Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net Income	$ 132,187	$ 117,157	$ 278,020
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	5,622	(21,375)	10,994
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	(888)	0	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	4,734	(21,375)	10,994
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period	33,098	(37,708)	(12,974)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale securities, net of gain, included in net income	17,226	53,793	0
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	50,324	16,085	(12,974)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial gain (loss)	82,470	(16,048)	126,987
Prior service credit	0	0	6,336
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	9,368	(510)	(1,155)
Amortization of net prior service (credit) cost included in net income	(1,859)	(3,925)	1,952
Amortization of transition asset	0	0	(29)
Curtailments and other adjustments	(745)	0	(4,953)
Foreign affiliate pension adjustment	0	2,088	(2,667)
Total pension and other postretirement plans	89,234	(18,395)	126,471
Cash flow hedge (loss) gain	(1,581)	14	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	142,711	(23,671)	124,491
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(55,186)	6,861	(46,864)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	87,525	(16,810)	77,627
Comprehensive Income	219,712	100,347	355,647
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(103)	(126)	(13)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company	$ 219,609	$ 100,221	$ 355,634