Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 41,999	$ 61,199	$ 63,085	$ 99,414
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	9,638	(5,121)	23,306	(1,276)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, net	13,976	(5,307)	23,534	(4,964)
Reclassification of realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	(4,502)	0	(6,256)
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	13,976	(9,809)	23,534	(11,220)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	120	105	240	209
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss included in net income	(1,568)	289	(3,391)	579
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	(1,448)	394	(3,151)	788
Cash flow hedge loss	(19)	0	(143)	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax	22,147	(14,536)	43,546	(11,708)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,008)	3,766	(8,125)	4,173
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	17,139	(10,770)	35,421	(7,535)
Comprehensive Income	59,138	50,429	98,506	91,879
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3)	(433)	(3)	(868)
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 59,135	$ 49,996	$ 98,503	$ 91,011