Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 132,305	$ 5,259
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	746	(4,191)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the period, net	27,738	49,078
Reclassification adjustment for write-down and realization of loss (gain) on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	785	(551)
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax	28,523	48,527
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(102)	(437)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income	(7,182)	2,317
Settlement gain included in net income	0	(3,471)
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	(7,284)	(1,591)
Cash flow hedge gain	172	30
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	22,157	42,775
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(8,566)	(18,787)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	13,591	23,988
Comprehensive Income	145,896	29,247
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	219	(118)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 146,115	$ 29,129