Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net Income (Loss)	$ 93,947	$ (5,966)	$ 177,562	$ 55,426
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	5,321	(32,969)	4,233	(19,911)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	(1,409)	0	(888)	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	3,912	(32,969)	3,345	(19,911)
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains for the period	(5,966)	(47,237)	32,939	(62,342)
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) or write-down on available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	23,097	(772)	53,793
Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities	(5,966)	(24,140)	32,167	(8,549)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(469)	(465)	(1,390)	(1,397)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	2,592	(127)	6,839	(382)
Foreign affiliate pension adjustment	0	6,701	0	2,088
Total pension and other postretirement plans	2,123	6,109	5,449	309
Cash flow hedge, net change	217	479	(1,160)	479
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	286	(50,521)	39,801	(27,672)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income	1,451	15,316	(14,580)	9,047
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	1,737	(35,205)	25,221	(18,625)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	95,684	(41,171)	202,783	36,801
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	76	(54)	(31)	(92)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company	$ 95,760	$ (41,225)	$ 202,752	$ 36,709