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																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of sales																	$ (3,022,797)		$ (3,006,009)		$ (3,011,684)
Income Before Income Taxes	216,522		394,180		(14,371)		(9,421)		461,891		514,343		78,729		44,165		586,910		1,099,128		945,045
Provision for income taxes																	(88,036)		(195,184)		(168,581)
Net Income	149,931	[1]	331,836	[1]	28,325	[1]	(11,218)	[1]	369,249	[1]	422,836	[1]	73,348	[1]	38,511	[1]	498,874		903,944		776,464
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Derivative Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes																	33		838		(45)
Net Income																	(883)		(4,897)		29,933
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Derivative Instruments | Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Cost of sales																	(916)		(5,735)		29,978
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit																	1,037	[2]	1,057	[2]	502	[2]
Recognized actuarial loss																	(15,788)	[2]	(21,771)	[2]	(19,137)	[2]
Settlement loss																			(1,835)	[2]	(3,534)	[2]
Income Before Income Taxes																	(14,751)		(22,549)		(22,169)
Provision for income taxes																	5,343		8,127		8,037
Net Income																	$ (9,408)		$ (14,422)		$ (14,132)

[1] Net loss for the first quarter of 2014 included $3.7 million of net tax expense primarily related to reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions, settlements, and enacted tax law changes. Net income for the second and third quarters of 2014 included net tax benefits of $40.1 million and $15.1 million, respectively, primarily related to reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions, settlements, and enacted tax law changes. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2014 included net tax expense of $8.9 million, primarily related to a tax charge related to a 2014 tax restructuring for the HIT Entertainment and MEGA Brands operations, partially offset by reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions around the world, settlements, and enacted tax law changes. Net income for the first quarter of 2013 included $4.0 million of net tax benefits primarily related to enacted tax law changes. Net income for the second and third quarter of 2013 included net tax benefits of $11.2 million and $17.0 million, respectively, primarily related to reassessments of prior years' tax liabilities based on the status of audits and tax filings in various jurisdictions, settlements, and enacted tax law changes.

[2] The amortization of prior service credit, recognized actuarial loss, and settlement loss are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. Refer to "Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements-Employee Benefit Plans" for additional information regarding Mattel's net periodic benefit cost.