Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (Loss) Income	$ (230,556)	$ 76,439	$ (150,329)	$ 958,594
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	(10,548)	(9,777)	(17,387)	(7,111)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	6,026	0	5,501	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	(4,522)	(9,777)	(11,886)	(7,111)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, net	3,836	9,734	(16,497)	46,139
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	0	0	(265,274)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	3,836	9,734	(16,497)	(219,135)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	68	(101)	207	(305)
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income	(5,676)	(7,425)	(4,419)	(22,032)
Curtaliment gains included in net income	51	0	51	0
Curtailment and settlement included in distribution to Cable ONE	1,403	0	1,403	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	(4,154)	(7,526)	(2,758)	(22,337)
Cash flow hedge gain	0	230	179	641
Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax	(4,840)	(7,339)	(30,962)	(247,942)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive loss	127	(975)	7,632	96,333
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(4,713)	(8,314)	(23,330)	(151,609)
Comprehensive (Loss) Income	(235,269)	68,125	(173,659)	806,985
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(287)	121	(1,495)	839
Total Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ (235,556)	$ 68,246	$ (175,154)	$ 807,824