Classification and Amount of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income to Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of sales	$ (569,682)		$ (569,101)		$ (1,034,328)		$ (1,024,656)
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes	(14,371)		78,729		(23,792)		122,894
Provision for income taxes	42,696		(5,381)		40,899		(11,035)
Net Income	28,325		73,348		17,107		111,859
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Derivative Instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	29		(8)		(20)		(10)
Net Income	(2,830)		(326)		(5,597)		803
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Derivative Instruments | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of sales	(2,859)		(318)		(5,577)		813
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	264	[1]	126	[1]	528	[1]	252	[1]
Recognized actuarial loss	(3,664)	[1]	(5,146)	[1]	(7,326)	[1]	(10,292)	[1]
(Loss) Income Before Income Taxes	(3,400)		(5,020)		(6,798)		(10,040)
Provision for income taxes	1,207		1,900		2,425		3,800
Net Income	$ (2,193)		$ (3,120)		$ (4,373)		$ (6,240)

[1] The amortization of prior service credit and recognized actuarial loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to "Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements-Employee Benefit Plans" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding Mattel's net periodic benefit cost.