Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 169,458	$ (99,220)	$ 1,293,260
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	(22,149)	(18,898)	(16,061)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	5,501	(404)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(22,149)	(13,397)	(16,465)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	55,507	10,620	62,719
Reclassification adjustment for realization of loss (gain) on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	1,879	(4)	(265,274)
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	57,386	10,616	(202,555)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(133,915)	(211,054)	(149,482)
Prior service cost	0	0	(1,600)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	1,157	(9,906)	(29,412)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	419	275	(407)
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	(17,993)	51	8
Curtailments and settlements included in distribution to Cable ONE	0	834	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans	(150,332)	(219,800)	(180,893)
Cash flow hedge (loss) gain	(334)	179	867
Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax	(115,429)	(222,402)	(399,046)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	37,235	83,602	153,032
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(78,194)	(138,800)	(246,014)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	91,264	(238,020)	1,047,246
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(868)	(1,435)	583
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 90,396	$ (239,455)	$ 1,047,829