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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 24, 2012
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	wpo
Entity Registrant Name	WASHINGTON POST CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000104889
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-11
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float	$ 3,200,000,000.00
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,229,383
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,387,601

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Education	$ 597,689	$ 615,884	$ 624,844	$ 626,631	$ 691,941	$ 737,131	$ 739,129	$ 694,078	$ 2,465,048	$ 2,862,279	$ 2,576,162
Advertising	213,255	170,553	193,352	177,384	241,650	200,532	207,241	184,182	754,544	833,605	778,158
Circulation and subscriber	213,183	212,144	216,607	214,523	214,464	213,377	215,995	213,454	856,457	857,290	845,848
Other	39,312	34,059	34,337	31,076	34,106	32,495	31,253	33,013	138,784	130,867	125,872
Total operating revenues	1,063,439	1,032,640	1,069,140	1,049,614	1,182,161	1,183,535	1,193,618	1,124,727	4,214,833	4,684,041	4,326,040
Operating costs and expenses [Abstract]
Operating	481,805	504,001	506,049	481,313	503,260	479,526	477,248	471,542	1,973,168	1,931,576	1,879,214
Selling, general and administrative	403,058	393,508	411,610	443,876	457,737	471,897	480,412	478,908	1,652,052	1,888,954	1,831,716
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	64,018	62,644	63,690	63,021	63,699	60,752	60,872	61,307	253,373	246,630	290,609
Amortization of intangible assets	6,813	8,603	6,779	6,164	6,438	6,409	7,492	6,403	28,359	26,742	25,610
Impairment of goodwill	0	11,923	0	0					11,923	24,634	8,492
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets					0	27,477	0	0		27,477
Total operating costs and expenses	955,694	980,679	988,128	994,374	1,031,134	1,046,061	1,026,024	1,018,160	3,918,875	4,121,379	4,035,641
Operating income	107,745	51,961	81,012	55,240	151,027	137,474	167,594	106,567	295,958	562,662	290,399
Other income (expense) [Abstract]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	568	(1,494)	3,138	3,737	(191)	2,140	2,027	(8,109)	5,949	(4,133)	(29,421)
Interest income	1,174	994	997	982	1,051	600	599	326	4,147	2,576	2,597
Interest expense	(8,638)	(8,667)	(7,960)	(7,961)	(7,693)	(7,633)	(7,598)	(7,579)	(33,226)	(30,503)	(31,565)
Other income (expense), net	1,073	(29,650)	(2,591)	(24,032)	2,157	12,486	(3,807)	(3,321)	(55,200)	7,515	13,197
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	101,922	13,144	74,596	27,966	146,351	145,067	158,815	87,884	217,628	538,117	245,207
Provision for income taxes	41,800	16,600	27,500	10,400	68,200	59,400	56,700	33,700	96,300	218,000	89,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations	60,122	(3,456)	47,096	17,566	78,151	85,667	102,115	54,184	121,328	320,117	156,207
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net (loss) income	61,731	(5,966)	45,763	15,629	78,989	61,076	92,127	45,828	117,157	278,020	91,200
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(17)	(16)	40	(14)	(2)	76	8	12	(7)	94	1,574
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company	61,714	(5,982)	45,803	15,615	78,987	61,152	92,135	45,840	117,150	278,114	92,774
Redeemable preferred stock dividends	0	(226)	(230)	(461)	0	(230)	(231)	(461)	(917)	(922)	(928)
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	61,714	(6,208)	45,573	15,154	78,987	60,922	91,904	45,379	116,233	277,192	91,846
Amounts attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	60,105	(3,698)	46,906	17,091	78,149	85,513	101,892	53,735	120,404	319,289	156,853
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 61,714	$ (6,208)	$ 45,573	$ 15,154	$ 78,987	$ 60,922	$ 91,904	$ 45,379	$ 116,233	$ 277,192	$ 91,846
Per share information attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders:
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.61	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.77	$ 16.70
Basic income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Basic net income per common share	$ 8.03	$ (0.82)	$ 5.74	$ 1.87	$ 9.42	$ 6.85	$ 10.00	$ 4.91	$ 14.70	$ 31.06	$ 9.78
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	7,601	7,802	7,852	8,046	8,336	8,839	9,126	9,175	7,826	8,869	9,332
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.60	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.75	$ 16.70
Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$ 8.03	$ (0.82)	$ 5.74	$ 1.87	$ 9.42	$ 6.84	$ 10.00	$ 4.91	$ 14.70	$ 31.04	$ 9.78
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	7,682	7,802	7,933	8,119	8,385	8,904	9,193	9,241	7,905	8,931	9,392

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Net (loss) income	$ 117,157	$ 278,020	$ 91,200
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(21,375)	10,994	33,550
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities	(37,709)	(12,974)	9,742
Pension and other postretirement plan adjustments	(18,395)	126,471	130,492
Cash flow hedge, net change	14	0	0
Less reclassification adjustment for write-down on available-for-sale security included in net income	53,794	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, total	(23,671)	124,491	173,784
Income tax benefit (expense) related to other comprehensive (loss) income	6,861	(46,864)	(58,592)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, total	(16,810)	77,627	115,192
Comprehensive income	100,347	355,647	206,392
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(126)	(13)	1,574
Total comprehensive income attributable to The Washington Post Company	$ 100,221	$ 355,634	$ 207,966

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 381,099	$ 437,740
Restricted cash	25,287	31,138
Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments	338,674	373,750
Accounts receivable, net	392,725	397,024
Income taxes receivable	16,990	33,307
Deferred income taxes	13,343	15,318
Inventories	6,571	4,984
Other current assets	70,936	68,637
Total current assets	1,245,625	1,361,898
Property, plant and equipment, net	1,152,390	1,200,726
Investments in affiliates	17,101	31,637
Goodwill, net	1,414,997	1,376,357
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	530,641	530,816
Amortized intangible assets, net	54,622	61,242
Prepaid pension cost	537,262	538,753
Deferred charges and other assets	64,348	56,938
Total assets	5,016,986	5,158,367
Liabilities and Equity
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	495,041	626,188
Deferred revenue	387,532	379,089
Short-term borrowings	112,983	3,000
Total current liabilities	995,556	1,008,277
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	67,864	64,342
Accrued compensation and related benefits	228,304	231,034
Other liabilities	107,741	119,036
Deferred income taxes	545,361	506,405
Long-term debt	452,229	396,650
Total liabilities	2,397,055	2,325,744
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	6,740	6,733
Redeemable preferred stock	11,295	11,526
Preferred stock	0	0
Common shareholders' equity
Capital in excess of par value	252,767	249,719
Retained earnings	4,561,989	4,520,332
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	21,338	37,606
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	80,358	70,707
Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans	63,625	73,826
Cash flow hedge	8	0
Cost of Class B common stock held in treasury	(2,398,189)	(2,157,826)
Total equity	2,601,896	2,814,364
Total liabilities and equity	5,016,986	5,158,367
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common shareholders' equity
Common stock	1,229	1,241
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Total equity	1,229	1,241
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common shareholders' equity
Common stock	18,771	18,759
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Total equity	$ 18,771	$ 18,759

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Redeemable Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	1,000	1,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	23,000	23,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	11,295	11,526
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,295	11,526
Preferred Stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	977,000	977,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	7,000,000	7,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	1,229,383	1,240,883
Common Stock, shares outstanding	1,229,383	1,240,883
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common Stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	18,770,617	18,759,117
Common Stock, shares outstanding	6,361,617	6,952,973
Treasury Stock	12,409,000	11,806,144

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Income (Loss)	$ 117,157	$ 278,020	$ 91,200
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	255,975	252,457	295,871
Amortization of intangible assets	30,333	27,191	26,642
Goodwill impairment charges	11,923	24,634	8,492
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges		27,477
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges			25,387
Net pension benefit	(4,726)	(3,863)	(8,069)
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge	2,415	20,355	0
Early retirement programs expense	634	0	64,541
Foreign exchange (gain) loss	3,263	(6,705)	(16,871)
Net (gain) loss on sales of businesses	(2,975)	11,824	(2,253)
Loss on write-down of marketable equity securities	53,793	0	0
Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, including impairment charges, net of distributions	5,492	4,133	30,072
Provision for deferred income taxes	42,265	37,056	33
Net loss on sale or write-down of property, plant and equipment and other assets	9,294	15,094	23,524
Change in assets and liabilities
Decrease in accounts receivable, net	27,895	14,648	55,970
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(1,587)	8,571	24,195
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(126,771)	40,892	831
Decrease in deferred revenue	(9,186)	(10,410)	25,178
Income taxes receivable/payable	16,002	(41,398)	534
(Increase) decrease in other assets and other liabilities, net	(37,748)	18,251	17,198
Other	(157)	123	(2,597)
Net cash provided by operating activities	393,291	693,716	651,386
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(216,381)	(243,712)	(257,758)
Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired	(83,699)	(13,345)	(26,133)
Net proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and other assets	49,157	39,007	4,788
Purchase of marketable equity securities and other investments	(8,165)	(8,070)	(10,520)
Other	(1,640)	16,248	8,496
Net cash used in investing activities	(260,728)	(209,872)	(281,127)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Common shares repurchased	(248,055)	(404,816)	(60,956)
Issuance (repayment) of commercial paper, net	(109,671)	0	149,983
Dividends paid	(75,493)	(82,090)	(81,772)
Issuance of debt	52,476	0	395,225
Principal payments on debt	(1,285)	0	(400,868)
Other	(24,275)	(4,266)	5,079
Net cash used in financing activities	(186,961)	(491,172)	(293,275)
Effect of currency exchange rate change	(2,243)	2,509	8,573
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(56,641)	(4,819)	85,557
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	437,740	442,559	357,002
Ending cash and cash equivalents	381,099	437,740	442,559
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income Taxes	38,500	213,000	58,900
Interest Paid	$ 32,650	$ 30,500	$ 26,600

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	Unrealized Gain on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member]	Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Cash Flow Hedge [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 28, 2008		$ 1,292	$ 18,708	$ 232,201	$ 4,313,287	$ (3,412)	$ 72,646	$ (79,914)	$ (1,697,268)	$ 0	$ 885
Net income for the year	$ 91,200				91,200
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,574)				141						(141)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest					1,433
Dividends paid on common stock					(80,844)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	928				(928)
Repurchase of Class B common stock	60,956		61,000						(60,956)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures				(7,677)					7,538
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense				9,346
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)						30,422
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)							5,846
Adjustment for pensions and other postretirement plans (net of taxes)								78,924
Taxes arising from employee stock plans				(1,719)
Other				9,284							(273)
Ending Balance at Jan. 03, 2010		1,292	18,708	241,435	4,324,289	27,010	78,492	(990)	(1,750,686)	0	471
Net income for the year	278,020				278,020
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	(94)				(44)						44
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest					138
Dividends paid on common stock					(81,168)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	922				(922)
Repurchase of Class B common stock	404,816		404,800						(404,816)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures				597					(2,324)
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense				8,054
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)						10,596
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)							(7,785)
Adjustment for pensions and other postretirement plans (net of taxes)								74,816
Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock		(51)	51
Taxes arising from employee stock plans				(348)
Other				(19)	19						(515)
Ending Balance at Jan. 02, 2011	2,814,364	1,241	18,759	249,719	4,520,332	37,606	70,707	73,826	(2,157,826)	0	0
Net income for the year	117,157				117,157
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	7
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest					(7)
Dividends paid on common stock					(74,576)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	917				(917)
Repurchase of Class B common stock	248,055		248,100						(248,055)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures				(8,040)					7,692
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense				11,789
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)						(16,268)
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes)							9,651
Adjustment for pensions and other postretirement plans (net of taxes)								(10,201)
Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock		(12)	12
Taxes arising from employee stock plans				(701)
Cash flow hedge										8
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 2,601,896	$ 1,229	$ 18,771	$ 252,767	$ 4,561,989	$ 21,338	$ 80,358	$ 63,625	$ (2,398,189)	$ 8	$ 0

Organization and Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization And Nature Of Operations [Abstract]

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

The Washington Post Company, Inc. (the “Company”) is a diversified education and media company. The Company's Kaplan subsidiary provides a wide variety of educational services, both domestically and outside the United States. The Company's media operations consist of the ownership and operation of cable television systems, newspaper publishing (principally The Washington Post), and television broadcasting (through the ownership and operation of six television broadcast stations).

Education—Kaplan, Inc. provides an extensive range of educational services for students and professionals. Kaplan's various businesses comprise four categories: Higher Education, Test Preparation, Kaplan International and Kaplan Ventures.

Media—The Company's diversified media operations consist of cable television operations, newspaper publishing and television broadcasting.

Cable television. Cable ONE provides cable services that include basic video, digital video, high-speed data and telephone service in the midwestern, western and southern states of the United States.

Newspaper publishing. Washington Post Media publishes The Washington Post (the Post), which is the largest and most widely circulated morning daily and Sunday newspaper, primarily distributed by home delivery in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area (including large portions of Maryland and northern Virginia). Washington Post Media also produces washingtonpost.com, an Internet site that features news and information products, as well as the full editorial content of the Post. Through the Company's other newspaper publishing businesses, the Company also publishes weekly publications and tabloids distributed within the Washington, DC, metropolitan area and elsewhere, and produces other websites.

Television broadcasting. The Company owns six VHF television stations located in Houston, TX; Detroit, MI; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; San Antonio, TX; and Jacksonville, FL. Other than the Company's Jacksonville station, WJXT, the Company's television stations are affiliated with one of the major national networks.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Fiscal Year—In 2011, the Company changed its fiscal year from a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31 to a quarterly month end, with the new fiscal year ending on December 31 of each year. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on December 31, 2011, included approximately 52 weeks. The fiscal years 2010 and 2009, which ended on January 2, 2011, and January 3, 2010, respectively, included 52 and 53 weeks, respectively. Subsidiaries of the Company report on a calendar-year basis, with the exception of most of the newspaper publishing operations, which report on a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Reclassifications—Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2011 presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain Kaplan businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions.

Business Combinations—The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and investments in money market funds with weighted average maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash—Restricted cash represents amounts held for students that were received from U.S. Federal and state governments under various aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV of the U.S. Federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, that the Company is required to maintain pursuant to U.S. Department of Education and other regulations. Restricted cash also includes certain funds that the Company may be required to return if a student who receives Title IV program funds withdraws from a program.

Concentration of Credit Risk—Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions domestically and internationally. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of significant customers, and this assessment, combined with the large number and geographical diversity of its customers, limits the Company's concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management's evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable also have been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers who are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts.

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities—The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and, therefore, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of income taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income. If the fair value of a marketable equity security declines below its cost basis and the decline is considered other than temporary, the Company will record a write-down, which is included in earnings.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying amounts reported in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the current portion of deferred revenue and the current portion of debt approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company's publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt. The fair value of the interest rate hedge is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including time to maturity and market interest rates.

Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or current market value. Cost of newsprint is determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest capitalized in connection with major long-term construction projects. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment: 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, and 20 to 50 years for buildings. The costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the terms of the respective leases.

The cable television division capitalizes costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities and new cable service installations. Costs include all direct labor and materials, as well as certain indirect costs. The cost of subsequent disconnects and reconnects are expensed as they are incurred.

Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets—The recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets is assessed whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset is considered to be not recoverable when the undiscounted estimated future cash flows are less than the asset's recorded value. An impairment charge is measured based on estimated fair market value, determined primarily using estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, but the fair market value would be reduced for estimated costs to dispose.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets of businesses acquired. The Company's intangible assets with an indefinite life are principally from franchise agreements at its cable television division, as the Company expects its cable franchise agreements to provide the Company with substantial benefit for a period that extends beyond the foreseeable horizon, and the Company's cable television division historically has obtained renewals and extensions of such agreements for nominal costs and without any material modifications to the agreements. Amortized intangible assets are primarily student and customer relationships, noncompete agreements, trademarks and databases, with amortization periods up to 10 years.

The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, as of November 30, for possible impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company tests its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. In reviewing the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets at the cable television division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. The Company initially assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment review. The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment using the two-step process if, based on its assessment of the qualitative factors, it determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or if it decides to bypass the qualitative assessment. The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a discounted cash flow model, and, where appropriate, a market value approach is also utilized to supplement the discounted cash flow model. The Company makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine each reporting unit's estimated fair value. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges.

Investments in Affiliates—The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and earnings or losses of affiliates that it does not control, but over which it exerts significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate's industry), a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value.

Cost Method Investments—The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in nonpublic companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Charges recorded to write down cost method investments to their estimated fair value and gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in other (expense) income, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees' product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows.

Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, the product or service has been delivered and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers the terms of each arrangement to determine the appropriate accounting treatment.

Education revenues. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students, net of any refunds, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At Kaplan's Test Preparation (KTP) and International divisions, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary. Online access revenue is recognized ratably over the period of access. Course material revenue is recognized over the same period as the tuition or online access, if related, or when the products are delivered, if not related. Other revenues, such as student support services, are recognized when the services are provided.

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2010, Kaplan Higher Education (KHE) implemented the Kaplan Commitment program, which provides first-time students with a risk-free trial period. Under the program, KHE also monitors academic progress and conducts academic assessments to help determine whether students are likely to be successful in their chosen course of study. Students who withdraw or are subject to academic dismissal during the risk-free trial period do not incur any significant financial obligation. In general, the risk-free period is approximately four weeks for diploma programs and five weeks for associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The Company does not recognize revenues related to coursework until the students complete the risk-free period, meet the academic requirements and decide to continue with their studies, at which time the fees become fixed and determinable.

Cable television revenues. Cable television revenues are primarily derived from subscriber fees for video, high-speed Internet and phone services, and from advertising. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Advertising revenue is recognized when the commercials or programs are aired.

Newspaper publishing and television broadcasting revenues. Media advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper subscriptions and retail sales are recognized upon the later of delivery or publication date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns.

Sales returns. Consistent with industry practice, certain of the Company's products, such as newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The Company records, as a reduction of revenue, the estimated impact of such returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity.

Deferred revenue. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Deferred revenue to be earned after one year is included in other liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

Leases—The Company leases substantially all of its educational facilities and enters into various other lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the Company evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Additionally, many of the Company's lease agreements contain renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays and/or rent escalation clauses. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the Company records a deferred rent asset or liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements and records these items in rent expense evenly over the terms of the lease.

The Company is also required to make additional payments under operating lease terms for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period; such items are expensed as incurred. Rental deposits are included as other assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements for lease agreements that require payments in advance or deposits held for security that are refundable, less any damages, at the end of the respective lease.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits—The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to several multiemployer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Substantially all of the Company's employees are covered by these plans. The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements.

The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The Company measures changes in the funded status of its plans using the projected unit credit method and several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate, the long-term rate of asset return and rate of compensation increase. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Self-Insurance—The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care and dental care, disability benefits, workers' compensation, general liability, property damage and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated based on, among other things, the Company's historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the Company believes that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations; this evaluation is made on an ongoing basis. In the event the Company were to determine that it was able to realize net deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would record an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company's tax return. Changes in the estimate are recorded in the period in which such determination is made.

Foreign Currency Translation—Income and expense accounts of the Company's non-U.S. operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the current rate method, whereby operating results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period, and assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. Gains and losses on translation of these accounts and the Company's equity investment in its non-U.S. affiliates are accumulated and reported as a separate component of equity and other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency denominated intercompany loans on entities with a functional currency in U.S. dollars, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Equity-Based Compensation—The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in shares based on the grant date fair value of the award. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in cash, or that may be settled in cash, based on the fair value at each reporting date. The Company recognizes the expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.

Earnings Per Share—Earnings per share is calculated under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, the Company treats restricted stock as a participating security due to its nonforfeitable right to dividends. Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly except that the computation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and restricted stock issuable under the Company's stock plans.

Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable equity securities, net changes in cash flow hedge, and pension and other postretirement plan adjustments.

Discontinued Operations—A business is classified as a discontinued operation when (i) the operations and cash flows of the business can be clearly distinguished and have been or will be eliminated from the Company's ongoing operations; (ii) the business has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale; and (iii) the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations (as well as the gain or loss on the disposal) are aggregated and separately presented in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, net of income taxes.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance that modifies the fair value requirement of multiple element revenue arrangements. The new guidance allows the use of the "best estimate of selling price" in addition to vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) and third-party evidence (TPE) for determining the selling price of a deliverable. A vendor is now required to use its best estimate of the selling price when VSOE or TPE of the selling price cannot be determined. In addition, the residual method of allocating arrangement consideration is no longer permitted. The guidance requires expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures and is effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. The implementation of this guidance in the first quarter of 2011 did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

In January 2010, the FASB issued additional disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. One of the fair value disclosure amendments requires more detailed disclosures of the changes in Level 3 instruments. This change became effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010, and did not impact the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an amended standard to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The amendment eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity and requires that all changes in stockholders' equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In addition, the amendment requires companies to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statement(s) where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. The amendment does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. This amendment is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and must be applied retrospectively. In December 2011, the FASB deferred the requirements related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments until further deliberations have taken place. Entities should continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect prior to the issuance of the June 2011 amended standard. The amended standard will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In September 2011, the FASB issued new guidance that amends the current goodwill impairment testing process. The new guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Previous guidance required an entity to test goodwill for impairment, on at least an annual basis, by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The new guidance is effective for goodwill and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted if an entity's financial statements for the most recent period have not yet been issued. The Company early adopted this guidance at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2011.

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations [Text Block]

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In October 2011, Kaplan completed the sale of Kaplan Compliance Solutions (KCS). Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the buyer received KCS' net working capital, tangible and intangible assets and assumed certain liabilities. The Company recorded an after-tax gain on the transaction of $1.5 million, which is included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal year 2011. In July 2011, Kaplan completed the sale of Kaplan Virtual Education (KVE). Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement, the buyer received KVE's intellectual property, education programs and selected other long-lived assets. The Company recorded an after-tax loss on the transaction of $1.2 million, which is included in loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal year 2011.

In April 2010, Kaplan completed the sale of Education Connection and in September 2010, the Company completed the sale of Newsweek magazine. The results of operations of KCS, KVE, Education Connection and the magazine publishing division for fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, where applicable, are included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations as loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. All corresponding prior period operating results presented in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying notes have been reclassified to reflect the discontinued operations presented. The Company did not reclassify its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows or prior year Consolidated Balance Sheet to reflect the discontinued operations.

Newsweek employees were participants in The Washington Post Company Retirement Plan, and the Company had historically allocated Newsweek a net pension credit for segment reporting purposes. Since the associated pension assets and liabilities were retained by the Company, the associated credits of $25.8 million and $34.6 million, respectively, for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 have been excluded from the reclassification of Newsweek results to discontinued operations. Pension cost arising from early retirement programs at Newsweek, however, is included in discontinued operations (see Note 13). In fiscal year 2010, Newsweek recorded $4.7 million in accelerated depreciation and property, plant, and equipment write-downs in anticipation of the sale.

The summarized loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010 follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Operating revenues	$	34,769	$	133,013	$	243,691
Operating costs and expenses		42,133		176,454		340,098
Loss from discontinued operations		(7,364)		(43,441)		(96,407)
Benefit from income taxes		(2,834)		(16,369)		(31,400)
Net loss from discontinued operations		(4,530)		(27,072)		(65,007)
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations		2,975		(9,156)		―
Provision for income taxes on sale of discontinued operations		2,616		5,869		―
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(4,171)	$	(42,097)	$	(65,007)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments [Abstract]

Investments [Text Block]

4. INVESTMENTS

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities. Investments in marketable equity securities at December 31, 2011, and January 2, 2011 consist of the following:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Total cost	$	169,271	$	223,064
Net unrealized gains		133,930		117,846
Total fair value	$	303,201	$	340,910

At December 31, 2011, and January 2, 2011, the Company owned 2,214 shares of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. ("Berkshire") Class A common stock and 424,250 shares of Berkshire Class B common stock, respectively. The Company's ownership of Berkshire accounted for $286.4 million, or 94%, and $300.7 million, or 88%, of the total fair value of the Company's investments in marketable equity securities at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively.

Berkshire is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, the most significant of which consists of property and casualty insurance businesses conducted on both a direct and reinsurance basis. Berkshire also owns approximately 23% of the common stock of the Company. The chairman, chief executive officer and largest shareholder of Berkshire, Mr. Warren Buffet, was a member of the Company's Board of Directors until May 2011, at which time Mr. Buffet retired from the Company's Board. The Company's investment in Berkshire common stock is less than 1% of the consolidated equity of Berkshire. At December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, the unrealized gain related to the Company's Berkshire stock investment totaled $129.1 million and $143.4 million, respectively.

At the end of the first quarter of 2011, the Company's investment in Corinthian Colleges, Inc. had been in an unrealized loss position for over six months. The Company evaluated this investment for other-than-temporary impairment based on various factors, including the duration and severity of the unrealized loss, the reason for the decline in value and the potential recovery period, and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company concluded the loss was other-than-temporary and recorded a $30.7 million write-down of the investment. The investment continued to decline, and in the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded an additional $23.1 million write-down of the investment. The Company's investment in Corinthian Colleges, Inc. accounted for $16.8 million of the total fair value of the Company's investments in marketable equity securities at December 31, 2011.

There were no new investments or sales of marketable equity securities in 2011 and 2010. During 2009, the Company invested $10.8 million in the Class B common stock of Berkshire. There were no sales of marketable equity securities during 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Investments in Affiliates. At the end of 2011, the Company's investments in affiliates include a 49% interest in the common stock of Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited, which owns and operates a newsprint mill in Nova Scotia. The Company also holds a 16.5% interest in Classified Ventures, LLC, which owns and operates several leading businesses in the online classified advertising space, and several other investments.

In the third quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2009, the Company recorded impairment charges of $9.2 million and $27.4 million on the Company's interest in Bowater Mersey Paper Company, respectively, as a result of the challenging economic environment for newsprint producers. An additional $1.6 million impairment loss was recorded in 2009.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 137
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Text Block]

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts receivable at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 consist of the following:


(in thousands)		2011		2010
Trade accounts receivable, less estimated returns, doubtful accounts and allowances
	of $50,225 and $70,181	$	375,577	$	379,480
Other accounts receivable			17,148		17,544
		$	392,725	$	397,024

The changes in allowance for doubtful accounts and returns and allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts during 2011, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:


				Additions –				Balance
		Balance at		Charged to				at
		Beginning		Costs and				End of
(in thousands)		of Period		Expenses		Deductions		Period
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	67,007	$	61,327	$	(80,135)	$	48,199
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and
	discounts		3,174		11,868		(13,016)		2,026
		$	70,181	$	73,195	$	(93,151)	$	50,225
Year Ended January 2, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	98,286	$	137,888	$	(169,167)	$	67,007
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts			8,495		12,216		(17,537)		3,174
		$	106,781	$	150,104	$	(186,704)	$	70,181
Year Ended January 3, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	95,425	$	168,455	$	(165,594)	$	98,286
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts			9,228		24,208		(24,941)		8,495
		$	104,653	$	192,663	$	(190,535)	$	106,781

The reduced activity for 2011 and 2010 in the table above is largely due to the sale of Newsweek on September 30, 2010.

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 consist of the following:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	333,282	$	430,119
Accrued compensation and related benefits		161,759		196,069
	$	495,041	$	626,188

Cash overdrafts of $2.1 million and $26.2 million are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively.

Property, Pland and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 consist of the following:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Land	$	41,093	$	41,145
Buildings		350,939		350,051
Machinery, equipment and fixtures		2,479,823		2,401,128
Leasehold improvements		304,421		308,863
Construction in progress		95,173		91,330
		3,271,449		3,192,517
Less accumulated depreciation		(2,119,059)		(1,991,791)
	$	1,152,390	$	1,200,726

Depreciation expense was $253.4 million, $246.6 million and $290.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Dispositions [Text Block]

7. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

The Company completed business acquisitions totaling approximately $136.5 million, $14.1 million and $26.1 million, in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The assets and liabilities of the companies acquired have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition

During 2011, the Company completed five business acquisitions totaling approximately $136.5 million, including assumed debt of $5.5 million and other assumed liabilities. Kaplan acquired three businesses in its Kaplan International division, one business in its KHE division, and one business in its Kaplan Ventures division. These included the May 2011 acquisitions of Franklyn Scholar and Carrick Education Group, leading national providers of vocational training and higher education in Australia, and the June 2011 acquisition of Structuralia, a provider of e-learning for the engineering and infrastructure sector in Spain. The purchase price allocations mostly comprised goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment.

Kaplan completed the sales of KVE in July 2011 and KCS in October 2011, which were part of Kaplan Ventures and KHE, respectively. In April 2010, Kaplan completed the sale of Education Connection, which was part of Kaplan Ventures. Consequently, the Company's income from continuing operations excludes results from these businesses, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations (see Note 3).

During 2010, the Company acquired six businesses for $14.1 million. Kaplan acquired two small businesses in its KTP division, one small business in its Ventures division and one small business in its International division. The Company made two small acquisitions in its cable television and other businesses divisions. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions mostly comprised goodwill and other intangible assets.

In September 2010, the Company completed the sale of Newsweek. In December 2009, the Company completed the sale of Newsweek's Budget Travel. Consequently, the Company's income from continuing operations excludes magazine publishing division results, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations (see Note 3).

During 2009, the Company acquired three businesses for $26.1 million. Kaplan acquired one business in each of its International and KTP divisions, and the newspaper publishing division acquired a small local publication. The purchase price allocations for these acquisitions mostly comprised goodwill and other intangible assets. Also in 2009, the Company recorded $3.2 million of additional purchase consideration in connection with the achievement of certain operating results by a company acquired in 2007 and allocated the additional purchase consideration to goodwill.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Text Block]

8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The education division made several changes to its operating and reporting structure in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010, changing the composition of the reporting units within KTP, Kaplan Ventures and KHE (see Note 18). The changes resulted in the reassignment of the assets and liabilities to the reporting units affected. The goodwill was allocated to the reporting units affected using the relative fair value approach.

As a result of continued challenges in the lead generation industry, in both the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, the Company performed interim reviews of the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible asset at its online lead generation business, which is included within the other businesses segment. The business failed the step one goodwill impairment tests and the Company performed a step two analysis, resulting in an $11.9 million and a $27.5 million goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charge in the third quarters of 2011 and 2010, respectively. The Company estimated the fair value utilizing a discounted cash flow model.

The education division reorganized its operations in the third quarter of 2009 into the following four operating segments for the purpose of making operating decisions and assessing performance: KHE, KTP, Kaplan International and Kaplan Ventures. The reorganization changed the composition of the reporting units within the education division and resulted in the reassignment of the assets and liabilities. The goodwill was allocated to the reporting units using the relative fair value approach. As a result of the reassignment and allocation, the Company performed an interim review of the carrying value of goodwill at the education division for possible impairment on both a prereorganization and postreorganization basis. No impairment of goodwill was indicated at the prereorganization reporting units. On a postreorganization basis, the Company failed the step one goodwill impairment test at Kaplan EduNeering and KCS and performed a step two analysis. The Company recorded a goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charge of $25.4 million related to these two reporting units in 2009. The fair value of Kaplan EduNeering was determined utilizing a discounted cash flow model; the fair value of KCS was determined using a cost approach. Of the $25.4 million goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charge, $16.9 million related to KCS and is included in “Loss from discontinued operation, net of tax” in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $15 million in 2012, $12 million in 2013, $9 million in 2014, $8 million in 2015, $5 million in 2016 and $6 million thereafter.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations, by segment, during 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


				Cable		Newspaper		Television		Other
(in thousands)		Education		Television		Publishing		Broadcasting		Businesses		Total
Balance as of January 3, 2010
	Goodwill	$	1,073,852	$	85,488	$	81,186	$	203,165	$	97,342	$	1,541,033
	Accumulated impairment losses		(15,529)		―		(65,772)		―		(60,785)		(142,086)
			1,058,323		85,488		15,414		203,165		36,557		1,398,947
Acquisitions			4,200		―		―		―		2,810		7,010
Impairment			―		―		―		―		(24,634)		(24,634)
Dispositions			(19,851)		―		―		―		―		(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			14,888		―		(3)		―		―		14,885
Balance as of January 2, 2011
	Goodwill		1,073,089		85,488		81,183		203,165		100,152		1,543,077
	Accumulated impairment losses		(15,529)		―		(65,772)		―		(85,419)		(166,720)
			1,057,560		85,488		15,411		203,165		14,733		1,376,357
Acquisitions			78,643		―		―		―		―		78,643
Impairment			―		―		―		―		(11,923)		(11,923)
Dispositions			(21,144)		―		―		―		―		(21,144)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			(6,936)		―		―		―		―		(6,936)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
	Goodwill		1,116,615		85,488		81,183		203,165		100,152		1,586,603
	Accumulated impairment losses		(8,492)		―		(65,772)		―		(97,342)		(171,606)
		$	1,108,123	$	85,488	$	15,411	$	203,165	$	2,810	$	1,414,997

The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company's education division for 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


		Higher		Test		Kaplan		Kaplan
(in thousands)		Education		Preparation		International		Ventures		Total
Balance as of January 3, 2010
	Goodwill	$	335,226	$	236,779	$	432,973	$	68,874	$	1,073,852
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		―		―		(15,529)		(15,529)
			335,226		236,779		432,973		53,345		1,058,323
Reallocation, net			―		(14,534)		―		14,534		―
Acquisitions			―		―		201		3,999		4,200
Dispositions			―		―		―		(19,851)		(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			―		204		11,766		2,918		14,888
Balance as of January 2, 2011
	Goodwill		335,226		229,486		444,940		63,437		1,073,089
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		(7,037)		―		(8,492)		(15,529)
			335,226		222,449		444,940		54,945		1,057,560
Reallocation, net			91,043		(70,262)		―		(20,781)		―
Acquisitions			422		―		74,803		3,418		78,643
Dispositions			(17,479)		―		―		(3,665)		(21,144)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			(84)		―		(3,807)		(3,045)		(6,936)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
	Goodwill		409,128		152,187		515,936		39,364		1,116,615
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		―		―		(8,492)		(8,492)
		$	409,128	$	152,187	$	515,936	$	30,872	$	1,108,123

Other intangible assets consist of the following:


			As of December 31, 2011						As of January 2, 2011
			Gross				Net		Gross				Net
		Useful Life	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
(in thousands)		Range	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amount		Amortization		Amount
Amortized intangible assets
	Noncompete agreements	2 – 5 years	$	14,493	$	10,764	$	3,729	$	43,940	$	33,570	$	10,370
	Student and customer relationships	2 – 10 years		75,734		47,888		27,846		66,510		41,958		24,552
	Databases and technology	3 – 5 years		10,514		8,159		2,355		10,514		2,921		7,593
	Trade names and trademarks	2 – 10 years		36,222		18,936		17,286		29,053		15,330		13,723
	Other	1 – 25 years		9,971		6,565		3,406		11,502		6,498		5,004
			$	146,934	$	92,312	$	54,622	$	161,519	$	100,277	$	61,242
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Franchise agreements		$	496,321					$	496,166
	Wireless licenses			22,150						22,150
	Licensure and accreditation			7,862						7,877
	Other			4,308						4,623
			$	530,641					$	530,816

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes [Text Block]

9. INCOME TAXES

Income from continuing operations before income taxes consists of the following:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
United States (U.S.)	$	207,527	$	518,769	$	245,532
Non-U.S.		10,101		19,348		(325)
	$	217,628	$	538,117	$	245,207

2011 and 2009 non-U.S. results include losses from impairment charges with respect to an investment in a non-U.S. affiliate of $9.2 million and $27.4 million, respectively.

The provision for income taxes on income from continuing operations consists of the following:


(in thousands)	Current		Deferred		Total
2011
U.S. Federal	$	40,365	$	26,635	$	67,000
State and Local		11,862		9,132		20,994
Non-U.S.		9,129		(823)		8,306
	$	61,356	$	34,944	$	96,300

2010
U.S. Federal	$	135,671	$	10,162	$	145,833
State and Local		28,737		33,390		62,127
Non-U.S.		11,030		(990)		10,040
	$	175,438	$	42,562	$	218,000

2009
U.S. Federal	$	75,231	$	2,685	$	77,916
State and Local		18,477		(13,445)		5,032
Non-U.S.		8,429		(2,377)		6,052
	$	102,137	$	(13,137)	$	89,000

The provision for income taxes on continuing operations exceeds the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% to income from continuing operations before taxes as a result of the following:


(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate		$	76,170	$	188,341	$	85,822
State and local taxes (benefit), net of U.S. Federal tax			4,034		26,526		(4,508)
Valuation allowances against state tax benefits, net of U.S. Federal tax			9,748		13,856		7,414
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions at less
	than the expected U.S. Federal statutory tax rate		(6,882)		(4,327)		(1,035)
Valuation allowances against non-U.S. income tax benefits			8,072		2,921		254
Goodwill impairments			4,173		8,066		2,972
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax expense (benefit)			1,365		(8,419)		-
Other, net			(380)		(8,964)		(1,919)
Provision for income taxes		$	96,300	$	218,000	$	89,000

Results for 2011 include $1.4 million in income tax expense related to the U.S. Federal manufacturing deduction; this amount reflects a benefit in the current year, offset by a change in estimate for 2010.

During 2011, 2010 and 2009, in addition to the income tax provision presented above for continuing operations, the Company also recorded tax benefits on discontinued operations. Losses from discontinued operations and gains or losses on sales of discontinued operations have been reclassified from previously reported income from operations and reported separately as loss from discontinued operations, net of tax. Tax benefits of $0.2 million, $10.5 million and $31.4 million with respect to discontinued operations were recorded in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Deferred income taxes at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, consist of the following:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accrued postretirement benefits	$	28,525	$	27,012
Other benefit obligations		112,646		118,039
Accounts receivable		28,047		33,853
State income tax loss carryforwards		34,506		27,674
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards		6,301		8,120
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards		14,906		10,827
Other		60,881		39,524
Deferred tax assets		285,812		265,049
Valuation allowances		(59,179)		(41,359)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	226,633	$	223,690
Property, plant and equipment		200,054		187,934
Prepaid pension cost		213,663		214,470
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		53,588		47,148
Goodwill and other intangible assets		291,346		265,225
Deferred tax liabilities	$	758,651	$	714,777
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	532,018	$	491,087

The Company has approximately $669 million of state income tax loss carryforwards available to offset future state taxable income. State income tax loss carryforwards, if unutilized, will start to expire approximately as follows:


(in millions)
2012	$	2.6
2013		7.0
2014		18.4
2015		8.0
2016		4.3
2017 and after		628.7
Total	$	669.0

The Company has established at December 31, 2011 approximately $34.5 million in deferred state income tax assets, net of U.S. Federal income tax, with respect to these state income tax loss carryforwards. The Company has also established approximately $31.9 million in valuation allowances, with respect to state tax loss carryforwards, since all state tax losses may not be fully utilized in the future to reduce state taxable income.

The Company has approximately $17.9 million of U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acquisitions. U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards are expected to be fully utilized as follows:


(in millions)
2012	$	5.2
2013		5.2
2014		0.9
2015		0.7
2016		0.7
2017 and after		5.2
Total	$	17.9

Deferred tax valuation allowances and changes in deferred tax valuation allowances were as follows:


			Additions –
			Charged
	Balance at		to				Balance at
	Beginning		Costs and				End of
(in thousands)	of Period		Expenses		Deductions		Period
Year ended
December 31, 2011	$	41,359	$	17,820		-	$	59,179
January 2, 2011	$	26,239	$	16,777	$	(1,657)	$	41,359
January 3, 2010	$	13,197	$	13,042		-	$	26,239

The Company has established $45.2 million in valuation allowances against deferred state tax assets recognized, net of U.S. Federal tax. As stated above, approximately $31.9 million of the valuation allowances, net of U.S. Federal income tax, relate to state income tax loss carryforwards. The Company has established valuation allowances against state income tax assets recognized, without considering potentially offsetting deferred tax liabilities established with respect to prepaid pension cost and goodwill. Prepaid pension cost and goodwill have not been considered a source of future taxable income for realizing deferred tax assets recognized since these temporary differences are not likely to reverse in the foreseeable future. The valuation allowances established against state income tax assets recorded may increase or decrease within the next 12 months, based on operating results or the market value of investment holdings; as a result, the Company is unable to estimate the potential tax impact, given the uncertain operating and market environment.

The Company has not established valuation allowances against any U.S. Federal deferred tax assets.

The Company has established $14 million in valuation allowances against non-U.S. deferred tax assets, and, as stated above, $13.3 million of the non-U.S. valuation allowances relate to non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards.

Deferred U.S. Federal and state income taxes are recorded with respect to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries to the extent taxable dividend income would be recognized if such earnings were distributed. Deferred income taxes recorded with respect to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries are recorded net of foreign tax credits estimated to be creditable against future U.S. Federal tax liabilities. At December 31, 2011, about $0.7 million of net deferred U.S. Federal income tax assets were recorded since it is apparent that a portion of the temporary differences described below reverse in the subsequent year. At January 2, 2011, no net deferred U.S. Federal or state income tax asset or liability was recorded with respect to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries based on the year-end position.

Deferred U.S. Federal and state income taxes have not been recorded for the full book value and tax basis differences related to investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries because such investments are expected to be indefinitely held. The book value exceeded the tax basis of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries by approximately $60.6 million and $60.7 million at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively; these differences would result in approximately $13.4 million and $12.7 million of net additional U.S. Federal and state deferred tax liabilities, net of foreign tax credits related to undistributed earnings and estimated to be creditable against future U.S. Federal tax liabilities, at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively. If investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries were held for sale instead of expected to be held indefinitely, additional U.S. Federal and state deferred tax liabilities would be required to be recorded, and such deferred tax liabilities, if recorded, may exceed the above estimates.

The Company does not currently anticipate that within the next 12 months there will be any events requiring the establishment of any valuation allowances against U.S. Federal net deferred tax assets, or any events requiring significant increases or decreases in valuation allowances established against non-U.S. net deferred tax assets.

The Company files income tax returns with the U.S. Federal government and in various state, local and non-U.S. governmental jurisdictions, with the consolidated U.S. Federal tax return filing considered the only major tax jurisdiction. The statute of limitations has expired on all consolidated U.S. Federal corporate income tax returns filed through 2007, and the Internal Revenue Service is not currently examining any of the post-2007 returns filed by the Company.

The Company endeavors to comply with tax laws and regulations where it does business, but cannot guarantee that, if challenged, the Company's interpretation of all relevant tax laws and regulations will prevail and that all tax benefits recorded in the financial statements will ultimately be recognized in full. The Company has taken reasonable efforts to address uncertain tax positions, and has determined that there are no material transactions or material tax positions taken by the Company that would fail to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold for recognizing transactions or tax positions in the financial statements. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded a reserve for uncertain tax positions in the financial statements, and the Company does not expect any significant tax increase or decrease to occur within the next 12 months with respect to any transactions or tax positions taken and reflected in the financial statements. In making these determinations, the Company presumes that taxing authorities pursuing examinations of the Company's compliance with tax law filing requirements will have full knowledge of all relevant information, and, if necessary, the Company will pursue resolution of disputed tax positions by appeals or litigation.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Debt [Text Block]

10. DEBT

The Company's borrowings consist of the following:


	December 31.		January 2.
(in thousands)	2011		2011
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	397,065	$	396,650
Commercial paper borrowings		109,671		―
AUD 50M borrowing		51,012		―
Other indebtedness		7,464		3,000
Total		565,212		399,650
Less: current portion		(112,983)		(3,000)
Total long-term debt	$	452,229	$	396,650

At December 31, 2011, the average interest rate on the Company's outstanding commercial paper borrowing was 0.5%. The Company did not borrow funds under its commercial paper program in 2010. The Company's other indebtedness at December 31, 2011 is at interest rates of 0% to 6% and matures from 2012 to 2016.

In January 2009, the Company issued $400 million in unsecured ten-year fixed-rate notes due February 1, 2019 (the Notes). The Notes have a coupon rate of 7.25% per annum, payable semiannually on February 1 and August 1. Under the terms of the Notes, unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem the Notes, the Company is required to offer to repurchase the Notes in cash at 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of both a Change of Control and Below Investment Grade Rating Events as described in the Prospectus Supplement of January 27, 2009.

On June 17, 2011, the Company terminated its U.S. $500 million five-year revolving credit agreement, dated as of August 8, 2006, among the Company, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, N.A. (the 2006 Credit Agreement), in connection with the entrance into a new revolving credit facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the 2006 Credit Agreement at the time of termination. On June 17, 2011, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) providing for a new U.S. $450 million, AUD 50 million four-year revolving credit facility (the Facility), with each of the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (JP Morgan), and J.P. Morgan Australia Limited, as Australian Sub-Agent. The Facility consists of two tranches: (a) U.S. $450 million and (b) AUD 50 million (subject, at the Company's option, to conversion of the unused Australian dollar commitments into U.S. dollar commitments at a specified exchange rate). This agreement supports the issuance of the Company's commercial paper, but the Company may also draw on the facility for general corporate purposes. The Credit Agreement provides for an option to increase the total U.S. dollar commitments up to an aggregate amount of U.S. $700 million. The Facility replaced the Company's 2006 Credit Agreement. The Company is required to pay a facility fee on a quarterly basis, based on the Company's long-term debt ratings, of between 0.08% and 0.20% of the amount of the Facility. Any borrowings are made on an unsecured basis and bear interest at (a) for U.S. dollar borrowings, at the Company's option, either (i) a fluctuating interest rate equal to the highest of JPMorgan's prime rate, 0.50 percent above the Federal funds rate or the one-month eurodollar rate plus 1%, or (ii) the eurodollar rate for the applicable interest period, or (b) for Australian dollar borrowings, the bank bill rate, in each case plus an applicable margin that depends on the Company's long-term debt ratings. The Facility will expire on June 17, 2015, unless the Company and the banks agree to extend the term. Any outstanding borrowings must be repaid on or prior to the final termination date. The Credit Agreement contains terms and conditions, including remedies in the event of a default by the Company, typical of facilities of this type and, among other things, requires the Company to maintain at least $1.5 billion of consolidated stockholders' equity.

On September 7, 2011, the Company borrowed AUD 50 million under its revolving credit facility. On the same date, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with a total notional value of AUD 50 million and a maturity date of March 7, 2015. These interest rate swap agreements will pay the Company variable interest on the AUD 50 million notional amount at the three-month bank bill rate, and the Company will pay the counterparties a fixed rate of 4.5275%. These interest rate swap agreements were entered into to convert the variable rate Australian dollar borrowing under the revolving credit facility into a fixed rate borrowing. Based on the terms of the interest rate swap agreements and the underlying borrowing, these interest rate swap agreements were determined to be effective, and thus qualify as a cash flow hedge. As such, any changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps are recorded in other comprehensive income on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows.

During 2011 and 2010, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $426.7 million and $399.5 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 7.0% and 7.2%, respectively. The Company incurred net interest expense of $29.1 million, $27.9 million and $29.0 million during 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

At December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, the fair value of the Company's 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices, totaled $460.5 million and $457.2 million, respectively, compared with the carrying amount of $397.1 million and $396.7 million. The carrying value of the Company's other unsecured debt at December 31, 2011 approximates fair value.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Redeemable Preferred Stock

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Temporary Equity [Abstract]

Redeemable Preferred Stock [Text Blcok]

11. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

The Series A preferred stock has a par value of $1.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share; it is redeemable by the Company at any time on or after October 1, 2015, at a redemption price of $1,000 per share. In addition, the holders of such stock have a right to require the Company to purchase their shares at the redemption price during an annual 60-day election period. Dividends on the Series A preferred stock are payable four times a year at the annual rate of $80.00 per share and in preference to any dividends on the Company's common stock. The Series A preferred stock is not convertible into any other security of the Company, and the holders thereof have no voting rights except with respect to any proposed changes in the preferences and special rights of such stock.

Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract]

Capital Stock Stock Awards And Stock Options [Text Block]

12. CAPITAL STOCK, STOCK AWARDS AND STOCK OPTIONS

Capital Stock. Each share of Class A common stock and Class B common stock participates equally in dividends. The Class B stock has limited voting rights and as a class has the right to elect 30% of the Board of Directors; the Class A stock has unlimited voting rights, including the right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors. In 2011 and 2010, the Company's Class A shareholders converted 11,500, or 1%, and 50,810, or 4%, respectively, of the Class A shares of the Company to an equal number of Class B shares. The conversions had no impact on the voting rights of the Class A and Class B common stock.

During 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company purchased a total of 644,948, 1,057,940 and 145,040 shares, respectively, of its Class B common stock at a cost of approximately $248.1 million, $404.8 million and $61.0 million, respectively. In September 2011, the Board of Directors increased the authorization to repurchase a total of 750,000 shares of Class B common stock. The Company did not announce a ceiling price or a time limit for the purchases. The authorization included 43,573 shares that remained under the previous authorization. At December 31, 2011, the Company had authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase up to 493,474 shares of Class B common stock.

Stock Awards. In 1982, the Company adopted a long-term incentive compensation plan, which, among other provisions, authorizes the awarding of Class B common stock to key employees. Stock awards made under this incentive compensation plan are primarily subject to the general restriction that stock awarded to a participant will be forfeited and revert to Company ownership if the participant's employment terminates before the end of a specified period of service to the Company. Some of the awards are also subject to performance conditions and will be forfeited and revert to Company ownership if the conditions are not met. At December 31, 2011, there were 316,805 shares reserved for issuance under the incentive compensation plan. Of this number, 77,319 shares were subject to awards outstanding and 239,486 shares were available for future awards. Activity related to stock awards under the long-term incentive compensation plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, was as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
	Number	Average		Number	Average		Number	Average
	of	Award		of	Award		of	Award
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Beginning of year, unvested	48,359	$	498.95	66,020	$	494.97	32,785	$	796.52
Awarded	44,030		432.09	1,859		442.29	48,440		415.08
Vested	(13,132)		722.67	(2,644)		754.81	(13,386)		920.32
Forfeited	(1,938)		436.31	(16,876)		437.06	(1,819)		672.40
End of year, unvested	77,319	$	424.45	48,359	$	498.95	66,020	$	494.97

For the share awards outstanding at December 31, 2011, the aforementioned restriction will lapse in 2012 for 3,200 shares, in 2013 for 31,555 shares, in 2014 for 674 shares and in 2015 for 41,890 shares. Also, in early 2012, the Company made stock awards of 26,675 shares. Stock-based compensation costs resulting from Company stock awards were $5.3 million, $2.9 million and $4.6 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, there was $18.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to this plan. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Stock Options. The Company's employee stock option plan reserves 1,900,000 shares of the Company's Class B common stock for options to be granted under the plan. The purchase price of the shares covered by an option cannot be less than the fair value on the granting date. Options generally vest over four years and have a maximum term of ten years. At December 31, 2011, there were 362,525 shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan, of which 129,044 shares were subject to options outstanding and 233,481 shares were available for future grants.

Activity related to options outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010 was as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
	Number	Average		Number	Average		Number	Average
	of	Option		of	Option		of	Option
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Beginning of year	87,919	$	495.05	90,569	$	525.44	87,025	$	581.17
Granted	51,000		499.45	22,500		395.68	24,294		421.95
Expired or forfeited	(9,875)		519.04	(25,150)		515.59	(20,750)		637.99
End of year	129,044	$	494.95	87,919	$	495.05	90,569	$	525.44

Of the shares covered by options outstanding at the end of 2011, 45,585 are now exercisable; 27,886 will become exercisable in 2012; 24,448 will become exercisable in 2013; 18,375 will become exercisable in 2014; and 12,750 will become exercisable in 2015. For 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded expense of $2.7 million, $1.4 million and $1.3 million related to this plan, respectively. Information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011 is as follows:


	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
		Weighted				Weighted
	Shares	Average	Weighted		Shares	Average	Weighted
Range of	Outstanding	Remaining	Average		Exercisable	Remaining	Average
Exercise	at	Contractual	Exercise		at	Contractual	Exercise
Prices	12/31/2011	Life (yrs.)	Price		12/31/2011	Life (yrs.)	Price
$343–396	36,250	8.4	$	385.62	14,938	7.8	$	380.08
419–439	23,294	8.0		423.25	11,647	8.0		423.25
503	50,000	10.0		502.58	―	―		―
652	2,000	7.0		651.91	1,500	7.0		651.91
729–763	13,000	3.4		731.94	13,000	3.4		731.94
816	1,500	2.0		816.05	1,500	2.0		816.05
954	3,000	3.0		953.50	3,000	3.0		953.50
	129,044	8.2	$	494.95	45,585	6.1	$	552.49

At December 31, 2011, the intrinsic value for all options outstanding, exercisable and unvested was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The market value of the Company's stock was $376.81 at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2011, there were 83,459 unvested options related to this plan with an average exercise price of $463.53 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 9.4 years. At January 2, 2011, there were 47,845 unvested options with an average exercise price of $407.68.

As of December 31, 2011, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to this plan was $7.5 million, which is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 years. There were no options exercised during 2011, 2010 and 2009.

During 2011, the Company granted 50,000 options at an exercise price above the fair market value of its common stock at the date of grant. All other options granted during 2011, and all options granted during 2010 and 2009, were at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $110.67, $106.70, and $108.92, respectively. Also, in early 2012, an additional 1,000 stock options were granted.

The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes method utilizing the following assumptions:


	2011	2010
Expected life (years)	7	7
Interest rate	1.49%―2.85%	2.51%
Volatility	30.35%―31.24%	30.19%
Dividend yield	2.11%―2.74%	2.27%

The Company also maintains a stock option plan at Kaplan. Under the provisions of this plan, options were issued with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of Kaplan's common stock, and options vested ratably over the number of years specified (generally four to five years) at the time of the grant. Upon exercise, an option holder may receive Kaplan shares or cash equal to the difference between the exercise price and the then fair value.

In December 2011, a Kaplan senior manager exercised 2,000 Kaplan stock options at an option price of $652 per option. At December 31, 2011, this individual holds 3,750 Kaplan restricted shares, as well as 3,456 Kaplan restricted shares issued in 2009 and 2010 that vest over a three-year period. The fair value of Kaplan's common stock is determined by the Company's compensation committee of the Board of Directors, and in January 2012, the committee set the fair value price at $1,165 per share. No options were awarded during 2011, 2010 or 2009, no options were exercised during 2010 or 2009 and there are no options outstanding at December 31, 2011.

Kaplan recorded a stock compensation credit of $1.3 million and $1.2 million in 2011 and 2010, respectively, compared to stock compensation expense of $0.9 million in 2009. At December 31, 2011, the Company's accrual balance related to Kaplan stock-based compensation totaled $8.1 million. There were no payouts in 2011, 2010 or 2009. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2011 was $1.0 million.

Earnings Per Share. The Company's earnings per share from continuing operations (basic and diluted) for 2011, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:


		Fiscal Year Ended
		December 31,		January 2,		January 3,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2011		2011		2010
Income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	120,404	$	319,289	$	156,853
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities			(1,211)		(1,970)		(1,075)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	119,193	$	317,319	$	155,778

Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities			1,211		1,970		1,075
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	120,404	$	319,289	$	156,853

Basic weighted average shares outstanding			7,826		8,869		9,332
Effect of dilutive shares:
	Stock options and restricted stock		79		62		60
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			7,905		8,931		9,392

Income per share from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders
Basic		$	15.23	$	35.77	$	16.70
Diluted		$	15.23	$	35.75	$	16.70

The 2011, 2010 and 2009 diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of 115,294, 30,225 and 74,569 stock options outstanding, respectively, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive.

In 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company declared regular dividends totaling $9.40, $9.00 and $8.60 per share, respectively.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Pension and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]

Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Text Block]

13. PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to several multiemployer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Most of the Company's employees are covered by these plans.

The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements.

The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.

Defined Benefit Plans. The Company's defined benefit pension plans consist of various pension plans and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) offered to certain executives of the Company.

In 2011, the Company offered a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program to certain employees of Robinson Terminal Warehouse Corporation and the Post and recorded early retirement expense of $0.6 million. The early retirement program expense for these programs is funded mostly from the assets of the Company's pension plans.

In connection with the Newsweek sale in 2010, the Company recorded $5.3 million in special termination benefits expense and $2.4 million in prior service cost expense; these amounts are included in discontinued operations.

In 2009, 44 Newsweek employees accepted a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program. Early retirement program expense of $6.6 million was recorded in 2009 and is included in discontinued operations. The early retirement program expense for this program is funded mostly from the assets of the Company's pension plans.

In 2009, a total of 221 employees of The Washington Post newspaper accepted a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program, and early retirement program expense of $56.8 million was recorded, funded mostly from the assets of the Company's pension plans. In 2009, the Company offered a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program to certain employees at Robinson Terminal Warehouse Corporation; $1.1 million in early retirement program expense was recorded, also funded mostly from the assets of the Company's pension plans.

The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company's defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011:


	Pension Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,113,205	$	1,031,371
Service cost		27,619		26,976
Interest cost		60,033		60,329
Amendments		2,776		5,295
Actuarial loss		140,126		53,822
Benefits paid and other		(64,444)		(64,588)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,279,315	$	1,113,205
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	1,651,958	$	1,440,816
Actual return on plan assets		229,063		275,730
Benefits paid and other		(64,444)		(64,588)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	1,816,577	$	1,651,958
Funded status	$	537,262	$	538,753


	SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	79,403	$	73,845
Service cost		1,655		1,381
Interest cost		4,342		4,244
Amendments		369		―
Actuarial loss		9,059		2,847
Benefits paid and other		(1,965)		(2,914)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	92,863	$	79,403
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	―	$	―
Employer contributions and other		3,114		2,914
Benefits paid		(3,114)		(2,914)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	―	$	―
Funded status	$	(92,863)	$	(79,403)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's pension plans at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, was $1,191.9 million and $1,040.5 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's SERP at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, was $86.6 million and $72.0 million, respectively. The amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for its defined benefit pension plans at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 are as follows:


	Pension Plans				SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Noncurrent asset	$	537,262	$	538,753	$	―	$	―
Current liability		―		―		(4,002)		(3,601)
Noncurrent liability		―		―		(88,861)		(75,802)
Recognized asset (liability)	$	537,262	$	538,753	$	(92,863)	$	(79,403)

Key assumptions utilized for determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 are as follows:


	Pension Plans		SERP
	2011	2010	2011	2010
Discount rate	4.7%	5.6%	4.7%	5.6%
Rate of compensation increase	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%

The Company made no contributions to its pension plans in 2011, 2010 and 2009, and the Company does not expect to make any contributions in 2012. The Company made contributions to its SERP of $3.1 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively. As the plan is unfunded, the Company makes contributions to the SERP based on actual benefit payments.

At December 31, 2011, future estimated benefit payments, excluding charges for early retirement programs, are as follows:


(in millions)	Pension Plans		SERP
2012	$	70.9	$	4.3
2013	$	69.2	$	4.5
2014	$	69.2	$	4.8
2015	$	69.1	$	4.9
2016	$	70.1	$	5.5
2017–2021	$	375.2	$	29.8

The total (benefit) cost arising from the Company's defined benefit pension plans for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:


		Pension Plans
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	27,619	$	26,976	$	29,214
Interest cost			60,033		60,329		56,994
Expected return on assets			(95,983)		(95,340)		(98,780)
Amortization of transition asset			―		(29)		(42)
Amortization of prior service cost			3,605		4,201		4,505
Recognized actuarial loss			―		―		40
Net periodic benefit for the year			(4,726)		(3,863)		(8,069)
Early retirement programs expense			634		―		64,541
Special termination benefits			―		5,295		―
Recognition of prior service cost			―		2,369		―
Total (benefit) cost for the year		$	(4,092)	$	3,801	$	56,472
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
	Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss (gain)		$	7,046	$	(126,568)	$	(141,362)
Amortization of transition asset			―		29		42
Amortization of prior service cost			(1,463)		(6,570)		(4,505)
Recognized actuarial loss			―		―		(40)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)		$	5,583	$	(133,109)	$	(145,865)
Total recognized in total cost (benefit) and other
	comprehensive income (before tax effects)	$	1,491	$	(129,308)	$	(89,393)


		SERP
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	1,655	$	1,381	$	1,334
Interest cost			4,342		4,244		4,128
Plan amendment			369		―		―
Amortization of prior service cost			260		406		446
Recognized actuarial loss			1,411		1,068		1,676
Total cost for the year		$	8,037	$	7,099	$	7,584
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in
	Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss		$	9,059	$	2,656	$	2,778
Amortization of prior service cost			(260)		(406)		(446)
Recognized net actuarial loss			(1,411)		(877)		(1,676)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)		$	7,388	$	1,373	$	656
Total recognized in total cost and other comprehensive
	income (before tax effects)	$	15,425	$	8,472	$	8,240

The costs for the Company's defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined. Below are the key assumptions utilized to determine periodic cost for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010:


	Pension Plans			SERP
	2011	2010	2009	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	5.6%	6.0%	5.75%	5.6%	6.0%	5.75%
Expected return on plan assets	6.5%	6.5%	6.5%	―	―	―
Rate of compensation increase	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%

At December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) includes the following components of unrecognized net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:


	Pension Plans				SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(105,051)	$	(112,096)	$	26,385	$	18,742
Unrecognized prior service cost		19,626		21,089		245		506
Gross amount		(85,425)		(91,007)		26,630		19,248
Deferred tax liability (asset)		34,170		36,403		(10,652)		(7,698)
Net amount	$	(51,255)	$	(54,604)	$	15,978	$	11,550

During 2012, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:


		2012
(in thousands)	Pension Plans			SERP
Actuarial loss recognition		$	6,281	$	2,298
Prior service cost recognition		$	3,695	$	54

Defined Benefit Plan Assets. The Company's defined benefit pension obligations are funded by a portfolio made up of a relatively small number of stocks and high-quality fixed-income securities that are held by a third-party trustee. As of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the assets of the Company's pension plans were allocated as follows:


	Pension Plan Asset Allocations
	December 31,			December 31,
	2011			2010
U.S. equities		69	%		66	%
U.S. fixed income		10	%		19	%
International equities		21	%		15	%
Total		100	%		100	%

Essentially all of the assets are actively managed by two investment companies. The goal of the investment managers is to produce moderate long-term growth in the value of these assets, while protecting them against large decreases in value. Both of these managers may invest in a combination of equity and fixed-income securities and cash. The managers are not permitted to invest in securities of the Company or in alternative investments. The investment managers cannot invest more than 20% of the assets at the time of purchase in the stock of Berkshire Hathaway or more than 10% of the assets in the securities of any other single issuer, except for obligations of the U.S. Government, without receiving prior approval by the Plan administrator. As of December 31, 2011, the managers can invest no more than 24% of the assets in international stocks at the time the investment is made, and no less than 10% of the assets could be invested in fixed-income securities. None of the assets is managed internally by the Company.

In determining the expected rate of return on plan assets, the Company considers the relative weighting of plan assets, the historical performance of total plan assets and individual asset classes and economic and other indicators of future performance. In addition, the Company may consult with and consider the input of financial and other professionals in developing appropriate return benchmarks.

The Company evaluated its defined benefit pension plan asset portfolio for the existence of significant concentrations (defined as greater than 10% of plan assets) of credit risk as of December 31, 2011. Types of concentrations that were evaluated include, but are not limited to, investment concentrations in a single entity, type of industry, foreign country and individual fund. At December 31, 2011 the pension plan held common stock in one investment which exceeded 10% of total plan assets. This investment was valued at $222.4 million and $134.8 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, or approximately 12% and 8%, respectively, of total plan assets. Assets also included $154.0 million and $161.6 million of Berkshire Hathaway Class A and Class B common stock at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. At December 31, 2011 the pension plan held investments in one foreign country which exceeded 10% of total plan assets. These investments were valued at $241.4 million and $155.0 million at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, or approximately 13% and 9%, respectively, of total plan assets.

Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumption that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability based on a three-tiered hierarchy that draws a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2); and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measure. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company's pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At December 31, 2011
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments		$	120,101	$	43,166	$	163,267
Equity securities
	U.S. equities		1,249,079		―		1,249,079
	International equities		381,924		―		381,924
Fixed-income securities
	U.S. Federal agency mortgage-backed securities		―		1,071		1,071
	Corporate debt securities		―		9,203		9,203
	Other fixed income		2,531		8,121		10,652
Total investments		$	1,753,635	$	61,561	$	1,815,196
Receivables							1,381
Total						$	1,816,577

Cash equivalents and other short-term investments. These investments are primarily held in U.S. Treasury securities and registered money market funds. These investments are valued using a market approach based on the quoted market prices of the security, or inputs that include quoted market prices for similar instruments, and are classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy.

U.S. equities. These investments are held in common and preferred stock of U.S. corporations and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) traded on U.S. exchanges. Common and preferred shares and ADRs are traded actively on exchanges, and price quotes for these shares are readily available. These investments are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.

International equities. These investments are held in common and preferred stock issued by non-U.S. corporations. Common and preferred shares are traded actively on exchanges, and price quotes for these shares are readily available. These investments are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy.

U.S. Federal agency mortgage-backed securities. These investments consist of fixed-income securities issued by Federal Agencies and are valued using a bid evaluation process, with bid data provided by independent pricing sources. These investments are classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy.

Corporate debt securities. These investments consist of fixed-income securities issued by U.S. corporations and are valued using a bid evaluation process, with bid data provided by independent pricing sources. These investments are classified as Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy.

Other fixed income. These investments consist of fixed-income securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and in private placements and are valued using a quoted market price or bid evaluation process, with bid data provided by independent pricing sources. These investments are classified as Level 1 or Level 2 in the valuation hierarchy.

Other Postretirement Plans. The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company's other postretirement plans at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011:


	Postretirement Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	68,818	$	79,031
Service cost		2,872		3,275
Interest cost		3,063		3,934
Amendments		―		(6,336)
Actuarial gain		(55)		(3,073)
Curtailment gain		―		(3,630)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy		(2,286)		(4,383)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	72,412	$	68,818
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	―	$	―
Employer contributions		2,286		4,383
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy		(2,286)		(4,383)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	―	$	―
Funded status	$	(72,412)	$	(68,818)

The amounts recognized in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets for its other postretirement plans at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 are as follows:


	Postretirement Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Current liability	$	(4,548)	$	(4,476)
Noncurrent liability		(67,864)		(64,342)
Recognized liability	$	(72,412)	$	(68,818)

The Company recorded a curtailment gain of $8.5 million in 2010 due to the sale of Newsweek; the gain is included in discontinued operations.

In 2009, the Company made changes to the cable television division's retiree health care benefits program, resulting in a $7.7 million curtailment gain. Also in 2009, the Company eliminated life insurance benefits for new retirees on or after January 1, 2009, resulting in a $0.7 million curtailment gain.

The discount rates utilized for determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011 for the postretirement plans were 3.90% and 4.60%, respectively. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 was 8.5% for pre-age 65, decreasing to 5.0% in the year 2019 and thereafter. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2011 was 20.4% for the post-age 65 Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plan, decreasing to 5.0% in the year 2021 and thereafter, and was 7.5% for the post-age 65 non MA-PD plan, decreasing to 5.0% in the year 2017 and thereafter.

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A change of one percentage point in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


	1%		1%
(in thousands)	Increase		Decrease
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	5,934	$	(5,268)
Service cost plus interest cost	$	728	$	(626)

The Company made contributions to its postretirement benefit plans of $2.3 million and $4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, respectively. As the plans are unfunded, the Company makes contributions to its postretirement plans based on actual benefit payments.

At December 31, 2011, future estimated benefit payments are as follows:


	Postretirement
(in millions)	Plans
2012		$	4.5
2013		$	4.8
2014		$	5.1
2015		$	5.3
2016		$	5.6
2017–2021		$	29.8

The total cost (benefit) arising from the Company's other postretirement plans for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, including a portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:


		Postretirement Plans
	(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	2,872	$	3,275	$	3,871
Interest cost			3,063		3,934		4,168
Amortization of prior service credit			(5,650)		(5,026)		(4,607)
Recognized actuarial gain			(1,921)		(2,032)		(3,128)
Net periodic (benefit) cost			(1,636)		151		304
Curtailment gain			―		(8,583)		(8,353)
Total benefit for the year		$	(1,636)	$	(8,432)	$	(8,049)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations in other comprehensive income:
Current year actuarial (gain) loss		$	(55)	$	(3,073)	$	10,673
Current year prior service credit			―		(6,336)		(1,399)
Amortization of prior service credit			5,650		5,026		4,607
Recognized actuarial gain			1,921		2,032		3,128
Curtailment loss (gain)			―		4,953		(719)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effect)		$	7,516	$	2,602	$	16,290
Total recognized in net periodic cost (benefit) and other comprehensive income
	(before tax effect)	$	5,880	$	(5,830)	$	8,241

The costs for the Company's postretirement plans are actuarially determined. The discount rates utilized to determine periodic cost for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010 were 4.60%, 5.25% and 5.75%, respectively.

At December 31, 2011 and January 2, 2011, accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) included the following components of unrecognized net periodic benefit for the postretirement plans, respectively:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Unrecognized actuarial gain	$	(15,510)	$	(17,376)
Unrecognized prior service credit		(31,736)		(37,386)
Gross amount		(47,246)		(54,762)
Deferred tax liability		18,898		21,905
Net amount	$	(28,348)	$	(32,857)

During 2012, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the other postretirement plans:


(in thousands)	2012
Actuarial gain recognition	$	(1,479)
Prior service credit recognition	$	(5,607)

Multiemployer Pension Plans. The Company contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer plans as follows:

Assets contributed to the multiemployer pension plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers.
If the Company chooses to stop participating in some of its multiemployer pension plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company, through The Washington Post and The Daily Herald newspapers, contributed to the CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan (Employer Identification Number – 13-6212879, Plan Number 001) on behalf of mailers, helpers and utility mailers. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan (the Plan) was in critical (red) status as currently defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and a rehabilitation plan was in effect. There are no surcharges for employers who have adopted the rehabilitation plan, and there is no minimum contribution requirement other than the normal requirement to contribute as provided in the collective bargaining agreement. The Company's collective bargaining agreement expired on May 18, 2003. The Company's contributions to the Plan amounted to $0.1 million in 2011, $0.6 million in 2010 and $0.7 million in 2009. The Washington Post was listed in the Plan's Form 5500 as providing more than 5% of the total contribution to the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

In 2010, The Washington Post notified the union and the Plan of its unilateral withdrawal from the Plan effective November 30, 2010. In connection with this action, The Washington Post recorded a $20.4 million charge in 2010 based on an estimate of the withdrawal liability. In 2011, the Daily Herald notified the union and the Plan of its unilateral withdrawal from the Plan effective December 18, 2011. In connection with this action, The Daily Herald recorded a $2.4 million charge in 2011 based on an estimate of the withdrawal liability. Payment of the actual withdrawal liability will relieve The Washington Post and The Daily Herald of further liability to the Plan absent certain circumstances prescribed by law.

The Company's total contributions to multiemployer pension plans that are not individually significant amounted to $0.3 million in 2011, $0.4 million in 2010 and $0.4 million in 2009. The Company's total contributions to all multiemployer pension plans amounted to $0.4 million in 2011, $1.0 million in 2010 and $1.1 million in 2009.

Savings Plans. The Company recorded expense associated with retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans (primarily 401(k) plans) of approximately $20.9 million in 2011, $19.1 million in 2010 and $19.9 million in 2009.


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At January 2, 2011
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments		$	207,929	$	68,091	$	276,020
Equity securities
	U.S. equities		1,090,693		―		1,090,693
	International equities		250,604		―		250,604
Fixed-income securities
	U.S. Federal agency mortgage-backed securities		―		1,699		1,699
	Corporate debt securities		―		15,854		15,854
	Other fixed income		7,106		8,338		15,444
Total investments		$	1,556,332	$	93,982	$	1,650,314
Receivables							1,644
Total						$	1,651,958

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

+ Details

Leases and Other Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]

Leases and Other Commitments [Text Block]

15. LEASES AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

The Company leases real property under operating agreements. Many of the leases contain renewal options and escalation clauses that require payments of additional rent to the extent of increases in the related operating costs.

At December 31, 2011, future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases approximate the following:


(in thousands)
2012	$	135,911
2013		116,435
2014		99,335
2015		78,955
2016		69,597
Thereafter		243,736
	$	743,969

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $14.5 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Rent expense under operating leases, including a portion reported in discontinued operations, was approximately $127.8 million, $134.0 million and $131.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Sublease income was approximately $2.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.7 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company's broadcast subsidiaries are parties to certain agreements that commit them to purchase programming to be produced in future years. At December 31, 2011, such commitments amounted to approximately $33.7 million. If such programs are not produced, the Company's commitment would expire without obligation.

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Abstract]

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Text Block]

14. OTHER NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME

A summary of non-operating (expense) income for the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010 follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security	$	(53,793)	$	―	$	―
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net		(3,263)		6,705		16,871
Gain on sale of a cost method investment		4,031		―		―
Impairment write-downs on cost method investments		(3,612)		―		(3,800)
Other, net		1,437		810		126
Total	$	(55,200)	$	7,515	$	13,197

Contingencies And Losses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Contingencies And Losses [Abstract]

Contingencies And Losses [Text Block]

16. CONTINGENCIES

Litigation and Legal Matters. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to the items listed below, other complaints and administrative proceedings and are defendants in various other civil lawsuits that have arisen in the ordinary course of their businesses, including contract disputes; actions alleging negligence, libel, invasion of privacy, trademark, copyright and patent infringement; U.S. Federal False Claims Act (False Claim Act) violations; violations of applicable wage and hour laws; and statutory or common law claims involving current and former students and employees. Although the outcome of the legal claims and proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, based on currently available information, management believes that there are no existing claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Also, based on currently available information, management is of the opinion that the exposure to future material losses from existing legal proceedings is not reasonably possible, or that future material losses in excess of the amounts accrued are not reasonably possible.

A purported class action complaint was filed against the Company, Donald E. Graham and Hal S. Jones on October 28, 2010, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, by the Plumbers Local #200 Pension Fund. The complaint alleged that the Company and certain of its officers made materially false and misleading statements, or failed to disclose

material facts relating to KHE, in violation of the federal securities laws. The complaint sought damages, attorneys' fees, costs and equitable/injunctive relief. The Company moved to dismiss the complaint, and on December 23, 2011, the court granted the Company's motion and dismissed the case with prejudice. On January 25, 2012, the Plaintiff filed a motion seeking to leave to amend or alter that final judgment; the Company has opposed the motion.

On February 6, 2008, a purported class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by purchasers of BAR/BRI bar review courses from July 2006 onwards alleging antitrust claims against Kaplan and West Publishing Corporation, BAR/BRI's former owner. On April 10, 2008, the court granted defendants' motion to dismiss. On May 7, 2008, the plaintiffs filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On October 18, 2010, the parties entered into a stipulation and settlement agreement. The District Court granted preliminary approval of this proposed settlement on March 21, 2011, but denied final approval thereof on July 1, 2011. On November 7, 2011, the Ninth Circuit reversed the District Court's order of dismissal, but stayed the mandate and referred the matter to the Ninth Circuit mediator for renewed settlement discussions.

On or about January 17, 2008, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania contacted KHE's CHI-Broomall campus and made inquiries about the Surgical Technology program, including the program's eligibility for Title IV U.S. Federal financial aid, the program's student loan defaults, licensing and accreditation. Kaplan responded to the information requests and fully cooperated with the inquiry. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) also conducted a program review at the CHI-Broomall campus, and Kaplan likewise cooperated with the program review. On July 22, 2011, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced that it had entered into a comprehensive settlement agreement with Kaplan that resolved the U.S. Attorney's inquiry, provided for the conclusion of the DOE's program review, and also settled a previously sealed False Claims Act complaint (31 U.S.C. § 3729, et seq.) that had been filed by a former employee of the CHI-Broomall campus. The total amount of all required payments by CHI-Broomall under the agreements was $1.6 million. Pursuant to the comprehensive settlement agreement, the U.S. Attorney inquiry has been closed, the DOE will issue a final program review determination, and the False Claims Act complaint (United States of America ex rel. David Goodstein v. Kaplan, Inc., et al. (unsealed July 22, 2011)) was unsealed and will be dismissed with prejudice. At this time, Kaplan cannot predict the contents of the pending final program review determination or the ultimate impact the proceedings may have on the CHI-Broomall campus or the KHE business generally.

Several Kaplan subsidiaries were or are subject to four other unsealed cases filed by former employees that included, among other allegations, claims under the False Claims Act relating to eligibility for Title IV funding. The U.S. Government declined to intervene in all cases, and, as previously reported, court decisions in 2011 either dismissed the cases in their entirety or narrowed the scope of their allegations. The four cases are captioned: United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. (unsealed March 25, 2008); United States of America ex rel. Jorge Torres v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. (unsealed April 7, 2008); United States of America ex rel. Victoria Gatsiopoulos et al. v. ICM School of Business & Medical Careers et al. (unsealed September 2, 2008); and United States of America ex rel. Charles Jajdelski v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. et al. (unsealed January 6, 2009).

On August 17, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a series of rulings in the Diaz case, which included three separate complaints: Diaz, Wilcox and Gillespie. The court dismissed the Wilcox complaint in its entirety; dismissed all False Claims Act allegations in the Diaz case, leaving only an individual employment claim; and dismissed in part the Gillespie case, thereby limiting the scope and time frame of its False Claims Act allegations regarding compliance with the U.S. Federal Rehabilitation Act. The case (now consisting of the individual employment claim in Diaz and the remaining False Claim Act allegations in Gillespie) is expected to proceed to the discovery and dispositive motion phases.

On August 23, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida dismissed the Torres case in its entirety and entered a final judgment in favor of Kaplan. That case has been appealed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Judicial Circuit.

On August 9, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida granted in part Kaplan's motion to dismiss the Gatsiopoulos case, which limited the allegations in that case to alleged violations of federal incentive compensation regulations and so-called “70 percent rules” and an individual employment claim, and limited the time frame applicable to these claims. Thereafter, the court recommended that the case be transferred back to its original jurisdiction, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the case was assigned to a judge in that venue in December 2011. The case is expected to proceed to the discovery and dispositive motion phases in that venue.

On July 7, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada dismissed the Jajdelski case in its entirety and entered a final judgment in favor of Kaplan. That case is currently on appeal in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

On October 21, 2010, Kaplan Higher Education Corporation received a subpoena from the office of the Florida Attorney General. The subpoena sought information pertaining to the online and on-campus schools operated by KHE in and outside of Florida. KHE has cooperated with the Florida Attorney General and provided the information requested in the subpoena. KHE also may receive further requests for information from the Florida Attorney General. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry.

On December 21, 2010, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission filed suit against Kaplan Higher Education Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleging racial bias by Kaplan in requesting credit scores of job applicants seeking financial positions. The Company believes that the complaint lacks merit. In March 2011, the court granted in part the Company's motion to dismiss the complaint. Since that time, the case is proceeding with the discovery phase.

On February 7, 2011, Kaplan Higher Education Corporation received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Illinois. The demand primarily sought information pertaining to Kaplan University online students who are residents of Illinois. KHE has cooperated with the Illinois Attorney General and provided the requested information. KHE also may receive further requests for information from the Illinois Attorney General. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry.

On April 30, 2011, Kaplan Higher Education Corporation received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Massachusetts. The demand primarily sought information pertaining to KHE Campuses' students who are residents of Massachusetts. KHE has cooperated with the Massachusetts Attorney General and provided the requested information. KHE also may receive further requests for information from the Massachusetts Attorney General. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry.

On July 20, 2011, Kaplan Higher Education Corporation received a subpoena from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Delaware. The demand primarily sought information pertaining to Kaplan University's online and KHE Campuses' students who are residents of Delaware. KHE has cooperated with the Delaware Attorney General and provided the information requested in the subpoena. KHE also may receive further requests for information from the Delaware Attorney General. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry.

Student Financial Aid. The Company's education division derives the majority of its revenues from U.S. Federal financial aid received by its students under Title IV programs administered by the DOE pursuant to the U.S. Federal Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. To maintain eligibility to participate in Title IV programs, a school must comply with extensive statutory and regulatory requirements relating to its financial aid management, educational programs, financial strength, administrative capability, compensation practices, facilities, recruiting practices and various other matters. In addition, the school must be licensed or otherwise legally authorized to offer postsecondary educational programs by the appropriate governmental body in the state or states in which it is physically located or has students, be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the DOE and be certified to participate in the Title IV programs by the DOE. Schools are required periodically to apply for renewal of their authorization, accreditation or certification with the applicable state governmental bodies, accrediting agencies and the DOE. In accordance with DOE regulations, some KHE schools operate individually or are combined into groups of two or more schools for the purpose of determining compliance with certain Title IV requirements, and each school or school group is assigned its own identification number, known as an OPEID number. As a result, the schools in KHE have a total of 32 OPEID numbers. Failure to comply with the requirements of HEA or related regulations could result in the restriction or loss of the ability to participate in Title IV programs and subject the Company to financial penalties and refunds. No assurance can be given that the Kaplan schools, or individual programs within schools, will maintain their Title IV eligibility, accreditation and state authorization in the future or that the DOE might not successfully assert that one or more of such schools have previously failed to comply with Title IV requirements.

DOE regulations require schools participating in Title IV programs to calculate correctly and return on a timely basis unearned Title IV funds disbursed to students who withdraw from a program of study prior to completion. These funds must be returned in a timely manner, generally within 45 days of the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn. Under DOE regulations, failure to make timely returns of Title IV program funds for 5% or more of students sampled in a school's annual compliance audit in either of its two most recently completed fiscal years could result in a requirement that the school post a letter of credit in an amount equal to 25% of its prior-year returns of Title IV program funds. If unearned funds are not properly calculated and returned in a timely manner, an institution is also subject to monetary liabilities, fines or other sanctions.

Financial aid and assistance programs are subject to political and governmental budgetary considerations. There is no assurance that such funding will be maintained at current levels. Extensive and complex regulations in the U.S. govern all of the government financial assistance programs in which students participate.

For the years ended December 31, 2011, January 2, 2011 and January 3, 2010, approximately $1,110 million, $1,460 million and $1,283 million, respectively, of the Company's education division revenue was derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV programs. Management believes that the Company's education division schools that participate in Title IV programs are in material compliance with standards set forth in the HEA and related regulations.

DOE Program Reviews. The DOE has undertaken program reviews at various KHE campus locations and at Kaplan University. Six program reviews were finalized in 2011 with no significant findings. Currently, there are two pending program reviews, including Kaplan University. In addition, the Company is awaiting the DOE's final report on the program review at KHE's Broomall, PA, location. The results of these open reviews and their impact on Kaplan's operations are uncertain.

Other. On December 15, 2011, the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) conducted a compliance review at Kaplan UK' s Borough High Street Center in London, England. The review focused on Kaplan UK's compliance with regulations regarding Tier 4 students, who are adult students seeking to study in the U.K. Kaplan UK is fully cooperating with this inquiry and is in the process of responding to requests for additional information. In cases of noncompliance, the UKBA has the authority to take a range of actions to limit, suspend or revoke an institution's ability to sponsor foreign students. At this time, Kaplan cannot predict what determinations the UKBA will make or the ultimate impact of this review on Kaplan UK.

Additionally, UKBA issued revised immigration rules that became operational on April 21, 2011. Students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who were issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) after July 4, 2011 will be given permission to work part-time during their studies only if they attend an institution which qualifies as a Higher Education Institution (HEI). Many of the Kaplan UK international students currently work part-time. Kaplan UK is not in receipt of public funding for the courses upon which international students study and, therefore, does not qualify as an HEI. Also, certain Kaplan UK schools have gained, applied for or are in the process of applying for Highly Trusted Sponsor status (HTS). Without HTS, these schools cannot issue a CAS to potential incoming international students starting in April 2012. These new rules have the potential to adversely impact the number of international students studying at Kaplan UK.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 1
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements [Text Block]

17. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability based on a three-tiered hierarchy that draws a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2); and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3). Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measure. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy.

The Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At December 31, 2011
Assets:
Money market investments⁽¹⁾		$	―	$	180,136	$	180,136
Marketable equity securities⁽²⁾			303,201		―		303,201
Other current investments⁽³⁾			15,223		20,250		35,473
Interest rate swap⁽⁴⁾			―		14		14
	Total financial assets	$	318,424	$	200,400	$	518,824

Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾		$	―	$	63,403	$	63,403
7.25% unsecured notes⁽⁶⁾			―		460,500		460,500
AUD 50M borrowing⁽⁶⁾			―		51,012		51,012
	Total financial liabilities	$	―	$	574,915	$	574,915


At January 2, 2011
Assets:
Money market investments⁽¹⁾		$	―	$	308,927	$	308,927
Marketable equity securities⁽²⁾			340,910		―		340,910
Other current investments⁽³⁾			11,835		21,005		32,840
	Total financial assets	$	352,745	$	329,932	$	682,677

Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾		$	―	$	69,226	$	69,226
7.25% unsecured notes⁽⁶⁾			―		457,200		457,200
	Total financial liabilities	$	―	$	526,426	$	526,426

____________

(1) The Company's money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.

(2) The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

(3) Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).

(4) Included in deferred charges and other assets. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.

(5) Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.

(6) See Note 10 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.

For assets that are measured using quoted prices in active markets, the total fair value is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held, without consideration of transaction costs. Assets and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable inputs are primarily valued by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabilities in active markets, adjusted for any terms specific to that asset or liability.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 107
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Segments [Abstract]

Business Segments [Text Block]

18. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

Basis of Presentation. The Company's organizational structure is based on a number of factors that management uses to evaluate, view and run its business operations, which include, but are not limited to, customers, the nature of products and services and use of resources. The business segments disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements are based on this organizational structure and information reviewed by the Company's management to evaluate the business segment results. The Company has eight reportable segments: KHE, KTP, Kaplan International, Kaplan Ventures, cable television, newspaper publishing, television broadcasting and other businesses.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating income before amortization of intangible assets. The accounting policies at the segments are the same as described in Note 2. In computing income from operations by segment, the effects of equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, interest income, interest expense, other non-operating income and expense items and income taxes are not included. Intersegment sales are not material.

Identifiable assets by segment are those assets used in the Company's operations in each business segment. Investments in marketable equity securities are discussed in Note 4.

Education. Education products and services are provided by Kaplan, Inc. KHE includes Kaplan's postsecondary education businesses, made up of fixed-facility colleges as well as online postsecondary and career programs. KTP includes Kaplan's standardized test preparation and tutoring offerings, as well as the professional domestic training business, and other businesses. Kaplan International includes professional training and postsecondary education businesses outside the United States, as well as English-language programs. Kaplan Ventures is made up of a number of businesses in various states of development that are managed separately from the other education businesses.

In the first quarter of 2011, Kaplan made several changes to its operating and reporting structure. Kaplan's domestic professional training business was moved from KTP to KHE and Kaplan Continuing Education moved from Kaplan Ventures to KHE. These businesses were integrated with Kaplan University to become part of the Kaplan University School of Professional and Continuing Education. Also, Kaplan sold KCS in October 2011, KVE in July 2011, and Education Connection in April 2010; therefore the education division's operating results exclude these businesses. Segment operating results of the education division for fiscal years ended 2011, 2010 and 2009 have been restated to reflect these changes. Kaplan Ventures sold one small business in February 2012 and is exploring other alternatives with respect to the remaining Kaplan Ventures businesses, including possible sales.

In light of recent revenue declines and other business challenges, Kaplan has formulated and implemented restructuring plans at its various businesses that have resulted in significant costs in the past three years, with the objective of establishing lower cost levels in future periods. Across all Kaplan businesses, severance and restructuring costs of $29.2 million, $27.5 million and $33.2 million were recorded in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Restructuring and severance related expenses of $13.2 million and $9.3 million were recorded in 2011 and 2010, respectively, at KHE associated with workforce reductions.

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company discontinued certain offerings of the K12 business; $7.8 million in severance and other closure costs were recorded in the first half of 2010 in connection with this plan. In the fourth quarter of 2010, KTP began implementing a plan to reorganize its business consistent with the migration of students to Kaplan's online and hybrid test preparation offerings, reducing the number of leased test preparation centers; $10.4 million in costs were incurred, mostly comprised of charges related to early lease termination and property, plant and equipment write-downs. In 2011, implementation of the plan was completed and $12.5 million in additional restructuring and severance costs were incurred.

In March 2009, the Company approved a plan to close its Score tutoring centers. The Company recorded charges of $24.9 million in asset write-downs, lease terminations, severance and accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the first half of 2009. In addition, restructuring-related expenses of $8.3 million were recorded in 2009 at Kaplan's professional domestic training business (part of KHE).

Cable Television. Cable television operations consist of cable systems offering video, Internet, phone and other services to subscribers in midwestern, western and southern states. The principal source of revenue is monthly subscription fees charged for services.

Newspaper Publishing. Newspaper publishing includes the publication of newspapers in the Washington, DC, area and Everett, WA; newsprint warehousing; and the Company's digital media publishing businesses (primarily washingtonpost.com and Slate). Revenues from newspaper publishing operations are derived from advertising and, to a lesser extent, from circulation.

Television Broadcasting. Television broadcasting operations are conducted through six VHF television stations serving the Detroit, Houston, Miami, San Antonio, Orlando and Jacksonville television markets. All stations are network-affiliated (except for WJXT in Jacksonville), with revenues derived primarily from sales of advertising time.

Other Businesses. Other businesses include the operating results of Avenue100 Media Solutions and other small businesses.

Corporate Office. Corporate office includes the expenses of the Company's corporate office and the pension credit previously reported in the magazine publishing division. Newsweek employees were participants in The Washington Post Company Retirement Plan, and the Company had historically been allocated a net pension credit for segment reporting purposes. Since the associated pension assets and liabilities were retained by the Company, the associated credit has been excluded from the reclassification of Newsweek results to discontinued operations. Pension cost arising from early retirement programs at Newsweek, however, is included in discontinued operations.

Geographical Information. The Company's non-U.S. revenues in 2011, 2010 and 2009 totaled approximately $628 million, $540 million and $505 million, respectively, from Kaplan's operations outside the U.S. The Company's long-lived assets in non-U.S. countries (excluding goodwill and other intangible assets), totaled approximately $74 million at December 31, 2011, and $57 million at January 2, 2011.

Company information broken down by operating segment and education division:


		Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	2,465,048	$	2,862,279	$	2,576,162
	Cable television		760,221		759,884		750,409
	Newspaper publishing		648,039		680,373		679,282
	Television broadcasting		319,206		342,164		272,651
	Other businesses		26,135		46,395		53,921
	Corporate office		-		-		-
	Intersegment elimination		(3,816)		(7,054)		(6,385)
		$	4,214,833	$	4,684,041	$	4,326,040
Income (loss) from operations
	Education	$	89,434	$	346,733	$	227,281
	Cable television		156,844		163,945		169,051
	Newspaper publishing		(18,200)		(9,826)		(163,549)
	Television broadcasting		117,089		121,348		70,506
	Other businesses		(34,787)		(34,966)		(61)
	Corporate office		(14,422)		(24,572)		(12,829)
		$	295,958	$	562,662	$	290,399
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net			5,949		(4,133)		(29,421)
Interest expense, net			(29,079)		(27,927)		(28,968)
Other (expense) income, net			(55,200)		7,515		13,197
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	217,628	$	538,117	$	245,207
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
	Education	$	87,718	$	77,306	$	80,403
	Cable television		126,302		124,834		124,207
	Newspaper publishing		26,336		30,341		72,870
	Television broadcasting		12,448		12,720		12,299
	Other businesses		325		270		151
	Corporate office		244		1,159		679
		$	253,373	$	246,630	$	290,609
Amortization of intangible assets
	Education	$	21,167	$	21,406	$	21,191
	Cable television		267		327		310
	Newspaper publishing		1,051		1,223		1,010
	Television broadcasting		-		-		-
	Other businesses		5,874		3,786		3,099
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	28,359	$	26,742	$	25,610
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
	Education	$	-	$	-	$	8,492
	Cable television		-		-		-
	Newspaper publishing		-		-		-
	Television broadcasting		-		-		-
	Other businesses		11,923		27,477		-
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	11,923	$	27,477	$	8,492
Net pension credit (expense)
	Education	$	(6,345)	$	(5,707)	$	(5,414)
	Cable television		(1,924)		(1,919)		(1,851)
	Newspaper publishing⁽¹⁾		(25,300)		(42,287)		(75,925)
	Television broadcasting		(1,669)		(1,113)		(418)
	Other businesses		(68)		(65)		(82)
	Corporate office		36,983		34,599		33,836
		$	1,677	$	(16,492)	$	(49,854)
Capital expenditures
	Education	$	54,633	$	113,780	$	104,282
	Cable television		143,225		109,579		84,027
	Newspaper publishing		11,405		10,590		18,856
	Television broadcasting		6,415		6,675		13,559
	Other businesses		163		463		926
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	215,841	$	241,087	$	221,650
Identifiable assets
	Education	$	2,176,240	$	2,197,277	$	2,188,328
	Cable television		1,145,596		1,141,427		1,164,209
	Newspaper publishing		118,253		206,305		207,234
	Television broadcasting		421,764		436,289		433,705
	Other businesses		11,190		30,038		54,418
	Corporate office		823,641		774,484		729,706
		$	4,696,684	$	4,785,820	$	4,777,600
Investments in marketable equity securities			303,201		340,910		353,884
Investments in affiliates			17,101		31,637		54,722
Total Assets		$	5,016,986	$	5,158,367	$	5,186,206

(1) Includes a $2.4 million and $20.4 million charge in 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan.

The Company's education division comprises the following operating segments:


		Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Operating Revenues
	Higher education	$	1,399,582	$	1,905,038	$	1,653,276
	Test preparation⁽¹⁾		303,093		314,879		336,788
	Kaplan international		690,225		585,924		537,238
	Kaplan ventures		74,946		59,296		57,210
	Kaplan corporate and other		4,585		5,537		2,436
	Intersegment elimination		(7,383)		(8,395)		(10,786)
		$	2,465,048	$	2,862,279	$	2,576,162
Income (loss) from operations
	Higher education	$	148,915	$	406,880	$	284,357
	Test preparation⁽¹⁾		(28,498)		(32,583)		(18,029)
	Kaplan international		46,498		56,152		53,772
	Kaplan ventures		(10,093)		(17,490)		(9,286)
	Kaplan corporate and other		(66,268)		(65,992)		(83,843)
	Intersegment elimination		(1,120)		(234)		310
		$	89,434	$	346,733	$	227,281
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
	Higher education	$	48,379	$	42,412	$	42,813
	Test preparation		15,489		14,095		17,941
	Kaplan international		16,747		12,839		11,438
	Kaplan ventures		4,189		4,109		3,911
	Kaplan corporate and other		2,914		3,851		4,300
		$	87,718	$	77,306	$	80,403
Amortization of intangible assets		$	21,167	$	21,406	$	21,191
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		$	-	$	-	$	8,492
Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation (credit) expense		$	(1,290)	$	(1,179)	$	933
Capital Expenditures
	Higher education	$	19,735	$	58,660	$	69,131
	Test preparation		17,266		32,798		15,900
	Kaplan international		16,304		14,163		13,900
	Kaplan ventures		2,762		3,050		3,710
	Kaplan corporate and other		(1,434)		5,109		1,641
		$	54,633	$	113,780	$	104,282
Identifiable assets
	Higher education	$	936,029	$	1,043,503	$	1,018,256
	Test preparation		334,343		290,368		285,673
	Kaplan international		809,267		675,127		671,250
	Kaplan ventures		89,043		93,359		58,421
	Kaplan corporate and other		7,558		94,920		154,728
		$	2,176,240	$	2,197,277	$	2,188,328

_____________

Test Preparation amounts include revenues of $8.6 million and operating losses of $36.8 million from Score for the fiscal year ended 2009.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
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+ Details

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

19. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly results of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2011 is as follows:


(in thousands, except per share amounts)		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011 Quarterly Operating Results
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	626,631	$	624,844	$	615,884	$	597,689
	Advertising		177,384		193,352		170,553		213,255
	Circulation and subscriber		214,523		216,607		212,144		213,183
	Other		31,076		34,337		34,059		39,312
			1,049,614		1,069,140		1,032,640		1,063,439
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating		481,313		506,049		504,001		481,805
	Selling, general and administrative		443,876		411,610		393,508		403,058
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		63,021		63,690		62,644		64,018
	Amortization of intangible assets		6,164		6,779		8,603		6,813
	Impairment of goodwill		―		―		11,923		―
			994,374		988,128		980,679		955,694
Income from Operations			55,240		81,012		51,961		107,745
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net		3,737		3,138		(1,494)		568
	Interest income		982		997		994		1,174
	Interest expense		(7,961)		(7,960)		(8,667)		(8,638)
	Other (expense) income, net		(24,032)		(2,591)		(29,650)		1,073
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			27,966		74,596		13,144		101,922
Provision for Income Taxes			10,400		27,500		16,600		41,800
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations			17,566		47,096		(3,456)		60,122
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			(1,937)		(1,333)		(2,510)		1,609
Net Income (Loss)			15,629		45,763		(5,966)		61,731
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			(14)		40		(16)		(17)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company		15,615		45,803		(5,982)		61,714
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			(461)		(230)		(226)		―
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders	$	15,154	$	45,573	$	(6,208)	$	61,714

Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	17,091	$	46,906	$	(3,698)	$	60,105
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(1,937)		(1,333)		(2,510)		1,609
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company
	common stockholders	$	15,154	$	45,573	$	(6,208)	$	61,714

Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations		$	2.11	$	5.91	$	(0.50)	$	7.82
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.24)		(0.17)		(0.32)		0.21
Basic net income (loss) per common share		$	1.87	$	5.74	$	(0.82)	$	8.03

Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing
	operations	$	2.11	$	5.91	$	(0.50)	$	7.82
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.24)		(0.17)		(0.32)		0.21
Diluted net income (loss) per common share		$	1.87	$	5.74	$	(0.82)	$	8.03
Basic average number of common shares outstanding			8,046		7,852		7,802		7,601
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding			8,119		7,933		7,802		7,682
2011 quarterly comprehensive income (loss)		$	40,894	$	37,040	$	(41,225)	$	63,512

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to rounding.

Quarterly results of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended January 2, 2011 is as follows:


(in thousands, except per share amount)		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2010 Quarterly Operating Results
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	694,078	$	739,129	$	737,131	$	691,941
	Advertising		184,182		207,241		200,532		241,650
	Circulation and subscriber		213,454		215,995		213,377		214,464
	Other		33,013		31,253		32,495		34,106
			1,124,727		1,193,618		1,183,535		1,182,161
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating		471,542		477,248		479,526		503,260
	Selling, general and administrative		478,908		480,412		471,897		457,737
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		61,307		60,872		60,752		63,699
	Amortization of intangible assets		6,403		7,492		6,409		6,438
	Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets		―		―		27,477		―
			1,018,160		1,026,024		1,046,061		1,031,134
Income from Operations			106,567		167,594		137,474		151,027
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net		(8,109)		2,027		2,140		(191)
	Interest income		326		599		600		1,051
	Interest expense		(7,579)		(7,598)		(7,633)		(7,693)
	Other (expense) income, net		(3,321)		(3,807)		12,486		2,157
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			87,884		158,815		145,067		146,351
Provision for Income Taxes			33,700		56,700		59,400		68,200
Income from Continuing Operations			54,184		102,115		85,667		78,151
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			(8,356)		(9,988)		(24,591)		838
Net Income			45,828		92,127		61,076		78,989
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			12		8		76		(2)
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			45,840		92,135		61,152		78,987
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			(461)		(231)		(230)		―
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders	$	45,379	$	91,904	$	60,922	$	78,987

Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations		$	53,735	$	101,892	$	85,513	$	78,149
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(8,356)		(9,988)		(24,591)		838
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company
	common stockholders	$	45,379	$	91,904	$	60,922	$	78,987

Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders
Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	5.81	$	11.08	$	9.61	$	9.32
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.90)		(1.08)		(2.76)		0.10
Basic net income per common share		$	4.91	$	10.00	$	6.85	$	9.42

Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	5.81	$	11.08	$	9.60	$	9.32
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.90)		(1.08)		(2.76)		0.10
Diluted net income per common share		$	4.91	$	10.00	$	6.84	$	9.42
Basic average number of common shares outstanding			9,175		9,126		8,839		8,336
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding			9,241		9,193		8,904		8,385
2010 quarterly comprehensive income		$	91,370	$	33,291	$	83,421	$	147,552

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to rounding.

Quarterly impact from certain items in 2011 (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
Charges of $18.1 million in connection with severance and restructuring at
	Kaplan ($1.4 million, $7.3 million, $3.5 million and $6.0 million in the first, second,
	third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.18)	$	(0.91)	$	(0.44)	$	(0.77)
Charge of $1.5 million recorded at the newspaper publishing division in connection
	with the withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan							$	(0.19)
Goodwill impairment charge of $11.9 million at the Company's online lead
	generation business					$	(1.51)
Impairment charges of $5.7 million at one of the Company’s affiliates						$	(0.72)
Write-down of a marketable equity security of $34.6 million ($19.8 million and
	$14.9 million in the first and third quarters, respectively)	$	(2.44)			$	(1.89)
Losses, net, of $2.1 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains
	(losses) ($1.7 million gain, $0.2 million gain, $4.2 million loss and $0.3 million
	gain in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	0.21	$	0.03	$	(0.54)	$	0.03

Quarterly impact from certain items in 2010 (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
Charge of $12.7 million in connection with the withdrawal from a multiemployer
	pension plan at The Washington Post ($11.0 million and $1.6 million in the			$	(1.19)	$	(0.18)
	second and third quarters, respectively)
Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charge of $26.3 million at the
	Company’s online lead generation business, included in other businesses					$	(2.96)
Charges of $24.2 million in connection with severance and restructuring ($2.9 million,
	$2.0 million and $19.3 million in the first, second, and fourth quarter, respectively)	$	(0.31)	$	(0.22)			$	(2.31)
Gains, net, of $4.2 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses)
	($2.2 million loss, $2.3 million loss, $7.5 million gain and $1.2 million gain in the
	first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.23)	$	(0.25)	$	0.84	$	0.14

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Organization, Basis of Presentation (Policy)	12 Months Ended
Organization, Basis of Presentation (Policy)	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization Basis Of Presentation And Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Fiscal Periods	Fiscal Year—In 2011, the Company changed its fiscal year from a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31 to a quarterly month end, with the new fiscal year ending on December 31 of each year. Fiscal year 2011, which ended on December 31, 2011, included approximately 52 weeks. The fiscal years 2010 and 2009, which ended on January 2, 2011, and January 3, 2010, respectively, included 52 and 53 weeks, respectively. Subsidiaries of the Company report on a calendar-year basis, with the exception of most of the newspaper publishing operations, which report on a 52 to 53-week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest December 31.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation—The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in the United States and include the assets, liabilities, results of operations and cash flows of the Company and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications—Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2011 presentation, which includes the reclassification of the results of operations of certain Kaplan businesses as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Management bases its estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be affected by changes in those estimates. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations—The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible assets, and liabilities assumed, based on their respective fair values at the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. The excess of the cost of an acquired entity over the net of the amounts assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. The net assets and results of operations of an acquired entity are included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements from the acquisition date.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and investments in money market funds with weighted average maturities of three months or less.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash—Restricted cash represents amounts held for students that were received from U.S. Federal and state governments under various aid grant and loan programs, such as Title IV of the U.S. Federal Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, that the Company is required to maintain pursuant to U.S. Department of Education and other regulations. Restricted cash also includes certain funds that the Company may be required to return if a student who receives Title IV program funds withdraws from a program.
Concentration of credit Risk Policy	Concentration of Credit Risk—Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions domestically and internationally. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of significant customers, and this assessment, combined with the large number and geographical diversity of its customers, limits the Company's concentration of risk with respect to trade accounts receivable.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for amounts that may be uncollectible in the future. This estimated allowance is based primarily on the aging category, historical trends and management's evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Accounts receivable also have been reduced by an estimate of advertising rate adjustments and discounts, based on estimates of advertising volumes for contract customers who are eligible for advertising rate adjustments and discounts.
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	Investments in Marketable Equity Securities—The Company's investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and, therefore, are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Financial Statements, with the change in fair value during the period excluded from earnings and recorded net of income taxes as a separate component of other comprehensive income. If the fair value of a marketable equity security declines below its cost basis and the decline is considered other than temporary, the Company will record a write-down, which is included in earnings.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments—The carrying amounts reported in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the current portion of deferred revenue and the current portion of debt approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including the current market activity of the Company's publicly traded notes, trends in investor demands and market values of comparable publicly traded debt. The fair value of the interest rate hedge is determined based on a number of observable inputs, including time to maturity and market interest rates.
Inventories	Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or current market value. Cost of newsprint is determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and includes interest capitalized in connection with major long-term construction projects. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property, plant and equipment: 3 to 20 years for machinery and equipment, and 20 to 50 years for buildings. The costs of leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their useful lives or the terms of the respective leases. The cable television division capitalizes costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities and new cable service installations. Costs include all direct labor and materials, as well as certain indirect costs. The cost of subsequent disconnects and reconnects are expensed as they are incurred.
Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets	Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets—The recoverability of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets is assessed whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. A long-lived asset is considered to be not recoverable when the undiscounted estimated future cash flows are less than the asset's recorded value. An impairment charge is measured based on estimated fair market value, determined primarily using estimated future cash flows on a discounted basis. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, but the fair market value would be reduced for estimated costs to dispose.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets of businesses acquired. The Company's intangible assets with an indefinite life are principally from franchise agreements at its cable television division, as the Company expects its cable franchise agreements to provide the Company with substantial benefit for a period that extends beyond the foreseeable horizon, and the Company's cable television division historically has obtained renewals and extensions of such agreements for nominal costs and without any material modifications to the agreements. Amortized intangible assets are primarily student and customer relationships, noncompete agreements, trademarks and databases, with amortization periods up to 10 years. The Company reviews goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually, as of November 30, for possible impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. The Company tests its goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. In reviewing the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets at the cable television division, the Company aggregates its cable systems on a regional basis. The Company initially assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment review. The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment using the two-step process if, based on its assessment of the qualitative factors, it determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, or if it decides to bypass the qualitative assessment. The Company reviews the carrying value of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets utilizing a discounted cash flow model, and, where appropriate, a market value approach is also utilized to supplement the discounted cash flow model. The Company makes assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine each reporting unit's estimated fair value. If these estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges.
Investments in Affiliates	Investments in Affiliates—The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in and earnings or losses of affiliates that it does not control, but over which it exerts significant influence. The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considered any such decline to be other than temporary (based on various factors, including historical financial results, product development activities and the overall health of the affiliate's industry), a write-down would be recorded to estimated fair value.
Cost Method Investments	Cost Method Investments—The Company uses the cost method of accounting for its minority investments in nonpublic companies where it does not have significant influence over the operations and management of the investee. Investments are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value as estimated by management. Charges recorded to write down cost method investments to their estimated fair value and gross realized gains or losses upon the sale of cost method investments are included in other (expense) income, net, in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees' product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition—Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, the product or service has been delivered and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company considers the terms of each arrangement to determine the appropriate accounting treatment. Education revenues. Tuition revenue is recognized ratably over the period of instruction as services are delivered to students, net of any refunds, corporate discounts, scholarships and employee tuition discounts. At Kaplan's Test Preparation (KTP) and International divisions, estimates of average student course length are developed for each course, and these estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and adjusted as necessary. Online access revenue is recognized ratably over the period of access. Course material revenue is recognized over the same period as the tuition or online access, if related, or when the products are delivered, if not related. Other revenues, such as student support services, are recognized when the services are provided. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2010, Kaplan Higher Education (KHE) implemented the Kaplan Commitment program, which provides first-time students with a risk-free trial period. Under the program, KHE also monitors academic progress and conducts academic assessments to help determine whether students are likely to be successful in their chosen course of study. Students who withdraw or are subject to academic dismissal during the risk-free trial period do not incur any significant financial obligation. In general, the risk-free period is approximately four weeks for diploma programs and five weeks for associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees. The Company does not recognize revenues related to coursework until the students complete the risk-free period, meet the academic requirements and decide to continue with their studies, at which time the fees become fixed and determinable. Cable television revenues. Cable television revenues are primarily derived from subscriber fees for video, high-speed Internet and phone services, and from advertising. Cable subscriber revenue is recognized monthly as services are delivered. Advertising revenue is recognized when the commercials or programs are aired. Newspaper publishing and television broadcasting revenues. Media advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is published or broadcast. Revenues from newspaper subscriptions and retail sales are recognized upon the later of delivery or publication date, with adequate provision made for anticipated sales returns. Sales returns. Consistent with industry practice, certain of the Company's products, such as newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The Company records, as a reduction of revenue, the estimated impact of such returns. The Company bases its estimates for sales returns on historical experience and has not experienced significant fluctuations between estimated and actual return activity. Deferred revenue. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Deferred revenue to be earned after one year is included in other liabilities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases	Leases—The Company leases substantially all of its educational facilities and enters into various other lease agreements in conducting its business. At the inception of each lease, the Company evaluates the lease agreement to determine whether the lease is an operating or capital lease. Additionally, many of the Company's lease agreements contain renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays and/or rent escalation clauses. When such items are included in a lease agreement, the Company records a deferred rent asset or liability in the Consolidated Financial Statements and records these items in rent expense evenly over the terms of the lease. The Company is also required to make additional payments under operating lease terms for taxes, insurance and other operating expenses incurred during the operating lease period; such items are expensed as incurred. Rental deposits are included as other assets in the Consolidated Financial Statements for lease agreements that require payments in advance or deposits held for security that are refundable, less any damages, at the end of the respective lease.
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits—The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributes to several multiemployer plans on behalf of certain union-represented employee groups. Substantially all of the Company's employees are covered by these plans. The Company also provides health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. These employees become eligible for benefits after meeting age and service requirements. The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan (other than a multiemployer plan) as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in that funded status in the fiscal year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The Company measures changes in the funded status of its plans using the projected unit credit method and several actuarial assumptions, the most significant of which are the discount rate, the long-term rate of asset return and rate of compensation increase. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
Self-Insurance	Self-Insurance—The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance for a number of risks, including claims related to employee health care and dental care, disability benefits, workers' compensation, general liability, property damage and business interruption. Liabilities associated with these plans are estimated based on, among other things, the Company's historical claims experience, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. The expected loss accruals are based on estimates, and while the Company believes that the amounts accrued are adequate, the ultimate loss may differ from the amounts provided.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations; this evaluation is made on an ongoing basis. In the event the Company were to determine that it was able to realize net deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would record an adjustment to the valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes. The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Company records a liability for the difference between the benefit recognized and measured for financial statement purposes and the tax position taken or expected to be taken on the Company's tax return. Changes in the estimate are recorded in the period in which such determination is made.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation—Income and expense accounts of the Company's non-U.S. operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into U.S. dollars using the current rate method, whereby operating results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period, and assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. Gains and losses on translation of these accounts and the Company's equity investment in its non-U.S. affiliates are accumulated and reported as a separate component of equity and other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions, including foreign currency denominated intercompany loans on entities with a functional currency in U.S. dollars, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Equity-Based Compensation	Equity-Based Compensation—The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in shares based on the grant date fair value of the award. The Company measures compensation expense for awards settled in cash, or that may be settled in cash, based on the fair value at each reporting date. The Company recognizes the expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period of the award.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share—Earnings per share is calculated under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, the Company treats restricted stock as a participating security due to its nonforfeitable right to dividends. Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly except that the computation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and restricted stock issuable under the Company's stock plans.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income—Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, the change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable equity securities, net changes in cash flow hedge, and pension and other postretirement plan adjustments.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations—A business is classified as a discontinued operation when (i) the operations and cash flows of the business can be clearly distinguished and have been or will be eliminated from the Company's ongoing operations; (ii) the business has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale; and (iii) the Company will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the business after the disposal transaction. The results of discontinued operations (as well as the gain or loss on the disposal) are aggregated and separately presented in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations, net of income taxes.

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Summary Of Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Operating revenues	$	34,769	$	133,013	$	243,691
Operating costs and expenses		42,133		176,454		340,098
Loss from discontinued operations		(7,364)		(43,441)		(96,407)
Benefit from income taxes		(2,834)		(16,369)		(31,400)
Net loss from discontinued operations		(4,530)		(27,072)		(65,007)
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations		2,975		(9,156)		―
Provision for income taxes on sale of discontinued operations		2,616		5,869		―
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	(4,171)	$	(42,097)	$	(65,007)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Total cost	$	169,271	$	223,064
Net unrealized gains		133,930		117,846
Total fair value	$	303,201	$	340,910

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)		2011		2010
Trade accounts receivable, less estimated returns, doubtful accounts and allowances
	of $50,225 and $70,181	$	375,577	$	379,480
Other accounts receivable			17,148		17,544
		$	392,725	$	397,024

Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	333,282	$	430,119
Accrued compensation and related benefits		161,759		196,069
	$	495,041	$	626,188

Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns Allowance for Advertising Rate Adjustments and Discounts [Table Text Block]


				Additions –				Balance
		Balance at		Charged to				at
		Beginning		Costs and				End of
(in thousands)		of Period		Expenses		Deductions		Period
Year Ended December 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	67,007	$	61,327	$	(80,135)	$	48,199
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and
	discounts		3,174		11,868		(13,016)		2,026
		$	70,181	$	73,195	$	(93,151)	$	50,225
Year Ended January 2, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	98,286	$	137,888	$	(169,167)	$	67,007
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts			8,495		12,216		(17,537)		3,174
		$	106,781	$	150,104	$	(186,704)	$	70,181
Year Ended January 3, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns		$	95,425	$	168,455	$	(165,594)	$	98,286
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts			9,228		24,208		(24,941)		8,495
		$	104,653	$	192,663	$	(190,535)	$	106,781

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Land	$	41,093	$	41,145
Buildings		350,939		350,051
Machinery, equipment and fixtures		2,479,823		2,401,128
Leasehold improvements		304,421		308,863
Construction in progress		95,173		91,330
		3,271,449		3,192,517
Less accumulated depreciation		(2,119,059)		(1,991,791)
	$	1,152,390	$	1,200,726

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Table Text Block]


				Cable		Newspaper		Television		Other
(in thousands)		Education		Television		Publishing		Broadcasting		Businesses		Total
Balance as of January 3, 2010
	Goodwill	$	1,073,852	$	85,488	$	81,186	$	203,165	$	97,342	$	1,541,033
	Accumulated impairment losses		(15,529)		―		(65,772)		―		(60,785)		(142,086)
			1,058,323		85,488		15,414		203,165		36,557		1,398,947
Acquisitions			4,200		―		―		―		2,810		7,010
Impairment			―		―		―		―		(24,634)		(24,634)
Dispositions			(19,851)		―		―		―		―		(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			14,888		―		(3)		―		―		14,885
Balance as of January 2, 2011
	Goodwill		1,073,089		85,488		81,183		203,165		100,152		1,543,077
	Accumulated impairment losses		(15,529)		―		(65,772)		―		(85,419)		(166,720)
			1,057,560		85,488		15,411		203,165		14,733		1,376,357
Acquisitions			78,643		―		―		―		―		78,643
Impairment			―		―		―		―		(11,923)		(11,923)
Dispositions			(21,144)		―		―		―		―		(21,144)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			(6,936)		―		―		―		―		(6,936)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
	Goodwill		1,116,615		85,488		81,183		203,165		100,152		1,586,603
	Accumulated impairment losses		(8,492)		―		(65,772)		―		(97,342)		(171,606)
		$	1,108,123	$	85,488	$	15,411	$	203,165	$	2,810	$	1,414,997

Other Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]


			As of December 31, 2011						As of January 2, 2011
			Gross				Net		Gross				Net
		Useful Life	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying
(in thousands)		Range	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amount		Amortization		Amount
Amortized intangible assets
	Noncompete agreements	2 – 5 years	$	14,493	$	10,764	$	3,729	$	43,940	$	33,570	$	10,370
	Student and customer relationships	2 – 10 years		75,734		47,888		27,846		66,510		41,958		24,552
	Databases and technology	3 – 5 years		10,514		8,159		2,355		10,514		2,921		7,593
	Trade names and trademarks	2 – 10 years		36,222		18,936		17,286		29,053		15,330		13,723
	Other	1 – 25 years		9,971		6,565		3,406		11,502		6,498		5,004
			$	146,934	$	92,312	$	54,622	$	161,519	$	100,277	$	61,242
Indefinite-lived intangible assets
	Franchise agreements		$	496,321					$	496,166
	Wireless licenses			22,150						22,150
	Licensure and accreditation			7,862						7,877
	Other			4,308						4,623
			$	530,641					$	530,816

Education [Member]

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Table Text Block]


		Higher		Test		Kaplan		Kaplan
(in thousands)		Education		Preparation		International		Ventures		Total
Balance as of January 3, 2010
	Goodwill	$	335,226	$	236,779	$	432,973	$	68,874	$	1,073,852
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		―		―		(15,529)		(15,529)
			335,226		236,779		432,973		53,345		1,058,323
Reallocation, net			―		(14,534)		―		14,534		―
Acquisitions			―		―		201		3,999		4,200
Dispositions			―		―		―		(19,851)		(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			―		204		11,766		2,918		14,888
Balance as of January 2, 2011
	Goodwill		335,226		229,486		444,940		63,437		1,073,089
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		(7,037)		―		(8,492)		(15,529)
			335,226		222,449		444,940		54,945		1,057,560
Reallocation, net			91,043		(70,262)		―		(20,781)		―
Acquisitions			422		―		74,803		3,418		78,643
Dispositions			(17,479)		―		―		(3,665)		(21,144)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other			(84)		―		(3,807)		(3,045)		(6,936)
Balance as of December 31, 2011
	Goodwill		409,128		152,187		515,936		39,364		1,116,615
	Accumulated impairment losses		―		―		―		(8,492)		(8,492)
		$	409,128	$	152,187	$	515,936	$	30,872	$	1,108,123

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Schedule of Income from continuing operations before income taxes, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
United States (U.S.)	$	207,527	$	518,769	$	245,532
Non-U.S.		10,101		19,348		(325)
	$	217,628	$	538,117	$	245,207

Schedule of provision for income taxes on income from continuing operations [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	Current		Deferred		Total
2011
U.S. Federal	$	40,365	$	26,635	$	67,000
State and Local		11,862		9,132		20,994
Non-U.S.		9,129		(823)		8,306
	$	61,356	$	34,944	$	96,300

2010
U.S. Federal	$	135,671	$	10,162	$	145,833
State and Local		28,737		33,390		62,127
Non-U.S.		11,030		(990)		10,040
	$	175,438	$	42,562	$	218,000

2009
U.S. Federal	$	75,231	$	2,685	$	77,916
State and Local		18,477		(13,445)		5,032
Non-U.S.		8,429		(2,377)		6,052
	$	102,137	$	(13,137)	$	89,000

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate		$	76,170	$	188,341	$	85,822
State and local taxes (benefit), net of U.S. Federal tax			4,034		26,526		(4,508)
Valuation allowances against state tax benefits, net of U.S. Federal tax			9,748		13,856		7,414
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions at less
	than the expected U.S. Federal statutory tax rate		(6,882)		(4,327)		(1,035)
Valuation allowances against non-U.S. income tax benefits			8,072		2,921		254
Goodwill impairments			4,173		8,066		2,972
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax expense (benefit)			1,365		(8,419)		-
Other, net			(380)		(8,964)		(1,919)
Provision for income taxes		$	96,300	$	218,000	$	89,000

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accrued postretirement benefits	$	28,525	$	27,012
Other benefit obligations		112,646		118,039
Accounts receivable		28,047		33,853
State income tax loss carryforwards		34,506		27,674
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards		6,301		8,120
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards		14,906		10,827
Other		60,881		39,524
Deferred tax assets		285,812		265,049
Valuation allowances		(59,179)		(41,359)
Deferred tax assets, net	$	226,633	$	223,690
Property, plant and equipment		200,054		187,934
Prepaid pension cost		213,663		214,470
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities		53,588		47,148
Goodwill and other intangible assets		291,346		265,225
Deferred tax liabilities	$	758,651	$	714,777
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	532,018	$	491,087

Schedule of changes in deferred tax valuation allowances [Table Text Block]


			Additions –
			Charged
	Balance at		to				Balance at
	Beginning		Costs and				End of
(in thousands)	of Period		Expenses		Deductions		Period
Year ended
December 31, 2011	$	41,359	$	17,820		-	$	59,179
January 2, 2011	$	26,239	$	16,777	$	(1,657)	$	41,359
January 3, 2010	$	13,197	$	13,042		-	$	26,239

State [Member]

Schedule of income tax carryforwards [Table Text Block]


(in millions)
2012	$	2.6
2013		7.0
2014		18.4
2015		8.0
2016		4.3
2017 and after		628.7
Total	$	669.0

U.S. Federal [Member]

Schedule of income tax carryforwards [Table Text Block]


(in millions)
2012	$	5.2
2013		5.2
2014		0.9
2015		0.7
2016		0.7
2017 and after		5.2
Total	$	17.9

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to net realizable value, including identification of the deferred tax asset more likely than not will not be fully realized and the corresponding amount of the valuation allowance.

+ References + Details

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Components of Debt [Table Text Block]


	December 31.		January 2.
(in thousands)	2011		2011
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$	397,065	$	396,650
Commercial paper borrowings		109,671		―
AUD 50M borrowing		51,012		―
Other indebtedness		7,464		3,000
Total		565,212		399,650
Less: current portion		(112,983)		(3,000)
Total long-term debt	$	452,229	$	396,650

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

+ Details

Capital Stock, Stock Awards. And Stock Options (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract]


	2011			2010			2009
	Number	Average		Number	Average		Number	Average
	of	Award		of	Award		of	Award
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Beginning of year, unvested	48,359	$	498.95	66,020	$	494.97	32,785	$	796.52
Awarded	44,030		432.09	1,859		442.29	48,440		415.08
Vested	(13,132)		722.67	(2,644)		754.81	(13,386)		920.32
Forfeited	(1,938)		436.31	(16,876)		437.06	(1,819)		672.40
End of year, unvested	77,319	$	424.45	48,359	$	498.95	66,020	$	494.97

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]


	2011			2010			2009
	Number	Average		Number	Average		Number	Average
	of	Option		of	Option		of	Option
	Shares	Price		Shares	Price		Shares	Price
Beginning of year	87,919	$	495.05	90,569	$	525.44	87,025	$	581.17
Granted	51,000		499.45	22,500		395.68	24,294		421.95
Expired or forfeited	(9,875)		519.04	(25,150)		515.59	(20,750)		637.99
End of year	129,044	$	494.95	87,919	$	495.05	90,569	$	525.44


	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
		Weighted				Weighted
	Shares	Average	Weighted		Shares	Average	Weighted
Range of	Outstanding	Remaining	Average		Exercisable	Remaining	Average
Exercise	at	Contractual	Exercise		at	Contractual	Exercise
Prices	12/31/2011	Life (yrs.)	Price		12/31/2011	Life (yrs.)	Price
$343–396	36,250	8.4	$	385.62	14,938	7.8	$	380.08
419–439	23,294	8.0		423.25	11,647	8.0		423.25
503	50,000	10.0		502.58	―	―		―
652	2,000	7.0		651.91	1,500	7.0		651.91
729–763	13,000	3.4		731.94	13,000	3.4		731.94
816	1,500	2.0		816.05	1,500	2.0		816.05
954	3,000	3.0		953.50	3,000	3.0		953.50
	129,044	8.2	$	494.95	45,585	6.1	$	552.49

Fair Value of Options Assumptions [Table Text Block]


	2011	2010
Expected life (years)	7	7
Interest rate	1.49%―2.85%	2.51%
Volatility	30.35%―31.24%	30.19%
Dividend yield	2.11%―2.74%	2.27%

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]


		Fiscal Year Ended
		December 31,		January 2,		January 3,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)		2011		2011		2010
Income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	120,404	$	319,289	$	156,853
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities			(1,211)		(1,970)		(1,075)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	119,193	$	317,319	$	155,778

Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities			1,211		1,970		1,075
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$	120,404	$	319,289	$	156,853

Basic weighted average shares outstanding			7,826		8,869		9,332
Effect of dilutive shares:
	Stock options and restricted stock		79		62		60
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			7,905		8,931		9,392

Income per share from continuing operations attributable to
	The Washington Post Company common stockholders
Basic		$	15.23	$	35.77	$	16.70
Diluted		$	15.23	$	35.75	$	16.70

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of components of a stock option or other award plan under which equity-based compensation is awarded to employees, typically comprised of the amount of unearned compensation (deferred compensation cost), compensation expense, and changes in the quantity and fair value of the shares (or other type of equity) granted, exercised, forfeited, and issued and outstanding pertaining to that plan. Disclosure may also include nature and general terms of such arrangements that existed during the period and potential effects of those arrangements on shareholders, effect of compensation cost arising from equity-based payment arrangements on the income statement, method of estimating the fair value of the goods or services received, or the fair value of the equity instruments granted, during the period, cash flow effects resulting from equity-based payment arrangements and, for registrants that accelerate vesting of out of the money share options, reasons for the decision to accelerate.

+ References + Details

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At December 31, 2011
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments		$	120,101	$	43,166	$	163,267
Equity securities
	U.S. equities		1,249,079		―		1,249,079
	International equities		381,924		―		381,924
Fixed-income securities
	U.S. Federal agency mortgage-backed securities		―		1,071		1,071
	Corporate debt securities		―		9,203		9,203
	Other fixed income		2,531		8,121		10,652
Total investments		$	1,753,635	$	61,561	$	1,815,196
Receivables							1,381
Total						$	1,816,577


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At January 2, 2011
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments		$	207,929	$	68,091	$	276,020
Equity securities
	U.S. equities		1,090,693		―		1,090,693
	International equities		250,604		―		250,604
Fixed-income securities
	U.S. Federal agency mortgage-backed securities		―		1,699		1,699
	Corporate debt securities		―		15,854		15,854
	Other fixed income		7,106		8,338		15,444
Total investments		$	1,556,332	$	93,982	$	1,650,314
Receivables							1,644
Total						$	1,651,958

Pension Plans [Member]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,113,205	$	1,031,371
Service cost		27,619		26,976
Interest cost		60,033		60,329
Amendments		2,776		5,295
Actuarial loss		140,126		53,822
Benefits paid and other		(64,444)		(64,588)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	1,279,315	$	1,113,205
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	1,651,958	$	1,440,816
Actual return on plan assets		229,063		275,730
Benefits paid and other		(64,444)		(64,588)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	1,816,577	$	1,651,958
Funded status	$	537,262	$	538,753

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]


		Pension Plans
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	27,619	$	26,976	$	29,214
Interest cost			60,033		60,329		56,994
Expected return on assets			(95,983)		(95,340)		(98,780)
Amortization of transition asset			―		(29)		(42)
Amortization of prior service cost			3,605		4,201		4,505
Recognized actuarial loss			―		―		40
Net periodic benefit for the year			(4,726)		(3,863)		(8,069)
Early retirement programs expense			634		―		64,541
Special termination benefits			―		5,295		―
Recognition of prior service cost			―		2,369		―
Total (benefit) cost for the year		$	(4,092)	$	3,801	$	56,472
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations
	Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss (gain)		$	7,046	$	(126,568)	$	(141,362)
Amortization of transition asset			―		29		42
Amortization of prior service cost			(1,463)		(6,570)		(4,505)
Recognized actuarial loss			―		―		(40)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)		$	5,583	$	(133,109)	$	(145,865)
Total recognized in total cost (benefit) and other
	comprehensive income (before tax effects)	$	1,491	$	(129,308)	$	(89,393)

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]


	SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	79,403	$	73,845
Service cost		1,655		1,381
Interest cost		4,342		4,244
Amendments		369		―
Actuarial loss		9,059		2,847
Benefits paid and other		(1,965)		(2,914)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	92,863	$	79,403
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	―	$	―
Employer contributions and other		3,114		2,914
Benefits paid		(3,114)		(2,914)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	―	$	―
Funded status	$	(92,863)	$	(79,403)

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]


		SERP
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	1,655	$	1,381	$	1,334
Interest cost			4,342		4,244		4,128
Plan amendment			369		―		―
Amortization of prior service cost			260		406		446
Recognized actuarial loss			1,411		1,068		1,676
Total cost for the year		$	8,037	$	7,099	$	7,584
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in
	Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss		$	9,059	$	2,656	$	2,778
Amortization of prior service cost			(260)		(406)		(446)
Recognized net actuarial loss			(1,411)		(877)		(1,676)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)		$	7,388	$	1,373	$	656
Total recognized in total cost and other comprehensive
	income (before tax effects)	$	15,425	$	8,472	$	8,240

Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation [Member]

Allocation of the Assets of the Company's Pension Plans [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plan Asset Allocations
	December 31,			December 31,
	2011			2010
U.S. equities		69	%		66	%
U.S. fixed income		10	%		19	%
International equities		21	%		15	%
Total		100	%		100	%

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]


	Postretirement Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	68,818	$	79,031
Service cost		2,872		3,275
Interest cost		3,063		3,934
Amendments		―		(6,336)
Actuarial gain		(55)		(3,073)
Curtailment gain		―		(3,630)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy		(2,286)		(4,383)
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	72,412	$	68,818
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	―	$	―
Employer contributions		2,286		4,383
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy		(2,286)		(4,383)
Fair value of assets at end of year	$	―	$	―
Funded status	$	(72,412)	$	(68,818)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]


	Postretirement Plans
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Current liability	$	(4,548)	$	(4,476)
Noncurrent liability		(67,864)		(64,342)
Recognized liability	$	(72,412)	$	(68,818)

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]


	Postretirement
(in millions)	Plans
2012		$	4.5
2013		$	4.8
2014		$	5.1
2015		$	5.3
2016		$	5.6
2017–2021		$	29.8

Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]


		Postretirement Plans
	(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Service cost		$	2,872	$	3,275	$	3,871
Interest cost			3,063		3,934		4,168
Amortization of prior service credit			(5,650)		(5,026)		(4,607)
Recognized actuarial gain			(1,921)		(2,032)		(3,128)
Net periodic (benefit) cost			(1,636)		151		304
Curtailment gain			―		(8,583)		(8,353)
Total benefit for the year		$	(1,636)	$	(8,432)	$	(8,049)
Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations in other comprehensive income:
Current year actuarial (gain) loss		$	(55)	$	(3,073)	$	10,673
Current year prior service credit			―		(6,336)		(1,399)
Amortization of prior service credit			5,650		5,026		4,607
Recognized actuarial gain			1,921		2,032		3,128
Curtailment loss (gain)			―		4,953		(719)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effect)		$	7,516	$	2,602	$	16,290
Total recognized in net periodic cost (benefit) and other comprehensive income
	(before tax effect)	$	5,880	$	(5,830)	$	8,241

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Unrecognized actuarial gain	$	(15,510)	$	(17,376)
Unrecognized prior service credit		(31,736)		(37,386)
Gross amount		(47,246)		(54,762)
Deferred tax liability		18,898		21,905
Net amount	$	(28,348)	$	(32,857)

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2012
Actuarial gain recognition	$	(1,479)
Prior service credit recognition	$	(5,607)

Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]


	1%		1%
(in thousands)	Increase		Decrease
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	5,934	$	(5,268)
Service cost plus interest cost	$	728	$	(626)

Pension Plans and SERP [Member]

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plans				SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Noncurrent asset	$	537,262	$	538,753	$	―	$	―
Current liability		―		―		(4,002)		(3,601)
Noncurrent liability		―		―		(88,861)		(75,802)
Recognized asset (liability)	$	537,262	$	538,753	$	(92,863)	$	(79,403)

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]


(in millions)	Pension Plans		SERP
2012	$	70.9	$	4.3
2013	$	69.2	$	4.5
2014	$	69.2	$	4.8
2015	$	69.1	$	4.9
2016	$	70.1	$	5.5
2017–2021	$	375.2	$	29.8

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plans				SERP
(in thousands)	2011		2010		2011		2010
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(105,051)	$	(112,096)	$	26,385	$	18,742
Unrecognized prior service cost		19,626		21,089		245		506
Gross amount		(85,425)		(91,007)		26,630		19,248
Deferred tax liability (asset)		34,170		36,403		(10,652)		(7,698)
Net amount	$	(51,255)	$	(54,604)	$	15,978	$	11,550

Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]


		2012
(in thousands)	Pension Plans			SERP
Actuarial loss recognition		$	6,281	$	2,298
Prior service cost recognition		$	3,695	$	54

Pension Plans and SERP [Member] | Periodic Cost [Member]

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plans			SERP
	2011	2010	2009	2011	2010	2009
Discount rate	5.6%	6.0%	5.75%	5.6%	6.0%	5.75%
Expected return on plan assets	6.5%	6.5%	6.5%	―	―	―
Rate of compensation increase	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%

Pension Plans and SERP [Member] | Benefit Obligation [Member]

Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]


	Pension Plans		SERP
	2011	2010	2011	2010
Discount rate	4.7%	5.6%	4.7%	5.6%
Rate of compensation increase	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%	4.0%

Leases and Other Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)
2012	$	135,911
2013		116,435
2014		99,335
2015		78,955
2016		69,597
Thereafter		243,736
	$	743,969

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security	$	(53,793)	$	―	$	―
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net		(3,263)		6,705		16,871
Gain on sale of a cost method investment		4,031		―		―
Impairment write-downs on cost method investments		(3,612)		―		(3,800)
Other, net		1,437		810		126
Total	$	(55,200)	$	7,515	$	13,197

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]


(in thousands)		Level 1		Level 2		Total
At December 31, 2011
Assets:
Money market investments⁽¹⁾		$	―	$	180,136	$	180,136
Marketable equity securities⁽²⁾			303,201		―		303,201
Other current investments⁽³⁾			15,223		20,250		35,473
Interest rate swap⁽⁴⁾			―		14		14
	Total financial assets	$	318,424	$	200,400	$	518,824

Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾		$	―	$	63,403	$	63,403
7.25% unsecured notes⁽⁶⁾			―		460,500		460,500
AUD 50M borrowing⁽⁶⁾			―		51,012		51,012
	Total financial liabilities	$	―	$	574,915	$	574,915


At January 2, 2011
Assets:
Money market investments⁽¹⁾		$	―	$	308,927	$	308,927
Marketable equity securities⁽²⁾			340,910		―		340,910
Other current investments⁽³⁾			11,835		21,005		32,840
	Total financial assets	$	352,745	$	329,932	$	682,677

Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾		$	―	$	69,226	$	69,226
7.25% unsecured notes⁽⁶⁾			―		457,200		457,200
	Total financial liabilities	$	―	$	526,426	$	526,426

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Text Block]


		Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	2,465,048	$	2,862,279	$	2,576,162
	Cable television		760,221		759,884		750,409
	Newspaper publishing		648,039		680,373		679,282
	Television broadcasting		319,206		342,164		272,651
	Other businesses		26,135		46,395		53,921
	Corporate office		-		-		-
	Intersegment elimination		(3,816)		(7,054)		(6,385)
		$	4,214,833	$	4,684,041	$	4,326,040
Income (loss) from operations
	Education	$	89,434	$	346,733	$	227,281
	Cable television		156,844		163,945		169,051
	Newspaper publishing		(18,200)		(9,826)		(163,549)
	Television broadcasting		117,089		121,348		70,506
	Other businesses		(34,787)		(34,966)		(61)
	Corporate office		(14,422)		(24,572)		(12,829)
		$	295,958	$	562,662	$	290,399
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net			5,949		(4,133)		(29,421)
Interest expense, net			(29,079)		(27,927)		(28,968)
Other (expense) income, net			(55,200)		7,515		13,197
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		$	217,628	$	538,117	$	245,207
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
	Education	$	87,718	$	77,306	$	80,403
	Cable television		126,302		124,834		124,207
	Newspaper publishing		26,336		30,341		72,870
	Television broadcasting		12,448		12,720		12,299
	Other businesses		325		270		151
	Corporate office		244		1,159		679
		$	253,373	$	246,630	$	290,609
Amortization of intangible assets
	Education	$	21,167	$	21,406	$	21,191
	Cable television		267		327		310
	Newspaper publishing		1,051		1,223		1,010
	Television broadcasting		-		-		-
	Other businesses		5,874		3,786		3,099
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	28,359	$	26,742	$	25,610
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
	Education	$	-	$	-	$	8,492
	Cable television		-		-		-
	Newspaper publishing		-		-		-
	Television broadcasting		-		-		-
	Other businesses		11,923		27,477		-
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	11,923	$	27,477	$	8,492
Net pension credit (expense)
	Education	$	(6,345)	$	(5,707)	$	(5,414)
	Cable television		(1,924)		(1,919)		(1,851)
	Newspaper publishing⁽¹⁾		(25,300)		(42,287)		(75,925)
	Television broadcasting		(1,669)		(1,113)		(418)
	Other businesses		(68)		(65)		(82)
	Corporate office		36,983		34,599		33,836
		$	1,677	$	(16,492)	$	(49,854)
Capital expenditures
	Education	$	54,633	$	113,780	$	104,282
	Cable television		143,225		109,579		84,027
	Newspaper publishing		11,405		10,590		18,856
	Television broadcasting		6,415		6,675		13,559
	Other businesses		163		463		926
	Corporate office		-		-		-
		$	215,841	$	241,087	$	221,650
Identifiable assets
	Education	$	2,176,240	$	2,197,277	$	2,188,328
	Cable television		1,145,596		1,141,427		1,164,209
	Newspaper publishing		118,253		206,305		207,234
	Television broadcasting		421,764		436,289		433,705
	Other businesses		11,190		30,038		54,418
	Corporate office		823,641		774,484		729,706
		$	4,696,684	$	4,785,820	$	4,777,600
Investments in marketable equity securities			303,201		340,910		353,884
Investments in affiliates			17,101		31,637		54,722
Total Assets		$	5,016,986	$	5,158,367	$	5,186,206

(1) Includes a $2.4 million and $20.4 million charge in 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan.


		Fiscal Year Ended
(in thousands)		2011		2010		2009
Operating Revenues
	Higher education	$	1,399,582	$	1,905,038	$	1,653,276
	Test preparation⁽¹⁾		303,093		314,879		336,788
	Kaplan international		690,225		585,924		537,238
	Kaplan ventures		74,946		59,296		57,210
	Kaplan corporate and other		4,585		5,537		2,436
	Intersegment elimination		(7,383)		(8,395)		(10,786)
		$	2,465,048	$	2,862,279	$	2,576,162
Income (loss) from operations
	Higher education	$	148,915	$	406,880	$	284,357
	Test preparation⁽¹⁾		(28,498)		(32,583)		(18,029)
	Kaplan international		46,498		56,152		53,772
	Kaplan ventures		(10,093)		(17,490)		(9,286)
	Kaplan corporate and other		(66,268)		(65,992)		(83,843)
	Intersegment elimination		(1,120)		(234)		310
		$	89,434	$	346,733	$	227,281
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
	Higher education	$	48,379	$	42,412	$	42,813
	Test preparation		15,489		14,095		17,941
	Kaplan international		16,747		12,839		11,438
	Kaplan ventures		4,189		4,109		3,911
	Kaplan corporate and other		2,914		3,851		4,300
		$	87,718	$	77,306	$	80,403
Amortization of intangible assets		$	21,167	$	21,406	$	21,191
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		$	-	$	-	$	8,492
Kaplan stock-based incentive compensation (credit) expense		$	(1,290)	$	(1,179)	$	933
Capital Expenditures
	Higher education	$	19,735	$	58,660	$	69,131
	Test preparation		17,266		32,798		15,900
	Kaplan international		16,304		14,163		13,900
	Kaplan ventures		2,762		3,050		3,710
	Kaplan corporate and other		(1,434)		5,109		1,641
		$	54,633	$	113,780	$	104,282
Identifiable assets
	Higher education	$	936,029	$	1,043,503	$	1,018,256
	Test preparation		334,343		290,368		285,673
	Kaplan international		809,267		675,127		671,250
	Kaplan ventures		89,043		93,359		58,421
	Kaplan corporate and other		7,558		94,920		154,728
		$	2,176,240	$	2,197,277	$	2,188,328

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]


(in thousands, except per share amounts)		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011 Quarterly Operating Results
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	626,631	$	624,844	$	615,884	$	597,689
	Advertising		177,384		193,352		170,553		213,255
	Circulation and subscriber		214,523		216,607		212,144		213,183
	Other		31,076		34,337		34,059		39,312
			1,049,614		1,069,140		1,032,640		1,063,439
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating		481,313		506,049		504,001		481,805
	Selling, general and administrative		443,876		411,610		393,508		403,058
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		63,021		63,690		62,644		64,018
	Amortization of intangible assets		6,164		6,779		8,603		6,813
	Impairment of goodwill		―		―		11,923		―
			994,374		988,128		980,679		955,694
Income from Operations			55,240		81,012		51,961		107,745
	Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net		3,737		3,138		(1,494)		568
	Interest income		982		997		994		1,174
	Interest expense		(7,961)		(7,960)		(8,667)		(8,638)
	Other (expense) income, net		(24,032)		(2,591)		(29,650)		1,073
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			27,966		74,596		13,144		101,922
Provision for Income Taxes			10,400		27,500		16,600		41,800
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations			17,566		47,096		(3,456)		60,122
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			(1,937)		(1,333)		(2,510)		1,609
Net Income (Loss)			15,629		45,763		(5,966)		61,731
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			(14)		40		(16)		(17)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company		15,615		45,803		(5,982)		61,714
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			(461)		(230)		(226)		―
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders	$	15,154	$	45,573	$	(6,208)	$	61,714

Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations		$	17,091	$	46,906	$	(3,698)	$	60,105
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(1,937)		(1,333)		(2,510)		1,609
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company
	common stockholders	$	15,154	$	45,573	$	(6,208)	$	61,714

Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations		$	2.11	$	5.91	$	(0.50)	$	7.82
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.24)		(0.17)		(0.32)		0.21
Basic net income (loss) per common share		$	1.87	$	5.74	$	(0.82)	$	8.03

Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing
	operations	$	2.11	$	5.91	$	(0.50)	$	7.82
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.24)		(0.17)		(0.32)		0.21
Diluted net income (loss) per common share		$	1.87	$	5.74	$	(0.82)	$	8.03
Basic average number of common shares outstanding			8,046		7,852		7,802		7,601
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding			8,119		7,933		7,802		7,682
2011 quarterly comprehensive income (loss)		$	40,894	$	37,040	$	(41,225)	$	63,512

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to rounding.


(in thousands, except per share amount)		First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2010 Quarterly Operating Results
Operating Revenues
	Education	$	694,078	$	739,129	$	737,131	$	691,941
	Advertising		184,182		207,241		200,532		241,650
	Circulation and subscriber		213,454		215,995		213,377		214,464
	Other		33,013		31,253		32,495		34,106
			1,124,727		1,193,618		1,183,535		1,182,161
Operating Costs and Expenses
	Operating		471,542		477,248		479,526		503,260
	Selling, general and administrative		478,908		480,412		471,897		457,737
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment		61,307		60,872		60,752		63,699
	Amortization of intangible assets		6,403		7,492		6,409		6,438
	Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets		―		―		27,477		―
			1,018,160		1,026,024		1,046,061		1,031,134
Income from Operations			106,567		167,594		137,474		151,027
	Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net		(8,109)		2,027		2,140		(191)
	Interest income		326		599		600		1,051
	Interest expense		(7,579)		(7,598)		(7,633)		(7,693)
	Other (expense) income, net		(3,321)		(3,807)		12,486		2,157
Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes			87,884		158,815		145,067		146,351
Provision for Income Taxes			33,700		56,700		59,400		68,200
Income from Continuing Operations			54,184		102,115		85,667		78,151
(Loss) Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax			(8,356)		(9,988)		(24,591)		838
Net Income			45,828		92,127		61,076		78,989
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests			12		8		76		(2)
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company			45,840		92,135		61,152		78,987
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends			(461)		(231)		(230)		―
Net Income Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders	$	45,379	$	91,904	$	60,922	$	78,987

Amounts Attributable to The Washington Post Company
	Common Stockholders
Income from continuing operations		$	53,735	$	101,892	$	85,513	$	78,149
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax			(8,356)		(9,988)		(24,591)		838
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company
	common stockholders	$	45,379	$	91,904	$	60,922	$	78,987

Per Share Information Attributable to The Washington Post
	Company Common Stockholders
Basic income per common share from continuing operations		$	5.81	$	11.08	$	9.61	$	9.32
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.90)		(1.08)		(2.76)		0.10
Basic net income per common share		$	4.91	$	10.00	$	6.85	$	9.42

Diluted income per common share from continuing operations		$	5.81	$	11.08	$	9.60	$	9.32
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued
	operations		(0.90)		(1.08)		(2.76)		0.10
Diluted net income per common share		$	4.91	$	10.00	$	6.84	$	9.42
Basic average number of common shares outstanding			9,175		9,126		8,839		8,336
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding			9,241		9,193		8,904		8,385
2010 quarterly comprehensive income		$	91,370	$	33,291	$	83,421	$	147,552

The sum of the four quarters may not necessarily be equal to the annual amounts reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations due to rounding.

Schedule Of Quarterly Impact From Certain Items [Table Text Block]


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
Charges of $18.1 million in connection with severance and restructuring at
	Kaplan ($1.4 million, $7.3 million, $3.5 million and $6.0 million in the first, second,
	third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.18)	$	(0.91)	$	(0.44)	$	(0.77)
Charge of $1.5 million recorded at the newspaper publishing division in connection
	with the withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan							$	(0.19)
Goodwill impairment charge of $11.9 million at the Company's online lead
	generation business					$	(1.51)
Impairment charges of $5.7 million at one of the Company’s affiliates						$	(0.72)
Write-down of a marketable equity security of $34.6 million ($19.8 million and
	$14.9 million in the first and third quarters, respectively)	$	(2.44)			$	(1.89)
Losses, net, of $2.1 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains
	(losses) ($1.7 million gain, $0.2 million gain, $4.2 million loss and $0.3 million
	gain in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	0.21	$	0.03	$	(0.54)	$	0.03


		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
Charge of $12.7 million in connection with the withdrawal from a multiemployer
	pension plan at The Washington Post ($11.0 million and $1.6 million in the			$	(1.19)	$	(0.18)
	second and third quarters, respectively)
Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charge of $26.3 million at the
	Company’s online lead generation business, included in other businesses					$	(2.96)
Charges of $24.2 million in connection with severance and restructuring ($2.9 million,
	$2.0 million and $19.3 million in the first, second, and fourth quarter, respectively)	$	(0.31)	$	(0.22)			$	(2.31)
Gains, net, of $4.2 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses)
	($2.2 million loss, $2.3 million loss, $7.5 million gain and $1.2 million gain in the
	first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.23)	$	(0.25)	$	0.84	$	0.14

Organization and Nature of Operations (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization And Nature Of Operations [Abstract]
Number of television broadcast stations	6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 year
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Useful Life, maximum (in years)	10
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum	3
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum	20
Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum	20
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum	50

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Newsweek [Member]
Accelerated depreciation and property, plant and equipment write-downs			$ 4.7
Pension credit excluded from reclass			$ 25.8	$ 34.6
Kaplan Virtual Education [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax		$ (1.2)
Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member]
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	$ 1.5

- Definition

Gain (loss) after tax expense or benefit, not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Summarized Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Operating revenues									$ 34,769	$ 133,013	$ 243,691
Operating costs and expenses									42,133	176,454	340,098
Loss from discontinued operations									(7,364)	(43,441)	(96,407)
Benefit from income taxes									(2,834)	(16,369)	(31,400)
Net loss from discontinued operations									(4,530)	(27,072)	(65,007)
Loss on sale of discontinued operations									2,975	(9,156)	0
Provision for income taxes on sale of discontinued operations									2,616	5,869	0
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 1,609	$ (2,510)	$ (1,333)	$ (1,937)	$ 838	$ (24,591)	$ (9,988)	$ (8,356)	$ (4,171)	$ (42,097)	$ (65,007)

- Definition

Pretax gain (loss), not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Income tax expense or benefit attributable to Income or Loss from discontinued operations during the phase-out period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tax expense or benefit on the gain (loss), not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References + Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Discontinued Operations (Operating Results After Reclassifying Certain Operations As Discontinued Operations) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Education	$ 597,689	$ 615,884	$ 624,844	$ 626,631	$ 691,941	$ 737,131	$ 739,129	$ 694,078	$ 2,465,048	$ 2,862,279	$ 2,576,162
Advertising	213,255	170,553	193,352	177,384	241,650	200,532	207,241	184,182	754,544	833,605	778,158
Circulation and subscriber revenue	213,183	212,144	216,607	214,523	214,464	213,377	215,995	213,454	856,457	857,290	845,848
Other	39,312	34,059	34,337	31,076	34,106	32,495	31,253	33,013	138,784	130,867	125,872
Total operating revenues	1,063,439	1,032,640	1,069,140	1,049,614	1,182,161	1,183,535	1,193,618	1,124,727	4,214,833	4,684,041	4,326,040
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating	481,805	504,001	506,049	481,313	503,260	479,526	477,248	471,542	1,973,168	1,931,576	1,879,214
Selling, general and administrative	403,058	393,508	411,610	443,876	457,737	471,897	480,412	478,908	1,652,052	1,888,954	1,831,716
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	64,018	62,644	63,690	63,021	63,699	60,752	60,872	61,307	253,373	246,630	290,609
Amortization of intangible assets	6,813	8,603	6,779	6,164	6,438	6,409	7,492	6,403	28,359	26,742	25,610
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets					0	27,477	0	0		27,477
Total operating costs and expenses	955,694	980,679	988,128	994,374	1,031,134	1,046,061	1,026,024	1,018,160	3,918,875	4,121,379	4,035,641
Operating income	107,745	51,961	81,012	55,240	151,027	137,474	167,594	106,567	295,958	562,662	290,399
Other income (expense) [Abstract]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates	568	(1,494)	3,138	3,737	(191)	2,140	2,027	(8,109)	5,949	(4,133)	(29,421)
Interest income	1,174	994	997	982	1,051	600	599	326	4,147	2,576	2,597
Interest expense	(8,638)	(8,667)	(7,960)	(7,961)	(7,693)	(7,633)	(7,598)	(7,579)	(33,226)	(30,503)	(31,565)
Other, net	1,073	(29,650)	(2,591)	(24,032)	2,157	12,486	(3,807)	(3,321)	(55,200)	7,515	13,197
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	101,922	13,144	74,596	27,966	146,351	145,067	158,815	87,884	217,628	538,117	245,207
Provision for income taxes	41,800	16,600	27,500	10,400	68,200	59,400	56,700	33,700	96,300	218,000	89,000
Income from continuing operations	60,122	(3,456)	47,096	17,566	78,151	85,667	102,115	54,184	121,328	320,117	156,207
(Loss) gain from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net Income (Loss)	61,731	(5,966)	45,763	15,629	78,989	61,076	92,127	45,828	117,157	278,020	91,200
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(17)	(16)	40	(14)	(2)	76	8	12	(7)	94	1,574
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company	61,714	(5,982)	45,803	15,615	78,987	61,152	92,135	45,840	117,150	278,114	92,774
Redeemable preferred stock dividends	0	(226)	(230)	(461)	0	(230)	(231)	(461)	(917)	(922)	(928)
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	61,714	(6,208)	45,573	15,154	78,987	60,922	91,904	45,379	116,233	277,192	91,846
Amount Attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	60,105	(3,698)	46,906	17,091	78,149	85,513	101,892	53,735	120,404	319,289	156,853
(Loss) gain from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net income attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 61,714	$ (6,208)	$ 45,573	$ 15,154	$ 78,987	$ 60,922	$ 91,904	$ 45,379	$ 116,233	$ 277,192	$ 91,846
Per share information attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders:
Basic income from common share from continuing operations	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.61	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.77	$ 16.70
Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Basic net income per common share	8.03	(0.82)	5.74	1.87	9.42	6.85	10.00	4.91	14.70	31.06	9.78
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations	7.82	(0.50)	5.91	2.11	9.32	9.60	11.08	5.81	15.23	35.75	16.70
Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Diluted net income per common share	$ 8.03	$ (0.82)	$ 5.74	$ 1.87	$ 9.42	$ 6.84	$ 10.00	$ 4.91	$ 14.70	$ 31.04	$ 9.78

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 02, 2011

Apr. 03, 2011

Sep. 27, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Jan. 03, 2010

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Company's investments in marketable equity securities

$ 303,201

^[1]

$ 340,910

^[1]

$ 353,884

Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security

53,793

Impairment charge on the Company's investment in affiliate

9,200

27,400

Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Company's investments in marketable equity securities

$ 286,400

$ 300,700

Percentage of total fair value of the Company's investments

94.00%

88.00%

Percentage Of Common Stock Held By Investee Company

23.00%

Percentage Of Investment Held In Investee Company

less than 1%

Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains

$ 129,100

$ 143,400

Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Shares held in investee company

2,214

Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] | Class B Common Stock [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Shares held in investee company

424,250

Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities

$ 10,800

Corinthian Colleges, Inc. [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Company's investments in marketable equity securities

$ 16,800

Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security

$ 23,100

$ 30,700

Bowater Mersey Paper Company [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

49.00%

Impairment charge on the Company's investment in affiliate

$ 9,200

$ 27,400

Classified Ventures LLC [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

16.50%

Other immaterial affiliate [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Impairment charge on the Company's investment in affiliate

$ 1,600

[1]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

Investments (Investments in Marketable Equity Securities) (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Jan. 03, 2010

Investments [Abstract]

Total cost

$ 169,271

$ 223,064

Net unrealized gains

133,930

117,846

Total fair value

$ 303,201

^[1]

$ 340,910

^[1]

$ 353,884

[1]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

- Definition

Equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading which are intended be sold within one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 4, 5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 25
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562

+ Details

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, less estimated returns, doubtful accounts and allowances				$ 375,577	$ 379,480
Other accounts receivable				17,148	17,544
Accounts receivable, net				392,725	397,024
Returns, doubtful accounts and allowances	$ 70,181	$ 70,181	$ 106,781	50,225	70,181
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities				333,282	430,119
Accrued compensation and related benefits				161,759	196,069
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities				495,041	626,188
Cash Overdrafts				2,100	26,200
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Begining of Period	70,181	106,781	104,653
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	73,195	150,104	192,663
Deductions	(93,151)	(186,704)	(190,535)
Balance at End of Period	50,225	70,181	106,781
Allowance for doubtful accounts and returns [Member]
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Returns, doubtful accounts and allowances	67,007	67,007	98,286	48,199	67,007
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Begining of Period	67,007	98,286	95,425
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	61,327	137,888	168,455
Deductions	(80,135)	(169,167)	(165,594)
Balance at End of Period	48,199	67,007	98,286
Allowance for advertising rate adjustments and discounts [Member]
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Returns, doubtful accounts and allowances	3,174	3,174	9,228	$ 2,026	$ 3,174
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Begining of Period	3,174	8,495	9,228
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	11,868	12,216	24,208
Deductions	(13,016)	(17,537)	(24,941)
Balance at End of Period	$ 2,026	$ 3,174	$ 8,495

Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 64,018	$ 62,644	$ 63,690	$ 63,021	$ 63,699	$ 60,752	$ 60,872	$ 61,307	$ 253,373	$ 246,630	$ 290,609

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 41,093	$ 41,145
Buildings	350,939	350,051
Machinery, equipment and fixtures	2,479,823	2,401,128
Leasehold improvements	304,421	308,863
Construction in progress	95,173	91,330
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,271,449	3,192,517
Less accumulated depreciation	(2,119,059)	(1,991,791)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1,152,390	$ 1,200,726

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References + Details

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) business	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) business	Jan. 03, 2010 USD ($) business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisition \| $	$ 136.5	$ 14.1	$ 26.1
Number of businesses acquired	5	6	3
Assumed debt \| $	$ 5.5
Acquisition In 2007 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional purchase consideration \| $			$ 3.2
Kaplan International [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	3	1	1
Kaplan Ventures [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	1
Test Preparation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired		2	1
Higher Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired	1
Newspaper Publishing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired			1
Other Businesses and Cable Television [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired		2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges	$ 0	$ 11,923	$ 0	$ 0					$ 11,923	$ 24,634	$ 8,492
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets					$ 0	$ 27,477	$ 0	$ 0		$ 27,477
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges											25,387
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2012									15,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2013									12,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2014									9,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2015									8,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2016									5,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2016									$ 6,000
Online Lead Generation Business [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charges		$ 11,900
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets						$ 27,500
Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges												$ 16,900
Kaplan EduNeering and Kaplan Compliance Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment charges											$ 25,400

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				$ 1,543,077	$ 1,543,077	$ 1,541,033
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(166,720)	(166,720)	(142,086)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				1,376,357	1,376,357	1,398,947
Acquisitions					78,643	7,010
Impairment	$ 0	$ (11,923)	$ 0	0	(11,923)	(24,634)	$ (8,492)
Dispositions					(21,144)	(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					(6,936)	14,885
Goodwill, ending balance	1,586,603				1,586,603	1,543,077	1,541,033
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(171,606)				(171,606)	(166,720)	(142,086)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,414,997				1,414,997	1,376,357	1,398,947
Education [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				1,073,089	1,073,089	1,073,852
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(15,529)	(15,529)	(15,529)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				1,057,560	1,057,560	1,058,323
Acquisitions					78,643	4,200
Impairment					0	0	(8,492)	$ (8,492)
Dispositions					(21,144)	(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					(6,936)	14,888
Goodwill, ending balance	1,116,615				1,116,615	1,073,089	1,073,852
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(8,492)				(8,492)	(15,529)	(15,529)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,108,123				1,108,123	1,057,560	1,058,323
Higher Education [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				335,226	335,226	335,226
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				335,226	335,226	335,226
Reallocation, net (Note 12)					91,043	0
Acquisitions					422	0
Dispositions					(17,479)	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					(84)	0
Goodwill, ending balance	409,128				409,128	335,226	335,226
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	409,128				409,128	335,226	335,226
Test Preparation [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				229,486	229,486	236,779
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(7,037)	(7,037)	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				222,449	222,449	236,779
Reallocation, net (Note 12)					(70,262)	(14,534)
Acquisitions					0	0
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					0	204
Goodwill, ending balance	152,187				152,187	229,486	236,779
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0	(7,037)	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	152,187				152,187	222,449	236,779
Kaplan International [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				444,940	444,940	432,973
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				444,940	444,940	432,973
Reallocation, net (Note 12)					0	0
Acquisitions					74,803	201
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					(3,807)	11,766
Goodwill, ending balance	515,936				515,936	444,940	432,973
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	515,936				515,936	444,940	432,973
Kaplan Ventures [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				63,437	63,437	68,874
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(8,492)	(8,492)	(15,529)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				54,945	54,945	53,345
Reallocation, net (Note 12)					(20,781)	14,534
Acquisitions					3,418	3,999
Dispositions					(3,665)	(19,851)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					(3,045)	2,918
Goodwill, ending balance	39,364				39,364	63,437	68,874
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(8,492)				(8,492)	(8,492)	(15,529)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	30,872				30,872	54,945	53,345
Cable Television [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				85,488	85,488	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				85,488	85,488	85,488
Acquisitions					0	0
Impairment					0	0	0
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	85,488				85,488	85,488	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	85,488				85,488	85,488	85,488
Newspaper Publishing [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				81,183	81,183	81,186
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(65,772)	(65,772)	(65,772)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				15,411	15,411	15,414
Acquisitions					0	0
Impairment					0	0	0
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					0	(3)
Goodwill, ending balance	81,183				81,183	81,183	81,186
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(65,772)				(65,772)	(65,772)	(65,772)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	15,411				15,411	15,411	15,414
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				203,165	203,165	203,165
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				203,165	203,165	203,165
Acquisitions					0	0
Impairment					0	0	0
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	203,165				203,165	203,165	203,165
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0	0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	203,165				203,165	203,165	203,165
Other Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance				100,152	100,152	97,342
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(85,419)	(85,419)	(60,785)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				$ 14,733	14,733	36,557
Acquisitions					0	2,810
Impairment					(11,923)	(24,634)	0
Dispositions					0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes and other					0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	100,152				100,152	100,152	97,342
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(97,342)				(97,342)	(85,419)	(60,785)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 2,810				$ 2,810	$ 14,733	$ 36,557

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets) (Details) 2 $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) year	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) year
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	10
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 146,934	$ 161,519
Accumulated Amortization	92,312	100,277
Net Carrying Amount	54,622	61,242
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	530,641	530,816
Franchise Agreements [Member]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	496,321	496,166
Wireless Licenses [Member]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	22,150	22,150
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	7,862	7,877
Other [Member]
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Excluding Goodwill [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 4,308	$ 4,623
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, minimum (in years) \| year	2	2
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	5	5
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 14,493	$ 43,940
Accumulated Amortization	10,764	33,570
Net Carrying Amount	$ 3,729	$ 10,370
Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, minimum (in years) \| year	2	2
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	10	10
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 75,734	$ 66,510
Accumulated Amortization	47,888	41,958
Net Carrying Amount	$ 27,846	$ 24,552
Databases and Technology [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, minimum (in years) \| year	3	3
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	5	5
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 10,514	$ 10,514
Accumulated Amortization	8,159	2,921
Net Carrying Amount	$ 2,355	$ 7,593
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, minimum (in years) \| year	2	2
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	10	10
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 36,222	$ 29,053
Accumulated Amortization	18,936	15,330
Net Carrying Amount	$ 17,286	$ 13,723
Other
Amortized intangible assets
Useful Life, minimum (in years) \| year	1	1
Useful Life, maximum (in years) \| year	25	25
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 9,971	$ 11,502
Accumulated Amortization	6,565	6,498
Net Carrying Amount	$ 3,406	$ 5,004

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Impairment charges related to non-U.S. affiliates	$ 9,200		$ 27,400
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,365	$ (8,419)	0
Other Adjustments	(380)	(8,964)	(1,919)
Tax benefits with respect to losses from discontinued operations	200	10,500	31,400
Excess of book value over tax basis of investment	60,600	60,700
State income tax loss carryforwards	34,506	27,674
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards	6,301	8,120
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	14,906	10,827
Valuation allowance	(59,179)	(41,359)
Additional deferred tax liabilitites due to excess of book value over tax basis of investment	13,400	12,700
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	669,000
Valuation allowance against tax benefits	9,748	13,856	7,414
Valuation allowance related to operating loss carryforwards	31,900
U.S. Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions	17,900
Deferred income tax assets related to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries	700	0
non-U.S. [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance against tax benefits	8,072	$ 2,921	$ 254
Tax loss carryforwards as a result of operating losses and prior stock acquisitions	53,900
Tax loss carryforwards from operating losses and prior stock acquisitions that can be carried forward indefinitely	46,900
Valuation allowance	14,000
Valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded for the tax losses carryforward	13,300
non-U.S. [Member] \| Through 2015 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration	2,700
non-U.S. [Member] \| After 2016 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	4,300
Tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration	$ 45,200

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Income (Loss) from Operations before Extraordinary Items [Abstract]
Domestic									$ 207,527	$ 518,769	$ 245,532
Foreign									10,101	19,348	(325)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$ 101,922	$ 13,144	$ 74,596	$ 27,966	$ 146,351	$ 145,067	$ 158,815	$ 87,884	217,628	538,117	245,207
Provision for income taxes on income from continuing operations [Abstract]
U.S. Federal, Current									40,365	135,671	75,231
State and local, Current									11,862	28,737	18,477
Foreign, Current									9,129	11,030	8,429
Total income tax, Current									61,356	175,438	102,137
U.S. Federal, Deferred									26,635	10,162	2,685
State and local, Deferred									9,132	33,390	(13,445)
Foreign, Deferred									(823)	(990)	(2,377)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total									34,944	42,562	(13,137)
U.S. Federal, Total									67,000	145,833	77,916
State and local, Total									20,994	62,127	5,032
Foreign, Total									8,306	10,040	6,052
Provision for income taxes	$ 41,800	$ 16,600	$ 27,500	$ 10,400	$ 68,200	$ 59,400	$ 56,700	$ 33,700	$ 96,300	$ 218,000	$ 89,000

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract]
Accrued postretirement benefits	$ 28,525				$ 27,012				$ 28,525	$ 27,012
Other benefit obligations	112,646				118,039				112,646	118,039
Accounts receivable	28,047				33,853				28,047	33,853
State income tax loss carryforwards	34,506				27,674				34,506	27,674
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards	6,301				8,120				6,301	8,120
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	14,906				10,827				14,906	10,827
Other	60,881				39,524				60,881	39,524
Deferred tax assets	285,812				265,049				285,812	265,049
Valuation allowance	(59,179)				(41,359)				(59,179)	(41,359)
Deferred tax assets, net	226,633				223,690				226,633	223,690
Property, plant and equipment	200,054				187,934				200,054	187,934
Prepaid pension cost	213,663				214,470				213,663	214,470
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	53,588				47,148				53,588	47,148
Affiliate operations	0				0				0	0
Goodwill and other intangible assets	291,346				265,225				291,346	265,225
Deferred tax liabilities	758,651				714,777				758,651	714,777
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	532,018				491,087				532,018	491,087
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate									76,170	188,341	$ 85,822
State and local taxes (benefit), net of U.S. Federal tax									4,034	26,526	(4,508)
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions at less than the expected U.S. Federal statutory tax rate									(6,882)	(4,327)	(1,035)
Goodwill impairments									4,173	8,066	2,972
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax expense (benefit)									1,365	(8,419)	0
Other, net									(380)	(8,964)	(1,919)
Provision for income taxes	41,800	$ 16,600	$ 27,500	$ 10,400	68,200	$ 59,400	$ 56,700	$ 33,700	96,300	218,000	89,000
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Begining of Period				70,181				106,781	70,181	106,781	104,653
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses									73,195	150,104	192,663
Deductions									(93,151)	(186,704)	(190,535)
Balance at End of Period	50,225				70,181				50,225	70,181	106,781
State [Member]
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Valuation allowance against tax benefits									9,748	13,856	7,414
non-U.S. [Member]
Deferred Income Taxes [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	14,000								14,000
Income Tax Reconciliation [Line Items]
Valuation allowance against tax benefits									8,072	2,921	254
Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Begining of Period				$ 41,359				$ 26,239	41,359	26,239	13,197
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses									17,820	16,777	13,042
Deductions									0	(1,657)	0
Balance at End of Period	$ 59,179				$ 41,359				$ 59,179	$ 41,359	$ 26,239

Income Taxes (Details 3) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	$ 669.0
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	17.9
2012 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	2.6
2012 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	5.2
2013 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	7.0
2013 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	5.2
2014 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	18.4
2014 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	0.9
2015 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	8.0
2015 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	0.7
2016 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	4.3
2016 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	0.7
2017 and after [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	628.7
2017 and after [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	$ 5.2

Debt (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 07, 2011

AUD ($)

Jun. 17, 2011

USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2009

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2011

USD ($)

Jan. 02, 2011

USD ($)

Jan. 03, 2010

USD ($)

Jun. 17, 2011

AUD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Commercial Paper Borrowings

$ 109,671,000

$ 0

Average borrowings outstanding

$ 426,700,000

$ 399,500,000

Weighted average interest rate of borrowings

7.00%

7.20%

Net interest expense incurred

$ 29,100,000

$ 27,900,000

$ 29,000,000

Fair value of debt instrument

^[1]

460,500,000

457,200,000

Carrying value of debt instrument

397,065,000

396,650,000

Borrowings outstanding

$ 51,012,000

$ 0

Commercial Paper [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

0.50%

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

7.25%

Debt Instrument, Maturity date

Feb. 01, 2019

Face amount of debt issued

$ 400,000,000

Notes repurchase percentage of principal amount to be eligible for redemption

101.00%

Fair value of debt instrument

$ 460,500,000

$ 457,200,000

Carrying value of debt instrument

$ 397,100,000

$ 396,700,000

Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated, August 8, 2006 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Termination of credit agreement

$ 500,000,000

Borrowings outstanding

$ 0

Four-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated, June 17, 2011 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Maturity date

Jun. 17, 2015

Maximum borrowing capacity

$ 700,000,000

Minimum fee percentage for line of credit facility

0.08%

Maximum fee percentage for line of credit facility

0.20%

Line of credit facility minimum requirement of shareholder's equity

1,500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

Any borrowings are made on an unsecured basis and bear interest at (a) for U.S. dollar borrowings, at the Company’s option, either (i) a fluctuating interest rate equal to the highest of JPMorgan’s prime rate, 0.50 percent above the Federal funds rate or the one-month eurodollar rate plus 1%, or (ii) the eurodollar rate for the applicable interest period, or (b) for Australian dollar borrowings, the bank bill rate, in each case plus an applicable margin that depends on the Company’s long-term debt ratings.

AUS $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Current borrowing capacity

$ 50.0

Borrowings outstanding

$ 50.0

USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Current borrowing capacity

$ 450,000,000

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Types Of Interest Rate Derivatives Used

interest rate swap

Notional Amount of Cash Flow Hedge Instruments

$ 50.0

Maximum Length of Time Hedged in Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge

March 7, 2015

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate

4.5275%

Other Indebtedness [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Minimum interest rate

0.00%

Maximum interest rate

6.00%

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start

2012

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end

2016

[1]	See Note 10 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.

Debt (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Debt [Abstract]
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019	$ 397,065	$ 396,650
Commercial Paper Borrowings	109,671	0
AUS $50 million borrowing	51,012	0
Other indebtedness	7,464	3,000
Total	565,212	399,650
Less: current portion	(112,983)	(3,000)
Total long-term debt	$ 452,229	$ 396,650

Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Temporary Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Redeemable Preferred Stock Liquidation Preference	$ 1,000	1,000
Redeemable by at any time on or after	Oct. 01, 2015
Redeemable Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Number of times dividends payable in a year per share	Four times a year
Dividends payable per share	$ 80.00

- Definition

The per share liquidation preference (or restrictions) of stock classified as temporary equity that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount to be paid per share that is classified as temporary equity by entity upon redemption. Temporary equity is a security with redemption features that are outside the control of the issuer, is not classified as an asset or liability in conformity with GAAP, and is not mandatorily redeemable. Includes any type of security that is redeemable at a fixed or determinable price or on a fixed or determinable date or dates, is redeemable at the option of the holder, or has conditions for redemption which are not solely within the control of the issuer. If convertible, the issuer does not control the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under the conversion option if the holder exercises the option to convert the stock to another class of equity. If the security is a warrant or a rights issue, the warrant or rights issue is considered to be temporary equity if the issuer cannot demonstrate that it would be able to deliver upon the exercise of the option by the holder in all cases. Includes stock with put option held by ESOP and stock redeemable by holder only in the event of a change in control of the issuer.

+ References + Details

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Narrative) (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended						24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) year $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) year $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Jan. 03, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Oct. 02, 2011 shares	Dec. 28, 2008 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cost of shares repurchased by company \| $			$ 248,055,000	$ 404,816,000		$ 60,956,000
Shares subject to award outstanding	77,319		77,319	48,359		66,020				32,785
Awarded, Number of Shares			44,030	1,859		48,440
Shares subject to stock options outstanding	129,044		129,044	87,919		90,569				87,025
Market value of company's stock \| $ / shares	$ 376.81		$ 376.81
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	8.2		8.2
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 494.95		$ 494.95	$ 495.05		$ 525.44				$ 581.17
Granted, Number of Shares		26,675	51,000	22,500		24,294
Antidilutive securities, shares			115,294	30,225		74,569
Dividends declared per common share \| $ / shares			$ 9.40	$ 9.00		$ 8.60
Education [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based Compensation Expense \| $			$ (1,300,000)		$ (1,200,000)		$ 900,000
Accrual balance related to stock based compensation \| $	$ 8,100,000		8,100,000
Stock compensation payouts \| $	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0
Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance	362,525		362,525
Shares available for future awards	233,481		233,481
Stock-based Compensation Expense \| $			$ 2,700,000	$ 1,400,000		$ 1,300,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense \| $	$ 7,500,000		$ 7,500,000
Years over which cost expected to be recognized \| year			1.9
Option vesting, period			four years
Option Vesting Period, Maximum			ten years
Shares subject to stock options outstanding	129,044		129,044
Options outstanding exercisable now	45,585		45,585
Options outstanding exercisable in 2012	27,886		27,886
Options outstanding exercisable in 2013	24,448		24,448
Options outstanding exercisable in 2014	18,375		18,375
Options outstanding exercisable in 2015	12,750		12,750
Intrinsic value of options outstanding \| $	$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Intrinsic value of options exercisable \| $	100,000		100,000
Intrinsic value of options unvested \| $	$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Options unvested, shares	83,459		83,459	47,845
Options unvested, average exercise price \| $ / shares	$ 463.528327152691		$ 463.528327152691	$ 407.68
Options unvested, weighted average remaining contractual term, years \| year	9.4		9.4
Granted, Number of Shares		1,000
Weighted average fair value, granted options \| $ / shares			$ 110.67	$ 106.7		$ 108.92
Exercised, Number of Shares			0			0
Stock Option Plan [Member] \| Exercise price above fair market value of common stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, Number of Shares			50,000
Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance	316,805		316,805
Shares subject to award outstanding	77,319		77,319
Shares available for future awards	239,486		239,486
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2012			3,200
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2013			31,555
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2014			674
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2015			41,890
Stock-based Compensation Expense \| $			$ 5,300,000	$ 2,900,000		$ 4,600,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense \| $	$ 18,700,000		$ 18,700,000
Years over which cost expected to be recognized \| year			1.8
Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option vesting, period			four to five years
Shares subject to stock options outstanding	0		0
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $			$ 1,000,000
Granted, Number of Shares			0		0		0
Exercised, Number of Shares					0		0
Kaplan Stock Option [Member] \| Senior Manager [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised, Number of Shares	2,000
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Conversion of Class A shares to Class B			11,500	50,810
Conversion of stock from Class A to Class B, percentage			1.00%	4.00%
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Right to elect Board of Directors percentage			30.00%
Shares repurchased by company			644,948	1,057,940		145,040
Cost of shares repurchased by company \| $			$ 248,100,000	$ 404,800,000		$ 61,000,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased									750,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased remaining under previous authorization	43,573		43,573
Authorized shares remaining	493,474		493,474
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for options granted under the plan	1,900,000		1,900,000
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Option vesting, period			three-year period
Fair value of company common stock \| $ / shares			$ 1,165
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] \| Senior Manager [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common Stock, shares outstanding	3,750		3,750
Restricted stock issued								3,456

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Details 1) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Stock Awards Rollforward [Abstract]
Beginning of year, unvested, Number of Shares	77,319	48,359	66,020	32,785
Awarded, Number of Shares		44,030	1,859	48,440
Vested, Number of Shares		(13,132)	(2,644)	(13,386)
Forfeited, Number of Shares		(1,938)	(16,876)	(1,819)
End of year, unvested, Number of Shares		77,319	48,359	66,020
Beginning of year, Average Award Price	$ 424.45	$ 498.95	$ 494.97	$ 796.52
Awarded, Average Award Price		432.09	442.29	415.08
Vested, Average Award Price		722.67	754.81	920.32
Forfeited, Average Award Price		436.31	437.06	672.40
End of year, Average Award Price		$ 424.45	$ 498.95	$ 494.97
Stock Options Rollforward [Abstract]
Beginning of year, Number of Shares	129,044	87,919	90,569	87,025
Granted, Number of Shares	26,675	51,000	22,500	24,294
Expired or forfeited, Number of Shares		(9,875)	(25,150)	(20,750)
End of year, Number of Shares		129,044	87,919	90,569
Beginning of year, Average Option Price	$ 494.95	$ 495.05	$ 525.44	$ 581.17
Granted, Average Option Price		499.45	395.68	421.95
Expired or forfeited, Average Option Price		519.04	515.59	637.99
End of year, Average Option Price		$ 494.95	$ 495.05	$ 525.44

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Details 2) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) year $ / shares shares	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jul. 03, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 03, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Oct. 03, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jul. 04, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Apr. 04, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) year $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) year $ / shares shares	Jan. 03, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 28, 2008 $ / shares shares
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders \| $	$ 60,105	$ (3,698)	$ 46,906	$ 17,091	$ 78,149	$ 85,513	$ 101,892	$ 53,735	$ 120,404	$ 319,289	$ 156,853
Less: Amount attributable to participating securities \| $									(1,211)	(1,970)	(1,075)
Basic income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders \| $									119,193	317,319	155,778
Plus: Amount attributable to participating securities \| $									1,211	1,970	1,075
Diluted income from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders \| $									$ 120,404	$ 319,289	$ 156,853
Average number of common shares outstanding, basic	7,601,000	7,802,000	7,852,000	8,046,000	8,336,000	8,839,000	9,126,000	9,175,000	7,826,000	8,869,000	9,332,000
Effect of dilutive shares [Abstract]
Stock options and restricted stock									79,000	62,000	60,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	7,682,000	7,802,000	7,933,000	8,119,000	8,385,000	8,904,000	9,193,000	9,241,000	7,905,000	8,931,000	9,392,000
(Loss) income per share from continuing operations attributable to The Washington Post company common shareholders:
Basic \| $ / shares	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.61	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.77	$ 16.70
Diluted \| $ / shares	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.60	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.75	$ 16.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	129,044				87,919				129,044	87,919	90,569	87,025
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	8.2								8.2
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 494.95				$ 495.05				$ 494.95	$ 495.05	$ 525.44	$ 581.17
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	45,585								45,585
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									6.1
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 552.49								$ 552.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years) \| year									7	7
Interest rate										2.51%
Interest rate, minimum									1.49%
Interest rate, maximum									2.85%
Volatility										30.19%
Volatility, minimum									30.35%
Volatility, maximum									31.24%
Dividend yield										2.27%
Dividend yield, minimum									2.11%
Dividend yield, maximum									2.74%
Exercise Price Range of $343-$396 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	36,250								36,250
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	8.4								8.4
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 385.62								$ 385.62
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	14,938								14,938
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									7.8
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 380.08								$ 380.08
Exercise Price Range of $419-$439 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	23,294								23,294
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	8.0								8.0
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 423.25								$ 423.25
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	11,647								11,647
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									8.0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 423.25								$ 423.25
Exercise Price $503 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	50,000								50,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	10.0								10.0
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 502.58								$ 502.58
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	0								0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 0								$ 0
Exercise Price $652 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	2,000								2,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	7.0								7.0
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 651.91								$ 651.91
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	1,500								1,500
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									7.0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 651.91								$ 651.91
Exercise Price Range of $729-$763 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	13,000								13,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	3.4								3.4
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 731.94								$ 731.94
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	13,000								13,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									3.4
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 731.94								$ 731.94
Exercise Price $816 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	1,500								1,500
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	2.0								2.0
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 816.05								$ 816.05
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	1,500								1,500
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									2.0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 816.05								$ 816.05
Exercise Price $954 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	3,000								3,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year	3.0								3.0
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 953.50								$ 953.50
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	3,000								3,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (yrs.) \| year									3.0
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 953.50								$ 953.50

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

USD ($)

investment

country

Jan. 02, 2011

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2010

USD ($)

Jan. 03, 2010

USD ($)

employees

Dec. 31, 2009

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Early retirement programs expense

$ 634,000

$ 0

$ 64,541,000

Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator

10.00%

Value of equity securities investment

$ 303,201,000

^[1]

340,910,000

^[1]

353,884,000

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge

2,415,000

20,355,000

$ 0

Newsweek [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Employees accepting the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program | employees

Early retirement programs expense

$ 6,600,000

Robinson Terminal Warehouse [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Early retirement programs expense

1,100,000

Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Special termination benefits

5,295,000

Recognition Of Prior Service Cost Related To Dispositions Including Discontinued Operations

2,369,000

Early retirement programs expense

634,000

64,541,000

Accumulated benefit obligation

1,191,900,000

1,040,500,000

Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer

$ 0

Estimated employer contributions in next fiscal year

Pension Plans [Member] | Newsweek [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Special termination benefits

5,300,000

Recognition Of Prior Service Cost Related To Dispositions Including Discontinued Operations

2,400,000

Pension Plans [Member] | Washington Post Newspaper [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Employees accepting the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program | employees

221

Early retirement programs expense

$ 56,800,000

Pension Plans [Member] | Robinson Terminal Warehouse and Washington Post Newspaper [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Early retirement programs expense

600,000

Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Contributions to multiemployer pension plans

400,000

1,000,000

1,100,000

Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] | CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Contributions to multiemployer pension plans

100,000

600,000

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge

700,000

Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] | Other individually insignificant multiemployer pension plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Contributions to multiemployer pension plans

300,000

400,000

Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] | Washington Post Newspaper [Member] | CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge

20,400,000

Percentage of total contribution by the Company

more than 5%

Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member] | Daily Herald [Member] | CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge

2,400,000

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Accumulated benefit obligation

86,600,000

72,000,000

Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer

3,114,000

2,914,000

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer

2,286,000

4,383,000

Curtailment gain

$ 0

$ (8,583,000)

$ (8,353,000)

Discount rate to determine benefit obligation

3.90%

4.60%

Discount rate to determine periodic cost

4.60%

5.25%

5.75%

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Life Insurance Benefits Elimination [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Curtailment gain

$ 700,000

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Pre-Age 65 [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Assumed health care cost trend rate

8.50%

Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate

decreasing

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

5.00%

Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate

2019

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Post-Age 65 MA-PD Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Assumed health care cost trend rate

20.40%

Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate

decreasing

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

5.00%

Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate

2021

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Post-Age 65 Non MA-PD Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Assumed health care cost trend rate

7.50%

Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate

decreasing

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

5.00%

Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate

2017

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Newsweek [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Curtailment gain

$ 8,500,000

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cable Television [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Curtailment gain

7,700,000

Savings Plan [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Expense associated with the retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans

$ 20,900,000

$ 19,100,000

$ 19,900,000

Berkshire Hathaway Class A And Class B [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator

20.00%

Berkshire Hathaway Class A And Class B [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Value of equity securities investment

$ 154,000,000

$ 161,600,000

Foreign Investments [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, equity securities, range maximum

24.00%

Single Equity Concentration [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Value of investments

$ 222,400,000

$ 134,800,000

Equity securities

12.00%

8.00%

Number of investments the companys pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets | investment

Concentration In Single Entity, Type Of Industry, Foreign Country Or Individual Fund [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Minimum percentage of plan assets considered as significant concentrations in pension plans

10.00%

Fixed income securities [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined benefit plan, target allocation percentage of assets, fixed-income securities, range minimum

10.00%

Geographic Concentration [Member] | Foreign Investments [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]

Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]

Value of investments

$ 241,400,000

$ 155,000,000

Equity securities

13.00%

9.00%

Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets | country

[1]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 1) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$ 1,651,958,000
Fair value of assets at end of year	1,816,577,000	$ 1,651,958,000
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	1,113,205,000	1,031,371,000
Service cost	27,619,000	26,976,000	$ 29,214,000
Interest cost	60,033,000	60,329,000	56,994,000
Amendments	2,776,000	5,295,000
Actuarial loss (gain)	140,126,000	53,822,000
Benefits paid and other	(64,444,000)	(64,588,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,279,315,000	1,113,205,000	1,031,371,000
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	1,651,958,000	1,440,816,000
Actual return on plan assets	229,063,000	275,730,000
Employer contributions and other	0	0	0
Benefits paid and other	(64,444,000)	(64,588,000)
Fair value of assets at end of year	1,816,577,000	1,651,958,000	1,440,816,000
Funded status	537,262,000	538,753,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	79,403,000	73,845,000
Service cost	1,655,000	1,381,000	1,334,000
Interest cost	4,342,000	4,244,000	4,128,000
Amendments	369,000	0	0
Actuarial loss (gain)	9,059,000	2,847,000
Benefits paid and other	(3,114,000)	(2,914,000)
Benefits paid and other	(1,965,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	92,863,000	79,403,000	73,845,000
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions and other	3,114,000	2,914,000
Benefits paid and other	(3,114,000)	(2,914,000)
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status	(92,863,000)	(79,403,000)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	68,818,000	79,031,000
Service cost	2,872,000	3,275,000	3,871,000
Interest cost	3,063,000	3,934,000	4,168,000
Amendments	0	(6,336,000)
Actuarial loss (gain)	(55,000)	(3,073,000)
Curtailment gain	0	(3,630,000)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(2,286,000)	(4,383,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	72,412,000	68,818,000	79,031,000
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions and other	2,286,000	4,383,000
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(2,286,000)	(4,383,000)
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	$ (72,412,000)	$ (68,818,000)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement programs expense	$ 634	$ 0	$ 64,541
Net pensions credit (expense)	1,677	(16,492)	(49,854)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	(18,395)	126,471	130,492
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	27,619	26,976	29,214
Interest cost	60,033	60,329	56,994
Plan amendment	2,776	5,295
Expected return on assets	(95,983)	(95,340)	(98,780)
Amortization of transition asset	0	(29)	(42)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	3,605	4,201	4,505
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	0	0	40
Net periodic benefit for the year	(4,726)	(3,863)	(8,069)
Early retirement programs expense	634	0	64,541
Special termination benefits	0	5,295	0
Recognition of prior service cost	0	2,369	0
Net pensions credit (expense)	(4,092)	3,801	56,472
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	7,046	(126,568)	(141,362)
Amortization of transition asset	0	29	42
Amortization of prior service cost	(1,463)	(6,570)	(4,505)
Recognized actuarial (loss) gain	0	0	(40)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	5,583	(133,109)	(145,865)
Total recognized in total (benefit) cost and other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	1,491	(129,308)	(89,393)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	1,655	1,381	1,334
Interest cost	4,342	4,244	4,128
Plan amendment	369	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	260	406	446
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	1,411	1,068	1,676
Net pensions credit (expense)	8,037	7,099	7,584
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	9,059	2,656	2,778
Amortization of prior service cost	(260)	(406)	(446)
Recognized actuarial (loss) gain	(1,411)	(877)	(1,676)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	7,388	1,373	656
Total recognized in total (benefit) cost and other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	15,425	8,472	8,240
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,872	3,275	3,871
Interest cost	3,063	3,934	4,168
Plan amendment	0	(6,336)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(5,650)	(5,026)	(4,607)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)	(1,921)	(2,032)	(3,128)
Net periodic benefit for the year	(1,636)	151	304
Curtailment gain	0	(8,583)	(8,353)
Net pensions credit (expense)	(1,636)	(8,432)	(8,049)
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	(55)	(3,073)	10,673
Current year prior service credit	0	(6,336)	(1,399)
Amortization of prior service cost	5,650	5,026	4,607
Recognized actuarial (loss) gain	1,921	2,032	3,128
Curtailment loss (gain)	0	4,953	(719)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	7,516	2,602	16,290
Total recognized in total (benefit) cost and other comprehensive income (before tax effects)	$ 5,880	$ (5,830)	$ 8,241

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Plans [Member]
Noncurrent asset	$ 537,262	$ 538,753
Current liability	0	0
Noncurrent liability	0	0
Recognized asset (liability)	537,262	538,753
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Noncurrent asset	0	0
Current liability	(4,002)	(3,601)
Noncurrent liability	(88,861)	(75,802)
Recognized asset (liability)	(92,863)	(79,403)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Current liability	(4,548)	(4,476)
Noncurrent liability	(67,864)	(64,342)
Recognized asset (liability)	$ (72,412)	$ (68,818)
U.S. Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Equity securities	69.00%	66.00%
U.S. Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
U.S. fixed income	10.00%	19.00%
International Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Equity securities	21.00%	15.00%

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 4) - Benefit Obligation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.70%	5.60%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.70%	5.60%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 5) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	$ 70.9
2013	69.2
2014	69.2
2015	69.1
2016	70.1
2017-2021	375.2
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	4.3
2013	4.5
2014	4.8
2015	4.9
2016	5.5
2017-2021	29.8
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2012	4.5
2013	4.8
2014	5.1
2015	5.3
2016	5.6
2017-2021	$ 29.8

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 6) - Periodic Cost [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.60%	6.00%	5.75%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	5.60%	6.00%	5.75%
Expected return on plan assets	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net amount	$ (63,625)	$ (73,826)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	(105,051)	(112,096)
Unrecognized prior service cost	19,626	21,089
Gross amount	(85,425)	(91,007)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	34,170	36,403
Net amount	(51,255)	(54,604)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	26,385	18,742
Unrecognized prior service cost	245	506
Gross amount	26,630	19,248
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(10,652)	(7,698)
Net amount	15,978	11,550
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	(15,510)	(17,376)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(31,736)	(37,386)
Gross amount	(47,246)	(54,762)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	18,898	21,905
Net amount	$ (28,348)	$ (32,857)

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph i
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 14
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

- Definition

Amount related to the pretax cost of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation, which has not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

+ Details

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 8) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 8) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss recognition	$ 6,281
Prior service cost recognition	3,695
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss recognition	2,298
Prior service cost recognition	54
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial loss recognition	(1,479)
Prior service cost recognition	$ (5,607)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 9) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	$ 1,816,577	$ 1,651,958
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	163,267	276,020
U.S. equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,249,079	1,090,693
International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	381,924	250,604
U S Federal agency mortgage- backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,071	1,699
Corporate debt securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	9,203	15,854
Other fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	10,652	15,444
Total investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,815,196	1,650,314
Receivables [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,381	1,644
Level 1 [Member] \| Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	120,101	207,929
Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,249,079	1,090,693
Level 1 [Member] \| International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	381,924	250,604
Level 1 [Member] \| U S Federal agency mortgage- backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate debt securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Other fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	2,531	7,106
Level 1 [Member] \| Total investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,753,635	1,556,332
Level 2 [Member] \| Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	43,166	68,091
Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| International equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| U S Federal agency mortgage- backed securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,071	1,699
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate debt securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	9,203	15,854
Level 2 [Member] \| Other fixed income securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	8,121	8,338
Level 2 [Member] \| Total investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	$ 61,561	$ 93,982

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Details 10) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Pension and Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Increase	$ 5,934
Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Decrease	(5,268)
Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Increase	728
Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Decrease	$ (626)

Leases and Other Commitments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]
Minimum sublease rentals due in future under noncancelable subleases	$ 14.5
Rent expense under operating leases	127.8	$ 134.0	$ 131.7
Sublease income	2.7	$ 0.5	$ 0.7
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]
Purchase commitment	$ 33.7

Leases and Other Commitments (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]
2012	$ 135,911
2013	116,435
2014	99,335
2015	78,955
2016	69,597
Thereafter	243,736
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, total	$ 743,969

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Abstract]
Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security									$ (53,793)	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign currency (losses) gains, net									(3,263)	6,705	16,871
Gain on sale of cost method investments									4,031	0	0
Impairment write-down on a cost method investment									(3,612)	0	(3,800)
Other, net									1,437	810	126
Total	$ 1,073	$ (29,650)	$ (2,591)	$ (24,032)	$ 2,157	$ 12,486	$ (3,807)	$ (3,321)	$ (55,200)	$ 7,515	$ 13,197

- Definition

The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

+ References + Details

Contingencies And Losses (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Contingencies And Losses (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) programs OPEIDnumbers claims	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2011 USD ($)
Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business \| claims	0
DOE regulations for unearned Title IV funds	These funds must be returned in a timely manner, generally within 45 days of the date the school determines that the student has withdrawn. Under DOE regulations, failure to make timely returns of Title IV program funds for 5% or more of students sampled in a school’s annual compliance audit in either of its two most recently completed fiscal years could result in a requirement that the school post a letter of credit in an amount equal to 25% of its prior-year returns of Title IV program funds.
CHI-Broomall [Member]
Amount payable under agreement \| $				$ 1.6
Kaplan Higher Education [Member]
Number of pending DOE program reviews \| programs	2
Number of finalized DOE Program Reviews with no significant findings \| programs	6
Amount of OPEID numbers \| OPEIDnumbers	32
Education division revenue derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV programs \| $	$ 1,110.0	$ 1,460.0	$ 1,283.0

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Jan. 03, 2010

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

$ 180,136

$ 308,927

Investments in marketable equity securities

303,201

^[2]

340,910

^[2]

$ 353,884

Other current investments

^[3]

35,473

32,840

Interest Rate Swap

^[4]

Total financial assets

518,824

682,677

Liabilities:

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

63,403

69,226

7.25% unsecured notes

^[6]

460,500

457,200

AUS $50M borrowing

^[6]

51,012

Total financial liabilities

574,915

526,426

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Items (Level 1) [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

Investments in marketable equity securities

^[2]

303,201

340,910

Other current investments

^[3]

15,223

11,835

Interest Rate Swap

^[4]

Total financial assets

318,424

352,745

Liabilities:

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

7.25% unsecured notes

^[6]

AUS $50M borrowing

^[6]

Total financial liabilities

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

180,136

308,927

Investments in marketable equity securities

^[2]

Other current investments

^[3]

20,250

21,005

Interest Rate Swap

^[4]

Total financial assets

200,400

329,932

Liabilities:

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

63,403

69,226

7.25% unsecured notes

^[6]

460,500

457,200

AUS $50M borrowing

^[6]

51,012

Total financial liabilities

$ 574,915

$ 526,426

[1]	The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
[2]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
[3]	Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits (with original maturities greater than 90 days, but less than one year).
[4]	Included in deferred charges and other assets. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.
[5]	Includes The Washington Post Company Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under The Washington Post Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits.
[6]	See Note 10 for carrying amount of these notes and borrowing.

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Jan. 03, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Number Of Television Broadcast Stations				6
Foreign Revenues				$ 627.9	$ 539.6		$ 504.5
Foreign long-lived assets				74.1	$ 57.2
Education [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs				29.2				$ 33.2
Kaplan Higher Education [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs				13.2		$ 9.3
K12 [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs		$ 7.8
Test Preparation [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs	$ 10.4			$ 12.5
Score [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs			$ 24.9
Kaplan's Professional Domestic Training Business [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs								$ 8.3

Business Segments (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 02, 2011

Jul. 03, 2011

Apr. 03, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Oct. 03, 2010

Jul. 04, 2010

Apr. 04, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Jan. 02, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Jan. 03, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Operating revenues

$ 1,063,439

$ 1,032,640

$ 1,069,140

$ 1,049,614

$ 1,182,161

$ 1,183,535

$ 1,193,618

$ 1,124,727

$ 4,214,833

$ 4,684,041

$ 4,326,040

Income (loss) from operations

107,745

51,961

81,012

55,240

151,027

137,474

167,594

106,567

295,958

562,662

290,399

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates

568

(1,494)

3,138

3,737

(191)

2,140

2,027

(8,109)

5,949

(4,133)

(29,421)

Interest expense, net

(29,079)

(27,927)

(28,968)

Other, net

1,073

(29,650)

(2,591)

(24,032)

2,157

12,486

(3,807)

(3,321)

(55,200)

7,515

13,197

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

101,922

13,144

74,596

27,966

146,351

145,067

158,815

87,884

217,628

538,117

245,207

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

64,018

62,644

63,690

63,021

63,699

60,752

60,872

61,307

253,373

246,630

290,609

Amortization of intangible assets

6,813

8,603

6,779

6,164

6,438

6,409

7,492

6,403

28,359

26,742

25,610

Impairment of goodwill

$ 11,923

$ 0

11,923

24,634

8,492

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

$ 27,477

$ 0

27,477

Net pensions credit (expense)

1,677

(16,492)

(49,854)

Capital expenditures

215,841

241,087

221,650

Identifiable assets

4,696,684

4,785,820

4,696,684

4,785,820

4,777,600

Investments in marketable equity securities

303,201

^[1]

340,910

^[1]

303,201

^[1]

340,910

^[1]

353,884

Investments in affiliates

17,101

31,637

17,101

31,637

54,722

Total assets

5,016,986

5,158,367

5,016,986

5,158,367

5,186,206

Multiemployer Defined Benefit Plan Withdrawal Charge

2,415

20,355

Education [Member]

Operating revenues

2,465,048

2,862,279

$ 2,862,279

2,576,162

$ 2,576,162

Income (loss) from operations

89,434

346,733

227,281

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

87,718

77,306

80,403

Amortization of intangible assets

21,167

21,406

21,191

Impairment of goodwill

8,492

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Net pensions credit (expense)

(6,345)

(5,707)

(5,414)

Capital expenditures

54,633

113,780

104,282

Identifiable assets

2,176,240

2,197,277

2,176,240

2,197,277

2,188,328

Higher Education [Member]

Operating revenues

1,399,582

1,905,038

1,653,276

Income (loss) from operations

148,915

406,880

284,357

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

48,379

42,412

42,813

Capital expenditures

19,735

58,660

69,131

Identifiable assets

936,029

1,043,503

1,018,256

Test Preparation [Member]

Operating revenues

^[2]

303,093

314,879

336,788

Income (loss) from operations

^[2]

(28,498)

(32,583)

(18,029)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

15,489

14,095

17,941

Capital expenditures

17,266

32,798

15,900

Identifiable assets

334,343

290,368

285,673

Kaplan International [Member]

Operating revenues

690,225

585,924

537,238

Income (loss) from operations

46,498

56,152

53,772

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

16,747

12,839

11,438

Capital expenditures

16,304

14,163

13,900

Identifiable assets

809,267

675,127

671,250

Kaplan Ventures [Member]

Operating revenues

74,946

59,296

57,210

Income (loss) from operations

(10,093)

(17,490)

(9,286)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

4,189

4,109

3,911

Capital expenditures

2,762

3,050

3,710

Identifiable assets

89,043

93,359

58,421

Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]

Operating revenues

4,585

5,537

2,436

Income (loss) from operations

(66,268)

(65,992)

(83,843)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

2,914

3,851

4,300

Capital expenditures

(1,434)

5,109

1,641

Identifiable assets

7,558

94,920

154,728

Cable Television [Member]

Operating revenues

760,221

759,884

750,409

Income (loss) from operations

156,844

163,945

169,051

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

126,302

124,834

124,207

Amortization of intangible assets

267

327

310

Impairment of goodwill

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Net pensions credit (expense)

(1,924)

(1,919)

(1,851)

Capital expenditures

143,225

109,579

84,027

Identifiable assets

1,145,596

1,141,427

1,145,596

1,141,427

1,164,209

Newspaper Publishing [Member]

Operating revenues

648,039

680,373

679,282

Income (loss) from operations

(18,200)

(9,826)

(163,549)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

26,336

30,341

72,870

Amortization of intangible assets

1,051

1,223

1,010

Impairment of goodwill

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Net pensions credit (expense)

(25,300)

^[3]

(42,287)

^[3]

(75,925)

Capital expenditures

11,405

10,590

18,856

Identifiable assets

118,253

206,305

118,253

206,305

207,234

Television Broadcasting [Member]

Operating revenues

319,206

342,164

272,651

Income (loss) from operations

117,089

121,348

70,506

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

12,448

12,720

12,299

Amortization of intangible assets

Impairment of goodwill

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Net pensions credit (expense)

(1,669)

(1,113)

(418)

Capital expenditures

6,415

6,675

13,559

Identifiable assets

421,764

436,289

421,764

436,289

433,705

Other Businesses [Member]

Operating revenues

26,135

46,395

53,921

Income (loss) from operations

(34,787)

(34,966)

(61)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

325

270

151

Amortization of intangible assets

5,874

3,786

3,099

Impairment of goodwill

11,923

24,634

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

27,477

Net pensions credit (expense)

(68)

(65)

(82)

Capital expenditures

163

463

926

Identifiable assets

11,190

30,038

11,190

30,038

54,418

Corporate Office [Member]

Operating revenues

Income (loss) from operations

(14,422)

(24,572)

(12,829)

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

244

1,159

679

Amortization of intangible assets

Impairment of goodwill

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets

Net pensions credit (expense)

36,983

34,599

33,836

Capital expenditures

Identifiable assets

$ 823,641

$ 774,484

823,641

774,484

729,706

Score [Member] | Test Preparation [Member]

Operating revenues

8,600

Income (loss) from operations

36,800

Intersegment Elimination [Member]

Operating revenues

(3,816)

$ (7,054)

$ (6,385)

Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Education [Member]

Operating revenues

(7,383)

(8,395)

(10,786)

Income (loss) from operations

$ (1,120)

$ (234)

$ 310

[1]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
[2]	Test Preparation amounts include revenues of $8.6 million and operating losses of $36.8 million from Score for the fiscal year ended 2009.
[3]	(1) Includes a $2.4 million and $20.4 million charge in 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan.

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Operating Revenues [Abstract]
Education	$ 597,689	$ 615,884	$ 624,844	$ 626,631	$ 691,941	$ 737,131	$ 739,129	$ 694,078	$ 2,465,048	$ 2,862,279	$ 2,576,162
Advertising	213,255	170,553	193,352	177,384	241,650	200,532	207,241	184,182	754,544	833,605	778,158
Circulation And Subscriber Revenue	213,183	212,144	216,607	214,523	214,464	213,377	215,995	213,454	856,457	857,290	845,848
Other	39,312	34,059	34,337	31,076	34,106	32,495	31,253	33,013	138,784	130,867	125,872
Total operating revenues	1,063,439	1,032,640	1,069,140	1,049,614	1,182,161	1,183,535	1,193,618	1,124,727	4,214,833	4,684,041	4,326,040
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Operating	481,805	504,001	506,049	481,313	503,260	479,526	477,248	471,542	1,973,168	1,931,576	1,879,214
Selling, general and administrative	403,058	393,508	411,610	443,876	457,737	471,897	480,412	478,908	1,652,052	1,888,954	1,831,716
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	64,018	62,644	63,690	63,021	63,699	60,752	60,872	61,307	253,373	246,630	290,609
Amortization of intangible assets	6,813	8,603	6,779	6,164	6,438	6,409	7,492	6,403	28,359	26,742	25,610
Impairment of goodwill	0	11,923	0	0					11,923	24,634	8,492
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets					0	27,477	0	0		27,477
Total operating costs and expenses	955,694	980,679	988,128	994,374	1,031,134	1,046,061	1,026,024	1,018,160	3,918,875	4,121,379	4,035,641
Operating Income	107,745	51,961	81,012	55,240	151,027	137,474	167,594	106,567	295,958	562,662	290,399
Other income (expense) [Abstract]
Equity in losses of affiliates	568	(1,494)	3,138	3,737	(191)	2,140	2,027	(8,109)	5,949	(4,133)	(29,421)
Interest income	1,174	994	997	982	1,051	600	599	326	4,147	2,576	2,597
Interest expense	(8,638)	(8,667)	(7,960)	(7,961)	(7,693)	(7,633)	(7,598)	(7,579)	(33,226)	(30,503)	(31,565)
Other, net	1,073	(29,650)	(2,591)	(24,032)	2,157	12,486	(3,807)	(3,321)	(55,200)	7,515	13,197
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	101,922	13,144	74,596	27,966	146,351	145,067	158,815	87,884	217,628	538,117	245,207
Provision for income taxes	41,800	16,600	27,500	10,400	68,200	59,400	56,700	33,700	96,300	218,000	89,000
Income from continuing operations	60,122	(3,456)	47,096	17,566	78,151	85,667	102,115	54,184	121,328	320,117	156,207
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net Income (Loss)	61,731	(5,966)	45,763	15,629	78,989	61,076	92,127	45,828	117,157	278,020	91,200
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(17)	(16)	40	(14)	(2)	76	8	12	(7)	94	1,574
Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company	61,714	(5,982)	45,803	15,615	78,987	61,152	92,135	45,840	117,150	278,114	92,774
Redeemable preferred stock dividends	0	(226)	(230)	(461)	0	(230)	(231)	(461)	(917)	(922)	(928)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	61,714	(6,208)	45,573	15,154	78,987	60,922	91,904	45,379	116,233	277,192	91,846
Amount Attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations	60,105	(3,698)	46,906	17,091	78,149	85,513	101,892	53,735	120,404	319,289	156,853
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	1,609	(2,510)	(1,333)	(1,937)	838	(24,591)	(9,988)	(8,356)	(4,171)	(42,097)	(65,007)
Net income (loss) attributable to The Washington Post Company common stockholders	$ 61,714	$ (6,208)	$ 45,573	$ 15,154	$ 78,987	$ 60,922	$ 91,904	$ 45,379	$ 116,233	$ 277,192	$ 91,846
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic income from common share from continuing operations	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.61	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.77	$ 16.70
Basic loss per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Basic net income per common share	$ 8.03	$ (0.82)	$ 5.74	$ 1.87	$ 9.42	$ 6.85	$ 10.00	$ 4.91	$ 14.70	$ 31.06	$ 9.78
Average number of common shares outstanding, basic	7,601	7,802	7,852	8,046	8,336	8,839	9,126	9,175	7,826	8,869	9,332
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations	$ 7.82	$ (0.50)	$ 5.91	$ 2.11	$ 9.32	$ 9.60	$ 11.08	$ 5.81	$ 15.23	$ 35.75	$ 16.70
Diluted income (loss) per common share from discontinued operations	0.21	(0.32)	(0.17)	(0.24)	0.10	(2.76)	(1.08)	(0.90)	(0.53)	(4.71)	(6.92)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$ 8.03	$ (0.82)	$ 5.74	$ 1.87	$ 9.42	$ 6.84	$ 10.00	$ 4.91	$ 14.70	$ 31.04	$ 9.78
Average number of common shares outstanding, diluted	7,682	7,802	7,933	8,119	8,385	8,904	9,193	9,241	7,905	8,931	9,392
Quarterly comprehensive (loss) income	$ 63,512	$ (41,225)	$ 37,040	$ 40,894	$ 147,552	$ 83,421	$ 33,291	$ 91,370

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Jul. 04, 2010	Apr. 04, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Jan. 02, 2011
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs, after tax					$ (19.3)		$ (2.0)	$ (2.9)		$ 24.2
Severance and restructuring costs, per share					$ (2.31)		$ (0.22)	$ 0.31
Impairment charges at one of the Company's affiliates, after tax		$ (5.7)							$ (5.7)
Impairment charges at one of the Compan'ys affiliates, per share		$ (0.72)
Net loss on write-down of marketable equity securities, after tax		$ (14.9)		$ (19.8)					(34.6)
Net loss on write-down of marketable equity securities, per share		$ (1.89)		$ (2.44)
Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gain/loss, after tax	$ 0.3	$ (4.2)	$ 0.2	$ 1.7	$ 1.2	$ 7.5	$ (2.3)	$ (2.2)	(2.1)	4.2
Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gain/loss, per share	$ 0.03	$ (0.54)	$ 0.03	$ 0.21	$ 0.14	$ 0.84	$ (0.25)	$ (0.23)
Education Division [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs, after tax	$ (6.0)	$ (3.5)	$ (7.3)	$ (1.4)					(18.1)
Severance and restructuring costs, per share	$ (0.77)	$ (0.44)	$ (0.91)	$ (0.18)
Washington Post Newspaper [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge, after tax						$ (1.6)	$ (11.0)			(12.7)
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge, per share						$ (0.18)	$ (1.19)
Newspaper Publishing [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge, after tax	$ (1.5)								(1.5)
Multiemployer pension plan withdrawal charge, per share	$ (0.19)
Online Lead Generation Business [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, after tax		$ (11.9)				$ (26.3)			$ (11.9)	$ (26.3)
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment, per share						$ (2.96)