Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 33,126	$ (230,556)	$ 132,540	$ (150,329)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	(353)	(10,548)	(1,629)	(17,387)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	6,026	0	5,501
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	(353)	(4,522)	(1,629)	(11,886)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, net	12,154	3,836	7,190	(16,497)
Reclassification of realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	0	(6,256)	0
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	12,154	3,836	934	(16,497)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	105	68	314	207
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	289	(5,676)	868	(4,419)
Curtaliment gains included in net income	0	51	0	51
Curtailment and settlement included in distribution to Cable ONE	0	1,403	0	1,403
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	394	(4,154)	1,182	(2,758)
Cash flow hedge gain	49	0	49	179
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	12,244	(4,840)	536	(30,962)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,039)	127	(866)	7,632
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	7,205	(4,713)	(330)	(23,330)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	40,331	(235,269)	132,210	(173,659)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(287)	(868)	(1,495)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 40,331	$ (235,556)	$ 131,342	$ (175,154)