Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 44,742	$ 35,798	$ 12,940	$ 61,423	$ 12,580	$ 50,781	$ 19,920	$ 93,480	$ 83,281	$ 144,704	$ 355,091
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities	(888)				(190)			(1,830)	(835)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	43,854				12,390			91,650	82,446
Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities	888				190			1,830	835
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 44,742				$ 12,580			$ 93,480	$ 83,281
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	7,272				7,802			7,405	7,900
Plus: Effect of dilutive shares related to stock options and restricted stock	104				81			103	79
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	7,376				7,883			7,508	7,979
Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract]
Basic	$ 6.03	$ 4.72	$ 1.66	$ 8.00	$ 1.59	$ 6.40	$ 2.43	$ 12.38	$ 10.44	$ 18.30	$ 39.78
Diluted	$ 6.03	$ 4.72	$ 1.66	$ 8.00	$ 1.59	$ 6.40	$ 2.43	$ 12.38	$ 10.44	$ 18.30	$ 39.76