Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Marketable equity securities	$ 457,969		$ 380,087
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	475,100		481,400
Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[2]
Marketable equity securities	457,969	[3]	380,087	[3]
Other current investments	16,413	[4]	14,134	[4]
Total Financial Assets	474,382		394,221
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	0	[5]	0	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	0	[6]	0	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest rate swap	0	[7]	0	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	0		0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	296,914	[1]	432,670	[2]
Marketable equity securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Other current investments	23,281	[4]	24,717	[4]
Total Financial Assets	320,195		457,387
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,685	[5]	62,297	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	475,144	[6]	481,424	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	46,589	[6]	51,915	[6]
Interest rate swap	1,308	[7]	1,567	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	586,726		597,203
Total [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	296,914	[1]	432,670	[2]
Marketable equity securities	457,969	[3]	380,087	[3]
Other current investments	39,694	[4]	38,851	[4]
Total Financial Assets	794,577		851,608
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,685	[5]	62,297	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	475,144	[6]	481,424	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	46,589	[6]	51,915	[6]
Interest rate swap	1,308	[7]	1,567	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	$ 586,726		$ 597,203

[1] The Company’s money market investments are included in cash and cash equivalents.

[2] The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

[3] The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

[4] Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).

[5] Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.

[6] See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.

[7] Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.