Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Details 2) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Weighted average restricted stock	51	38

Additional shares excluded in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the antidilutive effect of restricted stock using the treasury stock method.

No definition available.

Name:	ghc_AntidilutiveRestrictedStock
Namespace Prefix:	ghc_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration