Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Amount
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 1,612,612	$ 1,581,379
Carrying Amount | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,177,723	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	165,000
Carrying Amount | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	617,500	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	333	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	1,669,124	1,615,598
Estimated Fair Value | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	1,193,301	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	165,000
Estimated Fair Value | Senior secured term loan | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	604,378	600,000
Estimated Fair Value | Senior unsecured notes | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	423,590	418,579
Estimated Fair Value | Capital lease obligations | Guitar Center
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	333	54
Estimated Fair Value | Senior unsecured PIK notes | Holdings
Carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 475,823	$ 596,965