Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Basic:
Net income	$ 422,836		$ 365,937		$ 534,695		$ 469,984
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(3,642)	[1]	(3,301)	[1]	(4,889)	[1]	(4,517)	[1]
Net income available for basic common shares	419,194		362,636		529,806		465,467
Weighted average common shares outstanding	343,279		342,595		344,733		341,006
Basic net income per common share	$ 1.22		$ 1.06		$ 1.54		$ 1.36
Diluted:
Net income	422,836		365,937		534,695		469,984
Less net income allocable to participating RSUs	(3,615)	[1]	(3,266)	[1]	(4,872)	[1]	(4,497)	[1]
Net income available for diluted common shares	$ 419,221		$ 362,671		$ 529,823		$ 465,487
Weighted average common shares outstanding	343,279		342,595		344,733		341,006
Weighted average common equivalent shares arising from:
Dilutive stock options and non-participating RSUs	3,416		4,527		3,893		4,384
Weighted average number of common and potential common shares	346,695		347,122		348,626		345,390
Diluted net income per common share	$ 1.21		$ 1.04		$ 1.52		$ 1.35

[1] During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, Mattel allocated a proportionate share of both dividends and undistributed earnings to participating RSUs.