Long-term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 2013 Senior Notes due March 2018	Mar. 31, 2013 2013 Senior Notes due March 2023	Mar. 31, 2013 2008 Senior Notes
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Principal of debt instrument	$ 250.0	$ 250.0
Debt instrument maturity date	Mar. 15, 2018	Mar. 15, 2023	Mar. 15, 2013
Issuance date	2013-03	2013-03
Interest rate	1.70%	3.15%	5.625%
Interest terms of Senior Notes	Interest on the 2013 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2013.	Interest on the 2013 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2013.
Redemption terms of 2013 Senior Notes	Mattel may redeem all or part of the 1.70% Senior Notes at any time or from time to time at its option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date, and (ii) a "make-whole" amount based on the yield of a comparable US Treasury security plus 15 basis points.	Mattel may redeem all or part of the 3.15% Senior Notes at any time or from time to time prior to December 15, 2022 (three months prior to the maturity date of the 3.15% Senior Notes) at its option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date, and (ii) a “make-whole” amount based on the yield of a comparable US Treasury security plus 20 basis points. Mattel may redeem all or part of the 3.15% Senior Notes at any time or from time to time on or after December 15, 2022 (three months prior to the maturity date for the 3.15% Senior Notes) at its option, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.
Redemption price option one	100.00%	100.00%
Redemption price option two	0.15%	0.20%
Repayment of senior notes			$ 350.0