Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information Statement [Table] ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable Statement [Line Items] Document Type Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Operating Revenues Operating revenues Revenues from a range of education and related services worldwide for students, professionals and other organizations. Education revenue Education Advertising Circulation and subscription revenues from the sale of cable services, newspapers and other periodicals through subscriptions, newssstands and other distribution methods. Circulation And Subscriber Revenue Circulation and subscriber Other Total operating revenues Operating revenues Total operating revenues Increase (decrease) operating revenues Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses 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 Expense Operating Expense Operating Operating Selling, general and administrative Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Plant and the consolidation of operations Depreciation, Total Depreciation expense Amortization Of Intangible Assets From Continuing Operations Amortization Of Intangible Assets From Continuing Operations Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Amortization of intangible assets Total operating costs and expenses Total operating costs and expenses Operating Income Loss Income (loss) from operations Operating income Increase (decrease) in operating income Other income (expense) Other income (expense) Equity in losses of affiliates Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of distributions Equity in losses of affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates Interest income Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Interest Expense, Total Other, net Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net Other (expense) income, net This element represents operating income or loss and non-operating income or expense before income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, non-controlling interest and discontinued operations. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income from continuing operations before income taxes Provision for Income Taxes Provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Provision for income taxes Total income taxes on income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Loss) gain from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Net income Net income Net income for the year Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company Net (Loss) Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company Redeemable preferred stock dividends Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock Redeemable preferred stock dividends Redeemable preferred stock dividends Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends Net (loss) income available for The Washington Post Company common stockholders Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Net income Amount Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders Amounts attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders: (Loss) income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Earnings Per Share Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders Per share information attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders: Basic (loss) income per common share from continuing operations Basic income per common share from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Outstanding Share, Total Basic Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Outstanding Share, Total Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations Basic net (loss) income per common share Basic net income per common share Average number of common shares outstanding, basic Basic weighted-average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Basic average number of common shares outstanding Diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations Diluted income per common share from continuing operations Diluted Diluted loss per common share from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share, Total Diluted net (loss) income per common share Diluted net income per common share Average number of common shares outstanding, diluted Diluted weighted average shares outstanding Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding Diluted average number of common shares outstanding Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive (income) loss Other comprehensive (loss) income Foreign currency translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Total Change in net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, Total Change in unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects) Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects) Other Comprehensive Income, Reclassification Adjustment for Write-down of Securities Included in Net Income, before Tax Less reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income Less reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income Less reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale security included in net income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Total Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, total Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, total Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company Total comprehensive income attributable to The Washington Post Company Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Assets [Abstract] Assets Cash and cash equivalents Ending cash and cash equivalents Beginning cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments Short-term Investments, Total Accounts Receivable Net Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes receivable Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Ending Balance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Beginning Balance Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current, Total Inventories Inventories Other current assets Other current assets Total current assets Total current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, net Property, plant and equipment, Net Investments in Affiliates Investments in affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures, Total Goodwill, Net Goodwill, net, ending balance Goodwill, net, beginning balance Goodwill, net Goodwill, Total Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Total Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount Amortized Intangible Assets, Net Amortized intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Total Net Carrying Amount Prepaid Pension Cost Prepaid pension cost Net pension credit Deferred Charges and Other Assets Deferred charges and other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Total Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent, Total Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Equity Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current, Total Dividends declared Short-term borrowings Less: current portion Short-term borrowings Total current liabilities Total current liabilities Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan Liabilities Noncurrent Postretirement benefits other than pensions Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits Accrued compensation and related benefits Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent, Total Other Liabilities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes Long Term Debt Noncurrent Carrying value of debt instrument Carrying value of debt instrument Total long-term debt Long-term debt Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent, Total Assets of discontinued operations Total liabilities Total liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount, Total Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Beginning Balance Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Preferred Stock, Total Redeemable preferred stock Preferred Stock Value Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Shareholders' Equity Common shareholders' equity Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Capital in excess of par value Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans Unrealized loss on pension and other postretirement plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Ending Balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans Net amount Net amount Treasury Stock, Value Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Value Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total common shareholders' equity Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total equity Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and equity Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Period Increase Decrease Depreciation of property, plant and equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property Plant and Equipment, Period Increase (Decrease), Total Accelerated depreciation Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net pension benefit Net pension benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Total Net periodic cost (benefit) Obligation(s) resulting from employer withdrawal from a multiemployer 1) pension plan under circumstances that would give rise to an obligation or (b) other postretirement benefit plan under circumstances that would give rise to an obligation or an increase in the contribution to the fund during the remainder of the contract period to make up a shortfall necessary to fund the vested and negotiated benefits. Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan Withdrawal Charge Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special or Contractual Termination Benefits Recognized During Period Early retirement programs expense Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax Foreign exchange (gain) loss Foreign currency gains (losses), net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivatives, Net, before Tax, Total Foreign currency gains (losses), net Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount Net loss on write-down of marketable equity securities Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes Benefit for deferred income taxes Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total The net charge against earnings resulting from the sale and aggregate write down of property, plant and equipment and certain other assets. Net Loss On Sale Or Write Down Of Property Plant And Equipment And Other Assets Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets Net loss on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment and other assets Change in assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, net Decrease in accounts receivable, net Decrease in accounts receivable, net Decrease (increase) in inventories (Increase) decrease in inventories Decrease in inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories, Total Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Total (Decrease) increase in deferred revenue Increase in deferred revenue Decrease in deferred revenue Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable Decrease in income taxes receivable Income taxes receivable/payable Increase (decrease) in other assets and other liabilities, net (Increase) decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net Increase in other assets and other liabilities, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net, Total Other operating asset Other Other Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property, plant and equipment Purchases of property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Net proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, and other assets Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired, Total Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Other Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Cash flows from financing activities: Common shares repurchased Common shares repurchased Repurchase of shares of Class B common stock Common shares repurchased Dividends paid Dividends paid Other Financing Activities Other Other Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change Effect of currency exchange rate change Effect of currency exchange rate changes Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Investments Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Acquisitions and Dispositions Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Acquisitions and Dispositions Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Borrowings Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Borrowings Earnings Per Share Text Block Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share Pension and Postretirement Plans Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans Pension and Postretirement Plans Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income Other Income And Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Segments Fiscal Period Fiscal Year Financial Periods Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Discontinued Operations, Policy [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations Disclosure of the accounting policy describing under what circumstances an asset or business is classified as held for sale. Assets Held For Sale Policy Text Block Assets Held For Sale Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Summary Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops Table Text Block Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Ops [Table Text Block] Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations Marketable Securities [Text Block] Investments in Equity Marketable Securities Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Intangible Assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Text Block] Components of Borrowings Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations (Basic and Diluted) Company's Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation [Member] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components of Total Cost (Income) from Defined Benefit Plans Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Allocation of the Pension Plans Assets Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Text Block] Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Operating Segment [Member] Operating Segment [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block] Summary of Business Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Education Division Operating Segments. Schedule Of Segment Reporting Education Division Operating Segments Summary of Education Division Operating Segments Number of television broadcast stations. Number Of Television Broadcast Stations Number of television broadcast stations Consolidation, Policy [Text Block] Percentage owned and controlled by company in domestic and foreign subsidiaries The amount of net pension credit allocated to a business unit. Net Pension Credit Allocation Net pension credit The amount of accelerated depreciation and write-downs of property, plant and equipment recorded by a business unit. Accelerated Depreciation And Writedowns Accelerated depreciation and property, plant and equipment write-downs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Operating revenues Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense Operating costs and expenses Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss from discontinued operations Loss from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Benefit from income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation, Total Income or Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes on operations, but before sale of discontinued operations. Loss From Discontinued Operations Before Sale Of Discontinued Operations Net loss from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss on sale of discontinued operations Loss on sale of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax, Total Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Total Provision for income taxes on sale of discontinued operations Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill and other long-lived assets from the carrying amount to the fair value. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Long Lived Assets Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets Long-lived asset impairment charges Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Investment, Owned, at Fair Value, Ending Balance Investment, Owned, at Fair Value, Beginning Balance Investment Owned, at Fair Value Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Total cost Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss) Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain (Loss), Total Net unrealized gains Marketable equity securities Total fair value of investments in marketable equity securities Total fair value Investments in marketable equity securities Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Number of Businesses Acquired Number of businesses acquired Business Acquisitions, Purchase Price Allocation, Year of Acquisition, Net Effect on Income Business acquisitions Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Assumed debt Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Estimated amortization of intangible assets, remainder of 2011 Future Amortization Expense, Year One remainder of 2010 Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2012 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016 Future Amortization Expense, after Year Five Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2016 Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill, Gross Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance Goodwill, Allocation Adjustment Reallocation, net (Note 12) Goodwill, Acquired During Period Acquisitions Reclassification of the carrying amount of goodwill associated with a reporting unit that is classified as discontinued operations in the period, not yet disposed. Goodwill Reclassified To Discontinued Operations Reclassification to discontinued operations Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments, Total Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other Schedule of Impaired Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Non-compete Agreements [Member] Student And Customer Relationships [Member] Student and Customer Relationships [Member] Databases and Technology [Member] Trade Names And Trademarks [Member] Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] Other Amortized Intangible Assets [Member] Other Amortized Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Franchise Agreements [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Wireless Licenses [Member] Licensure And Accreditation [Member] Licensure and Accreditation [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Useful Life, minimum (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Intangible assets, amortized period, maximum Useful Life, maximum (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Seven Point Two Five Percent Unsecured Notes due February One, Two Thousand and Nineteen [Member] 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Minimum interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Maximum interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Interest rate of debt instrument Debt instrument maturity year. Debt instrument maturity year Average borrowings outstanding during the period, both short and long term. Average Outstanding Debt Amount Average borrowings outstanding Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average interest rate of borrowings Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt, Total Interest expense incurred Debt Instrument, Fair Value Fair value of debt instrument Reflects the date when the company terminated its credit facility, which may be presented in a variety of ways (year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter). Termination Of Credit Agreement Termination of credit agreement Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity The minimum fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility. Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Minimum Percentage Minimum fee percentage for line of credit facility The maximum fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for the line of credit facility. Line Of Credit Facility Commitment Fee Maximum Percentage Maximum fee percentage for line of credit facility Line of credit facility minimum requirement of shareholder's equity Line Of Credit Facility Minimum Requirement Of Shareholder's Equity Line of credit facility minimum requirement of shareholder's equity Unsecured Debt 7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019 Unsecured Debt, Total 7.25% unsecured notes Other Long-term Debt Other indebtedness Other Long-term Debt, Total Long-term Debt Total long-term debt Total Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive securities, shares Dividends declared per common share Regular quarterly dividends Dividends declared per common share Income Loss From Continuing Operations Amount Attributable To Participating Securities Less: Amount attributable to participating securities Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities Basic income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Basic income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders Stock options and restricted stock Stock options and restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] International equities [Member] International Stocks [Member] Foreign Investments [Member] Foreign Investments [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Berkshire Hathaway Inc.[Member] Berkshire Hathaway [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Berkshire Hathaway Class A and B [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Class A and B [Member] Foreign Pension Plans [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Equity Securities, Range Maximum Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, equity securities, range maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Allocation Percentage of Assets, Other, Range Maximum Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, other, range maximum Concentration Risk, Percentage Minimum percentage of plan assets considered as significant concentrations in pension plans Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Common stock Value of investments Investments Investments, Total Value of investments Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities International equities Equity securities Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Prior service cost expense Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on assets Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Transition Obligations (Assets) Amortization of transition asset Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments, Total Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses Recognized actuarial loss (gain) Net pension benefit Net pension benefit Total (income) cost Net pension (expense) credit Defined benefit plan, Total cost. Defined Benefit Plan Total Cost Total (income) cost U.S. Equities [Member] U.S. Equities [Member] U.S. fixed income [Member] U.S. Fixed Income [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Debt Securities U.S. fixed income Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Total Total Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss) Cost-method Investments, Realized Gain (Loss), Total Gain on sale of cost method investments Cost method investments impairment write-downs. Cost method investments impairment write-downs Impairment write-downs on cost method investments Impairment write-downs on cost method investments Other Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Other, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total Total Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] CHI-Broomall [Member] CHI-Broomall [Member] Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number, Ending Balance Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number, Beginning Balance Number of existing claims Number of pending program reviews. Number of pending program reviews Amount receivable under agreement termination Amount Receivable Under Agreement Termination Amount receivable under agreement termination Placement rate at which programs may be subject to a hold on new enrollments. Placement Rate At Which Programs May Be Subject To A Hold On New Enrollments Placement rate at which programs may be subject to a hold on new enrollments The number of students enrolled in a specific program or group of programs. Student Enrollment Student Enrollment Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] Fair Value [Member] Fair Value [Member] Deposits, Money Market Deposits Money market investments Other Short-term Investments Other current investments Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Total financial assets Investments Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Total Deferred compensation plan liabilities Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Total financial liabilities Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest Income (Expense), Net, Total Interest expense, net Segment Reporting Information, Net Assets Identifiable assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets of Disposal Group Assets of discontinued operations Test Preperation [Axis] Test Preperation [Axis] Test Preperation [Domain] Test Preperation [Domain] Test Preperation [Member] Test Preperation [Member] Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment, Total Impairment charge of goodwill and other intangible assets Share-based Compensation Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation expense Share-based Compensation, Total stock-based incentive compensation (credit) expense Class A [Member] Class B [Member] Education [Member] Education [Member] Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] Statement, Operating Activities Segment [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Higher Education [Member] Higher Education [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Test Preparation [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan International [Member] Kaplan Ventures [Member] Kaplan Ventures [Member] Kaplan Corporate And Other [Member] Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] Cable Television [Member] Cable Television [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Newspaper Publishing [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Television Broadcasting [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Businesses [Member] Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Corporate Office [Member] Intersegment Elimination [Member] Score [Member] Score [Member]