Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Basic:
Net income	$ 7,829		$ 16,607
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(98)	[1]	(201)	[1]
Net income available for basic common shares	7,731		16,406
Weighted average common shares outstanding	339,144		349,072
Basic net income per common share	$ 0.02		$ 0.05
Diluted:
Net income	7,829		16,607
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(112)	[1]	(199)	[1]
Net income available for diluted common shares	$ 7,717		$ 16,408
Weighted average common shares outstanding	339,144		349,072
Weighted average common equivalent shares arising from:
Dilutive stock options and non-participating RSUs	4,516		3,635
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares	343,660		352,707
Diluted net income per common share	$ 0.02		$ 0.05

[1] During the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, Mattel allocated a proportionate share of both dividends and undistributed earnings to participating RSUs