Classification and Amount of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, Tax Expense	$ (8)		$ (81)		$ (10)		$ (166)
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, Net of Tax	(326)		4,328		803		8,866
Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Prior Service Credit (Cost), Before Tax	126	[1]	(11)	[1]	252	[1]	(21)	[1]
Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Actuarial Loss, Before Tax	(5,146)	[1]	(5,772)	[1]	(10,292)	[1]	(11,540)	[1]
Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Before Tax	(5,020)		(5,783)		(10,040)		(11,561)
Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Tax Benefit	1,900		1,699		3,800		3,399
Amortization of Defined Benefit Pension Plans, Net of Tax	(3,120)		(4,084)		(6,240)		(8,162)
Cost of Sales Classification
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, Before Tax	$ (318)		$ 4,409		$ 813		$ 9,032

[1] The amortization of prior service credit (cost) and actuarial loss is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to "Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements-Employee Benefit Plans" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding Mattel's net periodic benefit cost.