Segment Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	$ 1,347,330	$ 1,733,687	$ 1,365,819
American Girl
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	94,288	90,820	84,997
North America
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	487,674	741,603	537,530
International
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	657,635	795,257	655,399
Worldwide | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	1,239,597	1,627,680	1,277,926
Worldwide | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Accounts receivable and inventories, net	$ 107,733	$ 106,007	$ 87,893