DreamWorks Animation SKG (DWA) 10-Q 30 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 18, 2014	Apr. 18, 2014
		Common Class A [Member]	Common Class B [Member]
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001297401	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	76,797,154	7,838,731

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$69,648	$95,467
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (see Note 7 for related party amounts)	148,922	130,744
Receivables from distributors, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (see Note 7 for related party amounts)	203,934	283,226
Film and other inventory costs, net	914,634	943,486
Prepaid expenses	20,236	20,555
Other assets	28,505	23,385
Investments in unconsolidated entities	44,290	38,542
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization	183,152	186,670
Deferred taxes, net	244,664	221,920
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	147,605	150,511
Goodwill	179,294	179,722
Total assets	2,184,884	2,274,228
Liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	5,684	5,807
Accrued liabilities	214,861	263,668
Payable to former stockholder	263,390	262,309
Deferred revenue and other advances	29,131	36,425
Senior unsecured notes	300,000	300,000
Total liabilities	813,066	868,209
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)	'	'
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	1,109,461	1,100,101
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-468	-600
Retained earnings	1,029,462	1,072,398
Less: Class A Treasury common stock, at cost, 27,482,030 and 27,439,119 shares, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-769,502	-768,224
Total DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,370,074	1,404,795
Non-controlling interests	1,744	1,224
Total equity	1,371,818	1,406,019
Total liabilities and equity	2,184,884	2,274,228
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock	1,043	1,042
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity:	'	'
Common stock	$78	$78

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	104,279,149	104,155,993
Class A Treasury common stock, shares	27,482,030	27,439,119
Common Class B [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	7,838,731	7,838,731
Common stock, shares outstanding	7,838,731	7,838,731

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'
Revenues (see Note 7 for related party amounts)	$147,241		$134,648
Costs of revenues	160,689		85,521
Gross (loss) profit	-13,448	[1]	49,127	[1]
Product development	540		963
Selling, general and administrative expenses	49,679		42,789
Other operating income (see Note 7 for related party amounts)	-1,672		0
Operating (loss) income	-61,995		5,375
Non-operating income (expense):	'		'
Interest (expense) income, net	-1,773		863
Other income, net	1,218		992
Decrease (increase) in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder	927		-698
(Loss) income before loss from equity method investees and income taxes	-61,623		6,532
Loss from equity method investees	3,260		0
(Loss) income before income taxes	-64,883		6,532
(Benefit) provision for income taxes	-22,467		418
Net (loss) income	-42,416		6,114
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	520		537
Net (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	($42,936)		$5,577
Net (loss) income per share of common stock attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	'		'
Basic net (loss) income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.51)		$0.07
Diluted net (loss) income per share (in dollars per share)	($0.51)		$0.07
Shares used in computing net (loss) income per share	'		'
Basic (in shares)	84,484		84,671
Diluted (in shares)	84,484		85,265
[1]	The Company defines segment profit as segment revenues less segment costs of revenues ("segment gross profit"). The Company's segment gross profit is equivalent to total gross profit (or loss) as presented on the consolidated statements of operations, which includes a reconciliation to consolidated (loss) income before income taxes.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net (loss) income	($42,416)	$6,114
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'
Foreign currency translation gains (losses)	132	-2,492
Comprehensive (loss) income	-42,284	3,622
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests	520	537
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	($42,804)	$3,085

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'		'
Net (loss) income	($42,416)		$6,114
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:	'		'
Amortization and write-off of film and other inventory costs	145,412	[1]	60,042	[1]
Amortization of intangible assets	3,154		1,686
Stock-based compensation expense	5,309		4,075
Amortization of deferred financing costs	242		0
Depreciation and amortization	1,081		983
Revenue earned against deferred revenue and other advances	-16,188		-11,153
Income related to investment contributions	-1,672		0
Loss from equity method investees	3,260		0
Deferred taxes, net	-22,314		231
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'		'
Trade accounts receivable	-19,091		4,119
Receivables from distributors	79,267		52,231
Film and other inventory costs	-122,837		-109,346
Intangible assets	0		1,015
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-4,870		-6,367
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-48,594		6,590
Payable to former stockholder	1,080		-25,700
Income taxes payable/receivable, net	-658		2,521
Deferred revenue and other advances	27,348		54,641
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-12,487		41,682
Investing activities	'		'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	-7,000		-500
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-5,711		-8,088
Net cash used in investing activities	-12,711		-8,588
Financing activities	'		'
Proceeds from stock option exercises	261		0
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,278		-16,552
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,017		-16,552
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	396		447
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-25,819		16,989
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	95,467		59,246
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	69,648		76,235
Non-cash investing activities:	'		'
Intellectual property and technology licenses granted in exchange for equity interest	1,294		0
Services provided in exchange for equity interest	383		0
Total non-cash investing activities	1,677		0
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'		'
Cash paid (refunded) during the period for income taxes, net	503		-2,278
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amounts capitalized	7,515		217
Depreciation and amortization, interest expense and stock-based compensation previously capitalized	$8,821		$5,603
[1]	Included within this amount is depreciation and amortization, interest expense and stock-based compensation previously capitalized to "Film and other inventory costs" (see Note 1). During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, these amounts totaled $8,821 and $5,603, respectively.

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta

Business and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	Business and Basis of Presentation
	Business
	The businesses of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. ("DreamWorks Animation" or the "Company") is primarily devoted to the development, production and exploitation of animated films and their associated characters in the worldwide theatrical, home entertainment, digital, television, merchandising and licensing and other markets. The Company continues to build upon the value of its intellectual property created from its animated films by creating high-quality entertainment through the development and production of non-theatrical content such as television series and specials and live performances based on characters from its feature films. In addition, the Company has an extensive library of other intellectual property rights through its acquisition of Classic Media, which can be exploited in various markets. The Company's activities also include technology initiatives as it explores opportunities to exploit its internally developed software.
	Distribution and Servicing Arrangements
	The Company derives revenue from Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation's worldwide (excluding China and South Korea) exploitation of its films in the theatrical and post-theatrical markets. Pursuant to a binding term sheet (the "Fox Distribution Agreement") entered into with Twentieth Century Fox and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (collectively, "Fox"), the Company has agreed to license Fox certain exclusive distribution rights and exclusively engage Fox to render fulfillment services with respect to certain of the Company's animated feature films and other audiovisual programs during the five-year period beginning on January 1, 2013. The rights licensed to, and serviced by, Fox will terminate on the date that is one year after the initial home video release date in the United States ("U.S.") of the last film theatrically released by Fox during such five-year period.
	Also beginning in 2013, the Company's films are distributed in China and South Korea territories by distinct distributors. The key terms of the Company's distribution arrangements with its Chinese and South Korean distributors are largely similar to those with Fox and Paramount such that the Company also recognizes revenues earned under these arrangements on a net basis. The Company's distribution partner in China is Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited ("ODW"), which is a related party.
	Lastly, the Company continues to derive revenues from the distribution in worldwide theatrical, home entertainment, digital and television markets by Paramount Pictures Corporation, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc., and its affiliates (collectively, "Paramount"), for films that were released on or before December 31, 2012, pursuant to a distribution agreement and a fulfillment services agreement (collectively, the "Paramount Agreements"). With respect to each film for which Paramount has rendered fulfillment services, Paramount generally has the right to continue rendering such services for 16 years from such film's initial general theatrical release.
	The Company generally retains all other rights to exploit its films, including commercial tie-in and promotional rights with respect to each film, as well as merchandising, interactive, literary publishing, music publishing and soundtrack rights. The Company's activities associated with its Classic Media properties and AwesomenessTV, Inc. ("ATV") business are not subject to the Company's distribution agreements with its theatrical distributors.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited financial data as of March 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 has been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the "2013 Form 10-K"). Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the Company's 2014 presentation.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year, or for any future period, as fluctuations can occur based upon the timing of the Company's films' theatrical and home entertainment releases, and television series and specials broadcasts.
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of DreamWorks Animation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates less-than-wholly owned entities if the Company has a controlling financial interest in that entity. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in companies in which it has a 50% or less ownership interest and has the ability to exercise significant influence. Such investments are presented as investments in unconsolidated entities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (refer to Note 7 for further information of such investments). Prior to recording its share of net income or losses from equity method investees, investee financial statements are converted to U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Intra-entity profit related to transactions with equity method investees is eliminated until the amounts are ultimately realized.
	In addition, the Company reviews its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities ("VIE") as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), and to assess whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of such entity. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then the entity is consolidated. As of March 31, 2014, the Company determined that it continued to have a variable interest in ODW as ODW does not have sufficient equity at risk (i.e., cash on hand to fund its operations) as a result of the timing of capital contributions to the entity in accordance with the Transaction and Contribution Agreement (see Note 7). However, the Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of ODW as it does not have the ability to control ODW. As a result, it does not consolidate ODW into its financial statements. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion of how the Company accounts for its investment in ODW, including the Company's remaining contributions (which represent the maximum exposure to the Company).
	The Company also determined that, as of March 31, 2014, it continued to have a variable interest in an entity that was created to operate and tour its live arena show that is based on its feature film How to Train Your Dragon, and that the Company is the primary beneficiary of this entity as a result of the Company's obligation to fund all losses. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements included the activities of the VIE. The consolidation of the VIE had an immaterial impact as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Film and Other Inventory Costs Amortization
	Amortization and write-off of film and other inventory costs in any period includes depreciation and amortization, interest expense and stock-based compensation expense that were capitalized as part of film and other inventory costs in the period that those charges were incurred. The total amount of such expenses reflected as a component of amortization and write-off of film and other inventory costs for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the statements of cash flows.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant estimates made by management in the preparation of the financial statements relate to the following:
	•	ultimate revenues and ultimate costs of film, television product and live performance productions;
	•	relative selling price of the Company's products for purposes of revenue allocation in multi-property licenses and other multiple deliverable arrangements;
	•	determination of fair value of assets and liabilities for the allocation of the purchase price in an acquisition;
	•	determination of fair value of non-cash contributions to investments in unconsolidated entities;
	•	useful lives of intangible assets;
	•	product sales that will be returned and the amount of receivables that ultimately will be collected;
	•	the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements;
	•	loss contingencies and contingent consideration arrangements; and
	•	assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of equity-based awards for stock-based compensation or their probability of vesting.
	Actual results could differ from those estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company's financial condition or results of operations will be affected. Estimates are based on past experience and other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, and management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update relating to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The accounting update requires companies to present a deferred tax asset net of related unrecognized tax benefits if there is a net operating loss or other tax carryforwards that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax position. To the extent that an uncertain tax position would not be settled through a reduction of a net operating loss or other tax carryforwards, the unrecognized tax benefit will be presented as a liability. The guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	AwesomenessTV
	On May 1, 2013, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which, on May 3, 2013 (the "ATV Closing Date"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("the Merger Sub") merged with and into ATV. As a result of this transaction, ATV became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. ATV is an online next-generation media production company that generates revenues primarily from online advertising sales and distribution of content through media channels such as theatrical, home entertainment and television. Through ATV's multi-channel network presence on the Internet, the Company will be able to gain access to new content distribution methods, as well as a broader audience. The goodwill acquired represents the potential synergies between ATV's filmed content, character portfolio and the Company's cross-platform expansion plans. The goodwill is allocated to a reporting unit that is currently not part of a separately reportable segment.
	The Company's total consideration for this transaction totaled $128.5 million, including an accrual for estimated contingent consideration of $95.0 million. The following table outlines the components of consideration for the transaction (in thousands):
		As of
		3-May-13
	Cash payment	$	33,460
	Estimated contingent consideration	95,000
	Total consideration	$	128,460
	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):
			As of
			May 3, 2013(1)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,340
	Trade receivables(2)		1,279
	Prepaid and other assets		434
	Production costs		612
	Property, plant and equipment		183
	Intangible assets		12,900
	Total identified assets acquired		16,748
	Accounts payable		655
	Deferred revenue		2,057
	Deferred tax liabilities, net		3,765
	Total liabilities assumed		6,477
	Net identified assets acquired		10,271
	Goodwill(3)		118,189
	Total consideration		$	128,460
	____________________
	-1	Measurement period adjustments include a $0.9 million decrease in goodwill, which resulted from changes in the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration of $0.5 million, as well as a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $0.4 million.
	-2	Gross contractual amounts due total $1.3 million and, of this amount, no amounts are deemed to be uncollectible.
	(3)	The goodwill resulting from the acquisition of ATV is not deductible for tax purposes.
	Contingent Consideration
	Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company may be required to make future cash payments to ATV's former shareholders as part of the total purchase price to acquire ATV. The contingent consideration is based on whether ATV increases its adjusted earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") over an adjusted EBITDA threshold, over a two-year period (which commenced on January 1, 2014). Adjustments to EBITDA for purposes of determining the contingent consideration earned include, but are not limited to: ATV's employee bonus plan, non-cash gains and losses (such as those related to foreign currency accounting and reversals of prior year accruals) and changes in the fair value of contingent payment liabilities resulting from the acquisition of ATV. The Company estimates the fair value of contingent consideration using significant unobservable inputs in a Monte-Carlo simulation model and bases the fair value on the estimated risk-adjusted cost of capital of ATV's adjusted EBITDA following integration into the Company (an income approach). The estimate of the liability may fluctuate if there are changes in the forecast of ATV's future earnings or as a result of actual earnings levels achieved. Any changes in estimate of the contingent consideration liability will be reflected in the Company's results of operations in the period that the change occurs and classified in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	The estimated fair value of the contingent consideration arrangement at the acquisition date was $95.0 million. The key assumptions in applying the income approach were as follows: an 8.5% discount rate, volatility of 32.6% and a probability-adjusted earnings measure for ATV of $25.0 million for 2014 and $41.0 million for 2015. Changes in one or more of the key assumptions could lead to a different fair value estimate of the contingent consideration. For example, using a discount rate of 15.0% or a volatility rate of 20.0% would change the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration to $90.5 million and $103.5 million, respectively. Under the Merger Agreement, the maximum contingent consideration that may be earned is $117.0 million. The estimate of contingent consideration liability increased from $96.5 million as of December 31, 2013 to $99.0 million as of March 31, 2014, primarily due to the passage of time, changes in the forecast of cash flows and changes in the Company's credit risk adjusted rate used to discount obligations to present value. As of March 31, 2014, the discount rate and volatility applied were 18.0% and 35.9%, respectively. Using a discount rate of 15% or a volatility of 20% would change the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration to $100.0 million and $107.0 million, respectively. The change in estimate was recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Pro Forma Financial Information
	The following table presents (in thousands, except per share data) pro forma results of the Company as though ATV had been acquired as of January 1, 2012 (the beginning of the prior annual reporting period based on the period in which the acquisition occurred).
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-13
	Revenues		$	134,886
	Net income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.		$	3,662
	Basic net income per share		$	0.04
	Diluted net income per share		$	0.04
	These pro forma results do not necessarily represent what would have occurred if the ATV transaction had taken place on January 1, 2012, nor do they represent the results that may occur in the future. The pro forma amounts include the historical operating results of the Company and ATV prior to the acquisition, with adjustments directly attributable to the acquisition. The pro forma results include a decrease to tax expense assuming ATV was part of the Company in the amount of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The pro forma results also include an increase to amortization expense related to the fair value of the intangible assets acquired of $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, advances and amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility approximates carrying value due to the short-term maturity of such instruments and floating interest rates. As of March 31, 2014, the fair value of trade accounts receivable approximated carrying value due to the similarities in the initial and current discount rates. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes approximated carrying value as the current borrowing rate approximated the debt instrument's actual interest rate. The fair value of trade accounts receivable and the senior unsecured notes was determined using significant unobservable inputs by performing a discounted cash flow analysis and using current discount rates as appropriate for each type of instrument.
	The Company has short-term money market investments which are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these investments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was measured based on quoted prices in active markets.

Film_and_Other_Inventory_Costs

Film and Other Inventory Costs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Film Costs [Abstract]	'
Film And Other Inventory Costs	'
	Film and Other Inventory Costs
	Film, television, live performance and other inventory costs consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In release, net of amortization:
	Feature films	$	312,861	$	285,238
	Television series and specials	62,217		58,631
	In production:
	Feature films	396,407		474,609
	Television series and specials	28,260		15,332
	In development:
	Feature films	97,922		75,498
	Television series and specials	456		1,500
	Product inventory and other(1)	16,511		32,678
	Total film, television, live performance and other inventory costs, net	$	914,634	$	943,486
	____________________
	(1)	This category includes $8.6 million and $24.8 million of capitalized live performance costs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, this category includes $7.9 million of physical inventory of certain DreamWorks Animation and Classic Media titles for distribution in the home entertainment market.
	The Company anticipates that approximately 39% and 77% of the above "in release" film and other inventory costs as of March 31, 2014 will be amortized over the next 12 months and three years, respectively.
	As a result of the weaker-than-expected worldwide theatrical performance of Mr. Peabody and Sherman (released into the domestic theatrical market during March 2014), the Company performed an analysis to determine whether the unamortized film inventory costs exceeded fair value and was thus impaired. Key assumptions used in the fair value measurement were a discount rate of 7% and estimated remaining cash flows over a period of approximately 15 years. As a result of the analysis, during the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $57.1 million, resulting in a remaining carrying value of $86.0 million as of March 31, 2014. An increase in the discount rate of 5% would change the fair value measurement by approximately $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The estimate of remaining cash flows is dependent on, among other things, the title's performance in post-theatrical markets which have not yet released (e.g., home entertainment and television). A reduction of 10% in the estimated future variable revenues would result in an additional impairment charge of approximately $5.0 million to $10.0 million for this title.
	No impairment charges were recorded on film and other inventory costs during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, intangible assets included $49.5 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets. In addition, intangible assets were comprised of definite-lived intangible assets as follows (in thousands, unless otherwise noted):
		Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life (in years)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Impact of Foreign Currency Translation		Net
	As of March 31, 2014:
	Character rights	13.9	$	99,000	$	(10,322	)	$	1,999	$	90,677
	Programming content	2	11,200		(5,133		)	—		6,067
	Trademarks and trade names	10	1,200		(110		)	—		1,090
	Other intangibles	2	500		(229		)	—		271
	Total		$	111,900	$	(15,794	)	$	1,999	$	98,105
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Character rights	13.9	$	99,000	$	(8,663	)	$	1,754	$	92,091
	Programming content	2	11,200		(3,733		)	—		7,467
	Trademarks and trade names	10	1,200		(80		)	—		1,120
	Other intangibles	2	500		(167		)	—		333
	Total		$	111,900	$	(12,643	)	$	1,754	$	101,011

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
	The Company has made investments in entities which are accounted for under either the cost or equity method of accounting. These investments are classified as investments in unconsolidated entities in the consolidated balance sheets and consist of the following (in thousands, unless otherwise indicated):
		Ownership
		Percentage at		March 31,		December 31,
		March 31, 2014		2014		2013
	Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited	45.45%		$	15,856	$	16,389
	All Other	30%-50%		4,421		3,140
	Total equity method investments			20,277		19,529
	Total cost method investments			24,013		19,013
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities			$	44,290	$	38,542
	Under the equity method of accounting, the carrying value of an investment is adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of the investees' earnings and losses (adjusted for the amortization of any differences in the basis of the Company's investment in ODW compared to the Company's share of venture-level equity), as well as contributions to and distributions from the investee. The Company classifies its share of income or loss from investments accounted for under the equity method as income/loss from equity method investees in its consolidated statements of operations.
	Loss from equity method investees consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited(1)	$	2,210
	All Other	1,050
	Loss from equity method investees	$	3,260
	____________________
	(1)	The Company currently records its share of ODW results on a one-month lag. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements include its share of losses incurred by ODW from December 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014.
	Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited
	On April 3, 2013 ("ODW Closing Date"), the Company formed a Chinese Joint Venture, ODW (or the "Chinese Joint Venture"), through the execution of a Transaction and Contribution Agreement, as amended, with its Chinese partners, China Media Capital (Shanghai) Center L.P. ("CMC"), Shanghai Media Group ("SMG") and Shanghai Alliance Investment Co., Ltd. ("SAIL", and together with CMC and SMG, the "CPE Holders"). In exchange for 45.45% of the equity of ODW, the Company has committed to making a total cash capital contribution to ODW of $50.0 million (of which $5.7 million was funded at the ODW Closing Date, with the balance to be funded over time) and non-cash contributions valued at approximately $100.0 million (of which approximately $25.4 million had been satisfied as of March 31, 2014). Such non-cash contributions include licenses of technology and certain other intellectual property of the Company, rights in certain trademarks of the Company, two in-development feature film projects developed by the Company and consulting and training services. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated statements of operations included $1.7 million of other operating income recognized in connection with non-cash contributions made to ODW.
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company's remaining contributions consisted of the following: (i) $44.3 million in cash (which is expected to be funded over the next three years), (ii) two of the Company's in-development film projects (the specific projects of which have not yet been identified), (iii) remaining delivery requirements under the licenses of technology and certain other intellectual property of the Company and (iv) approximately $7.2 million in consulting and training services. Some of these remaining contribution commitments will require future cash outflows for which the Company is not currently able to estimate the timing of contributions as this will depend on, among other things, ODW's operations.
	Basis Differences. The Company's investment in ODW does not equal the venture-level equity (the amount recorded on the balance sheet of ODW) due to various basis differences. Basis differences related to definite-lived assets are being amortized based on the useful lives of the related assets. Basis differences related to indefinite-lived assets are not being amortized. The following are the differences between the Company's venture-level equity and the balance of its investment in ODW (in thousands):
		31-Mar-14
	Company's venture-level equity	$	44,445
	Technology and intellectual property licenses(1)	(19,150		)
	Other(2)	(9,439		)
	Total ODW investment recorded	$	15,856
	____________________
	-1	Represents differences between the Company's historical cost basis and the equity basis reflected at the venture-level (the amount recorded on the balance sheet of ODW) related to the Company's contributions of technology and intellectual property licenses. These basis differences arise because the contributed assets are recorded at fair value by ODW.
	(2)	Represents the Company's net contribution commitment due to ODW.
	Other Transactions with ODW. The Company has various other transactions with ODW, a related party. The Company has entered into a distribution agreement with ODW for the distribution of the Company's feature films in China (beginning with The Croods). In addition, from time to time, the Company may provide consulting and training services to ODW, the charges of which are based on a pre-determined rate schedule which approximates the Company's actual cost of providing such services. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company's consolidated statements of operations included $0.7 million of revenues earned through ODW's distribution of the Company's feature films. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's consolidated balance sheets included receivables from ODW of $5.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, which were classified as a component of trade accounts receivable, and $4.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively, which were classified as a component of receivables from distributors.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Employee compensation	$	22,805	$	65,625
	Participations and residuals	48,799		50,690
	Contingent consideration(1)	100,051		97,545
	Interest payable	2,635		7,849
	Deferred rent	8,553		8,114
	Other accrued liabilities	32,018		33,845
	Total accrued liabilities	$	214,861	$	263,668
	____________________
	(1)	Primarily represents the Company's estimate of the amount of contingent consideration payable in connection with the acquisition of ATV (refer to Note 3 for further information).
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company estimates that over the next 12 months it will pay approximately $23.1 million of its accrued participation and residual costs.

Deferred_Revenue_and_Other_Adv

Deferred Revenue and Other Advances	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Deferred Revenue and Other Advances	'
	Deferred Revenue and Other Advances
	The following is a summary of deferred revenue and other advances included in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the related amounts earned and recorded either as revenue in the consolidated statements of operations or recorded as an offset to other costs (as described below) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
						Amounts Earned
						Three Months Ended
		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Deferred Revenue	$	11,632	$	14,578	$	7,637	$	7,721
	Strategic Alliance/Development Advances(1)	962		1,667		7,138		9,074
	Other(2)	16,537		20,180		19,897		4,763
	Total deferred revenue and other advances	$	29,131	$	36,425
	____________________
	(1)	Of the total amounts earned against the "Strategic Alliance/Development Advances," for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, $2.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, were capitalized as an offset to property, plant and equipment. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to other assets, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to prepaid expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to operating expenses.
	(2)	Of the total amounts earned, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $14.0 million was recorded as a reduction to film and other inventory costs.

Financing_Arrangements

Financing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Financing Arrangements	'
	Financing Arrangements
	Senior Unsecured Notes. On August 14, 2013, the Company issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "Notes"). In connection with the issuance of the Notes, the Company entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, specifying the terms of the Notes. The Notes were sold at a price to investors of 100% of their principal amount and were issued in a private placement pursuant to the exemptions under Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The net proceeds from the Notes amounted to $294.0 million and a portion was used to repay the outstanding borrowings under the Company's revolving credit facility. The Notes are effectively subordinated to indebtedness under the revolving credit facility. Beginning on February 15, 2014, the Company is required to pay interest on the Notes semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The principal amount is due upon maturity. The Notes are guaranteed by all of the Company's domestic subsidiaries that also guarantee its revolving credit facility.
	The Indenture contains certain restrictions and covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or repurchase the Company's common shares, make certain loans or investments, and sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets, among other limitations. The Indenture also contains customary events of default, which, if triggered, may accelerate payment of principal, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on the Notes. Such events of default include non-payment of principal and interest, non-performance of covenants and obligations, default on other material debt, failure to satisfy material judgments and bankruptcy or insolvency. If a change of control as described in the Indenture occurs, the Company may be required to offer to purchase the Notes from the holders thereof at a repurchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of repurchase.
	At any time prior to August 15, 2016, the Company may redeem all or part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a specified premium as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption, subject to the rights of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. On or after August 15, 2016, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to, but not including, the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date. In addition, at any time prior to August 15, 2016, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.875% of the principal amount thereof, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.
	Revolving Credit Facility. The Company has a revolving credit facility with a number of banks. On August 10, 2012, the Company and the facility banks terminated the then-existing credit agreement and entered into a new Credit Agreement ("New Credit Agreement"). The New Credit Agreement allows the Company to have outstanding borrowings up to $400.0 million at any one time, on a revolving basis. Borrowings are secured by substantially all of the Company's assets. The New Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a specified ratio of total debt to total capitalization and a specified ratio of net remaining ultimates to facility exposure. In addition, subject to specified exceptions, the New Credit Agreement also restricts the Company and its subsidiaries from taking certain actions, such as granting liens, entering into any merger or other significant transactions, making distributions, entering into transactions with affiliates, agreeing to negative pledge clauses and restrictions on subsidiary distributions, and modifying organizational documents. The revolving credit facility also prohibits the Company from paying dividends on its capital stock if, after giving pro forma effect to such dividend, an event of default would occur or exist under the revolving credit facility. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on undrawn amounts at an annual rate of 0.375%. Interest on borrowed amounts (per draw) is determined by reference to either i) the lending banks' base rate plus 1.50% per annum or ii) the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.50% per annum.
	The following table summarizes information associated with the Company's financing arrangements (in thousands, except percentages):
								Interest Expense
								Three Months Ended
		Balance Outstanding at				Maturity Date		March 31,
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013			Interest Rate at	2014		2013
							31-Mar-14
	Senior Unsecured Notes	$	300,000	$	300,000	Aug-20	6.88%	$	2,234	N/A
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	—	Aug-17	N/A	$	375	$	220
	____________________
	N/A: Not applicable
	Additional Financing Information
	Interest Capitalized to Film Costs.    Interest on borrowed funds that are invested in major projects with substantial development or construction phases is capitalized as part of the asset cost until the projects are released or construction projects are put into service. Thus, capitalized interest is amortized over future periods on a basis consistent with that of the asset to which it relates. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company incurred interest costs totaling $6.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively, of which $3.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, were capitalized to film costs.
	As of March 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all applicable financial debt covenants.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company typically determines its interim income tax provision by using the estimated annual effective tax rate and applying that rate to income/loss on a current year-to-date basis. However, if minor changes to forecasted annual pre-tax earnings have a significant effect on the annual effective tax rate, the Company may determine that this method would not be appropriate and that a different method should be applied. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company determined that the annual effective tax rate method would not represent a reliable estimate of the interim income tax provision. As a result, the Company utilized a discrete period method to calculate taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Under the discrete method, the Company determined the income tax provision based upon actual results as if the interim period were an annual period.
	Set forth below is a reconciliation of the components that caused the Company's benefit/provision for income taxes (including the income statement line item "Decrease (increase) in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder") to differ from amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Provision for income taxes (combined with decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder)(1)
	U.S. Federal statutory rate	35	%	35	%
	U.S. state taxes, net of Federal benefit	1.6		(2.7	)
	Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction(2)	1.2		7.3
	Research and development credit(2)	—		(25.4	)
	Federal energy tax credit(3)	—		(2.5	)
	Executive compensation	(0.3	)	3.2
	Stock-based compensation	—		1.3
	Other	(2.0	)	(0.8	)
	Effective tax rate (combined with decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder)(1)	35.5	%	15.4	%
	Less: change in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder(1):
	Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction(2)	(1.1	)	(7.6	)
	Imputed interest on payable to former stockholder	0.1		(1.8	)
	Other	(0.4	)	(0.2	)
	Total change in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder(1)	(1.4	)%	(9.6	)%
	Effective tax rate	34.1	%	5.8	%
	____________________
	(1)	As a result of a partial increase in the tax basis of the Company's tangible and intangible assets attributable to transactions entered into by affiliates controlled by a former stockholder at the time of the Company's 2004 initial public offering, the Company may pay reduced tax amounts to the extent it generates sufficient taxable income in the future. The Company is obligated to remit to an affiliate of the former stockholder 85% of any realized cash savings in U.S. Federal income tax and California franchise tax and certain other related tax benefits. Refer to the Company's 2013 Form 10-K for a more detailed description.
	(2)	The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act"), enacted on January 2, 2013, included extensions to many expiring corporate income tax provisions. The Act included a two-year extension of research and development credits and other federal tax incentives, which were to be retroactively applied beginning with January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2013. The Company recognized the effects of the retroactive changes in its results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (the period of enactment).
	(3)	The Company's policy for accounting for investment tax credits is to recognize the income tax benefit in the year that the credit is generated.
	The Company's federal income tax returns for the tax years ended December 31, 2007 through 2009 are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service, and all subsequent tax years remain open to audit. The Company's California state tax returns for all years subsequent to 2007 remain open to audit. The Company's India subsidiary's income tax returns are currently under examination for the tax years ended March 31, 2010 through 2012.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests	'
	Stockholders’ Equity and Non-controlling Interests
	Class A Common Stock
	Stock Repurchase Program.  In July 2010, the Company's Board of Directors terminated the then-existing stock repurchase program and authorized a new stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of $150.0 million of its outstanding stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its Class A Common Stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 0.8 million shares of its outstanding Class A Common Stock for $16.2 million under the July 2010 authorization. As of March 31, 2014, the Company's remaining authorization under the current stock repurchase program was $100.0 million.
	Non-controlling Interests
	The Company's consolidated balance sheets include non-controlling interests, which is presented as a separate component of equity. The non-controlling interest represents the other equity holder's interest in a joint venture that the Company consolidates. The net income attributable to the non-controlling interests is presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. There is no other comprehensive income or loss attributable to the non-controlling interests.
	The following table presents the changes in equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity			Non-controlling Interests		Total Equity
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1,404,795		$	1,224	$	1,406,019
	Proceeds from stock option exercises	261			—		261
	Stock-based compensation	9,068			—		9,068
	Purchase of treasury shares	(1,246		)	—		(1,246		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	132			—		132
	Net (loss) income	(42,936		)	520		(42,416		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	1,370,074		$	1,744	$	1,371,818
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,345,616		$	630	$	1,346,246
	Stock-based compensation	8,404			—		8,404
	Purchase of treasury shares	(16,534		)	—		(16,534		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,492		)	—		(2,492		)
	Net income	5,577			537		6,114
	Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	1,340,571		$	1,167	$	1,341,738

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes compensation costs for equity awards granted to its employees based on each award's grant-date fair value. Most of the Company's equity awards contain vesting conditions dependent upon the completion of specified service periods or achievement of established sets of performance criteria. Compensation cost for service-based equity awards is recognized ratably over the requisite service period. Compensation cost for certain performance-based awards is recognized using a graded expense-attribution method. The Company has granted performance-based awards where the value of the award upon vesting will vary depending on the level of performance ultimately achieved. The Company recognizes compensation cost for these awards based on the level of performance expected to be achieved. The Company will recognize the impact of any change in estimate in the period of the change.
	Generally, equity awards are forfeited by employees who terminate prior to vesting. However, certain employment contracts for certain executive officers provide for the acceleration of vesting in the event of a change in control or specified termination events. The Company currently satisfies exercises of stock options and stock appreciation rights, the vesting of restricted stock and the delivery of shares upon the vesting of restricted stock units with the issuance of new shares.
	The impact of stock options (including stock appreciation rights) and restricted stock awards on net income (excluding amounts capitalized) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Total stock-based compensation	$	5,309			$	4,075
	Tax impact(1)	(1,885		)		(628		)
	Reduction in net income, net of tax	$	3,424			$	3,447
	____________________
	(1)	Tax impact is determined at the Company's combined effective tax rate, which includes the income statement line item "Decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder" (see Note 11).
	Stock-based compensation cost capitalized as a part of film costs was $3.7 million and $4.3 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant-date fair value of equity awards granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		Number			Weighted
		Granted			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units	224			$	29.91
	2013
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units	261			$	16.87
	As of March 31, 2014, the total compensation cost related to unvested equity awards granted to employees (excluding equity awards with performance objectives not probable of achievement) but not yet recognized was approximately $78.5 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

Reportable_Segments

Reportable Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	Reportable Segments
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company reorganized its internal management structure to align with changes in how it operates the business and evaluates financial performance of individual business units. As a result, there were changes to its operating segments and the Company has revised its segment information for prior periods to conform to the current presentation. The Company's current reportable segments are the following: Feature Films, Television Series and Specials and Consumer Products. Feature Films consists of the development, production and exploitation of feature films in the theatrical, television, home entertainment and digital markets. Television Series and Specials consists of the development, production and exploitation of television, direct-to-video and other non-theatrical content in the television, home entertainment and digital markets. Consumer Products consists of the Company's merchandising and licensing activities related to the exploitation of its intellectual property rights. Operating segments that are not separately reportable are categorized in "All Other" and include ATV and live performances.
	Segment performance is evaluated based on revenues and gross profit. The Company does not allocate assets to each of its operating segments, nor does the Company's chief operating decision maker evaluate operating segments using discrete asset information. Information on the reportable segments and a reconciliation of total segment revenues and gross (loss) profit to consolidated financial statements are presented below (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014				2013
	Revenues
		Feature Films	$	110,097			$	78,546
		Television Series and Specials	17,969				19,368
		Consumer Products	12,067				27,484
		All Other	7,108				9,250
	Total revenues		$	147,241			$	134,648
	Gross (loss) profit(1)
		Feature Films	$	(25,388	)		$	25,950
		Television Series and Specials	5,759				4,917
		Consumer Products	6,004				18,428
		All Other	177				(168		)
	Total gross (loss) profit		$	(13,448	)		$	49,127
	____________________
	(1)	The Company defines segment profit as segment revenues less segment costs of revenues ("segment gross profit"). The Company's segment gross profit is equivalent to total gross profit (or loss) as presented on the consolidated statements of operations, which includes a reconciliation to consolidated (loss) income before income taxes.
	The following table presents goodwill for each of the Company's reportable segments (in thousands):
		Feature Films				Television Series and Specials				Consumer Products		All Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	43,995			$	6,111			$	10,999	$	118,617		$	179,722
	Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	—				—				—		(428		)	(428		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	43,995			$	6,111			$	10,999	$	118,189		$	179,294

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	Transactions with ODW
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company had various transactions with a related party, ODW. See Note 7 for further discussion related to these transactions.
	Transactions with Universal Music Group
	One of the Company's directors, Lucian Grainge, is the chief executive officer of Universal Music Group ("UMG"). From time to time, the Company and UMG make payments to each other in connection with the licensing of music that is owned by the other company (or for which the other company serves as the music publisher). In addition, UMG serves as the music publisher for the Company's Classic Media properties (which the Company acquired in August 2012). Finally, UMG and ATV (which the Company acquired in May 2013) have formed joint ventures related to the music business. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, revenues recognized related to the arrangements were not material. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company incurred expenses (which were recorded as film inventory costs) totaling $0.2 million related to these arrangements.

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentrations of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	A substantial portion of the Company's revenue is derived directly from the Company's third-party distributors, Paramount and Fox. Paramount represented approximately 28% and 55% of total revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Fox represented approximately 14% of total revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014.
	As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately 62% and 49%, respectively, of the Company's trade accounts receivable balance consisted of long-term receivables related to licensing arrangements with Netflix, Inc.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Legal Proceedings. From time to time, the Company is involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of its business, typically intellectual property litigation and infringement claims related to the Company's feature films and other commercial activities, which could cause the Company to incur significant expenses or prevent the Company from releasing a film or other properties. The Company also has been the subject of patent and copyright claims relating to technology and ideas that it may use or feature in connection with the production, marketing or exploitation of the Company's feature films and other properties, which may affect the Company's ability to continue to do so. Furthermore, from time to time the Company may introduce new products or services, including in areas where it currently does not operate, which could increase its exposure to litigation and claims by competitors, consumers or other intellectual property owners. Defending intellectual property litigation is costly and can impose a significant burden on management and employees, and there can be no assurances that favorable final outcomes will be obtained in all cases. While the resolution of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe, based on current knowledge, that any existing legal proceedings or claims are likely to have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Contributions to ODW. The Company has committed to making certain contributions in connection with the formation of ODW. Refer to Note 7 for further discussion related to these commitments.
	Contingent Consideration. As a result of the Company's acquisition of ATV, the Company may be obligated to make additional contingent cash payments as part of the purchase price. Refer to Note 3 for further discussion.

Earnings_Per_Share_Data

Earnings Per Share Data	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share Data	'
	Earnings Per Share Data
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	$	(42,936	)	$	5,577
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	84,588			84,781
	Less: Unvested restricted stock	(104		)	(110		)
	Denominator for basic calculation	84,484			84,671
	Weighted average effects of dilutive stock-based compensation awards:
	Restricted stock awards	—			594
	Denominator for diluted calculation	84,484			85,265
	Net (loss) income per share—basic	$	(0.51	)	$	0.07
	Net (loss) income per share—diluted	$	(0.51	)	$	0.07
	The following table sets forth (in thousands) the weighted average number of options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and equity awards subject to performance conditions which were not included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts (for periods where the Company had net income) because the effects would be anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
	Options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock awards	3,735
	Stock appreciation rights	5,151
	Total	8,886
	The following table sets forth (in thousands) the number of equity awards that are contingently issuable which were not included in the calculation of diluted shares (for periods where the Company had net income) as the required performance conditions had not been met as of March 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
	Options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock awards	716

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	Restructuring Charges
	During the three months ended December 31, 2012, the Company made a strategic business decision to change the production and release slates for some of its animated feature films. In connection with this decision, the Company committed to a restructuring plan to align its production and operating infrastructure. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the Company implemented a restructuring plan to lower the cost structure, which resulted in a commitment to further reduce its workforce. As a result, the Company incurred additional restructuring charges attributable to employee-related costs (primarily related to severance and benefits) totaling $2.5 million for 47 employees for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Restructuring charges were not material for the three months ended March 31, 2014. These charges were recorded in costs of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Payments made during the three months ended March 31, 2014 totaled $1.0 million related to these restructuring plans. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, $0.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively, remained accrued as a liability. The Company expects to complete its restructuring plans by June 30, 2014. The Company's restructuring plans are primarily attributable to its Feature Films reportable segment.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On April 1, 2014, the Company executed an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization to acquire Big Frame, Inc. (a multi-channel network). The purchase price consisted of cash payments totaling $15.0 million (inclusive of amounts held in escrow) and was paid upon closing of the transaction, which occurred on April 8, 2014. The Company expects that the acquisition will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta1

Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Recent accounting pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update relating to the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. The accounting update requires companies to present a deferred tax asset net of related unrecognized tax benefits if there is a net operating loss or other tax carryforwards that would apply in settlement of the uncertain tax position. To the extent that an uncertain tax position would not be settled through a reduction of a net operating loss or other tax carryforwards, the unrecognized tax benefit will be presented as a liability. The guidance is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited financial data as of March 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 has been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the "2013 Form 10-K"). Certain amounts in the prior period consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the Company's 2014 presentation.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring items, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement for the periods shown. The results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year, or for any future period, as fluctuations can occur based upon the timing of the Company's films' theatrical and home entertainment releases, and television series and specials broadcasts.
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements of the Company present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of DreamWorks Animation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company also consolidates less-than-wholly owned entities if the Company has a controlling financial interest in that entity. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in companies in which it has a 50% or less ownership interest and has the ability to exercise significant influence. Such investments are presented as investments in unconsolidated entities on the Company's consolidated balance sheets (refer to Note 7 for further information of such investments). Prior to recording its share of net income or losses from equity method investees, investee financial statements are converted to U.S. GAAP. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Intra-entity profit related to transactions with equity method investees is eliminated until the amounts are ultimately realized.
	In addition, the Company reviews its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities ("VIE") as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), and to assess whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of such entity. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then the entity is consolidated.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The most significant estimates made by management in the preparation of the financial statements relate to the following:
	•	ultimate revenues and ultimate costs of film, television product and live performance productions;
	•	relative selling price of the Company's products for purposes of revenue allocation in multi-property licenses and other multiple deliverable arrangements;
	•	determination of fair value of assets and liabilities for the allocation of the purchase price in an acquisition;
	•	determination of fair value of non-cash contributions to investments in unconsolidated entities;
	•	useful lives of intangible assets;
	•	product sales that will be returned and the amount of receivables that ultimately will be collected;
	•	the potential outcome of future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements;
	•	loss contingencies and contingent consideration arrangements; and
	•	assumptions used in the determination of the fair value of equity-based awards for stock-based compensation or their probability of vesting.
	Actual results could differ from those estimates. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, the Company's financial condition or results of operations will be affected. Estimates are based on past experience and other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances, and management evaluates these estimates on an ongoing basis.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, advances and amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility approximates carrying value due to the short-term maturity of such instruments and floating interest rates. As of March 31, 2014, the fair value of trade accounts receivable approximated carrying value due to the similarities in the initial and current discount rates. In addition, as of March 31, 2014, the fair value of the senior unsecured notes approximated carrying value as the current borrowing rate approximated the debt instrument's actual interest rate. The fair value of trade accounts receivable and the senior unsecured notes was determined using significant unobservable inputs by performing a discounted cash flow analysis and using current discount rates as appropriate for each type of instrument.
	The Company has short-term money market investments which are classified as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these investments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was measured based on quoted prices in active markets.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables) (AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of total consideration for business combination	'
	The following table outlines the components of consideration for the transaction (in thousands):
		As of
		3-May-13
	Cash payment	$	33,460
	Estimated contingent consideration	95,000
	Total consideration	$	128,460
Schedule of purchase price allocation	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):
			As of
			May 3, 2013(1)
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,340
	Trade receivables(2)		1,279
	Prepaid and other assets		434
	Production costs		612
	Property, plant and equipment		183
	Intangible assets		12,900
	Total identified assets acquired		16,748
	Accounts payable		655
	Deferred revenue		2,057
	Deferred tax liabilities, net		3,765
	Total liabilities assumed		6,477
	Net identified assets acquired		10,271
	Goodwill(3)		118,189
	Total consideration		$	128,460
	____________________
	-1	Measurement period adjustments include a $0.9 million decrease in goodwill, which resulted from changes in the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration of $0.5 million, as well as a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $0.4 million.
	-2	Gross contractual amounts due total $1.3 million and, of this amount, no amounts are deemed to be uncollectible.
	(3)	The goodwill resulting from the acquisition of ATV is not deductible for tax purposes.
Business acquisition, pro forma information	'
	The following table presents (in thousands, except per share data) pro forma results of the Company as though ATV had been acquired as of January 1, 2012 (the beginning of the prior annual reporting period based on the period in which the acquisition occurred).
			Three Months Ended
			31-Mar-13
	Revenues		$	134,886
	Net income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.		$	3,662
	Basic net income per share		$	0.04
	Diluted net income per share		$	0.04

Film_and_Other_Inventory_Costs1

Film and Other Inventory Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Film Costs [Abstract]	'
Film, television, live performance and other inventory costs	'
	Film, television, live performance and other inventory costs consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	In release, net of amortization:
	Feature films	$	312,861	$	285,238
	Television series and specials	62,217		58,631
	In production:
	Feature films	396,407		474,609
	Television series and specials	28,260		15,332
	In development:
	Feature films	97,922		75,498
	Television series and specials	456		1,500
	Product inventory and other(1)	16,511		32,678
	Total film, television, live performance and other inventory costs, net	$	914,634	$	943,486
	____________________
	(1)	This category includes $8.6 million and $24.8 million of capitalized live performance costs as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, this category includes $7.9 million of physical inventory of certain DreamWorks Animation and Classic Media titles for distribution in the home entertainment market.

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of definite-lived assets	'
	In addition, intangible assets were comprised of definite-lived intangible assets as follows (in thousands, unless otherwise noted):
		Weighted Average Estimated Useful Life (in years)	Gross		Accumulated Amortization			Impact of Foreign Currency Translation		Net
	As of March 31, 2014:
	Character rights	13.9	$	99,000	$	(10,322	)	$	1,999	$	90,677
	Programming content	2	11,200		(5,133		)	—		6,067
	Trademarks and trade names	10	1,200		(110		)	—		1,090
	Other intangibles	2	500		(229		)	—		271
	Total		$	111,900	$	(15,794	)	$	1,999	$	98,105
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Character rights	13.9	$	99,000	$	(8,663	)	$	1,754	$	92,091
	Programming content	2	11,200		(3,733		)	—		7,467
	Trademarks and trade names	10	1,200		(80		)	—		1,120
	Other intangibles	2	500		(167		)	—		333
	Total		$	111,900	$	(12,643	)	$	1,754	$	101,011

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of cost and equity method investments	'
	These investments are classified as investments in unconsolidated entities in the consolidated balance sheets and consist of the following (in thousands, unless otherwise indicated):
		Ownership
		Percentage at		March 31,		December 31,
		March 31, 2014		2014		2013
	Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited	45.45%		$	15,856	$	16,389
	All Other	30%-50%		4,421		3,140
	Total equity method investments			20,277		19,529
	Total cost method investments			24,013		19,013
	Total investments in unconsolidated entities			$	44,290	$	38,542
Schedule of losses from equity method investments	'
	Loss from equity method investees consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar-14
	Oriental DreamWorks Holding Limited(1)	$	2,210
	All Other	1,050
	Loss from equity method investees	$	3,260
	____________________
	(1)	The Company currently records its share of ODW results on a one-month lag. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements include its share of losses incurred by ODW from December 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014.
Schedule of differences in venture-level equity and investment in unconsolidated entity	'
	The following are the differences between the Company's venture-level equity and the balance of its investment in ODW (in thousands):
		31-Mar-14
	Company's venture-level equity	$	44,445
	Technology and intellectual property licenses(1)	(19,150		)
	Other(2)	(9,439		)
	Total ODW investment recorded	$	15,856
	____________________
	-1	Represents differences between the Company's historical cost basis and the equity basis reflected at the venture-level (the amount recorded on the balance sheet of ODW) related to the Company's contributions of technology and intellectual property licenses. These basis differences arise because the contributed assets are recorded at fair value by ODW.
	(2)	Represents the Company's net contribution commitment due to ODW.

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accrued liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Employee compensation	$	22,805	$	65,625
	Participations and residuals	48,799		50,690
	Contingent consideration(1)	100,051		97,545
	Interest payable	2,635		7,849
	Deferred rent	8,553		8,114
	Other accrued liabilities	32,018		33,845
	Total accrued liabilities	$	214,861	$	263,668
	____________________
	(1)	Primarily represents the Company's estimate of the amount of contingent consideration payable in connection with the acquisition of ATV (refer to Note 3 for further information).

Deferred_Revenue_and_Other_Adv1

Deferred Revenue and Other Advances (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Revenue Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of deferred revenue and other advances included in the consolidated balance sheets	'
	The following is a summary of deferred revenue and other advances included in the consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and the related amounts earned and recorded either as revenue in the consolidated statements of operations or recorded as an offset to other costs (as described below) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
						Amounts Earned
						Three Months Ended
		March 31,		December 31,		March 31,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Deferred Revenue	$	11,632	$	14,578	$	7,637	$	7,721
	Strategic Alliance/Development Advances(1)	962		1,667		7,138		9,074
	Other(2)	16,537		20,180		19,897		4,763
	Total deferred revenue and other advances	$	29,131	$	36,425
	____________________
	(1)	Of the total amounts earned against the "Strategic Alliance/Development Advances," for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, $2.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, were capitalized as an offset to property, plant and equipment. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to other assets, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to prepaid expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to operating expenses.
	(2)	Of the total amounts earned, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $14.0 million was recorded as a reduction to film and other inventory costs.

Financing_Arrangements_Tables

Financing Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Schedule of financing arrangements	'
	The following table summarizes information associated with the Company's financing arrangements (in thousands, except percentages):
								Interest Expense
								Three Months Ended
		Balance Outstanding at				Maturity Date		March 31,
		March 31, 2014		December 31, 2013			Interest Rate at	2014		2013
							31-Mar-14
	Senior Unsecured Notes	$	300,000	$	300,000	Aug-20	6.88%	$	2,234	N/A
	Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	—	Aug-17	N/A	$	375	$	220
	____________________
	N/A: Not applicable

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	'
	Set forth below is a reconciliation of the components that caused the Company's benefit/provision for income taxes (including the income statement line item "Decrease (increase) in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder") to differ from amounts computed by applying the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Provision for income taxes (combined with decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder)(1)
	U.S. Federal statutory rate	35	%	35	%
	U.S. state taxes, net of Federal benefit	1.6		(2.7	)
	Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction(2)	1.2		7.3
	Research and development credit(2)	—		(25.4	)
	Federal energy tax credit(3)	—		(2.5	)
	Executive compensation	(0.3	)	3.2
	Stock-based compensation	—		1.3
	Other	(2.0	)	(0.8	)
	Effective tax rate (combined with decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder)(1)	35.5	%	15.4	%
	Less: change in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder(1):
	Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction(2)	(1.1	)	(7.6	)
	Imputed interest on payable to former stockholder	0.1		(1.8	)
	Other	(0.4	)	(0.2	)
	Total change in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder(1)	(1.4	)%	(9.6	)%
	Effective tax rate	34.1	%	5.8	%
	____________________
	(1)	As a result of a partial increase in the tax basis of the Company's tangible and intangible assets attributable to transactions entered into by affiliates controlled by a former stockholder at the time of the Company's 2004 initial public offering, the Company may pay reduced tax amounts to the extent it generates sufficient taxable income in the future. The Company is obligated to remit to an affiliate of the former stockholder 85% of any realized cash savings in U.S. Federal income tax and California franchise tax and certain other related tax benefits. Refer to the Company's 2013 Form 10-K for a more detailed description.
	(2)	The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act"), enacted on January 2, 2013, included extensions to many expiring corporate income tax provisions. The Act included a two-year extension of research and development credits and other federal tax incentives, which were to be retroactively applied beginning with January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2013. The Company recognized the effects of the retroactive changes in its results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (the period of enactment).
	(3)	The Company's policy for accounting for investment tax credits is to recognize the income tax benefit in the year that the credit is generated.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon1

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of stockholders equity and non-controlling interest	'
	The following table presents the changes in equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. Stockholders' Equity			Non-controlling Interests		Total Equity
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	1,404,795		$	1,224	$	1,406,019
	Proceeds from stock option exercises	261			—		261
	Stock-based compensation	9,068			—		9,068
	Purchase of treasury shares	(1,246		)	—		(1,246		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	132			—		132
	Net (loss) income	(42,936		)	520		(42,416		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	1,370,074		$	1,744	$	1,371,818
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	1,345,616		$	630	$	1,346,246
	Stock-based compensation	8,404			—		8,404
	Purchase of treasury shares	(16,534		)	—		(16,534		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,492		)	—		(2,492		)
	Net income	5,577			537		6,114
	Balance as of March 31, 2013	$	1,340,571		$	1,167	$	1,341,738

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of impact of stock options and restricted stock awards on net income	'
	The impact of stock options (including stock appreciation rights) and restricted stock awards on net income (excluding amounts capitalized) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Total stock-based compensation	$	5,309			$	4,075
	Tax impact(1)	(1,885		)		(628		)
	Reduction in net income, net of tax	$	3,424			$	3,447
	____________________
	(1)	Tax impact is determined at the Company's combined effective tax rate, which includes the income statement line item "Decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder" (see Note 11).
Schedule of number and weighted average grant date fair value of equity awards granted	'
	The following table sets forth the number and weighted average grant-date fair value of equity awards granted during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		Number			Weighted
		Granted			Average
					Grant-Date
					Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units	224			$	29.91
	2013
	Restricted stock and restricted stock units	261			$	16.87

Reportable_Segments_Tables

Reportable Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of segment reporting information	'
	Information on the reportable segments and a reconciliation of total segment revenues and gross (loss) profit to consolidated financial statements are presented below (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014				2013
	Revenues
		Feature Films	$	110,097			$	78,546
		Television Series and Specials	17,969				19,368
		Consumer Products	12,067				27,484
		All Other	7,108				9,250
	Total revenues		$	147,241			$	134,648
	Gross (loss) profit(1)
		Feature Films	$	(25,388	)		$	25,950
		Television Series and Specials	5,759				4,917
		Consumer Products	6,004				18,428
		All Other	177				(168		)
	Total gross (loss) profit		$	(13,448	)		$	49,127
	____________________
	(1)	The Company defines segment profit as segment revenues less segment costs of revenues ("segment gross profit"). The Company's segment gross profit is equivalent to total gross profit (or loss) as presented on the consolidated statements of operations, which includes a reconciliation to consolidated (loss) income before income taxes.
Schedule of goodwill	'
	The following table presents goodwill for each of the Company's reportable segments (in thousands):
		Feature Films				Television Series and Specials				Consumer Products		All Other			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	43,995			$	6,111			$	10,999	$	118,617		$	179,722
	Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	—				—				—		(428		)	(428		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014	$	43,995			$	6,111			$	10,999	$	118,189		$	179,294

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Tables

Earnings Per Share Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted net income per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Numerator:
	Net (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	$	(42,936	)	$	5,577
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	84,588			84,781
	Less: Unvested restricted stock	(104		)	(110		)
	Denominator for basic calculation	84,484			84,671
	Weighted average effects of dilutive stock-based compensation awards:
	Restricted stock awards	—			594
	Denominator for diluted calculation	84,484			85,265
	Net (loss) income per share—basic	$	(0.51	)	$	0.07
	Net (loss) income per share—diluted	$	(0.51	)	$	0.07
Weighted average number of options used to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and equity awards	'
	The following table sets forth (in thousands) the weighted average number of options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and equity awards subject to performance conditions which were not included in the calculation of diluted per share amounts (for periods where the Company had net income) because the effects would be anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
	Options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock awards	3,735
	Stock appreciation rights	5,151
	Total	8,886
Number of equity awards that are contingently issuable	'
	The following table sets forth (in thousands) the number of equity awards that are contingently issuable which were not included in the calculation of diluted shares (for periods where the Company had net income) as the required performance conditions had not been met as of March 31, 2013:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31, 2013
	Options to purchase shares of common stock and restricted stock awards	716

Business_and_Basis_of_Presenta2

Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (Distribution Arrangement [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Paramount [Member]	'
Business and Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'
Distribution arrangement, exploitation period	'16 years
Fox [Member]	'
Business and Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]	'
Distribution arrangement, output term	'5 years
Period after U.S. home video release that output term will terminate	'1 year

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

3-May-13

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

3-May-13

Mar. 31, 2014

3-May-13

Mar. 31, 2014

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

Adjustment [Member]

Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member]

Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member]

Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

Income Approach Valuation Technique [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member]

Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]

Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

'

$1,340,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Trade receivables

'

'

1,279,000

[1],[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepaid and other assets

'

'

434,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Production costs

'

'

612,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property, plant and equipment

'

'

183,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

'

12,900,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total identified assets acquired

'

'

16,748,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable

'

'

655,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred revenue

'

'

2,057,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liabilities, net

'

'

3,765,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities assumed

'

'

6,477,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net identified assets acquired

'

'

10,271,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

179,294,000

179,722,000

118,189,000

[1],[3]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total consideration

'

'

128,460,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes in fair value of estimated contingent consideration

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in deferred tax liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired receivables, gross contractual amounts due

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired receivables deemed uncollectible

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contingent consideration arrangement with former shareholders, term

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated Contingent consideration

'

'

95,000,000

'

99,000,000

96,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discount rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

8.50%

18.00%

15.00%

15.00%

Volatility rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32.60%

35.90%

20.00%

20.00%

Contingent Consideration, Fair Value After Change in Discount Rate, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

90,500,000

'

Contingent Consideration, Fair Value After Change in Volatility Rate, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

107,000,000

'

'

103,500,000

'

Probability adjusted earnings in 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

Probability adjusted earnings in 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

41,000,000

'

'

'

Maximum contingent consideration that may be earned

'

'

'

'

117,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma information, adjustments, decrease to income tax expense

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Pro forma information, adjustments, Increase in amortization expense

'

'

'

$2,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Measurement period adjustments include a $0.9 million decrease in goodwill, which resulted from changes in the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration of $0.5 million, as well as a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $0.4 million.

[2]

Gross contractual amounts due total $1.3 million and, of this amount, no amounts are deemed to be uncollectible.

[3]

The goodwill resulting from the acquisition of ATV is not deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisitions_Consideration_Tra

Acquisitions Consideration Transferred (Details) (AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3-May-13		Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]	'		'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'		'	'
Cash payment	$33,460		'	'
Estimated contingent consideration	95,000		99,000	96,500
Total consideration	$128,460	[1]	'	'
[1]	Measurement period adjustments include a $0.9 million decrease in goodwill, which resulted from changes in the fair value of the estimated contingent consideration of $0.5 million, as well as a decrease to deferred tax liabilities of $0.4 million.

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Informa

Acquisitions Pro Forma Information (Details) (AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
AwesomenessTV, Inc. [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Revenues	$134,886
Net income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	$3,662
Basic net income per share	$0.04
Diluted net income per share	$0.04

Film_and_Other_Inventory_Costs2

Film and Other Inventory Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
In release, net of amortization, feature films	$312,861,000		'	$285,238,000
In release, net of amortization, television series and specials	62,217,000		'	58,631,000
In production, feature films	396,407,000		'	474,609,000
In production, television series and specials	28,260,000		'	15,332,000
In development, feature films	97,922,000		'	75,498,000
In development, television series and specials	456,000		'	1,500,000
Product inventory and other	16,511,000	[1]	'	32,678,000	[1]
Total film, television, live performance and other inventory costs, net	914,634,000		'	943,486,000
Capitalized live performance costs	8,600,000		'	24,800,000
Release costs expected to be amortized over the next 12 months	39.00%		'	'
Release costs expected to be amortized over three years	77.00%		'	'
Estimated remaining cash flow period	'15 years		'	'
Impairment charge of film costs	57,100,000		0	'
DreamWorks Animation and Classic Media [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Physical inventory	7,900,000		'	7,900,000
Impaired Film and Other Inventory Assets [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Discount rate used in fair value measurement	7.00%		'	'
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Impaired Film and Other Inventory Assets [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Total film, television, live performance and other inventory costs, net	86,000,000		'	'
Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Discount rate used in fair value measurement	5.00%		'	'
Film and other inventory costs, fair value change	7,800,000		'	'
Film and other inventory, estimated reduction in future revenue, percentage	10.00%		'	'
Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impairment charge of film costs	5,000,000		'	'
Sensitivity, Potential Change [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'		'	'
Film Costs [Line Items]	'		'	'
Impairment charge of film costs	$10,000,000		'	'
[1]	This category includes $8.6 million and $24.8 million of capitalized live performance costs as of MarchB 31, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, respectively. In addition, as of MarchB 31, 2014 and DecemberB 31, 2013, this category includes $7.9 million of physical inventory of certain DreamWorks Animation and Classic Media titles for distribution in the home entertainment market.

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$49,500,000	$49,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Gross	111,900,000	111,900,000
Accumulated amortization	-15,794,000	-12,643,000
Impact of foreign currency translation	1,999,000	1,754,000
Net	98,105,000	101,011,000
Character Rights [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average estimated useful life	'13 years 10 months 24 days	'13 years 10 months 24 days
Gross	99,000,000	99,000,000
Accumulated amortization	-10,322,000	-8,663,000
Impact of foreign currency translation	1,999,000	1,754,000
Net	90,677,000	92,091,000
Programming Content [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average estimated useful life	'2 years	'2 years
Gross	11,200,000	11,200,000
Accumulated amortization	-5,133,000	-3,733,000
Impact of foreign currency translation	0	0
Net	6,067,000	7,467,000
Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average estimated useful life	'10 years	'10 years
Gross	1,200,000	1,200,000
Accumulated amortization	-110,000	-80,000
Impact of foreign currency translation	0	0
Net	1,090,000	1,120,000
Other Intangibles [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average estimated useful life	'2 years	'2 years
Gross	500,000	500,000
Accumulated amortization	-229,000	-167,000
Impact of foreign currency translation	0	0
Net	$271,000	$333,000

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 03, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity method investments	$20,277	$19,529	'
Total cost method investments	24,013	19,013	'
Investments in unconsolidated entities	44,290	38,542	'
ODW Holding Limited [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	45.45%	'	45.45%
Total equity method investments	15,856	16,389	'
All Other [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total equity method investments	$4,421	$3,140	'
All Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%	'	'
All Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Cost and Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	30.00%	'	'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Loss From Equity Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Loss from equity method investees	$3,260		$0
ODW Holding Limited [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Loss from equity method investees	2,210	[1]	'
All Other [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Loss from equity method investees	$1,050		'
[1]	The Company currently records its share of ODW results on a one-month lag. Accordingly, the Company's consolidated financial statements include its share of losses incurred by ODW from December 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Basis Difference In Equity Investment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Total investment recorded	$20,277		$19,529
ODW Holding Limited [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Company's venture-level equity	44,445		'
Total investment recorded	15,856		16,389
ODW Holding Limited [Member] | Technology and Intellectual Property Licenses [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Basis differences	-19,150	[1]	'
ODW Holding Limited [Member] | Other [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'		'
Basis differences	($9,439)	[2]	'
[1]	Represents differences between the Company's historical cost basis and the equity basis reflected at the venture-level (the amount recorded on the balance sheet of ODW) related to the Company's contributions of technology and intellectual property licenses. These basis differences arise because the contributed assets are recorded at fair value by ODW.
[2]	Represents the Company's net contribution commitment due to ODW.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_5

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 03, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
				ODW Holding Limited [Member]	ODW Holding Limited [Member]	Distribution Arrangement [Member]	ODW Holding Limited [Member]	ODW Holding Limited [Member]	Non-Cash Contributions [Member]
						ODW Holding Limited [Member]	in-development_film_project		ODW Holding Limited [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	45.45%	45.45%	'
Equity method investment, cash contribution commitment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$50,000,000	'
Cash paid at closing date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,700,000	'
Estimated aggregate value of non-cash contributions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'
Value of non-cash contributions satisfied	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,400,000	'	'
Remaining cash contribution commitment to be paid	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,300,000	'	'
Payment period for remaining cash contribution commitment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Number of in-development film projects	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Value of consulting and training services rendered	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,200,000	'	'
Revenues	147,241,000	134,648,000	'	'	'	700,000	'	'	'
Other operating income	-1,672,000	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,700,000
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	148,922,000	'	130,744,000	5,100,000	3,800,000	'	'	'	'
Receivable from distributors, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	$203,934,000	'	$283,226,000	$4,300,000	$16,700,000	'	'	'	'

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'		'
Employee compensation	$22,805,000		$65,625,000
Participations and residuals	48,799,000		50,690,000
Contingent consideration	100,051,000	[1]	97,545,000	[1]
Interest payable	2,635,000		7,849,000
Deferred rent	8,553,000		8,114,000
Other accrued liabilities	32,018,000		33,845,000
Total accrued liabilities	214,861,000		263,668,000
Accrued participation and residual costs estimated to pay over the next 12 months	$23,100,000		'
[1]	Primarily represents the Company's estimate of the amount of contingent consideration payable in connection with the acquisition of ATV (refer to Note 3 for further information).

Deferred_Revenue_and_Other_Adv2

Deferred Revenue and Other Advances (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Revenue And Other Advances By Category [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total deferred revenue and other advances	$29,131,000		'		$36,425,000
Deferred Revenue [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred Revenue And Other Advances By Category [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total deferred revenue and other advances	11,632,000		'		14,578,000
Deferred revenue and other advances, amounts earned	7,637,000		7,721,000		'
Strategic Alliance/Development Advances [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred Revenue And Other Advances By Category [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total deferred revenue and other advances	962,000	[1]	'		1,667,000	[1]
Deferred revenue and other advances, amounts earned	7,138,000	[1]	9,074,000	[1]	'
Amount capitalized as offset to property, plant and equipment	2,400,000		5,200,000		'
Amount capitalized as offset to other assets	1,000,000		500,000		'
Amount capitalized as offset to prepaid expenses	500,000		900,000		'
Amount recorded as an offset to operating expenses	1,100,000		400,000		'
Other Advances [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred Revenue And Other Advances By Category [Line Items]	'		'		'
Total deferred revenue and other advances	16,537,000	[2]	'		20,180,000	[2]
Deferred revenue and other advances, amounts earned	19,897,000	[2]	4,763,000	[2]	'
Amount recorded as an offset of film and other inventory costs	$14,000,000		'		'
[1]	Of the total amounts earned against the "Strategic Alliance/Development Advances," for the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, $2.4 million and $5.2 million, respectively, were capitalized as an offset to property, plant and equipment. Additionally, during the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to other assets, respectively. During the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to prepaid expenses. During the three months ended MarchB 31, 2014 and 2013, of the total amounts earned, $1.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, were recorded as a reduction to operating expenses.
[2]	Of the total amounts earned, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, $14.0 million was recorded as a reduction to film and other inventory costs.

Financing_Arrangements_Details

Financing Arrangements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 14, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
				Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]	Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	$300,000,000	'	'
Senior unsecured notes	300,000,000	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	300,000,000	300,000,000
Stated interest rate of debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.88%	6.88%	'
Debt sold to investors, percentage of principle amount sold	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	'	'	'	'	'	'	294,000,000	'	'
Redemption price of principle amount due to change in control, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	101.00%	'
Debt Instrument, Percent Redeemable, Certain Equity Offerings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'
Percentage of redeemable principal amount by Company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	106.88%	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	400,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Annual commitment fee on undrawn amounts of revolving credit facility	'	'	'	0.38%	'	'	'	'	'
Commitment fee percentage, rate spread over bank base rate	'	'	'	1.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Commitment fee percentage, rate spread over LIBOR	'	'	'	2.50%	'	'	'	'	'
Maturity date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15-Aug-20	'
Revolving credit facility, amount outstanding	'	'	'	0	'	0	'	'	'
Expiration date of revolving credit facility	'	'	'	1-Aug-17	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	375,000	220,000	'	'	2,234,000	'
Interest costs incurred	6,100,000	1,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest costs capitalized	$3,200,000	$1,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 02, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Benefit Payable To Former Stockholder [Line Items]	'	'		'
U.S. Federal statutory rate	'	35.00%	[1]	35.00%	[1]
Effective tax rate	'	34.10%	[1]	5.80%	[1]
Percentage the company is obligated to remit to an affiliate of the former significant stockholder	'	85.00%		'
Extension of research and development credits and other federal tax incentives, period	'2 years	'		'
Portion Including Payable to Former Stockholder [Member]	'	'		'
Income Tax Benefit Payable To Former Stockholder [Line Items]	'	'		'
U.S. state taxes, net of Federal benefit	'	1.60%	[1]	-2.70%	[1]
Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction	'	1.20%	[1],[2]	7.30%	[1],[2]
Research and development credit	'	0.00%	[1],[2]	-25.40%	[1],[2]
Federal energy tax credit	'	0.00%	[1],[3]	-2.50%	[1],[3]
Executive compensation	'	-0.30%	[1]	3.20%	[1]
Stock-based compensation	'	0.00%	[1]	1.30%	[1]
Other	'	-2.00%	[1]	-0.80%	[1]
Effective tax rate combined with decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder	'	35.50%	[1]	15.40%	[1]
Portion Payable to Former Stockholder [Member]	'	'		'
Income Tax Benefit Payable To Former Stockholder [Line Items]	'	'		'
Export sales exclusion/manufacturer's deduction	'	-1.10%	[1],[2]	-7.60%	[1],[2]
Imputed interest on payable to former stockholder	'	0.10%	[1]	-1.80%	[1]
Other	'	-0.40%	[1]	-0.20%	[1]
Total change in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder	'	-1.40%	[1]	-9.60%	[1]
[1]	As a result of a partial increase in the tax basis of the Company's tangible and intangible assets attributable to transactions entered into by affiliates controlled by a former stockholder at the time of the Company's 2004 initial public offering, the Company may pay reduced tax amounts to the extent it generates sufficient taxable income in the future. The Company is obligated to remit to an affiliate of the former stockholder 85% of any realized cash savings in U.S. Federal income tax and California franchise tax and certain other related tax benefits. Refer to the Company's 2013 FormB 10-K for a more detailed description.
[2]	The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the "Act"), enacted on January 2, 2013, included extensions to many expiring corporate income tax provisions. The Act included a two-year extension of research and development credits and other federal tax incentives, which were to be retroactively applied beginning with January 1, 2012 and ending on December 31, 2013. The Company recognized the effects of the retroactive changes in its results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (the period of enactment).
[3]	The Company's policy for accounting for investment tax credits is to recognize the income tax benefit in the year that the credit is generated.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Noncon2

Stockholders' Equity and Non-controlling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Value of shares authorized to be repurchased	$150,000,000	'
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	100,000,000	'
Increase (Decrease) in Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'
Total DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. stockholdersb equity, beginning of period	1,404,795,000	1,345,616,000
Non-controlling interests, beginning of period	1,224,000	630,000
Total equity, beginning of period	1,406,019,000	1,346,246,000
Proceeds from stock option exercises	261,000	'
Stock-based compensation	9,068,000	8,404,000
Purchase of treasury shares	-1,246,000	-16,534,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	132,000	-2,492,000
Net (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	-42,936,000	5,577,000
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	520,000	537,000
Net (loss) income	-42,416,000	6,114,000
Total DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. stockholdersb equity, end of period	1,370,074,000	1,340,571,000
Non-controlling interests, end of period	1,744,000	1,167,000
Total equity	1,371,818,000	1,341,738,000
Common Class A [Member]	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'
Stock repurchased during period, shares	'	0.8
Stock repurchased during period, value	'	$16,200,000

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Stock-based compensation, allocation of recognized period costs, capitalized amount	$3.70	$4.30
Stock-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized	$78.50	'
Stock-based compensation, nonvested awards, total compensation cost not yet recognized, period of recognition (in years)	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'

StockBased_Compensation_Impact

Stock-Based Compensation - Impact of Stock Options and Restricted Stock Awards on Net Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'		'
Total stock-based compensation	$5,309		$4,075
Tax impact	-1,885	[1]	-628	[1]
Reduction in net income, net of tax	$3,424		$3,447
[1]	Tax impact is determined at the Company's combined effective tax rate, which includes the income statement line item "Decrease/increase in income tax benefit payable to former stockholder" (see Note 11).

StockBased_Compensation_Number

Stock-Based Compensation - Number and Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted (Details) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'
Number of shares granted	224	261
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$29.91	$16.87

Reportable_Segments_Details

Reportable Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	$147,241		$134,648
Gross (Loss) Profit	-13,448	[1]	49,127	[1]
Feature Films [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	110,097		78,546
Gross (Loss) Profit	-25,388	[1]	25,950	[1]
Television Series and Specials [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	17,969		19,368
Gross (Loss) Profit	5,759	[1]	4,917	[1]
Consumer Products [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	12,067		27,484
Gross (Loss) Profit	6,004	[1]	18,428	[1]
All Other [Member]	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'
Revenues	7,108		9,250
Gross (Loss) Profit	$177	[1]	($168)	[1]
[1]	The Company defines segment profit as segment revenues less segment costs of revenues ("segment gross profit"). The Company's segment gross profit is equivalent to total gross profit (or loss) as presented on the consolidated statements of operations, which includes a reconciliation to consolidated (loss) income before income taxes.

Reportable_Segments_Schedule_o

Reportable Segments Schedule of goodwill by segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	$179,722
Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	-428
Goodwill, end of period	179,294
Feature Films [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	43,995
Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	0
Goodwill, end of period	43,995
Television Series and Specials [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	6,111
Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	0
Goodwill, end of period	6,111
Consumer Products [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	10,999
Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	0
Goodwill, end of period	10,999
All Other [Member]	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	118,617
Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of ATV	-428
Goodwill, end of period	$118,189

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (UMG [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
UMG [Member]	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Related party transaction, expenses from transactions with related party, amounts capitalized	$0.20

Concentrations_of_Credit_Risk_

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Accounts Receivable [Member]	Accounts Receivable [Member]	Fox [Member]	Paramount [Member]	Paramount [Member]
	Netflix [Member]	Netflix [Member]	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]	Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
	Credit Concentration Risk [Member]	Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Concentration risk, percentage	62.00%	49.00%	14.00%	28.00%	55.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Comput

Earnings Per Share Data - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'	'
Net (loss) income attributable to DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.	($42,936)	$5,577
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	84,588	84,781
Less: Unvested restricted stock (in shares)	-104	-110
Denominator for basic calculation (in shares)	84,484	84,671
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)	84,484	85,265
Net (loss) income per sharebbasic (in dollars per share)	($0.51)	$0.07
Net (loss) income per sharebdiluted (in dollars per share)	($0.51)	$0.07
Restricted Stock Awards and Units [Member]	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]	'	'
Dilutive stock-based awards (in shares)	0	594

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Antidi

Earnings Per Share Data - Antidilutive Securities (Details) (Stock Compensation Plan [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Antidilutive securities	8,886
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock and Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Antidilutive securities	3,735
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Antidilutive securities	5,151

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Contin

Earnings Per Share Data - Contingently Issuable Equity Awards (Details) (Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock and Restricted Stock Awards [Member], Contingently Issuable Shares [Member])	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Options to Purchase Shares of Common Stock and Restricted Stock Awards [Member] | Contingently Issuable Shares [Member]	'
Contingently Issuable Equity Awards Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'
Contingently issuable equity awards	716

Restructuring_Charges_Details

Restructuring Charges (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Employee Severance [Member]	Employee Severance [Member]
				employee
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	'	$2.50
Restructuring charges, employees affected	'	'	'	47
Payments made for restructuring charges	'	'	1	'
Restructuring reserve, remaining accrual	$0.70	$1.70	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Big Frame Inc [Member], Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 08, 2014
Big Frame Inc [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Purchase price	$15,000