Net Income Per Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Net income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	$ 22,253	$ 12,772	$ 27,830	$ 21,846
Weighted average common shares outstanding	83,634	84,220	84,204	84,133
Less: Unvested restricted stock	(110)	(95)	(110)	(102)
Denominator for basic calculation	83,524	84,125	84,094	84,031
Denominator for diluted calculation	84,533	84,893	84,898	84,807
Net income per share-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.27	$ 0.15	$ 0.33	$ 0.26
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.26	$ 0.15	$ 0.33	$ 0.26
Restricted Stock Awards and Units [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards	1,009	768	804	776

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

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+ Details