Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 749,850	$ 45,134	$ 882,155	$ 50,393
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	1,920	(3,509)	2,666	(7,700)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the period, net	8,667	31,423	36,405	80,501
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(266,059)	(333)	(265,274)	(884)
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax	(257,392)	31,090	(228,869)	79,617
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(102)	(384)	(204)	(821)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income	(7,425)	2,004	(14,607)	4,321
Settlement gain included in net income	0	0	0	(3,471)
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	(7,527)	1,620	(14,811)	29
Cash flow hedge gain	239	214	411	244
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Before Tax	(262,760)	29,415	(240,603)	72,190
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	105,874	(13,170)	97,308	(31,957)
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	(156,886)	16,245	(143,295)	40,233
Comprehensive Income	592,964	61,379	738,860	90,626
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	499	(254)	718	(372)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 593,463	$ 61,125	$ 739,578	$ 90,254