2.4.0.82409402 - Disclosure - Industry Segments - Segment Information (Detail)truefalsefalse1false USDfalsefalse$D2013Q2QTDhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001091801duration2013-04-01T00:00:002013-06-30T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$2false USDfalsefalse$D2012Q2QTDhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001091801duration2012-04-01T00:00:002012-06-30T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3false USDfalsefalse$D2013Q2YTDhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001091801duration2013-01-01T00:00:002013-06-30T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4false USDfalsefalse$D2012Q2YTDhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001091801duration2012-01-01T00:00:002012-06-30T00:00:00usdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$1true 3us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItemsus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringfalse0Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]2false 4mso_PublishingRevenuemso_falsecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truefalsefalse2419000024190000USD$falsetruefalse2truefalsefalse2880600028806000USD$falsetruefalse3truefalsefalse4867200048672000USD$falsetruefalse4truefalsefalse5963600059636000USD$falsetruefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe Publishing segment primarily consists of a company's operations related to its magazines and books, as well as its digital operations which includes any proprietary content-driven websites. Revenues generated from these operations typically include magazine and digital advertising revenue, subscription and newsstand circulation revenue and books and other licensing revenue.No definition available.false2Publishing Revenues3false 4mso_MerchandisingRevenuemso_falsecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truefalsefalse1611600016116000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1448900014489000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2762300027623000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse2812200028122000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe Merchandising segment consists of a company's operations related to the design of merchandise and related promotional and packaging materials that are distributed by its retail and manufacturing partners. Revenues generated from these operations typically include royalty revenue and design fees.No definition available.false2Merchandising Revenues4false 4mso_BroadcastingRevenuemso_falsecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truefalsefalse18920001892000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse45890004589000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse31270003127000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse99570009957000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe Broadcasting segment primarily consists of a company's television production operations and its satellite radio operations. Revenues generated from these operations typically include advertising and licensing revenue from television and radio programming.No definition available.false2Broadcasting Revenues5false 4us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse4219800042198000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4788400047884000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse7942200079422000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse9771500097715000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). 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This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 14 -Section F false2Non-cash equity compensation7false 4us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-1126000-1126000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1018000-1018000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-2093000-2093000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-2025000-2025000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 false2Depreciation and amortization8false 4us-gaap_RestructuringChargesus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-152000-152000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-777000-777000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-675000-675000[1]USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-777000-777000[1]USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140904-122747 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140864-122747 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section P -Subsection 3, 4 false2Restructuring charges9false 4us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfIntangibleAssetsus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse3500035000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse27240002724000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse00USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe excess or deficiency of net proceeds from sale in the period compared to carrying value of intangible assets as of consummation date of the sale.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7,9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 82, 83, 87 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. false2Gain on sale of subscriber list, net10false 4us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse-636000-636000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2885000-2885000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-3681000-3681000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-7067000-7067000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.No definition available.false2Operating income/(loss)11false 4us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse937000937000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse21280002128000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. 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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 false2Share-based compensation12false 4mso_SharebasedCompensationNetReversalsofExpenseRelatedtoRestructuringmso_falsedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3000030000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse2000020000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryShare-based Compensation, Net Reversals of Expense Related to RestructuringNo definition available.false2Share-based compensation, net reversals of expense related to restructuring activities13false 0truefalsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse5false USDtruefalse$D2013Q2QTD_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_mso_PublishingMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001091801duration2013-04-01T00:00:002013-06-30T00:00:00falsefalsePublishing [Member]us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldimso_PublishingMemberus-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisexplicitMemberusdStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$nanafalse0Publishing [Member]14true 3us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItemsus-gaap_truenadurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:stringItemTypestringfalse0Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]15false 4mso_PublishingRevenuemso_falsecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboseLabel1truefalsefalse2419000024190000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2880600028806000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse4867200048672000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse5963600059636000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe Publishing segment primarily consists of a company's operations related to its magazines and books, as well as its digital operations which includes any proprietary content-driven websites. Revenues generated from these operations typically include magazine and digital advertising revenue, subscription and newsstand circulation revenue and books and other licensing revenue.No definition available.false2Publishing Revenues16false 4us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-101000-101000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-127000-127000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-245000-245000[1]USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-315000-315000[1]USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 14 -Section F false2Non-cash equity compensation17false 4us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-274000-274000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-185000-185000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-529000-529000USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-365000-365000USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 false2Depreciation and amortization18false 4us-gaap_RestructuringChargesus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-140000-140000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-93000-93000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-140000-140000[1]USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-93000-93000[1]USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount charged against earnings in the period for incurred and estimated costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding asset retirement obligations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140904-122747 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 420 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394695&loc=d3e140864-122747 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 5 -Section P -Subsection 3, 4 false2Restructuring charges19false 4us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfIntangibleAssetsus-gaap_truecreditdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterseLabel1truefalsefalse3500035000USD$falsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse27240002724000USD$falsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe excess or deficiency of net proceeds from sale in the period compared to carrying value of intangible assets as of consummation date of the sale.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7,9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 82, 83, 87 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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Revenues generated from these operations typically include royalty revenue and design fees.No definition available.false2Merchandising Revenues24false 4us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseus-gaap_truedebitdurationfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegatedLabel1truefalsefalse-45000-45000USD$falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-70000-70000USD$falsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-124000-124000[1]USD$falsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-303000-303000[1]USD$falsefalsefalsexbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph 64 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. 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