Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 237,345	$ 132,187	$ 117,157
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	(1,059)	5,622	(21,375)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	(888)	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,059)	4,734	(21,375)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) for the year	95,629	33,098	(37,708)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale securities, net of gain, included in net income	9,554	17,226	53,793
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities	105,183	50,324	16,085
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial gain (loss)	762,806	82,470	(16,048)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	3,096	9,368	(510)
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(1,383)	(1,859)	(3,925)
Curtailments and settlements	(124,051)	0	0
Foreign affiliate pension adjustments	0	0	2,088
Other adjustments	0	(745)	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans	640,468	89,234	(18,395)
Cash flow hedge gain (loss)	520	(1,581)	14
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	745,112	142,711	(23,671)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(298,472)	(55,186)	6,861
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	446,640	87,525	(16,810)
Comprehensive Income	683,985	219,712	100,347
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(503)	(103)	(126)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 683,482	$ 219,609	$ 100,221