Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Basic:
Net Income	$ 365,937		$ 300,795		$ 469,984		$ 397,931
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(3,301)	[1]	(3,029)	[1]	(4,517)	[1]	(4,484)	[1]
Net income available for basic common shares	362,636		297,766		465,467		393,447
Weighted average common shares outstanding	342,595		343,191		341,006		346,441
Basic net income per common share	$ 1.06		$ 0.87		$ 1.36		$ 1.14
Diluted:
Net Income	365,937		300,795		469,984		397,931
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(3,266)	[1]	(3,002)	[1]	(4,497)	[1]	(4,465)	[1]
Net income available for diluted common shares	$ 362,671		$ 297,793		$ 465,487		$ 393,466
Weighted average common shares outstanding	342,595		343,191		341,006		346,441
Weighted average common equivalent shares arising from:
Dilutive stock options and non-participating RSUs	4,527		3,601		4,384		3,584
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares	347,122		346,792		345,390		350,025
Diluted net income per common share	$ 1.04		$ 0.86		$ 1.35		$ 1.12

[1] During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, Mattel allocated a proportionate share of both dividends and undistributed earnings to participating RSUs.