Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net (loss) income	$ 117,157	$ 278,020	$ 91,200
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21,375)	10,994	33,550
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(37,709)	(12,974)	9,742
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	(18,395)	126,471	130,492
Cash flow hedge, net change	14	0	0
Less reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale security included in net income	53,794	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, total	(23,671)	124,491	173,784
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income	6,861	(46,864)	(58,592)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, total	(16,810)	77,627	115,192
Comprehensive income	100,347	355,647	206,392
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(126)	(13)	1,574
Total comprehensive income attributable to The Washington Post Company	$ 100,221	$ 355,634	$ 207,966