Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 21,086	$ 38,215
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	13,668	3,845
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the period, net	9,558	343
Reclassification of realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	(1,754)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	9,558	(1,411)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	120	104
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income	(1,823)	290
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	(1,703)	394
Cash flow hedge loss	(124)	0
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	21,399	2,828
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	(3,117)	407
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	18,282	3,235
Comprehensive Income	39,368	41,450
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	(435)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 39,368	$ 41,015