World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) 10-Q 31 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	'WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENTINC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001091907	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Trading Symbol	'wwe	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	33,179,500	42,298,437
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'

Consolidated_Income_Statements

Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net revenues	$120,183	$113,292	$402,065	$389,575
Cost of revenues (including amortization and impairments of feature film and television production assets of [$12,115] and $12,039, respectively, and [$16,383] and $19,485, respectively)	78,417	70,947	284,880	242,668
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39,075	32,640	136,279	110,976
Depreciation and amortization	7,730	6,503	20,648	17,819
Operating (loss) income	-5,039	3,202	-39,742	18,112
Investment income, net	81	264	541	1,102
Interest expense	-546	-438	-1,536	-1,270
Other income (expense), net	-1,061	313	-1,100	-1,420
(Loss) income before income taxes	-10,527	3,341	-45,799	16,524
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes	-4,606	902	-17,345	5,870
Net (loss) income	($5,921)	$2,439	($28,454)	$10,654
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	($0.08)	$0.03	($0.38)	$0.14
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	75,402	75,030	75,232	74,885
Diluted	75,402	75,388	75,232	75,335
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.12	$0.12	$0.36	$0.36

Consolidated_Income_Statements1

Consolidated Income Statements [Parenthetical] (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Amortization and Impairments of Feature Film and Television Production Assets	$6,261	$12,039	$22,644	$19,485
Amortization of Television Production Assets	$5,121	'	$19,435	$4,026

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	($5,921)	$2,439	($28,454)	$10,654
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-118	73	-64	-107
Change in unrealized holding gain/(loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of tax (benefit)/expense of [$28] and $49, respectively, [$63] and ($225), respectively)	-105	79	-2	-367
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income - available-for-sale securities (net of tax expense of [$0] and $0, respectively, and [$1] and $1, respectively)	25	0	23	-1
Total other comprehensive income	-198	152	-43	-475
Comprehensive income	($6,119)	$2,591	($28,497)	$10,179

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Parenthetical] (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding gain, net of tax	($64)	$49	($1)	($225)
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income	($15)	$0	($14)	$1

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	($0.08)	($0.38)	'
ASSETS	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	29,599	29,599	32,911
Short-term investments, net	39,139	39,139	76,476
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts and returns of $11,513 and $14,691, respectively)	56,669	56,669	59,552
Inventory	4,539	4,539	2,874
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	16,911	16,911	'
Deferred income tax assets	'	'	12,237
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,997	11,997	16,147
Total current assets	158,854	158,854	200,197
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET	116,383	116,383	133,480
FEATURE FILM PRODUCTION ASSETS, NET	27,884	27,884	16,018
TELEVISION PRODUCTION ASSETS	6,205	6,205	10,772
INVESTMENTS SECURITIES	7,200	7,200	8,299
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	14,407	14,407	2,681
OTHER ASSETS	20,632	20,632	9,696
TOTAL ASSETS	351,565	351,565	378,462
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	4,321	4,321	4,251
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	69,448	69,448	47,882
Deferred income	31,389	31,389	30,112
Total current liabilities	105,158	105,158	82,245
LONG-TERM DEBT	22,670	22,670	25,385
NON-CURRENT INCOME TAX LIABILITIES	1,700	1,700	4,884
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent	6,375	6,375	0
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	352,589	352,589	346,974
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,469	3,469	3,512
Accumulated deficit	-141,151	-141,151	-85,289
Total stockholders' equity	215,662	215,662	265,948
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	351,565	351,565	378,462
Common Class A [Member]	'	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'	'
Common stock	332	332	313
Total stockholders' equity	332	332	313
Common Class B [Member]	'	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'	'
Common stock	423	423	438
Total stockholders' equity	$423	$423	$438

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (in dollars)	$7,325	$9,344
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	180,000,000	180,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	33,173,259	31,302,790
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,173,259	31,302,790
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	42,298,437	43,797,830
Common stock, shares outstanding	42,298,437	43,797,830

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Equity Component [Domain]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class A [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$265,948	$265,948	($85,289)	$3,512	$346,974	$438	$313
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	43,798	31,303
Net income	-28,454	-28,454	'	0	0	'	'
Other comprehensive income	-43	-43	0	-43	0	'	'
Stock issuances, net	'	-1,113	0	0	-1,117	'	4
Stock issuances, net (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	370
Sale of Class B common stock by shareholder	'	0	0	0	0	-15	15
Sale of Class B common stock by shareholder (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	-1,500	1,500
Tax effect from stock-based payment arrangements	'	-80	0	0	-80	'	'
Dividends paid	'	-27,093	-27,408	0	-315	0	'
Stock compensation costs	'	6,497	0	0	6,497	0	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$215,662	$215,662	($141,151)	$3,469	$352,589	$423	$332
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	42,298	33,173

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$28,454	($10,654)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Amortization and impairments of feature film production assets	3,210	15,459
Amortization of Television Production Assets	19,435	4,026
Depreciation and amortization	22,042	17,819
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	3,962	0
Amortization of bond premium	1,014	391
Amortization of debt issuance costs	471	1,559
Stock compensation costs	6,497	3,543
Provision of accounts receivable write-offs	403	356
Services Provided in Exchange for Equity Instruments	-439	-659
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	148	335
Benefit from deferred income taxes	21,761	-4,040
Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	-346	-149
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	3,002	-17,913
Inventory	-1,665	-761
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,404	-644
Feature film production assets	-15,076	-6,706
Television production assets	14,868	8,687
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-8,939	11,506
Deferred income	7,652	1,709
Net cash used in operating activities	-5,236	12,154
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment and other assets	-9,181	-18,302
Purchase of Corporate Aircraft	'	-29,730
Proceeds From Infrastructure Incentives	2,937	0
Proceeds from Sale of Other Property, Plant, and Equipment	3,167	0
Purchases of short-term investments	-2,511	-24,112
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities	38,832	30,543
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	0	38
Payments to Acquire Investments	-2,204	-2,200
Net cash used in investing activities	31,040	-43,763
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	364	29,730
Repayments of long-term debt	-3,009	-348
Dividends paid	-27,093	-26,967
Debt Issuance Cost	-758	-674
Issuance of stock, net	-895	-640
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements	-485	-261
Net cash used in financing activities	-29,116	2,642
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-3,312	-28,967
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	32,911	66,048
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	29,599	37,081
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING TRANSACTIONS:	'	'
Non-cash purchase of property and equipment	$720	$1,611

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Busi

Basis of Presentation and Business Description	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Business Description	'
	Basis of Presentation and Business Description
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WWE. “WWE” refers to World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. References to “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Company” refer to WWE and its subsidiaries. We are an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the production and distribution of content through various channels including our digital over-the-top ("OTT") WWE Network, television rights agreements, pay-per-view event programming, live events, feature films, licensing of various WWE themed products and the sale of consumer products featuring our brands. Our operations are organized around the following four principal activities:
	Media Division:
	Network
	•	Revenues consist principally of subscriptions to WWE Network and fees for viewing our pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming.
	Television
	•Revenues consist principally of television rights fees and television advertising fees.
	Home Entertainment
	•Revenues consist principally of sales of WWE produced content via home entertainment platforms.
	Digital Media
	•	Revenues consist principally of advertising sales on our websites, rights fees received for digital content, sales of various broadband and mobile content and magazine publishing.
	Live Events
	•Revenues consist principally of ticket sales and travel packages for live events.
	Consumer Products Division:
	Licensing
	•	Revenues consist principally of royalties or license fees related to various WWE themed products such as video games, toys and apparel.
	Venue Merchandise
	•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise at our live events.
	WWEShop
	•Revenues consist of sales of merchandise on our website through our WWEShop internet storefront.
	WWE Studios
	•Revenues consist of amounts earned from the investment in, the production and/or distribution of filmed entertainment.
	In our prior reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") through fiscal year 2013, we presented five reportable segments: Live and Televised Entertainment, Consumer Products, Digital Media, WWE Studios and Unallocated Corporate and Other. Effective January 1, 2014, we now present ten reportable segments. Information presented for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 included in the unaudited consolidated financial statements herein and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report has been recast to reflect our new segment presentation. See Note 2, Segment Information, for further details on our reportable segments. Such revisions have no impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the periods presented.
	Within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from operating activities, certain prior year amounts were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited. All adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year. All intercompany balances are eliminated in consolidation.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain information and note disclosures normally included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements; these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. This ASU will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, “Revenue Recognition”, and most industry-specific guidance. The ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. This standard update is effective for our fiscal year beginning of January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity". This ASU updated the accounting guidance related to discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance provides a narrower definition of discontinued operations than existing GAAP. The updated accounting guidance requires that only disposals of components of an entity, or groups of components, that represent a strategic shift that has or will have a material effect on the reporting entity’s operations be reported in the financial statements as discontinued operations. The updated accounting guidance also provides guidance on the financial statement presentations and disclosures of discontinued operations. On July 1, 2014, we early adopted this accounting standard update which did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Stock-based Compensation
	Restricted Stock Units
	The Company grants restricted stock units ("RSUs") to officers and employees under the 2007 Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2007 Plan"). Stock-based compensation costs associated with our RSUs are determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. These costs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. RSUs have a service requirement typically over a three-year to three and one half year vesting schedule. We estimate forfeitures based on historical trends when recognizing compensation expense and adjust the estimate of forfeitures when they are expected to differ. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying RSUs.
	The following table summarizes the RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Units		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2014	107,034		$	9.87
	Granted	106,296		$	23.28
	Vested	(71,300	)	$	11.14
	Forfeited	(25,184	)	$	13.09
	Dividend equivalents	3,482		$	18.69
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	120,328		$	20.54
	Performance Stock Units
	Stock-based compensation costs associated with our performance stock units ("PSUs") are initially determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the awards are approved by our Compensation Committee (service inception date) and are granted under the 2007 Plan. The vesting of these PSUs are subject to certain performance conditions and a service requirement of approximately three and one half years. Until such time as the performance conditions are met, stock compensation costs associated with these PSUs are re-measured each reporting period based upon the fair market value of the Company's common stock and the probability of attainment on the reporting date. The ultimate number of PSUs that are issued to an employee is the result of the actual performance of the Company at the end of the performance period compared to the performance conditions. Stock compensation costs for our PSUs are recognized over the requisite service period using the graded vesting method, net of estimated forfeitures. Unvested PSUs accrue dividend equivalents once the performance conditions are met at the same rate as are paid on our shares of Class A common stock. The dividend equivalents are subject to the same vesting schedule as the underlying PSUs.
	The following table summarizes the PSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Units		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2014	1,259,629		$	13.46
	Granted	278,281		$	13.77
	Achievement adjustment	(387,633	)	$	23.99
	Vested	(371,197	)	$	13.71
	Forfeited	(39,828	)	$	18.32
	Dividend equivalents	16,569		$	15.51
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	755,821		$	15.44
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we granted 804,896 PSUs which were subject to performance conditions. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, certain performance conditions related to these PSUs were partially met which resulted in a reduction of 387,633 PSUs in 2014 relating to the initial 2013 PSU grant.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we granted 278,281 PSUs which are subject to certain performance conditions.
	Stock-based compensation costs totaled $1,597 and $785 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $6,497 and $3,543 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company launched WWE Network, which changed the way that certain content is delivered to our customers. The launch of WWE Network coupled with the continued convergence within the media landscape, has resulted in a change in the Company’s management reporting to its chief operating decision maker. These changes necessitated a change in the Company’s segment reporting to align with management’s operational view. As discussed in Note 1, the Company currently classifies its operations into ten reportable segments. The ten reportable segments of the Company now include the following: Network (which includes our pay-per-view business), Television, Home Entertainment and Digital Media, individual segments that comprise the Media Division; Live Events; Licensing, Venue Merchandise, WWEShop, individual segments that comprise the Consumer Products Division; WWE Studios and Corporate and Other (as defined below).
	We do not disclose assets by segment information. In general, assets of the Company are leveraged across its reportable segments and we do not provide assets by segment information to our chief operating decision maker, as that information is not typically used in the determination of resource allocation and assessing business performance of each reportable segment.
	The Company presents OIBDA as the primary measure of segment profit (loss). The Company believes the presentation of OIBDA is relevant and useful for investors because it allows investors to view our segment performance in the same manner as the primary method used by management to evaluate segment performance and make decisions about allocating resources. The Company defines OIBDA as operating income before depreciation and amortization, excluding feature film and television production asset amortization and impairments.
	We do not allocate certain costs included in OIBDA of our Corporate and Other segment to the other reportable segments. Corporate and Other expense primarily includes corporate overhead and certain expenses related to sales and marketing, including our international offices, and talent development functions, including costs associated with our WWE Performance Center. These costs benefit the Company as a whole and are therefore not allocated. Revenues from transactions between our operating segments are not material.
	The following tables present summarized financial information for each of the Company's reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Network	$	26,119		$	15,553		$	87,786		$	69,719
	Television	42,198			44,817			126,277			121,273
	Home Entertainment	3,625			5,135			19,488			19,197
	Digital Media	5,001			7,134			16,879			21,683
	Live Events	21,742			25,138			83,742			87,719
	Licensing	10,011			5,733			29,534			36,396
	Venue Merchandise	4,163			4,024			15,663			16,024
	WWEShop	4,290			2,956			12,485			9,497
	WWE Studios	1,928			1,812			8,009			5,835
	Corporate & Other	1,106			990			2,202			2,232
	Total net revenues	$	120,183		$	113,292		$	402,065		$	389,575
	OIBDA:
	Network	$	2,317		$	7,378		$	(8,619	)	$	20,598
	Television	20,712			21,260			43,001			44,680
	Home Entertainment	1,277			1,942			10,423			8,226
	Digital Media	2,004			3,115			811			5,531
	Live Events	3,850			5,690			23,149			27,232
	Licensing	5,828			3,228			16,450			27,659
	Venue Merchandise	1,632			1,653			6,325			6,184
	WWEShop	729			551			2,400			1,709
	WWE Studios	(421		)	(7,417		)	940			(12,789		)
	Corporate & Other	(35,237		)	(27,695		)	(113,974		)	(93,099		)
	Total OIBDA	$	2,691		$	9,705		$	(19,094	)	$	35,931
	Reconciliation of Total Operating (Loss) Income to Total OIBDA
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total operating (loss) income	$	(5,039	)	$	3,202		$	(39,742	)	$	18,112
	Depreciation and amortization	7,730			6,503			20,648			17,819
	Total OIBDA	$	2,691		$	9,705		$	(19,094	)	$	35,931
	Geographic Information
	Net revenues by major geographic region are based upon the geographic location of where our content is distributed. The information below summarizes net revenues to unaffiliated customers by geographic area:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	North America	$	93,866		$	87,341		$	318,842		$	304,190
	Europe/Middle East/Africa	11,646			11,249			47,840			51,406
	Asia Pacific	13,704			13,737			30,991			29,580
	Latin America	967			965			4,392			4,399
	Total net revenues	$	120,183		$	113,292		$	402,065		$	389,575
	Revenues generated from the United Kingdom, our largest international market, totaled $7,699 and $27,606 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $5,249 and $24,777 for the corresponding periods in 2013. The Company’s property and equipment was almost entirely located in the United States at September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land, buildings and improvements	$	106,021		$	106,749
	Equipment	109,394			107,305
	Corporate aircrafts	31,277			51,757
	Vehicles	244			244
		246,936			266,055
	Less accumulated depreciation	(130,553		)	(132,575		)
	Total	$	116,383		$	133,480
	Depreciation expense for property and equipment totaled $7,314 and $19,420 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as compared to $6,111 and $16,653 for the corresponding periods in the prior year. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company received tax credits relating to our infrastructure improvements in conjunction with capital projects to support our increased content production efforts. Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 reflects a benefit of $1,388 from the recognition of the infrastructure tax credit noted above. The credit was used to reduce the carrying value of the assets as of their in-service date and consequently the adjustment to depreciation expense reflects the revised amount incurred to date. The credit was received in the current year, but related to assets placed in service in prior years. Additionally, in conjunction with the anticipated sale of our old corporate aircraft, which sale did occur during the third quarter of 2014, depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes an adjustment of $1,600 to reduce the carrying value of the asset to its estimated fair value. Depreciation expense for the third quarter of 2014 includes an impairment charge of $1,757 related to a change in business strategy related to our gamification platform. See Note 14, Restructuring Charge, for further details.

Feature_Film_Production_Assets

Feature Film Production Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Feature Film Production Assets [Abstract]	'
Feature Film Production Assets	'
	Feature Film Production Assets, Net
	Feature film production assets consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Feature film productions:
	In release	$	11,740	$	9,413
	Completed but not released	5,115		3,130
	In production	10,490		2,686
	In development	539		789
	Total	$	27,884	$	16,018
	Approximately 55% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next 12 months and approximately 79% of “In release” film production assets are estimated to be amortized over the next three years. We anticipate amortizing 80% of our "In release" film production asset within four years as we receive revenues associated with international distribution of our licensed films.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we released one feature film via theatrical distribution, Oculus, and two films direct to DVD, Scooby Doo at WrestleMania and Leprechaun: Origins, which comprise $4,980 of our "In release" feature film assets as of September 30, 2014. During 2013, the Company entered into an agreement to co-distribute the feature film Road to Paloma. This film was released via a limited theatrical release and on DVD in July 2014. The Company intends to recognize revenue generated by this film in a manner similar to how it recognizes revenue for its licensed films. In 2014, the Company did not record any revenue associated with this release. Third-party distributors control the distribution and marketing of co-distributed films, and as a result, we recognize revenue on a net basis after the third-party distributor recoups distribution fees and expenses and results are reported to us. Results are typically reported to us in periods subsequent to the initial release of the film. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we released three feature films via theatrical distribution, No One Lives, The Call and Dead Man Down and two films, 12 Rounds 2: Reloaded and The Marine 3: Homefront direct to DVD, which aggregate $3,625 of our "In release" feature film assets as of September 30, 2014.
	Unamortized feature film production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. We review and revise estimates of ultimate revenue and participation costs at each reporting period to reflect the most current information available. If estimates for a film’s ultimate revenue are revised and indicate a significant decline in a film’s profitability or if events or circumstances change that indicate we should assess whether the fair value of a film is less than its unamortized film costs, we calculate the film's estimated fair value using a discounted cash flows model. If fair value is less than unamortized cost, the film asset is written down to fair value.
	We did not record any impairment charges during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to our feature films. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recorded impairment charges of $6,965 and $11,661, respectively related to our feature films. These impairment charges represent the excess of the recorded net carrying value over the estimated fair value.
	We currently have five films designated as "Completed but not released" and have six films "In production". We also have capitalized certain script development costs for various other film projects designated as “In development”. Capitalized script development costs are evaluated at each reporting period for impairment and to determine if a project is deemed to be abandoned. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we expensed $339 related to previously capitalized development costs of abandoned projects. We did not incur any comparable expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 or in the prior year periods.

Television_Production_Assets

Television Production Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Television Production Assets [Abstract]	'
Television Production Assets	'
	Television Production Assets, Net
	Television production assets consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Television productions:
	In release	$	5,932	$	1,365
	In production	273		9,407
	Total	$	6,205	$	10,772
	Television production assets consist primarily of episodic content series we have produced for distribution through a variety of platforms including on WWE Network. Amounts capitalized primarily include development costs, production costs, production overhead and employee salaries. We have $6,205 and $10,772 capitalized as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, related to this type of programming. Costs to produce our live event programming are expensed when the event is first broadcast. Costs to produce episodic programming for television or distribution on WWE Network are amortized in the proportion that revenues bear to management's estimates of the ultimate revenue expected to be recognized from exploitation, exhibition or sale. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we amortized $5,121 and $19,435 of television production assets, of which $1,621 and $9,668 were related to Network programming and $3,500 and $9,767 were related to Television programming, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we amortized $4,026 related to Television programming.
	Unamortized television production assets are evaluated for impairment each reporting period. If conditions indicate a potential impairment, and the estimated future cash flows are not sufficient to recover the unamortized asset, the asset is written down to fair value. In addition, if we determine that a program will not likely air, we will write-off the remaining unamortized asset. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we did not record any impairments related to our television production assets

Investment_Securities_and_Shor

Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments	'
	Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments
	Investment Securities:
	WWE maintains several cost method investments. On March 14, 2014, the Company invested $2,000 in Series E Preferred Stock of a software application developer. On June 25, 2012, the Company invested $5,000 in Series B Preferred Stock in a mobile video publishing business, ("Investment"), and entered into a two-year strategic partnership during which time WWE received $1,758 in common stock. In July of 2014 this Investment initiated a convertible note financing arrangement, the (“July financing”) which resulted in a change in WWE's ownership of common shares, preferred stock and convertible notes. We evaluate our cost method investments for impairment if factors indicate that a significant decrease in value has occurred. As a result of the July financing we performed an analysis to reassess the fair value of this Investment due to the change in the capital structure and recorded an impairment charge of $3,962 for the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of $3,000. The Company did not record any impairment charge on these assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Investment Securities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $7,200 and $8,299, respectively, are amounts related to these investments.
	Short-Term Investments:
	Short-term investments measured at fair value consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
					Gross Unrealized									Gross Unrealized
		Amortized			Gain		(Loss)			Fair		Amortized		Gain		(Loss)			Fair
		Cost								Value		Cost							Value
	Municipal bonds	$	19,577		$	64	$	—		$	19,641	$	44,636	$	176	$	(91	)	$	44,721
	Corporate bonds	19,512			39		(53		)	19,498		31,825		104		(174		)	31,755
	Total	$	39,089		$	103	$	(53	)	$	39,139	$	76,461	$	280	$	(265	)	$	76,476
	We classify the investments listed in the above table as available-for-sale securities. Such investments consist primarily of corporate and municipal bonds, including pre-refunded municipal bonds. These investments are stated at fair value as required by the applicable accounting guidance. Unrealized gains and losses on such securities are reflected, net of tax, as other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	Our municipal and corporate bonds are included in Short-term investments, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on investments are included in earnings and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold. As of September 30, 2014, contractual maturities of these bonds are as follows:
		Maturities
	Municipal bonds	1 month-4 years
	Corporate bonds	4 months-3 years
	The following table summarizes the short-term investment activity:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	$	14,794		$	—	$	22,572		$	2,793
	Proceeds from maturities and calls of short-term investments	$	7,225		$	7,480	$	16,260		$	27,750
	Gross realized (loss) gains on sale of short-term investments	$	(40	)	$	—	$	(37	)	$	1

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is determined based on the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is a market-based measurement based on assumptions that "market participants" would use to price the asset or liability. Accordingly, the framework considers markets or observable inputs as the preferred source of value followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions, in the absence of market inputs. The fair value should be calculated based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, not on assumptions specific to the entity. In addition, the fair value of assets and liabilities should include consideration of non-performance risk including the Company's own credit risk.
	Additionally, the accounting guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of information used in developing fair value estimates. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data. In cases where two or more levels of inputs are used to determine fair value, a financial instrument's level is determined based on the lowest level input that is considered significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are summarized as follows:
	Level 1-	quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
	Level 2-	quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
	Level 3-	unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations
	The following assets are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the classification within the hierarchy was as follows:
			Fair Value at September 30, 2014								Fair Value at December 31, 2013
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Municipal bonds		$	19,641	$	—	$	19,641	$	—	$	44,721	$	—	$	44,721	$	—
	Corporate bonds		19,498		—		19,498		—		31,755		—		31,755		—
	Total		$	39,139	$	—	$	39,139	$	—	$	76,476	$	—	$	76,476	$	—
	Certain financial instruments are carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which approximates fair value due to their short-term, highly liquid nature. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, money market accounts, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of such instruments.
	We have classified our investment in municipal and corporate bonds within Level 2 as their valuation requires quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and/or model-based valuation techniques for which all significant inputs are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data. The municipal and corporate bonds are valued based on model-driven valuations. A third party service provider assists the Company with compiling market prices from a variety of industry standard data sources, security master files from large financial institutions and other third-party sources that are used to value our municipal and corporate bond investments.
	The fair value measurements of our investment securities, which are recorded under the cost method, are classified within Level 3 as significant unobservable inputs are used to fair value these assets due to the absence of quoted market prices and inherent lack of liquidity. Significant unobservable inputs include variables such as near-term prospects of the investees, recent financing activities of the investees, and the investees’ capital structure as well as other economic variables, which reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing these assets. Our investments are recorded at fair value only if an impairment charge is recognized. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3,962 on the Investment for the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value of $3,000. The Company did not record any impairment charge on these assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	The Company's long lived property and equipment, feature film and television production assets are required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis if it is determined that indicators of impairment exist. These assets are recorded at fair value only when an impairment is recognized. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recorded an adjustment of $1,600 to reduce the carrying value of our old corporate aircraft to its estimated fair value and recorded an impairment charge of $1,757 related to a change in business strategy related to our gamification platform. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $11,661 on a feature film production asset based on a fair value measurement of $2,363. See Note 5, Feature Film Production Assets, for further discussion. The Company classifies these assets as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy due to significant unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flows model to determine the fair value of impaired films where indicators of impairment exist. The significant unobservable inputs to this model are the Company’s expected cash flows for the film, including projected home video sales, pay and free TV sales and international sales, and a discount rate of 13% that we estimate market participants would seek for bearing the risk associated with such assets. The Company utilizes an independent third party valuation specialist who assists us in gathering the necessary inputs used in our model.
	The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, consisting of a promissory note payable to RBS Asset Finance, Inc. is estimated based upon quoted price estimates for similar debt arrangements.  At September 30, 2014, the face amount of the note approximates its fair value.

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Trade related	$	9,563	$	8,565
	Staff related	9,236		5,580
	Management incentive compensation	9,978		5,711
	Talent related	6,226		6,304
	Accrued WWE Network related expenses	13,116		2,477
	Accrued event and television production	4,294		4,429
	Accrued home entertainment expenses	738		1,341
	Accrued legal and professional	1,802		1,903
	Accrued purchases of property and equipment	720		1,700
	Accrued film liability	2,559		2,654
	Accrued other	11,216		7,218
	Total	$	69,448	$	47,882
	Accrued other at September 30, 2014 includes an accrual for costs associated with our domestic television rights agreement, as well as, other miscellaneous accruals, none of which categories individually exceeds 5% of current liabilities. The increase in accrued expenses is also due to the timing of staff related expenses and an increase in management incentive compensation based on Company performance and for various accrued expenses related to WWE Network operations.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility	'
	In September 2011, the Company entered into a $200,000 senior unsecured revolving credit facility with a syndicated group of banks, with JPMorgan Chase acting as administrative agent. Applicable interest rates for the borrowings under the revolving credit facility are based on the Company's current consolidated leverage ratio. As of September 30, 2014, the LIBOR-based rate plus margin was 2.49%. The Company is also required to pay a commitment fee calculated at a rate per annum of 0.375% on the average daily unused portion of the credit facility. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the Company is subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions, including restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and limitations with respect to our indebtedness, liens, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, investments, capital expenditures, and transactions with affiliates.
	In April 2013, the Company amended and restated the revolving credit facility. Under the terms of the amended credit facility, (i) the maturity date was extended to September 9, 2016, (ii) changes were made to the applicable margin for borrowings under the facility, and (iii) restrictions on certain financial covenants were amended to provide for greater financial flexibility.
	On May 1, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment to its Amended and Restated Credit Facility ("the Amendment") and further modified certain financial covenants to provide for greater financial flexibility. The Amendment, among other things, (a) adjusts the consolidated EBITDA calculation for the four quarterly periods in 2014 and the first and second quarters of 2015 by permitting the add-back of WWE Network Expenses subject to specified maximum amounts in such periods, (b) increases the consolidated EBITDA calculation by the amount of any net investments in respect of feature film production, subject to specified maximum amounts for the quarters ending September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014 and (c) reduces the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio for four quarters in 2014 and the first two quarters in 2015 such that the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio may not be less than 1.0:1.0 for the respective quarterly periods ending March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, increasing to 1.10:1.0 for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, to 1.15:1.0 for the quarter ending June 30, 2015, and to 1.25:1.0 for the quarter ending September 30, 2015 and thereafter.  The Amendment also includes certain additional allowances for the Company to make investments in special film entities.
	As of September 30, 2014, the Company is in compliance with the provisions of the Amendment and has available debt capacity under the terms of the revolving credit facility of approximately $160,000. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under the credit facility.

Concentration_of_Credit_Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	We continually monitor our position with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions that are counterparties to our financial instruments. Our accounts receivable relate principally to a limited number of distributors, including our network, television, pay-per-view and home video distributors and licensees that produce consumer products containing our intellectual trademarks. We closely monitor the status of receivables with these customers and maintain allowances for anticipated losses as deemed appropriate. At September 30, 2014, our largest single customer balance was approximately 13% of our gross accounts receivable balance.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	As of September 30, 2014, we had $16,911 of deferred tax assets, net included in current assets and $14,407 included in non-current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2013, we had $12,237 of deferred tax assets, net included in current assets and $2,681 of deferred tax liabilities, net included in Noncurrent Income Tax Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The large increase in our deferred tax asset balance was driven by our operating loss in the current year and associated net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards.
	The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the net deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized in future periods. The Company believes that based on past performance, expected future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset will be realized. Changes in these factors may cause us to increase our valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, which would impact our income tax expense in the period we determine that these factors have changed.

Film_and_Television_Production

Film and Television Production Incentives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Film and Television Production Incentives [Abstract]	'
Film and Television Production Incentives	'
	Film and Television Production Incentives
	The Company has access to various governmental programs that are designed to promote film and television production within the United States of America and certain international jurisdictions. Incentives earned with respect to expenditures on qualifying film, television and other production activities, including qualifying capital projects, are included as an offset to the related asset or as an offset to production expenses when we have reasonable assurance regarding the realizable amount of the incentives. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we received $3,080 for infrastructure improvement incentives relating to qualifying capital projects. Of this amount $2,937, was recorded as a reduction in property and equipment. We did not receive any similar incentives for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we received $1,515 and $1,971, and $427 and $864, respectively, of incentives relating to feature film productions which reduced the related assets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we received $10,833 of incentives relating to television production activities that was recorded as an offset to production expenses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we received $9,805 and $10,201, respectively of incentives related to television production activities that were recorded as an offset to production expenses.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings
	On July 26, 2014, the Company received notice of a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, entitled Warren Ganues and Dominic Varriale, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios, alleging violations of federal securities laws based on certain statements relating to the negotiation of WWE’s domestic television license. The complaint seeks certain unspecified damages. A nearly identical lawsuit was filed one month later entitled Curtis Swanson, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Vincent K. McMahon and George A. Barrios. Both lawsuits are purported securities class actions subject to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). On September 23-24, five putative plaintiffs filed motions to be appointed lead plaintiff and to consolidate the two cases pursuant to the PSLRA. The Company joined the motion for consolidation made by the putative lead plaintiffs. The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.
	On October 25, 2014, the Company received notice of a purported class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon, entitled William Albert Haynes III, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated, v. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. alleging, among other things, that the Company concealed and denied medical research and evidence concerning traumatic brain injuries suffered by WWE’s performers.  The Company believes the claims are without merit and intends to vigorously defend itself against them.
	In addition to the foregoing, we are involved in several other litigations and claims that we consider to be in the ordinary course of our business. By its nature, the outcome of litigation is not known but the Company does not currently expect this litigation to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We may from time to time become a party to other legal proceedings.

Restructuring_Charge_Notes

Restructuring Charge (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Restructuring Charge
	On July 31, 2014, the Company announced a restructuring plan in support of a cost cutting initiative. Included in this restructuring was the shutdown of our magazine publishing business, a shift in our gamification strategy, and a reduction in our approved headcount. Additionally, the cost cutting initiatives include reducing prospective spending throughout our operations. As a result of these efforts, the Company recorded a one-time pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $4,200 in the third quarter of 2014, comprised primarily of a cash charge of approximately $2,000 for severance costs and the write-down of certain assets associated with our gamification business resulting in a non-cash charge of approximately $1,800. The severance costs are recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Approximately $1,100 of cash spend related to severance and other restructuring charges was paid out in the third quarter and we anticipate that a majority of the remaining liability will be paid out over the next two quarters.

Subsequent_Event_Notes

Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Event
	In October of 2014, the Company received a $50,000 advance payment related to a recently executed television distribution agreement. The $50,000 advance will be recorded as deferred revenue and will be reduced as earned per the terms of the agreement.

Stock_Based_Compensation_Stock

Stock Based Compensation Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
RSU Activity Table [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	he following table summarizes the RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Units		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2014	107,034		$	9.87
	Granted	106,296		$	23.28
	Vested	(71,300	)	$	11.14
	Forfeited	(25,184	)	$	13.09
	Dividend equivalents	3,482		$	18.69
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	120,328		$	20.54
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the PSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:
		Units		Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Unvested at January 1, 2014	1,259,629		$	13.46
	Granted	278,281		$	13.77
	Achievement adjustment	(387,633	)	$	23.99
	Vested	(371,197	)	$	13.71
	Forfeited	(39,828	)	$	18.32
	Dividend equivalents	16,569		$	15.51
	Unvested at September 30, 2014	755,821		$	15.44

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of Operating Income to OIBDA [Line Items]	'
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present summarized financial information for each of the Company's reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Network	$	26,119		$	15,553		$	87,786		$	69,719
	Television	42,198			44,817			126,277			121,273
	Home Entertainment	3,625			5,135			19,488			19,197
	Digital Media	5,001			7,134			16,879			21,683
	Live Events	21,742			25,138			83,742			87,719
	Licensing	10,011			5,733			29,534			36,396
	Venue Merchandise	4,163			4,024			15,663			16,024
	WWEShop	4,290			2,956			12,485			9,497
	WWE Studios	1,928			1,812			8,009			5,835
	Corporate & Other	1,106			990			2,202			2,232
	Total net revenues	$	120,183		$	113,292		$	402,065		$	389,575
	OIBDA:
	Network	$	2,317		$	7,378		$	(8,619	)	$	20,598
	Television	20,712			21,260			43,001			44,680
	Home Entertainment	1,277			1,942			10,423			8,226
	Digital Media	2,004			3,115			811			5,531
	Live Events	3,850			5,690			23,149			27,232
	Licensing	5,828			3,228			16,450			27,659
	Venue Merchandise	1,632			1,653			6,325			6,184
	WWEShop	729			551			2,400			1,709
	WWE Studios	(421		)	(7,417		)	940			(12,789		)
	Corporate & Other	(35,237		)	(27,695		)	(113,974		)	(93,099		)
	Total OIBDA	$	2,691		$	9,705		$	(19,094	)	$	35,931
Reconciliation of Operating Income to OIBDA [Table Text Block]	'
	Reconciliation of Total Operating (Loss) Income to Total OIBDA
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Total operating (loss) income	$	(5,039	)	$	3,202		$	(39,742	)	$	18,112
	Depreciation and amortization	7,730			6,503			20,648			17,819
	Total OIBDA	$	2,691		$	9,705		$	(19,094	)	$	35,931

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment, For Revenue and OIBDA [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables present summarized financial information for each of the Company's reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,			September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Net revenues:
	Network	$	26,119		$	15,553		$	87,786		$	69,719
	Television	42,198			44,817			126,277			121,273
	Home Entertainment	3,625			5,135			19,488			19,197
	Digital Media	5,001			7,134			16,879			21,683
	Live Events	21,742			25,138			83,742			87,719
	Licensing	10,011			5,733			29,534			36,396
	Venue Merchandise	4,163			4,024			15,663			16,024
	WWEShop	4,290			2,956			12,485			9,497
	WWE Studios	1,928			1,812			8,009			5,835
	Corporate & Other	1,106			990			2,202			2,232
	Total net revenues	$	120,183		$	113,292		$	402,065		$	389,575
	OIBDA:
	Network	$	2,317		$	7,378		$	(8,619	)	$	20,598
	Television	20,712			21,260			43,001			44,680
	Home Entertainment	1,277			1,942			10,423			8,226
	Digital Media	2,004			3,115			811			5,531
	Live Events	3,850			5,690			23,149			27,232
	Licensing	5,828			3,228			16,450			27,659
	Venue Merchandise	1,632			1,653			6,325			6,184
	WWEShop	729			551			2,400			1,709
	WWE Studios	(421		)	(7,417		)	940			(12,789		)
	Corporate & Other	(35,237		)	(27,695		)	(113,974		)	(93,099		)
	Total OIBDA	$	2,691		$	9,705		$	(19,094	)	$	35,931

Segment_Information_Schedule_o1

Segment Information Schedule of Revenue from External Customers (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
	The information below summarizes net revenues to unaffiliated customers by geographic area:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,		September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	North America	$	93,866	$	87,341	$	318,842	$	304,190
	Europe/Middle East/Africa	11,646		11,249		47,840		51,406
	Asia Pacific	13,704		13,737		30,991		29,580
	Latin America	967		965		4,392		4,399
	Total net revenues	$	120,183	$	113,292	$	402,065	$	389,575

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Land, buildings and improvements	$	106,021		$	106,749
	Equipment	109,394			107,305
	Corporate aircrafts	31,277			51,757
	Vehicles	244			244
		246,936			266,055
	Less accumulated depreciation	(130,553		)	(132,575		)
	Total	$	116,383		$	133,480

Feature_Film_Production_Assets1

Feature Film Production Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Feature Film Production Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Feature Film Production Assets	'
	Feature film production assets consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Feature film productions:
	In release	$	11,740	$	9,413
	Completed but not released	5,115		3,130
	In production	10,490		2,686
	In development	539		789
	Total	$	27,884	$	16,018

Television_Production_Assets_T

Television Production Assets Television Production Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Television Production Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Television Production Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Television production assets consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Television productions:
	In release	$	5,932	$	1,365
	In production	273		9,407
	Total	$	6,205	$	10,772

Investment_Securities_and_Shor1

Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Short-term investments measured at fair value consisted of the following:
		September 30, 2014										December 31, 2013
					Gross Unrealized									Gross Unrealized
		Amortized			Gain		(Loss)			Fair		Amortized		Gain		(Loss)			Fair
		Cost								Value		Cost							Value
	Municipal bonds	$	19,577		$	64	$	—		$	19,641	$	44,636	$	176	$	(91	)	$	44,721
	Corporate bonds	19,512			39		(53		)	19,498		31,825		104		(174		)	31,755
	Total	$	39,089		$	103	$	(53	)	$	39,139	$	76,461	$	280	$	(265	)	$	76,476
Schedule of Contractual Maturities Period for Investment Securities	'
	As of September 30, 2014, contractual maturities of these bonds are as follows:
		Maturities
	Municipal bonds	1 month-4 years
	Corporate bonds	4 months-3 years
Schedule of Short-Term Investment Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the short-term investment activity:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,		September 30,			September 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	$	14,794		$	—	$	22,572		$	2,793
	Proceeds from maturities and calls of short-term investments	$	7,225		$	7,480	$	16,260		$	27,750
	Gross realized (loss) gains on sale of short-term investments	$	(40	)	$	—	$	(37	)	$	1

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following assets are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the classification within the hierarchy was as follows:
		Fair Value at September 30, 2014								Fair Value at December 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Municipal bonds	$	19,641	$	—	$	19,641	$	—	$	44,721	$	—	$	44,721	$	—
	Corporate bonds	19,498		—		19,498		—		31,755		—		31,755		—
	Total	$	39,139	$	—	$	39,139	$	—	$	76,476	$	—	$	76,476	$	—

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Trade related	$	9,563	$	8,565
	Staff related	9,236		5,580
	Management incentive compensation	9,978		5,711
	Talent related	6,226		6,304
	Accrued WWE Network related expenses	13,116		2,477
	Accrued event and television production	4,294		4,429
	Accrued home entertainment expenses	738		1,341
	Accrued legal and professional	1,802		1,903
	Accrued purchases of property and equipment	720		1,700
	Accrued film liability	2,559		2,654
	Accrued other	11,216		7,218
	Total	$	69,448	$	47,882

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
					Performance Shares [Member]	Performance Shares [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited	'	'	'	'	-39,828	'	-25,184	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments, Forfeited in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$18.32	'	$13.09	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Dividend Equivalents in Period	'	'	'	'	16,569	'	3,482	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Dividends in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$15.51	'	$18.69	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	'	'	'	-371,197	'	-71,300	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$13.77	'	$23.28	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Achievement, Adjustment in Period	'	'	'	'	-387,633	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Achievement Adjustment, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$23.99	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$13.71	'	$11.14	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	'	'	'	'	755,821	1,259,629	120,328	107,034
Share-based Compensation	$1,597	$785	$6,497	$3,543	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'	$15.44	$13.46	$20.54	$9.87
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	'	'	'	'	278,281	'	106,296	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	'	'	'	'	278,281	804,896	'	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	'	'	$9,181	$18,302
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	120,183	113,292	402,065	389,575
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	'	'	22,042	17,819
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	7,730	6,503	20,648	17,819
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	2,691	9,705	-19,094	35,931
Network [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	26,119	15,553	87,786	'
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	2,317	7,378	'	'
Television [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	42,198	44,817	126,277	'
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	20,712	21,260	'	'
Live Events [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	83,742	87,719
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	3,850	5,690	'	'
Licensing [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	10,011	5,733	29,534	'
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	5,828	3,228	'	'
Venue Merchandise [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	4,163	4,024	15,663	'
WWEShop [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	12,485	'
Digital Media [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	5,001	7,134	16,879	'
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	2,004	3,115	'	'
Home Entertainment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	3,625	5,135	19,488	'
Operating Income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	1,277	1,942	'	'
WWE Studios [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	8,009	'
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	'	'	$2,202	'

Segment_Information_Details_1

Segment Information (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Income (Loss)	($5,039)	$3,202	($39,742)	$18,112
Net revenues	120,183	113,292	402,065	389,575
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	7,730	6,503	20,648	17,819
Operating Income Before Depreciation & Amortizaton (OIBDA)	2,691	9,705	-19,094	35,931
North America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	93,866	87,341	318,842	304,190
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	11,646	11,249	47,840	51,406
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	13,704	13,737	30,991	29,580
Latin America [Member]	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$967	$965	$4,392	$4,399

Segment_Information_Detail_Tex

Segment Information (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	'	'	$9,181	$18,302
Revenue, Net	120,183	113,292	402,065	389,575
UNITED KINGDOM	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Net	$7,699	$5,249	$27,606	$24,777

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Land, buildings and improvements	$106,021	$106,749
Equipment	109,394	107,305
Flight Equipment Owned, Gross	31,277	51,757
Vehicles Gross	244	244
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	246,936	266,055
Less accumulated depreciation	-130,553	-132,575
Total	$116,383	$133,480

Property_and_Equipment_Detail_

Property and Equipment (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Depreciation	$7,314	$6,111	$19,420	$16,653
Infrastructure Credit, Depreciation Expense	'	'	1,388	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	1,600	'	'	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	1,800	'
Gamification business [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	$1,757	'

Feature_Film_Production_Assets2

Feature Film Production Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Theatrical Film Costs, Released	$11,740	$9,413
Theatrical Film Costs, Completed and Not Released	5,115	3,130
Theatrical Film Costs, Production	539	2,686
Theatrical Film Costs, Development	10,490	789
Total	$27,884	$16,018

Feature_Film_Production_Assets3

Feature Film Production Assets (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Incentives From Feature Film Productions	$1,515	$427	$1,971	$864	'
Future Amortization Expense, Percentage, Within Twelve Months	'	'	55.00%	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Percentage, One Through Three Years	'	'	79.00%	'	'
Future Amortization Expense, Percentage, One Through Four Years	'	'	80.00%	'	'
Theatrical Film Costs, Released (in dollars)	11,740	'	11,740	'	9,413
Asset Impairment Charges (in dollars)	'	6,965	'	11,661	'
Theatrical Film Costs, Production	539	'	539	'	2,686
Cost of Theatrical Film Development (in dollars)	'	'	339	'	'
Two Films Released [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Theatrical Film Costs, Released (in dollars)	4,980	'	4,980	'	'
Five Films Released [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Theatrical Film Costs, Released (in dollars)	'	$3,625	'	$3,625	'

Television_Production_Assets_D

Television Production Assets (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
					Television Production Assets [Member]	Television Production Assets [Member]	Television Production Assets [Member]	Television Production Assets [Member]	Television Production Assets [Member]	Television Production Assets [Member]
							Network [Member]	Network [Member]	Television Programming [Member]	Television Programming [Member]
Amortization	'	'	'	'	$4,026	$4,026	$1,621	$9,668	$3,500	$9,767
Television Production Assets	6,205	6,205	'	10,772	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Television Production Assets	$5,121	$19,435	$4,026	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Television_Production_Assets_T1

Television Production Assets Television Production Asset Table (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014					Dec. 31, 2013
Television Production Assets [Abstract]	'					'
Schedule of Television Production Assets [Table Text Block]	'					'
	Television production assets consisted of the following:
		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Television productions:
	In release	$	5,932	$	1,365
	In production	273		9,407
	Total	$	6,205	$	10,772
Direct-to-television Film Costs, Released	$5,932					$1,365
Direct-to-television Film Costs, Production	273					9,407
Television Production Assets	$6,205					$10,772

Investment_Securities_and_Shor2

Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Investments	$7,200	'	$7,200	'	$8,299
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	14,794	0	22,572	2,793	'
Amortized Cost	39,089	'	39,089	'	76,461
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'	103	'	280
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	-53	'	-265
Fair Value	39,139	'	39,139	'	76,476
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	-40	0	-37	1	'
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,577	'	19,577	'	44,636
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'	64	'	176
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	0	'	-91
Fair Value	19,641	'	19,641	'	44,721
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,512	'	19,512	'	31,825
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'	39	'	104
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	-53	'	174
Fair Value	$19,498	'	$19,498	'	$31,755

Investment_Securities_and_Shor3

Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$14,794	$0	$22,572	$2,793
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities	7,225	7,480	16,260	27,750
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	($40)	$0	($37)	$1
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Minimum Period Contractual Maturities Of Investments	'4 months	'	'	'
Maximum Period Contractual Maturities Of Investments	'3 years	'	'	'
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Minimum Period Contractual Maturities Of Investments	'	'	'1 month	'
Maximum Period Contractual Maturities Of Investments	'	'	'4 years	'

Investment_Securities_and_Shor4

Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	'	$3,000
Tout Industries [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Cost Method Investments	'	5,000
Incremental Cost Method Investment	1,758	'
Cost-method Investments [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Cost Method Investments	'	$2,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$39,139	$76,476
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,641	44,721
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,498	31,755
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	39,139	76,476
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,641	44,721
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,498	31,755
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Detail_

Fair Value Measurement (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			Rate
Cost-method Investments, Other than Temporary Impairment	'	'	$3,962	$0
Cost Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	3,000	'	3,000	'
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	1,600	'	'	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	1,800	'
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	14,794	0	22,572	2,793
Asset Impairment Charges	'	6,965	'	11,661
Fair Value Of Film Production Assets	'	2,363	'	2,363
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	'	'	13.00%	'
Gamification business [Member]	'	'	'	'
Other Asset Impairment Charges	'	'	$1,757	'

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Trade related	$9,563	$8,565
Payroll and related benefits	9,236	5,580
Accrued Bonuses	9,978	5,711
Talent related	6,226	6,304
Accrued WWE Network related expenses	13,116	2,477
Accrued event and television production	4,294	4,429
Accrued home video liability	738	1,341
Accrued legal and professional	1,802	1,903
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	720	1,700
Accrued film liability	2,559	2,654
Accrued other	11,216	7,218
Total	$69,448	$47,882

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E3

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Detail Textuals) (Maximum [Member])	Sep. 30, 2014
Maximum [Member]	'
Less than Five Percent of Current Liabilities	5.00%

Debt_Detail_Textuals

Debt (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent (in dollars)	$200,000	$200,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.49%	2.49%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.38%	'
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	'	'fixed charge coverage ratio may not be less than 1.0:1.0 for the respective quarterly periods ending March 31, 2014, June 30, 2014, September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2014, increasing to 1.10:1.0 for the quarter ending March 31, 2015, to 1.15:1.0 for the quarter ending June 30, 2015, and to 1.25:1.0 for the quarter ending September 30, 2015
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	31,568	31,568
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.18%	2.18%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	'	406
Long-term Debt	26,991	26,991
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$160,000	$160,000

Concentration_of_Credit_Risk_D

Concentration of Credit Risk (Detail Textuals) (Accounts Receivable [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounts Receivable [Member]	'
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%

Income_Taxes_Detail_Textuals

Income Taxes (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	$16,911	'	$16,911	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-4,606	902	-17,345	5,870	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent	1,700	'	1,700	'	4,884
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	14,407	'	14,407	'	2,681
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current	'	'	'	'	$12,237

Film_and_Television_Production1

Film and Television Production Incentives (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Proceeds from Infrastructure Incentives, Gross	'	'	$3,080	'
Proceeds From Infrastructure Incentives	'	'	2,937	0
Incentives From Feature Film Productions	1,515	427	1,971	864
Television Production Incentives	'	$9,805	$10,833	$10,201

Restructuring_Charge_Details

Restructuring Charge (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'
Restructuring Charges	$4,200
Other Asset Impairment Charges	1,800
Severance Costs	2,000
Payments for Restructuring	$1,100

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 30, 2014
Subsequent Event [Abstract]	'
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue and Customer Advances and Deposits	$50,000