Balance Sheet Components (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Wages, salaries and benefits	$ 27,226	$ 34,973
Accrued interest	27,067	26,500
Sales tax payable	16,799	13,708
Unearned revenue	8,971	9,252
Accrued advertising	8,142	6,165
Accrued insurance	6,326	6,109
Accrued freight	5,202	3,441
Accrued fixed assets	4,918	3,819
Accrued warranty obligation	4,410	2,480
Provision for sales returns	4,218	4,319
Accrued real estate tax	2,159	2,044
Accrued professional fees	1,472	2,151
Accrued utilities	1,358	1,065
Income taxes payable	1,349	1,548
Other	12,502	11,213
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	132,119	128,787
Guitar Center
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:
Wages, salaries and benefits	27,226	34,973
Accrued interest	10,492	9,924
Sales tax payable	16,799	13,708
Unearned revenue	8,971	9,252
Accrued advertising	8,142	6,165
Accrued insurance	6,326	6,109
Accrued freight	5,202	3,441
Accrued fixed assets	4,918	3,819
Accrued warranty obligation	4,410	2,480
Provision for sales returns	4,218	4,319
Accrued real estate tax	2,159	2,044
Accrued professional fees	1,472	2,151
Accrued utilities	1,358	1,065
Income taxes payable	85,000	61,266
Other	12,502	11,213
Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 199,195	$ 171,929