Components of Other Intangible Assets, Net (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 Year	Dec. 31, 2010 Year
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 275,678	$ 275,678
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	188,037	188,037
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(51,328)	(41,861)
Other intangible assets, Net Amount	224,350	233,817
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	136,709	146,176
Mailing lists, non compete agreements and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	48,037	48,037
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(9,387)	(7,871)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	38,650	40,166
Weighted average remaining useful life	14.3	15.0
Customer relationships
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	140,000	140,000
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(41,941)	(33,990)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	98,059	106,010
Weighted average remaining useful life	9.2	10.0
Valassis name, tradenames, trademarks and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	87,641	87,641
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	$ 87,641	$ 87,641