quarterly comprehensive income Immaterial revision 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. Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] 2001 Incentive Compensation Plan which authorizes the awarding of Class B common stock to key employees. [Member] 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan [Member] 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan [Member] 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan reserves shares of the Company's Class B common stock for options to be granted under the plan. [Member] 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan which authorizes the awarding of Class B common stock to key employees in the form of stock awards, stock options and other awards involving the actual transfer of shares. [Member] 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. -- Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Excluding Share-based Payments and Postretirement Benefits, by Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Senior Manager [Member] Senior Manager [Member] Senior Manager Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member] Kaplan Stock Option [Member] Kaplan Stock Option [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] 2014 Option Granted [Member] 2014 Option Granted [Member] 2014 Option Granted [Member] Exercise Price Above Fair Market Value of Common Stock [Member] Exercise Price Above Fair Market Value Of Common Stock [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Right to elect Board of Directors percentage Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage Conversion of Class A shares to Class B 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 Number of shares received in Berkshire Hathaway agreement Number of Shares Received in Berkshire Hathaway Agreement Number of shares to be received from Berkshire Hathaway in exchange for WPLG, a number of Berkshire shares held by the Company and an amount of cash. Repurchase of Class B common stock Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Shares repurchased by company Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Cost of shares repurchased by company Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock 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. Authorized shares remaining for repurchase Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Shares reserved for issuance Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Shares subject to award outstanding Shares available for future awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Number of shares affected by modification of terms 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 affected by modification of terms of share awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number of Employees Affected Number of share awards with accelerated vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Accelerated Vesting, Number Number of shares modified by the elimination of a market condition and vesting terms Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number Of Shares Elimination Of Market Condition And Vesting Terms The number of shares modified by the elimination of a market condition and vesting terms of an equity-based compensation plan. Number of shares forfeited due to modification Number of stock options forfeited due to modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of shares offered to settle in cash due to modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number Of Shares Offered To Settle In Cash The number of shares offered to employees to settle in cash resulting in a modification of awards from equity awards to liability awards. Cash paid for the settlement of shares due to modification Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2015 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 2016 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 2017 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 2018 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 Stock-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Total unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Years over which cost expected to be recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Shares reserved for options granted under the plan Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Shares subject to stock options outstanding 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 2015 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 2016 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 2017 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 2018 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Four Options outstanding exercisable in year four. Options outstanding exercisable in 2019 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Five Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Five Options outstanding exercisable in 2020 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Six Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Exercisable Year Six Intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Intrinsic value of options exercisable 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, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares 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. Options unvested, weighted average remaining contractual term, years Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Outstanding Nonvested Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term The weighted average period between the balance sheet date and expiration for all awards outstanding but not vested under the plan, which may be expressed in a decimal value for number of years. Intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Tax benefit from stock option exercises Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Weighted average fair value, granted options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value of company common stock Fair Value Of Company Common Stock Fair value of company common stock Accrual balance related to stock based compensation Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent Stock compensation payouts Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distributions Paid Tax Benefit from Stock Options Exercised Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised Antidilutive securities, shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Dividends declared per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Summary of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Temporary Equity [Abstract] Redeemable Preferred Stock Temporary Equity [Text Block] Reedemable Preferred Stock Text Block Organization and Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [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. Employee Stock Option [Member] 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 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 (losses) Undistributed Earnings, Basic Percent allocated to common stockholders (1) 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 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 Denominator for basic earnings per share (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 Basic common shares outstanding and unvested restricted shares expected to vest shares Basic common shares outstanding and unvested restricted shares expected to vest Number of shares of common stock outstanding and nonvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid). Percent of basic common shares outstanding to total common shares outstanding, shares Percent of basic common shares outstanding to total common shares outstanding The percent of commons shares outstanding of the total common shares outstanding, including participating securities. Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract] Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Shareholders. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Total cost Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Net unrealized gains 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. Total Fair Value Investments in Marketable Equity Securities Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plans [Member] Defined benefit plans consisting of various pension plans and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP). Periodic Cost [Member] Periodic Cost [Member] Periodic cost assumptions. Schedule of Obligation, Asset and Funding Information 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 Estimated 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Net Periodic Cost to be Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block] Allocation of the Assets of the Company's Pension Plans Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] 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] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 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 of discontinued operations (includes $1,235 of cash) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current 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 of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Long Lived Assets Total Assets 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 Short-term borrowings Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current 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 Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series A, $1 par value, with a redemption and liquidation value of $1,000 per share; 23,000 shares authorized; 10,510 and 10,665 shares issued and outstanding Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Preferred Stock, $1 par value; 977,000 shares authorized, none issued 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 taxes 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 Cash flow hedge Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Cost of 14,201,211 and 12,612,876 shares 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 Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Summary of Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] 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 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 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 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 gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, before tax Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax Unrealized gains (losses) 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 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 write-down on available-for-sale securities, net of gain, included in net income, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax Reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale securities, net of gain, included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Tax Reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale securities, net of gain, included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, Net of Tax Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax Total unrealized gains (losses) 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] Actuarial (loss) gain, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Actuarial (loss) gain, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Prior service cost, before tax Prior service cost, income tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax Prior service cost, after tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income, before tax Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss 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 (gain) loss 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 Amortization of net prior service 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 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 Curtailment and settlement gain included in net income, before tax Curtailment and settlement gain included in net income, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Tax Curtailment and settlement gain included in net income, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Net of Tax Other Adjustments, before tax Other adjustments, income tax Other Comprehensive Income Other Adjustments Tax Amount of tax expense or benefit on the 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. Other adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Other Adjustments Net Of Tax Net of tax 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 pension and other postretirement plans, 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 (loss) for the period, before tax Gain (loss) for the period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Gain (loss) for the period, after tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Before Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Income Tax Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract] Acquisitions and Dispositions Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Common Class A and B [Member] Common Class A and B [Member] Common Class A and B [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] Kaplan China [Member] WPLG [Member] WPLG [Member] WPLG [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member] Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member] Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member] Celtic Healthcare, Inc. [Member] Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member] VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member] VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member] Forney Corporation [Member] Forney Corporation [Member] Forney Corporation [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] 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 [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cost of acquisition Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Number of businesses acquired Number of Businesses Acquired Noncontrolling interest purchased Noncontrolling Interest Purchased Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased during the period. Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Fair value of the noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Percentage of interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Revenues of acquired companies since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Operating loss of acquired companies since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Number of schools sold Number Of Schools Sold The number of schools sold. Number of Berkshire shares exchanged Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged Number Berkshire shares exchanged held by Graham Holdings Company and an amount of cash in exchange for Graham Holdings Company common stock held by Berkshire Hathaway. Amount of cash exchanged to Berkshire Amount of Cash Exchanged to Berkshire Amount of cash exchanged to Berkshire as well as Class A and Class B Berkshire shares in exchange for Graham Holdings Company common stock held by Berkshire Hathaway. Gain on Berkshire exchange Gain On Berkshire Exchange This item represents the total realized gain included in earnings for the period as a result of exchanging marketable securities. After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 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 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Sale of Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member] Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sale of Kaplan EduNeering [Member] Kaplan EduNeering [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sale of Kidum [Member] Kidum [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. -- Disposition of Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member] Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [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] 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 Amount received for all issued and outstanding equity securities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Provision (benefit) from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Value of subsidiary Value Of Subsidiary Disposed Value of subsidiary disposed. Tax benefit on goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges Tax Benefit on Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Impairment Charges Tax benefit obtained as a result of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges. U.S. Fixed Income [Member] U S Fixed Income [Member] U.S. fixed income [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Plan Asset Location [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES International [Member] International [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Equity securities Schedule of Restructuring Costs Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 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. Schedule of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Domestic and Foreign Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes on Income From Continuing Operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income Tax Loss Carryforwards Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Strayer Education Inc. [Member] Strayer Education Inc. [Member] Strayer Education Inc. 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. 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. 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. Percentage of investment held in related party investee company Percentage Of Investment Held In Related Party Investee Company Percentage of investment held In related party investee company New investments in marketable equity securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds (Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments 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. Cash distribution from equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Cash Distributions Amount of gross cash distributions received from an equity method investment. Pre-tax gain on equity method investment 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. Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of equity method investment Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Sales of marketable equity securties Sales Of Marketable Equity Securities Sales of marketable equity securties during the period. Impairment charge on the Company's investment in affiliate 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. Unrealized gain on investment Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Fair value of investment owned Investment Owned, at Fair Value Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Title I V Participating Institutions Including Broomall P A [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] Charlestown And Kenmore Square Campuses [Member] Charlestown And Kenmore Square Campuses [Member] Charlestown and Kenmore Square campuses [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. -- 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] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [Member] Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [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. -- Diaz Case [Member] Diaz Case [Member] United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. Coleman case [Member] Coleman Case [Member] United States of America ex rel. Leslie Coleman v. Kaplan, Inc. et al. [Member] Refund [Axis] Refund [Axis] Refund [Axis] Refund [Domain] Refund [Domain] [Domain] for Refund [Axis] Refunds to students [Member] Refunds To Students [Member] Refunds to students [Member] Subpoena [Axis] Subpoena [Axis] Subpoena [Axis] Subpoena [Domain] Subpoena [Domain] [Domain] for Subpoena [Axis] AVC related to the FL AG investigation [Member] AVC Related To The FL AG investigation [Member] Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) related to the Florida Attorney General investigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Amount payable under agreement Litigation Settlement, Amount 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 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 The number of separate complaints included in the Diaz case that received rulings Separate Complaints Included In Diaz Case Received Rulings 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. Remaining employment claim in the Diaz complaint Remaining Employment Claim In The Diaz Complaint Number of remaining employment claim in the Diaz complaint with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Number of allegations not dismissed Number Of Allegations Not Dismissed Number of allegations not dismissed Number of former students refunded Number Of Former Students Refunded Number of former students refunded. Investigation costs Investigation Costs Investigation costs required to pay per agreement. Minimum amount of Kaplan Commitment savings to lift condition Amount Of Savings To Lift Condition, Minimum The minimum amount of savings necessary, to Florida students from the Kaplan Commitment program, to lift the Kaplan Commitment conditions per the agreement. Number Of Allegations Communicated Number Of Allegations Communicated The number of allegations communicated by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts. Number of schools combined into groups for determining Title IV compliance Schools Combined Into Groups For Determining Title I V Compliance Schools that are combined into groups for the purpose of determining compliance with certain Title IV requirements 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 Number Of Open And Or Pending Program Reviews Number Of Open And Or Pending Program Reviews Number of open and/or pending program reviews. Number of pending ED program reviews Number of pending program reviews Number of pending program reviews. 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 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. Estimated campus 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. 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 Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Noncurrent asset Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Current liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Noncurrent liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Recognized asset (liability) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items [Abstract] U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Non-U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Future minimum lease payments for 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Future minimum lease payments for 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future minimum lease payments for 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Future minimum lease payments for 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Future minimum lease payments for 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future minimum lease payments after 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating leases, future minimum payments due, total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Activity Related to Stock Awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Activity Related to Stock Options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Information related to Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Options Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] 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 [Table Text Block] 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. Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table] Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table] Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Line Items] [Line Items] for Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table] Accrued postretirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Other benefit obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Other Accounts receivable Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts State income tax loss carryforwards U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards U.S. Federal capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards U.S Federal foreign income tax credit carryforwards Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards Other Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Property, plant and equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Prepaid pension cost Deferred Tax Liabilities, Prepaid Expenses Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Gains on Available-for-sale Securities Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities. Goodwill and other intangible assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Operating revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating costs and expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Gain (loss) from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Provision (benefit) for income taxes Net Gain (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Gain on sales and disposition of discontinued operations (Benefit) provision for income taxes on sales and disposition of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax 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] USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member] AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Other Indebtedness [Member] Other Indebtedness [Member] Other Indebtedness [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] Borrowings outstanding 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, Maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Face amount of debt issued Debt Instrument, Face Amount Notes repurchase percentage of principal amount to be eligible for redemption Notes repurchase percentage of principal amount to be eligible for redemption Notes Repurchase Percentage Of Principal Amount To Be Eligible For Redemption 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 Weighted average interest rate of borrowings Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Net interest expense incurred Interest Expense, Debt Fair value of debt instrument Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity 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. Line of credit facility, Expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date 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 Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Types Of Interest Rate Derivatives Used Types of Interest Rate Derivatives Used Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Instruments Derivative, Notional Amount Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Number of businesses that recorded impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets Number of Businesses Recorded Impairment of Intangible And Other Long-Lived Assets Number of businesses that recorded impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets. Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) 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, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 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 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at Begining of Period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Tax Expense and Revaluation Valuation Allowances And Reserves, Charged To Cost And Expense And Other Charges Total of allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability established to represent expected future costs, charged to costs and expenses and other charges. Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Balance at End of Period Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Income and Expenses (Narrative) [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses (Narrative) [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Common Class A [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Proceeds from sale of headquarters building Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Gain on sale of an equity affiliate Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Proceeds from Sale of Intangible Assets Gain (Loss) On Sale of Building Gain (Loss) On Sale of Building Amount of gain (loss) on sale of disposal of building. 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. 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 7.25% unsecured notes 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 and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Total Financial Liabilities Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Discount rate Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Actuarial loss recognition Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Prior service cost recognition Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Leases and Other Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Revision Adjustment [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Increase (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 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] Useful Life (in years) 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 Franchise Agreements [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Licensure And Accreditation [Member] Net Carrying Amount Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Acquisitions, Dispositions and Exchanges Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Land Land Buildings Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery, equipment and fixtures Machinery and Equipment, Gross Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements, Gross Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal, Current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State and Local, Current Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax, Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. Federal, Deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State and Local, Deferred Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Non-U.S. Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total income tax, Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) U.S. Federal, Total Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations State and Local, Total State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Non-U.S. Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Total provision for income tax Acquisitions, Dispositions and Exchanges [Abstract] Acquisitions, Dispositions and Exchanges [Abstract] Trade name [Member] Trade Names [Member] 2014 Acquisitions [Member] Current Year Acquisitions [Member] Current year acquisitions [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 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 Investments in Affiliates 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 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 Redeemable oncontrolling interest Total Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Weighted Average Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Other Non-Operating Income Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases related to current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Increases related to prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decrease related to prior year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Decreases related to settlement with tax authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Decreases due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending unrecognized tax benefits Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Accounts Receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns and Allowance for Advertising Rate Adjustments and Discounts Schedule Of Changes In Allowance For Doubtful Accounts And Returns Allowance For Advertising Rate Adjustments And Discounts [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns Allowance for Advertising Rate Adjustments and Discounts Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] 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 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). Net pension (benefit) expense Stock-based compensation expense, net Share-based Compensation Foreign exchange loss (gain) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Net Gain Loss 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 on sales and disposition of businesses Net (gain) loss on dispositions, sales 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. Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, including impairment charges, net of distributions Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Dividends Or Distributions Including Impairment This element represents the undistributed income (or loss) of equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. This element also includes impairment charges recorded. Provision (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 (gain) loss on sales of property, plant and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Net gain on sale of intangible assets Change in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Decrease (increase) in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities Increase in accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable (Increase) decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Increase in income taxes payable and (increase) in income taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Decrease (increase) 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] 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. Proceeds from maturities of commercial paper Proceeds From Maturities Of Commercial Paper Cash inflow from maturities of commercial paper. Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net distribution from equity affiliate Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Purchases of 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. Payments to Acquire Other Investments Payments to Acquire Other Investments Purchases of marketable equity securities and other investments Payments for (Proceeds from) 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] Common shares repurchased, including the Berkshire Exchange transaction Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised (Repayment) issuance of borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt 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 Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year, Including Cash of Discontinued Operations Cash, Including Discontinued Operations Supplemental Cash Flow Information 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 Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest Interest Paid Newspaper Publishing [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, net, beginning balance 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 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 and other Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Goodwill, net, ending balance Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [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] Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Other income (expense), net Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income Interest expense Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income tax on unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income Income Net of Tax Cash overdrafts Bank Overdrafts Revision of Prior Period Amounts [Abstract] Revision of Prior Period Amounts [Abstract] Schedule of Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Text Block] The entire disclosure of Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Trade accounts receivable, less estimated returns, doubtful accounts and allowances Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Other receivables Other Receivables Accounts receivable, net Returns, doubtful accounts and allowances Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts [Member] Allowance for Promotions [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation and related benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Axis] Operating Loss Carryforward Period [Domain] 2015 [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year One [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year One Member 2016 [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Two [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Two [Member] 2017 [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Three [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Three Member 2018 [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Four [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Four Member 2019 [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Five [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Five Member 2020 and after [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations After Year Five [Member] Loss Carry Forwards Expirations After Year Five Member Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized Geographical [Domain] Non U.S. [Member] Non U.S. [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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 Cost and Reserve [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] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Restructuring costs Number of campuses announced to close or consolidate Number Of Campuses Announced To Close Or Consolidate Number of campuses announced to close or consolidate Accrued restructuring costs Restructuring Reserve Prior periods adjustments Foreign Revenues Foreign 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. Components of Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Building [Member] Building [Member] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Impact on previously reported cash and cash equivalents, Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statement of Operations Impact On Previously Reported Cash And Cash Equivalents Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statement Of Operations The amount of impact from the revision on the previously reported total cash and cash equivalents, Consolidated Balance Sheets or Consolidated Statement of Operations. Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years) Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Amortized Intangible Assets, Useful Life (in years) Investment maturity length Investment Maturity Length For Classification As Cash And Cash Equivalents Investment maturity length for classification as cash and cash equivalents. Maximum amount of time between receipt and application of Federal aid funds Amount Of Time Between Receipt And Application Of Funds, Maximum The maximum amount of time between receipt of Federal aid funds and application to eligible student charges. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gain on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] As of Net income for the year Acquisitions and noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Acquisitions and noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest Net loss (income) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Distribution to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock Repurchase of Class B common stock Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax) Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes) Adjustment for pensions and other postretirement plans (net of taxes) Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Taxes arising from employee stock plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax As of Redeemable by at any time on or after Preferred Stock, Redemption Date Preferred stock repurchase election Preferred stock repurchase election The amount of time holders of redeemable preferred stock have the right to require the Company to purchase their shares at the redemption price annually. Number of times dividends payable in a year per share Preferred Stock, Dividend Payment Terms Dividends payable per share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Foreign currency (losses) gains, net (Losses) gain on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Other, net Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal tax Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Valuation allowance against tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Tax-free stock transactions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Exempt Income, Amount Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions at less than the expected U.S. Federal statutory tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Goodwill impairments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deducation tax benefits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Acqusition Pro Forma Financial Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]