Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011		Jan. 02, 2011		Jan. 03, 2010
Assets
Money market investments	$ 180,136	[1]	$ 308,927	[1]
Investments in marketable equity securities	303,201	[2]	340,910	[2]	353,884
Other current investments	35,473	[3]	32,840	[3]
Interest Rate Swap	14	[4]
Total financial assets	518,824		682,677
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,403	[5]	69,226	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	460,500	[6]	457,200	[6]
AUS $50M borrowing	51,012	[6]
Total financial liabilities	574,915		526,426
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Investments in marketable equity securities	303,201	[2]	340,910	[2]
Other current investments	15,223	[3]	11,835	[3]
Interest Rate Swap	0	[4]
Total financial assets	318,424		352,745
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	0	[5]	0	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	0	[6]	0	[6]
AUS $50M borrowing	0	[6]
Total financial liabilities	0		0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	180,136	[1]	308,927	[1]
Investments in marketable equity securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Other current investments	20,250	[3]	21,005	[3]
Interest Rate Swap	14	[4]
Total financial assets	200,400		329,932
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,403	[5]	69,226	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	460,500	[6]	457,200	[6]
AUS $50M borrowing	51,012	[6]
Total financial liabilities	$ 574,915		$ 526,426

[1] The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

[2] The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

[3] Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).

[4] Included in deferred charges and other assets. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.

[5] Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.

[6] See Note 10 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.