Components of Other Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011 Year	Dec. 31, 2010 Year
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$ 275,678	$ 275,678
Accumulated Amortization	(48,172)	(41,861)
Net Amount	227,506	233,817
Amortizable Intangible Assets | Mailing lists, non compete agreements and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Amount	48,037	48,037
Accumulated Amortization	(8,881)	(7,871)
Net Amount	39,156	40,166
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	14.5	15.0
Amortizable Intangible Assets | Customer relationships
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Amount	140,000	140,000
Accumulated Amortization	(39,291)	(33,990)
Net Amount	100,709	106,010
Weighted Average Remaining Useful Life	9.5	10.0
Non-amortizing intangible assets | Valassis name, tradenames, trademarks and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Amount	87,641	87,641
Net Amount	$ 87,641	$ 87,641