Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Earnings Per Share) (Details 5) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ (45,439)	$ 44,742	$ 35,798	$ 12,940	$ 61,423	$ 12,580	$ 50,781	$ 19,920	$ 48,041	$ 144,704	$ 355,091
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities									(3,257)	(1,459)	(2,182)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders									44,784	143,245	352,909
Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities									3,257	1,459	2,182
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders									$ 48,041	$ 144,704	$ 355,091
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	7,223	7,272	7,431	7,514	7,601	7,802	7,852	8,046	7,360	7,826	8,869
Plus: Effect of dilutive shares related to stock options and restricted stock									44	79	62
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	7,223	7,376	7,545	7,615	7,682	7,883	7,933	8,119	7,404	7,905	8,931
Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract]
Basic	$ (6.57)	$ 6.03	$ 4.72	$ 1.66	$ 8.00	$ 1.59	$ 6.40	$ 2.43	$ 6.09	$ 18.30	$ 39.78
Diluted	$ (6.57)	$ 6.03	$ 4.72	$ 1.66	$ 8.00	$ 1.59	$ 6.40	$ 2.43	$ 6.09	$ 18.30	$ 39.76