Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,580,773	$ 1,581,379
Carrying Amount | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,016,100	1,016,706
Carrying Amount | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	620,750	621,762
Carrying Amount | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	394,890	394,890
Carrying Amount | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	460	54
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	1,668,786	1,615,598
Fair Value | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,046,325	1,018,633
Fair Value | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	617,646	600,000
Fair Value | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	428,219	418,579
Fair Value | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	460	54
Fair Value | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 622,461	$ 596,965