Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$ 45,134	$ 52,047	$ 50,393	$ 83,615
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	(3,509)	(8,911)	(7,700)	(1,088)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	8	0	521
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	(3,509)	(8,903)	(7,700)	(567)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the period	31,423	6,590	80,501	38,905
Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securitird included in net income	(333)	(772)	(884)	(772)
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax	31,090	5,818	79,617	38,133
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(384)	(470)	(821)	(921)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	2,004	2,590	4,321	4,247
Settlement gain included in net income	0	0	(3,471)	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	1,620	2,120	29	3,326
Cash flow hedge gain (loss)	214	(1,342)	244	(1,377)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	29,415	(2,307)	72,190	39,515
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(13,170)	(2,638)	(31,957)	(16,031)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	16,245	(4,945)	40,233	23,484
Comprehensive Income	61,379	47,102	90,626	107,099
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(254)	(17)	(372)	(107)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company	$ 61,125	$ 47,085	$ 90,254	$ 106,992