Graham (GHC) 10-Q 6 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013
		Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Trading Symbol	'wpo	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WASHINGTON POST CO	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000104889	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	1,169,073	6,214,516

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Education	$546,452	$548,230	$527,815	$546,341	$551,696	$551,774	$546,685	$1,622,497	$1,650,155	$2,196,496	$2,404,459
Advertising	84,444	96,670	82,994	117,696	105,855	94,649	82,600	264,108	283,104	400,800	327,877
Subscriber and circulation	190,302	192,273	186,790	186,383	185,326	182,639	178,022	569,365	545,987	732,370	710,253
Other	81,281	52,423	39,241	45,471	34,760	25,368	20,305	172,945	80,433	125,904	83,408
Total Operating Revenues	902,479	889,596	836,840	895,891	877,637	854,430	827,612	2,628,915	2,559,679	3,455,570	3,525,997
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating	430,889	400,515	381,965	389,620	407,364	387,167	382,106	1,213,369	1,176,637	1,566,257	1,562,615
Selling, general and administrative	331,247	323,182	337,865	336,262	314,359	335,054	347,841	992,294	997,254	1,333,516	1,383,660
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	55,633	57,816	59,895	73,731	57,588	56,594	56,165	173,344	170,347	244,078	223,403
Amortization of intangible assets	2,837	3,313	3,717	7,610	5,090	4,407	3,839	9,867	13,336	20,946	22,201
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	111,593	'	0	0	'	'	111,593	0
Total Operating Costs and Expenses	820,606	784,826	783,442	918,816	784,401	783,222	789,951	2,388,874	2,357,574	3,276,390	3,191,879
Income from Operations	81,873	104,770	53,398	-22,925	93,236	71,208	37,661	240,041	202,105	179,180	334,118
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	5,892	3,868	3,418	2,785	4,099	3,314	3,888	13,178	11,301	14,086	5,949
Interest income	642	522	510	901	648	775	1,069	1,674	2,492	3,393	4,147
Interest expense	-9,221	-9,048	-8,960	-9,064	-8,738	-8,979	-9,163	-27,229	-26,880	-35,944	-33,226
Other income (expense), net	8,110	-12,858	-4,083	-17,572	4,163	-635	8,588	-8,831	12,116	-5,456	-55,200
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	87,296	87,254	44,283	-45,875	93,408	65,683	42,043	218,833	201,134	155,259	255,788
Provision for Income Taxes	31,000	34,500	17,800	5,100	37,000	23,900	17,200	83,300	78,100	83,200	104,400
Income from Continuing Operations	56,296	52,754	26,483	-50,975	56,408	41,783	24,843	135,533	123,034	72,059	151,388
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net Income	30,424	45,134	5,259	-45,375	93,947	52,047	31,568	80,817	177,562	132,187	117,157
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-75	-253	-97	-64	71	-11	-70	-425	-10	-74	-7
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company	30,349	44,881	5,162	-45,439	94,018	52,036	31,498	80,392	177,552	132,113	117,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	-205	-206	-444	0	-222	-222	-451	-855	-895	-895	-917
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	30,144	44,675	4,718	-45,439	93,796	51,814	31,047	79,537	176,657	131,218	116,233
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	56,016	52,295	25,942	-51,039	56,257	41,550	24,322	134,253	122,129	71,090	150,464
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$30,144	$44,675	$4,718	($45,439)	$93,796	$51,814	$31,047	$79,537	$176,657	$131,218	$116,233
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic income per common share from continuing operations	$7.55	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.09	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Basic net income per common share	$4.07	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.72	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	7,231	'	'	'	7,272	'	'	7,229	7,405	'	'
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations	$7.53	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.07	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Diluted net income per common share	$4.05	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.70	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	7,337	'	'	'	7,376	'	'	7,316	7,508	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$30,424	$93,947	$80,817	$177,562
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments arising during the period	5,639	5,321	-2,061	4,233
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	-1,409	0	-888
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	5,639	3,912	-2,061	3,345
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period	938	-5,966	81,439	32,939
Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	0	-884	-772
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	938	-5,966	80,555	32,167
Pension and other postretirement plans:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	-384	-469	-1,205	-1,390
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	2,004	2,592	6,325	6,839
Settlement gain included in net income	0	0	-3,471	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	1,620	2,123	1,649	5,449
Cash flow hedge gain (loss)	15	217	259	-1,160
Other Comprehensive Income, Before Tax	8,212	286	80,402	39,801
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of other comprehensive income	-1,028	1,451	-32,985	-14,580
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax	7,184	1,737	47,417	25,221
Comprehensive Income	37,608	95,684	128,234	202,783
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-75	76	-447	-31
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company	$37,533	$95,760	$127,787	$202,752

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$440,810	$512,431
Restricted cash	47,205	28,538
Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments	497,662	418,938
Accounts receivable, net	375,223	399,204
Deferred income taxes	0	3,974
Inventories	2,484	7,985
Other current assets	76,936	82,692
Current assets of discontinued operations	70,360	0
Total Current Assets	1,510,680	1,453,762
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	910,636	1,081,237
Investments In Affiliates	32,997	15,535
Goodwill, Net	1,293,482	1,317,915
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	541,478	539,728
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net	43,542	45,577
Prepaid Pension Cost	529,165	604,823
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	49,161	46,492
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations	184,740	0
Total Assets	5,095,881	5,105,069
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	478,827	486,396
Income taxes payable	22,341	726
Deferred income taxes	29,669	0
Deferred revenue	402,074	395,837
Dividends declared	206	0
Short-term borrowings	3,022	243,327
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	57,823	0
Total Current Liabilities	993,962	1,126,286
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	36,301	59,949
Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits	215,649	216,280
Other Liabilities	86,021	109,774
Deferred Income Taxes	521,489	529,427
Long-Term Debt	448,067	453,384
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	45,732	0
Total Liabilities	2,347,221	2,495,100
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	5,982	12,655
Redeemable Preferred Stock	10,665	11,096
Preferred Stock	0	0
Common Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock	20,000	20,000
Capital in excess of par value	261,751	240,746
Retained earnings	4,626,311	4,546,775
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	24,011	26,072
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	158,886	110,553
Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans	118,159	117,169
Cash flow hedge	-785	-940
Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury	-2,476,613	-2,474,347
Total Common Stockholders' Equity	2,731,720	2,586,028
Noncontrolling interests	293	190
Total Equity	2,732,013	2,586,218
Total Liabilities and Equity	$5,095,881	$5,105,069

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash of discontinued operations	$849

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities	'	'
Net Income	$80,817	$177,562
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	191,388	190,111
Amortization of intangible assets	9,867	13,833
Net pension expense	11,425	9,980
Early retirement program expense	22,700	8,508
Stock-based compensation	34,429	10,570
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	9,350	-3,179
Net loss (gain) on sales of businesses	70	-23,759
Net gain on sales or write-downs of marketable equity securities and cost method investments	-714	-7,237
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of distributions	-13,168	-10,577
Benefit for deferred income taxes	-8,802	-15,756
Net loss on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment and other assets	1,476	545
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable, net	-32,717	-11,984
Decrease in inventories	1,138	1,690
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	8,587	-24,885
Increase in deferred revenue	31,885	20,070
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable	21,884	-35,341
(Increase) decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net	-23,329	-7,315
Other	1,340	2,674
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	347,626	295,510
Cash Flows from Investing Activities	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-143,298	-152,391
Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired	-19,927	-8,971
Purchases of marketable equity securities and other investments	-12,029	-46,324
Net proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and other assets	5,800	75,106
Other	-3	1,477
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-169,457	-131,103
Cash Flows from Financing Activities	'	'
Repayment of short-term borrowing	-240,121	-109,671
Common shares repurchased	-4,196	-97,545
Purchase of shares from a noncontrolling interest	-3,115	0
Dividends paid	-649	-56,235
Other	536	19,561
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-247,545	-243,890
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change	-1,396	4,038
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-70,772	-75,445
Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents	512,431	381,099
Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents	440,810	305,654
Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Cash of Discontinued Operations	$441,659	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Beginning Balance	'	'	$2,586,218	'	'	'	'	$2,586,218	'	'	'
Net income for the year	30,424	45,134	5,259	-45,375	93,947	52,047	31,568	80,817	177,562	132,187	117,157
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(s)	75	253	97	64	-71	11	70	425	10	74	7
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	205	206	444	0	222	222	451	855	895	895	917
Repurchase of Class B common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,196	97,545	'	'
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5,639	'	'	'	3,912	'	'	-2,061	3,345	'	'
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	563	'	'	'	-3,579	'	'	48,333	19,301	'	'
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	-973	'	'	'	-1,274	'	'	-990	-3,270	'	'
Cash Flow Hedge	9	'	'	'	130	'	'	155	-695	'	'
Ending Balance	$2,732,013	'	'	$2,586,218	'	'	'	$2,732,013	'	$2,586,218	'

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	1. ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	The Washington Post Company, Inc. (the Company) is a diversified education and media company. The Company's Kaplan subsidiary provides a wide variety of educational services, both domestically and outside the United States. The Company's media operations consist of the ownership and operation of cable television systems and television broadcasting (through the ownership and operation of six television broadcast stations).
	The Company announced on August 5, 2013 that it had entered into an agreement to sell The Washington Post, and some other newspaper publishing entities. On October 1, 2013, the Company completed such sale. The operating results of The Washington Post and publishing businesses sold have been presented in (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented.
	Financial Periods – The Company and its subsidiaries report on a calendar-quarter basis.
	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with: (i) generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information; (ii) the instructions to Form 10-Q; and (iii) the guidance of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for financial statements required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company, including its domestic and foreign subsidiaries that are more than 50% owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. As permitted under such rules, certain notes and other financial information normally required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Management believes the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the periods presented herein. The Company's results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 may not be indicative of the Company's future results. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported herein. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates.
	Assets Held for Sale – An asset or business is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell the asset or business; (ii) the asset or business is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) the asset or business is actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price; (iv) the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (v) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The assets and related liabilities are aggregated and reported separately in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements – In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued final guidance on the presentation of reclassifications out of other comprehensive income to net income. The amendment requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in a footnote, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, only if the amount reclassified is required by GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide detail about those amounts. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of the amendment in the first quarter of 2013 is reflected in the Company's Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations [Text Block]	'
	2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	On August 5, 2013, after approval by the Company's Board of Directors on the same day, the Company announced that it had entered into a binding letter agreement (the Letter Agreement) with Nash Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Purchaser), and Explore Holdings LLC, a Washington limited liability company, as guarantor (the Guarantor), to sell all the issued and outstanding equity securities of each of WP Company LLC, Express Publications Company, LLC, El Tiempo Latino, LLC, Robinson Terminal Warehouse, LLC, Greater Washington Publishing, LLC and Post-Newsweek Media, LLC (the Publishing Subsidiaries). The Publishing Subsidiaries together conducted most of the Company's publishing businesses, including publishing The Washington Post, Express, The Gazette Newspapers, Southern Maryland Newspapers, Fairfax County Times and El Tiempo Latino and related websites, and operating Washington Post Live and Washington Post News Media Services and the Company's commercial printing and distribution business and paper handling and storage business (collectively, the Publishing Business), subject to satisfying certain conditions.
	On October 1, 2013, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement and completed the sale. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser acquired all the issued and outstanding equity securities of each of the entities that comprise the Publishing Subsidiaries for $250 million, subject to customary adjustment for cash, debt and working capital of the Publishing Subsidiaries at closing. The Purchaser also acquired all other assets of the Company primarily related to the Publishing Business, including all of the Company's rights in the name “The Washington Post”. The Company will change its corporate name within 60 days of the October 1 closing. The Company retained its interest in Classified Ventures, LLC, Slate magazine, TheRoot.com and Foreign Policy, as well as the WaPo Labs and SocialCode business and certain real estate, including the headquarters building in downtown Washington, DC and certain land and property in Alexandria, VA. The liabilities under the Retirement Plan for The Washington Post Companies relating to the active employees of the Publishing Business will be transferred to the Purchaser, along with pension assets that have a value equal to the projected benefit obligation in respect of these active employees plus an additional $50 million. The results of operations of Publishing Subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax.
	The Company will not record the gain or the net proceeds on the sale until the fourth quarter of 2013; however, the Company recognized $28.4 million (after-tax impact of $18.3 million) in expenses related to the sale that are included in discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2013. These costs include the net impact of accelerated vesting provisions and forfeitures of restricted stock awards and stock options that were made in contemplation of the sale, and certain other transaction-related expenses. Also included in discontinued operations is $22.7 million (after-tax basis of $14.5 million) in early retirement program expense for the first nine months of 2013 and $7.5 million (after-tax basis of $4.6 million) and $8.5 million (after-tax basis of $5.3 million) for the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively. The historical pension and postretirement benefits expense for retirees has been excluded from the reclassification of the Publishing Subsidiaries' results to discontinued operations, since the associated assets and liabilities will be retained by the Company. Although the Company has retained ownership of certain real estate assets, including the headquarters building in downtown Washington, DC, related operating costs are included in the reclassification of the Publishing Subsidiaries' results to discontinued operations since the Purchase Agreement includes a lease to the buyer for the real estate assets that provides for recovery of operating costs by the Company.
	All corresponding prior period operating results presented in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes have been reclassified to reflect the discontinued operations presented. The assets and liabilities of the Publishing Subsidiaries have been classified on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of September 30, 2013. The Company did not reclassify its Statements of Cash Flows or prior Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the discontinued operations.
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of the Publishing Subsidiaries included in discontinued operations at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
					September 30,
	(in thousands)				2013
	Cash and cash equivalents				$	849
	Accounts receivable, net					60,369
	Inventories					3,965
	Other current assets					5,177
		Current Assets of Discontinued Operations			$	70,360
	Property, plant and equipment, net				$	116,639
	Goodwill, net					13,602
	Prepaid pension cost					50,000
	Deferred charges and other assets					4,499
		Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations			$	184,740
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				$	35,616
	Deferred revenue					22,207
		Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations			$	57,823
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions				$	24,999
	Accrued compensation and related benefits					8,998
	Other liabilities					11,735
		Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations			$	45,732
	In March 2013, the Company completed the sale of The Herald, a daily and Sunday newspaper headquartered in Everett, WA. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchaser received most of the assets and liabilities; however, certain land and buildings and other assets and liabilities were retained by the Company. The results of operations of The Herald for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax.
	In August 2012, the Company completed the sale of Kidum and recorded a pre-tax gain of $3.6 million and an after-tax gain of $10.2 million related to this sale in the third quarter of 2012. On July 31, 2012, the Company disposed of its interest in Avenue100 Media Solutions, Inc. and recorded a pre-tax loss of $5.7 million related to the disposition. An income tax benefit of $44.5 million was also recorded in the third quarter of 2012 as the Company determined that Avenue100 had no value. The income tax benefit was due to the Company's tax basis in the stock of Avenue100 exceeding its net book value, as a result of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges recorded in 2008, 2010 and 2011 for which no tax benefit was previously recorded. In April 2012, the Company completed the sale of Kaplan EduNeering. Under the terms of the agreement, the purchaser acquired the stock of EduNeering and received substantially all the assets and liabilities. In the second quarter of 2012, the Company recorded an after-tax gain of $18.5 million related to this sale. In February 2012, Kaplan completed the stock sale of Kaplan Learning Technologies (KLT) and recorded an after-tax loss on the sale of $1.9 million. The Company recorded $23.2 million of income tax benefits in the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the sale of its stock in EduNeering and KLT related to the excess of the outside stock tax basis over the net book value of the net assets disposed. The results of operations of Kidum, Avenue100, EduNeering, and KLT, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are included in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax.
	The summarized income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Operating revenues		$	124,725		$	137,668		$	382,705		$	441,308
	Operating costs and expenses			-165,380			-155,701			-467,434			-491,698
	Loss from discontinued operations			-40,655			-18,033			-84,729			-50,390
	Benefit from income taxes			-14,783			-5,568			-30,059			-16,568
	Net Loss from Discontinued Operations			-25,872			-12,465			-54,670			-33,822
	(Loss) gain on sales of discontinued operations			―			-2,174			-70			23,759
	Benefit from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations			―			-52,178			-24			-64,591
	(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax		$	-25,872		$	37,539		$	-54,716		$	54,528
	The following table summarizes the 2013 quarterly operating results of the Company following the reclassification of the operations discussed above as discontinued operations:
			March 31,			June 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2013			2013
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	527,815		$	548,230
		Advertising		82,994			96,670
		Subscriber and circulation		186,790			192,273
		Other		39,241			52,423
				836,840			889,596
	Operating Costs and Expenses
		Operating		381,965			400,515
		Selling, general and administrative		337,865			323,182
		Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		59,895			57,816
		Amortization of intangible assets		3,717			3,313
				783,442			784,826
	Income from Operations			53,398			104,770
		Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		3,418			3,868
		Interest income		510			522
		Interest expense		-8,960			-9,048
		Other expense, net		-4,083			-12,858
	Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes			44,283			87,254
	Provision for Income Taxes			17,800			34,500
	Income from Continuing Operations			26,483			52,754
	Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			-21,224			-7,620
Net Income			5,259			45,134
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			-97			-253
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			5,162			44,881
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			-444			-206
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders		$	4,718		$	44,675
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations		$	25,942		$	52,295
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			-21,224			-7,620
Net income attributable to the Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	4,718		$	44,675
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	3.5		$	7.05
Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations			-2.86			-1.03
Basic net income per common share		$	0.64		$	6.02
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	3.5		$	7.05
Diluted loss per common share from discontinued operations			-2.86			-1.03
Diluted net income per common share		$	0.64		$	6.02
The following table summarizes the 2012 quarterly operating results of the Company following the reclassification of the operations discussed above as discontinued operations:
			March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)			2012			2012			2012			2012
Operating Revenues
	Education		$	546,685		$	551,774		$	551,696		$	546,341
	Advertising			82,600			94,649			105,855			117,696
	Subscriber and circulation			178,022			182,639			185,326			186,383
	Other			20,305			25,368			34,760			45,471
				827,612			854,430			877,637			895,891
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating			382,106			387,167			407,364			389,620
	Selling, general and administrative			347,841			335,054			314,359			336,262
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment			56,165			56,594			57,588			73,731
	Amortization of intangible assets			3,839			4,407			5,090			7,610
	Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets			―			―			―			111,593
				789,951			783,222			784,401			918,816
Income (Loss) from Operations				37,661			71,208			93,236			-22,925
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net			3,888			3,314			4,099			2,785
	Interest income			1,069			775			648			901
	Interest expense			-9,163			-8,979			-8,738			-9,064
	Other income (expense), net			8,588			-635			4,163			-17,572
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes				42,043			65,683			93,408			-45,875
Provision for Income Taxes				17,200			23,900			37,000			5,100
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations				24,843			41,783			56,408			-50,975
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax				6,725			10,264			37,539			5,600
Net Income (Loss)				31,568			52,047			93,947			-45,375
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests				-70			-11			71			-64
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company				31,498			52,036			94,018			-45,439
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends				-451			-222			-222			―
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders		$	31,047		$	51,814		$	93,796		$	-45,439
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations			$	24,322		$	41,550		$	56,257		$	-51,039
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax				6,725			10,264			37,539			5,600
Net income (loss) attributable to the Washington Post
	Company common stockholders		$	31,047		$	51,814		$	93,796		$	-45,439
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	3.17		$	5.48		$	7.58		$	-7.35
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations				0.9			1.36			5.06			0.78
Basic net income (loss) per common share			$	4.07		$	6.84		$	12.64		$	-6.57
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	3.17		$	5.48		$	7.58		$	-7.35
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations				0.9			1.36			5.06			0.78
Diluted net income (loss) per common share			$	4.07		$	6.84		$	12.64		$	-6.57
The following table summarizes the annual operating results of the Company following the reclassification of operations discussed above as discontinued operations:
(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2012			2011
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	2,196,496		$	2,404,459
	Advertising		400,800			327,877
	Subscriber and circulation		732,370			710,253
	Other		125,904			83,408
			3,455,570			3,525,997
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating		1,566,257			1,562,615
	Selling, general and administrative		1,333,516			1,383,660
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		244,078			223,403
	Amortization of intangible assets		20,946			22,201
	Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		111,593			―
			3,276,390			3,191,879
Income from Operations			179,180			334,118
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		14,086			5,949
	Interest income		3,393			4,147
	Interest expense		-35,944			-33,226
	Other expense, net		-5,456			-55,200
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			155,259			255,788
Provision for Income Taxes			83,200			104,400
Income from Continuing Operations			72,059			151,388
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			60,128			-34,231
Net Income			132,187			117,157
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			-74			-7
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			132,113			117,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			-895			-917
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders		$	131,218		$	116,233
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations		$	71,090		$	150,464
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			60,128			-34,231
Net income attributable to the Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	131,218		$	116,233
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common
	Stockholders
Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	9.22		$	19.03
Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations			8.17			-4.33
Basic net income per common share		$	17.39		$	14.7
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	9.22		$	19.03
Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations			8.17			-4.33
Diluted net income per common share		$	17.39		$	14.7

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments [Text Block]	'
	3. INVESTMENTS
	Investments in marketable equity securities comprised the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Total cost	$	193,159	$	195,832
	Net unrealized gains		264,810		184,255
	Total Fair Value	$	457,969	$	380,087
	There were no new investments in marketable equity securities during the first nine months of 2013. The Company invested $45.0 million in marketable equity securities during the first nine months of 2012. During the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, the proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities were $3.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and net realized gains on such sales were $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has a $7.0 million unrealized loss on its investment in Strayer Education, Inc., a publicly traded company. At September 30, 2013, the investment has been in an unrealized loss position for under six months. The Company evaluated this investment for other-than-temporary impairment based on various factors, including the duration and severity of the unrealized loss, the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period, and the ability and intent to hold the investment and concluded that the unrealized loss is not other-than-temporary as of September 30, 2013. If any impairment is considered other-than-temporary, the investment will be written down to its fair market value with a corresponding charge to the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions and Dispositions [Text Block]	'
	4. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
	Acquisitions. In the first nine months of 2013, the Company acquired five small businesses included in other businesses and in its education division; the purchase price allocation mostly comprised goodwill and other intangible assets on a preliminary basis. In the first nine months of 2012, the Company acquired four small businesses included in its education division and in other businesses; the purchase price allocation mostly comprised goodwill and other intangible assets. The assets and liabilities of the companies acquired have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
	On August 1, 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Forney Corporation, a global supplier of products and systems that control and monitor combustion processes in electric utility and industrial applications. The operating results of Forney are included in other businesses.
	In the second quarter of 2013, Kaplan purchased the remaining 15% noncontrolling interest in Kaplan China; this additional interest was accounted for as an equity transaction.
	In September 2012, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Celtic Healthcare, Inc. (Celtic), a provider of home healthcare and hospice services in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions. The transaction closed on November 5, 2012. The operating results of Celtic are included in other businesses.
	Dispositions. On August 5, 2013, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell its Publishing Subsidiaries that together conducted most of the Company's publishing business and related services, including publishing The Washington Post, Express, The Gazette Newspapers, Southern Maryland Newspapers, Fairfax County Times and El Tiempo Latino and related websites. Slate magazine, TheRoot.com and Foreign Policy are not part of the transaction and will remain with The Washington Post Company, as will the WaPo Labs and SocialCode businesses, the Company's interest in Classified Ventures and certain real estate assets, including the headquarters building in downtown Washington, DC. On October 1, 2013, the Company completed the sale.
	In March 2013, the Company completed the sale of The Herald, a daily and Sunday newspaper headquartered in Everett, WA. The Herald was previously reported in the newspaper publishing division.
	The Company divested its interested in Avenue100 Media Solutions in July 2012, which was previously reported in other businesses. Kaplan completed the sales of Kidum in August 2012, EduNeering in April 2012 and Kaplan Learning Technologies in February 2012, which were part of the Kaplan Ventures division.
	Consequently, the Company's income from continuing operations excludes these sold businesses, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax (see Note 2).

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]	'
	5. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2.8 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $9.9 million and $13.3 million, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $4 million for the remainder of 2013, $11 million in 2014, $9 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016, $5 million in 2017, $4 million in 2018 and $3 million thereafter.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, were as follows:
						Cable			Newspaper			Television			Other
	(in thousands)		Education			Television			Publishing			Broadcasting			Businesses			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Goodwill	$	1,097,058		$	85,488		$	81,183		$	203,165		$	19,052		$	1,485,946
		Accumulated impairment losses		-102,259			―			-65,772			―			―			-168,031
				994,799			85,488			15,411			203,165			19,052			1,317,915
	Reallocation, net			―			―			-1,809			―			1,809			―
	Acquisitions			―			―			―			―			7,924			7,924
	Reclassification to discontinued operations			―			―			-13,602			―			―			-13,602
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			-18,755			―			―			―			―			-18,755
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
		Goodwill		1,078,303			85,488			―			203,165			34,867			1,401,823
		Accumulated impairment losses		-102,259			―			―			―			-6,082			-108,341
			$	976,044		$	85,488		$	―		$	203,165		$	28,785		$	1,293,482
	The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company's education division were as follows:
			Higher			Test			Kaplan
	(in thousands)		Education			Preparation			International			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Goodwill	$	409,184		$	152,187		$	535,687		$	1,097,058
		Accumulated impairment losses		―			-102,259			―			-102,259
				409,184			49,928			535,687			994,799
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			-79			―			-18,676			-18,755
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
		Goodwill		409,105			152,187			517,011			1,078,303
		Accumulated impairment losses		―			-102,259			―			-102,259
			$	409,105		$	49,928		$	517,011		$	976,044
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
					As of September 30, 2013									As of December 31, 2012
					Gross						Net			Gross						Net
			Useful Life		Carrying			Accumulated			Carrying			Carrying			Accumulated			Carrying
	(in thousands)		Range		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amount			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized Intangible Assets
		Non-compete agreements	2-5 years		$	14,054		$	13,038		$	1,016		$	14,008		$	12,546		$	1,462
		Student and customer relationships	2-10 years			70,918			42,141			28,777			73,693			40,787			32,906
		Databases and technology	3-5 years			10,539			6,457			4,082			6,457			5,707			750
		Trade names and trademarks	2-10 years			26,100			19,124			6,976			26,634			18,185			8,449
		Other	1-25 years			9,828			7,137			2,691			8,849			6,839			2,010
					$	131,439		$	87,897		$	43,542		$	129,641		$	84,064		$	45,577
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
		Franchise agreements			$	496,321								$	496,321
		Wireless licenses				22,150									22,150
		Licensure and accreditation				7,371									7,371
		Other				15,636									13,886
					$	541,478								$	539,728

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt [Text Block]	'
	6. DEBT
	The Company's borrowings consist of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	397,790	$	397,479
	USD Revolving credit borrowing		―		240,121
	AUD Revolving credit borrowing		46,589		51,915
	Other indebtedness		6,710		7,196
	Total Debt		451,089		696,711
	Less: current portion		-3,022		-243,327
	Total Long-Term Debt	$	448,067	$	453,384
	The Company's other indebtedness at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is at interest rates from 0% to 6% and matures from 2013 to 2017.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $449.8 million and $456.3 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 7.0%. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred net interest expense of $8.6 million and $8.1 million, respectively.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $477.5 million and $467.3 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 7.0%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company incurred net interest expense of $25.6 million and $24.4 million, respectively.
	At September 30, 2013, the fair value of the Company's 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $475.1 million, compared with the carrying amount of $397.8 million. At December 31, 2012, the fair value of the Company's 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $481.4 million, compared with the carrying amount of $397.5 million. The carrying value of the Company's other unsecured debt at September 30, 2013 approximates fair value.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]	'
	7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability based on a three-tiered hierarchy that draws a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2); and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measure. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
	(in thousands)			Level 1		Level 2		Total
	As of September 30, 2013
	Assets
		Money market investments (1)		$	―	$	296,914	$	296,914
		Marketable equity securities (3)			457,969		―		457,969
		Other current investments (4)			16,413		23,281		39,694
			Total Financial Assets	$	474,382	$	320,195	$	794,577
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)		$	―	$	63,685	$	63,685
		7.25% unsecured notes (6)			―		475,144		475,144
		AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)			―		46,589		46,589
		Interest rate swap (7)			―		1,308		1,308
			Total Financial Liabilities	$	―	$	586,726	$	586,726
	As of December 31, 2012
	Assets
		Money market investments (2)		$	―	$	432,670	$	432,670
		Marketable equity securities (3)			380,087		―		380,087
		Other current investments (4)			14,134		24,717		38,851
			Total Financial Assets	$	394,221	$	457,387	$	851,608
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)		$	―	$	62,297	$	62,297
		7.25% unsecured notes (6)			―		481,424		481,424
		AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)			―		51,915		51,915
		Interest rate swap (7)			―		1,567		1,567
			Total Financial Liabilities	$	―	$	597,203	$	597,203
	____________
	(1)       The Company's money market investments are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	(2)       The Company's money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
	(3)       The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
	(4)       Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).
	(5)       Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.
	(6)       See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.
	(7)       Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.
	For assets that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, the total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs are primarily valued by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, adjusted for any terms specific to that asset or liability.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	8. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The Company's earnings per share from continuing operations (basic and diluted) are presented below:
				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations attributable to The
		Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	56,016	$	56,257	$	134,253	$	122,129
	Less: Amount attributable to participating securities				-1,444		-1,117		-3,462		-2,398
	Basic income from continuing operations attributable to
		The Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	54,572	$	55,140	$	130,791	$	119,731
	Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities				1,444		1,117		3,462		2,398
	Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to
		The Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	56,016	$	56,257	$	134,253	$	122,129
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding				7,231		7,272		7,229		7,405
	Plus: Effect of dilutive shares
		Stock options			15		―		8		―
		Restricted stock			91		104		79		103
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding				7,337		7,376		7,316		7,508
	Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable
		to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders:
			Basic	$	7.55	$	7.58	$	18.09	$	16.17
			Diluted	$	7.53	$	7.58	$	18.07	$	16.17
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the basic earnings per share computed under the two-class method is lower than the diluted earnings per share computed under the treasury stock method for participating securities, resulting in the presentation of the lower amount in diluted earnings per share. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 exclude the effects of 13,000 and 63,000 stock options outstanding, respectively, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 exclude the effects of 8,800 restricted stock awards, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 exclude the effects of 123,494 and 111,994 stock options outstanding, respectively, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 exclude the effects of 51,500 restricted stock awards, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive.
	In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company declared regular dividends totaling $2.45 and $9.80 per share, respectively. In December 2012, the Company declared and paid an accelerated cash dividend totaling $9.80 per share, in lieu of regular quarterly dividends that the Company otherwise would have declared and paid in calendar year 2013.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla

Pension and Postretirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Pension and Postretirement Plans [Text Block]	'
	9. PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
	Defined Benefit Plans. The total cost arising from the Company's defined benefit pension plans, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	12,713		$	10,876		$	38,788	$	28,684
	Interest cost		14,242			14,828			42,776		44,248
	Expected return on assets		-26,817			-23,779			-78,606		-72,301
	Amortization of prior service cost		908			919			2,726		2,775
	Recognized actuarial loss		1,797			2,502			5,741		6,574
	Net Periodic Cost		2,843			5,346			11,425		9,980
	Early retirement programs expense		―			7,486			22,700		8,508
	Total Cost	$	2,843		$	12,832		$	34,125	$	18,488
	The total cost above includes $5.6 million and $42.2 million in costs associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries that are included in discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the costs associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries were $13.9 million and $26.3 million, respectively.
	The Company announced a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program in February 2013, which was offered to certain employees of the Washington Post newspaper. The total early retirement program expense for this program for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $20.4 million. Of this amount, $12.0 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2013 and $8.4 million was recorded in the second quarter of 2013. In addition, the Washington Post newspaper recorded $2.3 million in special separation benefits for a group of employees in the first quarter of 2013. The early retirement program expense and special separation benefits for these programs are being funded from the assets of the Company's pension plan and are included in discontinued operations, net of tax, in 2013.
	In the third quarter of 2012, the Company offered a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program to certain employees of The Washington Post newspaper and recorded early retirement program expense of $7.5 million. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company offered a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program to certain employees of Post-Newsweek Media and recorded early retirement program expense of $1.0 million. The early retirement program expense for these programs was funded from the assets of the Company's pension plan and are included in discontinued operations, net of tax, in 2012.
	The total cost arising from the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	429		$	367		$	1,288	$	1,100
	Interest cost		1,023			1,060			3,069		3,181
	Amortization of prior service cost		14			14			41		41
	Recognized actuarial loss		711			458			2,133		1,375
	Total Cost	$	2,177		$	1,899		$	6,531	$	5,697
	The total cost above includes $0.2 million and $0.6 million in costs associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries that are included in discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the costs associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries were $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
	Defined Benefit Plan Assets. The Company's defined benefit pension obligations are funded by a portfolio made up of a relatively small number of stocks and high-quality fixed-income securities that are held by a third-party trustee. The assets of the Company's pension plan were allocated as follows:
		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	U.S. equities		60	%			64	%
	U.S. fixed income		12	%			13	%
	International equities		28	%			23	%
			100	%			100	%
	Essentially all of the assets are actively managed by two investment companies. The goal of the investment managers is to produce moderate long-term growth in the value of these assets, while protecting them against large decreases in value. Both of these managers may invest in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities and cash. The managers are not permitted to invest in securities of the Company or in alternative investments. The investment managers cannot invest more than 20% of the assets at the time of purchase in the stock of Berkshire Hathaway or more than 10% of the assets in the securities of any other single issuer, except for obligations of the U.S. Government, without receiving prior approval by the Plan administrator. As of September 30, 2013, the managers can invest no more than 24% of the assets in international stocks at the time the investment is made, and no less than 10% of the assets could be invested in fixed-income securities. None of the assets is managed internally by the Company.
	In determining the expected rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance. In addition, the Company may consult with and consider the input of financial and other professionals in developing appropriate return benchmarks.
	The Company evaluated its defined benefit pension plan asset portfolio for the existence of significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10% of plan assets) of credit risk as of September 30, 2013. Types of concentrations that were evaluated include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country and individual fund. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the pension plan held common stock in one investment that exceeded 10% of total plan assets. This investment was valued at $389.3 million and $223.1 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, or approximately 16% and 11%, respectively, of total plan assets. Assets also included $228.6 million and $179.9 million of Berkshire Hathaway common stock at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the pension plan held investments in one foreign country that exceeded 10% of total plan assets. These investments were valued at $406.4 million and $240.4 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, or approximately 16% and 12%, respectively, of total plan assets.
	Other Postretirement Plans. The total benefit arising from the Company's other postretirement plans, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	728		$	778		$	2,183	$	2,335
	Interest cost		508			684			1,525		2,052
	Amortization of prior service credit		-1,306			-1,402			-3,972		-4,206
	Recognized actuarial gain		-504			-370			-1,549		-1,110
	Net Periodic Benefit		-574			-310			-1,813		-929
	Settlement gain		―			―			-3,471		―
	Total Periodic Benefit	$	-574		$	-310		$	-5,284	$	-929
	The total benefit above includes $1.5 million and $2.8 million in benefits associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries that are included in discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the benefit associated with the Publishing Subsidiaries was $0.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
	As part of the sale of The Herald, changes were made with respect to its postretirement medical plan, resulting in a $3.5 million settlement gain that is included in discontinued operations, net of tax, for the first quarter of 2013.
	Disposition of Publishing Business. In connection with the October 1, 2013 sale of the Publishing Business, the liabilities under the Retirement Plan for The Washington Post Companies relating to the active employees of the Publishing Business will be transferred to the Purchaser, along with pension assets that have a value equal to the projected benefit obligation in respect of these active employees plus an additional $50 million. In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company will recognize net curtailment and settlement gains (losses) related to this transfer as well as a remeasurement of each of the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans. Additionally, the Company excluded the historical pension and postretirement benefits expense for retirees from the reclassification of the Publishing Subsidiaries' results to discontinued operations, since the associated assets and liabilities will be retained by the Company.

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Abstract]	'
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Text Block]	'
	10. OTHER NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)
	A summary of non-operating income (expense) is as follows:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net		$	7,886	$	3,111	$	-9,350	$	3,179
	(Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities			―		-28		879		477
	Gain (loss) on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net			18		-112		-160		6,760
	Other, net			206		1,192		-200		1,700
		Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	$	8,110	$	4,163	$	-8,831	$	12,116

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block]	'
	11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The other comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following components:
				Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013										2012
				Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax			Before-Tax			Income		After-Tax
	(in thousands)			Amount			Tax			Amount			Amount			Tax		Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
		Translation adjustments arising during the period		$	5,639		$	―		$	5,639		$	5,321		$	―	$	5,321
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations			―			―			―			-1,409			―		-1,409
					5,639			―			5,639			3,912			―		3,912
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
		Unrealized gains (losses) for the period			938			-375			563			-5,966			2,387		-3,579
					938			-375			563			-5,966			2,387		-3,579
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
		Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income			-384			154			-230			-469			187		-282
		Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income			2,004			-801			1,203			2,592			-1,036		1,556
					1,620			-647			973			2,123			-849		1,274
	Cash flow hedge:
		Gain for the period			15			-6			9			217			-87		130
	Other Comprehensive Income			$	8,212		$	-1,028		$	7,184		$	286		$	1,451	$	1,737
				Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013										2012
				Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax			Before-Tax			Income		After-Tax
	(in thousands)			Amount			Tax			Amount			Amount			Tax		Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
		Translation adjustments arising during the period		$	-2,061		$	―		$	-2,061		$	4,233		$	―	$	4,233
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations			―			―			―			-888			―		-888
					-2,061			―			-2,061			3,345			―		3,345
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
		Unrealized gains for the period			81,439			-32,575			48,864			32,939			-13,175		19,764
		Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale
			securities included in net income		-884			353			-531			-772			309		-463
					80,555			-32,222			48,333			32,167			-12,866		19,301
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
		Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income			-1,205			482			-723			-1,390			556		-834
		Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income			6,325			-2,529			3,796			6,839			-2,735		4,104
		Settlement gain included in net income			-3,471			1,388			-2,083			―			―		―
					1,649			-659			990			5,449			-2,179		3,270
	Cash flow hedge:
		Gain (loss) for the period			259			-104			155			-1,160			465		-695
	Other Comprehensive Income			$	80,402		$	-32,985		$	47,417		$	39,801		$	-14,580	$	25,221
	The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
				Cumulative						Unrealized Gain
				Foreign						on Pensions						Accumulated
				Currency			Unrealized Gain			and Other						Other
				Translation			on Available-for-			Postretirement			Cash Flow			Comprehensive
	(in thousands, net of taxes)			Adjustment			Sale Securities			Plans			Hedge			Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	26,072		$	110,553		$	117,169		$	-940		$	252,854
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before
			reclassifications		-2,061			48,864			―			-198			46,605
		Net amount reclassified from accumulated
			other comprehensive income		―			-531			990			353			812
		Net other comprehensive income (loss)			-2,061			48,333			990			155			47,417
	Balance as of September 30, 2013			$	24,011		$	158,886		$	118,159		$	-785		$	300,271
	The amounts and line items of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are as follows:
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the
			September 30,						September 30,						Condensed Consolidated
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012			Statement of Operations
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	$	―		$	-1,409		$	―		$	-888		(Loss) Income from Discontinued
															Operations, Net of Tax
	Unrealized Gains on Available-for-sale Securities:
	Realized gains for the period		―			―			-884			-772		Other income (expense), net
			―			―			353			309		Provision for Income Taxes
			―			―			-531			-463		Net of Tax
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
	Amortization of net prior service credit		-384			-469			-1,205			-1,390		-1
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,004			2,592			6,325			6,839		-1
	Settlement gain		―			―			-3,471			―		-1
			1,620			2,123			1,649			5,449		Before tax
			-647			-849			-659			-2,179		Provision for Income Taxes
			973			1,274			990			3,270		Net of Tax
Cash Flow Hedge
			205			132			588			167		Interest expense
			-82			-53			-235			-67		Provision for Income Taxes
			123			79			353			100		Net of Tax
Total reclassification for the period		$	1,096		$	-56		$	812		$	2,019		Net of Tax
____________
(1)       These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 9).

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Contingencies [Text Block]	'
	12. CONTINGENCIES
	Litigation and Legal Matters. The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the outcomes of the legal claims and proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, based on currently available information, management believes that there are no existing claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Also, based on currently available information, management is of the opinion that the exposure to future material losses from existing legal proceedings is not reasonably possible, or that future material losses in excess of the amounts accrued are not reasonably possible.
	DOE Program Reviews. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) undertakes program reviews at Title IV participating institutions. Currently, there are four open and/or pending program reviews (including Kaplan University and Broomall, PA.) The Company is awaiting the DOE's final report on the program review at KHE's Broomall, PA, location. In May 2012, the DOE issued a preliminary report on its 2009 onsite program review at Kaplan University containing several findings that required Kaplan University to conduct additional, detailed file reviews and submit additional data. In January 2013, Kaplan submitted a response to the DOE's data request and is awaiting a final report on this review. The Company does not expect the final program review reports to have a material impact on KHE; however, the results of these and the other open reviews and their impact on Kaplan's operations are uncertain.
	The 90/10 Rule. Under regulations referred to as the 90/10 rule, a KHE OPEID unit would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if it derives more than 90% of its receipts from Title IV programs, as calculated on a cash basis in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable DOE regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years, commencing with the unit's first fiscal year that ends after August 14, 2008. Any OPEID unit with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year ending after August 14, 2008, will be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures. KHE is taking various measures to reduce the percentage of its receipts attributable to Title IV funds, including modifying student payment options; emphasizing direct-pay and employer-paid education programs; encouraging students to carefully evaluate the amount of their Title IV borrowing; eliminating some programs; cash-matching; and developing and offering additional non-Title IV-eligible certificate preparation, professional development and continuing education programs. Some of the other programs may currently be offered by other Kaplan businesses. Based on currently available information, management does not believe that any of the Kaplan OPEID units will have a 90/10 ratio over 90% in 2013. Kaplan continues taking steps to address compliance with the 90/10 rule; however, there can be no guarantee that these measures will be adequate to prevent the 90/10 rule calculations at some or all of the schools from exceeding 90% in the future.
	Accreditation. In March 2011, Kaplan University's institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC), sent a request to Kaplan University asking for documents and a report detailing Kaplan University's admissions practices and describing Kaplan University's compliance with HLC Care Components and policies. Kaplan University complied with this request on April 29, 2011. Kaplan University provided additional information to the HLC in response to a follow-up request received on January 19, 2012. On June 19, 2013, the HLC notified Kaplan University of their intention to conduct a focused evaluation regarding these matters and that is expected to take place in early 2014. At this time the Company cannot predict how the HLC will follow-up or what impact their additional inquires may have on Kaplan University.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Segments [Abstract]	'
Business Segments [Text Block]	'
	13. BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	The Company has six reportable segments: Kaplan Higher Education, Kaplan Test Preparation, Kaplan International, cable television, television broadcasting and other businesses.
	Education. Kaplan's Colloquy business moved from Kaplan International to Kaplan Corporate effective January 1, 2013. Segment operating results of the education division have been restated to reflect this change.
	For the first nine months of 2012, Kaplan International results benefitted from a favorable $3.9 million out of period expense adjustment related to certain items recorded in 2011 and 2010. With respect to this out of period expense adjustment, the Company has concluded that it was not material to the Company's financial position or results of operations for 2012, 2011 and 2010 and the related interim periods, based on its consideration of quantitative and qualitative factors.
	Newspaper Publishing. Due to the sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries on October 1, 2013, the newspaper publishing segment is no longer included as a separate segment as its results have been reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented In March 2013, the Company completed the sale of The Herald, a daily and Sunday newspaper headquartered in Everett, WA. As a result, The Herald results are included in discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented.
	Other Businesses. The Slate Group and the FP Group have been moved to Other Businesses since the newspaper publishing segment is no longer a separate segment. The results for these entities are included in Other Businesses for all periods presented. In August 2013, the Company acquired Forney, a global supplier of products and systems that control and monitor combustion processes in electric utility and industrial applications, which is also included in Other Businesses.
	The following table summarizes the 2013 quarterly financial information related to each of the Company's business segments:
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013		2013		2013
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	527,815	$	548,230	$	546,452
		Cable television		200,138		204,550		202,381
		Television broadcasting		85,270		99,320		87,063
		Other businesses		23,814		37,572		66,632
		Corporate office		―		―		―
		Intersegment elimination		-197		-76		-49
			$	836,840	$	889,596	$	902,479
	Income (Loss) From Operations
		Education	$	-4,056	$	23,726	$	17,035
		Cable television		36,613		44,710		39,715
		Television broadcasting		35,362		47,704		36,304
		Other businesses		-8,542		-5,968		-5,046
		Corporate office		-5,979		-5,402		-6,135
			$	53,398	$	104,770	$	81,873
	Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			3,418		3,868		5,892
	Interest Expense, Net			-8,450		-8,526		-8,579
	Other Income (Expense), Net			-4,083		-12,858		8,110
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	44,283	$	87,254	$	87,296
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
		Education	$	22,588	$	20,064	$	18,978
		Cable television		33,733		33,964		32,946
		Television broadcasting		3,145		3,151		3,109
		Other businesses		429		577		555
		Corporate office		―		60		45
			$	59,895	$	57,816	$	55,633
	Amortization of Intangible Assets
		Education	$	2,518	$	2,363	$	2,287
		Cable television		50		57		61
		Television broadcasting		―		―		―
		Other businesses		1,149		893		489
		Corporate office		―		―		―
			$	3,717	$	3,313	$	2,837
	Net Pension (Credit) Expense
		Education	$	4,106	$	4,231	$	4,169
		Cable television		882		913		973
		Television broadcasting		1,288		1,213		1,251
		Other businesses		116		134		173
		Corporate office		-9,121		-9,129		-9,299
			$	-2,729	$	-2,638	$	-2,733
	The following table summarizes the 2012 quarterly financial information related to each of the Company's business segments:
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2012		2012		2012		2012
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	546,685	$	551,774	$	551,696	$	546,341
		Cable television		190,210		195,579		199,625		201,703
		Television broadcasting		81,497		95,591		106,411		116,192
		Other businesses		9,329		11,666		20,187		31,655
		Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		Intersegment elimination		-109		-180		-282		―
			$	827,612	$	854,430	$	877,637	$	895,891
	Income (Loss) From Operations
		Education	$	-11,915	$	3,728	$	14,693	$	-111,874
		Cable television		32,777		38,446		39,913		43,445
	Television broadcasting		30,999		43,728		54,082		62,833
	Other businesses		-6,746		-9,005		-7,324		-9,935
	Corporate office		-7,454		-5,689		-8,128		-7,394
		$	37,661	$	71,208	$	93,236	$	-22,925
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			3,888		3,314		4,099		2,785
Interest Expense, Net			-8,094		-8,204		-8,090		-8,163
Other Income (Expense), Net			8,588		-635		4,163		-17,572
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	42,043	$	65,683	$	93,408	$	-45,875
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	20,717	$	21,011	$	22,024	$	37,431
	Cable television		32,197		32,234		32,310		32,366
	Television broadcasting		3,125		3,222		3,126		3,545
	Other businesses		126		127		128		389
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	56,165	$	56,594	$	57,588	$	73,731
Amortization of Intangible Assets and
	Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
	Education	$	3,236	$	3,803	$	4,489	$	117,784
	Cable television		54		53		52		52
	Television broadcasting		―		―		―		―
	Other businesses		549		551		549		1,367
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	3,839	$	4,407	$	5,090	$	119,203
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	2,392	$	1,969	$	3,522	$	3,701
	Cable television		530		514		694		802
	Television broadcasting		960		1,055		1,432		1,523
	Other businesses		36		33		45		55
	Corporate office		-7,393		-6,939		-6,827		-6,712
		$	-3,475	$	-3,368	$	-1,134	$	-631
The following table summarizes financial information related to each of the Company's business segments:
		Nine Months Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands)		2013		2012		2012		2011
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	1,622,497	$	1,650,155	$	2,196,496	$	2,404,459
	Cable television		607,069		585,414		787,117		760,221
	Television broadcasting		271,653		283,499		399,691		319,206
	Other businesses		128,018		41,182		72,837		42,891
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
	Intersegment elimination		-322		-571		-571		-780
		$	2,628,915	$	2,559,679	$	3,455,570	$	3,525,997
Income (Loss) from Operations
	Education	$	36,705	$	6,506	$	-105,368	$	96,286
	Cable television		121,038		111,136		154,581		156,844
	Television broadcasting		119,370		128,809		191,642		117,089
	Other businesses		-19,556		-23,075		-33,010		-16,771
	Corporate office		-17,516		-21,271		-28,665		-19,330
		$	240,041	$	202,105	$	179,180	$	334,118
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			13,178		11,301		14,086		5,949
Interest Expense, Net			-25,555		-24,388		-32,551		-29,079
Other (Expense) Income, Net			-8,831		12,116		-5,456		-55,200
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	218,833	$	201,134	$	155,259	$	255,788
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	61,630	$	63,752	$	101,183	$	83,735
	Cable television		100,643		96,741		129,107		126,302
	Television broadcasting		9,405		9,473		13,018		12,448
	Other businesses		1,561		381		770		674
	Corporate office		105		―		―		244
		$	173,344	$	170,347	$	244,078	$	223,403
Amortization of Intangible Assets and
	Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Education	$	7,168	$	11,528	$	129,312	$	19,417
	Cable television		168		159		211		267
	Television broadcasting		―		―		―		―
	Other businesses		2,531		1,649		3,016		2,517
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	9,867	$	13,336	$	132,539	$	22,201
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	12,506	$	7,883	$	11,584	$	6,345
	Cable television		2,768		1,738		2,540		1,924
	Television broadcasting		3,752		3,447		4,970		1,669
	Other businesses		423		114		169		132
	Corporate office		-27,549		-21,159		-27,871		-33,289
		$	-8,100	$	-7,977	$	-8,608	$	-23,219
Asset information for the Company's business segments are as follows:
			As of
		September 30,		December 31,
(in thousands)		2013		2012
Identifiable Assets
	Education	$	1,739,301	$	1,988,015
	Cable television		1,189,084		1,187,603
	Television broadcasting		371,726		374,075
	Other businesses		137,068		88,393
	Corporate office		383,471		466,538
		$	3,820,650	$	4,104,624
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities			457,969		380,087
Investments in Affiliates			32,997		15,535
Prepaid Pension Cost			529,165		604,823
Assets of Discontinued Operations			255,100		―
Total Assets		$	5,095,881	$	5,105,069
The Company's education division comprises the following operating segments:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
(in thousands)		2013		2012		2013		2012
Operating Revenues
	Higher education	$	266,061	$	273,703	$	811,013	$	872,948
	Test preparation		77,431		81,151		232,064		223,767
	Kaplan international		201,305		194,158		574,086		546,862
	Kaplan corporate and other		2,223		3,809		6,496		10,283
	Intersegment elimination		-568		-1,125		-1,162		-3,705
		$	546,452	$	551,696	$	1,622,497	$	1,650,155
Income (Loss) from Operations
	Higher education	$	14,719	$	1,510	$	42,354	$	16,329
	Test preparation		3,820		3,446		7,306		-4,067
	Kaplan international		12,020		20,365		24,907		34,293
	Kaplan corporate and other		-13,680		-10,852		-38,243		-40,628
	Intersegment elimination		156		224		381		579
		$	17,035	$	14,693	$	36,705	$	6,506
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Higher education	$	9,739	$	12,168	$	33,919	$	35,598
	Test preparation		5,034		5,544		14,658		14,308
	Kaplan international		3,903		3,841		12,015		12,490
	Kaplan corporate and other		302		471		1,038		1,356
		$	18,978	$	22,024	$	61,630	$	63,752
Amortization of Intangible Assets		$	2,287	$	4,489	$	7,168	$	11,528
Pension Expense
	Higher education	$	3,201	$	2,234	$	8,815	$	5,408
	Test preparation		731		554		2,012		1,381
	Kaplan international		99		112		273		113
	Kaplan corporate and other		138		622		1,406		981
		$	4,169	$	3,522	$	12,506	$	7,883
Identifiable assets for the Company's education division consist of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
(in thousands)		2013		2012
Identifiable assets
	Higher education	$	643,342	$	949,260
	Test preparation		182,450		197,672
	Kaplan international		878,123		818,613
	Kaplan corporate and other		35,386		22,470
		$	1,739,301	$	1,988,015

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Basis Of Presentation And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
Financial Periods	'
	Financial Periods – The Company and its subsidiaries report on a calendar-quarter basis.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with: (i) generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information; (ii) the instructions to Form 10-Q; and (iii) the guidance of Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for financial statements required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company, including its domestic and foreign subsidiaries that are more than 50% owned or otherwise controlled by the Company. As permitted under such rules, certain notes and other financial information normally required by GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Management believes the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of and for the periods presented herein. The Company's results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 may not be indicative of the Company's future results. These condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Condensed Financial Statements	'
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported herein. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates.
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale – An asset or business is classified as held for sale when (i) management commits to a plan to sell the asset or business; (ii) the asset or business is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (iii) the asset or business is actively marketed for sale at a reasonable price; (iv) the sale is expected to be completed within one year; and (v) it is unlikely significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The assets and related liabilities are aggregated and reported separately in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Included in Discontinued Operations and Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax [Table Text Block]	'
					September 30,
	(in thousands)				2013
	Cash and cash equivalents				$	849
	Accounts receivable, net					60,369
	Inventories					3,965
	Other current assets					5,177
		Current Assets of Discontinued Operations			$	70,360
	Property, plant and equipment, net				$	116,639
	Goodwill, net					13,602
	Prepaid pension cost					50,000
	Deferred charges and other assets					4,499
		Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations			$	184,740
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				$	35,616
	Deferred revenue					22,207
		Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations			$	57,823
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions				$	24,999
	Accrued compensation and related benefits					8,998
	Other liabilities					11,735
		Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations			$	45,732
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
			September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Operating revenues		$	124,725		$	137,668		$	382,705		$	441,308
	Operating costs and expenses			-165,380			-155,701			-467,434			-491,698
	Loss from discontinued operations			-40,655			-18,033			-84,729			-50,390
	Benefit from income taxes			-14,783			-5,568			-30,059			-16,568
	Net Loss from Discontinued Operations			-25,872			-12,465			-54,670			-33,822
	(Loss) gain on sales of discontinued operations			―			-2,174			-70			23,759
	Benefit from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations			―			-52,178			-24			-64,591
	(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax		$	-25,872		$	37,539		$	-54,716		$	54,528
2013 Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
			March 31,			June 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2013			2013
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	527,815		$	548,230
		Advertising		82,994			96,670
		Subscriber and circulation		186,790			192,273
		Other		39,241			52,423
				836,840			889,596
	Operating Costs and Expenses
		Operating		381,965			400,515
		Selling, general and administrative		337,865			323,182
		Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		59,895			57,816
		Amortization of intangible assets		3,717			3,313
				783,442			784,826
	Income from Operations			53,398			104,770
		Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		3,418			3,868
		Interest income		510			522
		Interest expense		-8,960			-9,048
		Other expense, net		-4,083			-12,858
	Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes			44,283			87,254
	Provision for Income Taxes			17,800			34,500
	Income from Continuing Operations			26,483			52,754
	Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			-21,224			-7,620
	Net Income			5,259			45,134
	Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			-97			-253
	Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			5,162			44,881
	Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			-444			-206
	Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders		$	4,718		$	44,675
	Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
	Income from continuing operations		$	25,942		$	52,295
	Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax			-21,224			-7,620
	Net income attributable to the Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	4,718		$	44,675
	Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
	Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	3.5		$	7.05
	Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations			-2.86			-1.03
	Basic net income per common share		$	0.64		$	6.02
	Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	3.5		$	7.05
	Diluted loss per common share from discontinued operations			-2.86			-1.03
	Diluted net income per common share		$	0.64		$	6.02
2012 Quarterly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
				March 31,			June 30,			September 30,			December 31,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)			2012			2012			2012			2012
	Operating Revenues
		Education		$	546,685		$	551,774		$	551,696		$	546,341
		Advertising			82,600			94,649			105,855			117,696
		Subscriber and circulation			178,022			182,639			185,326			186,383
		Other			20,305			25,368			34,760			45,471
					827,612			854,430			877,637			895,891
	Operating Costs and Expenses
		Operating			382,106			387,167			407,364			389,620
		Selling, general and administrative			347,841			335,054			314,359			336,262
		Depreciation of property, plant and equipment			56,165			56,594			57,588			73,731
		Amortization of intangible assets			3,839			4,407			5,090			7,610
		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets			―			―			―			111,593
					789,951			783,222			784,401			918,816
	Income (Loss) from Operations				37,661			71,208			93,236			-22,925
		Equity in earnings of affiliates, net			3,888			3,314			4,099			2,785
		Interest income			1,069			775			648			901
		Interest expense			-9,163			-8,979			-8,738			-9,064
		Other income (expense), net			8,588			-635			4,163			-17,572
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes				42,043			65,683			93,408			-45,875
	Provision for Income Taxes				17,200			23,900			37,000			5,100
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations				24,843			41,783			56,408			-50,975
	Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax				6,725			10,264			37,539			5,600
	Net Income (Loss)				31,568			52,047			93,947			-45,375
	Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests				-70			-11			71			-64
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company				31,498			52,036			94,018			-45,439
	Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends				-451			-222			-222			―
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company
		Common Stockholders		$	31,047		$	51,814		$	93,796		$	-45,439
	Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
		Common Stockholders
	Income (loss) from continuing operations			$	24,322		$	41,550		$	56,257		$	-51,039
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax				6,725			10,264			37,539			5,600
	Net income (loss) attributable to the Washington Post
		Company common stockholders		$	31,047		$	51,814		$	93,796		$	-45,439
	Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
		Company Common Stockholders
	Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	3.17		$	5.48		$	7.58		$	-7.35
	Basic income per common share from discontinued operations				0.9			1.36			5.06			0.78
	Basic net income (loss) per common share			$	4.07		$	6.84		$	12.64		$	-6.57
	Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations			$	3.17		$	5.48		$	7.58		$	-7.35
	Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations				0.9			1.36			5.06			0.78
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share			$	4.07		$	6.84		$	12.64		$	-6.57
Yearly Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	'
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2012			2011
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	2,196,496		$	2,404,459
		Advertising		400,800			327,877
		Subscriber and circulation		732,370			710,253
		Other		125,904			83,408
				3,455,570			3,525,997
	Operating Costs and Expenses
		Operating		1,566,257			1,562,615
		Selling, general and administrative		1,333,516			1,383,660
		Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		244,078			223,403
		Amortization of intangible assets		20,946			22,201
		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		111,593			―
				3,276,390			3,191,879
	Income from Operations			179,180			334,118
		Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		14,086			5,949
		Interest income		3,393			4,147
		Interest expense		-35,944			-33,226
		Other expense, net		-5,456			-55,200
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			155,259			255,788
	Provision for Income Taxes			83,200			104,400
	Income from Continuing Operations			72,059			151,388
	Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			60,128			-34,231
	Net Income			132,187			117,157
	Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			-74			-7
	Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			132,113			117,150
	Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			-895			-917
	Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders		$	131,218		$	116,233
	Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders
	Income from continuing operations		$	71,090		$	150,464
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			60,128			-34,231
	Net income attributable to the Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	131,218		$	116,233
	Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common
		Stockholders
	Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	9.22		$	19.03
	Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations			8.17			-4.33
	Basic net income per common share		$	17.39		$	14.7
	Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	9.22		$	19.03
	Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations			8.17			-4.33
	Diluted net income per common share		$	17.39		$	14.7

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities [Table Text Block]	'
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Total cost	$	193,159	$	195,832
	Net unrealized gains		264,810		184,255
	Total Fair Value	$	457,969	$	380,087

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
						Cable			Newspaper			Television			Other
	(in thousands)		Education			Television			Publishing			Broadcasting			Businesses			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Goodwill	$	1,097,058		$	85,488		$	81,183		$	203,165		$	19,052		$	1,485,946
		Accumulated impairment losses		-102,259			―			-65,772			―			―			-168,031
				994,799			85,488			15,411			203,165			19,052			1,317,915
	Reallocation, net			―			―			-1,809			―			1,809			―
	Acquisitions			―			―			―			―			7,924			7,924
	Reclassification to discontinued operations			―			―			-13,602			―			―			-13,602
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			-18,755			―			―			―			―			-18,755
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
		Goodwill		1,078,303			85,488			―			203,165			34,867			1,401,823
		Accumulated impairment losses		-102,259			―			―			―			-6,082			-108,341
			$	976,044		$	85,488		$	―		$	203,165		$	28,785		$	1,293,482
Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
					As of September 30, 2013									As of December 31, 2012
					Gross						Net			Gross						Net
			Useful Life		Carrying			Accumulated			Carrying			Carrying			Accumulated			Carrying
	(in thousands)		Range		Amount			Amortization			Amount			Amount			Amortization			Amount
	Amortized Intangible Assets
		Non-compete agreements	2-5 years		$	14,054		$	13,038		$	1,016		$	14,008		$	12,546		$	1,462
		Student and customer relationships	2-10 years			70,918			42,141			28,777			73,693			40,787			32,906
		Databases and technology	3-5 years			10,539			6,457			4,082			6,457			5,707			750
		Trade names and trademarks	2-10 years			26,100			19,124			6,976			26,634			18,185			8,449
		Other	1-25 years			9,828			7,137			2,691			8,849			6,839			2,010
					$	131,439		$	87,897		$	43,542		$	129,641		$	84,064		$	45,577
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
		Franchise agreements			$	496,321								$	496,321
		Wireless licenses				22,150									22,150
		Licensure and accreditation				7,371									7,371
		Other				15,636									13,886
					$	541,478								$	539,728
Education [Member]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
			Higher			Test			Kaplan
	(in thousands)		Education			Preparation			International			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012
		Goodwill	$	409,184		$	152,187		$	535,687		$	1,097,058
		Accumulated impairment losses		―			-102,259			―			-102,259
				409,184			49,928			535,687			994,799
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes			-79			―			-18,676			-18,755
	Balance as of September 30, 2013
		Goodwill		409,105			152,187			517,011			1,078,303
		Accumulated impairment losses		―			-102,259			―			-102,259
			$	409,105		$	49,928		$	517,011		$	976,044

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]	'
Components of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	397,790	$	397,479
	USD Revolving credit borrowing		―		240,121
	AUD Revolving credit borrowing		46,589		51,915
	Other indebtedness		6,710		7,196
	Total Debt		451,089		696,711
	Less: current portion		-3,022		-243,327
	Total Long-Term Debt	$	448,067	$	453,384

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Summary of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	(in thousands)			Level 1		Level 2		Total
	As of September 30, 2013
	Assets
		Money market investments (1)		$	―	$	296,914	$	296,914
		Marketable equity securities (3)			457,969		―		457,969
		Other current investments (4)			16,413		23,281		39,694
			Total Financial Assets	$	474,382	$	320,195	$	794,577
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)		$	―	$	63,685	$	63,685
		7.25% unsecured notes (6)			―		475,144		475,144
		AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)			―		46,589		46,589
		Interest rate swap (7)			―		1,308		1,308
			Total Financial Liabilities	$	―	$	586,726	$	586,726
	As of December 31, 2012
	Assets
		Money market investments (2)		$	―	$	432,670	$	432,670
		Marketable equity securities (3)			380,087		―		380,087
		Other current investments (4)			14,134		24,717		38,851
			Total Financial Assets	$	394,221	$	457,387	$	851,608
	Liabilities
		Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)		$	―	$	62,297	$	62,297
		7.25% unsecured notes (6)			―		481,424		481,424
		AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)			―		51,915		51,915
		Interest rate swap (7)			―		1,567		1,567
			Total Financial Liabilities	$	―	$	597,203	$	597,203
	____________
	(1)       The Company's money market investments are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	(2)       The Company's money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
	(3)       The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
	(4)       Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).
	(5)       Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.
	(6)       See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.
	(7)       Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Summary of Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,				September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Income from continuing operations attributable to The
		Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	56,016	$	56,257	$	134,253	$	122,129
	Less: Amount attributable to participating securities				-1,444		-1,117		-3,462		-2,398
	Basic income from continuing operations attributable to
		The Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	54,572	$	55,140	$	130,791	$	119,731
	Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities				1,444		1,117		3,462		2,398
	Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to
		The Washington Post Company common stockholders		$	56,016	$	56,257	$	134,253	$	122,129
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding				7,231		7,272		7,229		7,405
	Plus: Effect of dilutive shares
		Stock options			15		―		8		―
		Restricted stock			91		104		79		103
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding				7,337		7,376		7,316		7,508
	Income Per Share from Continuing Operations Attributable
		to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders:
			Basic	$	7.55	$	7.58	$	18.09	$	16.17
			Diluted	$	7.53	$	7.58	$	18.07	$	16.17

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla1

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension Plan [Member]	'
Summary of Net (Benefit) Costs [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	12,713		$	10,876		$	38,788	$	28,684
	Interest cost		14,242			14,828			42,776		44,248
	Expected return on assets		-26,817			-23,779			-78,606		-72,301
	Amortization of prior service cost		908			919			2,726		2,775
	Recognized actuarial loss		1,797			2,502			5,741		6,574
	Net Periodic Cost		2,843			5,346			11,425		9,980
	Early retirement programs expense		―			7,486			22,700		8,508
	Total Cost	$	2,843		$	12,832		$	34,125	$	18,488
Allocation of the Assets of the Company's Pension Plans [Table Text Block]	'
		As of
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	U.S. equities		60	%			64	%
	U.S. fixed income		12	%			13	%
	International equities		28	%			23	%
			100	%			100	%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]	'
Summary of Net (Benefit) Costs [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	429		$	367		$	1,288	$	1,100
	Interest cost		1,023			1,060			3,069		3,181
	Amortization of prior service cost		14			14			41		41
	Recognized actuarial loss		711			458			2,133		1,375
	Total Cost	$	2,177		$	1,899		$	6,531	$	5,697
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'
Summary of Net (Benefit) Costs [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Service cost	$	728		$	778		$	2,183	$	2,335
	Interest cost		508			684			1,525		2,052
	Amortization of prior service credit		-1,306			-1,402			-3,972		-4,206
	Recognized actuarial gain		-504			-370			-1,549		-1,110
	Net Periodic Benefit		-574			-310			-1,813		-929
	Settlement gain		―			―			-3,471		―
	Total Periodic Benefit	$	-574		$	-310		$	-5,284	$	-929

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe1

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Abstract]	'
Summary of Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Foreign currency gain (loss), net		$	7,886	$	3,111	$	-9,350	$	3,179
	(Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities			―		-28		879		477
	Gain (loss) on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net			18		-112		-160		6,760
	Other, net			206		1,192		-200		1,700
		Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	$	8,110	$	4,163	$	-8,831	$	12,116

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
				Three Months Ended September 30,
				2013										2012
				Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax			Before-Tax			Income		After-Tax
	(in thousands)			Amount			Tax			Amount			Amount			Tax		Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
		Translation adjustments arising during the period		$	5,639		$	―		$	5,639		$	5,321		$	―	$	5,321
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations			―			―			―			-1,409			―		-1,409
					5,639			―			5,639			3,912			―		3,912
	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
		Unrealized gains (losses) for the period			938			-375			563			-5,966			2,387		-3,579
					938			-375			563			-5,966			2,387		-3,579
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
		Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income			-384			154			-230			-469			187		-282
		Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income			2,004			-801			1,203			2,592			-1,036		1,556
					1,620			-647			973			2,123			-849		1,274
	Cash flow hedge:
		Gain for the period			15			-6			9			217			-87		130
	Other Comprehensive Income			$	8,212		$	-1,028		$	7,184		$	286		$	1,451	$	1,737
				Nine Months Ended September 30,
				2013										2012
				Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax			Before-Tax			Income		After-Tax
	(in thousands)			Amount			Tax			Amount			Amount			Tax		Amount
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
		Translation adjustments arising during the period		$	-2,061		$	―		$	-2,061		$	4,233		$	―	$	4,233
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations			―			―			―			-888			―		-888
					-2,061			―			-2,061			3,345			―		3,345
	Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
		Unrealized gains for the period			81,439			-32,575			48,864			32,939			-13,175		19,764
		Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale
			securities included in net income		-884			353			-531			-772			309		-463
					80,555			-32,222			48,333			32,167			-12,866		19,301
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
		Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income			-1,205			482			-723			-1,390			556		-834
		Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income			6,325			-2,529			3,796			6,839			-2,735		4,104
		Settlement gain included in net income			-3,471			1,388			-2,083			―			―		―
					1,649			-659			990			5,449			-2,179		3,270
	Cash flow hedge:
		Gain (loss) for the period			259			-104			155			-1,160			465		-695
	Other Comprehensive Income			$	80,402		$	-32,985		$	47,417		$	39,801		$	-14,580	$	25,221
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
				Cumulative						Unrealized Gain
				Foreign						on Pensions						Accumulated
				Currency			Unrealized Gain			and Other						Other
				Translation			on Available-for-			Postretirement			Cash Flow			Comprehensive
	(in thousands, net of taxes)			Adjustment			Sale Securities			Plans			Hedge			Income
	Balance as of December 31, 2012			$	26,072		$	110,553		$	117,169		$	-940		$	252,854
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before
			reclassifications		-2,061			48,864			―			-198			46,605
		Net amount reclassified from accumulated
			other comprehensive income		―			-531			990			353			812
		Net other comprehensive income (loss)			-2,061			48,333			990			155			47,417
	Balance as of September 30, 2013			$	24,011		$	158,886		$	118,159		$	-785		$	300,271
Summary of Amounts and Line Items of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
			Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the
			September 30,						September 30,						Condensed Consolidated
	(in thousands)		2013			2012			2013			2012			Statement of Operations
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
		Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	$	―		$	-1,409		$	―		$	-888		(Loss) Income from Discontinued
															Operations, Net of Tax
	Unrealized Gains on Available-for-sale Securities:
		Realized gains for the period		―			―			-884			-772		Other income (expense), net
				―			―			353			309		Provision for Income Taxes
				―			―			-531			-463		Net of Tax
	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
		Amortization of net prior service credit		-384			-469			-1,205			-1,390		-1
		Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,004			2,592			6,325			6,839		-1
		Settlement gain		―			―			-3,471			―		-1
				1,620			2,123			1,649			5,449		Before tax
				-647			-849			-659			-2,179		Provision for Income Taxes
				973			1,274			990			3,270		Net of Tax
	Cash Flow Hedge
				205			132			588			167		Interest expense
				-82			-53			-235			-67		Provision for Income Taxes
				123			79			353			100		Net of Tax
	Total reclassification for the period		$	1,096		$	-56		$	812		$	2,019		Net of Tax
	____________
	(1)       These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 9).

Business_Segments_Tables

Business Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment [Table Text Block]	'
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013		2013		2013
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	527,815	$	548,230	$	546,452
		Cable television		200,138		204,550		202,381
		Television broadcasting		85,270		99,320		87,063
		Other businesses		23,814		37,572		66,632
		Corporate office		―		―		―
		Intersegment elimination		-197		-76		-49
			$	836,840	$	889,596	$	902,479
	Income (Loss) From Operations
		Education	$	-4,056	$	23,726	$	17,035
		Cable television		36,613		44,710		39,715
		Television broadcasting		35,362		47,704		36,304
		Other businesses		-8,542		-5,968		-5,046
		Corporate office		-5,979		-5,402		-6,135
			$	53,398	$	104,770	$	81,873
	Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			3,418		3,868		5,892
	Interest Expense, Net			-8,450		-8,526		-8,579
	Other Income (Expense), Net			-4,083		-12,858		8,110
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	44,283	$	87,254	$	87,296
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
		Education	$	22,588	$	20,064	$	18,978
		Cable television		33,733		33,964		32,946
		Television broadcasting		3,145		3,151		3,109
		Other businesses		429		577		555
		Corporate office		―		60		45
			$	59,895	$	57,816	$	55,633
	Amortization of Intangible Assets
		Education	$	2,518	$	2,363	$	2,287
		Cable television		50		57		61
		Television broadcasting		―		―		―
		Other businesses		1,149		893		489
		Corporate office		―		―		―
			$	3,717	$	3,313	$	2,837
	Net Pension (Credit) Expense
		Education	$	4,106	$	4,231	$	4,169
		Cable television		882		913		973
		Television broadcasting		1,288		1,213		1,251
		Other businesses		116		134		173
		Corporate office		-9,121		-9,129		-9,299
			$	-2,729	$	-2,638	$	-2,733
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2012		2012		2012		2012
	Operating Revenues
		Education	$	546,685	$	551,774	$	551,696	$	546,341
		Cable television		190,210		195,579		199,625		201,703
		Television broadcasting		81,497		95,591		106,411		116,192
		Other businesses		9,329		11,666		20,187		31,655
		Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		Intersegment elimination		-109		-180		-282		―
			$	827,612	$	854,430	$	877,637	$	895,891
	Income (Loss) From Operations
		Education	$	-11,915	$	3,728	$	14,693	$	-111,874
		Cable television		32,777		38,446		39,913		43,445
		Television broadcasting		30,999		43,728		54,082		62,833
		Other businesses		-6,746		-9,005		-7,324		-9,935
		Corporate office		-7,454		-5,689		-8,128		-7,394
			$	37,661	$	71,208	$	93,236	$	-22,925
	Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			3,888		3,314		4,099		2,785
	Interest Expense, Net			-8,094		-8,204		-8,090		-8,163
	Other Income (Expense), Net			8,588		-635		4,163		-17,572
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	42,043	$	65,683	$	93,408	$	-45,875
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	20,717	$	21,011	$	22,024	$	37,431
	Cable television		32,197		32,234		32,310		32,366
	Television broadcasting		3,125		3,222		3,126		3,545
	Other businesses		126		127		128		389
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	56,165	$	56,594	$	57,588	$	73,731
Amortization of Intangible Assets and
	Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets
	Education	$	3,236	$	3,803	$	4,489	$	117,784
	Cable television		54		53		52		52
	Television broadcasting		―		―		―		―
	Other businesses		549		551		549		1,367
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	3,839	$	4,407	$	5,090	$	119,203
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	2,392	$	1,969	$	3,522	$	3,701
	Cable television		530		514		694		802
	Television broadcasting		960		1,055		1,432		1,523
	Other businesses		36		33		45		55
	Corporate office		-7,393		-6,939		-6,827		-6,712
		$	-3,475	$	-3,368	$	-1,134	$	-631
		Nine Months Ended				Fiscal Year Ended
		September 30,				December 31,
(in thousands)		2013		2012		2012		2011
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	1,622,497	$	1,650,155	$	2,196,496	$	2,404,459
	Cable television		607,069		585,414		787,117		760,221
	Television broadcasting		271,653		283,499		399,691		319,206
	Other businesses		128,018		41,182		72,837		42,891
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
	Intersegment elimination		-322		-571		-571		-780
		$	2,628,915	$	2,559,679	$	3,455,570	$	3,525,997
Income (Loss) from Operations
	Education	$	36,705	$	6,506	$	-105,368	$	96,286
	Cable television		121,038		111,136		154,581		156,844
	Television broadcasting		119,370		128,809		191,642		117,089
	Other businesses		-19,556		-23,075		-33,010		-16,771
	Corporate office		-17,516		-21,271		-28,665		-19,330
		$	240,041	$	202,105	$	179,180	$	334,118
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net			13,178		11,301		14,086		5,949
Interest Expense, Net			-25,555		-24,388		-32,551		-29,079
Other (Expense) Income, Net			-8,831		12,116		-5,456		-55,200
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		$	218,833	$	201,134	$	155,259	$	255,788
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	61,630	$	63,752	$	101,183	$	83,735
	Cable television		100,643		96,741		129,107		126,302
	Television broadcasting		9,405		9,473		13,018		12,448
	Other businesses		1,561		381		770		674
	Corporate office		105		―		―		244
		$	173,344	$	170,347	$	244,078	$	223,403
Amortization of Intangible Assets and
	Impairment of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Education	$	7,168	$	11,528	$	129,312	$	19,417
	Cable television		168		159		211		267
	Television broadcasting		―		―		―		―
	Other businesses		2,531		1,649		3,016		2,517
	Corporate office		―		―		―		―
		$	9,867	$	13,336	$	132,539	$	22,201
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	12,506	$	7,883	$	11,584	$	6,345
	Cable television		2,768		1,738		2,540		1,924
	Television broadcasting		3,752		3,447		4,970		1,669
	Other businesses		423		114		169		132
	Corporate office		-27,549		-21,159		-27,871		-33,289
		$	-8,100	$	-7,977	$	-8,608	$	-23,219
			As of
		September 30,		December 31,
(in thousands)		2013		2012
Identifiable Assets
	Education	$	1,739,301	$	1,988,015
	Cable television		1,189,084		1,187,603
	Television broadcasting		371,726		374,075
	Other businesses		137,068		88,393
	Corporate office		383,471		466,538
		$	3,820,650	$	4,104,624
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities			457,969		380,087
Investments in Affiliates			32,997		15,535
Prepaid Pension Cost			529,165		604,823
Assets of Discontinued Operations			255,100		―
Total Assets		$	5,095,881	$	5,105,069
Education [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment [Table Text Block]	'
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Operating Revenues
		Higher education	$	266,061	$	273,703	$	811,013	$	872,948
		Test preparation		77,431		81,151		232,064		223,767
		Kaplan international		201,305		194,158		574,086		546,862
		Kaplan corporate and other		2,223		3,809		6,496		10,283
		Intersegment elimination		-568		-1,125		-1,162		-3,705
			$	546,452	$	551,696	$	1,622,497	$	1,650,155
	Income (Loss) from Operations
		Higher education	$	14,719	$	1,510	$	42,354	$	16,329
		Test preparation		3,820		3,446		7,306		-4,067
		Kaplan international		12,020		20,365		24,907		34,293
		Kaplan corporate and other		-13,680		-10,852		-38,243		-40,628
		Intersegment elimination		156		224		381		579
			$	17,035	$	14,693	$	36,705	$	6,506
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
		Higher education	$	9,739	$	12,168	$	33,919	$	35,598
		Test preparation		5,034		5,544		14,658		14,308
		Kaplan international		3,903		3,841		12,015		12,490
		Kaplan corporate and other		302		471		1,038		1,356
			$	18,978	$	22,024	$	61,630	$	63,752
	Amortization of Intangible Assets		$	2,287	$	4,489	$	7,168	$	11,528
	Pension Expense
		Higher education	$	3,201	$	2,234	$	8,815	$	5,408
		Test preparation		731		554		2,012		1,381
		Kaplan international		99		112		273		113
		Kaplan corporate and other		138		622		1,406		981
			$	4,169	$	3,522	$	12,506	$	7,883
			As of
			September 30,		December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013		2012
	Identifiable assets
		Higher education	$	643,342	$	949,260
		Test preparation		182,450		197,672
		Kaplan international		878,123		818,613
		Kaplan corporate and other		35,386		22,470
			$	1,739,301	$	1,988,015

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta1

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
Percentage of ownership indicating control for consolidation purposes	'more than 50%
Television Broadcasting [Member]	'
Number of television broadcast stations	6

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 01, 2013

Sale of Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member]

Sale of Kaplan EduNeering [Member]

Sales of Kaplan EduNeering and Kaplan Learning Technologies [Member]

Sale of Kidum [Member]

Disposition of Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member]

Disposition of Avenue 100 Media Solutions Inc. [Member]

Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]

Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]

Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]

Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]

Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Other Businesses [Member]

Other Businesses [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Purchase Agreement aggregate purchase price for divestiture of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250,000,000

Number of days following closing to change corporate name

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'60 days

Additional amount to be transferred to Purchaser related to pension

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

Expenses in discontinued operations

165,380,000

155,701,000

467,434,000

491,698,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,400,000

'

'

'

'

Expenses in discontinued operations, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,300,000

'

'

'

'

Early retirement program expense

'

'

22,700,000

8,508,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

22,700,000

8,500,000

'

Early retirement program expense, net of tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

14,500,000

5,300,000

'

Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition

0

-2,174,000

-70,000

23,759,000

'

'

'

3,600,000

-5,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition

'

'

'

'

-1,900,000

18,500,000

'

10,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefits in connection with sales and/or dispositions of businesses

'

'

'

'

'

'

$23,200,000

'

'

$44,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued_Operations_Carryi

Discontinued Operations (Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Included in Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Discontinued Operation Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$849	'
Accounts receivable, net	60,369	'
Inventories	3,965	'
Other current assets	5,177	'
Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	70,360	0
Property, plant and equipment, net	116,639	'
Goodwill, net	13,602	'
Prepaid pension cost	50,000	'
Deferred charges and other assets	4,499	'
Noncurrent Assets of Discontinued Operations	184,740	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	35,616	'
Deferred revenue	22,207	'
Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	57,823	0
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	24,999	'
Accrued compensation and related benefits	8,998	'
Other liabilities	11,735	'
Noncurrent Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	$45,732	$0

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations (Summarized (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$124,725	'	'	'	$137,668	'	'	$382,705	$441,308	'	'
Expenses in discontinued operations	165,380	'	'	'	155,701	'	'	467,434	491,698	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations	-40,655	'	'	'	-18,033	'	'	-84,729	-50,390	'	'
Benefit from income taxes	-14,783	'	'	'	-5,568	'	'	-30,059	-16,568	'	'
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations	-25,872	'	'	'	-12,465	'	'	-54,670	-33,822	'	'
(Loss) gain on sales of discontinued operations	0	'	'	'	-2,174	'	'	-70	23,759	'	'
Benefit from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations	0	'	'	'	-52,178	'	'	-24	-64,591	'	'
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	($25,872)	($7,620)	($21,224)	$5,600	$37,539	$10,264	$6,725	($54,716)	$54,528	$60,128	($34,231)

Discontinued_Operations_Operat

Discontinued Operations (Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Education	$546,452	$548,230	$527,815	$546,341	$551,696	$551,774	$546,685	$1,622,497	$1,650,155	$2,196,496	$2,404,459
Advertising	84,444	96,670	82,994	117,696	105,855	94,649	82,600	264,108	283,104	400,800	327,877
Subscriber and circulation	190,302	192,273	186,790	186,383	185,326	182,639	178,022	569,365	545,987	732,370	710,253
Other	81,281	52,423	39,241	45,471	34,760	25,368	20,305	172,945	80,433	125,904	83,408
Total operating revenues	902,479	889,596	836,840	895,891	877,637	854,430	827,612	2,628,915	2,559,679	3,455,570	3,525,997
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating	430,889	400,515	381,965	389,620	407,364	387,167	382,106	1,213,369	1,176,637	1,566,257	1,562,615
Selling, general and administrative	331,247	323,182	337,865	336,262	314,359	335,054	347,841	992,294	997,254	1,333,516	1,383,660
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	55,633	57,816	59,895	73,731	57,588	56,594	56,165	173,344	170,347	244,078	223,403
Amortization of intangible assets	2,837	3,313	3,717	7,610	5,090	4,407	3,839	9,867	13,336	20,946	22,201
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	111,593	'	0	0	'	'	111,593	0
Total operating costs and expenses	820,606	784,826	783,442	918,816	784,401	783,222	789,951	2,388,874	2,357,574	3,276,390	3,191,879
Income (Loss) from Operations	81,873	104,770	53,398	-22,925	93,236	71,208	37,661	240,041	202,105	179,180	334,118
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	5,892	3,868	3,418	2,785	4,099	3,314	3,888	13,178	11,301	14,086	5,949
Interest income	642	522	510	901	648	775	1,069	1,674	2,492	3,393	4,147
Interest expense	-9,221	-9,048	-8,960	-9,064	-8,738	-8,979	-9,163	-27,229	-26,880	-35,944	-33,226
Other income (expense), net	8,110	-12,858	-4,083	-17,572	4,163	-635	8,588	-8,831	12,116	-5,456	-55,200
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	87,296	87,254	44,283	-45,875	93,408	65,683	42,043	218,833	201,134	155,259	255,788
Provision for Income Taxes	31,000	34,500	17,800	5,100	37,000	23,900	17,200	83,300	78,100	83,200	104,400
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	56,296	52,754	26,483	-50,975	56,408	41,783	24,843	135,533	123,034	72,059	151,388
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net Income (Loss)	30,424	45,134	5,259	-45,375	93,947	52,047	31,568	80,817	177,562	132,187	117,157
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-75	-253	-97	-64	71	-11	-70	-425	-10	-74	-7
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company	30,349	44,881	5,162	-45,439	94,018	52,036	31,498	80,392	177,552	132,113	117,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	-205	-206	-444	0	-222	-222	-451	-855	-895	-895	-917
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	30,144	44,675	4,718	-45,439	93,796	51,814	31,047	79,537	176,657	131,218	116,233
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	56,016	52,295	25,942	-51,039	56,257	41,550	24,322	134,253	122,129	71,090	150,464
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	$30,144	$44,675	$4,718	($45,439)	$93,796	$51,814	$31,047	$79,537	$176,657	$131,218	$116,233
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$7.55	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.09	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$4.07	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.72	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$7.53	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.07	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$4.05	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.70	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments in marketable equity securities	'	'	$0	$45,000,000	'
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities	'	'	3,600,000	2,000,000	'
(Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities	0	-28,000	879,000	477,000	'
Company's investments in marketable equity securities	457,969,000	'	457,969,000	'	380,087,000
Unrealized loss on investment	264,810,000	'	264,810,000	'	184,255,000
Strayer Education Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized loss on investment	($7,000,000)	'	($7,000,000)	'	'

Investments_Investments_in_Mar

Investments (Investments in Marketable Equity Securities) (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Total cost	$193,159	$195,832
Net unrealized gains	264,810	184,255
Total Fair Value	$457,969	$380,087

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_P

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	$375,223	$399,204
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$478,827	$486,396

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$55,633	$57,816	$59,895	$73,731	$57,588	$56,594	$56,165	$173,344	$170,347	$244,078	$223,403

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	$910,636	$1,081,237

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
	Education division and other businesses [Member]	Education division and other businesses [Member]	Kaplan [Member]
	business	business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of businesses acquired	5	4	'
Percent of noncontrolling interest purchased	'	'	15.00%

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amortization of Intangible Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of intangible assets	$2,837,000	$3,313,000	$3,717,000	$7,610,000	$5,090,000	$4,407,000	$3,839,000	$9,867,000	$13,336,000	$20,946,000	$22,201,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, remainder of 2013	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2014	11,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2015	9,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018	4,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,000,000	'	'	'
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2018	$3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,000,000	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$1,485,946
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-168,031
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,317,915
Reallocation, net	0
Acquisitions	7,924
Reclassification to discontinued operations	-13,602
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-18,755
Goodwill, ending balance	1,401,823
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-108,341
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,293,482
Education [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,097,058
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	994,799
Reallocation, net	0
Acquisitions	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-18,755
Goodwill, ending balance	1,078,303
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, ending balance	976,044
Higher Education [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	409,184
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	409,184
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-79
Goodwill, ending balance	409,105
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	409,105
Test Preparation [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	152,187
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	49,928
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	152,187
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, ending balance	49,928
Kaplan International [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	535,687
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	535,687
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-18,676
Goodwill, ending balance	517,011
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	517,011
Cable Television [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	85,488
Reallocation, net	0
Acquisitions	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	85,488
Newspaper Publishing [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	81,183
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-65,772
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	15,411
Reallocation, net	-1,809
Acquisitions	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	-13,602
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	0
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	0
Television Broadcasting [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	203,165
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	203,165
Reallocation, net	0
Acquisitions	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	203,165
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	203,165
Other Businesses [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	19,052
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	19,052
Reallocation, net	1,809
Acquisitions	7,924
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	34,867
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-6,082
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$28,785

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets) (Details) 2 (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	131,439	129,641
Accumulated Amortization	87,897	84,064
Net Carrying Amount	43,542	45,577
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	541,478	539,728
Franchise Agreements [Member]	'	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	496,321	496,321
Wireless Licenses [Member]	'	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	22,150	22,150
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]	'	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	7,371	7,371
Other [Member]	'	'
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	15,636	13,886
Non-compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	14,054	14,008
Accumulated Amortization	13,038	12,546
Net Carrying Amount	1,016	1,462
Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'2 years	'2 years
Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'5 years	'5 years
Student and Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	70,918	73,693
Accumulated Amortization	42,141	40,787
Net Carrying Amount	28,777	32,906
Student and Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'2 years	'2 years
Student and Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'10 years	'10 years
Databases and Technology [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	10,539	6,457
Accumulated Amortization	6,457	5,707
Net Carrying Amount	4,082	750
Databases and Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'3 years	'3 years
Databases and Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'5 years	'5 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	26,100	26,634
Accumulated Amortization	19,124	18,185
Net Carrying Amount	6,976	8,449
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'2 years	'2 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'10 years	'10 years
Other [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,828	8,849
Accumulated Amortization	7,137	6,839
Net Carrying Amount	2,691	2,010
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'1 year	'1 year
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Amortized intangible assets [Abstract]	'	'
Useful Life	'25 years	'25 years

Income_Taxes_Income_from_Opera

Income Taxes (Income from Operations) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$87,296	$87,254	$44,283	($45,875)	$93,408	$65,683	$42,043	$218,833	$201,134	$155,259	$255,788

Income_Taxes_Provision_for_Inc

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes Components) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Provision for income taxes on income from continuing operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total provision for income tax	$31,000	$34,500	$17,800	$5,100	$37,000	$23,900	$17,200	$83,300	$78,100	$83,200	$104,400

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Reconc

Income Taxes (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total provision for income tax	$31,000	$34,500	$17,800	$5,100	$37,000	$23,900	$17,200	$83,300	$78,100	$83,200	$104,400

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start	'	'	1-Oct-13	'	1-Jan-13
Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end	'	'	31-Dec-17	'	31-Dec-17
Average borrowings outstanding	$449,800,000	$456,300,000	$477,500,000	$467,300,000	'
Weighted average interest rate of borrowings	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%	'
Net interest expense incurred	8,600,000	8,100,000	25,600,000	24,400,000	'
Carrying value of debt instrument	397,790,000	'	397,790,000	'	397,479,000
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair value of debt instrument	475,100,000	'	475,100,000	'	481,400,000
Carrying value of debt instrument	397,800,000	'	397,800,000	'	397,500,000
AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings outstanding	46,589,000	'	46,589,000	'	51,915,000
USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings outstanding	$0	'	$0	'	$240,121,000
Other Indebtedness [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum interest rate	'	'	0.00%	'	0.00%
Maximum interest rate	'	'	6.00%	'	6.00%

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$397,790	$397,479
Other indebtedness	6,710	7,196
Total Debt	451,089	696,711
Less: current portion	-3,022	-243,327
Total Long-Term Debt	448,067	453,384
USD [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Revolving credit borrowing	0	240,121
AUD [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Revolving credit borrowing	$46,589	$51,915

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Marketable equity securities	$457,969		$380,087
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]	'		'
Liabilities:	'		'
7.25% unsecured notes	475,100		481,400
Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[2]
Marketable equity securities	457,969	[3]	380,087	[3]
Other current investments	16,413	[4]	14,134	[4]
Total Financial Assets	474,382		394,221
Liabilities:	'		'
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	0	[5]	0	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	0	[6]	0	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	0	[6]	0	[6]
Interest rate swap	0	[7]	0	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	0		0
Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market investments	296,914	[1]	432,670	[2]
Marketable equity securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Other current investments	23,281	[4]	24,717	[4]
Total Financial Assets	320,195		457,387
Liabilities:	'		'
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,685	[5]	62,297	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	475,144	[6]	481,424	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	46,589	[6]	51,915	[6]
Interest rate swap	1,308	[7]	1,567	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	586,726		597,203
Total [Member]	'		'
Assets	'		'
Money market investments	296,914	[1]	432,670	[2]
Marketable equity securities	457,969	[3]	380,087	[3]
Other current investments	39,694	[4]	38,851	[4]
Total Financial Assets	794,577		851,608
Liabilities:	'		'
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	63,685	[5]	62,297	[5]
7.25% unsecured notes	475,144	[6]	481,424	[6]
AUD Revolving credit borrowing	46,589	[6]	51,915	[6]
Interest rate swap	1,308	[7]	1,567	[7]
Total Financial Liabilities	$586,726		$597,203
[1]	The Companybs money market investments are included in cash and cash equivalents.
[2]	The Companybs money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
[3]	The Companybs investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
[4]	Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).
[5]	Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.
[6]	See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.
[7]	Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
			Accelerated dividends in lieu of regular quarterly dividends in 2013 [Member]	Stock Option Plan [Member]	Stock Option Plan [Member]	Stock Option Plan [Member]	Stock Option Plan [Member]	Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities, shares	'	'	'	13,000	123,494	63,000	111,994	8,800	51,500	8,800	51,500
Dividends declared per common share	$2.45	$9.80	$9.80	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$56,016	$52,295	$25,942	($51,039)	$56,257	$41,550	$24,322	$134,253	$122,129	$71,090	$150,464
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities	-1,444	'	'	'	-1,117	'	'	-3,462	-2,398	'	'
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	54,572	'	'	'	55,140	'	'	130,791	119,731	'	'
Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities	1,444	'	'	'	1,117	'	'	3,462	2,398	'	'
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$56,016	'	'	'	$56,257	'	'	$134,253	$122,129	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	7,231	'	'	'	7,272	'	'	7,229	7,405	'	'
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	7,337	'	'	'	7,376	'	'	7,316	7,508	'	'
Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$7.55	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.09	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Diluted	$7.53	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.07	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Plus: Effect of dilutive shares related to stock options and restricted stock	15	'	'	'	0	'	'	8	0	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Plus: Effect of dilutive shares related to stock options and restricted stock	91	'	'	'	104	'	'	79	103	'	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla2

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	($2,733,000)	($2,638,000)	($2,729,000)	($631,000)	($1,134,000)	($3,368,000)	($3,475,000)	($8,100,000)	($7,977,000)	($8,608,000)	($23,219,000)
Early retirement program expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,700,000	8,508,000	'	'
Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Early retirement program expense	'	'	'	'	7,500,000	'	'	22,700,000	8,500,000	'	'
Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Additional amount to be transferred to Purchaser related to pension	50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	2,843,000	'	'	'	12,832,000	'	'	34,125,000	18,488,000	'	'
Early retirement program expense	0	'	'	'	7,486,000	'	'	22,700,000	8,508,000	'	'
Number of investment companies actively managing plan assets	2	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'	'
Amount of plan assets managed internally by the company	'None	'	'	'	'	'	'	'None	'	'	'
Percentage of total plan assets	100.00%	'	'	100.00%	'	'	'	100.00%	'	100.00%	'
Pension Plan [Member] | Washington Post Newspaper [Member] | Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Early retirement program expense	'	8,400,000	12,000,000	'	7,500,000	'	'	20,400,000	'	'	'
Pension Plan [Member] | Washington Post Newspaper [Member] | Special Separation Benefits [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Early retirement program expense	'	'	2,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Pension Plan [Member] | Post-Newsweek Media [Member] | Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Early retirement program expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000	'	'	'	'
Pension Plan [Member] | Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	5,600,000	'	'	'	13,900,000	'	'	42,200,000	26,300,000	'	'
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	2,177,000	'	'	'	1,899,000	'	'	6,531,000	5,697,000	'	'
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] | Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	200,000	'	'	'	200,000	'	'	600,000	500,000	'	'
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	-574,000	'	'	'	-310,000	'	'	-5,284,000	-929,000	'	'
Settlement gain	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	-3,471,000	0	'	'
Other Postretirement Plans [Member] | Daily Herald [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement gain	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,500,000	'	'	'
Other Postretirement Plans [Member] | Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	-1,500,000	'	'	'	-600,000	'	'	-2,800,000	-1,800,000	'	'
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'
Value of related party investments	228,600,000	'	'	179,900,000	'	'	'	228,600,000	'	179,900,000	'
Foreign Investments [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, equity securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24.00%	'	'	'
Fixed income securities [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, fixed-income securities, range minimum	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Single Equity Concentration [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Value of investments	389,300,000	'	'	223,100,000	'	'	'	389,300,000	'	223,100,000	'
Percentage of total plan assets	16.00%	'	'	11.00%	'	'	'	16.00%	'	11.00%	'
Number of investments the company's pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets	1	'	'	1	'	'	'	1	'	1	'
Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan Assets Total [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of plan assets considered as significant concentrations in pension plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Geographic Concentration [Member] | Foreign Investments [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Value of investments	$406,400,000	'	'	$240,400,000	'	'	'	$406,400,000	'	$240,400,000	'
Percentage of total plan assets	16.00%	'	'	12.00%	'	'	'	16.00%	'	12.00%	'
Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets	1	'	'	1	'	'	'	1	'	1	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla3

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Obligation, Asset, and Funding Information) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$12,713	$10,876	$38,788	$28,684
Interest cost	14,242	14,828	42,776	44,248
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	429	367	1,288	1,100
Interest cost	1,023	1,060	3,069	3,181
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	728	778	2,183	2,335
Interest cost	$508	$684	$1,525	$2,052

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla4

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Total Benefit/Cost) (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$11,425	$9,980	'	'
Early retirement program expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,700	8,508	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	-2,733	-2,638	-2,729	-631	-1,134	-3,368	-3,475	-8,100	-7,977	-8,608	-23,219
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	-384	'	'	'	-469	'	'	-1,205	-1,390	'	'
Curtailment loss	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	-3,471	0	'	'
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	-1,620	'	'	'	-2,123	'	'	-1,649	-5,449	'	'
Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	12,713	'	'	'	10,876	'	'	38,788	28,684	'	'
Interest cost	14,242	'	'	'	14,828	'	'	42,776	44,248	'	'
Expected return on assets	-26,817	'	'	'	-23,779	'	'	-78,606	-72,301	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	908	'	'	'	919	'	'	2,726	2,775	'	'
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	1,797	'	'	'	2,502	'	'	5,741	6,574	'	'
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	2,843	'	'	'	5,346	'	'	11,425	9,980	'	'
Early retirement program expense	0	'	'	'	7,486	'	'	22,700	8,508	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	2,843	'	'	'	12,832	'	'	34,125	18,488	'	'
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	429	'	'	'	367	'	'	1,288	1,100	'	'
Interest cost	1,023	'	'	'	1,060	'	'	3,069	3,181	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	14	'	'	'	14	'	'	41	41	'	'
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	711	'	'	'	458	'	'	2,133	1,375	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	2,177	'	'	'	1,899	'	'	6,531	5,697	'	'
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	728	'	'	'	778	'	'	2,183	2,335	'	'
Interest cost	508	'	'	'	684	'	'	1,525	2,052	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-1,306	'	'	'	-1,402	'	'	-3,972	-4,206	'	'
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	-504	'	'	'	-370	'	'	-1,549	-1,110	'	'
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	-574	'	'	'	-310	'	'	-1,813	-929	'	'
Settlement gain	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	-3,471	0	'	'
Total Cost (Benefit)	($574)	'	'	'	($310)	'	'	($5,284)	($929)	'	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla5

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details 7) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net amount	($118,159)	($117,169)

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla6

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Asset Allocation) (Details 9) (Pension Plan [Member])	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Assets	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | U.S. [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Assets	60.00%	64.00%
Equity Securities [Member] | International [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Assets	28.00%	23.00%
Fixed Income [Member] | U.S. [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Assets	12.00%	13.00%

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe2

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency gain (loss), net	$7,886	'	'	'	$3,111	'	'	($9,350)	$3,179	'	'
(Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities	0	'	'	'	-28	'	'	879	477	'	'
Gain (loss) on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net	18	'	'	'	-112	'	'	-160	6,760	'	'
Other, net	206	'	'	'	1,192	'	'	-200	1,700	'	'
Total Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	$8,110	($12,858)	($4,083)	($17,572)	$4,163	($635)	$8,588	($8,831)	$12,116	($5,456)	($55,200)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of OCI) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Foreign currency translation adjustments:	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments arising during the period, before tax	$5,639	$5,321	($2,061)	$4,233
Translation adjustments arising during the period, income tax	0	0	0	0
Translation adjustments arising during the period, after tax	5,639	5,321	-2,061	4,233
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, before tax	0	-1,409	0	-888
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, income tax	0	0	0	0
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations, after tax	0	-1,409	0	-888
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	5,639	3,912	-2,061	3,345
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax	0	0	0	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, after tax	5,639	3,912	-2,061	3,345
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, before tax	938	-5,966	81,439	32,939
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, tax	-375	2,387	-32,575	-13,175
Unrealized gains (losses) for the period, after tax	563	-3,579	48,864	19,764
Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securities included in net income, before tax	0	0	-884	-772
Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securities included in net income, income tax	'	'	353	309
Reclassification adjustment for gain on available-for-sale securities included in net income, after tax	'	'	-531	-463
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, before tax	938	-5,966	80,555	32,167
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, income tax	-375	2,387	-32,222	-12,866
Total unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, after tax	563	-3,579	48,333	19,301
Pension and other postretirement plans:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	-384	-469	-1,205	-1,390
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, income tax	154	187	482	556
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income, after tax	-230	-282	-723	-834
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, before tax	2,004	2,592	6,325	6,839
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, income tax	-801	-1,036	-2,529	-2,735
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income, after tax	1,203	1,556	3,796	4,104
Settlement gain included in net income, before tax	0	0	-3,471	0
Settlement gain included in net income, income tax	'	'	1,388	0
Settlement gain included in net income, after tax	'	'	-2,083	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	1,620	2,123	1,649	5,449
Total pension and other postretirement plans, income tax	-647	-849	-659	-2,179
Total pension and other postretirement plans, after tax	973	1,274	990	3,270
Cash flow hedge:	'	'	'	'
Gain (loss) for the period, before tax	15	217	259	-1,160
Gain (loss) for the period, income tax	-6	-87	-104	465
Gain (loss) for the period, after tax	9	130	155	-695
Other Comprehensive Income, before tax	8,212	286	80,402	39,801
Other Comprehensive Income, income tax	-1,028	1,451	-32,985	-14,580
Other Comprehensive Income, after tax	$7,184	$1,737	$47,417	$25,221

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI balances) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, beginning balance	'	'	$26,072	'
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment - Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	5,639	5,321	-2,061	4,233
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment - Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	1,409	0	888
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	5,639	3,912	-2,061	3,345
Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, ending balance	24,011	'	24,011	'
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities, beginning balance	'	'	110,553	'
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities - Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	48,864	'
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities - Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	-531	-463
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	563	-3,579	48,333	19,301
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities, ending balance	158,886	'	158,886	'
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans, beginning balance	'	'	117,169	'
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans - Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	0	'
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans - Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	990	'
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	973	1,274	990	3,270
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans, ending balance	118,159	'	118,159	'
Cash Flow Hedge, beginning balance	'	'	-940	'
Cash Flow Hedge - Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	-198	'
Cash Flow Hedge - Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	353	'
Cash Flow Hedge - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	9	130	155	-695
Cash Flow Hedge, ending balance	-785	'	-785	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	'	'	252,854	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'	'	46,605	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'	812	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Net other comprehensive income (loss)	7,184	1,737	47,417	25,221
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	$300,271	'	$300,271	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details 3) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

($25,872)

($7,620)

($21,224)

$5,600

$37,539

$10,264

$6,725

($54,716)

$54,528

$60,128

($34,231)

Interest expense

9,221

9,048

8,960

9,064

8,738

8,979

9,163

27,229

26,880

35,944

33,226

Other income (expense), net

8,110

-12,858

-4,083

-17,572

4,163

-635

8,588

-8,831

12,116

-5,456

-55,200

Income Before Tax

87,296

87,254

44,283

-45,875

93,408

65,683

42,043

218,833

201,134

155,259

255,788

Provision for Income Taxes

-31,000

-34,500

-17,800

-5,100

-37,000

-23,900

-17,200

-83,300

-78,100

-83,200

-104,400

Income Net of Tax

56,296

52,754

26,483

-50,975

56,408

41,783

24,843

135,533

123,034

72,059

151,388

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Net of Tax

1,096

'

'

'

-56

'

'

812

2,019

'

'

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

0

'

'

'

-1,409

'

'

0

-888

'

'

Unrealized Gain (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other income (expense), net

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

-884

-772

'

'

Provision for Income Taxes

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

353

309

'

'

Income Net of Tax

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

-531

-463

'

'

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Before Tax

1,620

'

'

'

2,123

'

'

1,649

5,449

'

'

Provision for Income Taxes

-647

'

'

'

-849

'

'

-659

-2,179

'

'

Income Net of Tax

973

'

'

'

1,274

'

'

990

3,270

'

'

Amortization of net prior service credit [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Before Tax

-384

[1]

'

'

'

-469

[1]

'

'

-1,205

[1]

-1,390

[1]

'

'

Amortization of net actuarial loss [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Before Tax

2,004

[1]

'

'

'

2,592

[1]

'

'

6,325

[1]

6,839

[1]

'

'

Settlement gain [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income Before Tax

0

[1]

'

'

'

0

[1]

'

'

-3,471

[1]

0

[1]

'

'

Cash Flow Hedge [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

205

'

'

'

132

'

'

588

167

'

'

Provision for Income Taxes

-82

'

'

'

-53

'

'

-235

-67

'

'

Income Net of Tax

$123

'

'

'

$79

'

'

$353

$100

'

'

[1]

These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 9).

Contingencies_Details

Contingencies (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	claims
Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business	0
Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule	'a KHE OPEID unit would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if it derives more than 90% of its receipts from Title IV programs, as calculated on a cash basis in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable DOE regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years, commencing with the unit’s first fiscal year that ends after August 14, 2008. Any OPEID unit with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year ending after August 14, 2008, will be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures.
Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs	90.00%
Higher Education [Member]	'
OPEID units with 90/10 ratio over 90%	0
Title IV participating institutions including Kaplan University and Broomall, PA [Member]	'
Number of open and/or pending DOE program reviews	4

Business_Segments_Narrative_De

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
								segments
Number of reportable segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	$902,479,000	$889,596,000	$836,840,000	$895,891,000	$877,637,000	$854,430,000	$827,612,000	$2,628,915,000	$2,559,679,000	$3,455,570,000	$3,525,997,000
Kaplan International [Member] | Related to certain items recorded in 2011 and 2010 [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Prior periods adjustments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3,900,000	'	'

Business_Segments_Information_

Business Segments (Information by Operating Segment) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Revenues	$902,479	$889,596	$836,840	$895,891	$877,637	$854,430	$827,612	$2,628,915	$2,559,679	$3,455,570	$3,525,997
Income (Loss) from Operations	81,873	104,770	53,398	-22,925	93,236	71,208	37,661	240,041	202,105	179,180	334,118
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, Net	5,892	3,868	3,418	2,785	4,099	3,314	3,888	13,178	11,301	14,086	5,949
Interest Expense, Net	-8,579	-8,526	-8,450	-8,163	-8,090	-8,204	-8,094	-25,555	-24,388	-32,551	-29,079
Other (Expense) Income, Net	8,110	-12,858	-4,083	-17,572	4,163	-635	8,588	-8,831	12,116	-5,456	-55,200
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	87,296	87,254	44,283	-45,875	93,408	65,683	42,043	218,833	201,134	155,259	255,788
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	55,633	57,816	59,895	73,731	57,588	56,594	56,165	173,344	170,347	244,078	223,403
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	119,203	5,090	4,407	3,839	9,867	13,336	132,539	22,201
Amortization of intangible assets	2,837	3,313	3,717	7,610	5,090	4,407	3,839	9,867	13,336	20,946	22,201
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	111,593	'	0	0	'	'	111,593	0
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	-2,733	-2,638	-2,729	-631	-1,134	-3,368	-3,475	-8,100	-7,977	-8,608	-23,219
Identifiable Assets	3,820,650	'	'	4,104,624	'	'	'	3,820,650	'	4,104,624	'
Investment in Marketable Equity Securities	457,969	'	'	380,087	'	'	'	457,969	'	380,087	'
Investments In Affiliates	32,997	'	'	15,535	'	'	'	32,997	'	15,535	'
Prepaid Pension Cost	529,165	'	'	604,823	'	'	'	529,165	'	604,823	'
Assets of discontinued operations	255,100	'	'	0	'	'	'	255,100	'	0	'
Total Assets	5,095,881	'	'	5,105,069	'	'	'	5,095,881	'	5,105,069	'
Education [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	546,452	548,230	527,815	546,341	551,696	551,774	546,685	1,622,497	1,650,155	2,196,496	2,404,459
Income (Loss) from Operations	17,035	23,726	-4,056	-111,874	14,693	3,728	-11,915	36,705	6,506	-105,368	96,286
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	18,978	20,064	22,588	37,431	22,024	21,011	20,717	61,630	63,752	101,183	83,735
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	117,784	4,489	3,803	3,236	7,168	11,528	129,312	19,417
Amortization of intangible assets	2,287	2,363	2,518	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	4,169	4,231	4,106	3,701	3,522	1,969	2,392	12,506	7,883	11,584	6,345
Identifiable Assets	1,739,301	'	'	1,988,015	'	'	'	1,739,301	'	1,988,015	'
Higher Education [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	266,061	'	'	'	273,703	'	'	811,013	872,948	'	'
Income (Loss) from Operations	14,719	'	'	'	1,510	'	'	42,354	16,329	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	9,739	'	'	'	12,168	'	'	33,919	35,598	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	3,201	'	'	'	2,234	'	'	8,815	5,408	'	'
Identifiable Assets	643,342	'	'	949,260	'	'	'	643,342	'	949,260	'
Test Preparation [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	77,431	'	'	'	81,151	'	'	232,064	223,767	'	'
Income (Loss) from Operations	3,820	'	'	'	3,446	'	'	7,306	-4,067	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	5,034	'	'	'	5,544	'	'	14,658	14,308	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	731	'	'	'	554	'	'	2,012	1,381	'	'
Identifiable Assets	182,450	'	'	197,672	'	'	'	182,450	'	197,672	'
Kaplan International [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	201,305	'	'	'	194,158	'	'	574,086	546,862	'	'
Income (Loss) from Operations	12,020	'	'	'	20,365	'	'	24,907	34,293	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	3,903	'	'	'	3,841	'	'	12,015	12,490	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	99	'	'	'	112	'	'	273	113	'	'
Identifiable Assets	878,123	'	'	818,613	'	'	'	878,123	'	818,613	'
Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	2,223	'	'	'	3,809	'	'	6,496	10,283	'	'
Income (Loss) from Operations	-13,680	'	'	'	-10,852	'	'	-38,243	-40,628	'	'
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	302	'	'	'	471	'	'	1,038	1,356	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	138	'	'	'	622	'	'	1,406	981	'	'
Identifiable Assets	35,386	'	'	22,470	'	'	'	35,386	'	22,470	'
Cable Television [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	202,381	204,550	200,138	201,703	199,625	195,579	190,210	607,069	585,414	787,117	760,221
Income (Loss) from Operations	39,715	44,710	36,613	43,445	39,913	38,446	32,777	121,038	111,136	154,581	156,844
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	32,946	33,964	33,733	32,366	32,310	32,234	32,197	100,643	96,741	129,107	126,302
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	52	52	53	54	168	159	211	267
Amortization of intangible assets	61	57	50	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	973	913	882	802	694	514	530	2,768	1,738	2,540	1,924
Identifiable Assets	1,189,084	'	'	1,187,603	'	'	'	1,189,084	'	1,187,603	'
Television Broadcasting [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	87,063	99,320	85,270	116,192	106,411	95,591	81,497	271,653	283,499	399,691	319,206
Income (Loss) from Operations	36,304	47,704	35,362	62,833	54,082	43,728	30,999	119,370	128,809	191,642	117,089
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	3,109	3,151	3,145	3,545	3,126	3,222	3,125	9,405	9,473	13,018	12,448
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	1,251	1,213	1,288	1,523	1,432	1,055	960	3,752	3,447	4,970	1,669
Identifiable Assets	371,726	'	'	374,075	'	'	'	371,726	'	374,075	'
Other Businesses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	66,632	37,572	23,814	31,655	20,187	11,666	9,329	128,018	41,182	72,837	42,891
Income (Loss) from Operations	-5,046	-5,968	-8,542	-9,935	-7,324	-9,005	-6,746	-19,556	-23,075	-33,010	-16,771
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	555	577	429	389	128	127	126	1,561	381	770	674
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	1,367	549	551	549	2,531	1,649	3,016	2,517
Amortization of intangible assets	489	893	1,149	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	173	134	116	55	45	33	36	423	114	169	132
Identifiable Assets	137,068	'	'	88,393	'	'	'	137,068	'	88,393	'
Corporate Office [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	-6,135	-5,402	-5,979	-7,394	-8,128	-5,689	-7,454	-17,516	-21,271	-28,665	-19,330
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	45	60	0	0	0	0	0	105	0	0	244
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	-9,299	-9,129	-9,121	-6,712	-6,827	-6,939	-7,393	-27,549	-21,159	-27,871	-33,289
Identifiable Assets	383,471	'	'	466,538	'	'	'	383,471	'	466,538	'
Intersegment Elimination [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	-49	-76	-197	0	-282	-180	-109	-322	-571	-571	-780
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Education [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	-568	'	'	'	-1,125	'	'	-1,162	-3,705	'	'
Income (Loss) from Operations	$156	'	'	'	$224	'	'	$381	$579	'	'

Summary_of_Quarterly_Operating

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Quarterly Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended							9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Education	$546,452	$548,230	$527,815	$546,341	$551,696	$551,774	$546,685	$1,622,497	$1,650,155	$2,196,496	$2,404,459
Advertising	84,444	96,670	82,994	117,696	105,855	94,649	82,600	264,108	283,104	400,800	327,877
Subscriber and circulation	190,302	192,273	186,790	186,383	185,326	182,639	178,022	569,365	545,987	732,370	710,253
Other	81,281	52,423	39,241	45,471	34,760	25,368	20,305	172,945	80,433	125,904	83,408
Total operating revenues	902,479	889,596	836,840	895,891	877,637	854,430	827,612	2,628,915	2,559,679	3,455,570	3,525,997
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Operating	430,889	400,515	381,965	389,620	407,364	387,167	382,106	1,213,369	1,176,637	1,566,257	1,562,615
Selling, general and administrative	331,247	323,182	337,865	336,262	314,359	335,054	347,841	992,294	997,254	1,333,516	1,383,660
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	55,633	57,816	59,895	73,731	57,588	56,594	56,165	173,344	170,347	244,078	223,403
Amortization of intangible assets	2,837	3,313	3,717	7,610	5,090	4,407	3,839	9,867	13,336	20,946	22,201
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	'	'	'	111,593	'	0	0	'	'	111,593	0
Total operating costs and expenses	820,606	784,826	783,442	918,816	784,401	783,222	789,951	2,388,874	2,357,574	3,276,390	3,191,879
Income (Loss) from Operations	81,873	104,770	53,398	-22,925	93,236	71,208	37,661	240,041	202,105	179,180	334,118
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	5,892	3,868	3,418	2,785	4,099	3,314	3,888	13,178	11,301	14,086	5,949
Interest income	642	522	510	901	648	775	1,069	1,674	2,492	3,393	4,147
Interest expense	-9,221	-9,048	-8,960	-9,064	-8,738	-8,979	-9,163	-27,229	-26,880	-35,944	-33,226
Other income (expense), net	8,110	-12,858	-4,083	-17,572	4,163	-635	8,588	-8,831	12,116	-5,456	-55,200
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	87,296	87,254	44,283	-45,875	93,408	65,683	42,043	218,833	201,134	155,259	255,788
Provision for Income Taxes	31,000	34,500	17,800	5,100	37,000	23,900	17,200	83,300	78,100	83,200	104,400
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	56,296	52,754	26,483	-50,975	56,408	41,783	24,843	135,533	123,034	72,059	151,388
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net Income (Loss)	30,424	45,134	5,259	-45,375	93,947	52,047	31,568	80,817	177,562	132,187	117,157
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-75	-253	-97	-64	71	-11	-70	-425	-10	-74	-7
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company	30,349	44,881	5,162	-45,439	94,018	52,036	31,498	80,392	177,552	132,113	117,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	-205	-206	-444	0	-222	-222	-451	-855	-895	-895	-917
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	30,144	44,675	4,718	-45,439	93,796	51,814	31,047	79,537	176,657	131,218	116,233
Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	56,016	52,295	25,942	-51,039	56,257	41,550	24,322	134,253	122,129	71,090	150,464
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-25,872	-7,620	-21,224	5,600	37,539	10,264	6,725	-54,716	54,528	60,128	-34,231
Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$30,144	$44,675	$4,718	($45,439)	$93,796	$51,814	$31,047	$79,537	$176,657	$131,218	$116,233
Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post Company Common Stockholders	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$7.55	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.09	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$4.07	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.72	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$7.53	$7.05	$3.50	($7.35)	$7.58	$5.48	$3.17	$18.07	$16.17	$9.22	$19.03
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations	($3.48)	($1.03)	($2.86)	$0.78	$5.06	$1.36	$0.90	($7.37)	$7.22	$8.17	($4.33)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$4.05	$6.02	$0.64	($6.57)	$12.64	$6.84	$4.07	$10.70	$23.39	$17.39	$14.70
Average number of common shares outstanding, basic	7,231	'	'	'	7,272	'	'	7,229	7,405	'	'
Average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	7,337	'	'	'	7,376	'	'	7,316	7,508	'	'