Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Marketable equity securities	$ 127,270		$ 487,156
Commercial paper	50,000		0
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	468,000		475,200
Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Marketable equity securities	127,270	[2]	487,156	[2]
Commercial paper	49,965	[3]
Other current investments	5,348	[4]	11,826	[4]
Total Financial Assets	182,583		498,982
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	0	[5]	0	[5]
Interest rate swap	0	[6]	0	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	0		0
Level 1 [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	0	[7]	0	[7]
Level 1 [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	0	[7]	0	[7]
Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	287,714	[1]	431,836	[1]
Marketable equity securities	0	[2]	0	[2]
Commercial paper	0	[3]
Other current investments	24,255	[4]	23,336	[4]
Total Financial Assets	311,969		455,172
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	66,485	[5]	67,603	[5]
Interest rate swap	405	[6]	1,047	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	578,559		588,499
Level 2 [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	468,000	[7]	475,224	[7]
Level 2 [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	43,669	[7]	44,625	[7]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	287,714	[1]	431,836	[1]
Marketable equity securities	127,270	[2]	487,156	[2]
Commercial paper	49,965	[3]
Other current investments	29,603	[4]	35,162	[4]
Total Financial Assets	494,552		954,154
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	66,485	[5]	67,603	[5]
Interest rate swap	405	[6]	1,047	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	578,559		588,499
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	468,000	[7]	475,224	[7]
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	$ 43,669	[7]	$ 44,625	[7]

[1] The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

[2] The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

[3] The Company's commercial paper investments with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year, are included in investments in marketable equity securities and other investments.

[4] Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year.

[5] Includes Graham Holdings Company's Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.

[6] Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.

[7] See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.