Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Carrying Amount
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,561,651	$ 1,562,135
Carrying Amount | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	996,978	997,462
Carrying Amount | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	621,762	621,762
Carrying Amount | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	375,000	375,000
Carrying Amount | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	216	700
Carrying Amount | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	564,673	564,673
Fair Value
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,622,218	1,550,150
Fair Value | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,005,324	940,838
Fair Value | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	595,337	545,596
Fair Value | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	409,771	394,542
Fair Value | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	216	700
Fair Value | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 616,894	$ 609,312