Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries, net		$ 11,828		$ 11,828
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			3,095		(3,798)
Net (loss) income attributable to Monster Worldwide, Inc.	(1,669)		11,269	430	19,633
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net (loss) income attributable to Monster Worldwide, Inc.				1,819	(23,109)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiaries, net				1,819
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax					$ (23,109)