Graham (GHC) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	ghc
Entity Registrant Name	GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO
Entity Central Index Key	104889
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		964,001
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		4,869,463

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Education	$500,602	$522,154
Subscriber	187,597	191,128
Advertising	74,027	78,247
Other	83,922	45,012
Total Operating Revenues	846,148	836,541
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating	383,077	376,463
Selling, general and administrative	353,202	325,275
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	58,545	53,217
Amortization of intangible assets	4,769	2,717
Total Operating Costs and Expenses	799,593	757,672
Income from Operations	46,555	78,869
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	-404	4,052
Interest income	559	599
Interest expense	-8,521	-8,820
Other (expense) income, net	-1,105	133,273
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	37,084	207,973
Provision for Income Taxes	14,500	77,400
Income from Continuing Operations	22,584	130,573
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	-784	1,732
Net Income	21,800	132,305
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-774	219
Net Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	21,026	132,524
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	-420	-426
Net income attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	20,606	132,098
Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations	21,390	130,366
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-784	1,732
Net income attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$20,606	$132,098
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share	$3.64	$17.62
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share	($0.13)	$0.23
Basic net income per common share in dollars per share	$3.51	$17.85
Basic average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,704	7,275
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share	$3.62	$17.56
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share	($0.14)	$0.23
Diluted net income per common share in dollars per share	$3.48	$17.79
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,791	7,352

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$21,800	$132,305
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period	-12,088	746
Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	-41	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	-12,129	746
Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, net	-8,878	27,738
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	0	785
Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax	-8,878	28,523
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69	-102
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	629	-7,182
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	698	-7,284
Cash flow hedge gain	179	172
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Before Tax	-20,130	22,157
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive (loss) income	3,202	-8,566
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	-16,928	13,591
Comprehensive Income	4,872	145,896
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-774	219
Total Comprehensive Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$4,098	$146,115

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$619,367	$772,751
Restricted cash	31,559	24,898
Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments	214,980	226,752
Accounts receivable, net	495,631	571,357
Deferred income taxes	4,215	934
Inventories and contracts in progress	11,634	11,309
Other current assets	91,202	81,462
Current assets held for sale (includes $0 and $1,235 of cash, respectively)	17,498	1,240
Total Current Assets	1,486,086	1,690,703
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	823,376	860,829
Investments in Affiliates	36,120	19,811
Goodwill, Net	1,314,351	1,348,710
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	510,966	516,753
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net	90,854	96,947
Prepaid Pension Cost	1,164,001	1,152,488
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	65,691	65,258
Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale	33,945	820
Total Assets	5,525,390	5,752,319
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	414,155	464,342
Income taxes payable	11,235	128,895
Deferred revenue	376,124	410,146
Dividends declared	15,645	0
Short-term borrowings	5,171	46,375
Current liabilities held for sale	25,850	1,034
Total Current Liabilities	848,180	1,050,792
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	37,269	37,962
Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits	240,089	244,082
Other Liabilities	82,539	91,789
Deferred Income Taxes	755,014	754,960
Long-Term Debt	399,645	399,545
Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale	8,085	0
Total Liabilities	2,370,821	2,579,130
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	22,694	21,904
Redeemable Preferred Stock	10,510	10,510
Preferred Stock	0	0
Common Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock	20,000	20,000
Capital in excess of par value	302,205	303,789
Retained earnings	5,998,241	6,008,506
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	-3,581	8,548
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	46,804	52,130
Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans	393,329	392,910
Cash flow hedge	0	-108
Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury	-3,635,633	-3,645,476
Total Common Stockholders’ Equity	3,121,365	3,140,299
Noncontrolling Interests	0	476
Total Equity	3,121,365	3,140,775
Total Liabilities and Equity	$5,525,390	$5,752,319

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash held for sale	$0	$1,235

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income	$21,800	$132,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	58,545	54,124
Amortization of intangible assets	4,769	3,081
Net pension benefit	-11,432	-16,600
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490
Foreign exchange loss (gain)	6,827	-5,037
Net gain on sale and disposition of businesses	-5,240	0
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	594	-4,052
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	-114	4,660
Net loss (gain) on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment	475	-127,259
Change in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	-7,340	31,734
Decrease in accounts receivable, net	59,741	23,498
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-28,337	-90,245
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	-11,621	25,739
(Decrease) increase in income taxes payable	-117,452	73,236
Increase in other assets and other liabilities, net	-17,358	-10,198
Other	272	145
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities	-45,871	99,621
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-47,595	-59,128
Purchases of commercial paper, marketable equity securities and other investments	-905	-101,241
Net (payments) proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and other assets	-4,331	157,314
Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired	0	-5,608
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-52,831	-8,663
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Repayments of borrowings	-39,343	-9
Dividends paid	-15,645	-19,051
Other	4,606	28
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	-50,382	-19,032
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change	-5,535	1,188
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-154,619	73,114
Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Cash of Discontinued Operations	773,986
Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents	772,751	569,719
Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents	$619,367	$642,833

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements	ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Graham Holdings Company (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 comprise the ownership and operation of cable systems and television broadcasting (through the ownership and operation of five television broadcast stations). The Company's other business operations include home health and hospice services and manufacturing.
	In November 2014, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized management to proceed with plans for the complete legal and structural separation of Cable ONE, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, from the Company. Following the proposed transaction, Cable ONE will be an independent, publicly traded company. The Company intends to complete the proposed transaction later in 2015. The proposed transaction will be structured as a tax-free spin-off of Cable ONE to the stockholders of the Company. The transaction is contingent on the satisfaction of a number of conditions, including completion of the review process by the Securities and Exchange Commission of required filings under applicable securities regulations, other applicable regulatory approvals and the final approval of transaction terms by the Company’s Board of Directors.
	On February 12, 2015, Kaplan entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Education Corporation of America (ECA) to sell substantially all of the assets of its KHE Campuses business, consisting of 38 nationally accredited ground campuses and certain related assets, in exchange for a preferred equity interest in ECA. The transaction is contingent upon certain regulatory and accrediting agency approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015.
	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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014.
	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.
	Revision of Prior Period Amounts – During the preparation of the 2014 financial statements, the Company concluded that its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014, that was previously included in the Company's quarterly reports, should be revised to correct the impact of accounts payable and accrued expenses related to capital expenditures. The Company revised its Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to properly eliminate noncash capital expenditures. The result of this correction for the three months ended March 31, 2014, was an increase in net cash used in investing activities of $22.6 million, with an offsetting increase recorded to net cash provided by operating activities during the same period.
	Management has concluded that this error is not material to the previously issued Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and, as a result, the Company has revised the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014. There was no impact on the previously reported total cash and cash equivalents, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet or Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	As detailed below, these revisions impacted the following consolidated cash flow items:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		As
		Previously						As
	(in thousands)	Reported			Revision			Revised
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities
	Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$	(112,811	)	$	22,566		$	(90,245	)
	Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	77,055			22,566			99,621
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities
	Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment	$	(36,562	)	$	(22,566	)	$	(59,128	)
	Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	13,903			(22,566		)	(8,663		)
	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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued comprehensive new guidance that supersedes all existing revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires revenue to be recognized when the Company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. This guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new guidance with a restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new guidance with disclosure of results under the old guidance. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and believes such evaluation will extend over several future periods because of the significance of the changes to the Company’s policies and business processes.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that requires management to assess the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect this guidance to have an impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International. An additional school in China was sold by Kaplan in January of 2015 which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $0.7 million.
	On June 30, 2014, the Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. completed a transaction, as described in Note 4, in which Berkshire acquired a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that included, among other things, WPLG, a Miami-based television station.
	The results of operations of the schools in China and WPLG are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, for all periods presented. The Company did not reclassify its Statements of Cash Flows or prior Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the various discontinued operations.
	In the first quarter of 2014, an after-tax adjustment of $3.0 million was made to reduce the $100.0 million after-tax gain on the sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries previously reported in the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of changes in estimates related to liabilities retained as part of the sale.
	The summarized (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Operating revenues	$	—		$	20,294
	Operating costs and expenses	—			(13,494		)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			6,800
	Provision from income taxes	—			2,026
	Net Income from Discontinued Operations	—			4,774
	Loss on sales of discontinued operations	(732		)	(4,737		)
	Expense (benefit) from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations	52			(1,695		)
	(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$	(784	)	$	1,732
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015
	Restricted cash	$	679
	Accounts receivable, net	11,452
	Other current assets	5,367
	Current Assets Held for Sale	$	17,498
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,789
	Goodwill, net	7,526
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,092
	Amortized intangible assets, net	5,787
	Deferred charges and other assets	751
	Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale	$	33,945
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13,175
	Deferred revenue	12,675
	Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	25,850
	Other liabilities	$	8,085
	Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale	$	8,085

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS
	As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Company had commercial paper and money market investments of $449.4 million and $594.3 million, respectively, that are classified as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Company's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Investments in marketable equity securities comprised the following:
		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014
	Total cost	$	106,909	$	106,909
	Net unrealized gains	78,006		86,884
	Total Fair Value	$	184,915	$	193,793
	There were no new investments in marketable equity securities during the first three months of 2015 and 2014. There were no sales of marketable equity securities in the first three months of 2015. During the first three months of 2014, the proceeds from sales of marketable securities were $4.2 million, of which $0.4 million settled in April 2014, and net realized losses from such sales were $0.3 million.
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company's investment in Corinthian Colleges, Inc., a publicly traded company, was in an unrealized loss position and the Company concluded that the loss was other-than-temporary and recorded a $0.5 million write-down of the investment in the first quarter of 2014.
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company held a 40% interest in Residential Home Health Illinois, a 42.5% interest in Residential Hospice Illinois, a 40% interest in the joint venture formed between Celtic Healthcare and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) and interests in several other affiliates (see Note 4).

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other	ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSITIONS, EXCHANGES AND OTHER
	Acquisitions.  In the first three months of 2015, the Company did not make any acquisitions. In the first three months of 2014, the Company acquired one small business included in its education division; the purchase price allocation comprised goodwill.
	On April 1, 2014, Celtic Healthcare acquired VNA-TIP Healthcare, a provider of home health and hospice services in Missouri and Illinois. On May 30, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of Joyce/Dayton Corp., a Dayton, OH-based manufacturer of screw jacks and other linear motion systems. On July 3, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of an 80% interest in Residential Healthcare Group, Inc., the parent company of Residential Home Health and Residential Hospice, providers of skilled home health care and hospice services in Michigan and Illinois. Residential Healthcare Group, Inc. has a 40% ownership interest in Residential Home Health Illinois and a 42.5% ownership interest in Residential Hospice Illinois, which are accounted for as investments in affiliates. The operating results of these businesses are included in other businesses.
	Dispositions. In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International. In January 2015, Kaplan completed the sale of an additional school in China.
	On February 12, 2015, Kaplan entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Education Corporation of America (ECA) to sell substantially all of the assets of its KHE Campuses business, consisting of 38 nationally accredited ground campuses and certain related assets, in exchange for a preferred equity interest in ECA. KHE Campuses schools that have been closed or are in the process of closing are not included in the sale transaction. The transaction is contingent upon certain regulatory and accrediting agency approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2015. The KHE Campuses business disposal group is reported in assets held for sale at March 31, 2015. The revenue and operating losses related to schools that are being sold as part of the ECA transaction are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar
	(in thousands)		2015			2014
	Revenue		$	61,087		$	69,058
	Operating loss		$	(3,014	)	$	(2,976	)
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015
	Restricted cash	$	679
	Accounts receivable, net	11,452
	Other current assets	5,367
	Current Assets Held for Sale	$	17,498
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,789
	Goodwill, net	7,526
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,092
	Amortized intangible assets, net	5,787
	Deferred charges and other assets	751
	Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale	$	33,945
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13,175
	Deferred revenue	12,675
	Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	25,850
	Other liabilities	$	8,085
	Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale	$	8,085
	Exchanges. On June 30, 2014, the Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. completed a previously announced transaction in which Berkshire acquired a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that included, among other things, WPLG, a Miami-based television station, 2,107 Class A Berkshire shares and 1,278 Class B Berkshire shares owned by Graham Holdings and $327.7 million in cash, in exchange for 1,620,190 shares of Graham Holdings Class B common stock owned by Berkshire Hathaway (Berkshire exchange transaction).
	Other. In January 2015, Celtic and AHN closed on the formation of a joint venture to combine each other’s home health and hospice assets in the western Pennsylvania region. Although Celtic manages the operations of the joint venture, Celtic holds a 40% interest in the joint venture, so the operating results of the joint venture are not consolidated and the pro rata operating results are included in the Company’s equity in earnings of affiliates. Celtic’s revenues from the western Pennsylvania region that are now part of the joint venture made up 29% of total Celtic revenues in 2014.
	The Company’s income from continuing operations excludes the sold Kaplan China schools and WPLG, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations, net of tax (see Note 2).

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Amortization of intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $4.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $13 million for the remainder of 2015, $17 million in 2016, $14 million in 2017, $13 million in 2018, $12 million in 2019 and $22 million thereafter.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Education				Cable				Television				Other				Total
										Broadcasting				Businesses
	Balance as of December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	$	1,057,226			$	85,488			$	168,345			$	145,992			$	1,457,051
	Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)		—				—				(6,082		)		(108,341		)
		954,967				85,488				168,345				139,910				1,348,710
	Dispositions	—				—				—				(7,614		)		(7,614		)
	Reclassification to assets held for sale	(7,526		)		—				—				—				(7,526		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(19,219		)		—				—				—				(19,219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	1,030,481				85,488				168,345				138,378				1,422,692
	Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)		—				—				(6,082		)		(108,341		)
		$	928,222			$	85,488			$	168,345			$	132,296			$	1,314,351
	The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company’s education division were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Higher				Test				Kaplan				Total
		Education				Preparation				International
	Balance as of December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	$	409,884			$	166,098			$	481,244			$	1,057,226
	Accumulated impairment losses	—				(102,259		)		—				(102,259		)
		409,884				63,839				481,244				954,967
	Reclassification to assets held for sale	(7,526		)		—				—				(7,526		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(169		)		—				(19,050		)		(19,219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	402,189				166,098				462,194				1,030,481
	Accumulated impairment losses	—				(102,259		)		—				(102,259		)
		$	402,189			$	63,839			$	462,194			$	928,222
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
				As of March 31, 2015												As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Useful Life		Gross				Accumulated				Net Carrying				Gross				Accumulated		Net
		Range		Carrying				Amortization				Amount				Carrying				Amortization		Carrying
				Amount												Amount						Amount
	Amortized Intangible Assets
	Noncompete agreements	2–5 years		$	1,680			$	1,070			$	610			$	2,500			$	1,590	$	910
	Student and customer relationships	2–10 years		103,480				49,503				53,977				104,685				47,539		57,146
	Databases and technology	3–5 years		10,518				9,024				1,494				10,501				8,827		1,674
	Trade names and trademarks	2–10 years		54,281				20,812				33,469				55,452				19,724		35,728
	Other	1–25 years		6,317				5,013				1,304				8,969				7,480		1,489
				$	176,276			$	85,422			$	90,854			$	182,107			$	85,160	$	96,947
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Franchise agreements			$	496,321											$	496,321
	Licensure and accreditation			994												6,781
	Other			13,651												13,651
				$	510,966											$	516,753

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT
	The Company’s borrowings consist of the following:
		As of
		March 31,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	398,411		$	398,308
	AUD Revolving credit borrowing	—			40,927
	Other indebtedness	6,405			6,685
	Total Debt	404,816			445,920
	Less: current portion	(5,171		)	(46,375		)
	Total Long-Term Debt	$	399,645		$	399,545
	The Company’s other indebtedness at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is at interest rates from 0% to 6% and matures from 2015 to 2017.
	On March 9, 2015, the Company repaid the AUD 50 million borrowed under its revolving credit facility. On the same day, the AUD 50 million interest rate swap agreements matured.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $435.8 million and $451.2 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 7.1% and 7.0%, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company incurred net interest expense of $8.0 million and $8.2 million, respectively.
	At March 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $451.3 million, compared with the carrying amount of $398.4 million. At December 31, 2014, the fair value of the Company’s 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $450.3 million, compared with the carrying amount of $398.3 million. The carrying value of the Company’s other unsecured debt at March 31, 2015 approximates fair value.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		As of March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Assets
	Money market investments (1)	$	—	$	227,485	$	227,485
	Commercial paper (2)	221,962		—		221,962
	Marketable equity securities (3)	184,915		—		184,915
	Other current investments (4)	9,917		20,148		30,065
	Total Financial Assets	$	416,794	$	247,633	$	664,427
	Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)	$	—	$	69,836	$	69,836
	7.25% unsecured notes (6)	—		451,256		451,256
	Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	521,092	$	521,092
		As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Assets
	Money market investments (1)	$	—	$	368,131	$	368,131
	Commercial paper (2)	226,197		—		226,197
	Marketable equity securities (3)	193,793		—		193,793
	Other current investments (4)	11,788		21,171		32,959
	Total Financial Assets	$	431,778	$	389,302	$	821,080
	Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)	$	—	$	70,661	$	70,661
	7.25% unsecured notes (6)	—		450,344		450,344
	AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)	—		40,927		40,927
	Interest rate swap (7)	—		179		179
	Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	562,111	$	562,111
	____________
	-1	The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
	-2	The Company's commercial paper investments with original maturities of 90 days or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	-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.
	-5	Includes Graham Holdings Company's Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits. These plans measure the market value of a participant's balance in a notional investment account that is comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices. However, since the deferred compensation obligations are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in operating income.
	-6	See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company’s publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt.
	-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

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	On June 30, 2014, the Company acquired 1,620,190 of its Class B common stock owned by Berkshire Hathaway, as described in Note 4.
	The Company's unvested restricted stock awards contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and, therefore, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The diluted earnings per share computed under the two-class method is lower than the diluted earnings per share computed under the treasury stock method, resulting in the presentation of the lower amount in diluted earnings per share. The computation of the earnings per share under the two-class method excludes the income attributable to the unvested restricted stock awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those underlying shares from the denominator.
	The following reflects the Company's income from continuing operations and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations using the two-class method:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	21,390			$	130,366
	Less: Dividends-common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares	(30,870		)		(37,675		)
	Undistributed (losses) earnings	(9,480		)		92,691
	Percent allocated to common stockholders(1)	100		%		98.33		%
		(9,480		)		91,141
	Add: Dividends-common stock outstanding	30,228				37,044
	Numerator for basic earnings per share	$	20,748			$	128,185
	Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options	—				5
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$	20,748			$	128,190
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	5,704				7,275
	Add: Effect of dilutive stock options	33				26
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share	5,737				7,301
	Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders:
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.64			$	17.62
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.62			$	17.56
	____________
	-1	Percent of undistributed losses allocated to common stockholders is 100% in the first quarter of 2015 as participating securities are not contractually obligated to share in losses.
	Diluted earnings per share excludes the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive, as computed under the treasury stock method:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Weighted average restricted stock	54			51
	The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 exclude the effects of 50,000 stock options outstanding as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 exclude the effects of 5,000 stock options outstanding as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2015 exclude the effects of 5,850 restricted stock awards as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. The diluted earnings per share amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2014 exclude the effects of 5,550 restricted stock awards, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive.
	The Company declared regular dividends totaling $5.30 and $5.10 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, respectively.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla

Pension and Postretirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure	PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
	Defined Benefit Plans. The total benefit arising from the Company’s defined benefit pension plans, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	7,252			$	7,537
	Interest cost	12,780				13,082
	Expected return on assets	(31,545		)		(30,263		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	81				82
	Recognized actuarial gain	—				(7,038		)
	Net Periodic Benefit	(11,432		)		(16,600		)
	Early retirement programs expense	—				4,490
	Total Benefit	$	(11,432	)		$	(12,110	)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the net periodic benefit for the Company's pension plans, as reported above, includes costs of $0.1 million reported in discontinued operations.
	In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded $4.5 million related to a Separation Incentive Program for certain Corporate employees, which is being funded from the assets of the Company's pension plan.
	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 March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	509			$	373
	Interest cost	1,135				1,085
	Amortization of prior service cost	114				12
	Recognized actuarial loss	878				375
	Net Periodic Cost	$	2,636			$	1,845
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the net periodic cost for the Company's SERP, as reported above, includes costs of $0.1 million reported in discontinued operations.
	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
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	U.S. equities	55	%		59	%
	U.S. fixed income	12	%		13	%
	International equities	33	%		28	%
		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 March 31, 2015, 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 March 31, 2015. 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 March 31, 2015, the pension plan held common stock in one investment that exceeded 10% of total plan assets, valued at $646.5 million, or 25% of total plan assets. At December 31, 2014, the pension plan held common stock in two investments that exceeded 10% of total plan assets, valued at $730.6 million, or 30% of total plan assets. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the pension plan held investments in one foreign country that exceeded 10% of total plan assets. These investments were valued at $648.7 million and $468.0 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, or approximately 25% and 19%, respectively, of total plan assets.
	Other Postretirement Plans. The total cost arising from the Company’s other postretirement plans consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	333			$	375
	Interest cost	325				362
	Amortization of prior service credit	(126		)		(196		)
	Recognized actuarial gain	(249		)		(519		)
	Net Periodic Cost	$	283			$	22

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	OTHER NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME
	A summary of non-operating (expense) income is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Foreign currency (loss) gain, net	$	(6,827	)	$	5,037
	Gain on formation of joint venture	5,972			—
	Gain on sale of headquarters building	—			127,670
	Losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities	—			(785		)
	Other, net	(250		)	1,351
	Total Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income	$	(1,105	)	$	133,273
	In January 2015, Celtic contributed assets to a joint venture entered into with AHN in exchange for a 40% equity interest, resulting in the Company recording a $6.0 million gain (see Note 4). The Company used an income and market approach to value the equity interest. The measurement of the equity interest in the joint venture is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed in the determination of the fair value.
	On March 27, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its headquarters building for $158 million. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a $127.7 million pre-tax gain.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The other comprehensive (loss) income consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2015									2014
		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	$	(12,088	)	$	—		$	(12,088	)	$	746		$	—		$	746
	Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	(41		)	—			(41		)	—			—			—
		(12,129		)	—			(12,129		)	746			—			746
	Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
	Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, net	(8,878		)	3,552			(5,326		)	27,738			(11,096		)	16,642
	Reclassification adjustment for write-down and realization of loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	—			—			—			785			(314		)	471
		(8,878		)	3,552			(5,326		)	28,523			(11,410		)	17,113
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
	Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69			(27		)	42			(102		)	40			(62		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	629			(252		)	377			(7,182		)	2,873			(4,309		)
		698			(279		)	419			(7,284		)	2,913			(4,371		)
	Cash flow hedge:
	Gain for the period	179			(71		)	108			172			(69		)	103
	Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	$	(20,130	)	$	3,202		$	(16,928	)	$	22,157		$	(8,566	)	$	13,591
	The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(in thousands, net of taxes)	Cumulative			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain			Cash Flow			Accumulated
		Foreign			on Available-for-			on Pensions			Hedge			Other
		Currency			Sale Securities			and Other						Comprehensive
		Translation						Postretirement						Income
		Adjustment						Plans
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	8,548		$	52,130		$	392,910		$	(108	)	$	453,480
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(12,088		)	(5,326		)	—			29			(17,385		)
	Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(41		)	—			419			79			457
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(12,129		)	(5,326		)	419			108			(16,928		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(3,581	)	$	46,804		$	393,329		$	—		$	436,552
	The amounts and line items of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
	Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	$	(41	)	$	—		(Loss) Income from Discontinued
								Operations, Net of Tax
	Unrealized Gains on Available-for-sale Securities:
	Realized loss for the period	$	—		$	785		Other (expense) income, net
		—			(314		)	Provision for Income Taxes
		—			471			Net of Tax
	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
	Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	69			(102		)	-1
	Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	629			(7,182		)	-1
		698			(7,284		)	Before tax
		(279		)	2,913			Provision for Income Taxes
		419			(4,371		)	Net of Tax
	Cash Flow Hedge
		132			212			Interest expense
		(53		)	(85		)	Provision for Income Taxes
		79			127			Net of Tax
	Total reclassification for the period	$	457		$	(3,773	)	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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	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.
	Certain Kaplan subsidiaries are subject to two unsealed cases filed by former employees that include, among other allegations, claims under the False Claims Act relating to eligibility for Title IV funding. The U.S. Government declined to intervene in all cases, and, as previously reported, court decisions either dismissed the cases in their entirety or narrowed the scope of their allegations. The two cases are captioned: United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. (unsealed March 25, 2008) and United States of America ex rel. Charles Jajdelski v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. et al. (unsealed January 6, 2009).
	On August 17, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a series of rulings in the Diaz case, which included three separate complaints: Diaz, Wilcox and Gillespie. The court dismissed the Wilcox complaint in its entirety; dismissed all False Claims Act allegations in the Diaz complaint, leaving only an individual employment claim; and dismissed in part the Gillespie complaint, thereby limiting the scope and time frame of its False Claims Act allegations regarding compliance with the U.S. Federal Rehabilitation Act. On October 31, 2012, the court entered summary judgment in favor of the Company as to the sole remaining employment claim in the Diaz complaint. On July 16, 2013, the court likewise entered summary judgment in favor of the Company on all remaining claims in the Gillespie complaint. Diaz and Gillespie each appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Court. Arguments on both appeals were heard on February 3, 2015. On March 11, 2015, the court issued a decision affirming the lower court's dismissal of all of Gillespie's claims and three of the four Diaz claims but reversing and remanding on one remaining claim.
	On July 7, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada dismissed the Jajdelski complaint in its entirety and entered a final judgment in favor of Kaplan. On February 13, 2013, the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit affirmed the dismissal in part and reversed the dismissal on one allegation under the False Claims Act relating to eligibility for Title IV funding based on claims of false attendance. The surviving claim was remanded to the District Court, where Kaplan has moved for summary judgment, which the court granted on March 9, 2015; this ruling could be appealed by the plaintiff.
	ED Program Reviews.  The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has undertaken program reviews at various KHE locations. Currently, there are five pending program reviews, including the ED’s final reports on the program reviews at KHE’s Broomall, PA, and Pittsburgh, PA, locations, and the program review at Kaplan University.
	The Company does not expect the open program reviews to have a material impact on KHE; however, the results of open program 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 school would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if the institution 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 ED regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years. An institution with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year would be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures. The 90/10 rule calculations are performed for each OPEID unit. 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. While there can be no guarantee that these measures will be adequate to prevent the 90/10 ratio at some of the schools from exceeding 90% in the future, management currently estimates that each of KHE's continuing operations campuses will be 90/10 compliant in 2015.

Business_Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	The Company has six reportable segments: Kaplan Higher Education, Kaplan Test Preparation, Kaplan International, cable, television broadcasting and other businesses.
	The following table summarizes financial information related to each of the Company’s business segments:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Operating Revenues
	Education	$	500,602		$	522,154
	Cable	198,723			203,921
	Television broadcasting	83,564			85,651
	Other businesses	63,259			24,913
	Corporate office	—			—
	Intersegment elimination	—			(98		)
		$	846,148		$	836,541
	Income (Loss) From Operations
	Education	$	(22,849	)	$	1,862
	Cable	39,076			41,162
	Television broadcasting	38,562			44,386
	Other businesses	(5,162		)	(10,747		)
	Corporate office	(3,072		)	2,206
		$	46,555		$	78,869
	Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Affiliates, Net	(404		)	4,052
	Interest Expense, Net	(7,962		)	(8,221		)
	Other (Expense) Income, Net	(1,105		)	133,273
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$	37,084		$	207,973
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	18,528		$	16,416
	Cable	36,348			33,787
	Television broadcasting	2,109			1,994
	Other businesses	1,302			520
	Corporate office	258			500
		$	58,545		$	53,217
	Amortization of Intangible Assets
	Education	$	1,507		$	1,924
	Cable	31			35
	Television broadcasting	63			—
	Other businesses	3,168			758
	Corporate office	—			—
		$	4,769		$	2,717
	Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	3,947		$	4,143
	Cable	975			864
	Television broadcasting	391			320
	Other businesses	193			164
	Corporate office	(16,938		)	(17,679		)
		$	(11,432	)	$	(12,188	)
	Asset information for the Company’s business segments are as follows:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Education	$	1,535,949		$	1,781,543
	Cable television	1,254,511			1,253,764
	Television broadcasting	299,983			305,426
	Other businesses	488,748			518,807
	Corporate office	509,720			524,627
		$	4,088,911		$	4,384,167
	Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	184,915			193,793
	Investments in Affiliates	36,120			19,811
	Prepaid Pension Cost	1,164,001			1,152,488
	Assets Held for Sale	51,443			2,060
	Total Assets	$	5,525,390		$	5,752,319
	The Company’s education division comprises the following operating segments:
		Three Months Ended
	31-Mar
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Operating Revenues
Higher education	$	237,568		$	253,779
Test preparation	69,226			67,804
Kaplan international	192,081			198,847
Kaplan corporate and other	1,859			2,014
Intersegment elimination	(132		)	(290		)
	$	500,602		$	522,154
Income (Loss) from Operations
Higher education	$	593		$	13,144
Test preparation	(4,334		)	(6,628		)
Kaplan international	7,717			9,858
Kaplan corporate and other	(26,857		)	(14,556		)
Intersegment elimination	32			44
	$	(22,849	)	$	1,862
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Higher education	$	4,828		$	7,740
Test preparation	2,890			3,784
Kaplan international	4,654			4,680
Kaplan corporate and other	6,156			212
	$	18,528		$	16,416
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$	1,507		$	1,924
Pension Expense
Higher education	$	2,532		$	2,628
Test preparation	775			722
Kaplan international	106			89
Kaplan corporate and other	534			704
	$	3,947		$	4,143
Identifiable assets for the Company’s education division consist of the following:
	As of
(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
	2015			2014
Identifiable assets
Higher education	$	557,851		$	749,421
Test preparation	169,493			167,055
Kaplan international	776,129			838,148
Kaplan corporate and other	32,476			26,919
	$	1,535,949		$	1,781,543

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta1

Organization, Basis of Presentation And Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014.
	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	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.

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta2

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments	As detailed below, these revisions impacted the following consolidated cash flow items:
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		As
		Previously						As
	(in thousands)	Reported			Revision			Revised
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities
	Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	$	(112,811	)	$	22,566		$	(90,245	)
	Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	77,055			22,566			99,621
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities
	Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment	$	(36,562	)	$	(22,566	)	$	(59,128	)
	Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	13,903			(22,566		)	(8,663		)

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale and Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax	The summarized (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Operating revenues	$	—		$	20,294
	Operating costs and expenses	—			(13,494		)
	Income from discontinued operations	—			6,800
	Provision from income taxes	—			2,026
	Net Income from Discontinued Operations	—			4,774
	Loss on sales of discontinued operations	(732		)	(4,737		)
	Expense (benefit) from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations	52			(1,695		)
	(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$	(784	)	$	1,732

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	Investments in marketable equity securities comprised the following:
		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014
	Total cost	$	106,909	$	106,909
	Net unrealized gains	78,006		86,884
	Total Fair Value	$	184,915	$	193,793

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch1

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acqusitions and Dispositions [Abstract]
Significant Component	The revenue and operating losses related to schools that are being sold as part of the ECA transaction are as follows:
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar
	(in thousands)		2015				2014
	Revenue		$	61,087			$	69,058
	Operating loss		$	(3,014	)		$	(2,976	)
Assets Held for Sale	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International. An additional school in China was sold by Kaplan in January of 2015 which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $0.7 million.
	On June 30, 2014, the Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. completed a transaction, as described in Note 4, in which Berkshire acquired a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that included, among other things, WPLG, a Miami-based television station.
	The results of operations of the schools in China and WPLG are included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, for all periods presented. The Company did not reclassify its Statements of Cash Flows or prior Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to reflect the various discontinued operations.
	In the first quarter of 2014, an after-tax adjustment of $3.0 million was made to reduce the $100.0 million after-tax gain on the sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries previously reported in the fourth quarter of 2013, as a result of changes in estimates related to liabilities retained as part of the sale.
	The summarized (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Operating revenues	$	—			$	20,294
	Operating costs and expenses	—				(13,494		)
	Income from discontinued operations	—				6,800
	Provision from income taxes	—				2,026
	Net Income from Discontinued Operations	—				4,774
	Loss on sales of discontinued operations	(732		)		(4,737		)
	Expense (benefit) from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations	52				(1,695		)
	(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$	(784	)		$	1,732
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities held for sale at March 31, 2015 are as follows:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31, 2015
	Restricted cash	$	679
	Accounts receivable, net	11,452
	Other current assets	5,367
	Current Assets Held for Sale	$	17,498
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,789
	Goodwill, net	7,526
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,092
	Amortized intangible assets, net	5,787
	Deferred charges and other assets	751
	Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale	$	33,945
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	13,175
	Deferred revenue	12,675
	Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	25,850
	Other liabilities	$	8,085
	Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale	$	8,085

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Education				Cable				Television				Other				Total
										Broadcasting				Businesses
	Balance as of December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	$	1,057,226			$	85,488			$	168,345			$	145,992			$	1,457,051
	Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)		—				—				(6,082		)		(108,341		)
		954,967				85,488				168,345				139,910				1,348,710
	Dispositions	—				—				—				(7,614		)		(7,614		)
	Reclassification to assets held for sale	(7,526		)		—				—				—				(7,526		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(19,219		)		—				—				—				(19,219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	1,030,481				85,488				168,345				138,378				1,422,692
	Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)		—				—				(6,082		)		(108,341		)
		$	928,222			$	85,488			$	168,345			$	132,296			$	1,314,351
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
				As of March 31, 2015												As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Useful Life		Gross				Accumulated				Net Carrying				Gross				Accumulated		Net
		Range		Carrying				Amortization				Amount				Carrying				Amortization		Carrying
				Amount												Amount						Amount
	Amortized Intangible Assets
	Noncompete agreements	2–5 years		$	1,680			$	1,070			$	610			$	2,500			$	1,590	$	910
	Student and customer relationships	2–10 years		103,480				49,503				53,977				104,685				47,539		57,146
	Databases and technology	3–5 years		10,518				9,024				1,494				10,501				8,827		1,674
	Trade names and trademarks	2–10 years		54,281				20,812				33,469				55,452				19,724		35,728
	Other	1–25 years		6,317				5,013				1,304				8,969				7,480		1,489
				$	176,276			$	85,422			$	90,854			$	182,107			$	85,160	$	96,947
	Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	Franchise agreements			$	496,321											$	496,321
	Licensure and accreditation			994												6,781
	Other			13,651												13,651
				$	510,966											$	516,753
Education [Member]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company’s education division were as follows:
	(in thousands)	Higher				Test				Kaplan				Total
		Education				Preparation				International
	Balance as of December 31, 2014
	Goodwill	$	409,884			$	166,098			$	481,244			$	1,057,226
	Accumulated impairment losses	—				(102,259		)		—				(102,259		)
		409,884				63,839				481,244				954,967
	Reclassification to assets held for sale	(7,526		)		—				—				(7,526		)
	Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(169		)		—				(19,050		)		(19,219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015
	Goodwill	402,189				166,098				462,194				1,030,481
	Accumulated impairment losses	—				(102,259		)		—				(102,259		)
		$	402,189			$	63,839			$	462,194			$	928,222

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Debt	The Company’s borrowings consist of the following:
		As of
		March 31,			December 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	398,411		$	398,308
	AUD Revolving credit borrowing	—			40,927
	Other indebtedness	6,405			6,685
	Total Debt	404,816			445,920
	Less: current portion	(5,171		)	(46,375		)
	Total Long-Term Debt	$	399,645		$	399,545

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:
		As of March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Assets
	Money market investments (1)	$	—	$	227,485	$	227,485
	Commercial paper (2)	221,962		—		221,962
	Marketable equity securities (3)	184,915		—		184,915
	Other current investments (4)	9,917		20,148		30,065
	Total Financial Assets	$	416,794	$	247,633	$	664,427
	Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)	$	—	$	69,836	$	69,836
	7.25% unsecured notes (6)	—		451,256		451,256
	Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	521,092	$	521,092
		As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
	Assets
	Money market investments (1)	$	—	$	368,131	$	368,131
	Commercial paper (2)	226,197		—		226,197
	Marketable equity securities (3)	193,793		—		193,793
	Other current investments (4)	11,788		21,171		32,959
	Total Financial Assets	$	431,778	$	389,302	$	821,080
	Liabilities
	Deferred compensation plan liabilities (5)	$	—	$	70,661	$	70,661
	7.25% unsecured notes (6)	—		450,344		450,344
	AUD revolving credit borrowing (6)	—		40,927		40,927
	Interest rate swap (7)	—		179		179
	Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	562,111	$	562,111
	____________
	-1	The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
	-2	The Company's commercial paper investments with original maturities of 90 days or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
	-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.
	-5	Includes Graham Holdings Company's Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits. These plans measure the market value of a participant's balance in a notional investment account that is comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices. However, since the deferred compensation obligations are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in operating income.
	-6	See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company’s publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt.
	-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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations, Basic and Diluted	The following reflects the Company's income from continuing operations and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations using the two-class method:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015				2014
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic earnings per share:
	Income from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	21,390			$	130,366
	Less: Dividends-common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares	(30,870		)		(37,675		)
	Undistributed (losses) earnings	(9,480		)		92,691
	Percent allocated to common stockholders(1)	100		%		98.33		%
		(9,480		)		91,141
	Add: Dividends-common stock outstanding	30,228				37,044
	Numerator for basic earnings per share	$	20,748			$	128,185
	Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options	—				5
	Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$	20,748			$	128,190
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic earnings per share:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	5,704				7,275
	Add: Effect of dilutive stock options	33				26
	Denominator for diluted earnings per share	5,737				7,301
	Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders:
	Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.64			$	17.62
	Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	3.62			$	17.56
Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock	Diluted earnings per share excludes the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive, as computed under the treasury stock method:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Weighted average restricted stock	54			51

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla1

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Defined Benefit Plans. The total benefit arising from the Company’s defined benefit pension plans, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	7,252			$	7,537
	Interest cost	12,780				13,082
	Expected return on assets	(31,545		)		(30,263		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	81				82
	Recognized actuarial gain	—				(7,038		)
	Net Periodic Benefit	(11,432		)		(16,600		)
	Early retirement programs expense	—				4,490
	Total Benefit	$	(11,432	)		$	(12,110	)
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The assets of the Company’s pension plan were allocated as follows:
		As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	U.S. equities	55	%		59	%
	U.S. fixed income	12	%		13	%
	International equities	33	%		28	%
		100	%		100	%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	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 March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	509			$	373
	Interest cost	1,135				1,085
	Amortization of prior service cost	114				12
	Recognized actuarial loss	878				375
	Net Periodic Cost	$	2,636			$	1,845
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	Other Postretirement Plans. The total cost arising from the Company’s other postretirement plans consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
	(in thousands)	2015				2014
	Service cost	$	333			$	375
	Interest cost	325				362
	Amortization of prior service credit	(126		)		(196		)
	Recognized actuarial gain	(249		)		(519		)
	Net Periodic Cost	$	283			$	22

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe1

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Summary of Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)	A summary of non-operating (expense) income is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Foreign currency (loss) gain, net	$	(6,827	)	$	5,037
	Gain on formation of joint venture	5,972			—
	Gain on sale of headquarters building	—			127,670
	Losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities	—			(785		)
	Other, net	(250		)	1,351
	Total Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income	$	(1,105	)	$	133,273

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Summary of Other Comprehensive Income	The other comprehensive (loss) income consists of the following components:
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2015									2014
		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	$	(12,088	)	$	—		$	(12,088	)	$	746		$	—		$	746
	Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	(41		)	—			(41		)	—			—			—
		(12,129		)	—			(12,129		)	746			—			746
	Unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities:
	Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, net	(8,878		)	3,552			(5,326		)	27,738			(11,096		)	16,642
	Reclassification adjustment for write-down and realization of loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	—			—			—			785			(314		)	471
		(8,878		)	3,552			(5,326		)	28,523			(11,410		)	17,113
	Pension and other postretirement plans:
	Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69			(27		)	42			(102		)	40			(62		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	629			(252		)	377			(7,182		)	2,873			(4,309		)
		698			(279		)	419			(7,284		)	2,913			(4,371		)
	Cash flow hedge:
	Gain for the period	179			(71		)	108			172			(69		)	103
	Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	$	(20,130	)	$	3,202		$	(16,928	)	$	22,157		$	(8,566	)	$	13,591
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(in thousands, net of taxes)	Cumulative			Unrealized Gain			Unrealized Gain			Cash Flow			Accumulated
		Foreign			on Available-for-			on Pensions			Hedge			Other
		Currency			Sale Securities			and Other						Comprehensive
		Translation						Postretirement						Income
		Adjustment						Plans
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	8,548		$	52,130		$	392,910		$	(108	)	$	453,480
	Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(12,088		)	(5,326		)	—			29			(17,385		)
	Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(41		)	—			419			79			457
	Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(12,129		)	(5,326		)	419			108			(16,928		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2015	$	(3,581	)	$	46,804		$	393,329		$	—		$	436,552
Summary of Amounts and Line Items of reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The amounts and line items of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
		March 31
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
	Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations	$	(41	)	$	—		(Loss) Income from Discontinued
								Operations, Net of Tax
	Unrealized Gains on Available-for-sale Securities:
	Realized loss for the period	$	—		$	785		Other (expense) income, net
		—			(314		)	Provision for Income Taxes
		—			471			Net of Tax
	Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
	Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	69			(102		)	-1
	Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	629			(7,182		)	-1
		698			(7,284		)	Before tax
		(279		)	2,913			Provision for Income Taxes
		419			(4,371		)	Net of Tax
	Cash Flow Hedge
		132			212			Interest expense
		(53		)	(85		)	Provision for Income Taxes
		79			127			Net of Tax
	Total reclassification for the period	$	457		$	(3,773	)	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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment	The following table summarizes financial information related to each of the Company’s business segments:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Operating Revenues
	Education	$	500,602		$	522,154
	Cable	198,723			203,921
	Television broadcasting	83,564			85,651
	Other businesses	63,259			24,913
	Corporate office	—			—
	Intersegment elimination	—			(98		)
		$	846,148		$	836,541
	Income (Loss) From Operations
	Education	$	(22,849	)	$	1,862
	Cable	39,076			41,162
	Television broadcasting	38,562			44,386
	Other businesses	(5,162		)	(10,747		)
	Corporate office	(3,072		)	2,206
		$	46,555		$	78,869
	Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Affiliates, Net	(404		)	4,052
	Interest Expense, Net	(7,962		)	(8,221		)
	Other (Expense) Income, Net	(1,105		)	133,273
	Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$	37,084		$	207,973
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Education	$	18,528		$	16,416
	Cable	36,348			33,787
	Television broadcasting	2,109			1,994
	Other businesses	1,302			520
	Corporate office	258			500
		$	58,545		$	53,217
	Amortization of Intangible Assets
	Education	$	1,507		$	1,924
	Cable	31			35
	Television broadcasting	63			—
	Other businesses	3,168			758
	Corporate office	—			—
		$	4,769		$	2,717
	Net Pension (Credit) Expense
	Education	$	3,947		$	4,143
	Cable	975			864
	Television broadcasting	391			320
	Other businesses	193			164
	Corporate office	(16,938		)	(17,679		)
		$	(11,432	)	$	(12,188	)
	Asset information for the Company’s business segments are as follows:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Identifiable Assets
	Education	$	1,535,949		$	1,781,543
	Cable television	1,254,511			1,253,764
	Television broadcasting	299,983			305,426
	Other businesses	488,748			518,807
	Corporate office	509,720			524,627
		$	4,088,911		$	4,384,167
	Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	184,915			193,793
	Investments in Affiliates	36,120			19,811
	Prepaid Pension Cost	1,164,001			1,152,488
	Assets Held for Sale	51,443			2,060
	Total Assets	$	5,525,390		$	5,752,319
Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment	The Company’s education division comprises the following operating segments:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Operating Revenues
	Higher education	$	237,568		$	253,779
	Test preparation	69,226			67,804
	Kaplan international	192,081			198,847
	Kaplan corporate and other	1,859			2,014
	Intersegment elimination	(132		)	(290		)
		$	500,602		$	522,154
	Income (Loss) from Operations
	Higher education	$	593		$	13,144
	Test preparation	(4,334		)	(6,628		)
	Kaplan international	7,717			9,858
	Kaplan corporate and other	(26,857		)	(14,556		)
	Intersegment elimination	32			44
		$	(22,849	)	$	1,862
	Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
	Higher education	$	4,828		$	7,740
	Test preparation	2,890			3,784
	Kaplan international	4,654			4,680
	Kaplan corporate and other	6,156			212
		$	18,528		$	16,416
	Amortization of Intangible Assets	$	1,507		$	1,924
	Pension Expense
	Higher education	$	2,532		$	2,628
	Test preparation	775			722
	Kaplan international	106			89
	Kaplan corporate and other	534			704
		$	3,947		$	4,143
	Identifiable assets for the Company’s education division consist of the following:
		As of
	(in thousands)	March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Identifiable assets
	Higher education	$	557,851		$	749,421
	Test preparation	169,493			167,055
	Kaplan international	776,129			838,148
	Kaplan corporate and other	32,476			26,919
		$	1,535,949		$	1,781,543

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta3

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 12, 2015
			campus
Percentage of ownership indicating control for consolidation purposes	more than 50%
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	($52,831)	($8,663)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	-45,871	99,621
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Number of television broadcast stations	5
Revision Adjustment [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		-22,566
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		$22,566
KHE Campuses [Member] | Higher Education [Member]
Number of nationally accredited ground campuses			38

Organization_Basis_of_Presenta4

Organization, Basis of Presentation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	($28,337)	($90,245)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	-45,871	99,621
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment	-47,595	-59,128
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	-52,831	-8,663
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		-112,811
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		77,055
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment		-36,562
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		13,903
Revision Adjustment [Member]
Decrease in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities		22,566
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		22,566
Purchases of Property, Plant and Equipment		-22,566
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		($22,566)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
			school	school
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition	$732,000	$4,737,000
Expenses in discontinued operations	0	13,494,000
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490,000
Kaplan China [Member] | Kaplan International [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of schools sold			1	3
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition			700,000
Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Revision Adjustment [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition		-3,000,000
Sale of Publishing Subsidiaries [Member] | Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition					$100,000,000
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged						2,107
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Common Class B [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged						1,278

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations (Summarized (Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$0	$20,294
Operating costs and expenses	0	-13,494
Income from discontinued operations	0	6,800
Provision from income taxes	0	2,026
Net Income from Discontinued Operations	0	4,774
Loss on sales of discontinued operations	-732	-4,737
Expense (benefit) from income taxes on sales of discontinued operations	52	-1,695
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	($784)	$1,732

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 03, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on exchange of Berkshire Hathaway shares		$0	($785,000)
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities		0	4,200,000
(Loss) gain on sales of marketable equity securities			-300,000
New investments in marketable equity securities		0	0
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities in Q1 settled in April	400,000
Pre-tax gain on equity method investments		-404,000	4,052,000
Company's investments in marketable equity securities		184,915,000		193,793,000
Unrealized loss on investment		78,006,000		86,884,000
Commercial Paper And Money Market Investments		449,400,000		594,300,000
Corinthian Colleges, Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security			$500,000
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged					2,107
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged					1,278
Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		40.00%
Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		42.50%				42.50%
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		40.00%

Investments_Investments_in_Mar

Investments (Investments in Marketable Equity Securities) (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]
Total cost	$106,909	$106,909
Net unrealized gains	78,006	86,884
Total Fair Value	$184,915	$193,793

Acqusitions_Dispositions_Excha

Acqusitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Acquisitions) (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jul. 03, 2014
	business	business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	0	1
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired			80.00%
Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	42.50%		42.50%
Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	40.00%
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] | Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			40.00%

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch2

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Dispositions) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 12, 2015
			school	school	campus
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Estimated loss on sale of KHE Campuses	$0	$0
KHE Campuses [Member] | Higher Education [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of nationally accredited ground campuses					38
Kaplan China [Member] | Kaplan International [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of schools sold			1	3

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch3

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Exchanges and Other) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Amount of Cash Exchanged to Berkshire		$327.70
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Number of shares received in Berkshire Hathaway agreement		1,620,190
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged		2,107
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged		1,278
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage			40.00%
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member] | Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
Exchange And Other [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				40.00%
Percentage of revenue	29.00%

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch4

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Significant Component) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$61,087	$69,058
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Loss	($3,014)	($2,976)

Acquisitions_Dispositions_Exch5

Acquisitions, Dispositions, Exchanges and Other (Assets Held for Sale) (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$679
Accounts receivable, net	11,452
Other current assets	5,367
Current Assets Held for Sale	17,498	1,240
Property, plant and equipment, net	18,789
Goodwill, net	7,526
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	1,092
Amortized intangible assets, net	5,787
Deferred charges and other assets	751
Noncurrent Assets Held for Sale	33,945	820
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	13,175
Deferred revenue	12,675
Current Liabilities Held for Sale	25,850	1,034
Other liabilities	8,085
Noncurrent Liabilities Held for Sale	$8,085	$0

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	$4,769,000	$2,717,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, remainder of 2015	13,000,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016	17,000,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017	14,000,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018	13,000,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019	12,000,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2019	$22,000,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$1,457,051
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-108,341
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,348,710
Dispositions	-7,614
Reclassification to assets held for sale	-7,526
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-19,219
Goodwill, ending balance	1,422,692
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-108,341
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,314,351
Education [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,057,226
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	954,967
Dispositions	0
Reclassification to assets held for sale	-7,526
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-19,219
Goodwill, ending balance	1,030,481
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, ending balance	928,222
Higher Education [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	409,884
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	409,884
Reclassification to assets held for sale	-7,526
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-169
Goodwill, ending balance	402,189
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	402,189
Test Preparation [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	166,098
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	63,839
Reclassification to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	166,098
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-102,259
Goodwill, net, ending balance	63,839
Kaplan International [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	481,244
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	481,244
Reclassification to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	-19,050
Goodwill, ending balance	462,194
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	462,194
Cable [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	85,488
Dispositions	0
Reclassification to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	85,488
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	168,345
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	168,345
Dispositions	0
Reclassification to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	168,345
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	168,345
Other Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	145,992
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance	-6,082
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	139,910
Dispositions	-7,614
Reclassification to assets held for sale	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	0
Goodwill, ending balance	138,378
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	-6,082
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$132,296

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	176,276	182,107
Accumulated Amortization	85,422	85,160
Net Carrying Amount	90,854	96,947
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	510,966	516,753
Franchise Agreements [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	496,321	496,321
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	994	6,781
Other [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	13,651	13,651
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,680	2,500
Accumulated Amortization	1,070	1,590
Net Carrying Amount	610	910
Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	2 years	2 years
Non-compete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years	5 years
Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	103,480	104,685
Accumulated Amortization	49,503	47,539
Net Carrying Amount	53,977	57,146
Student and Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	2 years	2 years
Student and Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Databases and Technology [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	10,518	10,501
Accumulated Amortization	9,024	8,827
Net Carrying Amount	1,494	1,674
Databases and Technology [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years	3 years
Databases and Technology [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years	5 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	54,281	55,452
Accumulated Amortization	20,812	19,724
Net Carrying Amount	33,469	35,728
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	2 years	2 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	10 years	10 years
Other [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	6,317	8,969
Accumulated Amortization	5,013	7,480
Net Carrying Amount	1,304	1,489
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	1 year	1 year
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life	25 years	25 years

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Jan. 31, 2009

Mar. 09, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 09, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]

7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]

7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]

AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]

AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]

AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Other Indebtedness [Member]

Other Indebtedness [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowings outstanding

$0

$40,927,000

Minimum interest rate

0.00%

0.00%

Maximum interest rate

6.00%

6.00%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

7.25%

7.25%

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start

1-Apr-15

1-Jan-15

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end

31-Dec-17

31-Dec-17

Repayments of Line of Credit

50,000,000

Notional amount of derivative that matured

50,000,000

Average borrowings outstanding

435,800,000

451,200,000

Weighted average interest rate of borrowings

7.10%

7.00%

Net interest expense incurred

8,000,000

8,200,000

Fair value of debt instrument

451,300,000

450,300,000

Carrying value of debt instrument

$398,411,000

$398,308,000

$398,400,000

$398,300,000

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$398,411	$398,308
Other indebtedness	6,405	6,685
Total Debt	404,816	445,920
Less: current portion	-5,171	-46,375
Total Long-Term Debt	399,645	399,545
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.25%
AUD [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit borrowing	$0	$40,927

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Marketable equity securities	$184,915		$193,793
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	451,300		450,300
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	227,485	[1]	368,131	[1]
Commercial paper	221,962	[2]	226,197	[2]
Marketable equity securities	184,915	[3]	193,793	[3]
Other current investments	30,065	[4]	32,959	[4]
Total Financial Assets	664,427		821,080
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	69,836	[5]	70,661	[5]
Interest rate swap			179	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	521,092		562,111
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	451,256	[7]	450,344	[7]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing			40,927	[7]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Commercial paper	221,962	[2]	226,197	[2]
Marketable equity securities	184,915	[3]	193,793	[3]
Other current investments	9,917	[4]	11,788	[4]
Total Financial Assets	416,794		431,778
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	0	[5]	0	[5]
Interest rate swap			0	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	0		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	0	[7]	0	[7]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing			0	[7]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Money market investments	227,485	[1]	368,131	[1]
Commercial paper	0	[2]	0	[2]
Marketable equity securities	0	[3]	0	[3]
Other current investments	20,148	[4]	21,171	[4]
Total Financial Assets	247,633		389,302
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities	69,836	[5]	70,661	[5]
Interest rate swap			179	[6]
Total Financial Liabilities	521,092		562,111
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | 7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
Liabilities:
7.25% unsecured notes	451,256	[7]	450,344	[7]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]
Liabilities:
AUD Revolving credit borrowing			$40,927	[7]
[1]	The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
[2]	The Company's commercial paper investments with original maturities of 90 days or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
[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.
[5]	Includes Graham Holdings Company's Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits. These plans measure the market value of a participant's balance in a notional investment account that is comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices. However, since the deferred compensation obligations are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in operating income.
[6]	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.
[7]	See Note 6 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company’s publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt.

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share	$5.30	$5.10
Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities, shares	50,000	5,000
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities, shares	5,850	5,550
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] | Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares received in Berkshire Hathaway agreement			1,620,190

Earnings_Per_Share_Details_1

Earnings Per Share (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$21,390	$130,366
Less: Dividends-common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares	-30,870	-37,675
Undistributed (losses) earnings	-9,480	92,691
Percent allocated to common stockholders(1)	100.00%	98.33%
Undistributed Earnings Allocated To Common Stockholders	-9,480	91,141
Add: Dividends-common stock outstanding	30,228	37,044
Numerator for basic earnings per share	20,748	128,185
Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options	0	5
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$20,748	$128,190
Weighted average shares outstanding	5,704	7,275
Denominator for diluted earnings per share	5,737	7,301
Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders:
Basic income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share	$3.64	$17.62
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share	$3.62	$17.56
Stock Option Plan [Member]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Add: Effect of dilutive stock options	33	26

Earnings_Per_Share_Earnings_Pe

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Details 2)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Weighted average restricted stock	54	51

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla2

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	companies
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	($11,432,000)	($16,600,000)
Total Cost (Benefit)	-11,432,000	-12,188,000
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	-11,432,000	-16,600,000
Total Cost (Benefit)	-11,432,000	-12,110,000
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490,000
Number of investment companies actively managing plan assets	2
Amount of plan assets managed internally by company	0
Percentage of total plan assets	100.00%		100.00%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)		100,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Corporate Office [Member] | Separation Incentive Program [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement program expense		4,500,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	2,636,000	1,845,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)		100,000
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	283,000	22,000
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] | Defined Benefit 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%
Single Equity Concentration [Member] | Defined Benefit 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	646,500,000		730,600,000
Percentage of total plan assets	25.00%		30.00%
Number of investments the company's pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets	1		2
Foreign Investments [Member] | Defined Benefit 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] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, fixed-income securities, range minimum	10.00%
Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] | Defined Benefit Plan Assets Total [Member] | Defined Benefit 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] | Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Value of investments	$648,700,000		468,000,000
Percentage of total plan assets	25.00%		19.00%
Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets	1		1

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla3

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Total Benefit/Cost) (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	($11,432)	($16,600)
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490
Total Cost (Benefit)	-11,432	-12,188
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	69	-102
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	-698	7,284
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	7,252	7,537
Interest cost	12,780	13,082
Expected return on assets	-31,545	-30,263
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	81	82
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	0	-7,038
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	-11,432	-16,600
Early retirement program expense	0	4,490
Total Cost (Benefit)	-11,432	-12,110
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	509	373
Interest cost	1,135	1,085
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	114	12
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	878	375
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	2,636	1,845
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	333	375
Interest cost	325	362
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-126	-196
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	-249	-519
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit)	$283	$22

Pension_and_Postretirement_Pla4

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Asset Allocation) (Details 9) (Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member])	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	100.00%	100.00%
UNITED STATES | U.S. equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	55.00%	59.00%
UNITED STATES | U.S. fixed income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	12.00%	13.00%
International [Member] | International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	33.00%	28.00%

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe2

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Gain on Celtic joint venture transaction		$5,972,000	$0
Prior periods adjustments		0	0
Estimated loss on sale of KHE Campuses		0	0
Proceeds from sale of building	158,000,000
Gain on sale of headquarters building		0	127,670,000
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Amount of Cash Exchanged to Berkshire				327,700,000
Common Class B [Member] | Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Number of shares received in Berkshire Hathaway agreement				1,620,190
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] | Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Gain on Celtic joint venture transaction		$6,000,000
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class A [Member] | Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged				2,107
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Common Class B [Member] | Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Number of Berkshire Shares Exchanged				1,278
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		40.00%
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member] | Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage					40.00%

Other_NonOperating_Income_Expe3

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Foreign currency (loss) gain, net	($6,827)	$5,037
Gain on formation of joint venture	5,972	0
Additional gain on sale of Classified Ventures	0	0
Estimated loss on sale of KHE Campuses	0	0
Gain on sale of headquarters building	0	127,670
Losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities	0	-785
Other, net	-250	1,351
Total Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income	($1,105)	$133,273

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of OCI) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the period, before tax	($12,088)	$746
Translation adjustments arising during the period, income tax	0	0
Translation adjustments arising during the period, after tax	-12,088	746
Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations, before tax	-41	0
Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations, income tax	0	0
Adjustment for sale of a business with foreign operations, after tax	-41	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	-12,129	746
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax	0	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments, after tax	-12,129	746
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, before tax	-8,878	27,738
Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, tax	3,552	-11,096
Unrealized (losses) gains for the period, after tax	-5,326	16,642
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, before tax	0	785
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, income tax	0	-314
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income, after tax	0	471
Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, before tax	-8,878	28,523
Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, income tax	3,552	-11,410
Total unrealized (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities, after tax	-5,326	17,113
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69	-102
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income, income tax	-27	40
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income, after tax	42	-62
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, before tax	629	-7,182
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, income tax	-252	2,873
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income, after tax	377	-4,309
Total pension and other postretirement plans, before tax	698	-7,284
Total pension and other postretirement plans, income tax	-279	2,913
Total pension and other postretirement plans, after tax	419	-4,371
Cash flow hedge:
Gain for the period, before tax	179	172
Gain for the period, income tax	-71	-69
Gain for the period, after tax	108	103
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, before tax	-20,130	22,157
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, income tax	3,202	-8,566
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, after tax	($16,928)	$13,591

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI balances) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	$453,480
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-17,385
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	457
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	-16,928	13,591
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	436,552
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	8,548
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-12,088
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-41
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	-12,129
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	-3,581
Unrealized Gain on Available-for-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	52,130
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	-5,326
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	-5,326
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	46,804
Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	392,910
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	0
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	419
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	419
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	393,329
Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, beginning balance	-108
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	29
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	79
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax	108
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, ending balance	$0

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications out of AOCI) (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	($784)		$1,732
Interest expense	8,521		8,820
Income tax on unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income	0		-314
Other (expense) income, net	1,105		-133,273
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69		-102
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	629		-7,182
Income Before Tax	-37,084		-207,973
Provision for Income Taxes	14,500		77,400
Income Net of Tax	-22,584		-130,573
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Net of Tax	457		-3,773
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [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	-41		0
Unrealized Gain 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 (expense) income, net	0		785
Provision for Income Taxes	0		-314
Income Net of Tax	0		471
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	69	[1]	-102	[1]
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	629	[1]	-7,182	[1]
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	698		-7,284
Provision for Income Taxes	-279		2,913
Income Net of Tax	419		-4,371
Cash Flow Hedge [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	132		212
Provision for Income Taxes	-53		-85
Income Net of Tax	$79		$127
[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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Aug. 17, 2011	Mar. 11, 2015	Feb. 13, 2013
		claim	claim	allegations
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business	0
Higher Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs	90.00%
Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule	a KHE school would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if the institution 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 ED regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years. An institution with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year would be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures.
Title IV Participating Institutions Including Broomall PA and Pittsburgh PA and Kaplan University [Member] | Higher Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of pending program reviews	5
Diaz Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of allegations not dismissed		1
Diaz Case [Member] | Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Separate Complaints Included In Diaz Case Received Rulings		3
Diaz Claims [Member] | Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of caims appealed			4
Number of claims affirmed for dismissal by US Court of Appeal			3
Number of claims revered and remanded by US Court of Appeal			1
Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [Member] | Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of unsealed cases filed by former employees under the U.S. Federal False Claims Act	2
Jajdelski Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of allegations not dismissed				1

Business_Segments_Narrative_De

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
	Segment		school	school
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	6
Prior periods adjustments	$0	$0
Total operating revenues	($846,148)	($836,541)
Kaplan International [Member] | Kaplan China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of schools sold			1	3

Business_Segments_Information_

Business Segments (Information by Operating Segment) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$846,148	$836,541
Income (Loss) from Operations	46,555	78,869
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	-404	4,052
Interest Expense, Net	-7,962	-8,221
Other (Expense) Income, Net	-1,105	133,273
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	37,084	207,973
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	58,545	53,217
Amortization of intangible assets	4,769	2,717
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	-11,432	-12,188
Identifiable Assets	4,088,911		4,384,167
Investment in Marketable Equity Securities	184,915		193,793
Investments in Affiliates	36,120		19,811
Prepaid Pension Cost	1,164,001		1,152,488
Assets Held for Sale	51,443		2,060
Total Assets	5,525,390		5,752,319
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	500,602	522,154
Income (Loss) from Operations	-22,849	1,862
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	18,528	16,416
Amortization of intangible assets	1,507	1,924
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	3,947	4,143
Identifiable Assets	1,535,949		1,781,543
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Higher Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	237,568	253,779
Income (Loss) from Operations	593	13,144
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	4,828	7,740
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	2,532	2,628
Identifiable Assets	557,851		749,421
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Test Preparation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	69,226	67,804
Income (Loss) from Operations	-4,334	-6,628
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	2,890	3,784
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	775	722
Identifiable Assets	169,493		167,055
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Kaplan International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	192,081	198,847
Income (Loss) from Operations	7,717	9,858
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	4,654	4,680
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	106	89
Identifiable Assets	776,129		838,148
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member] | Reportable Subsegments [Member] | Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	1,859	2,014
Income (Loss) from Operations	-26,857	-14,556
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	6,156	212
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	534	704
Identifiable Assets	32,476		26,919
Operating Segments [Member] | Education [Member] | Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	-132	-290
Income (Loss) from Operations	32	44
Operating Segments [Member] | Cable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	198,723	203,921
Income (Loss) from Operations	39,076	41,162
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	36,348	33,787
Amortization of intangible assets	31	35
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	975	864
Identifiable Assets	1,254,511		1,253,764
Operating Segments [Member] | Television Broadcasting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	83,564	85,651
Income (Loss) from Operations	38,562	44,386
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	2,109	1,994
Amortization of intangible assets	63	0
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	391	320
Identifiable Assets	299,983		305,426
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Businesses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	63,259	24,913
Income (Loss) from Operations	-5,162	-10,747
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	1,302	520
Amortization of intangible assets	3,168	758
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	193	164
Identifiable Assets	488,748		518,807
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate Office [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	0	0
Income (Loss) from Operations	-3,072	2,206
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	258	500
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0
Net Pension (Credit) Expense	-16,938	-17,679
Identifiable Assets	509,720		524,627
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$0	($98)