Components of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Year	Dec. 31, 2010 Year
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	$ 180,457	$ 188,037
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(54,485)	(41,861)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	125,972	146,176
Other intangible assets, Net Amount	213,613	233,817
Valassis name, tradenames, trademarks and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	87,641	87,641
Mailing lists, non compete agreements and other
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Amount	40,457	48,037
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(9,894)	(7,871)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	30,563	40,166
Weighted average remaining useful life	15.1	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	(44,591)	(33,990)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Amount	$ 95,409	$ 106,010
Weighted average remaining useful life	9.0	10.0