SCHEDULE I - Condensed Financial Statement of Parent Company Only (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities:
Net loss	$ (72,169)	$ (236,939)	$ (56,377)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred financing fees	3,191	2,896	2,531
Non-cash interest expense	20,295	8,504	57,415
Deferred income taxes	549	(25,421)	(32,341)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,332	(5,291)	16,848
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	34,885	(24,885)	143,444
Financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	(39)	(286)	(729)
Financing fees	(765)	(8,400)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,451)	(9,327)	(21,479)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(31,200)	(87,731)	74,066
Cash at beginning of year	106,036	193,767	119,701
Cash at end of year	74,836	106,036	193,767
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	141,291	157,461	69,001
Income taxes	2,562	1,908	2,749
Parent
Operating activities:
Net loss	(72,169)	(236,939)	(56,377)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in net (income) loss of Guitar Center, Inc.	(3,395)	153,705	8,864
Amortization of deferred financing fees	412	410	400
Non-cash interest expense	19,891	8,288	57,415
Deferred income taxes	(4,411)	2,984	(26,878)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(8,288)	16,576
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(59,672)	(79,840)
Financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock	(39)	(286)	(729)
Financing fees		(902)
Repayments from Guitar Center, Inc.	59,711	81,028	729
Net cash used in financing activities	59,672	79,840
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	$ 59,672	$ 79,562