Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,587,301	$ 1,581,379
Carrying Amount | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,152,412	1,016,706
Carrying Amount | Asset-based revolving credit facility | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	138,000
Carrying Amount | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	619,125	621,762
Carrying Amount | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	394,890	394,890
Carrying Amount | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	397	54
Carrying Amount | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	434,889	564,673
Estimated Fair Value
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,621,481	1,615,598
Estimated Fair Value | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,158,845	1,018,633
Estimated Fair Value | Asset-based revolving credit facility | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	138,000
Estimated Fair Value | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	612,160	600,000
Estimated Fair Value | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	408,288	418,579
Estimated Fair Value | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	397	54
Estimated Fair Value | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 462,636	$ 596,965