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Worldwide Revenues by Brand Category (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
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									$ 6,718,448us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsGross	$ 7,117,813us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsGross	$ 7,052,603us-gaap_SalesRevenueGoodsGross
Sales adjustments									(694,629)	(632,921)	(631,722)
Net Sales	1,993,966us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	2,021,424us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	1,062,252us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	946,177us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	2,113,216us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	2,206,961us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	1,169,109us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	995,606us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	6,023,819us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	6,484,892us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	6,420,881us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Mattel Girls & Boys Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									3,897,218	4,315,855	4,186,550
Fisher-Price Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									1,842,550	2,120,719	2,252,339
American Girl Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									620,654	632,515	567,521
Construction and Arts & Crafts Brands
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									314,994
Other
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Gross sales									$ 43,032	$ 48,724	$ 46,193