Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 44,675	$ 36,063	$ 50,779	$ 49,522
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities	(1,159)	(711)	(1,318)	(1,079)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	43,516	35,352	49,461	48,443
Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities	1,159	711	1,318	1,079
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 44,675	$ 36,063	$ 50,779	$ 49,522
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	7,229	7,431	7,228	7,473
Plus: Effect of dilutive shares related to stock options and restricted stock	54	114	48	107
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	7,283	7,545	7,276	7,580
Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract]
Basic	$ 6.02	$ 4.76	$ 6.84	$ 6.48
Diluted	$ 6.02	$ 4.76	$ 6.84	$ 6.48