Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segment [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Other Businesses [Member]
Other Businesses [Member]
Other Businesses [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]
Trade name [Member]
Trade Names [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Customer Relationships [Member]
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]
Databases and Technology [Member]
Database Rights [Member]
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Hoover Treated Wood Products [Member]
Hoover Treated Wood Products [Member]
Hoover Treated Wood Products [Member]
Red Marker [Member]
Red Marker [Member]
Red Marker [Member]
2016 Acquisitions [Member]
Current Year Acquisitions [Member]
Current year acquisitions [Member]
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Genesis [Member]
Genesis [Member]
Genesis [Member]
Hometown Home Health and Hospice [Member]
Hometown Home Health and Hospice [Member]
Hometown Home Health and Hospice
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
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
Inventory
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Property, plant and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Goodwill
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 assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Assets
Amount of other assets acquired at the acquisition date.
Pension and other post retirement benefits liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Pension and Other Post Retirement Benefits Liabilities
Amount of pension and postretirement liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.
Other liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities
Deferred income tax liability
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value
Aggregate purchase price, net of cash received
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest, Net Of Cash Received
Amount recognized as of the acquisition date for the assets, including goodwill, in excess of (less than) the aggregate liabilities assumed, less the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, net of cash received.
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.
Other noncurrent assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets
Current liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities
Total
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest
Weighted Average Life (in years)
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Temporary Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value per share
Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Redeemable Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share
Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference Per Share
Redeemable preferred shares outstanding
Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding
Redeemable Preferred Stock, redemption value per share
Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share
Redeemable preferred stock redemption amount
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Preferred Stock
Dividends payable per share
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Number of times dividends payable in a year per share
Preferred Stock, Number of Payments Per Year
The number of payments preferred stock holders receive from dividends in a year.
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Common Class B [Member]
Common Class B [Member]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Axis]
Subsegments [Domain]
Subsegments [Domain]
Kaplan International [Member]
Kaplan International [Member]
Kaplan International [Member]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Axis]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Disposal Group Classification [Domain]
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member]
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member]
Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis]
Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis]
Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis]
Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Domain]
Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Domain]
[Domain] for Spin-off Stock Compensation Expense Period [Axis]
Q3 2015 [Member]
Q3 2015 [Member]
Q3 2015 [Member]
July 2015 through December 2018 [Member]
July 2015 through December 2018 [Member]
July 2015 through December 2018 [Member]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Plan [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Operating Activities [Axis]
Operating Activities [Axis]
Operating Activities [Domain]
Operating Activities [Domain]
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Transaction [Axis]
Transaction [Axis]
Transaction [Axis]
Transaction Type [Domain]
Transaction Type [Domain]
Transaction Type [Domain]
Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Cable Spin-Off [Member]
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.
Disposal Group Name [Axis]
Disposal Group Name [Axis]
Disposal Group Name [Domain]
Disposal Group Name [Domain]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Kaplan China [Member]
Kaplan China [Member]
Kaplan China [Member]
WPLG [Member]
WPLG [Member]
WPLG [Member]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Segments [Axis]
Cable [Member]
Cable [Member]
Cable [Member]
Education [Member]
Education [Member]
Education [Member]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Corporate office [Member]
Corporate, Non-Segment [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]
GHC dividend received from Cable ONE
Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates
Cable ONE, unsecured notes
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Number of shares modified
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Number Of Shares
The number of shares modified of an equity-based compensation plan.
Number of employees affected by modification
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 forfeited due to modification
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Incremental stock compensation from modification
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost
Curtailment gain
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment
Net assets divested
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Liabilities Net
Net assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Net assets divested, net of cash
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Net Assets Net of Cash
Net assets, net of cash, attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations
Spin-off Costs
Spin-off Costs
Costs incurred as a direct cost to transact a spin-off.
Number of schools sold
Number Of Schools Sold
The number of schools sold.
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax
After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Table]
Higher Education [Member]
Higher Education [Member]
Higher Education [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Net Restructuring and related charges
Restructuring And Related Charges, Net of Tax
Restructuring costs and related charges, including early retirement program expenses, after tax.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Restructuring And Related Charges
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Restructuring And Related Charges
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Restructuring and Related Charges
Net Goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment
Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets, Net of Tax
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment, after tax
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Impairment of Goodwill and other long-lived assets
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long-Lived Assets
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
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment
Net Deferred Tax Benefit
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Net Deferred Tax Benefit
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Net Deferred Tax Benefit
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment, per share.
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount
Amount of excess tax benefit booked as a discrete item related to the vesting of stock-based compensation under the adoption of ASU 2016-09.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, share-based compensation
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, share-based compensation, excess tax benefit amount
Settlement Gain Net Of Tax
Settlement Gain Net Of Tax
Settlement gain related to a bulk lump sum pension offering, net of tax.
Earnings Per Share Diluted Settlement Gain
Earnings Per Share Diluted Settlement Gain
Settlement gain related to a bulk lump sum pension offering, per share.
Net non-operating gain (loss) from the sales of land and marketable equity securities, after tax
Nonoperating Gain Loss From Sales Of Land And Marketable Equity Securities Net Of Tax
Non-operating gain (loss) from sales of land and marketable equity securities, net of tax.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Nonoperating Gain Loss From Sales Of Land And Marketable Equity Securities
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Nonoperating Gain Loss From Sales Of Land And Marketable Equity Securities
No-noperating gain (loss) from the sales of land and marketable equity securities, per share.
Net Non-operating Gain (Loss) Sale Of Businesses And Investments And Formation Of Joint Venture Net Of Tax
Net Non-operating Gain (Loss) Sale Of Businesses And Investments And Formation Of Joint Venture Net Of Tax
The net non-operating gain (loss) on the sale of five businesses and an Investment and on the formation of a joint venture, net of tax.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Net Non-operating Gain (Loss) Sale of Businesses And Investments And Formation Of Joint Venture
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Net Non-operating Gain (Loss) Sale of Businesses And Investments And Formation Of Joint Venture
The net non-operating gain (loss) on the sale of give businesses and an investment and on the formation of a joint venture, per share.
Non-operating expense from the write-down of cost and equity method investments, after tax
Nonoperating Expense Writedown Of Cost And Equity Method Investments Net Of Tax
The non-operating expense from the write-down of cost and equity method investments, net of tax.
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Nonoperating Expense Writedown Of Cost And Equity Method Investments
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Nonoperating Expense Writedown Of Cost And Equity Method Investments
The non-operating expense from the write-down of cost and equity method investments, per share.
Gain on sale of land, after tax
Gain On Sale Of Land Net Of Tax
The gain on sale of land, after tax.
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment
Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Leases and Other Commitments
Commitments Disclosure [Text Block]
Discontinued Operations
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]
Acqusition Pro Forma Financial Information
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
Information related to a Disposal Group
Schedule Of Disposal Groups Excluding Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Excludes a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis]
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis]
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain]
Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
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
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table]
Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table]
Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table]
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Classified Ventures Llc [Member]
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Schedule of Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table]
Foreign currency gain (losses), net
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Net (loss) gain on sales of businesses
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business
Net losses on sales or write-downs of cost method investments
Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss)
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment
Gain on formation of a joint venture
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount
Gain on sale of Classified Ventures
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal
Net losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)
Other, net
Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses)
Other income (expense), net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
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]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
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 and Special Incentive Program Expense
Severance Costs
Software asset write-offs
RestrucuturingSoftwareAssetWriteoffs
Restructuring costs associated with software asset write-offs.
Other
Other Restructuring Costs
Total restructuring costs
Restructuring Charges
Inventories and Contracts in Progress [Abstract]
Inventories and Contracts in Progress [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Axis]
CarryforwardsPeriod [Axis]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Operating Loss Carryforward Period [Domain]
Carryforward Period [Domain]
Carryforward Period Domain
2018 [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year One [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year One Member
2019 [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Two [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Two [Member]
2020 [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Three [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Three Member
2021 [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Four [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Four Member
2022 [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Five [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations Year Five Member
2023 and after [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations After Year Five [Member]
Loss Carry Forwards Expirations After Year Five 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]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire
Income Tax Loss Carryforwards Subject to Expiration
Income tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration.
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized
Tax Loss Carryforward Prior Stock Acquisition Utilized
Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions to be fully utilized.
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Pension Plans [Member]
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member]
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Unrecognized prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Gross amount
Defined Benefit Plan, 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, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax
Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
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
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
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
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options [Abstract]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
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 (in years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Interest rate, minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Minimum
Interest rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Interest rate, maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate, Maximum
Volatility, minimum (percentage)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate, Minimum
Volatility (percentage)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Volatility, maximum (percentage)
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
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [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 loss (gain) on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Total unrealized gains 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, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax [Abstract]
Actuarial gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax
Prior service cost
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Curtailments and settlements included in net income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax
Curtailments and settlements included in distribution to Cable ONE
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Finalization of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Valuation, Spin-off, Before Tax
Amount before tax of gain (loss) adjustment to other comprehensive income (loss) resulting from settlement or curtailment of defined benefit pension and other postretirement defined benefit plans due to a spin-off.
Total pension and other postretirement plans
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax
Cash flow hedge gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Net Actuarial Loss [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Member]
Net Prior Service Cost [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member]
Curtailments and settlements Included in Net Income [Member]
AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentGainsIncludedInNetIncome [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to the curtailment gains included in net income component of defined benefit plans attributable to the parent.
Curtailment And Settlement Included in Distribution [Member]
AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentCurtailmentAndSettlementIncludedInDistribution [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss related to the curtailment and settlement included in distribution to affiliate component of defined benefit plans attributable to the parent.
Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
[Line Items] for Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Schedule of Quarterly Results of Operations and Comprehensive Income
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.
2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months
2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two
2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three
2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four
2022
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five
2023-2027
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
Before Spin-off of Cable ONE [Member]
Before Spin-off of Cable ONE [Member]
Before Spin-off of Cable ONE [Member]
After Spin-Off of Cable ONE [Member]
After Spin-Off of Cable ONE [Member]
After Spin-Off of Cable ONE [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning, Number of Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
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, 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, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
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, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined benefit plans consisting of various pension plans and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP).
Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Axis]
Reflects the description and required disclosures pertaining to the entity's defined benefits pension, by plan or groupings of similar plans.
Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans Assumption [Domain]
Periodic Cost [Member]
Periodic Cost [Member]
Periodic cost assumptions.
Benefit Obligation [Member]
Benefit Obligation [Member]
Benefit obligation assumptions.
Schedule of 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]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [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]
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Temporary Equity [Text Block]
Reedemable Preferred Stock Text Block
Business Segments
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis]
Multiemployer Plan Type [Axis]
Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain]
Multiemployer Plans Type [Domain]
Discount rate (percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate
Expected return on plan assets (percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Rate of compensation increase (percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Summary of Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common Class A [Member]
Class B Common Stock [Member]
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
Total Current Assets
Assets, Current
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Investments in Affiliates
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures
Goodwill, Net
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Prepaid Pension Cost
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total Assets
Assets
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Deferred revenue
Deferred Revenue, Current
Income taxes payable
Accrued Income Taxes, Current
Current portion of long-term debt
Debt, Current
Total Current Liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions
Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent
Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Deferred Income Taxes
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount, Noncurrent
Long-Term Debt
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Total Liabilities
Liabilities
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 18 and 19)
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
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; none and 10,510 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 14,495,506 and 14,423,564 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
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
As of
Net income (loss) for the year
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Equity Effect of Acquisition of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Equity Effect of Acquisition of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Contribution of noncontrolling interest to a joint venture
Contribution of Noncontrolling Interest to a Joint Venture
The value of the noncontrolling interest contributed to a joint venture.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net 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
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value
Dividends paid on common stock
Dividends, Common Stock
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends
Repurchase of Class B common stock
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
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
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Retained Earnings
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act 2017, Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income To Retained Earnings
Amount of reclassification adjustments of stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as a result of tax reform.
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Non-spinoff related
Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss) not related to a spin-off..
Reclassification of stranded tax effects as a result of tax reform
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities
Spin-Off of Cable ONE
Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction
Taxes arising from employee stock plans
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Equity effect of purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest
The equity effect of the purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Other
Stockholders' Equity, Other
Exchange of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Exchange of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Effect of exchanging a redeemable noncontrolling interest for a mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest with entities under common control.
As of
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
As of
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Acquisition of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The fair value of the creation of a redeemable noncontrolling interest due to the acquisition of less than 100% of an entity.
Net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests
Temporary Equity, Net Income
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
Temporary Equity, Change in Redemption Value
Change in temporary equity during the period as a result of a change in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interest.
Other
Temporary Equity, Other Changes
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests
Exchange of redeemable noncontrolling interest
Conversion of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
The effect on the conversion of redeemable noncontrolling interest to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest.
As of
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
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Amendments
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment
Actuarial (gain) loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Acquisitions
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Business Combination
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid
Curtailment
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment
Special termination benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits
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.
Settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement
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
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Actual return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)
Employer contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy
Settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement
Fair value of assets at end of year
Funded status
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table]
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table]
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Table]
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
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic
U.S Federal foreign income tax credit carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign
Non-U.S. capital loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other
Deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, 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
Non-U.S. withholding tax
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Investments
Investment [Text Block]
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Cash overdrafts
Bank Overdrafts
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
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]
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
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]
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, 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.
Investments in Marketable equity securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities
Other current investments
Other Short-term Investments
Total Financial Assets
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Liabilities
Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan liabilities
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent
Interest rate swap
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Disclosure
Fair value of the Noncontrolling interest that an entity is required to redeem for cash or other assets at a fixed or determinable date or upon the occurrence of an event.
Total Financial Liabilities
Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure
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 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. --
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member]
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
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]
Corporate Office [Member]
Corporate Office [Member]
Corporate Office [Member]
Dividends [Axis]
Dividends [Axis]
Dividends [Domain]
Dividends [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
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
Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member]
Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member]
Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member]
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
2017 and 2015 Options Granted [Member]
2017 and 2015 Options Granted [Member]
2017 and 2015 Options Granted [Member]
Right to elect Board of Directors percentage
Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage
Right To Elect Board Of Directors Percentage
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 stock awards granted under the plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Individual award limit authorization
Share-based compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized to an Individual
The maximum number of shares per individual by year (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), not of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to an individual, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards.
Shares reserved for issuance
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance
Shares subject to award outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
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
Number of employees affected by modification of terms of share awards
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2018
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 2019
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 2020
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 2021
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
Number of shares awarded in 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
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
Vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Number of stock options forfeited due to modification
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period
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 2018
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 2019
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 2020
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 2021
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 2022
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 2023
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.
Exercised, Number of Shares
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 from Exercise of Stock Options
Number of shares granted
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
Stock options outstanding
Accrual balance related to stock based compensation
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent
Stock compensation payouts
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Distribution Paid
Shares excluded from earnings per share
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Dividends declared per common share
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
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
Conversion of Class A shares to Class B
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted
Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]
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]
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
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Purchases, sales and settlements, net
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Purchases, Sales, and Settlements
Gains relating to assets sold
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Sold
Gains relating to assets still held at year-end
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held
Debt [Table]
Debt [Table]
Schedule of all debt, including both short term and long term.
Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis]
Schedule of Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement Terms [Axis]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Financial Instrument [Domain]
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, First Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Second Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Third Anniversary [Member]
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Eurodollar [Member]
Eurodollar [Member]
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Seven Point Two Five Percent Unsecured Notes Due February One Two Thousand And Nineteen [Member]
Seven Point Two Five Percent Unsecured Notes due February One, Two Thousand and Nineteen [Member]
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].
Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]
Five Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June Twenty-nine Two Thousand Fifteen [Member]
Five-year Revolving Credit Agreement dated June 29, 2015 [Member]
USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Four Hundred Fifty Million U S Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Fifty Million Australian Dollar Portion Of Revolver [Member]
AUS $50 Million Borrowing
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Other Indebtedness [Member]
Other Indebtedness [Member]
Other Indebtedness [Member]
Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]
Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]
Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense
Interest rate of debt instrument
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start
Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End
Debt Instrument Price Percentage Of Outstanding Balance Redeemed
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed
Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum
Maximum leverage ratio required to be maintained under Credit Agreement.
Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum
Minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio based upon the ratio of consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
Line of Credit
Long-term Line of Credit
Notional amount of cash flow hedge
Derivative, Notional Amount
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Interest rate swap percentage rate
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate
Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Face amount of debt issued
Debt Instrument, Maturity date
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date
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
Current borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage
Average borrowings outstanding
Average Outstanding Debt Amount
Average borrowings outstanding during the period, both short and long term.
Weighted average interest rate of borrowings
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period
Net interest expense incurred
Interest Expense, Debt
Interest Income
Investment Income, Interest
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Fair value of debt instrument
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure
Carrying value of debt instrument
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument, Term
Debt Instrument, Term
Types of interest rate derivatives used
Types of Interest Rate Derivatives Used
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit
Notional amount of derivative matured
Notional Amount Of Derivative Matured
The notional amount of a derivative that matured. Expressed in absolute value.
Termination Of Credit Agreement
Termination Of Credit Agreement
Reflects the amount of the credit facility terminated by the Company.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
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
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year
Prior service cost (credit) recognition
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year
Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options
Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options [Text Block]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
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, amortization and goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization And Impairment
The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets, including write-downs for impairments.
Net pension benefit
Net Periodic Benefit For Defined Benefit Pension Plans Excluding Early Retirement Program, Special Separation Benefit Expense, Curtailment And Settlement
The net periodic benefit or expense for defined benefit pension plans excluding the early retirement program and special separation benefit expense, curtailment, settlement and other programs separately disclosed in the financial statements.
Net pension benefit
Net Periodic Benefit For Defined Benefit Pension Plans Excluding Early Retirement Program, Special Separation Benefit Expense And Settlement Including Spinoff Curtailment
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. This element includes the curtailment related to the spin-off of a business.
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special and Contractual Termination Benefits
Stock-based compensation expense, net
Share-based Compensation
Foreign exchange (gain) loss
Net loss (gain) on sales and disposition of businesses
Net Gain Loss On Sales And Disposition of Businesses
Gain (loss) from sale or disposal of an organization or integrated set of activities (for example, but not limited to, a partnership or corporation) engaged in providing a product or service in a commercial, industrial, or professional environment.
Net loss on dispositions, sales or write-downs of marketable equity securities and cost method investments
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets
Net 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.
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate
Equity in losses of affiliates, net of distributions
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions
Equity in losses of affiliates, 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.
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Including Discontinued Operations
The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities.
Net loss (gain) on sales or write-downs of property, plant and equipment
GainLossOnSaleOrWritedownOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Amount of gain (loss) on sale, disposal or write-down of property, plant and equipment assets.
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventories
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Deferred revenue
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue
Income taxes receivable/payable
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes
Other assets and other liabilities, net
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
Other
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Investments in equity affiliates, cost method and other investments
Payments To Acquire Equity Method Cost Method Investments And Other Investments
The cash outflow associated with the purchase of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence, cost method investments or other investments, not including marketable equity securities.
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Disbursement of loan to affiliate
Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties
Return of investment in equity affiliate
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital
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.
Purchases of marketable equity securities
Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities, Equity
Investments in equity affiliates and cost method investments
Payments To Acquire Equity Method And Cost Method Investments
The cash outflow associated with the purchase of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence or cost method investments.
Investments in commercial paper
Investments In Commercial Paper
Cash outflow from investments in commercial paper.
Proceeds from maturities of commercial paper
Proceeds From Maturities Of Commercial Paper
Cash inflow from maturities of commercial paper.
Other
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Common shares repurchased
Dividends paid
Payments of Ordinary Dividends
Proceeds from (repayments of) bank overdrafts
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Bank Overdrafts
Repayments of borrowings
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt
Deferred payments of acquisition and noncontrolling interest
Deferred Payments Of Acquisition And Noncontrolling Interest
Deferred payments made related to acquisitions and noncontrolling interest.
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised
Issuance of borrowings
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Cash distributed to Cable ONE in spin-off
Payment Of Distribution To Affiliate
Cash distribution from the Company to an affiliate.
Purchase of noncontrolling interest
Payments for Repurchase of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Excess tax benefit on share-based payment awards
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities
Redemption of redeemable preferred stock
Payments of financing costs
Payments of Financing Costs
Other
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year, Including Discontinued Operations
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year, 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
Schedule of Investments [Table]
Schedule of Investments [Table]
Graham Healthcare Group [Member]
Graham Healthcare Group [Member]
Graham Healthcare Group [Member]
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[Member]
York University [Member]
York University [Member]
York University [Member]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Markel Corporation [Member]
MarkelCorporation [Member]
Markel Corporation [Member]
Intersection [Member]
Intersection [Member]
Intersection Holdings,LLC [Member]
Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Residential And Michigan Hospital Joint Venture [Member]
Residential And Michigan Hospital Joint Venture [Member]
Residential and a Michigan hospital joint venture [Member]
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
CelticHealthcareAlleghenyHealthNetworkJointVenture [Member]
A joint venture formed between Celtic Healthcare and Allegheny Health Network
Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member]
Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member]
Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member]
York Joint Venture [Member]
York Joint Venture [Member]
York Joint Venture [Member]
HomeHero [Member]
HomeHero [Member]
HomeHero [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Commercial paper and money market investments
Commercial Paper And Money Market Investments
Unsecured short-term debt instrument issued by corporations which are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to know amounts of cash and interest-bearing accounts that typically pay a higher interest rate and are FDIC insured.
Number of shares held in investment
Number Of Shares Held In Investment
The number of shares held in an investment.
Cash paid for new marketable equity securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds
Marketable equity securities purchased
Available For Sale Securities Equity Acquired
Equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities acquired.
Loss on sales of marketable equity securities
Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments
This item represents the total realized loss included in earnings for the period as a result of selling marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity.
Gain on sales of marketable equity securities
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Revenue from Related Parties
Revenue from Related Parties
Other Commitment
Other Commitment
Loan Receivable, Payment Term
Loan Receivable, Payment Terms
Description of the payment terms of the debt instrument (for example whether periodic payments include principal and frequency of payments) and discussion about any contingencies associated with the payment.
Related Party Transaction, Rate
Related Party Transaction, Rate
Advances to Affiliate
Advances to Affiliate
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment
Loan receivable, Fixed Rate of Interest
Loan Receivable Fixed Interest Rate
Loan Receivable Fixed Interest Rate
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent
Pre-tax gain on equity method investment
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment, including amount held in escrow
Proceeds From Sale Of Equity Method Investments Including Escrow
The total cash inflow associated with the sale of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence, including amount held in escrow and to be received at a later date.
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of equity method investment
Gain on share exchange
Gain on Share Exchange
This item represents the total realized gain included in earnings for the period as a result of exchanging marketable securities.
Cash distribution from equity method investment
Equity Method Investment, Cash Distributions
Amount of gross cash distributions received from an equity method investment.
Number of shares exchanged
Number of Shares Exchanged
Number of shares exchanged in a transaction.
Allowance for doubtful accounts[Member]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, less doubtful accounts and allowances
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Other receivables
Other Receivables
Accounts receivable, net
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Accounts Payable, Current [Abstract]
Accounts Payable, Current [Abstract]
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
Expected return on assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year
Curtailment
Settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
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 prior service credit (cost)
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)
Curtailments and settlements
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)
Total Recognized in Total (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amount Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) and Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax
Unsecured notes
Line of Credit
Other indebtedness
Other Long-term Debt
Total Debt
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount
Less: current portion
Total Long-Term Debt
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
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)
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.
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
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
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
Deferred taxes on future distributions of unremitted non-U.S. subsidiary earnings
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount
Stock based compensation
Goodwill impairments and dispositions
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Impairment Losses and Disposition of Business
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible impairment loss and the disposition of a business not qualifying as a discontinued operation.
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deducation tax benefits
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount
Write-off of deferred taxes related to intercompany loans
Income Tax Reconciliation Deferred Tax Assets Write-off
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to a deferred tax asset or liability write-off.
Deferred tax impact of U.S. Federal tax rate reduction to 21%, net of state tax impact
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount
Deferred tax benefit on unremitted non-U.S. subsidiary earnings
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount
Other, net
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Test Preparation [Member]
Test Preparation [Member]
Test Preparation [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset Impairment Charges
Asset Impairment Charges
Impairment of intangible assets
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived
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.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
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]
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 (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
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 (losses) 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 (loss) 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 (loss) per share
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share (shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Add: Effect of dilutive stock options (shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share (shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
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 income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share
Total cost
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis
Gross unrealized gains
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax
Gross unrealized losses
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax
Total Fair Value
Operating Revenues
Revenues [Abstract]
Education
Education revenue
Revenues from a range of education and related services worldwide for students, professionals and other organizations.
Advertising
Advertising Revenue
Other
Other Revenue, Net
Total Operating Revenues
Revenues
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating
Operating Expense
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations including the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Excludes selling, general and administrative expenses.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets
Impairment of Goodwill
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Total Operating Costs and Expenses
Costs and Expenses
Income (Loss) from Operations
Operating Income (Loss)
Equity in losses of affiliates, net
Interest expense
(Benefit from) Provision for Income Taxes
Net Income (Loss)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, 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) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest and Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest and nonredeemable noncontrolling interest.
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends
Net Income (Loss) 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 (loss) from continuing operations
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
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 (loss) per common share in dollars per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Basic average number of common shares outstanding in shares
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 (loss) 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.
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Sale Of KHE Campuses Business [Member]
Sale Of KHE Campuses Business [Member]
Sale of KHE Campuses business [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 Incentive Program [Member]
Special Incentive Program [Member]
Special Incentive Program [Member]
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. --
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]
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.
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.
Fixed income securities [Member]
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Equity securities [Member]
Equity Securities [Member]
Equity funds [Member]
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule Of Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee Name [Axis]
Schedule Of Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee Name [Axis]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee, Name [Domain]
Marketable Securities Equity Securities Investee, Name [Domain]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member]
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member]
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member]
Forney [Member]
Forney [Member]
Forney [Member]
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 [Member]
Post Age 65 [Member]
Post Age 65 [Member]
Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member]
Multiemployer Plans, Pension [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.
Settlement
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Company contributions
Estimated employer contributions in next fiscal year
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year
Curtailment
Percent of Plan Assets Managed Internally by Company
Percent of Plan Assets Managed Internally by Company
The percentage of plan assets managed internally by the Company.
Percent Of Plan Assets Managed By Investment Companies
Percent Of Plan Assets Managed By Investment Companies
The percentage of plan assets managed by investment companies.
Number of investment companies actively managing plan assets
Number Of Investment Companies Managing Plan Assets
The number of investment companies actively managing plan assets.
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator
Defined Benefit Plan Target Allocation Percentage Of Assets Singular Equity Security Limit Without Approval Of Plan Administrator
Target allocation maximum percentage of investment in a single equity security to total plan assets without prior approval of plan administrator.
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage
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
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, Next Fiscal Year
Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate, Description
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 Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate
Discount rate to determine periodic cost
Number of multiemployer plans contributed to
Number Of Multiemployer Plans Contributed To
Number of multiemployer pension plans to which the Company contributed.
Contributions to multiemployer pension plans
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer
Expense associated with the retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost
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]
Pension and Postretirement Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
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. --
Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member]
Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member]
Periods from 2011 to Q2 2015 [Member]
Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]
Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]
Kaplan Corporate And Other [Member]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
Non U.S. [Member]
Non-US [Member]
UNITED KINGDOM
UNITED KINGDOM
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Television Broadcasting [Member]
KHE Campuses [Member]
KHE Campuses [Member]
KHE Campuses [Member]
Immaterial Error Correction Amount
Immaterial Error Correction Amount
Amount of effect on financial statements related to corrections of prior period errors in the current period financial statements when the effect of the prior period error was immaterial to the prior period financial statements and the current period correction is immaterial to the current period financial statements.
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
Number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold
Number Of Nationally Accredited Ground Campuses Sold
The number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold.
Other long-lived assets impairment charge
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges
Accrued restructuring costs
Restructuring Reserve
Number of television broadcast stations owned
Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Owned
Number of television broadcast stations owned by the Company.
Operating 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.
Operating Segments [Member]
Operating Segments [Member]
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Other Segments [Member]
Other Segments [Member]
Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis]
Subsegments Consolidation Items [Axis]
Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain]
Subsegments Consolidation Items [Domain]
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Reportable Subsegments [Member]
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Operating Revenues
Income (loss) from operations
Interest expense, net
Interest Income (Expense), Net
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of 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.
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
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.
Total Assets
Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
ASU 2018-02 Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Forecast [Member]
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings as a result of tax reform
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
Capital loss carryforwards to 2013 tax year [Member]
Capital Loss Carryforwards To 2013 Tax Year [Member]
Capital loss carryforwards to the 2013 tax year [Member]
Capital loss carryforward [Member]
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
U.S. Federal and State [Member]
Domestic And State [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Australian Taxation Office [Member]
Australian Taxation Office [Member]
Carryforwards Period [Axis]
Carryforward Period [Domain]
Through 2022 [Member]
Loss Carryforwards Expirations Range One [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
After 2022 [Member]
Loss Carryforwards Expirations Range Two [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Expire in 2024 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 1 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 1 [Member]
Expire in 2025 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 2 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 2 [Member]
Expire in 2026 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 3 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 3 [Member]
Expire in 2027 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 4 [Member]
Foreign Tax Credit Expiration Range 4 [Member]
Adjustment [Member]
Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis]
Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis]
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Other [Member]
Other [Member]
Other [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign [Member]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Tax Act [Axis]
Tax Act [Axis]
Tax Act [Axis]
Tax Act [Domain]
Tax Act [Domain]
[Domain] for Tax Act [Axis]
Reduction In Federal Tax Rate [Member]
Reduction In Federal Tax Rate [Member]
Reduction In Federal Tax Rate [Member]
Change in Tax on non-US Subsidiary Earnings [Member]
Change in Tax On Non-US Subsidiary Earnings [Member]
Change in Non-US Subsidiary Earnings [Member]
Recognition Period [Axis]
Recognition Period [Axis]
Recognition Period [Axis]
Recognition Period [Domain]
Recognition Period [Domain]
[Domain] for Recognition Period [Axis]
2018 [Member]
Recognition Period 1 [Member]
Recognition Period 1 [Member]
After 2018 [Member]
Recognition Period 2 [Member]
Recognition Period 2 [Member]
Federal statutory income tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Tax expenses with respect to losses from discontinued operations
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation
Deferred state income tax asset
Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards
Foreign tax credit carryforwards
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforwards
Foreign tax credits available to be credited against future U.S. Federal income tax liabilities.
Valuation allowance on deferred tax asset related to foreign tax credit carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign
Valuation allowance of deferred tax asset attributable to foreign tax credit carryforward.
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards
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
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.
Carryforward amount
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount
Non-U.S.deferred tax asset related to capital loss carryforwards
Valuation Allowance, Amount
Valuation allowance related to operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Deferred income tax liabilities related to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries
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.
Valuation allowance released
Refund from Settlement with Taxing Authority
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
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.
Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued
Penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
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
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 and Options [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Curtailment (Gains) Losses Included in Net Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other (expense) income, net
Reclassifications, before tax
Provision for income taxes
Reclassifications, net of tax
Income Net of Tax
Raw materials
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves
Work-in-process
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves
Finished goods
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves
Contracts in Progress
Inventory for Long-term Contracts or Programs, Gross
Inventories and contracts in progress
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Noncurrent asset
Current liability
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current
Noncurrent liability
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Recognized asset (liability)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
Discount rate (percent)
Rate of compensation increase (percent)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase
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 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. --
Receivables [Member]
Receivables [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Plan Asset Location [Domain]
U.S. [Member]
UNITED STATES
International [Member]
Pension plan assets at fair value
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of businesses recorded impairment of goodwill
Number Of Businesses Recorded Impairment Of Goodwill
The number of businesses that recorded impairment of goodwill.
Goodwill, Impairment Loss
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment
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
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Vocational School Company [Member]
Vocational School Company [Member]
Vocational School Company [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]
Write-downs of cost method investment
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment
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
Measurement period adjustment
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Acquisitions
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Impairment
Dispositions
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Goodwill, ending balance
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance
Goodwill, net, ending balance
Operating revenues
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue
Operating costs and expenses
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense
Operating income
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)
Non-operating expense
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)
Amount of other non-operating income (expense) attributable to disposal group, including, but not limited to, discontinued operation.
Income from discontinued operations
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax
Provision for income taxes
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period
Net Income from Discontinued Operations
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax
Loss on disposition of discontinued operations
Provision for income taxes on disposition of discontinued operations
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table]
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table]
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Accounting Guidance [Domain]
Accounting Guidance [Domain]
As reported [Member]
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
Adjustment [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Upon Adoption] [Member]
ASU 2017-07 Adoption [Member] [Member]
ASU 2017-07 Adoption [Member] [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Income from Operations
Non-operating pension and postretirement income
Non-operating pension and postretirement income
Non-operating pension and postretirement income as explained in ASU 2017-08.
Other Income and Expenses (Narrative) [Abstract]
Other Income and Expenses (Narrative) [Abstract]
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Colloquy [Member]
Colloquy [Member]
Colloquy [Member]
Common Class A [Member]
Gain (loss) on sale of business
Number Of Businesses Disposed
Number Of Businesses Disposed
The number of businesses disposed of by the entity during the period.
Favorable out of period adjustment
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.
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate
Proceeds from sale of headquarters building
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Gain on sale of headquarters building
Gain (Loss) On Sale of Building
Amount of gain (loss) on sale of disposal of building.
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Interest Costs Capitalized
Interest Costs Capitalized
Property plant and equipment impairment charges
Antidilutive Shares [Abstract]
Antidilutive Shares [Abstract]
Antidilutive 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.
Antidilutive Options
Antidilutive Options
Additional shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the antidilutive effect of options using the treasury stock method.
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue
Amount of revenue attributable to disposal group. Excludes discontinued operations.
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Loss
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)
Amount of operating income (loss) attributable to disposal group. Excludes discontinued operations.
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
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
Awarded, Number of Shares
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
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 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]
Exercise Price Range of $244-$284 [Member]
Price Range One [Member]
Exercise Price Range of $244-284
Exercise Price $325 [Member]
Price Range Two [Member]
Exercise Price of $325
Exercise Price $719 [Member]
Price Range Three [Member]
Exercise Price of $719
Exercise Price Range of $805-$872 [Member]
Price Range Four [Member]
Exercise Price of $805-872
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]
Low Exercise Price Range
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit
High Exercise Price Range
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Cash Flows [Table Text Block]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Cash Flows [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of cash flow information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.
Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Product Information [Table]
Schedule of Product Information [Table]
JacksonvilleFL [Member]
JacksonvilleFL [Member]
JacksonvilleFL [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of education business categories
Number Of Education Business Categories
Number of categories that comprise Kaplan's businesses
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
KHE's Broomall, PA location [Member]
K H Es Broomall P A Location [Member]
KHE's Broomall, PA location [Member]
Kaplan University [Member]
Kaplan University [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
UK Pathways [Member]
UK Pathways [Member]
UK Pathways [Member]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Axis]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Litigation Case [Domain]
Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [Member]
Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Cases [Member]
United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. (unsealed March 25, 2008) and United States of America ex rel. Charles Jajdelski v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. et al. (unsealed January 6, 2009). [Member]
Diaz Case [Member]
Diaz Case [Member]
United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al., included three separate complaints: Diaz, Wilcox and Gillespie.
Diaz Claims [Member]
Diaz Claims [Member]
Diaz claims included in the United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. complaint. [Member]
Jajdelski case [Member]
Jajdelski Case [Member]
-- None. No documentation exists for this element. --
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business
Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss
Amount payable under agreement
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party
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 A Series Of Rulings On
Number of separate complaints included in the Diaz case that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a series of rulings on.
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 claims affirmed for dismissal by US Court of Appeals
Number Of Claims Affirmed For Dismissal by US Court of Appeals
Number of claims affirmed for dismissal by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court.
Number of claims appealed
Number of Claims Appealed
Number of claims appealed to and heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court.
Number of allegations not dismissed
Number Of Dismissed Allegations Reversed By The US Circuit Court For The Ninth Judicial Circuit
Number of dismissed allegations reversed by the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Number of conditions out of compliance
Number Of Conditions Out Of Compliance
The number of conditions out of compliance.
Number of days of noncompliance
Number Of Days Of Noncompliance
The number of days of noncompliance.
Amount of penalties per day or per instance of noncompliance
Amount Of Penalties Per Day Or Per Instance Of Noncompliance
The amount of penalties per day or per instance of noncompliance.
Amount Of Estimated Unreturned Title IV Funds From Prior Periods
Amount Of Estimated Unreturned Title IV Funds From Prior Periods
Amount of estimated unreturned Title IV funds from prior periods.
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 pending ED program reviews
Number of pending program reviews
Number of pending program reviews.
Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule
Portion Of Regulations Under Ninety Ten Rule
Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule
Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs
Percentage Of Receipts From Title IV Programs
Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs.
Percentage of receipts derived from Title IV
Percentage Of Receipts Derived From Title I V
Percentage of receipts derived from Title IV
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
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
Secondarily liable leases
Secondarily Liable Leases
Amount of lease obligations for which the Company is secondarily liable.
Long-term programming purchase commitment
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount
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]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
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 Text Block]
Cost Method Investments
Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Leases
Lessee, Leases [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]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Policy Text Block]
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Policy Text Block]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table 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]
Future minimum lease payments for 2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
Future minimum lease payments for 2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
Future minimum lease payments for 2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
Future minimum lease payments for 2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
Future minimum lease payments for 2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Future minimum lease payments after 2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, total
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
U.S.
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Non-U.S.
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Pro Forma Operating revenues
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue
Pro Forma Net income (loss)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Reclassification of stranded tax effects to retained earnings as a result of tax reform
Network affiliation agreements [Member]
Contract-Based 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
FCC licenses [Member]
Operating and Broadcast Rights [Member]
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]
Licensure And Accreditation [Member]
Net Carrying Amount
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net
Other current assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Assets, Current
Amount classified as current assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Property, plant and equipment, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current
Goodwill, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill
For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation),
amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit.
Amortized intangible assets, net
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Amortizable Intangibles, Current
Amount classified as amortizable intangible assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Deferred charges and other assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current
Total Assets
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Income taxes payable
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Tax Payable, Current
Deferred revenue
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Revenue, Current
Short-term borrowings
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
Amount classified as current maturities of long-term debt attributable to disposal group held for sale of disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Total current liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Current Liabilities, Current
Amount classified as current liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Accrued compensation and related benefits
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits
Amount classified as accrued compensation and other related benefits attributable to disposal group held for sale of disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Other liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current
Deferred income taxes
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Long-term Debt
Amount of long-term debt attributable to disposal group held for sale of disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Total Liabilities
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current
Net assets divested in the Spin-Off
Schedule of Inventories and Contracts in Progress [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Redeemable Preferred Stock, shares authorized
Temporary Equity, Shares Authorized
Redeemable Preferred Stock, shares issued
Temporary Equity, Shares Issued
Redeemable Preferred Stock, 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
Cash held for sale
Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests
Net income (loss) attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders
Kaplan University Transaction [Member]
Kaplan University Transaction [Member]
Kaplan University Transaction [Member]
Group Dekko [Member]
Group Dekko [Member]
Group Dekko [Member]
Mander Portman Woodward [Member]
Mander Portman Woodward [Member]
Mander Portman Woodward [Member]
Osborne Books [Member]
Osborne Books [Member]
Osborne Books [Member]
Electri-Cable Assemblies [Member]
Electri-Cable Assemblies [Member]
Electri-Cable Assemblies [Member]
SmartPros [Member]
SmartPros [Member]
SmartPros [Member]
VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member]
VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member]
VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member]
Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member]
Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member]
Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member]
Cost of acquisition
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Pension and other post retirement benefits liabilities
Number of businesses acquired
Number of Businesses Acquired
Percentage of interest acquired
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest acquired
Business Combination Acquisition Of Less than 100 Percent Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value
This element represents the fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date.
Acquisition-related costs
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs
Goodwill expected to be deductible for income tax purposes
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount
Revenues of acquired companies since acquisition date
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual
Operating income of acquired companies since acquisition date
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual
Impairment Of Long Lived Assets
Impairment Of Long Lived Assets
The aggregate amount of write-downs recognized during the period for long-lived assets.
Percentage of joint venture sold
Percentage Of Joint Venture Sold
The percentage of a joint venture sold.
Noncontrolling interest purchased
Noncontrolling Interest Purchased
Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased during the period.
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Redemption Value
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Redemption Value
Noncontrolling interest exchanged
Noncontrolling Interest Exchanged
The percentage of redeemable noncontrolling interest exchanged.
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Payments to acquire businesses per agreement
Payments To Acquire Businesses Per Agreement
The payments to be paid to acquire businesses per agreement.
Number of television stations included in agreement to acquire
Number Of Television Stations Included In Agreement To Acquire
The number of television stations included in agreement to acquire.
Number of business lines
Number of Business Lines
The number of business lines.
Amount of Cash Exchanged
Amount of Cash Exchanged
Amount of cash paid in a transaction
Number of Shares Received in Exchange
Number of Shares Received in Exchange
The number of shares received in an exchange transaction
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
Percentage of Celtic Revenue
Percentage of Celtic Revenue
The percentage of total Celtic revenue that is now part of the joint venture.
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Initial Term
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Initial Term
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Initial Term
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Buy-Out Option Eligible Year
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Buy-Out Option Eligible Year
Transition and Operations Support Agreement Buy-Out Option Eligible Year
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table]
Schedule of Quantifying Prior Year Misstatement Corrected in Current Year Financial Statements [Table]
Periods from Q3 2016 to Q3 2017 [Member]
Periods from Q3 2016 to Q3 2017 [Member]
Periods from Q3 2016 to Q3 2017 [Member] [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Advertising Revenue [Member]
Advertising Revenue [Member]
Advertising Revenue [Member]
Other revenue [Member]
Other revenue [Member]
Other revenue [Member]
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. --
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment
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.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Amortized Intangible Assets, Useful Life (in years)