Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 353,327	$ 299,968	$ 327,879
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	(16,052)	31,642	5,371
Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	0	0	2,011
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(16,052)	31,642	7,382
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial gain	519,595	365,164	231,104
Prior service cost	(2)	(69)	(5,725)
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income	(5,486)	1,219	(2,046)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	3,170	2,680	(4,142)
Settlements included in net income	(120)	0	(91,676)
Total pension and other postretirement plans	517,157	368,994	127,515
Cash flow hedges gain (loss)	349	(1,282)	(1,344)
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	501,454	399,354	133,553
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(133,380)	(99,335)	(34,087)
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	368,074	300,019	99,466
Comprehensive Income	721,401	599,987	427,345
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,252)	397	(24)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 720,149	$ 600,384	$ 427,321