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Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 17, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ghc
Entity Registrant Name	GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000104889
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 2.2
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		964,001
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		4,627,585

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues
Education	$ 391,261	$ 386,936	$ 419,144	$ 401,006	$ 421,491	$ 481,687	$ 523,625	$ 500,602	$ 1,598,347	$ 1,927,405	$ 2,160,417
Advertising	85,488	86,531	70,901	68,158	74,435	68,898	70,137	66,454	311,078	279,924	308,214
Other	152,830	148,171	138,888	132,576	120,441	90,847	87,128	80,369	572,465	378,785	268,401
Total Operating Revenues	629,579	621,638	628,933	601,740	616,367	641,432	680,890	647,425	2,481,890	2,586,114	2,737,032
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	300,086	293,194	296,033	291,632	283,780	302,029	311,121	309,223	1,180,945	1,206,153	1,261,753
Selling, general and administrative	195,173	237,694	236,437	235,213	239,783	285,563	276,412	302,405	904,517	1,104,163	1,132,157
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	15,717	16,097	16,045	16,761	15,640	14,460	25,609	22,197	64,620	77,906	74,913
Amortization of intangible assets	7,511	6,620	6,278	6,262	5,120	4,512	4,647	4,738	26,671	19,017	18,187
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets					4,233	248,591	6,876	0	1,603	259,700	17,302
Total Operating Costs and Expenses	520,090	553,605	554,793	549,868	548,556	855,155	624,665	638,563	2,178,356	2,666,939	2,504,312
Income (Loss) from Operations	109,489	68,033	74,140	51,872	67,811	(213,723)	56,225	8,862	303,534	(80,825)	232,720
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	(7,042)	(1,008)	(891)	1,004	(35)	95	(353)	(404)	(7,937)	(697)	100,370
Interest income	1,041	740	721	591	546	481	323	559	3,093	1,909	2,136
Interest expense	(10,857)	(8,614)	(7,971)	(7,948)	(7,975)	(7,830)	(8,348)	(8,501)	(35,390)	(32,654)	(35,533)
Other (expense) income, net	(28,513)	(18,225)	19,000	15,096	21,262	(40,458)	11,678	(1,105)	(12,642)	(8,623)	778,010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	64,118	40,926	84,999	60,615	81,609	(261,435)	59,525	(589)	250,658	(120,890)	1,077,703
Provision for Income Taxes	27,200	7,800	23,800	22,400	30,500	(30,500)	19,600	900	81,200	20,500	312,300
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations					51,109	(230,935)	39,925	(1,489)	169,458	(141,390)	765,403
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax					0	379	18,502	23,289	0	42,170	527,857
Net Income (Loss)	36,918	33,126	61,199	38,215	51,109	(230,556)	58,427	21,800	169,458	(99,220)	1,293,260
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	(433)	(435)	60	(287)	(434)	(774)	(868)	(1,435)	583
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company					51,169	(230,843)	57,993	21,026	168,590	(100,655)	1,293,843
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends					0	0	(211)	(420)	0	(631)	(847)
Net income (loss) attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	36,918	33,126	60,766	37,780	51,169	(230,843)	57,782	20,606	168,590	(101,286)	1,292,996
Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations					51,169	(231,222)	39,280	(2,683)	168,590	(143,456)	765,139
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax					0	379	18,502	23,289	0	42,170	527,857
Net income (loss) attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$ 36,918	$ 33,126	$ 60,766	$ 37,780	$ 51,169	$ (230,843)	$ 57,782	$ 20,606	$ 168,590	$ (101,286)	$ 1,292,996
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share					$ 8.78	$ (40.32)	$ 6.74	$ (0.58)	$ 29.95	$ (25.23)	$ 115.88
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share					0.00	0.07	3.18	4.09	0.00	7.36	79.93
Basic net income (loss) per common share in dollars per share	$ 6.60	$ 5.90	$ 10.82	$ 6.63	$ 8.78	$ (40.25)	$ 9.92	$ 3.51	$ 29.95	$ (17.87)	$ 195.81
Basic average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,527	5,544	5,544	5,623	5,746	5,738	5,720	5,704	5,559	5,727	6,470
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share					$ 8.72	$ (40.32)	$ 6.71	$ (0.58)	$ 29.80	$ (25.23)	$ 115.40
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share					0.00	0.07	3.16	4.06	0.00	7.36	79.63
Diluted net income (loss) per common share in dollars per share	$ 6.57	$ 5.87	$ 10.76	$ 6.59	$ 8.72	$ (40.25)	$ 9.87	$ 3.48	$ 29.80	$ (17.87)	$ 195.03
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,556	5,574	5,574	5,652	5,834	5,837	5,805	5,791	5,589	5,727	6,559

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 169,458	$ (99,220)	$ 1,293,260
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	(22,149)	(18,898)	(16,061)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	0	5,501	(404)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(22,149)	(13,397)	(16,465)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	55,507	10,620	62,719
Reclassification adjustment for realization of loss (gain) on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	1,879	(4)	(265,274)
Total unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	57,386	10,616	(202,555)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(133,915)	(211,054)	(149,482)
Prior service cost	0	0	(1,600)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain) included in net income	1,157	(9,906)	(29,412)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit) included in net income	419	275	(407)
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	(17,993)	51	8
Curtailments and settlements included in distribution to Cable ONE	0	834	0
Total pension and other postretirement plans	(150,332)	(219,800)	(180,893)
Cash flow hedge (loss) gain	(334)	179	867
Other Comprehensive Loss, Before Tax	(115,429)	(222,402)	(399,046)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive loss	37,235	83,602	153,032
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(78,194)	(138,800)	(246,014)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	91,264	(238,020)	1,047,246
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(868)	(1,435)	583
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	$ 90,396	$ (239,455)	$ 1,047,829

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 648,885	$ 754,207
Restricted cash	21,931	20,745
Investments in marketable equity securities and other investments	448,241	379,445
Accounts receivable, net	615,101	572,435
Income taxes receivable	41,635	48,383
Inventories and contracts in progress	34,818	32,068
Other current assets	60,735	53,439
Total Current Assets	1,871,346	1,860,722
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	233,664	231,123
Investments in Affiliates	58,806	59,229
Goodwill, Net	1,122,954	1,017,513
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	66,026	21,885
Amortized Intangible Assets, Net	107,939	107,191
Prepaid Pension Cost	881,593	979,970
Deferred Income Taxes	17,246	0
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	73,096	75,192
Total Assets	4,432,670	4,352,825
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	500,726	428,014
Deferred revenue	312,107	297,135
Current portion of long-term debt	6,128	0
Total Current Liabilities	818,961	725,149
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	21,859	33,947
Accrued Compensation and Related Benefits	195,910	203,280
Other Liabilities	65,554	70,678
Deferred Income Taxes	379,092	403,316
Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	12,584	0
Long-Term Debt	485,719	399,800
Total Liabilities	1,979,679	1,836,170
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 17 and 18)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	50	25,957
Preferred Stock, $1 par value; 977,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common Stockholders’ Equity
Capital in excess of par value	364,363	356,887
Retained earnings	5,588,942	5,447,677
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment	(26,998)	(4,849)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	92,931	58,500
Unrealized gain on pensions and other postretirement plans	170,830	261,029
Cash flow hedge	(277)	0
Cost of 14,423,564 and 14,196,146 shares of Class B common stock held in treasury	(3,756,850)	(3,648,546)
Total Equity	2,452,941	2,490,698
Total Liabilities and Equity	4,432,670	4,352,825
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock	964	964
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock	$ 19,036	$ 19,036

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preferred Stock, par value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	977,000	977,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized	7,000,000	7,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	964,001	964,001
Common Stock, shares outstanding	964,001	964,001
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common Stock, par value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	19,035,999	19,035,999
Common Stock, shares outstanding	4,612,435	4,839,853
Treasury Stock	14,423,564	14,196,146

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net Income (Loss)	$ 169,458	$ (99,220)	$ 1,293,260
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and goodwill and other long-lived asset impairment	92,894	428,437	249,457
Net pension benefit	(67,097)	(65,433)	(69,406)
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense	0	4,606	8,374
Stock-based compensation expense, net	13,418	48,033	17,577
Foreign exchange loss	39,890	15,564	11,129
Net (gain) loss on sales and disposition of businesses	(22,163)	18,095	(351,133)
Net loss (gain) on dispositions, sales or write-downs of marketable equity securities and cost method investments	30,449	1,378	(263,595)
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate	0	(4,827)	(396,553)
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	8,859	1,118	(96,517)
Provision for deferred income taxes	10,070	4,060	49,143
Net (gain) loss on sales or write-downs of property, plant and equipment	(32,362)	(18,265)	(119,399)
Net gain on sale of intangible assets	0	0	(75,249)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(47,892)	(87,165)	(96,844)
Inventories	(2,422)	(1,778)	(2,413)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	58,147	62,901	(39,199)
Deferred revenue	16,552	(51,825)	37,291
Income taxes receivable/payable	5,115	(174,326)	146,692
Other assets and other liabilities, net	(12,265)	(11,972)	8,791
Other	605	1,270	2,093
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	261,256	70,651	313,499
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Investments in certain businesses, net of cash acquired	(245,084)	(159,320)	(206,035)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(66,612)	(136,859)	(237,292)
Net proceeds from sales of businesses, property, plant and equipment and other assets	69,192	41,683	644,342
Purchases of marketable equity securities	(48,265)	(145,807)	(49,998)
Investments in equity affiliates and cost method investments	(6,273)	(25,340)	(10,283)
Investments in commercial paper	0	0	(249,795)
Proceeds from maturities of commercial paper	0	0	249,795
Net distribution from equity affiliate	0	0	93,481
Disbursement of loan to affiliate	(14,244)	0	0
Other	0	73	(5,200)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities	(311,286)	(425,570)	229,015
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Common shares repurchased, including the Berkshire Exchange transaction	(108,948)	(22,979)	(327,718)
Issuance of borrowings	98,610	550,000	0
Cash distributed to Cable ONE in spin-off	0	(94,115)	0
Dividends paid	(27,325)	(53,721)	(68,114)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(21,000)	0	0
Repayments of borrowings	0	(44,815)	(1,538)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,247	15,312	7,462
Excess tax benefit on share-based payment awards	558	11,828	1,901
Redemption of redeemable preferred stock	0	(10,510)	0
Payments of financing costs	(648)	(9,944)	0
Other	14,429	1,095	(609)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities	(43,077)	342,151	(388,616)
Effect of Currency Exchange Rate Change	(11,029)	(11,164)	(8,502)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(104,136)	(23,932)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	774,952		653,488
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year, Including Discontinued Operations		798,884
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	670,816	774,952
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year, Including Discontinued Operations			798,884
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	65,000	209,000	188,000
Interest	$ 30,000	$ 33,000	$ 35,000

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member]
As of at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 3,300,288	$ 288,129	$ 4,782,777	$ 699,494	$ (2,490,333)	$ 221	$ 1,169	$ 18,831
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) for the year	1,293,260		1,293,260
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest	0
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0		(497)			497
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,080		1,080
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(242)					(242)
Dividends paid on common stock	(67,267)		(67,267)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	(847)		(847)
Repurchase of Class B common stock	(1,165,427)				(1,165,427)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures	7,098	(3,186)			10,284
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense	18,291	18,291
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(246,014)			(246,014)
Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	0						(194)	194
Taxes arising from employee stock plans	555	555
Other	0
As of at Dec. 31, 2014	3,140,775	303,789	6,008,506	453,480	(3,645,476)	476	975	19,025
As of at Dec. 31, 2013	5,896
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Acquisition of redeemable noncontrolling interest	17,108
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,080)
Other	(20)
As of at Dec. 31, 2014	21,904
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) for the year	(99,220)		(99,220)
Contribution of noncontrolling interest to a joint venture	(476)					(476)
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,435)		(1,435)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(2,601)	(2,601)
Dividends paid on common stock	(53,090)		(53,090)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	(631)		(631)
Repurchase of Class B common stock	(22,979)				(22,979)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures	6,665	(13,244)			19,909
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense	57,115	57,115
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(138,800)
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(139,658)			(139,658)
Conversion of Class A common stock to Class B common stock	0						(11)	11
Spin-Off of Cable ONE	(398,310)	7,285	(406,453)	858
Taxes arising from employee stock plans	4,543	4,543
Other	0
As of at Dec. 31, 2015	2,490,698	356,887	5,447,677	314,680	(3,648,546)	0	964	19,036
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,435
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	2,601
Other	17
As of at Dec. 31, 2015	25,957
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) for the year	169,458		169,458
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	(868)		(868)
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(3,026)	(3,026)
Dividends paid on common stock	(27,325)		(27,325)
Dividends paid on redeemable preferred stock	0
Repurchase of Class B common stock	(108,948)				(108,948)
Issuance of Class B common stock, net of restricted stock award forfeitures	(53)	(697)			644
Amortization of unearned stock compensation and stock option expense	14,717	14,717
Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(78,194)			(78,194)
Taxes arising from employee stock plans	558	558
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	0
Exchange of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(4,076)	(4,076)
As of at Dec. 31, 2016	2,452,941	$ 364,363	$ 5,588,942	$ 236,486	$ (3,756,850)	$ 0	$ 964	$ 19,036
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests	868
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests	3,026
Purchase of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(24,031)
Exchange of redeemable noncontrolling interest	(5,770)
As of at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 50

Organization and Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
Organization and Nature of Operations	Dec. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Nature of Operations	ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS Graham Holdings Company (the Company), is a diversified education and media company. The Company’s Kaplan subsidiary provides a wide variety of educational services, both domestically and outside the United States. The Company’s media operations comprise the ownership and operation of five television broadcasting stations. Education—Kaplan, Inc. provides an extensive range of educational services for students and professionals. Kaplan’s various businesses comprise three categories: Higher Education (KHE), Test Preparation (KTP) and Kaplan International. Media—The Company’s diversified media operations comprise television broadcasting, several websites and print publications, and a marketing solutions provider. Television broadcasting. As of December 31, 2016, the Company owned five VHF television stations located in Houston, TX; Detroit, MI; 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. On January 17, 2017, Graham Media Group (GMG), a subsidiary of the Company, acquired WCWJ, the CW affiliate television station in Jacksonville, FL, and WSLS, the NBC affiliate television station in Roanoke, VA. Both stations will continue to operate under their previous network affiliations. Other—The Company’s other business operations include home health and hospice services and manufacturing.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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 2016 presentation.

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 (Higher Education Act), as amended, that the Company is required to maintain pursuant to U.S. Department of Education (ED) and other regulations. Federal regulations stipulate that the Company has a fiduciary responsibility to segregate Federal funds from all other funds to ensure the funds are only used for the benefit of eligible students. The regulations further indicate that funds received under Federal aid programs are held in trust for the intended student beneficiary and the ED, and as trustee of these funds, the Company may not use the funds for any other purpose until the funds are applied to eligible student charges, which occurs within three days of the receipt of the funds. Restricted cash also includes (i) certain funds that the Company may be required to return if a student who receives Title IV program funds withdraws from a program and (ii) funds required to be held by non-U.S. higher education institutions for prepaid tuition.

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 collection experience and management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. The Company generally considers an account past due or delinquent when a student or customer misses a scheduled payment. The Company writes off accounts receivable balances deemed uncollectible against the allowance for doubtful accounts following the passage of a certain period of time, or generally when the account is turned over for collection to an outside collection agency.

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. The Company uses the average cost method to determine the basis of the securities sold or reclassified out of other comprehensive income.

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.

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.

The Company measures certain assets—including goodwill; intangible assets; property, plant and equipment; cost and equity-method investments—at fair value on a nonrecurring basis when they are deemed to be impaired. The fair value of these assets is determined with valuation techniques using the best information available and may include quoted market prices, market comparables and discounted cash flow models.

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 and Contracts in Progress. Inventories and contracts in progress are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable values and are based on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory costs include direct material, direct and indirect labor, and applicable manufacturing overhead. The Company allocates manufacturing overhead based on normal production capacity and recognizes unabsorbed manufacturing costs in earnings. The provision for excess and obsolete inventory is based on management’s evaluation of inventories on hand relative to historical usage, estimated future usage and technological developments.

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; 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.

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 not be 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 trade names and trademarks, licenses and accreditation. Amortized intangible assets are primarily student and customer relationships and trade names and trademarks, 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 or indefinite-lived intangible asset below its carrying value. The Company tests its goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company initially assesses qualitative factors to determine if it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment review or indefinite-lived intangible asset quantitative impairment review. The Company reviews the goodwill for impairment using the two-step process and the indefinite-lived intangible assets using the quantitative 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 or indefinite-lived intangible asset 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 the estimated fair value of each reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible asset. 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 values 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 Statements of Operations. Fair value estimates are based on a review of the investees’ product development activities, historical financial results and projected discounted cash flows. The Company includes cost method investments in deferred charges and other assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 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.

KHE, through the Kaplan Commitment program, provides first-time undergraduate students with a risk-free trial period. Under the program, KHE monitors academic progress and conducts assessments to help determine whether students are likely to be successful in their chosen course of study. Students who withdraw or are subject to dismissal during the risk-free trial period do not incur any significant financial obligation. The Company does not recognize revenues related to coursework until the students complete the risk-free period and decide to continue with their studies, at which time the fees become fixed or determinable.

KHE’s refund policy may permit students who do not complete a course to be eligible for a refund for the portion of the course they did not attend. The amount of the refund differs by school, program and state, as some states require different policies. Refunds generally result in a reduction in deferred revenue during the period that a student drops or withdraws from a class because the associated tuition revenue is recognized daily over the period of instruction as the services are delivered.

Television broadcasting revenues. Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, when the underlying advertisement is broadcast. Retransmission revenues are recognized over the term of the agreement based on monthly subscriber counts and contractual rates.

Revenue presentation. The determination of whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis is based on an assessment of whether the Company acts as a principal or an agent in the transaction. In certain cases, the Company is considered the agent, and the Company records revenue equal to the net amount retained when the fee is earned. In these cases, costs incurred with third-party suppliers are excluded from the Company’s revenue. The Company assesses whether it or the third-party supplier is the primary obligor and evaluates the terms of its customer arrangements as part of this assessment. In addition, the Company considers other key indicators such as latitude in establishing price, inventory risk, nature of services performed, discretion in supplier selection and credit risk.

SocialCode LLC (SocialCode), a wholly owned subsidiary, is a marketing and insights company that manages digital advertising for leading brands on digital media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest and YouTube. Donald E. Graham, the Chairman of the Company’s Board, was a member of the Board of Directors of Facebook, Inc. in 2014 and through June 10, 2015. SocialCode’s revenues are reported on a net basis; therefore, the Company’s Statements of Operations exclude the media acquisition costs incurred related to the relevant advertising platforms.

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 noncurrent liabilities in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets 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. 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 recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognizes changes in that funded status in the 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 expected return on plan assets 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-United States operations where the local currency is the functional currency are translated into United States (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 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. Basic earnings per share is calculated under the two-class method. The Company treats restricted stock as a participating security due to its nonforfeitable right to dividends. Under the two-class method, the Company allocates to the participating securities their portion of dividends declared and undistributed earnings to the extent the participating securities may share in the earnings as if all earnings for the period had been distributed. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated similarly except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and restricted stock issuable under the Company’s stock plans. The dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method.

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest. The Company’s mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest represents the noncontrolling interest in Graham Healthcare Group (GHG) which is 90% owned. The minority shareholders have an option to put their shares to the Company starting in 2020 and are required to put a percentage of their shares in 2022 and 2024, with the remaining shares required to be put by the minority shareholders in 2026. Since the noncontrolling interest is mandatorily redeemable by the Company by 2026, it is reported as a noncurrent liability at December 31, 2016, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company presents this liability at fair value, which is computed annually as the current redemption value. Changes in the redemption value are recorded as interest expense or income in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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 disposal of a component is reported as discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. 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 May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued comprehensive new guidance that supersedes all existing revenue recognition guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance that defers the effective date by one year. The new guidance requires revenue to be recognized when the Company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also significantly expands the disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard permits two implementation approaches, one requiring retrospective application of the new guidance with a restatement of prior years and one requiring prospective application of the new guidance with disclosure of results under the old guidance. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements and believes such evaluation will extend over several future periods because of the significance of the changes to the Company’s policies and business processes.

In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that requires management to assess the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related disclosures in certain circumstances. This guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the guidance as of December 31, 2016. The guidance did not have an impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the presentation of debt issuance costs. The new guidance requires that debt issuance costs be reported in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the gross amount of debt instead of classified as a deferred asset. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted the new guidance retrospectively as of January 1, 2016. Therefore, prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this guidance which resulted in the reclassification of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the Company’s 7.25% unsecured notes from deferred charges and other assets to long-term debt within its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015.

In January 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that substantially revises the recognition, measurement and presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities. The new guidance, among other things, requires (i) equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, with some exceptions; (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (iii) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; (iv) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; and (v) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that requires, among other things, a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset representing an entity's right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a liability for lease payments on its balance sheet, regardless of classification of a lease as operating or financing. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and liabilities and account for the lease similar to existing guidance for operating leases today. This new guidance supersedes all prior guidance. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The standard requires lessees and lessors to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that simplifies the accounting for stock-based compensation. The new guidance (i) requires all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recognized in the income statement with the tax effects of vested or exercised awards treated as discrete items. Additionally, excess tax benefits will be recognized regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period, effectively eliminating the APIC pool; (ii) concludes excess tax benefits should be classified as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows; (iii) requires an entity to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate a forfeiture rate for awards or account for forfeitures as they occur; (iv) changes the threshold for equity classification for cash settlements of awards for withholding requirements to the maximum statutory tax rate in the applicable jurisdiction; and (v) concludes cash paid by an employer when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued new guidance that clarifies how restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be presented in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires the cash flow statement to show changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, which eliminates the presentation of transfers between cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the new guidance retrospectively as of December 31, 2016. Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this adoption, as detailed below:



	Year Ended December 31, 2015								Year Ended December 31, 2014
	As								As
	Previously					As			Previously				As
(in thousands)	Reported			Adjustment		Adopted			Reported		Adjustment		Adopted
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Decrease in Restricted Cash	$	4,153		(4,153	)	$	—		$	58,871	(58,871	)	$	—
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	74,804			(4,153	)	70,651			372,370		(58,871	)	313,499

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(19,779		)	(4,153	)	(23,932		)	204,267		(58,871	)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	773,986			24,898		798,884			569,719		83,769		653,488
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	754,207			20,745		774,952			773,986		24,898		798,884

In January 2017, the FASB issued new guidance which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The new guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test, which required entities to determine the implied fair value of goodwill as of the test date to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, an entity should continue to test goodwill for impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount (Step 1), and an impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The guidance is effective for interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after December 31, 2016, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Cable ONE Spin-Off. On July 1, 2015 (the Distribution Date), the Company completed the spin-off of Cable ONE as an independent, publicly traded company. The transaction was structured as a tax-free spin-off of Cable ONE to the stockholders of the Company as one share of Cable ONE common stock was distributed for every share of Class A and Class B common stock of Graham Holdings outstanding on the June 15, 2015, record date. Cable ONE is now an independent public company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CABO”. After the spin-off, the Company does not beneficially own any shares of Cable ONE common stock.

The results of operations of Cable ONE are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented.

In order to implement the spin-off, the Company entered into certain agreements with Cable ONE to give effect to the legal and structural separation and to allocate various assets, liabilities and obligations between the Company and Cable ONE. In addition to executing the spin-off in the manner provided in the agreements, Cable ONE distributed $450 million in cash to the Company in June 2015 using the proceeds from their issuance of unsecured notes of $450 million. Also, in connection with the spin-off, the Company modified the terms of 10,830 restricted stock awards in the second quarter of 2015 affecting 21 Cable ONE employees. The modification resulted in the acceleration of the vesting period of 6,324 restricted stock awards and the forfeiture of 4,506 restricted stock awards. The Company recorded incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, in the second quarter of 2015 amounting to $3.7 million, which is reflected as discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

The spin-off resulted in a modification of some of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock awards and stock options due to the equity restructuring on July 1, 2015. The holders of restricted stock awards received Cable ONE restricted common stock, on a pro rata basis, as part of the distribution, while the stock options were modified to add an antidilution provision. The modification of the restricted stock awards resulted in an estimated incremental stock compensation expense of $3.0 million that is being recognized over the remaining service periods of the unvested restricted stock awards through the end of 2018. The modification of some of the stock options resulted in an incremental stock compensation expense of $23.5 million, of which $18.8 million related to fully vested stock options was recognized as a one-time expense in the third quarter of 2015, with the remaining $4.7 million to be recognized over the remaining service periods of the unvested stock options through the end of 2018. The $18.8 million expense is included in the Company’s corporate office segment results and in selling, general and administrative in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As a result of the spin-off, Cable ONE assumed the liability related to their employees participating in the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), and the Company eliminated the accrual of pension benefits for all Cable ONE employees related to their future service. As a result, the Company remeasured the accumulated and projected benefit obligation of the pension and SERP as of July 1, 2015. A pension curtailment gain of $2.2 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2015 in income from discontinued operations, net of tax.

On July 1, 2015, the Company divested the following assets and liabilities which net to $406.5 million, or $312.3 million net of cash retained by Cable ONE on the Distribution Date:



	As of
(in thousands)	July 1, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents	$	94,115
Accounts receivable, net	29,778
Other current assets	14,182
Total current assets	138,075
Property, plant and equipment, net	612,812
Goodwill, net	85,488
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	496,321
Amortized intangible assets, net	510
Deferred charges and other assets	22,541
Total Assets	$	1,355,747

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	70,920
Income taxes payable	2,962
Deferred revenue	21,883
Short-term borrowings	2,500
Total current liabilities	98,265
Accrued compensation and related benefits	24,227
Other liabilities	57
Deferred income taxes	279,245
Long-term debt	547,500
Total Liabilities	$	949,294

Net assets divested in the Spin-Off	$	406,453

Cash flows from Cable ONE for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are combined with the cash flows from operations within each of the categories presented. Cash flows from Cable ONE are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	109,772		$	251,506
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(74,416		)	(78,405		)

Spin-Off Costs: One-time spin-off transaction, financing and related costs of $7.4 million and $3.5 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, are included in discontinued operations, net of tax.

Other Discontinued Operations. In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International that resulted in a pre-tax loss of $3.1 million. An additional school in China was sold by Kaplan in January 2015 that resulted in a pre-tax loss of $0.7 million.

On June 30, 2014, the Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) completed a transaction, as described in Note 7, in which Berkshire acquired a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that included, among other things, WPLG, a Miami-based television station; a $375.0 million gain from the WPLG sale was recorded in the second quarter of 2014.

The results of operations of Cable ONE, the schools in China and WPLG for 2015 and 2014, where applicable, are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as income 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 to reflect the discontinued operations.

The summarized income from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Operating revenues	$	397,404		$	845,114
Operating costs and expenses	(325,379		)	(660,180		)
Operating income	72,025			184,934
Non-operating (expense) income	(1,288		)	74,196
Income from discontinued operations	70,737			259,130
Provision for income taxes	27,783			98,207
Net Income from Discontinued Operations	42,954			160,923
(Loss) gain on dispositions of discontinued operations	(732		)	351,133
Provision (benefit) for income taxes on dispositions of discontinued operations	52			(15,801		)
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$	42,170		$	527,857

- Definition

The entire disclosure related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=65878427&loc=SL51721533-107759

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64827811&loc=SL51721665-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64827811&loc=SL51721675-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3A
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+ Details

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

INVESTMENTS

Commercial Paper and Money Market Investments. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had commercial paper and money market investments of $485.1 million and $433.0 million, respectively, that are classified as cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities. Investments in marketable equity securities consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Total cost	$	269,343	$	253,062
Gross unrealized gains	154,886		97,741
Gross unrealized losses	—		(240		)
Total Fair Value	$	424,229	$	350,563

At December 31, 2016, and 2015, the Company owned 28,000 shares in Markel Corporation (Markel) valued at $25.3 million and $24.7 million, respectively. The Co-Chief Executive Officer of Markel, Mr. Thomas S. Gayner, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Company settled on $48.3 million of marketable equity securities during 2016, of which $47.9 million was purchased during the year. The Company invested in $146.2 million and $50.0 million in marketable equity securities during 2015 and 2014, respectively. During 2016, proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities were $29.7 million, resulting in gross realized losses of $8.1 million and gross realized gains of $6.2 million. During 2014, proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities were $5.8 million and net realized losses on such sales were $2.6 million.

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed a transaction with Berkshire, as described in Note 7, that included the exchange of 2,107 Class A Berkshire shares and 1,278 Class B Berkshire shares owned by the Company; a $266.7 million gain was recorded.

Investments in Affiliates. As of December 31, 2016, the Company held an approximate 20% interest in HomeHero and interests in several other affiliates; Residential Healthcare (Residential) held a 40% interest in Residential Home Health Illinois, a 42.5% interest in Residential Hospice Illinois, and a 40% interest in the joint venture formed between Residential and a Michigan hospital; and Celtic Healthcare (Celtic) held a 40% interest in the joint venture formed between Celtic Healthcare and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) (see Note 7). For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $14.9 million in revenue for services provided to the affiliates of Celtic and Residential.

Additionally, Kaplan International Holdings Limited (KIHL) held a 45% interest in a joint venture formed with York University. In July 2016, Kaplan International Holdings Limited (KIHL) entered into an agreement with University of York International Pathway College LLP (York International College) to loan the LLP £25 million over the next eighteen months, to construct an academic building in the UK to be used by the College. York International College is a limited liability partnership joint venture between Kaplan York Limited (a subsidiary of Kaplan International Colleges UK Limited) and a subsidiary of the University of York, that operates a pathways college. The loan will be repayable over 25 years at an interest rate of 7% and the loan is guaranteed by the University of York. While there is no strict requirement to make annual principal and interest payments, interest will be rolled up and accrue interest at 7% if no such payments are made. The loan becomes due and payable if the partnership agreement with Kaplan is terminated. In the second half of 2016, KIHL advanced approximately £11.0 million to York International College.

As a result of the challenging industry operating environment and operating losses, in the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an $8.4 million write-down on its investment in HomeHero, a company that managed an online senior home care marketplace.

On April 1, 2014, the Company received a gross cash distribution of $95.0 million from Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com. In connection with this sale, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $90.9 million in the second quarter of 2014. On September 30, 2014, the Company held a 16.5% interest in Classified Ventures. On October 1, 2014, the Company and the remaining partners completed the sale of their entire stakes in Classified Ventures. Total proceeds to the Company, net of transaction costs, were $408.5 million, of which $16.5 million was held in escrow until received in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $396.6 million in connection with the sale in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Trade accounts receivable, less doubtful accounts
of $26,723 and $27,854	$	591,854	$	553,780
Other receivables	23,247		18,655
	$	615,101	$	572,435

The changes in allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:



(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions – Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
2016	$	27,854	$	29,718	$	(30,849	)	$	26,723
2015	$	32,598	$	39,982	$	(44,726	)	$	27,854
2014	$	33,834	$	47,356	$	(48,592	)	$	32,598

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	352,356	$	285,321
Accrued compensation and related benefits	148,370		142,693
	$	500,726	$	428,014

Cash overdrafts of $15.5 million and $1.1 million are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Land	$	10,410		$	10,410
Buildings	88,256			83,642
Machinery, equipment and fixtures	433,652			438,388
Leasehold improvements	209,612			205,018
Construction in progress	36,728			13,517
	778,658			750,975
Less accumulated depreciation	(544,994		)	(519,852		)
	$	233,664		$	231,123

Depreciation expense was $64.6 million, $77.9 million and $74.9 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The Company capitalized $0.4 million of interest related to the construction of a building in 2016. No interest expense was capitalized in 2015 and 2014.

In the second quarter of 2015, as a result of the sale of Kaplan’s KHE Campuses business, Kaplan recorded a $6.9 million impairment charge. In 2014, as a result of restructuring activities at KHE Campuses, Kaplan recorded an impairment charge of $13.6 million. The Company estimated the fair value of the property, plant and equipment using a market approach.

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS OF BUSINESSES

Acquisitions. In May 2016, Graham Media Group entered into an agreement to acquire two television stations for $60 million in cash and the assumption of certain pension obligations. This transaction closed on January 17, 2017.

The Company completed business acquisitions totaling approximately $258.0 million in 2016; $163.3 million in 2015; and $210.2 million in 2014. The assets and liabilities of the companies acquired have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

During 2016, the Company acquired five businesses, three businesses included in its education division and two businesses in other businesses. In January 2016, Kaplan acquired a 100% interest in Mander Portman Woodward, a leading provider of high-quality, bespoke education to UK and international students in London, Cambridge and Birmingham, by purchasing all of its issued and outstanding shares. In February 2016, Kaplan acquired a 100% interest in Osborne Books, an educational publisher of learning resources for accounting qualifications in the UK, by purchasing all of its issued and outstanding shares. The primary reason for these acquisitions is based on several strategic benefits expected to be realized in the future. Both of these acquisitions are included in Kaplan International.

In September 2016, Group Dekko, Inc. (Dekko) acquired a 100% interest in Electri-Cable Assemblies (ECA), a Shelton, CT-based manufacturer of power, data and electrical solutions for the office furniture industry, by purchasing all of its issued and outstanding shares. Dekko’s primary reasons for the acquisition were to complement existing product offerings and provide opportunities for synergies across the businesses. This acquisition is included in other businesses.

During 2015, the Company acquired two businesses. On November 13, 2015, the Company acquired a 100% interest in Dekko, a Garrett, IN-based manufacturer of electrical solutions for applications across three business lines: workspace power solutions, architectural lighting and electrical components and assemblies, by purchasing all of the issued and outstanding shares. Dekko is included in other businesses. On December 22, 2015, Kaplan acquired a 100% interest in SmartPros, a provider of accredited professional education and training, primarily in accountancy, which is included in Higher Education.

During 2014, the Company acquired nine businesses. On April 1, 2014, Celtic Healthcare acquired a 100% interest in VNA-TIP Healthcare, a provider of home health and hospice services in Missouri and Illinois. On May 30, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of a 100% interest in Joyce/Dayton Corp., a Dayton, OH-based manufacturer of screw jacks and other linear motion systems. On July 3, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of an 80% interest in Residential Healthcare Group, Inc., the parent company of Residential Home Health and Residential Hospice, providers of skilled home health care and hospice services in Michigan and Illinois. Residential Healthcare Group, Inc. has a 40% ownership interest in Residential Home Health Illinois and a 42.5% ownership interest in Residential Hospice Illinois, which are accounted for as investments in affiliates. The fair value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest in Residential Healthcare Group, Inc. was $17.1 million at the acquisition date, determined using a market approach. The minority shareholders had an option to put their shares to the Company starting in 2017, and the Company had an option to buy the shares of some minority shareholders in 2020 and those of the remaining minority shareholders in 2024. The operating results of these businesses are included in other businesses. The Company also acquired three small businesses in its education division, one small business in its broadcasting division and two small businesses in other businesses.

Acquisition-related costs for 2016 were $1.5 million and expensed as incurred. Acquisition-related costs were not significant for 2015 and 2014 and were expensed as incurred. The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated as follows based on acquisition date fair values to the following assets and liabilities (excluding measurement period adjustments recorded in subsequent years):



	Purchase Price Allocation
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Accounts receivable	$	8,538		$	30,537		$	15,912
Other assets	2,298			21,806			16,495
Property, plant and equipment	3,940			28,872			12,834
Goodwill	184,118			76,156			128,919
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	53,110			7,400			12,051
Amortized intangible assets	28,267			31,900			73,766
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	(32,901		)	(36,892		)	(36,834		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(17,108		)
Aggregate purchase price, net of cash received	$	247,370		$	159,779		$	206,035

The fair values recorded were based upon valuations. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the estimated future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The goodwill recorded due to these acquisitions is attributable to the assembled workforces of the acquired companies and expected synergies. The Company expects to deduct $22.2 million and $20.0 million of goodwill for income tax purposes for the acquisitions completed in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

In 2016, the Company recorded adjustments to the deferred taxes included in the preliminary accounting of Dekko and SmartPros acquired in the fourth quarter of 2015. These adjustments resulted in a $20.0 million decrease to goodwill.

The acquired companies were consolidated into the Company’s financial statements starting on their respective acquisition dates. The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations include aggregate revenues and operating income for the companies acquired in 2016 of $47.6 million and $7.2 million, respectively, for 2016. The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the Company’s results as if the current year acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2015. The unaudited pro forma information also includes the 2015 acquisitions as if they occurred at the beginning of 2014:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Operating revenues	$	2,498,753	$	2,804,663
Net income (loss)	$	172,738	$	(84,209	)

These pro forma results were based on estimates and assumptions, which the Company believes are reasonable, and include the historical results of operations of the acquired companies and adjustments for depreciation and amortization of identified assets and the effect of pre-acquisition transaction related expenses incurred by the Company and the acquired entities. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions and synergies expected to result from the acquisitions. They are not the results that would have been realized had these entities been part of the Company during the periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s consolidated results of operations in future periods.

Spin-Off. On July 1, 2015, the Company completed the spin-off of Cable ONE, by way of a distribution of all the issued and outstanding shares of Cable ONE common stock, on a pro rata basis, to the Company’s stockholders (see Note 3).

Sale of Businesses. In January 2016, Kaplan completed the sale of Colloquy, which was included in Kaplan Corporate and Other.

On September 3, 2015, Kaplan completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its KHE Campuses business, consisting of 38 nationally accredited ground campuses and certain related assets, in exchange for a preferred equity interest in a vocational school company. KHE Campuses schools that were closed or were in the process of closing were not included in the sale transaction.

The revenue and operating losses related to schools that were sold as part of the KHE Campuses sale are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Revenue	$	167,093		$	268,895
Operating income (loss)	(6,264		)	(7,748		)

In the second quarter of 2015, Kaplan also recorded a $6.9 million long-lived assets impairment charge in connection with the KHE Campuses business (this amount is included in the above table).

In the third quarter of 2015, Kaplan sold Franklyn Scholar, which was part of Kaplan International. In the second quarter of 2015, the Company sold The Root, a component of Slate, and Kaplan sold two small businesses, Structuralia, which was part of Kaplan International, and Fire and EMS Training, which was part of Kaplan Higher Education. As a result of these sales, the Company reported net losses in other non-operating (expense) income (see Note 15).

In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International. In January 2015, Kaplan completed the sale of an additional school in China.

Exchanges. On June 30, 2014, the Company and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. completed a previously announced transaction in which Berkshire acquired a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that included, among other things, WPLG, a Miami-based television station, 2,107 Class A Berkshire shares and 1,278 Class B Berkshire shares owned by Graham Holdings and $327.7 million in cash, in exchange for 1,620,190 shares of Graham Holdings Class B common stock owned by Berkshire Hathaway (Berkshire exchange transaction). As a result, income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2014 includes a $266.7 million gain from the sale of the Berkshire Hathaway shares, and income from discontinued operations for the second quarter of 2014 includes a $375.0 million gain from the WPLG exchange.

The pre-tax gain of $266.7 million related to the disposition of the Berkshire shares was not subject to income tax as the Berkshire exchange transaction qualifies as a tax-free distribution.

As discussed above, this exchange transaction includes significant noncash investing and financing activities. On the date of exchange, the fair value of the Berkshire Class A and B shares was $400.3 million, and the fair value of WPLG was determined to be $438.0 million. In total, the Company recorded an increase in treasury stock of $1,165.4 million in the second quarter of 2014 in connection with the Berkshire exchange transaction.

Other. In June 2016, Residential and a Michigan hospital formed a joint venture to provide home health services to patients in western Michigan. In connection with this transaction, Residential contributed its western Michigan home health operations to the joint venture and then sold 60% of the newly formed venture to its Michigan hospital partner. Although Residential manages the operations of the joint venture, Residential holds a 40% interest in the joint venture, so the operating results of the joint venture are not consolidated, and the pro rata operating results are included in the Company's equity in earnings of affiliates.

In June 2016, the Company purchased the outstanding 20% redeemable noncontrolling interest in Residential. At that time, the Company recorded an increase to redeemable noncontrolling interest of $3.0 million, with a corresponding decrease to capital in excess of par value, to reflect the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest at $24.0 million. Following this transaction, Celtic and Residential combined their business operations to form Graham Healthcare Group (GHG). The redeemable noncontrolling interest shareholders in Celtic exchanged their 20% interest in Celtic for a 10% mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in the combined entity, and the Company recorded a $4.1 million net increase to the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest to reflect the estimated fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest. The minority shareholders have an option to put their shares to the Company starting in 2020 and are required to put a percentage of their shares in 2022 and 2024, with the remaining shares required to be put by the minority shareholders in 2026. The redemption value is based on an EBITDA multiple, adjusted for working capital and other items, computed annually, with no limit on the amount payable. The Company now owns 90% of GHG. Because the noncontrolling interest is now mandatorily redeemable by the Company by 2026, it is reported as a noncurrent liability at December 31, 2016.

In January 2015, Celtic and Allegheny Health Network closed on the formation of a joint venture to combine each other’s home health and hospice assets in the western Pennsylvania region. Although Celtic manages the operations of the joint venture, Celtic holds a 40% interest in the joint venture, so the operating results of the joint venture are not consolidated, and the pro rata operating results are included in the Company’s equity in earnings of affiliates. Celtic’s revenues from the western Pennsylvania region that are now part of the joint venture made up 29% of total Celtic revenues in 2014.

The Company’s income from continuing operations excludes Cable ONE, the sold Kaplan China schools and WPLG, which have been reclassified to discontinued operations (see Note 3).

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In the fourth quarter of 2016, as a result of the challenging industry operating environment and operating losses, one of the businesses in the other businesses segment recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $1.6 million.

In the third quarter of 2015, as a result of continued declines in student enrollments at KHE and the challenging industry operating environment, the Company performed an interim impairment review of its goodwill and long-lived assets at the KHE reporting unit. The KHE reporting unit failed the step one goodwill impairment test. As a result of the step two analysis, the Company recorded a $248.6 million goodwill impairment charge. The Company estimated the fair value of the KHE reporting unit utilizing a discounted cash flow model, supported by a market approach. A substantial portion of the impairment charge is due to the amount of unrecognized intangible assets identified in the step two analysis.

In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2015, Kaplan recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $0.9 million related to one of the Kaplan International businesses and $0.5 million related to a KTP business. The fair values of these intangible assets were estimated using an income approach. In November 2015, the Company announced that Trove, a digital innovation team included in other businesses, would largely be integrated into SocialCode and that Trove’s existing offerings would be discontinued. In connection with this action, the Company recorded a $2.8 million goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2015.

In 2014, as a result of regulatory changes impacting Kaplan’s operations in China, Kaplan recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $7.8 million, reported in discontinued operations. The Company estimated the fair value of the student and customer relationships using an income approach. In addition, Kaplan recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $1.8 million related to a KTP business, $1.1 million related to one of the Kaplan International businesses and $0.7 million related to KHE. The fair value of these intangible assets were estimated using an income approach. One of the businesses in the other businesses segment recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $0.1 million.

Amortization of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, was $26.7 million, $19.0 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be approximately $24 million in 2017, $21 million in 2018, $20 million in 2019, $16 million in 2020, $12 million in 2021 and $15 million thereafter.

In July 2014, the cable division sold wireless spectrum licenses that were purchased in 2006; a pre-tax non-operating gain of $75.2 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2014 in connection with these sales. As a result of the Cable ONE spin-off, this gain is now reported in discontinued operations.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, were as follows:



(in thousands)	Education			Cable			Television Broadcasting		Other Businesses			Total
As of December 31, 2014
Goodwill	$	1,057,226		$	85,488		$	168,345	$	145,992		$	1,457,051
Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)	—			—		(6,082		)	(108,341		)
	954,967			85,488			168,345		139,910			1,348,710
Measurement period adjustment	—			—			—		4,570			4,570
Acquisitions	11,515			—			—		60,071			71,586
Impairment	(248,591		)	—			—		(2,810		)	(251,401		)
Dispositions	(33,502		)	(85,488		)	—		(7,819		)	(126,809		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(29,143		)	—			—		—			(29,143		)
As of December 31, 2015
Goodwill	1,006,096			—			168,345		202,814			1,377,255
Accumulated impairment losses	(350,850		)	—			—		(8,892		)	(359,742		)
	655,246			—			168,345		193,922			1,017,513
Measurement period adjustment	(2,781		)	—			—		(17,243		)	(20,024		)
Acquisitions	161,938			—			—		22,180			184,118
Impairment	—			—			—		(1,603		)	(1,603		)
Dispositions	—			—			—		(2,800		)	(2,800		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(54,250		)	—			—		—			(54,250		)
As of December 31, 2016
Goodwill	1,111,003			—			168,345		202,141			1,481,489
Accumulated impairment losses	(350,850		)	—			—		(7,685		)	(358,535		)
	$	760,153		$	—		$	168,345	$	194,456		$	1,122,954

The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company’s education division were as follows:



(in thousands)	Higher Education			Test Preparation			Kaplan International			Total
As of December 31, 2014
Goodwill	$	409,884		$	166,098		$	481,244		$	1,057,226
Accumulated impairment losses	—			(102,259		)	—			(102,259		)
	409,884			63,839			481,244			954,967
Acquisitions	11,515			—			—			11,515
Impairment	(248,591		)	—			—			(248,591		)
Dispositions	(28,738		)	—			(4,764		)	(33,502		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(204		)	—			(28,939		)	(29,143		)
As of December 31, 2015
Goodwill	392,457			166,098			447,541			1,006,096
Accumulated impairment losses	(248,591		)	(102,259		)	—			(350,850		)
	143,866			63,839			447,541			655,246
Measurement period adjustment	(2,781		)	—			—			(2,781		)
Acquisitions	—			—			161,938			161,938
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	44			—			(54,294		)	(54,250		)
As of December 31, 2016
Goodwill	389,720			166,098			555,185			1,111,003
Accumulated impairment losses	(248,591		)	(102,259		)	—			(350,850		)
	$	141,129		$	63,839		$	555,185		$	760,153

Other intangible assets consist of the following:



		As of December 31, 2016						As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Useful Life Range	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Amortized Intangible Assets
Student and customer relationships	2–10 years	$	129,616	$	55,863	$	73,753	$	108,806	$	40,280	$	68,526
Trade names and trademarks	2–10 years	55,240		29,670		25,570		53,848		23,941		29,907
Databases and technology	3–5 years	5,601		4,368		1,233		4,617		4,114		503
Noncompete agreements	2–5 years	1,730		1,404		326		1,381		1,012		369
Other	1–8 years	12,030		4,973		7,057		10,095		2,209		7,886
		$	204,217	$	96,278	$	107,939	$	178,747	$	71,556	$	107,191
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Trade names and trademarks		$	65,192					$	21,051
Licensure and accreditation		834						834
		$	66,026					$	21,885

- 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, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

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



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015			2014
U.S.	$	227,457	$	(142,705	)	$	1,025,101
Non-U.S.	23,201		21,815			52,602
	$	250,658	$	(120,890	)	$	1,077,703

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



(in thousands)	Current		Deferred			Total
Year Ended December 31, 2016
U.S. Federal	$	56,342	$	33,959		$	90,301
State and Local	6,325		(5,164		)	1,161
Non-U.S.	8,463		(18,725		)	(10,262		)
	$	71,130	$	10,070		$	81,200
Year Ended December 31, 2015
U.S. Federal	$	5,728	$	20,890		$	26,618
State and Local	402		(10,749		)	(10,347		)
Non-U.S.	2,441		1,788			4,229
	$	8,571	$	11,929		$	20,500
Year Ended December 31, 2014
U.S. Federal	$	215,450	$	38,684		$	254,134
State and Local	23,737		27,257			50,994
Non-U.S.	10,485		(3,313		)	7,172
	$	249,672	$	62,628		$	312,300

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



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate	$	87,731		$	(42,311	)	$	377,196
State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal tax	(2,965		)	(3,441		)	38,106
Valuation allowances against state tax benefits, net of U.S. Federal tax	3,196			(3,285		)	(4,960		)
Tax-free stock transactions	—			—			(91,540		)
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions	1,993			2,688			2,186
Valuation allowances against other non-U.S. income tax benefits	(12,688		)	431			(2,477		)
Goodwill impairments and dispositions	(5,631		)	63,889			—
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax benefits	(6,012		)	(625		)	(6,789		)
Write-off of deferred taxes related to intercompany loans	10,965			—			—
Other, net	4,611			3,154			578
Provision for Income Taxes	$	81,200		$	20,500		$	312,300

During 2016, certain intercompany loans were capitalized and other intercompany loans were designated as long-term investments, resulting in the write-off of $11.0 million in U.S. deferred tax assets. Also, the Company benefited from a favorable $5.6 million out of period deferred tax adjustment related to the KHE goodwill impairment recorded in the third quarter of 2015.

During 2015 and 2014, in addition to the income tax provision for continuing operations presented above, the Company also recorded tax expense or benefits on discontinued operations. Income from discontinued operations and net (loss) gain on dispositions of discontinued operations have been reclassified from previously reported income from operations and reported separately as income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Tax expense of $27.8 million and $82.4 million were recorded in discontinued operations in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Deferred income taxes consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Accrued postretirement benefits	$	9,444		$	13,763
Other benefit obligations	120,792			108,349
Accounts receivable	10,780			12,840
State income tax loss carryforwards	23,178			19,550
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards	6,212			5,007
U.S. Federal foreign income tax credit carryforwards	1,921			1,374
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	19,246			26,921
Non-U.S. capital loss carryforwards	1,929			10,055
Other	44,401			44,858
Deferred Tax Assets	237,903			242,717
Valuation allowances	(41,319		)	(69,545		)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$	196,584		$	173,172
Property, plant and equipment	13,591			17,465
Prepaid pension cost	349,878			386,916
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	61,964			39,010
Goodwill and other intangible assets	132,997			133,097
Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	558,430		$	576,488
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	$	361,846		$	403,316

The Company has $455.6 million of state income tax net operating 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)
2017	$	7.3
2018	9.3
2019	2.8
2020	18.3
2021	19.6
2022 and after	398.3
Total	$	455.6

The Company has recorded at December 31, 2016, $23.2 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 established $21.0 million in valuation allowances against these deferred state income tax assets, since the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that some state tax losses may not be fully utilized in the future to reduce state taxable income.

The Company has $17.6 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)
2017	$	4.1
2018	3.6
2019	3.3
2020	3.3
2021	1.1
2022 and after	2.2
Total	$	17.6

The Company has established at December 31, 2016, $6.2 million in U.S. Federal deferred tax assets with respect to these U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards.

For U.S. Federal income tax purposes, the Company has $1.9 million of foreign tax credits available to be credited against future U.S. Federal income tax liabilities. These U.S. Federal foreign tax credits are expected to be fully utilized in the future; if unutilized, $0.7 million of these foreign tax credits will expire in 2024, $0.7 million will expire in 2025, and $0.5 million will expire in 2026. The Company has established at December 31, 2016, $1.9 million of U.S. Federal deferred tax assets with respect to these U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards.

The Company has $69.3 million of non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards, as a result of operating losses and carryforwards obtained through prior stock acquisitions that are available to offset future non-U.S. taxable income and has recorded, with respect to these losses, $19.2 million in non-U.S. deferred income tax assets. The Company has established $4.9 million in valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets recorded for the portion of non-U.S. tax losses that may not be fully utilized to reduce future non-U.S. taxable income. The $69.3 million of non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards consist of $60.3 million in losses that may be carried forward indefinitely; $4.8 million of losses that, if unutilized, will expire in varying amounts through 2021; and $4.2 million of losses that, if unutilized, will start to expire after 2021.

The Company has $6.4 million of non-U.S. capital loss carryfowards that may be carried forward indefinitely and are available to offset future non-U.S. capital gains. The Company recorded a $1.9 million non-U.S. deferred income tax asset and has established a full valuation allowance against this non-U.S. deferred tax asset since the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the capital loss carryforwards may not be fully utilized to reduce taxable income in the future.

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



(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Tax Expense and Revaluation		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
Year ended
December 31, 2016	$	69,545	$	4,709	$	(32,935	)	$	41,319
December 31, 2015	$	65,521	$	4,024	$	—		$	69,545
December 31, 2014	$	72,767	$	889	$	(8,135	)	$	65,521

The Company has established $31.8 million in valuation allowances against deferred state tax assets recognized, net of U.S. Federal tax. As stated above, approximately $21.0 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 deferred state income tax assets, 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 deferred state income tax assets are recorded at the parent company, the education division and other businesses and 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 will be monitoring future operating results and projected future operating results on a quarterly basis to determine whether the valuation allowances provided against deferred state tax assets should be increased or decreased, as future circumstances warrant.

The Company has established $9.5 million in valuation allowances against non-U.S. deferred tax assets, and, as stated above, $4.9 million of the non-U.S. valuation allowances relate to non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards and $1.9 million relate to non-U.S. capital 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 with respect to such undistributed earnings estimated to be creditable against future U.S. Federal tax liabilities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, net U.S. Federal and state deferred income tax liabilities of about $23.8 million and $17.5 million, respectively, were 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 $103.3 million and $71.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively; these differences would result in approximately $0.3 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, 2016, and would not result in any additional U.S. Federal and state deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2015. 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.

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company released $19.3 million of valuation allowance previously recorded on its operations in Australia, as the Company determined that it was more likely than not that the benefit of the net deferred tax assets would be realized, based on improved operating results that have recently generated positive ordinary income. The remaining valuation allowances established against non-U.S. deferred tax assets are recorded at the education division and other businesses. The remaining non-U.S. valuation allowances may increase or decrease within the next 12 months, based on operating results. As a result, the Company is unable to estimate the potential tax impact, given the uncertain operating environment. The Company will be monitoring future education division and other businesses' operating results and projected future operating results on a quarterly basis to determine whether the valuation allowances provided against non-U.S. deferred tax assets should be increased or decreased, as future circumstances warrant.

The Company recorded a $10.5 million U.S. Federal income tax receivable with respect to capital loss carryforwards to the 2013 tax year and is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service. 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 2012, though any carryforward adjustment to the 2013 tax year is still subject to examination.

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 following summarizes the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the respective periods:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015			2014
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits	$	17,331	$	19,817		$	—
Increases related to current year tax positions	—		—			19,817
Increases related to prior year tax positions	—		—			—
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	—		(2,486		)	—
Decreases related to settlement with tax authorities	—		—			—
Decreases due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	—		—			—
Ending unrecognized tax benefits	$	17,331	$	17,331		$	19,817

The unrecognized tax benefits mainly relate to state income tax filing positions applicable to the 2014 tax period. 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. Although the Company cannot predict the timing of resolution with tax authorities, the Company estimates that no portion of unrecognized tax benefits will be reduced in the next 12 months due to settlement with the tax authorities. The Company expects that a $5.1 million state tax benefit, net of $1.8 million federal tax expense, will reduce the effective tax rate in the future if recognized.

The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of interest and other expenses, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has accrued $0.7 million of interest related to the unrecognized tax benefits. The Company has not accrued any penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits.

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

DEBT

The Company’s borrowings consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019 ⁽¹⁾	$	399,052		$	398,596
UK Credit facility ⁽²⁾	91,316			—
Other indebtedness	1,479			1,204
Total Debt	491,847			399,800
Less: current portion	(6,128		)	—
Total Long-Term Debt	$	485,719		$	399,800

____________


(1)	The carrying value is net of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


(2)	The carrying value is net of $0.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016.

The Company did not borrow funds under its USD revolving credit facility in 2016 or 2015. The Company’s other indebtedness at December 31, 2016, is at interest rates of 2% to 6% and matures between 2019 and 2025. The Company's other indebtedness at December 31, 2015, is at an interest rate of 6% and matures in 2019.

On July 14, 2016, Kaplan entered into a credit agreement (the Kaplan Credit Agreement) among Kaplan International Holdings Limited, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, HSBC BANK PLC as Facility Agent, and other agents party thereto. The Kaplan Credit Agreement provides for a four-year credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of £75 million. Borrowings bear interest at a rate per annum of LIBOR plus an applicable interest rate margin between 1.25% and 1.75%, in each case determined on a quarterly basis by reference to a pricing grid based upon the Company's total leverage ratio. The Kaplan Credit Agreement requires that 6.66% of the amount of the loan be repaid on the first three anniversaries of funding, with the remaining balance due on July 1, 2020. The Kaplan Credit Agreement contains terms and conditions, including remedies in the event of a default by the Company, typical of facilities of this type and requires the Company to maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than 3.5 to 1.0 and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of at least 3.5 to 1.0 based upon the ratio of consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as determined pursuant to the Kaplan Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants.

On July 25, 2016, Kaplan borrowed £75 million under the Kaplan Credit Agreement. On the same date, Kaplan entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a total notional value of £75 million and a maturity date of July 1, 2020. The interest rate swap agreement will pay Kaplan variable interest on the £75 million notional amount at the three-month LIBOR, and Kaplan will pay the counterparties a fixed rate of 0.51%, effectively resulting in a total fixed interest rate of 2.01% on the outstanding borrowings at the current applicable margin of 1.50%. The interest rate swap agreement was entered into to convert the variable rate British pound borrowing under the Kaplan Credit Agreement into a fixed rate borrowing. The Company provided a guarantee on any borrowings under the Kaplan Credit Agreement. Based on the terms of the interest rate swap agreement and the underlying borrowing, the interest rate swap agreement was determined to be effective and thus qualifies as a cash flow hedge. As such, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap are recorded in other comprehensive income on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows.

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.

In June 2015, Cable ONE issued $550 million in debt. With the Cable ONE spin-off effective on July 1, 2015, the Cable ONE debt is no longer an obligation of the Company.

On June 17, 2015, the Company terminated its U.S. $450 million, AUD 50 million four-year revolving credit facility dated June 17, 2011. No borrowings were outstanding under the 2011 Credit Agreement at the time of termination. On June 29, 2015, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement) providing for a U.S. $200 million five-year revolving credit facility (the Facility) with each of the lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent (Wells Fargo), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Documentation Agent (the Credit Agreement). The Company is required to pay a commitment fee on a quarterly basis, based on the Company’s leverage ratio, of between 0.15% and 0.25% of the amount of the Facility. Any borrowings are made on an unsecured basis and bear interest at the Company’s option, either at (a) a fluctuating interest rate equal to the highest of Wells Fargo’s prime rate, 0.50 percent above the Federal funds rate or the one-month Eurodollar rate plus 1%, or (b) the Eurodollar rate for the applicable interest period as defined in the Credit Agreement, which is generally a periodic rate equal to LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin that depends on the Company’s consolidated debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA (as determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement, “leverage ratio”). The Company may draw on the Facility for general corporate purposes. The Facility will expire on July 1, 2020, 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 requires the Company to maintain a leverage ratio of not greater than 3.5 to 1.0 and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of at least 3.5 to 1.0 based upon the ratio of consolidated adjusted EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as determined pursuant to the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with all financial covenants.

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 paid the Company variable interest on the AUD 50 million notional amount at the three-month bank bill rate, and the Company paid 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 qualified as a cash flow hedge. As such, any changes in the fair value of these interest rate swaps were recorded in other comprehensive income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets until earnings were affected by the variability of cash flows. On March 9, 2015, the Company repaid the AUD 50 million borrowed under its revolving credit facility. On the same day, the AUD 50 million interest rate swap agreements matured.

During 2016 and 2015, the Company had average borrowings outstanding of approximately $443.9 million and $428.0 million, respectively, at average annual interest rates of approximately 6.7% and 7.1%, respectively. The Company incurred net interest expense of $32.3 million, $30.7 million and $33.4 million during 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, is a $2.7 million charge to adjust the fair value of the Company's mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest (see Note 7). The fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on an EBITDA multiple, adjusted for working capital and other items, which approximates fair value (Level 3 fair value assessment).

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the fair value of the Company’s 7.25% unsecured notes, based on quoted market prices (Level 2 fair value assessment), totaled $438.7 million and $436.6 million, respectively, compared with the carrying amount of $399.1 million and $398.6 million. The carrying value of the Company’s other unsecured debt at December 31, 2016, approximates fair value.

Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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



	As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Money market investments⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	435,258	$	—	$	435,258
Commercial paper⁽²⁾	49,882		—		—		49,882
Marketable equity securities⁽³⁾	424,229		—		—		424,229
Other current investments⁽⁴⁾	6,957		17,055		—		24,012
Total Financial Assets	$	481,068	$	452,313	$	—	$	933,381
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾	$	—	$	46,300	$	—	$	46,300
Interest rate swap⁽⁶⁾	—		365		—		365
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest⁽⁷⁾	—		—		12,584		12,584
Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	46,665	$	12,584	$	59,249



	As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets
Money market investments⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	433,040	$	433,040
Marketable equity securities⁽³⁾	350,563		—		350,563
Other current investments⁽⁴⁾	12,822		16,060		28,882
Total Financial Assets	$	363,385	$	449,100	$	812,485
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾	$	—	$	48,055	$	48,055

____________


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


(2)	The Company’s commercial paper investments with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.


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


(4)	Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits. 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.

(5)

Includes Graham Holdings Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits. These plans measure the market value of a participant’s balance in a notional investment account that is comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices. However, since the deferred compensation obligations are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in operating income.


(6)	Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.


(7)	The fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on an EBITDA multiple, adjusted for working capital and other items, which approximates fair value.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded impairment charges totaling $27.0 million to its cost method investment relating to a preferred equity interest in a vocational school company due to a decline in business conditions. The measurement of the preferred equity interest is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed in the determination of the fair value. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value of the preferred equity interest and made estimates and assumption regarding future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine the estimated fair value.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment charges of $259.7 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recorded an intangible and other long-lived assets impairment charge of $25.1 million, of which $7.8 million is reported in discontinued operations (see Notes 2 and 8). The remeasurement of the goodwill and other long-lived assets is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed in the determination of the fair value. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. A market value approach was also utilized to supplement the discounted cash flow model. The Company made estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows, discount rates, long-term growth rates and market values to determine the reporting unit’s estimated fair value.

- 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 + Details

Redeemable Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
Redeemable Preferred Stock	Dec. 31, 2016
Temporary Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable Preferred Stock	REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK On October 1, 2015, the Company redeemed its Series A preferred stock with a par value of $1.00 per share and a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. The 10,510 shares outstanding were redeemed at the redemption price of $1,000 per share for $10.5 million. Prior to redemption, dividends on the Series A preferred stock were 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 was not convertible into any other security of the Company, and the holders thereof had 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, 2016

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options [Abstract]

Capital Stock, Stock Awards And Stock Options

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 2015, the Company’s Class A shareholders converted 10,822, or 1%, 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. There were no conversions in 2016.

During 2016 and 2015, the Company purchased a total of 229,498 and 46,226 shares, respectively, of its Class B common stock at a cost of approximately $108.9 million and $23.0 million, respectively. As part of the exchange transaction with Berkshire in 2014, the Company acquired 1,620,190 shares of its Class B common stock at a cost of approximately $1,165.4 million. On May 14, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to acquire up to 500,000 shares of its Class B common stock. The Company did not announce a ceiling price or time limit for the purchases. The authorization included 159,219 shares that remained under the previous authorization. At December 31, 2016, the Company had remaining authorization from the Board of Directors to purchase up to 224,276 shares of Class B common stock. Shares acquired as part of the exchange transaction received separate authorization by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Stock Awards. In 2012, the Company adopted an incentive compensation plan (the 2012 Plan), which, among other provisions, authorizes the awarding of Class B common stock to key employees in the form of stock awards, stock options and other awards involving the actual transfer of shares. All stock awards, stock options and other awards involving the actual transfer of shares issued subsequent to the adoption of this plan are covered under this incentive compensation plan. Stock awards made under the 2012 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. As a result of the Cable ONE spin-off, the number of Class B common stock authorized for issuance under the 2012 Plan was increased from 500,000 shares to 772,588 shares. The individual award limit under the 2012 Plan was also increased from 50,000 shares to 77,258 shares per calendar year. At December 31, 2016, there were 617,326 shares reserved for issuance under the 2012 incentive compensation plan. Of this number, 171,156 shares were subject to stock awards and stock options outstanding and 446,170 shares were available for future awards.

Activity related to stock awards under the 2012 incentive compensation plan for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning of year, unvested	81,475		$	637.70
Awarded	1,291		872.36
Vested	(11,366	)	565.79
Forfeited	(4,175	)	625.04
End of Year, Unvested	67,225		655.15

In connection with the spin-off of Cable ONE, the Company modified the terms of 10,830 restricted stock awards in the second quarter of 2015 affecting 21 Cable ONE employees. The modification resulted in the acceleration of the vesting period of 6,324 restricted stock awards and the forfeiture of 4,506 restricted stock awards. The Company recorded incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, in the second quarter of 2015 amounting to $3.7 million, which is reflected in discontinued operations in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The spin-off also resulted in a modification of some of the Company’s outstanding restricted stock awards. The holders of restricted stock awards received Cable ONE restricted common stock, on a pro rata basis, as part of the distribution. The modification of the restricted stock awards resulted in an estimated incremental stock compensation expense of $3.0 million that is being recognized over the remaining service periods of the unvested restricted stock awards through the end of 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company also modified the terms of an additional 9,800 restricted stock awards affecting one now former employee. The modification resulted in the acceleration of the vesting period of 9,412 restricted stock awards and the forfeiture of 388 restricted stock awards. As a result, the Company recorded incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, of $6.0 million.

For the share awards outstanding at December 31, 2016, the aforementioned restriction will lapse in 2017 for 28,200 shares, in 2018 for 14,225 shares, in 2019 for 24,550 shares and in 2020 for 250 shares. Also, in early 2017, the Company issued stock awards of 15,150 shares. Stock-based compensation costs resulting from Company stock awards were $11.0 million, $25.3 million and $15.4 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016, there was $11.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards. That cost is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 0.9 years.

Stock Options. The Company’s 2003 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 grant date. Options generally vest over four years and have a maximum term of ten years. At December 31, 2016, there were 83,065 shares reserved for issuance under this stock option plan, which were all subject to options outstanding.

Stock options granted under the 2012 Plan cannot be less than the fair value on the grant date, generally vest over four years and have a maximum term of ten years. In 2015 and 2014, grants were issued which vest over six years.

Activity related to options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Average Option Price
Beginning of year	191,722		$	552.00
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(4,726	)	250.29
Expired or forfeited	—		—
End of Year	186,996		559.62

In connection with the spin-off of Cable ONE, the Company modified outstanding stock options to add an antidilution provision. This resulted in an incremental stock compensation expense of $23.5 million, of which $18.8 million related to fully vested stock options was recognized as a one-time expense in the third quarter of 2015, with the remaining $4.7 million to be recognized over the remaining service periods of the unvested stock options through the end of 2018. The $18.8 million expense is included in the Company’s corporate office segment results and in selling, general and administrative in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Of the shares covered by options outstanding at the end of 2016, 114,872 are now exercisable; 17,000 will become exercisable in 2017; 17,000 will become exercisable in 2018; 17,000 will become exercisable in 2019; 17,000 will become exercisable in 2020; and 4,124 will become exercisable in 2021. For 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded expense of $2.4 million, $22.9 million and $2.7 million related to stock options, respectively. Information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016, is as follows:



	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Shares Outstanding at 12/31/2016	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Exercisable at 12/31/2016	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$244–284	4,648	4.4	$	261.18	4,648	4.4	$	261.18
325	77,258	4.1	325.26		77,258	4.1	325.26
422	3,090	1.4	421.91		3,090	1.4	421.91
719	77,258	7.8	719.15		25,753	7.8	719.15
805–872	24,742	8.9	866.58		4,123	8.9	866.58
	186,996	6.3	559.62		114,872	5.1	433.00

At December 31, 2016, the intrinsic value for all options outstanding, exercisable and unvested was $15.9 million, $15.9 million and $0.0 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 $511.95 at December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, there were 72,124 unvested options related to this plan with an average exercise price of $761.30 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 8.1 years. At December 31, 2015, there were 89,896 unvested options with an average exercise price of $755.65 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 9.1 years.

As of December 31, 2016, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $8.2 million, which is expected to be recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of approximately 4.2 years. There were 4,726 options exercised during 2016. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2016 was $1.2 million; a tax benefit from these stock option exercises of $0.5 million was realized. There were 40,527 options exercised during 2015. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2015 was $19.5 million; a tax benefit from these stock option exercises of $7.8 million was realized. There were 19,125 options exercised during 2014. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2014 was $6.7 million; a tax benefit from these option exercises of $2.7 million was realized.

During 2015 and 2014, the Company granted 24,742 and 50,000 (adjusted to 77,258 post Cable ONE spin-off) options at an exercise price above the fair market value of its common stock at the date of grant, respectively. All other options granted during 2015 and 2014 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 2015 and 2014 was $155.00 and $178.95, respectively. No options were granted during 2016.

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



	2015	2014
Expected life (years)	7–8	7–8
Interest rate	1.88%–2.17%	2.15%–2.45%
Volatility	31.59%–32.69%	30.75%–32.10%
Dividend yield	0.81%–1.18%	1.30%–1.54%

The Company also maintains a stock option plan at Kaplan. Under the provisions of this plan, options are issued with an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of Kaplan’s common stock, and options vest 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.

At December 31, 2016, a Kaplan senior manager holds 7,206 Kaplan restricted shares. The fair value of Kaplan’s common stock is determined by the Company’s compensation committee of the Board of Directors, and in January 2017, the committee set the fair value price at $1,327 per share. During 2015, 2,500 options were awarded to a Kaplan senior manager at a price of $1,180 that would have vested over a four-year period. No options were awarded during 2016 and 2014; no options were exercised during 2016, 2015 or 2014; and due to 2015 forfeitures, there were no options outstanding at December 31, 2016.

Kaplan recorded stock compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.9 million in 2016 and 2014, respectively, and a credit of $1.8 million in 2015. At December 31, 2016, the Company’s accrual balance related to the Kaplan restricted shares totaled $9.6 million. There were no payouts in 2016, 2015 or 2014.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share. The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and, therefore, are considered participating securities for purposes of computing earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The diluted earnings per share computed under the two-class method is lower than the diluted earnings per share computed under the treasury stock method, resulting in the presentation of the lower amount in diluted earnings per share. The computation of earnings per share under the two-class method excludes the income attributable to the unvested restricted stock awards from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those underlying shares from the denominator.

The following reflects the Company’s income from continuing operations and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations using the two-class method:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015			2014
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	168,590		$	(143,456	)	$	765,139
Less: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares	(27,325		)	(53,090		)	(67,267		)
Undistributed earnings (losses)	141,265			(196,546		)	697,872
Percent allocated to common stockholders ⁽¹⁾	98.79		%	100.00		%	97.98		%
	139,562			(196,546		)	683,780
Add: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding	26,962			52,050			66,012
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	166,524			(144,496		)	749,792
Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options	9			—			64
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	166,533		$	(144,496	)	$	749,856
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	5,559			5,727			6,470
Add: Effect of dilutive stock options	30			—			27
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	5,589			5,727			6,497
Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders:
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	29.95		$	(25.23	)	$	115.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	29.80		$	(25.23	)	$	115.40

____________


(1)	Percent of undistributed losses allocated to common stockholders is 100% in 2015 as participating securities are not contractually obligated to share in losses.

Diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive, as computed under the treasury stock method:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016	2015	2014
Weighted average restricted stock	40	52	62
Weighted average stock options	—	39	—

The 2016, 2015 and 2014 diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts exclude the effects of 102,000, 102,000 and 52,000 stock options outstanding, respectively, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive due to a market condition. The 2016, 2015 and 2014 diluted earnings (loss) per share amounts also exclude the effects of 5,450, 6,250 and 5,175 restricted stock awards, respectively, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive due to a performance condition.

In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company declared regular dividends totaling $4.84, $9.10 and $10.20 per share, respectively.

Pension and Postretirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Pension and Postretirement Plans

PENSIONS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

The Company maintains various pension and incentive savings plans and contributed to 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.

Cable ONE Spin-Off. On July 1, 2015, as part of the spin-off, Cable ONE assumed the liability related to their employees participating in the Company’s SERP. The Company also eliminated the accrual of pension benefits for all Cable ONE employees related to their future service. As a result of the spin-off of Cable ONE, the Company remeasured the accumulated and projected benefit obligation of the pension plan and SERP as of July 1, 2015, and recorded curtailment and settlement gains. The new measurement basis was used for the recognition of the SERP cost recorded in the third quarter of 2015 and the pension benefit recorded for the first two months of the third quarter of 2015. The curtailment gain on the spin-off of Cable ONE is included in income from discontinued operations, net of tax. The settlement gain on the spin-off of Cable ONE is included in the SERP liability distributed to Cable ONE (see Note 3).

KHE Campuses Sale. On September 3, 2015, the Company eliminated the accrual of pension benefits for almost all of the KHE Campuses employees related to their future service. As a result, the Company remeasured the accumulated and projected benefit obligation of the pension plan as of September 3, 2015, and the Company recorded a curtailment gain in the third quarter of 2015. The new measurement basis was used for the recognition of the Company’s pension benefit beginning in September 2015. The curtailment gain on the sale of the KHE Campuses is included in the loss on the sale of the KHE Campuses and reported in other (expense) income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Defined Benefit Plans. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans consist of various pension plans and a SERP offered to certain executives of the Company.

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company offered certain terminated participants with a vested pension benefit an opportunity to take their benefits in the form of a lump sum or an annuity. Most of the participants that elected a lump sum benefit under the program were paid in December 2016. Additional lump sum payments are scheduled to be paid in early 2017. The Company recorded an $18.0 million settlement gain related to the bulk lump sum pension program offering.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $0.9 million related to a Special Incentive Program for certain Corporate employees, which was funded from the assets of the Company’s pension plan. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $3.7 million related to a Special Incentive Program for certain Kaplan employees, which was funded from the assets of the Company’s pension plan.

In the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded $4.5 million related to a Separation Incentive Program for certain Corporate employees, which was funded from the assets of the Company’s pension plan. In the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded $3.9 million related to a Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program (VRIP) for certain Corporate employees, which was funded from the assets of the Company’s pension plan. In addition, the Company recorded a $2.4 million SERP charge related to the VRIP for certain Corporate employees.

The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans:



	Pension Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,254,298		$	1,317,480
Service cost	20,461			26,294
Interest cost	51,608			52,613
Amendments	—			4,606
Actuarial gain	(32,203		)	(57,834		)
Benefits paid	(60,076		)	(85,542		)
Curtailment	—			(3,319		)
Settlement	(73,191		)	—
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	1,160,897		$	1,254,298
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	2,234,268		$	2,469,968
Actual return on plan assets	(58,511		)	(150,158		)
Benefits paid	(60,076		)	(85,542		)
Settlement	(73,191		)	—
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	2,042,490		$	2,234,268
Funded Status	$	881,593		$	979,970



	SERP
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	105,004		$	116,083
Service cost	985			1,946
Interest cost	4,384			4,550
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,120			(6,544		)
Benefits paid	(4,967		)	(6,083		)
Curtailment	—			(4,948		)
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	106,526		$	105,004
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	4,967			6,083
Benefits paid	(4,967		)	(6,083		)
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	—		$	—
Funded Status	$	(106,526	)	$	(105,004	)

The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s pension plans at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $1,137.9 million and $1,219.7 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s SERP at December 31, 2016 and 2015, was $103.0 million and $102.5 million, respectively. The amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for its defined benefit pension plans are as follows:



	Pension Plans				SERP
	As of December 31				As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015		2016			2015
Noncurrent asset	$	881,593	$	979,970	$	—		$	—
Current liability	—		—		(5,580		)	(5,442		)
Noncurrent liability	—		—		(100,946		)	(99,562		)
Recognized Asset (Liability)	$	881,593	$	979,970	$	(106,526	)	$	(105,004	)

Key assumptions utilized for determining the benefit obligation are as follows:



	Pension Plans			SERP
	As of December 31			As of December 31
	2016	2015		2016	2015
Discount rate	4.1%	4.3	%	4.1%	4.3	%
Rate of compensation increase	Graded (5.00%–1.00%)	4.0	%	Graded (5.00%–1.00%)	4.0	%

The Company made no contributions to its pension plans in 2016, 2015 and 2014, and the Company does not expect to make any contributions in 2017. The Company made contributions to its SERP of $5.0 million and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As the plan is unfunded, the Company makes contributions to the SERP based on actual benefit payments.

At December 31, 2016, future estimated benefit payments, excluding charges for early retirement programs, are as follows:



(in thousands)	Pension Plans		SERP
2017	$	68,782	$	5,693
2018	$	69,704	$	5,820
2019	$	69,465	$	6,232
2020	$	69,933	$	6,327
2021	$	70,122	$	6,429
2022–2026	$	350,228	$	34,061

The total cost (benefit) arising from the Company’s defined benefit pension plans, including the portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:



	Pension Plans
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	20,461		$	26,294		$	27,792
Interest cost	51,608			52,613			51,825
Expected return on assets	(121,470		)	(130,571		)	(120,472		)
Amortization of prior service cost	297			320			329
Recognized actuarial gain	—			(11,925		)	(28,880		)
Net Periodic Benefit for the Year	(49,104		)	(63,269		)	(69,406		)
Curtailment	—			(3,267		)	—
Settlement	(17,993		)	—			—
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense	—			4,606			8,374
Total Benefit for the Year	$	(67,097	)	$	(61,930	)	$	(61,032	)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss	$	147,779		$	222,894		$	125,866
Amortization of prior service cost	(297		)	(320		)	(329		)
Recognized net actuarial gain	—			11,925			28,880
Curtailment and settlement	17,993			(51		)	(368		)
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	165,475		$	234,448		$	154,049
Total Recognized in Total Benefit and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	98,378		$	172,518		$	93,017



	SERP
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	985		$	1,946		$	1,493
Interest cost	4,384			4,550			4,397
Amortization of prior service cost	457			457			47
Recognized actuarial loss	2,659			3,015			1,544
Net Periodic Cost for the Year	8,485			9,968			7,481
Special separation benefit expense	—			—			2,422
Total Cost for the Year	$	8,485		$	9,968		$	9,903
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$	1,120		$	(6,544	)	$	19,168
Current year prior service cost	—			—			1,600
Amortization of prior service cost	(457		)	(457		)	(47		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(2,659		)	(3,015		)	(1,544		)
Curtailment and settlement	—			(834		)	—
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(1,996	)	$	(10,850	)	$	19,177
Total Recognized in Total Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	6,489		$	(882	)	$	29,080

The net periodic benefit for the Company’s pension plans, as reported above, includes pension cost of $1.9 million and $3.7 million reported in discontinued operations for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The net periodic cost for the Company’s SERP, as reported above, includes cost of $0.2 million and $0.5 million reported in discontinued operations for 2015 and 2014, respectively. The curtailment gain of $2.2 million related to the Cable ONE spin-off is also included in discontinued operations for 2015. The curtailment gain of $1.1 million related to the sale of the KHE Campuses business is included in other (expense) income, net.

The costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined. Below are the key assumptions utilized to determine periodic cost:



	Pension Plans			SERP
	Year Ended December 31			Year Ended December 31
	2016	2015	2014	2016	2015	2014
Discount rate ⁽¹⁾	4.3%	4.4%/4.0%	4.8%	4.3%	4.4%/4.0%	4.8%
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%

____________

(1)

As a result of the spin-off of Cable ONE and the sale of the KHE Campuses business, the Company remeasured the accumulated and projected benefit obligation of the pension plan as of July 1, 2015 and September 3, 2015, respectively. As a result of the spin-off of Cable ONE, the accumulated and projected benefit obligation of the SERP was remeasured as of July 1, 2015. The remeasurement changed the discount rate from 4.0% for the first six months to 4.4% for the second half of 2015.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) includes the following components of unrecognized net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:



	Pension Plans						SERP
	As of December 31						As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(285,304	)	$	(451,076	)	$	24,958		$	26,497
Unrecognized prior service cost	365			662			775			1,232
Gross Amount	(284,939		)	(450,414		)	25,733			27,729
Deferred tax liability (asset)	113,976			180,166			(10,293		)	(11,091		)
Net Amount	$	(170,963	)	$	(270,248	)	$	15,440		$	16,638

During 2017, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:



	2017
(in thousands)	Pension Plans			SERP
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition	$	(5,161	)	$	1,827
Prior service cost recognition	$	156		$	457

Defined Benefit Plan Assets. The Company’s defined benefit pension obligations are funded by a portfolio made up of a U.S. stock index fund, a relatively small number of stocks and high-quality fixed-income securities that are held by a third-party trustee. The assets of the Company’s pension plans were allocated as follows:



	As of December 31
	2016		2015
U.S. equities	53	%	62	%
U.S. stock index fund	30	%	—	%
U.S. fixed income	11	%	13	%
International equities	6	%	25	%
	100	%	100	%

Beginning in the second quarter of 2016, the Company started managing approximately 44% of the pension assets internally, of which the majority is invested in a U.S. stock index fund with the remaining investments in Berkshire Hathaway stock and short-term income securities. The remaining 56% of plan assets are still 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 investment 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, 2016, the investment managers can invest no more than 23% of the assets they manage in specified international exchanges, at the time the investment is made, and no less than 10% of the assets could be invested in fixed-income securities.

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, 2016. 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, 2016, the pension plan held investments in one common stock and one U.S. stock index fund that exceeded 10% of total plan assets valued at $978.8 million, or approximately 48% of total plan assets. At December 31, 2015, the pension plan held common stock in two investments that exceeded 10% of total plan assets, valued at $562.6 million, or 25% of total plan assets. At December 31, 2015, the pension plan held investments in one foreign country that exceeded 10% of total plan assets, valued at $332.4 million, or 15% of total plan assets.

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



	As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments	$	61,438	$	162,010	$	—	$	223,448
Equity securities
U.S. equities	1,074,528		—		—		1,074,528
International equities	120,735		—		—		120,735
U.S. stock index fund	—		—		622,865		622,865
Total Investments	$	1,256,701	$	162,010	$	622,865	$	2,041,576
Receivables							914
Total							$	2,042,490



	As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments	$	256,364	$	33,909	$	290,273
Equity securities
U.S. equities	1,378,158		—		1,378,158
International equities	564,263		—		564,263
Total Investments	$	2,198,785	$	33,909	$	2,232,694
Receivables					1,574
Total					$	2,234,268

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. stock index fund. This fund consists of investments held in a diversified mix of securities (U.S. and international stocks, and fixed income securities) and a combination of other collective funds that together are designed to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index. The fund is valued using the net asset value (NAV) provided by the administrator of the fund and reviewed by the Company. The NAV is based on the value of the underlying assets owned by the fund, minus liabilities and divided by the number of units outstanding. The investment in this fund may be redeemed daily, subjected to the restrictions of the fund. This investment is classified as Level 3 in the valuation hierarchy.

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in pension assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, using Level 3 inputs:



(in thousands)	U.S. stock index fund
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Acquisitions	574,000
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets still held at year-end	48,865
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	622,865

Other Postretirement Plans. The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company’s other postretirement plans:



	Postretirement Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	37,391		$	41,957
Service cost	1,386			1,331
Interest cost	1,230			1,299
Actuarial gain	(14,984		)	(5,296		)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852		)	(1,900		)
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	24,171		$	37,391
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	852			1,900
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852		)	(1,900		)
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	—		$	—
Funded Status	$	(24,171	)	$	(37,391	)

The amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for its other postretirement plans are as follows:



	Postretirement Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Current liability	$	(2,312	)	$	(3,444	)
Noncurrent liability	(21,859		)	(33,947		)
Recognized Liability	$	(24,171	)	$	(37,391	)

The discount rates utilized for determining the benefit obligation at December 31, 2016 and 2015, for the postretirement plans were 3.31% and 3.45%, respectively. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2016, was 7.15% for pre-age 65, decreasing to 4.5% in the year 2025 and thereafter. The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2016, was 8.65% for post-age 65, decreasing to 4.5% in the year 2025 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	$	1,330	$	(1,220	)
Service cost plus interest cost	$	165	$	(148	)

The Company made contributions to its postretirement benefit plans of $0.9 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As the plans are unfunded, the Company makes contributions to its postretirement plans based on actual benefit payments.

At December 31, 2016, future estimated benefit payments are as follows:



(in thousands)	Postretirement Plans
2017	$	2,312
2018	$	2,240
2019	$	2,199
2020	$	2,319
2021	$	2,277
2022–2026	$	10,725

The total (benefit) cost arising from the Company’s other postretirement plans consists of the following components:



	Postretirement Plans
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	1,386		$	1,331		$	1,500
Interest cost	1,230			1,299			1,448
Amortization of prior service credit	(335		)	(502		)	(783		)
Recognized actuarial gain	(1,502		)	(996		)	(2,076		)
Net Periodic Cost	779			1,132			89
Curtailment	—			—			(1,292		)
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year	$	779		$	1,132		$	(1,203	)
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	$	(14,984	)	$	(5,296	)	$	4,448
Amortization of prior service credit	335			502			783
Recognized actuarial gain	1,502			996			2,076
Curtailment and settlement	—			—			360
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(13,147	)	$	(3,798	)	$	7,667
Total Recognized in (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(12,368	)	$	(2,666	)	$	6,464

The Company recorded a curtailment gain of $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2014 in connection with the exchange of WPLG, and the Separation Incentive Program and VRIP offered to certain Corporate employees.

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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, were 3.45%, 3.25% and 3.80%, respectively. AOCI included the following components of unrecognized net periodic benefit for the postretirement plans:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Unrecognized actuarial gain	$	(25,186	)	$	(11,704	)
Unrecognized prior service credit	(326		)	(661		)
Gross Amount	(25,512		)	(12,365		)
Deferred tax liability	10,205			4,946
Net Amount	$	(15,307	)	$	(7,419	)

During 2017, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the other postretirement plans:



(in thousands)	2017
Actuarial gain recognition	$	(3,953	)
Prior service credit recognition	$	(291	)

Multiemployer Pension Plans. In 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company contributed to one multiemployer defined benefit pension plan under the terms of a collective-bargaining agreement that covered certain union-represented employees. The Company’s total contributions to all multiemployer pension plans amounted to $0.1 million in each year for 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Savings Plans. The Company recorded expense associated with retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans (primarily 401(k) plans) of approximately $7.5 million in 2016, $7.6 million in 2015 and $8.6 million in 2014.

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income

OTHER NON-OPERATING (EXPENSE) INCOME

A summary of non-operating (expense) income is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	$	34,072		$	21,379		$	127,670
Foreign currency losses, net	(39,890		)	(15,564		)	(11,129		)
Net losses on sales or write-downs of cost method investments	(28,571		)	(1,124		)	(94		)
Net gain (losses) on sales of businesses	18,931			(23,335		)	—
Gain on formation of a joint venture	3,232			5,972			—
Gain on sale of Classified Ventures	—			4,827			396,553
Gain on Berkshire marketable equity securities exchange	—			—			266,733
Net losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities	(1,791		)	(14		)	(3,044		)
Other, net	1,375			(764		)	1,321
Total Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income	$	(12,642	)	$	(8,623	)	$	778,010

In the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded an impairment of $15.0 million to the preferred equity interest in a vocational school company. In the fourth quarter of 2016, an additional $12.0 million impairment was recorded.

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company sold the remaining portion of the Robinson Terminal real estate retained from the sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries, for a gain of $34.1 million.

In June 2016, Residential contributed assets to a joint venture entered into with a Michigan hospital in exchange for a 40% equity interest and other assets, resulting in a $3.2 million gain (see Note 7). The Company used an income and market approach to value the equity interest. The measurement of the equity interest in the joint venture is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed in the determination of the fair value.

In the first quarter of 2016, Kaplan sold Colloquy, which was part of Kaplan corporate and other, for a gain of $18.9 million.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company sold a portion of the Robinson Terminal real estate remaining from the sale of the Publishing Subsidiaries, for a gain of $21.4 million.

In the third quarter of 2015, Kaplan sold the KHE Campuses business, and Franklyn Scholar, which was part of Kaplan International, for a total loss of $26.3 million.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company sold The Root and Kaplan sold two small businesses for a total gain of $2.9 million.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company benefited from a favorable $4.8 million out of period adjustment to the gain on the sale of Classified Ventures related to the fourth quarter of 2014. With respect to this error, the Company has concluded that it was not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations for 2015 and 2014 and the related interim periods, based on its consideration of quantitative and qualitative factors.

In January 2015, Celtic contributed assets to a joint venture entered into with AHN in exchange for a 40% equity interest, resulting in the Company recording a $6.0 million gain (see Note 7). The Company used an income and market approach to value the equity interest. The measurement of the equity interest in the joint venture is classified as a Level 3 fair value assessment due to the significance of unobservable inputs developed in the determination of the fair value.

On October 1, 2014, the Company and the remaining partners completed the sale of their entire stakes in Classified Ventures. Total proceeds to the Company, net of transaction costs, were $408.5 million, of which $16.5 million was held in escrow until October 1, 2015. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of $396.6 million on the sale of its interest in Classified Ventures in the fourth quarter of 2014.

On June 30, 2014, the Company completed a transaction with Berkshire Hathaway, as described in Note 7, that included the exchange of 2,107 Class A Berkshire shares and 1,278 Class B Berkshire shares owned by the Company; a $266.7 million gain was recorded.

On March 27, 2014, the Company completed the sale of its headquarters building for $158 million. In connection with the sale, the Company recorded a $127.7 million pre-tax gain.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The other comprehensive loss consists of the following components:



	Year Ended December 31, 2016
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(22,149	)	$	—		$	(22,149	)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	55,507			(22,203		)	33,304
Reclassification adjustment for net realized loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	1,879			(752		)	1,127
	57,386			(22,955		)	34,431
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(133,915		)	53,566			(80,349		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	1,157			(463		)	694
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	419			(167		)	252
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	(17,993		)	7,197			(10,796		)
	(150,332		)	60,133			(90,199		)
Cash flow hedge:
Loss for the year	(334		)	57			(277		)
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(115,429	)	$	37,235		$	(78,194	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(18,898	)	$	—		$	(18,898	)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	5,501			—			5,501
	(13,397		)	—			(13,397		)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	10,620			(4,248		)	6,372
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(4		)	2			(2		)
	10,616			(4,246		)	6,370
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(211,054		)	84,421			(126,633		)
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income	(9,906		)	3,962			(5,944		)
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	275			(110		)	165
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	51			(21		)	30
Curtailments and settlements included in distribution to Cable ONE	834			(333		)	501
	(219,800		)	87,919			(131,881		)
Cash flow hedge:
Gain for the year	179			(71		)	108
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(222,402	)	$	83,602		$	(138,800	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(16,061	)	$	—		$	(16,061	)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	(404		)	—			(404		)
	(16,465		)	—			(16,465		)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	62,719			(25,088		)	37,631
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(265,274		)	106,110			(159,164		)
	(202,555		)	81,022			(121,533		)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(149,482		)	59,792			(89,690		)
Prior service cost	(1,600		)	640			(960		)
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income	(29,412		)	11,765			(17,647		)
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(407		)	163			(244		)
Curtailments and settlements	8			(3		)	5
	(180,893		)	72,357			(108,536		)
Cash flow hedge:
Gain for the year	867			(347		)	520
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(399,046	)	$	153,032		$	(246,014	)

The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:



(in thousands, net of taxes)	Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain on Available-for- Sale Securities			Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans			Cash Flow Hedge			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
As of December 31, 2014	$	8,548		$	52,130		$	392,910		$	(108	)	$	453,480
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(18,898		)	6,372			(126,132		)	29			(138,629		)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5,501			(2		)	(5,749		)	79			(171		)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,397		)	6,370			(131,881		)	108			(138,800		)
As of December 31, 2015	(4,849		)	58,500			261,029			—			314,680
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(22,149		)	33,304			(80,349		)	(290		)	(69,484		)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			1,127			(9,850		)	13			(8,710		)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(22,149		)	34,431			(90,199		)	(277		)	(78,194		)
As of December 31, 2016	$	(26,998	)	$	92,931		$	170,830		$	(277	)	$	236,486

The amounts and line items of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31									Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	$	—		$	5,501		$	(404	)	(1)
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities:
Realized loss (gain) for the year	1,879			(4		)	(265,274		)	Other (expense) income, net
	(752		)	2			106,110			(2)
	1,127			(2		)	(159,164		)	Net of tax
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	1,157			(9,906		)	(29,412		)	(3)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	419			275			(407		)	(3)
Curtailment (gains) losses	(17,993		)	51			—			(3)
	(16,417		)	(9,580		)	(29,819		)	Before tax
	6,567			3,831			11,928			Provision for income taxes
	(9,850		)	(5,749		)	(17,891		)	Net of tax
Cash Flow Hedge
	16			132			847			Interest expense
	(3		)	(53		)	(339		)	Provision for income taxes
	13			79			508			Net of tax
Total reclassification for the year	$	(8,710	)	$	(171	)	$	(176,951	)	Net of tax

____________


(1)	The amount for 2015 was recorded in other (expense) income, net and the amount for 2014 was recorded in income from discontinued operations, net of tax.

(2)

The amounts for 2016 and 2015 were recorded in Provision for Income Taxes. Benefits of $1.2 million were recorded in Provision for Income Taxes related to the realized loss for the year ended December 31, 2014. The remaining $107.3 million for the year relates to the reversal of income taxes previously recorded on the unrealized gain of the Company’s investment in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. marketable securities as part of the Berkshire exchange transaction, which qualified as a tax-free distribution under IRC Section 355 and 361 (see Note 7).


(3)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 14).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for comprehensive income, which includes, but is not limited to, 1) the amount of income tax expense or benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income, including reclassification adjustments, 2) the reclassification adjustments for each classification of other comprehensive income and 3) the ending accumulated balances for each component of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e689-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=SL7669619-108580

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66004124&loc=d3e709-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 7: 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=66004124&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 8: 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=66004124&loc=d3e681-108580

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Reclassification Adjustments
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6522872

+ Details

Leases and Other Commitments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]

Leases and Other Commitments

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, 2016, future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases approximate the following:



(in thousands)
2017	$	87,626
2018	84,525
2019	73,899
2020	65,592
2021	50,416
Thereafter	146,857
	$	508,915

Minimum payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $93.0 million due in the future under noncancelable subleases.

Rent expense under operating leases, including a portion reported in discontinued operations, was approximately $86.9 million, $102.6 million and $105.5 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Sublease income was approximately $14.3 million, $6.7 million and $5.4 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In connection with the sale of the KHE Campuses business, Kaplan is secondarily liable on a number of leases that were transferred to the buyer; the leases run through 2024 with commitments totaling approximately $51.3 million at December 31, 2016.

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, 2016, such commitments amounted to approximately $16.4 million. If such programs are not produced, the Company’s commitment would expire without obligation.

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	CONTINGENCIES Litigation, Legal and Other Matters. The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to complaints and administrative proceedings and are defendants in various 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. False Claims Act (False Claims Act) violations; violations of applicable wage and hour laws; and statutory or common law claims involving current and former students and employees. Although the outcomes of the legal claims and proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, based on currently available information, management believes that there are no existing claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Also, based on currently available information, management is of the opinion that the exposure to future material losses from existing legal and administrative proceedings is not reasonably possible, or that future material losses in excess of the amounts accrued are not reasonably possible. 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 onward, 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, a decision that was reversed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 7, 2011. The Ninth Circuit also referred the matter to a mediator for the purpose of exploring a settlement. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the parties reached a comprehensive agreement to settle the matter. The settlement was approved by the District Court in September 2013 and will be administered following the resolution of appeals relating to attorney fees. 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 former 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 ED also conducted a program review at the 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 ED’s program review and also settled a previously sealed U.S. Federal False Claims Act (False Claims Act) complaint that had been filed by a former employee of the CHI-Broomall campus. The total amount of all required payments by Broomall under the agreements was $1.6 million. Pursuant to the comprehensive settlement agreement, the U.S. Attorney inquiry has been closed, the False Claims Act complaint (United States of America ex rel. David Goodstein v. Kaplan, Inc. et al.) was dismissed with prejudice and the ED will issue a final program review determination. However, to date, the ED has not issued the final report. At this time, Kaplan cannot predict the contents of the pending final program review determination or the ultimate impact the proceedings may have on Kaplan. During 2014, certain Kaplan subsidiaries were subject to two other unsealed cases filed by former employees that include, among other allegations, claims under the False Claims Act relating to eligibility for Title IV funding. The U.S. Government declined to intervene in all cases, and, as previously reported, court decisions either dismissed the cases in their entirety or narrowed the scope of their allegations. The two cases are captioned: United States of America ex rel. Carlos Urquilla-Diaz et al. v. Kaplan University et al. (unsealed March 25, 2008) and United States of America ex rel. Charles Jajdelski v. Kaplan Higher Education Corp. et al. (unsealed January 6, 2009). On August 17, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued a series of rulings in the Diaz case, which included three separate complaints: Diaz, Wilcox and Gillespie. The court dismissed the Wilcox complaint in its entirety; dismissed all False Claims Act allegations in the Diaz complaint, leaving only an individual employment claim; and dismissed in part the Gillespie complaint, thereby limiting the scope and time frame of its False Claims Act allegations regarding compliance with the U.S. Federal Rehabilitation Act. On October 31, 2012, the court entered summary judgment in favor of the Company as to the sole remaining employment claim in the Diaz complaint. On July 16, 2013, the court likewise entered summary judgment in favor of the Company on all remaining claims in the Gillespie complaint. Diaz and Gillespie each appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Arguments on both appeals were heard on February 3, 2015. On March 11, 2015, the appellate court issued a decision affirming the lower court’s dismissal of all of Gillespie’s claims, however Gillespie continues to file challenges to the appellate decision. The appellate court also dismissed three of the four Diaz claims, but reversed and remanded on Diaz’s claim that incentive compensation for admissions representatives was improperly based solely on enrollment counts. Kaplan filed an answer to Diaz’s amended complaint on September 11, 2015. Kaplan filed a motion to dismiss Diaz's claims, and a hearing was held on December 17, 2015. On March 24, 2016, the Court denied the motion to dismiss. Discovery in the case closed in January 2017. Kaplan filed a motion for summary judgment on February 21, 2017. A trial, if needed, is scheduled for July 10, 2017. On July 7, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada dismissed the Jajdelski complaint in its entirety and entered a final judgment in favor of Kaplan. On February 13, 2013, the U.S. Circuit Court for the Ninth Judicial Circuit affirmed the dismissal in part and reversed the dismissal on one allegation under the False Claims Act relating to eligibility for Title IV funding based on claims of false attendance. The surviving claim was remanded to the District Court, where Kaplan was again granted summary judgment on March 9, 2015. Plaintiff has appealed this judgment and briefing is complete. Despite the sale of the nationally accredited Kaplan Higher Education Campuses business, Kaplan retains liability for these claims. On December 22, 2014, a former student representative filed a purported class- and collective-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, in which she asserts claims under the Illinois Minimum Wage Law and the Fair Labor Standards Act (Sharon Freeman v. Kaplan, Inc.). The plaintiff alleges that she and other law students who were student representatives, on their respective law school campuses, of Kaplan’s bar exam preparation business should have been classified as employees and paid minimum wage. The parties reached an agreement to settle this matter and in June the settlement was approved by the District Court. On February 7, 2011, KHE 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’s online students who are residents of Illinois. KHE has cooperated with the Illinois Attorney General and provided the requested information. Although the matter is not technically closed and KHE may receive further requests for information from the Illinois Attorney General, there has been no such further correspondence over the past five years to date. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry. On July 20, 2011, KHE 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 students and Kaplan Higher Education Campuses’ former students who are residents of Delaware. KHE has cooperated with the Delaware Attorney General and provided the information requested in the subpoena. Although the matter is not technically closed and KHE may receive further requests for information from the Delaware Attorney General, there has been no such further correspondence over the past five years to date. The Company cannot predict the outcome of this inquiry. On January 16, 2012, prior to Kaplan’s sale of the Kidum Group in Israel, the Kidum Group received notice of a putative class action complaint against the Kidum Group’s Wall Street Institute business, alleging violations of Israeli consumer protection law in connection with certain enrollment and refund policies. Kaplan has continuing obligations to the purchaser under the terms of the agreement of sale. In January 2016, Israel’s Central District Court issued a ruling allowing the case to proceed as a class action. Plaintiffs filed an amended claim on May 3, 2016 in order to comply with the court’s class certification order. Kidum filed its statement of defense to the amended claim on September 15, 2016, and plaintiffs filed their reply on November 15, 2016. A pre-trial hearing was held on November 20, 2016 and discovery began in January. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter. On September 30, 2016, a purported class-action lawsuit was filed against KHE and Education Corporation of America d/b/a Brightwood College, in Alameda County Superior Court, in Oakland, CA, by Donna Hillman alleging violations of California wage and hour laws as they apply to “adjunct” or part-time faculty. The complaint seeks a declaratory judgment that Kaplan violated the California Labor Code and an award of damages for allegedly unpaid wages, penalties under the California Labor Code, interest and attorney’s fees. A response and general denial was filed on November 2, 2016. KHE moved to transfer the venue to Sacramento, CA. Mediation has been set for March 7, 2017. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter. On March 28, 2016, a purported class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Erin Fries, a physical therapist formerly employed by Residential, against Residential Home Health, LLC, Residential Home Health Illinois, LLC, and David Curtis. The complaint alleges violations of the FLSA and the Illinois minimum wage law. The complaint seeks damages, attorney’s fees, and costs. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome of this matter. Student Financial Aid. The Company’s higher 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 ED pursuant to the Higher Education Act (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, representations made to current and prospective students, 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 is otherwise subject to state authorization requirements, be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the ED and be certified to participate in the Title IV programs by the ED. Schools are required periodically to apply for renewal of their authorization, accreditation or certification with the applicable state governmental bodies, accrediting agencies and the ED. Kaplan University is assigned its own identification number, known as an OPEID number, for the purpose of determining compliance with certain Title IV requirements. Failure to comply with the requirements of the Higher Education Act 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 Kaplan University or its individual programs will maintain their Title IV eligibility, accreditation and state authorization in the future or that the ED might not successfully assert that Kaplan University has previously failed to comply with Title IV requirements. 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, approximately $437 million, $628 million and $806 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 Higher Education Act and related regulations. ED Program Reviews. The ED has undertaken program reviews at various KHE locations. On February 23, 2015, the ED began a review of Kaplan University. The review will assess Kaplan’s administration of its Title IV and Higher Education Act programs and will initially focus on the 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 award years. On December 17, 2015, Kaplan University received a notice from the ED that it had been placed on provisional certification status until September 30, 2018, in connection with the open and ongoing ED program review. The ED has not notified Kaplan University of any negative findings. However, at this time, Kaplan cannot predict the outcome of this review, when it will be completed or any liability or other limitations that the ED may place on Kaplan University as a result of this review. During the period of provisional certification, Kaplan University must obtain prior ED approval to open a new location, add an educational program, acquire another school or make any other significant change. In addition, there are four open program reviews at campuses that were part of the KHE Campuses business prior to its sale in 2015 to Education Corporation of America (ECA), including the ED’s final reports on the program reviews at former KHE Hammond, IN, San Antonio, TX, Broomall, PA, and Pittsburgh, PA, locations. Kaplan retains responsibility for any financial obligation resulting from the ED program reviews at the KHE Campuses business that were open at the time of sale. The Company does not expect the open program reviews to have a material impact on KHE; however, the results of open program reviews and their impact on Kaplan’s operations are uncertain. The 90/10 Rule. Under regulations referred to as the 90/10 rule, an institution would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if the institution derives more than 90% of its receipts from Title IV programs, as calculated on a cash basis in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable ED regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years. An institution with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year would be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures. Kaplan University derived less than 77% and less than 79% of its receipts from Title IV programs in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segments

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 four reportable segments: KHE, KTP, Kaplan International, and television broadcasting.

The Company evaluates segment performance based on operating income before amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived 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. The Prepaid Pension cost is not included in identifiable assets by 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 domestic postsecondary education businesses, made up of fixed-facility colleges and online postsecondary and career programs. KHE also includes the domestic professional training and other continuing education businesses. KTP includes Kaplan’s standardized test preparation and new economy skills training programs. Kaplan International includes professional training and postsecondary education businesses largely outside the United States, as well as English-language programs.

In the third quarter of 2014, Kaplan completed the sale of three of its schools in China that were previously included as part of Kaplan International. An additional school in China was sold in January 2015. The education division’s operating results exclude these businesses as they are included in discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented.

In recent years, 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, restructuring costs of $11.9 million, $44.4 million and $16.8 million were recorded in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015		2014
Accelerated depreciation	$	1,815	$	17,956	$	2,062
Lease obligation losses	2,694		8,240		1,750
Severance and Special Incentive Program expense	5,902		17,968		5,075
Software asset write-offs	—		—		7,689
Other	1,441		209		230
	$	11,852	$	44,373	$	16,806

KHE incurred restructuring costs of $7.2 million, $12.9 million and $6.5 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily from severance and Special Incentive Program expense, lease obligation losses and accelerated depreciation. These costs were incurred in connection with a plan announced in September 2012 for KHE to close or consolidate operations at 13 ground campuses, additional plans announced in 2014 to close five more campuses, along with plans to consolidate facilities and reduce its workforce, and the September 2015 sale of the KHE Campuses business.

On February 12, 2015, Kaplan entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to sell substantially all of the assets of its KHE Campuses business, consisting of 38 nationally accredited ground campuses, and certain related assets, in exchange for a preferred equity interest in a vocational school company. The transaction closed on September 3, 2015. In addition, Kaplan recorded a $6.9 million and $13.6 million other long-lived asset impairment charge in connection with its KHE Campuses business, in the second quarter of 2015 and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively.

Kaplan International incurred restructuring costs of $4.7 million, $1.3 million and $0.2 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These restructuring costs were largely in the UK and Australia and included severance charges, lease obligations, and accelerated depreciation.

Kaplan Corporate incurred restructuring costs of $29.4 million in 2015 related to accelerated depreciation, severance and Special Incentive Program expense and lease obligations losses.

Total accrued restructuring costs at Kaplan were $11.8 million and $24.2 million at the end of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Television Broadcasting. Television broadcasting operations are conducted through five VHF television stations serving the Detroit, Houston, 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 includes the following:

•

Dekko, a Garrett, IN-based manufacturer of electrical workspace solutions, architectural lighting, and electrical components and assemblies (acquired in November 2015); Joyce/Dayton Corp., a Dayton, OH-based manufacturer of screw jacks and other linear motion systems (acquired in May 2014); and Forney, a global supplier of products and systems that control and monitor combustion processes in electric utility and industrial applications;


•	Graham Healthcare Group (GHG), made up of Celtic Healthcare (Celtic) and Residential Healthcare Group, Inc. (Residential, acquired in July 2014), providers of home health and hospice services; and


•	SocialCode, a marketing and insights company that manages digital advertising for leading brands; and The Slate Group and Foreign Policy Group, which publish online and print magazines and websites.

In November 2015, the Company announced that Trove, a digital innovation team that builds products and technologies in the news space, would largely be integrated into SocialCode.

Corporate Office. Corporate office includes the expenses of the Company’s corporate office, a net pension credit and certain continuing obligations related to prior business dispositions.

Geographical Information. The Company’s non-U.S. revenues in 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled approximately $624 million, $660 million and $712 million, respectively, primarily from Kaplan’s operations outside the U.S. Additionally, revenues in 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled approximately $312 million, $319 million, and $351 million, respectively, from Kaplan’s operations in the U.K. The Company’s long-lived assets in non-U.S. countries (excluding goodwill and other intangible assets), totaled approximately $67 million and $59 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Company information broken down by operating segment and education division:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Operating Revenues
Education	$	1,598,461		$	1,927,521		$	2,160,417
Television broadcasting	409,718			359,192			363,836
Other businesses	473,850			299,517			212,907
Corporate office	—			—			—
Intersegment elimination	(139		)	(116		)	(128		)
	$	2,481,890		$	2,586,114		$	2,737,032
Income (Loss) from Operations
Education	$	93,632		$	(223,456	)	$	65,463
Television broadcasting	200,470			164,927			187,833
Other businesses	(22,102		)	(13,667		)	(21,086		)
Corporate office	31,534			(8,629		)	510
	$	303,534		$	(80,825	)	$	232,720
Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Affiliates, Net	(7,937		)	(697		)	100,370
Interest Expense, Net	(32,297		)	(30,745		)	(33,397		)
Other (Expense) Income, Net	(12,642		)	(8,623		)	778,010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	$	250,658		$	(120,890	)	$	1,077,703
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Education	$	41,187		$	61,177		$	61,737
Television broadcasting	9,942			9,551			8,409
Other businesses	12,375			6,168			3,931
Corporate office	1,116			1,010			836
	$	64,620		$	77,906		$	74,913
Amortization of Intangible Assets and Impairment of Goodwill and
Other Long-Lived Assets
Education	$	7,516		$	262,353		$	24,941
Television broadcasting	251			252			32
Other businesses	20,507			16,112			10,516
Corporate office	—			—			—
	$	28,274		$	278,717		$	35,489
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
Education	$	11,803		$	18,804		$	15,418
Television broadcasting	1,714			1,620			1,355
Other businesses	1,118			964			748
Corporate office	(81,732		)	(81,945		)	(82,301		)
	$	(67,097	)	$	(60,557	)	$	(64,780	)
Capital Expenditures
Education	$	26,497		$	42,220		$	33,528
Television broadcasting	27,453			9,998			11,295
Other businesses	16,047			9,504			5,110
Corporate office	715			311			7,074
	$	70,712		$	62,033		$	57,007

Asset information for the Company’s business segments is as follows:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Identifiable Assets
Education	$	1,479,267	$	1,454,520
Television broadcasting	336,631		312,243
Other businesses	796,935		712,161
Corporate office	455,209		484,139
	$	3,068,042	$	2,963,063
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	424,229		350,563
Investments in Affiliates	58,806		59,229
Prepaid Pension Cost	881,593		979,970
Total Assets	$	4,432,670	$	4,352,825

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



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Operating Revenues
Higher education	$	617,047		$	849,625		$	1,010,058
Test preparation	286,556			301,607			304,662
Kaplan international	696,362			770,273			840,915
Kaplan corporate and other	214			6,502			6,094
Intersegment elimination	(1,718		)	(486		)	(1,312		)
	$	1,598,461		$	1,927,521		$	2,160,417
Income (Loss) from Operations
Higher education	$	66,632		$	55,572		$	83,069
Test preparation	9,599			16,798			(4,730		)
Kaplan international	48,398			53,661			69,153
Kaplan corporate and other	(30,968		)	(349,583		)	(82,034		)
Intersegment elimination	(29		)	96			5
	$	93,632		$	(223,456	)	$	65,463
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Higher education	$	16,822		$	17,937		$	29,187
Test preparation	6,287			9,045			12,547
Kaplan international	17,523			17,811			19,297
Kaplan corporate and other	555			16,384			706
	$	41,187		$	61,177		$	61,737
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$	7,516		$	5,523		$	7,738
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	$	—		$	256,830		$	17,203
Pension Expense
Higher education	$	7,620		$	10,849		$	10,514
Test preparation	3,072			3,101			2,888
Kaplan international	268			424			356
Kaplan corporate and other	843			4,430			1,660
	$	11,803		$	18,804		$	15,418
Capital Expenditures
Higher education	$	5,364		$	10,202		$	11,551
Test preparation	4,672			8,720			1,143
Kaplan international	16,252			22,673			20,802
Kaplan corporate and other	209			625			32
	$	26,497		$	42,220		$	33,528

In the third quarter of 2015, a favorable $3.0 million out of period revenue adjustment was included at the test preparation segment that related to prior periods from 2011 through the second quarter of 2015. With respect to this error, the Company has concluded that it was not material to the Company’s financial position or results of operations for 2015 and prior years and the related interim periods, based on its consideration of quantitative and qualitative factors.

Asset information for the Company’s education division is as follows:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Identifiable Assets
Higher education	$	373,127	$	447,282
Test preparation	133,709		134,535
Kaplan international	950,922		826,475
Kaplan corporate and other	21,509		46,228
	$	1,479,267	$	1,454,520

- 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

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+ Details

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

Quarterly results of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016, is as follows:



(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Operating Revenues
Education	$	401,006		$	419,144		$	386,936		$	391,261
Advertising	68,158			70,901			86,531			85,488
Other	132,576			138,888			148,171			152,830
	601,740			628,933			621,638			629,579
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	291,632			296,033			293,194			300,086
Selling, general and administrative	235,213			236,437			237,694			195,173
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	16,761			16,045			16,097			15,717
Amortization of intangible assets	6,262			6,278			6,620			7,511
Impairment of goodwill	—			—			—			1,603
	549,868			554,793			553,605			520,090
Income from Operations	51,872			74,140			68,033			109,489
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net	1,004			(891		)	(1,008		)	(7,042		)
Interest income	591			721			740			1,041
Interest expense	(7,948		)	(7,971		)	(8,614		)	(10,857		)
Other income (expense), net	15,096			19,000			(18,225		)	(28,513		)
Income from Operations Before Income Taxes	60,615			84,999			40,926			64,118
Provision for Income Taxes	22,400			23,800			7,800			27,200
Net Income	38,215			61,199			33,126			36,918
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(435		)	(433		)	—			—
Net Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	37,780		$	60,766		$	33,126		$	36,918

Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic net income per common share	$	6.63		$	10.82		$	5.90		$	6.60
Diluted net income per common share	$	6.59		$	10.76		$	5.87		$	6.57
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	5,623			5,544			5,544			5,527
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	5,652			5,574			5,574			5,556
2016 Quarterly comprehensive income (loss)	$	41,015		$	49,996		$	40,331		$	(40,946	)

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 December 31, 2015, is as follows:



(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Operating Revenues
Education	$	500,602		$	523,625		$	481,687		$	421,491
Advertising	66,454			70,137			68,898			74,435
Other	80,369			87,128			90,847			120,441
	647,425			680,890			641,432			616,367
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	309,223			311,121			302,029			283,780
Selling, general and administrative	302,405			276,412			285,563			239,783
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	22,197			25,609			14,460			15,640
Amortization of intangible assets	4,738			4,647			4,512			5,120
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	—			6,876			248,591			4,233
	638,563			624,665			855,155			548,556
Income (Loss) from Operations	8,862			56,225			(213,723		)	67,811
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	(404		)	(353		)	95			(35		)
Interest income	559			323			481			546
Interest expense	(8,501		)	(8,348		)	(7,830		)	(7,975		)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,105		)	11,678			(40,458		)	21,262
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	(589		)	59,525			(261,435		)	81,609
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	900			19,600			(30,500		)	30,500
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations	(1,489		)	39,925			(230,935		)	51,109
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	23,289			18,502			379			—
Net Income (Loss)	21,800			58,427			(230,556		)	51,109
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(774		)	(434		)	(287		)	60
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	21,026			57,993			(230,843		)	51,169
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	(420		)	(211		)	—			—
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	20,606		$	57,782		$	(230,843	)	$	51,169

Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
(Loss) income from continuing operations	$	(2,683	)	$	39,280		$	(231,222	)	$	51,169
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,289			18,502			379			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	20,606		$	57,782		$	(230,843	)	$	51,169

Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic (loss) income per common share from continuing operations	$	(0.58	)	$	6.74		$	(40.32	)	$	8.78
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations	4.09			3.18			0.07			—
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	3.51		$	9.92		$	(40.25	)	$	8.78

Diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations	$	(0.58	)	$	6.71		$	(40.32	)	$	8.72
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations	4.06			3.16			0.07			—
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	3.48		$	9.87		$	(40.25	)	$	8.72
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	5,704			5,720			5,738			5,746
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	5,791			5,805			5,837			5,834
2015 Quarterly comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,098		$	56,304		$	(235,556	)	$	(64,301	)

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 2016 and 2015 (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):



		First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
2016
Ÿ	Settlement gain of $10.8 million related to a bulk lump sum pension offering										$	1.92
Ÿ	Charges of $7.7 million related to restructuring at the education division ($1.2 million, $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $4.5 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.81	)
Ÿ	Non-operating gain, net, of $20.0 million from the sales of land and marketable equity securities ($1.1 million gain, $23.9 million gain and $5.0 million loss in the first, second and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	0.19		$	4.23					$	(0.90	)
Ÿ	Non-operating gain of $13.6 million arising from the sale of a business and the formation of a joint venture ($11.9 million and $1.7 million in the first and second quarters, respectively)	$	2.08		$	0.29
Ÿ	Non-operating expense of $24.1 million from the write-down of cost method investments and investments in affiliates ($9.6 million and $14.5 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively)							$	(1.70	)	$	(2.57	)
Ÿ	Losses, net, of $25.5 million for non-operating foreign currency losses ($3.4 million, $15.4 million, $2.4 million and $4.2 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.60	)	$	(2.73	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.75	)
Ÿ	Net nonrecurring $8.3 million deferred tax benefit related to Kaplan's international operations							$	1.47
Ÿ	Favorable $5.6 million out of period deferred tax adjustment related to the KHE goodwill impairment recorded in the third quarter of 2015				$	1.00



2015
Ÿ	Goodwill and long-lived assets impairment charges of $225.2 million at Kaplan and other businesses ($4.4 million, $217.1 million and $3.7 million in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)				$	(0.75	)	$	(37.85	)	$	(0.63	)
Ÿ	Charges of $28.9 million related to restructuring at the education division, corporate office and other businesses ($6.8 million, $10.7 million, $5.8 million and $5.5 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(1.17	)	$	(1.82	)	$	(1.00	)	$	(0.96	)
Ÿ	Charges of $15.3 million related to the modification of stock option awards in conjunction with the Cable ONE spin-off and the modification of restricted stock awards ($11.6 million and $3.7 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively)							$	(1.99	)	$	(0.63	)
Ÿ	Non-operating losses, net, of $15.7 million arising from the sales of five businesses and an investment, and on the formation of a joint venture ($3.6 million gain, $5.0 million gain and $24.3 million loss in the first, second and third quarters, respectively)	$	0.50		$	0.85		$	(4.16	)
Ÿ	Gain of $13.2 million from the sale of land										$	2.27
Ÿ	Losses, net, of $9.7 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency (losses) gains ($4.4 million loss, $2.3 million gain, $8.0 million loss and $0.4 million gain in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.75	)	$	0.39		$	(1.37	)	$	0.07

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Reclassifications

Reclassifications. Certain amounts in previously issued financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 2016 presentation

Use of Estimates

Business Combinations

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash

Concentration of Credit Risk

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Inventories and Contracts in Progress

Property, Plant and Equipment

Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Investments in Affiliates

Cost Method Investments

Revenue Recognition

Leases

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

Self-Insurance

Income Taxes

Foreign Currency Translation

Equity-Based Compensation

Earnings Per Share

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

Comprehensive Income

Discontinued Operations

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncemets



	Year Ended December 31, 2015								Year Ended December 31, 2014
	As								As
	Previously					As			Previously				As
(in thousands)	Reported			Adjustment		Adopted			Reported		Adjustment		Adopted
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Decrease in Restricted Cash	$	4,153		(4,153	)	$	—		$	58,871	(58,871	)	$	—
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	74,804			(4,153	)	70,651			372,370		(58,871	)	313,499

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(19,779		)	(4,153	)	(23,932		)	204,267		(58,871	)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	773,986			24,898		798,884			569,719		83,769		653,488
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	754,207			20,745		774,952			773,986		24,898		798,884

Other new pronouncements issued but not effective until after December 31, 2016, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]

New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Table Text Block]

Prior periods have been adjusted to reflect this adoption, as detailed below:



	Year Ended December 31, 2015								Year Ended December 31, 2014
	As								As
	Previously					As			Previously				As
(in thousands)	Reported			Adjustment		Adopted			Reported		Adjustment		Adopted
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Decrease in Restricted Cash	$	4,153		(4,153	)	$	—		$	58,871	(58,871	)	$	—
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	74,804			(4,153	)	70,651			372,370		(58,871	)	313,499

Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(19,779		)	(4,153	)	(23,932		)	204,267		(58,871	)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	773,986			24,898		798,884			569,719		83,769		653,488
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	754,207			20,745		774,952			773,986		24,898		798,884

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax

The summarized income from discontinued operations, net of tax, is presented below:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Operating revenues	$	397,404		$	845,114
Operating costs and expenses	(325,379		)	(660,180		)
Operating income	72,025			184,934
Non-operating (expense) income	(1,288		)	74,196
Income from discontinued operations	70,737			259,130
Provision for income taxes	27,783			98,207
Net Income from Discontinued Operations	42,954			160,923
(Loss) gain on dispositions of discontinued operations	(732		)	351,133
Provision (benefit) for income taxes on dispositions of discontinued operations	52			(15,801		)
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$	42,170		$	527,857

Cable Spin-Off [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax

On July 1, 2015, the Company divested the following assets and liabilities which net to $406.5 million, or $312.3 million net of cash retained by Cable ONE on the Distribution Date:



	As of
(in thousands)	July 1, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents	$	94,115
Accounts receivable, net	29,778
Other current assets	14,182
Total current assets	138,075
Property, plant and equipment, net	612,812
Goodwill, net	85,488
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	496,321
Amortized intangible assets, net	510
Deferred charges and other assets	22,541
Total Assets	$	1,355,747

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	70,920
Income taxes payable	2,962
Deferred revenue	21,883
Short-term borrowings	2,500
Total current liabilities	98,265
Accrued compensation and related benefits	24,227
Other liabilities	57
Deferred income taxes	279,245
Long-term debt	547,500
Total Liabilities	$	949,294

Net assets divested in the Spin-Off	$	406,453

Cable Spin-Off [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Cash Flows [Table Text Block]

ash flows from Cable ONE are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	109,772		$	251,506
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(74,416		)	(78,405		)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

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+ Details

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Marketable Equity Securities

Investments in marketable equity securities consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Total cost	$	269,343	$	253,062
Gross unrealized gains	154,886		97,741
Gross unrealized losses	—		(240		)
Total Fair Value	$	424,229	$	350,563

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Trade accounts receivable, less doubtful accounts
of $26,723 and $27,854	$	591,854	$	553,780
Other receivables	23,247		18,655
	$	615,101	$	572,435

Schedule of Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Returns and Allowance for Advertising Rate Adjustments and Discounts

The changes in allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows:



(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions – Charged to Costs and Expenses		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
2016	$	27,854	$	29,718	$	(30,849	)	$	26,723
2015	$	32,598	$	39,982	$	(44,726	)	$	27,854
2014	$	33,834	$	47,356	$	(48,592	)	$	32,598

Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	352,356	$	285,321
Accrued compensation and related benefits	148,370		142,693
	$	500,726	$	428,014

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Land	$	10,410		$	10,410
Buildings	88,256			83,642
Machinery, equipment and fixtures	433,652			438,388
Leasehold improvements	209,612			205,018
Construction in progress	36,728			13,517
	778,658			750,975
Less accumulated depreciation	(544,994		)	(519,852		)
	$	233,664		$	231,123

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]

Schedule of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated as follows based on acquisition date fair values to the following assets and liabilities (excluding measurement period adjustments recorded in subsequent years):



	Purchase Price Allocation
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Accounts receivable	$	8,538		$	30,537		$	15,912
Other assets	2,298			21,806			16,495
Property, plant and equipment	3,940			28,872			12,834
Goodwill	184,118			76,156			128,919
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	53,110			7,400			12,051
Amortized intangible assets	28,267			31,900			73,766
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	(32,901		)	(36,892		)	(36,834		)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	—			—			(17,108		)
Aggregate purchase price, net of cash received	$	247,370		$	159,779		$	206,035

Acqusition Pro Forma Financial Information

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the Company’s results as if the current year acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of 2015. The unaudited pro forma information also includes the 2015 acquisitions as if they occurred at the beginning of 2014:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Operating revenues	$	2,498,753	$	2,804,663
Net income (loss)	$	172,738	$	(84,209	)

Information related to a Disposal Group

The revenue and operating losses related to schools that were sold as part of the KHE Campuses sale are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2015			2014
Revenue	$	167,093		$	268,895
Operating income (loss)	(6,264		)	(7,748		)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, were as follows:



(in thousands)	Education			Cable			Television Broadcasting		Other Businesses			Total
As of December 31, 2014
Goodwill	$	1,057,226		$	85,488		$	168,345	$	145,992		$	1,457,051
Accumulated impairment losses	(102,259		)	—			—		(6,082		)	(108,341		)
	954,967			85,488			168,345		139,910			1,348,710
Measurement period adjustment	—			—			—		4,570			4,570
Acquisitions	11,515			—			—		60,071			71,586
Impairment	(248,591		)	—			—		(2,810		)	(251,401		)
Dispositions	(33,502		)	(85,488		)	—		(7,819		)	(126,809		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(29,143		)	—			—		—			(29,143		)
As of December 31, 2015
Goodwill	1,006,096			—			168,345		202,814			1,377,255
Accumulated impairment losses	(350,850		)	—			—		(8,892		)	(359,742		)
	655,246			—			168,345		193,922			1,017,513
Measurement period adjustment	(2,781		)	—			—		(17,243		)	(20,024		)
Acquisitions	161,938			—			—		22,180			184,118
Impairment	—			—			—		(1,603		)	(1,603		)
Dispositions	—			—			—		(2,800		)	(2,800		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(54,250		)	—			—		—			(54,250		)
As of December 31, 2016
Goodwill	1,111,003			—			168,345		202,141			1,481,489
Accumulated impairment losses	(350,850		)	—			—		(7,685		)	(358,535		)
	$	760,153		$	—		$	168,345	$	194,456		$	1,122,954

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of the following:



		As of December 31, 2016						As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Useful Life Range	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Amortized Intangible Assets
Student and customer relationships	2–10 years	$	129,616	$	55,863	$	73,753	$	108,806	$	40,280	$	68,526
Trade names and trademarks	2–10 years	55,240		29,670		25,570		53,848		23,941		29,907
Databases and technology	3–5 years	5,601		4,368		1,233		4,617		4,114		503
Noncompete agreements	2–5 years	1,730		1,404		326		1,381		1,012		369
Other	1–8 years	12,030		4,973		7,057		10,095		2,209		7,886
		$	204,217	$	96,278	$	107,939	$	178,747	$	71,556	$	107,191
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Trade names and trademarks		$	65,192					$	21,051
Licensure and accreditation		834						834
		$	66,026					$	21,885

Education [Member]

Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in carrying amount of goodwill at the Company’s education division were as follows:



(in thousands)	Higher Education			Test Preparation			Kaplan International			Total
As of December 31, 2014
Goodwill	$	409,884		$	166,098		$	481,244		$	1,057,226
Accumulated impairment losses	—			(102,259		)	—			(102,259		)
	409,884			63,839			481,244			954,967
Acquisitions	11,515			—			—			11,515
Impairment	(248,591		)	—			—			(248,591		)
Dispositions	(28,738		)	—			(4,764		)	(33,502		)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(204		)	—			(28,939		)	(29,143		)
As of December 31, 2015
Goodwill	392,457			166,098			447,541			1,006,096
Accumulated impairment losses	(248,591		)	(102,259		)	—			(350,850		)
	143,866			63,839			447,541			655,246
Measurement period adjustment	(2,781		)	—			—			(2,781		)
Acquisitions	—			—			161,938			161,938
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	44			—			(54,294		)	(54,250		)
As of December 31, 2016
Goodwill	389,720			166,098			555,185			1,111,003
Accumulated impairment losses	(248,591		)	(102,259		)	—			(350,850		)
	$	141,129		$	63,839		$	555,185		$	760,153

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Schedule of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Domestic and Foreign

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



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015			2014
U.S.	$	227,457	$	(142,705	)	$	1,025,101
Non-U.S.	23,201		21,815			52,602
	$	250,658	$	(120,890	)	$	1,077,703

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes on Income From Continuing Operations

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



(in thousands)	Current		Deferred			Total
Year Ended December 31, 2016
U.S. Federal	$	56,342	$	33,959		$	90,301
State and Local	6,325		(5,164		)	1,161
Non-U.S.	8,463		(18,725		)	(10,262		)
	$	71,130	$	10,070		$	81,200
Year Ended December 31, 2015
U.S. Federal	$	5,728	$	20,890		$	26,618
State and Local	402		(10,749		)	(10,347		)
Non-U.S.	2,441		1,788			4,229
	$	8,571	$	11,929		$	20,500
Year Ended December 31, 2014
U.S. Federal	$	215,450	$	38,684		$	254,134
State and Local	23,737		27,257			50,994
Non-U.S.	10,485		(3,313		)	7,172
	$	249,672	$	62,628		$	312,300

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate	$	87,731		$	(42,311	)	$	377,196
State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal tax	(2,965		)	(3,441		)	38,106
Valuation allowances against state tax benefits, net of U.S. Federal tax	3,196			(3,285		)	(4,960		)
Tax-free stock transactions	—			—			(91,540		)
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions	1,993			2,688			2,186
Valuation allowances against other non-U.S. income tax benefits	(12,688		)	431			(2,477		)
Goodwill impairments and dispositions	(5,631		)	63,889			—
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deduction tax benefits	(6,012		)	(625		)	(6,789		)
Write-off of deferred taxes related to intercompany loans	10,965			—			—
Other, net	4,611			3,154			578
Provision for Income Taxes	$	81,200		$	20,500		$	312,300

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Deferred income taxes consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Accrued postretirement benefits	$	9,444		$	13,763
Other benefit obligations	120,792			108,349
Accounts receivable	10,780			12,840
State income tax loss carryforwards	23,178			19,550
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards	6,212			5,007
U.S. Federal foreign income tax credit carryforwards	1,921			1,374
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	19,246			26,921
Non-U.S. capital loss carryforwards	1,929			10,055
Other	44,401			44,858
Deferred Tax Assets	237,903			242,717
Valuation allowances	(41,319		)	(69,545		)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$	196,584		$	173,172
Property, plant and equipment	13,591			17,465
Prepaid pension cost	349,878			386,916
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	61,964			39,010
Goodwill and other intangible assets	132,997			133,097
Deferred Tax Liabilities	$	558,430		$	576,488
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	$	361,846		$	403,316

Schedule of Changes in Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance

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



(in thousands)	Balance at Beginning of Period		Tax Expense and Revaluation		Deductions			Balance at End of Period
Year ended
December 31, 2016	$	69,545	$	4,709	$	(32,935	)	$	41,319
December 31, 2015	$	65,521	$	4,024	$	—		$	69,545
December 31, 2014	$	72,767	$	889	$	(8,135	)	$	65,521

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward

The following summarizes the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, for the respective periods:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015			2014
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits	$	17,331	$	19,817		$	—
Increases related to current year tax positions	—		—			19,817
Increases related to prior year tax positions	—		—			—
Decreases related to prior year tax positions	—		(2,486		)	—
Decreases related to settlement with tax authorities	—		—			—
Decreases due to lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	—		—			—
Ending unrecognized tax benefits	$	17,331	$	17,331		$	19,817

State [Member]

Schedule of Income Tax Loss Carryforwards



(in millions)
2017	$	7.3
2018	9.3
2019	2.8
2020	18.3
2021	19.6
2022 and after	398.3
Total	$	455.6

U.S. Federal [Member]

Schedule of Income Tax Loss Carryforwards



(in millions)
2017	$	4.1
2018	3.6
2019	3.3
2020	3.3
2021	1.1
2022 and after	2.2
Total	$	17.6

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Debt

The Company’s borrowings consist of the following:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
7.25% unsecured notes due February 1, 2019 ⁽¹⁾	$	399,052		$	398,596
UK Credit facility ⁽²⁾	91,316			—
Other indebtedness	1,479			1,204
Total Debt	491,847			399,800
Less: current portion	(6,128		)	—
Total Long-Term Debt	$	485,719		$	399,800

____________


(1)	The carrying value is net of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.


(2)	The carrying value is net of $0.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016.

- 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 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: 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=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: 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=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: 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

+ Details

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

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



	As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Money market investments⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	435,258	$	—	$	435,258
Commercial paper⁽²⁾	49,882		—		—		49,882
Marketable equity securities⁽³⁾	424,229		—		—		424,229
Other current investments⁽⁴⁾	6,957		17,055		—		24,012
Total Financial Assets	$	481,068	$	452,313	$	—	$	933,381
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾	$	—	$	46,300	$	—	$	46,300
Interest rate swap⁽⁶⁾	—		365		—		365
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest⁽⁷⁾	—		—		12,584		12,584
Total Financial Liabilities	$	—	$	46,665	$	12,584	$	59,249



	As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Assets
Money market investments⁽¹⁾	$	—	$	433,040	$	433,040
Marketable equity securities⁽³⁾	350,563		—		350,563
Other current investments⁽⁴⁾	12,822		16,060		28,882
Total Financial Assets	$	363,385	$	449,100	$	812,485
Liabilities
Deferred compensation plan liabilities⁽⁵⁾	$	—	$	48,055	$	48,055

____________


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


(2)	The Company’s commercial paper investments with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.


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


(4)	Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits. 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.

(5)


(6)	Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.


(7)	The fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on an EBITDA multiple, adjusted for working capital and other items, which approximates fair value.

Capital Stock, Stock Awards and Stock Options (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options [Abstract]

Activity Related to Stock Awards

Activity related to stock awards under the 2012 incentive compensation plan for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Beginning of year, unvested	81,475		$	637.70
Awarded	1,291		872.36
Vested	(11,366	)	565.79
Forfeited	(4,175	)	625.04
End of Year, Unvested	67,225		655.15

Activity Related to Stock Options

Activity related to options outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2016 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Average Option Price
Beginning of year	191,722		$	552.00
Granted	—		—
Exercised	(4,726	)	250.29
Expired or forfeited	—		—
End of Year	186,996		559.62

Information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2016, is as follows:



	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Shares Outstanding at 12/31/2016	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Shares Exercisable at 12/31/2016	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$244–284	4,648	4.4	$	261.18	4,648	4.4	$	261.18
325	77,258	4.1	325.26		77,258	4.1	325.26
422	3,090	1.4	421.91		3,090	1.4	421.91
719	77,258	7.8	719.15		25,753	7.8	719.15
805–872	24,742	8.9	866.58		4,123	8.9	866.58
	186,996	6.3	559.62		114,872	5.1	433.00

Fair Value of Options Assumptions

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



	2015	2014
Expected life (years)	7–8	7–8
Interest rate	1.88%–2.17%	2.15%–2.45%
Volatility	31.59%–32.69%	30.75%–32.10%
Dividend yield	0.81%–1.18%	1.30%–1.54%

Summary of Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations, Basic and Diluted

The following reflects the Company’s income from continuing operations and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations using the two-class method:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015			2014
Numerator:
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	168,590		$	(143,456	)	$	765,139
Less: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares	(27,325		)	(53,090		)	(67,267		)
Undistributed earnings (losses)	141,265			(196,546		)	697,872
Percent allocated to common stockholders ⁽¹⁾	98.79		%	100.00		%	97.98		%
	139,562			(196,546		)	683,780
Add: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding	26,962			52,050			66,012
Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share	166,524			(144,496		)	749,792
Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options	9			—			64
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	166,533		$	(144,496	)	$	749,856
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	5,559			5,727			6,470
Add: Effect of dilutive stock options	30			—			27
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share	5,589			5,727			6,497
Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders:
Basic earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	29.95		$	(25.23	)	$	115.88
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	$	29.80		$	(25.23	)	$	115.40

____________


(1)	Percent of undistributed losses allocated to common stockholders is 100% in 2015 as participating securities are not contractually obligated to share in losses.

Antidilutive Weighted Average Restricted Stock and Options [Table Text Block]

Diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes the following weighted average potential common shares, as the effect would be antidilutive, as computed under the treasury stock method:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016	2015	2014
Weighted average restricted stock	40	52	62
Weighted average stock options	—	39	—

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Defined Benefit Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet

The amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for its defined benefit pension plans are as follows:



	Pension Plans				SERP
	As of December 31				As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015		2016			2015
Noncurrent asset	$	881,593	$	979,970	$	—		$	—
Current liability	—		—		(5,580		)	(5,442		)
Noncurrent liability	—		—		(100,946		)	(99,562		)
Recognized Asset (Liability)	$	881,593	$	979,970	$	(106,526	)	$	(105,004	)

Schedule of Estimated Benefit Payments

At December 31, 2016, future estimated benefit payments, excluding charges for early retirement programs, are as follows:



(in thousands)	Pension Plans		SERP
2017	$	68,782	$	5,693
2018	$	69,704	$	5,820
2019	$	69,465	$	6,232
2020	$	69,933	$	6,327
2021	$	70,122	$	6,429
2022–2026	$	350,228	$	34,061

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) includes the following components of unrecognized net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:



	Pension Plans						SERP
	As of December 31						As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	$	(285,304	)	$	(451,076	)	$	24,958		$	26,497
Unrecognized prior service cost	365			662			775			1,232
Gross Amount	(284,939		)	(450,414		)	25,733			27,729
Deferred tax liability (asset)	113,976			180,166			(10,293		)	(11,091		)
Net Amount	$	(170,963	)	$	(270,248	)	$	15,440		$	16,638

Schedule of Expected Net Periodic Cost to be Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

During 2017, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the defined benefit plans:



	2017
(in thousands)	Pension Plans			SERP
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition	$	(5,161	)	$	1,827
Prior service cost recognition	$	156		$	457

Defined Benefit Plans [Member] | Periodic Cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Assumptions Used

The costs for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans are actuarially determined. Below are the key assumptions utilized to determine periodic cost:



	Pension Plans			SERP
	Year Ended December 31			Year Ended December 31
	2016	2015	2014	2016	2015	2014
Discount rate ⁽¹⁾	4.3%	4.4%/4.0%	4.8%	4.3%	4.4%/4.0%	4.8%
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%

____________

(1)

Defined Benefit Plans [Member] | Benefit Obligation [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Assumptions Used

Key assumptions utilized for determining the benefit obligation are as follows:



	Pension Plans			SERP
	As of December 31			As of December 31
	2016	2015		2016	2015
Discount rate	4.1%	4.3	%	4.1%	4.3	%
Rate of compensation increase	Graded (5.00%–1.00%)	4.0	%	Graded (5.00%–1.00%)	4.0	%

Pension Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Obligation, Asset and Funding Information

The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans:



	Pension Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,254,298		$	1,317,480
Service cost	20,461			26,294
Interest cost	51,608			52,613
Amendments	—			4,606
Actuarial gain	(32,203		)	(57,834		)
Benefits paid	(60,076		)	(85,542		)
Curtailment	—			(3,319		)
Settlement	(73,191		)	—
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	1,160,897		$	1,254,298
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	2,234,268		$	2,469,968
Actual return on plan assets	(58,511		)	(150,158		)
Benefits paid	(60,076		)	(85,542		)
Settlement	(73,191		)	—
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	2,042,490		$	2,234,268
Funded Status	$	881,593		$	979,970

Schedule of Net (Benefit) Costs

The total cost (benefit) arising from the Company’s defined benefit pension plans, including the portion included in discontinued operations, consists of the following components:



	Pension Plans
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	20,461		$	26,294		$	27,792
Interest cost	51,608			52,613			51,825
Expected return on assets	(121,470		)	(130,571		)	(120,472		)
Amortization of prior service cost	297			320			329
Recognized actuarial gain	—			(11,925		)	(28,880		)
Net Periodic Benefit for the Year	(49,104		)	(63,269		)	(69,406		)
Curtailment	—			(3,267		)	—
Settlement	(17,993		)	—			—
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense	—			4,606			8,374
Total Benefit for the Year	$	(67,097	)	$	(61,930	)	$	(61,032	)
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss	$	147,779		$	222,894		$	125,866
Amortization of prior service cost	(297		)	(320		)	(329		)
Recognized net actuarial gain	—			11,925			28,880
Curtailment and settlement	17,993			(51		)	(368		)
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	165,475		$	234,448		$	154,049
Total Recognized in Total Benefit and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	98,378		$	172,518		$	93,017

Allocation of the Assets of the Company's Pension Plans

The assets of the Company’s pension plans were allocated as follows:



	As of December 31
	2016		2015
U.S. equities	53	%	62	%
U.S. stock index fund	30	%	—	%
U.S. fixed income	11	%	13	%
International equities	6	%	25	%
	100	%	100	%

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

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



	As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments	$	61,438	$	162,010	$	—	$	223,448
Equity securities
U.S. equities	1,074,528		—		—		1,074,528
International equities	120,735		—		—		120,735
U.S. stock index fund	—		—		622,865		622,865
Total Investments	$	1,256,701	$	162,010	$	622,865	$	2,041,576
Receivables							914
Total							$	2,042,490



	As of December 31, 2015
(in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Total
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments	$	256,364	$	33,909	$	290,273
Equity securities
U.S. equities	1,378,158		—		1,378,158
International equities	564,263		—		564,263
Total Investments	$	2,198,785	$	33,909	$	2,232,694
Receivables					1,574
Total					$	2,234,268

Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in pension assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, using Level 3 inputs:



(in thousands)	U.S. stock index fund
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	—
Acquisitions	574,000
Actual return on plan assets:
Gains relating to assets still held at year-end	48,865
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	622,865

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Obligation, Asset and Funding Information



	SERP
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	105,004		$	116,083
Service cost	985			1,946
Interest cost	4,384			4,550
Actuarial loss (gain)	1,120			(6,544		)
Benefits paid	(4,967		)	(6,083		)
Curtailment	—			(4,948		)
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	106,526		$	105,004
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	4,967			6,083
Benefits paid	(4,967		)	(6,083		)
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	—		$	—
Funded Status	$	(106,526	)	$	(105,004	)

Schedule of Net (Benefit) Costs



	SERP
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	985		$	1,946		$	1,493
Interest cost	4,384			4,550			4,397
Amortization of prior service cost	457			457			47
Recognized actuarial loss	2,659			3,015			1,544
Net Periodic Cost for the Year	8,485			9,968			7,481
Special separation benefit expense	—			—			2,422
Total Cost for the Year	$	8,485		$	9,968		$	9,903
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial loss (gain)	$	1,120		$	(6,544	)	$	19,168
Current year prior service cost	—			—			1,600
Amortization of prior service cost	(457		)	(457		)	(47		)
Recognized net actuarial loss	(2,659		)	(3,015		)	(1,544		)
Curtailment and settlement	—			(834		)	—
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(1,996	)	$	(10,850	)	$	19,177
Total Recognized in Total Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	6,489		$	(882	)	$	29,080

Other Postretirement Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Schedule of Obligation, Asset and Funding Information

The following table sets forth obligation, asset and funding information for the Company’s other postretirement plans:



	Postretirement Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	37,391		$	41,957
Service cost	1,386			1,331
Interest cost	1,230			1,299
Actuarial gain	(14,984		)	(5,296		)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852		)	(1,900		)
Benefit Obligation at End of Year	$	24,171		$	37,391
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$	—		$	—
Employer contributions	852			1,900
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852		)	(1,900		)
Fair Value of Assets at End of Year	$	—		$	—
Funded Status	$	(24,171	)	$	(37,391	)

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet

The amounts recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets for its other postretirement plans are as follows:



	Postretirement Plans
	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Current liability	$	(2,312	)	$	(3,444	)
Noncurrent liability	(21,859		)	(33,947		)
Recognized Liability	$	(24,171	)	$	(37,391	)

Schedule of Estimated Benefit Payments

At December 31, 2016, future estimated benefit payments are as follows:



(in thousands)	Postretirement Plans
2017	$	2,312
2018	$	2,240
2019	$	2,199
2020	$	2,319
2021	$	2,277
2022–2026	$	10,725

Schedule of Net (Benefit) Costs

The total (benefit) cost arising from the Company’s other postretirement plans consists of the following components:



	Postretirement Plans
	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Service cost	$	1,386		$	1,331		$	1,500
Interest cost	1,230			1,299			1,448
Amortization of prior service credit	(335		)	(502		)	(783		)
Recognized actuarial gain	(1,502		)	(996		)	(2,076		)
Net Periodic Cost	779			1,132			89
Curtailment	—			—			(1,292		)
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year	$	779		$	1,132		$	(1,203	)
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Current year actuarial (gain) loss	$	(14,984	)	$	(5,296	)	$	4,448
Amortization of prior service credit	335			502			783
Recognized actuarial gain	1,502			996			2,076
Curtailment and settlement	—			—			360
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(13,147	)	$	(3,798	)	$	7,667
Total Recognized in (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)	$	(12,368	)	$	(2,666	)	$	6,464

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

AOCI included the following components of unrecognized net periodic benefit for the postretirement plans:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015
Unrecognized actuarial gain	$	(25,186	)	$	(11,704	)
Unrecognized prior service credit	(326		)	(661		)
Gross Amount	(25,512		)	(12,365		)
Deferred tax liability	10,205			4,946
Net Amount	$	(15,307	)	$	(7,419	)

Schedule of Expected Net Periodic Cost to be Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

During 2017, the Company expects to recognize the following amortization components of net periodic cost for the other postretirement plans:



(in thousands)	2017
Actuarial gain recognition	$	(3,953	)
Prior service credit recognition	$	(291	)

Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates

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	$	1,330	$	(1,220	)
Service cost plus interest cost	$	165	$	(148	)

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]

Summary of Other Non-Operating Income (Expense)

A summary of non-operating (expense) income is as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	$	34,072		$	21,379		$	127,670
Foreign currency losses, net	(39,890		)	(15,564		)	(11,129		)
Net losses on sales or write-downs of cost method investments	(28,571		)	(1,124		)	(94		)
Net gain (losses) on sales of businesses	18,931			(23,335		)	—
Gain on formation of a joint venture	3,232			5,972			—
Gain on sale of Classified Ventures	—			4,827			396,553
Gain on Berkshire marketable equity securities exchange	—			—			266,733
Net losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities	(1,791		)	(14		)	(3,044		)
Other, net	1,375			(764		)	1,321
Total Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income	$	(12,642	)	$	(8,623	)	$	778,010

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The other comprehensive loss consists of the following components:



	Year Ended December 31, 2016
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(22,149	)	$	—		$	(22,149	)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	55,507			(22,203		)	33,304
Reclassification adjustment for net realized loss on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	1,879			(752		)	1,127
	57,386			(22,955		)	34,431
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(133,915		)	53,566			(80,349		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in net income	1,157			(463		)	694
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	419			(167		)	252
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	(17,993		)	7,197			(10,796		)
	(150,332		)	60,133			(90,199		)
Cash flow hedge:
Loss for the year	(334		)	57			(277		)
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(115,429	)	$	37,235		$	(78,194	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2015
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(18,898	)	$	—		$	(18,898	)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	5,501			—			5,501
	(13,397		)	—			(13,397		)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	10,620			(4,248		)	6,372
Reclassification adjustment for realized gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(4		)	2			(2		)
	10,616			(4,246		)	6,370
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(211,054		)	84,421			(126,633		)
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income	(9,906		)	3,962			(5,944		)
Amortization of net prior service cost included in net income	275			(110		)	165
Curtailments and settlements included in net income	51			(21		)	30
Curtailments and settlements included in distribution to Cable ONE	834			(333		)	501
	(219,800		)	87,919			(131,881		)
Cash flow hedge:
Gain for the year	179			(71		)	108
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(222,402	)	$	83,602		$	(138,800	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Before-Tax			Income			After-Tax
(in thousands)	Amount			Tax			Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Translation adjustments arising during the year	$	(16,061	)	$	—		$	(16,061	)
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	(404		)	—			(404		)
	(16,465		)	—			(16,465		)
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains for the year	62,719			(25,088		)	37,631
Reclassification adjustment for realization of (gain) loss on exchange, sale or write-down of available-for-sale securities included in net income	(265,274		)	106,110			(159,164		)
	(202,555		)	81,022			(121,533		)
Pension and other postretirement plans:
Actuarial loss	(149,482		)	59,792			(89,690		)
Prior service cost	(1,600		)	640			(960		)
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income	(29,412		)	11,765			(17,647		)
Amortization of net prior service credit included in net income	(407		)	163			(244		)
Curtailments and settlements	8			(3		)	5
	(180,893		)	72,357			(108,536		)
Cash flow hedge:
Gain for the year	867			(347		)	520
Other Comprehensive Loss	$	(399,046	)	$	153,032		$	(246,014	)

Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The accumulated balances related to each component of other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows:



(in thousands, net of taxes)	Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gain on Available-for- Sale Securities			Unrealized Gain on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans			Cash Flow Hedge			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
As of December 31, 2014	$	8,548		$	52,130		$	392,910		$	(108	)	$	453,480
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(18,898		)	6,372			(126,132		)	29			(138,629		)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5,501			(2		)	(5,749		)	79			(171		)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,397		)	6,370			(131,881		)	108			(138,800		)
As of December 31, 2015	(4,849		)	58,500			261,029			—			314,680
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(22,149		)	33,304			(80,349		)	(290		)	(69,484		)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	—			1,127			(9,850		)	13			(8,710		)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(22,149		)	34,431			(90,199		)	(277		)	(78,194		)
As of December 31, 2016	$	(26,998	)	$	92,931		$	170,830		$	(277	)	$	236,486

Summary of Amounts and Line Items of Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The amounts and line items of reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31									Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments:
Adjustment for sales of businesses with foreign operations	$	—		$	5,501		$	(404	)	(1)
Unrealized Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities:
Realized loss (gain) for the year	1,879			(4		)	(265,274		)	Other (expense) income, net
	(752		)	2			106,110			(2)
	1,127			(2		)	(159,164		)	Net of tax
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans:
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)	1,157			(9,906		)	(29,412		)	(3)
Amortization of net prior service cost (credit)	419			275			(407		)	(3)
Curtailment (gains) losses	(17,993		)	51			—			(3)
	(16,417		)	(9,580		)	(29,819		)	Before tax
	6,567			3,831			11,928			Provision for income taxes
	(9,850		)	(5,749		)	(17,891		)	Net of tax
Cash Flow Hedge
	16			132			847			Interest expense
	(3		)	(53		)	(339		)	Provision for income taxes
	13			79			508			Net of tax
Total reclassification for the year	$	(8,710	)	$	(171	)	$	(176,951	)	Net of tax

____________


(1)	The amount for 2015 was recorded in other (expense) income, net and the amount for 2014 was recorded in income from discontinued operations, net of tax.

(2)


(3)	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 14).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for any adjustments made during the period to avoid double counting in comprehensive income items displayed as part of net income that also had been displayed as part of other comprehensive income in that period or earlier periods. These adjustments include reclassifications to net income of items in accumulated comprehensive income, such as deferred gains or losses on qualifying hedges when hedged item reported in net income, holding gains or losses on available-for-sale securities transferred into trading category, unrealized holding gains or losses on debt securities transferred from held-to-maturity category into available-for-sale category and accumulated translation adjustment attributable to foreign subsidiary or investment in foreign entity upon sale or liquidation.

+ References + Details

Leases and Other Commitments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases

At December 31, 2016, future minimum rental payments under noncancelable operating leases approximate the following:



(in thousands)
2017	$	87,626
2018	84,525
2019	73,899
2020	65,592
2021	50,416
Thereafter	146,857
	$	508,915

Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment

Company information broken down by operating segment and education division:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Operating Revenues
Education	$	1,598,461		$	1,927,521		$	2,160,417
Television broadcasting	409,718			359,192			363,836
Other businesses	473,850			299,517			212,907
Corporate office	—			—			—
Intersegment elimination	(139		)	(116		)	(128		)
	$	2,481,890		$	2,586,114		$	2,737,032
Income (Loss) from Operations
Education	$	93,632		$	(223,456	)	$	65,463
Television broadcasting	200,470			164,927			187,833
Other businesses	(22,102		)	(13,667		)	(21,086		)
Corporate office	31,534			(8,629		)	510
	$	303,534		$	(80,825	)	$	232,720
Equity in (Losses) Earnings of Affiliates, Net	(7,937		)	(697		)	100,370
Interest Expense, Net	(32,297		)	(30,745		)	(33,397		)
Other (Expense) Income, Net	(12,642		)	(8,623		)	778,010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	$	250,658		$	(120,890	)	$	1,077,703
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Education	$	41,187		$	61,177		$	61,737
Television broadcasting	9,942			9,551			8,409
Other businesses	12,375			6,168			3,931
Corporate office	1,116			1,010			836
	$	64,620		$	77,906		$	74,913
Amortization of Intangible Assets and Impairment of Goodwill and
Other Long-Lived Assets
Education	$	7,516		$	262,353		$	24,941
Television broadcasting	251			252			32
Other businesses	20,507			16,112			10,516
Corporate office	—			—			—
	$	28,274		$	278,717		$	35,489
Net Pension (Credit) Expense
Education	$	11,803		$	18,804		$	15,418
Television broadcasting	1,714			1,620			1,355
Other businesses	1,118			964			748
Corporate office	(81,732		)	(81,945		)	(82,301		)
	$	(67,097	)	$	(60,557	)	$	(64,780	)
Capital Expenditures
Education	$	26,497		$	42,220		$	33,528
Television broadcasting	27,453			9,998			11,295
Other businesses	16,047			9,504			5,110
Corporate office	715			311			7,074
	$	70,712		$	62,033		$	57,007

Asset information for the Company’s business segments is as follows:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Identifiable Assets
Education	$	1,479,267	$	1,454,520
Television broadcasting	336,631		312,243
Other businesses	796,935		712,161
Corporate office	455,209		484,139
	$	3,068,042	$	2,963,063
Investments in Marketable Equity Securities	424,229		350,563
Investments in Affiliates	58,806		59,229
Prepaid Pension Cost	881,593		979,970
Total Assets	$	4,432,670	$	4,352,825

Education [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Schedule of Restructuring Costs

Across all Kaplan businesses, restructuring costs of $11.9 million, $44.4 million and $16.8 million were recorded in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as follows:



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015		2014
Accelerated depreciation	$	1,815	$	17,956	$	2,062
Lease obligation losses	2,694		8,240		1,750
Severance and Special Incentive Program expense	5,902		17,968		5,075
Software asset write-offs	—		—		7,689
Other	1,441		209		230
	$	11,852	$	44,373	$	16,806

Summary of Segment Reporting Information, by Operating Segment

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



	Year Ended December 31
(in thousands)	2016			2015			2014
Operating Revenues
Higher education	$	617,047		$	849,625		$	1,010,058
Test preparation	286,556			301,607			304,662
Kaplan international	696,362			770,273			840,915
Kaplan corporate and other	214			6,502			6,094
Intersegment elimination	(1,718		)	(486		)	(1,312		)
	$	1,598,461		$	1,927,521		$	2,160,417
Income (Loss) from Operations
Higher education	$	66,632		$	55,572		$	83,069
Test preparation	9,599			16,798			(4,730		)
Kaplan international	48,398			53,661			69,153
Kaplan corporate and other	(30,968		)	(349,583		)	(82,034		)
Intersegment elimination	(29		)	96			5
	$	93,632		$	(223,456	)	$	65,463
Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment
Higher education	$	16,822		$	17,937		$	29,187
Test preparation	6,287			9,045			12,547
Kaplan international	17,523			17,811			19,297
Kaplan corporate and other	555			16,384			706
	$	41,187		$	61,177		$	61,737
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$	7,516		$	5,523		$	7,738
Impairment of Goodwill and Other Long-Lived Assets	$	—		$	256,830		$	17,203
Pension Expense
Higher education	$	7,620		$	10,849		$	10,514
Test preparation	3,072			3,101			2,888
Kaplan international	268			424			356
Kaplan corporate and other	843			4,430			1,660
	$	11,803		$	18,804		$	15,418
Capital Expenditures
Higher education	$	5,364		$	10,202		$	11,551
Test preparation	4,672			8,720			1,143
Kaplan international	16,252			22,673			20,802
Kaplan corporate and other	209			625			32
	$	26,497		$	42,220		$	33,528

Asset information for the Company’s education division is as follows:



	As of December 31
(in thousands)	2016		2015
Identifiable Assets
Higher education	$	373,127	$	447,282
Test preparation	133,709		134,535
Kaplan international	950,922		826,475
Kaplan corporate and other	21,509		46,228
	$	1,479,267	$	1,454,520

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Results of Operations and Comprehensive Income

Quarterly results of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016, is as follows:



(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Operating Revenues
Education	$	401,006		$	419,144		$	386,936		$	391,261
Advertising	68,158			70,901			86,531			85,488
Other	132,576			138,888			148,171			152,830
	601,740			628,933			621,638			629,579
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	291,632			296,033			293,194			300,086
Selling, general and administrative	235,213			236,437			237,694			195,173
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	16,761			16,045			16,097			15,717
Amortization of intangible assets	6,262			6,278			6,620			7,511
Impairment of goodwill	—			—			—			1,603
	549,868			554,793			553,605			520,090
Income from Operations	51,872			74,140			68,033			109,489
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net	1,004			(891		)	(1,008		)	(7,042		)
Interest income	591			721			740			1,041
Interest expense	(7,948		)	(7,971		)	(8,614		)	(10,857		)
Other income (expense), net	15,096			19,000			(18,225		)	(28,513		)
Income from Operations Before Income Taxes	60,615			84,999			40,926			64,118
Provision for Income Taxes	22,400			23,800			7,800			27,200
Net Income	38,215			61,199			33,126			36,918
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(435		)	(433		)	—			—
Net Income Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	37,780		$	60,766		$	33,126		$	36,918

Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic net income per common share	$	6.63		$	10.82		$	5.90		$	6.60
Diluted net income per common share	$	6.59		$	10.76		$	5.87		$	6.57
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	5,623			5,544			5,544			5,527
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	5,652			5,574			5,574			5,556
2016 Quarterly comprehensive income (loss)	$	41,015		$	49,996		$	40,331		$	(40,946	)

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 December 31, 2015, is as follows:



(in thousands, except per share amounts)	First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
Operating Revenues
Education	$	500,602		$	523,625		$	481,687		$	421,491
Advertising	66,454			70,137			68,898			74,435
Other	80,369			87,128			90,847			120,441
	647,425			680,890			641,432			616,367
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	309,223			311,121			302,029			283,780
Selling, general and administrative	302,405			276,412			285,563			239,783
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	22,197			25,609			14,460			15,640
Amortization of intangible assets	4,738			4,647			4,512			5,120
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	—			6,876			248,591			4,233
	638,563			624,665			855,155			548,556
Income (Loss) from Operations	8,862			56,225			(213,723		)	67,811
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	(404		)	(353		)	95			(35		)
Interest income	559			323			481			546
Interest expense	(8,501		)	(8,348		)	(7,830		)	(7,975		)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,105		)	11,678			(40,458		)	21,262
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	(589		)	59,525			(261,435		)	81,609
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	900			19,600			(30,500		)	30,500
(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations	(1,489		)	39,925			(230,935		)	51,109
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	23,289			18,502			379			—
Net Income (Loss)	21,800			58,427			(230,556		)	51,109
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(774		)	(434		)	(287		)	60
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company	21,026			57,993			(230,843		)	51,169
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends	(420		)	(211		)	—			—
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$	20,606		$	57,782		$	(230,843	)	$	51,169

Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
(Loss) income from continuing operations	$	(2,683	)	$	39,280		$	(231,222	)	$	51,169
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	23,289			18,502			379			—
Net income (loss) attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders	$	20,606		$	57,782		$	(230,843	)	$	51,169

Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic (loss) income per common share from continuing operations	$	(0.58	)	$	6.74		$	(40.32	)	$	8.78
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations	4.09			3.18			0.07			—
Basic net income (loss) per common share	$	3.51		$	9.92		$	(40.25	)	$	8.78

Diluted (loss) income per common share from continuing operations	$	(0.58	)	$	6.71		$	(40.32	)	$	8.72
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations	4.06			3.16			0.07			—
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	$	3.48		$	9.87		$	(40.25	)	$	8.72
Basic average number of common shares outstanding	5,704			5,720			5,738			5,746
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding	5,791			5,805			5,837			5,834
2015 Quarterly comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,098		$	56,304		$	(235,556	)	$	(64,301	)

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

Quarterly impact from certain items in 2016 and 2015 (after-tax and diluted EPS amounts):



		First Quarter			Second Quarter			Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
2016
Ÿ	Settlement gain of $10.8 million related to a bulk lump sum pension offering										$	1.92
Ÿ	Charges of $7.7 million related to restructuring at the education division ($1.2 million, $0.9 million, $1.1 million and $4.5 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.81	)
Ÿ	Non-operating gain, net, of $20.0 million from the sales of land and marketable equity securities ($1.1 million gain, $23.9 million gain and $5.0 million loss in the first, second and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	0.19		$	4.23					$	(0.90	)
Ÿ	Non-operating gain of $13.6 million arising from the sale of a business and the formation of a joint venture ($11.9 million and $1.7 million in the first and second quarters, respectively)	$	2.08		$	0.29
Ÿ	Non-operating expense of $24.1 million from the write-down of cost method investments and investments in affiliates ($9.6 million and $14.5 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively)							$	(1.70	)	$	(2.57	)
Ÿ	Losses, net, of $25.5 million for non-operating foreign currency losses ($3.4 million, $15.4 million, $2.4 million and $4.2 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.60	)	$	(2.73	)	$	(0.43	)	$	(0.75	)
Ÿ	Net nonrecurring $8.3 million deferred tax benefit related to Kaplan's international operations							$	1.47
Ÿ	Favorable $5.6 million out of period deferred tax adjustment related to the KHE goodwill impairment recorded in the third quarter of 2015				$	1.00



2015
Ÿ	Goodwill and long-lived assets impairment charges of $225.2 million at Kaplan and other businesses ($4.4 million, $217.1 million and $3.7 million in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)				$	(0.75	)	$	(37.85	)	$	(0.63	)
Ÿ	Charges of $28.9 million related to restructuring at the education division, corporate office and other businesses ($6.8 million, $10.7 million, $5.8 million and $5.5 million in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(1.17	)	$	(1.82	)	$	(1.00	)	$	(0.96	)
Ÿ	Charges of $15.3 million related to the modification of stock option awards in conjunction with the Cable ONE spin-off and the modification of restricted stock awards ($11.6 million and $3.7 million in the third and fourth quarters, respectively)							$	(1.99	)	$	(0.63	)
Ÿ	Non-operating losses, net, of $15.7 million arising from the sales of five businesses and an investment, and on the formation of a joint venture ($3.6 million gain, $5.0 million gain and $24.3 million loss in the first, second and third quarters, respectively)	$	0.50		$	0.85		$	(4.16	)
Ÿ	Gain of $13.2 million from the sale of land										$	2.27
Ÿ	Losses, net, of $9.7 million for non-operating unrealized foreign currency (losses) gains ($4.4 million loss, $2.3 million gain, $8.0 million loss and $0.4 million gain in the first, second, third and fourth quarters, respectively)	$	(0.75	)	$	0.39		$	(1.37	)	$	0.07

Organization and Nature of Operations (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016 TelevisionStation network Category
Education [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of education business categories \| Category	3
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of television broadcast stations owned \| TelevisionStation	5
Number of major national networks each station is affiliated with \| network	1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Maximum amount of time between receipt and application of Federal aid funds	3 days
Graham Healthcare Group [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	90.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years)	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years)	20 years
Maximum [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investment maturity length	3 months
Amortized Intangible Assets, Useful Life (in years)	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years)	20 years
Maximum [Member] \| Building [Member]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life (in years)	50 years

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2009
Long-term Debt [Member] \| Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 0.1
Deferred Charges and Other Assets [Member] \| Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ (0.1)
7.25% Unsecured Notes due February 1, 2019 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	$ 0.1
Interest rate of debt instrument	7.25%	7.25%	7.25%

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronoucements) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 261,256	$ 70,651	$ 313,499
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	774,952		653,488
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	(104,136)	(23,932)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year	670,816	774,952
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in Restricted Cash		4,153	58,871
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		74,804	372,370
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	754,207	773,986	569,719
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash		(19,779)	204,267
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year		754,207	773,986
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in Restricted Cash		(4,153)	(58,871)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		(4,153)	(58,871)
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	20,745	24,898	83,769
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash		(4,153)	(58,871)
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year		20,745	24,898
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in Restricted Cash		0	0
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		70,651	313,499
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Year	$ 774,952	798,884	653,488
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash		(23,932)	145,396
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Year		$ 774,952	$ 798,884

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details)		1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details)	Jul. 01, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($) school	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) employee shares	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) employee shares	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($) school	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of shares forfeited due to modification \| shares								4,175
Net assets divested	$ 406,500,000
Net assets divested, net of cash	312,300,000
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition									$ 732,000	$ (351,133,000)
Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
GHC dividend received from Cable ONE		$ 450,000,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cable ONE, unsecured notes		450,000,000			$ 450,000,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Cable [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cable ONE, unsecured notes		$ 550,000,000			$ 550,000,000
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| WPLG [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition							$ 375,000,000
Pension Plan [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Curtailment gain								$ 0	3,267,000	0
Pension Plan [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Curtailment gain									2,200,000
July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification	3,000,000
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net assets divested	406,453,000
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Spin-off Costs									$ 7,400,000	$ 3,500,000
Kaplan International [Member] \| Kaplan China [Member] \| Education [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of schools sold \| school			1			3
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition			$ 700,000			$ 3,100,000
Common Class B [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification	23,500,000
Common Class B [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of shares modified \| shares				9,800
Number of employees affected by modification \| employee				1
Number of share awards with accelerated vesting \| shares				9,412
Number of shares forfeited due to modification \| shares				388
Common Class B [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of shares modified \| shares					10,830
Number of share awards with accelerated vesting \| shares					6,324
Number of shares forfeited due to modification \| shares					4,506
Common Class B [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Cable [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of employees affected by modification \| employee					21
Common Class B [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification				$ 6,000,000
Common Class B [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification					$ 3,700,000
Common Class B [Member] \| Q3 2015 [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Corporate Office [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification	18,800,000
Common Class B [Member] \| July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Cable Spin-Off [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation from modification	$ 4,700,000

Disontinued Operations (Carrying Amount of Assets and Liabilities Included in Discontinued Operations) (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2015 USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net assets divested in the Spin-Off	$ 406,500
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	94,115
Accounts receivable, net	29,778
Other current assets	14,182
Total current assets	138,075
Property, plant and equipment, net	612,812
Goodwill, net	85,488
Indefinite-lived intangible assets, net	496,321
Amortized intangible assets, net	510
Deferred charges and other assets	22,541
Total Assets	1,355,747
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	70,920
Income taxes payable	2,962
Deferred revenue	21,883
Short-term borrowings	2,500
Total current liabilities	98,265
Accrued compensation and related benefits	24,227
Other liabilities	57
Deferred income taxes	279,245
Long-term debt	547,500
Total Liabilities	949,294
Net assets divested in the Spin-Off	$ 406,453

Discontinued Operations (Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations) (Details 2) - Cable Spin-Off [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 109,772	$ 251,506
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	$ (74,416)	$ (78,405)

Discontinued Operations (Summarized Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating revenues						$ 397,404	$ 845,114
Operating costs and expenses						(325,379)	(660,180)
Operating income						72,025	184,934
Non-operating (expense) income						(1,288)	74,196
Income from discontinued operations						70,737	259,130
Provision for income taxes						27,783	98,207
Net Income from Discontinued Operations						42,954	160,923
(Loss) gain on dispositions of discontinued operations						(732)	351,133
Provision (benefit) for income taxes on dispositions of discontinued operations						52	(15,801)
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax	$ 0	$ 379	$ 18,502	$ 23,289	$ 0	$ 42,170	$ 527,857

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended										12 Months Ended
Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 01, 2016 GBP (£)	Oct. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 GBP (£) shares	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 03, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014 USD ($)
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Commercial paper and money market investments				$ 485,100				$ 433,000						$ 485,100	$ 433,000
Investments in Marketable equity securities				424,229				350,563						424,229	350,563
Cash paid for new marketable equity securities														48,265	145,807	$ 49,998
Marketable equity securities purchased														47,900	146,200
Proceeds from sales of marketable equity securities														29,700		5,800
Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments														(8,100)		(2,600)
Gain on sales of marketable equity securities														6,200
Gain on share exchange														0	0	266,733
Pre-tax gain on equity method investment				$ (7,042)	$ (1,008)	$ (891)	$ 1,004	$ (35)	$ 95	$ (353)	$ (404)			(7,937)	(697)	100,370
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of equity method investment														$ 0	$ 4,827	$ 396,553
Markel Corporation [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares held in investment \| shares				28,000				28,000						28,000	28,000		28,000
Investments in Marketable equity securities				$ 25,300				$ 24,700						$ 25,300	$ 24,700
HomeHero [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Impairment write-down on a marketable equity security				$ 8,400
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				20.00%										20.00%			20.00%
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate																		40.00%
Classified Ventures' sale of apartments.com [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Cash distribution from equity method investment																					$ 95,000
Pre-tax gain on equity method investment													$ 90,900
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate																			16.50%
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment, including amount held in escrow		$ 408,500
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment								$ 16,500
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of equity method investment												$ 396,600
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] \| Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				40.00%										40.00%			40.00%	40.00%
Revenue from Related Parties														$ 14,900
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] \| Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				40.00%										40.00%			40.00%			40.00%
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] \| Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				42.50%										42.50%			42.50%			42.50%
York University [Member] \| York Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				45.00%										45.00%			45.00%
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent \| £	£ 25,000,000
Loan Receivable, Payment Term	25 years
Loan receivable, Fixed Rate of Interest	7.00%
Advances to Affiliate \| £																	£ 11,000,000
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Gain on share exchange			$ 266,700
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] \| Class A Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares			2,107										2,107
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares			1,278										1,278

Investments (Investments in Marketable Equity Securities) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Total cost	$ 269,343	$ 253,062
Gross unrealized gains	154,886	97,741
Gross unrealized losses	0	(240)
Total Fair Value	$ 424,229	$ 350,563

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Cash overdrafts	$ 15.5	$ 1.1

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, less doubtful accounts and allowances	$ 591,854	$ 553,780
Other receivables	23,247	18,655
Accounts receivable, net	615,101	572,435
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	26,723	27,854
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	352,356	285,321
Accrued compensation and related benefits	148,370	142,693
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	500,726	428,014
Allowance for doubtful accounts[Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Begining of Period	27,854	32,598	$ 33,834
Additions - Charged to Costs and Expenses	29,718	39,982	47,356
Deductions	(30,849)	(44,726)	(48,592)
Balance at End of Period	$ 26,723	$ 27,854	$ 32,598

Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 15,717	$ 16,097	$ 16,045	$ 16,761	$ 15,640	$ 14,460	$ 25,609	$ 22,197	$ 64,620	$ 77,906	$ 74,913
Interest Costs Capitalized									$ 400	$ 0	0
Higher Education [Member] \| Education [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment impairment charges							$ 6,900				$ 13,600

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$ 10,410	$ 10,410
Buildings	88,256	83,642
Machinery, equipment and fixtures	433,652	438,388
Leasehold improvements	209,612	205,018
Construction in progress	36,728	13,517
Property, plant and equipment, gross	778,658	750,975
Less accumulated depreciation	(544,994)	(519,852)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 233,664	$ 231,123

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) shares	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	May 31, 2016 USD ($) TelevisionStation	Jan. 31, 2015 school	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) business	Sep. 30, 2014 school	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) business	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) business	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) business	Sep. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Dec. 22, 2015	Nov. 13, 2015 business	Sep. 03, 2015 campus	Feb. 12, 2015 campus	Jul. 03, 2014 USD ($)	May 30, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cost of acquisition								$ 258,000	$ 163,300	$ 210,200
Number of businesses acquired \| business								5	2	9
Acquisition-related costs								$ 1,500
Goodwill expected to be deductible for income tax purposes								22,200	$ 20,000
Measurement period adjustment								(20,024)	4,570
Revenues of acquired companies since acquisition date								47,600
Operating income of acquired companies since acquisition date								7,200
Gain on share exchange								0	0	$ 266,733
Treasury stock increase								108,948	22,979	$ 1,165,427
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests								$ (3,026)	(2,601)
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				40.00%
Group Dekko [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired															100.00%
Number of business lines \| business															3
Joyce/Dayton Corp [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired																			100.00%
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired																		80.00%
Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| business								3		3
Measurement period adjustment								$ (2,781)	0
Impairment Of Long Lived Assets					$ 6,900
Number Of Businesses Disposed \| business					2
Education [Member] \| SmartPros [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired														100.00%
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of television stations included in agreement to acquire \| TelevisionStation			2
Payments to acquire businesses per agreement			$ 60,000
Number of businesses acquired \| business										1
Measurement period adjustment								$ 0	0
Other Businesses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired \| business								2		2
Measurement period adjustment								$ (17,243)	$ 4,570
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest acquired																		$ 17,100
Noncontrolling interest purchased		20.00%
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests		$ 3,000
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Redemption Value		$ 24,000
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] \| Residential Hospice Illinois [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate								42.50%										42.50%
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] \| Residential Home Health Illinois [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate								40.00%										40.00%
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest exchanged		20.00%
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] \| Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				40.00%				40.00%
Percentage of Celtic Revenue										29.00%
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] \| VNA-TIP Healthcare [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired																				100.00%
Graham Healthcare Group [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests		$ 4,100
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent								90.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		10.00%
Group Dekko [Member] \| Electri-Cable Assemblies [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired											100.00%
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amount of Cash Exchanged	$ 327,700						$ 327,700
Treasury stock increase							1,165,400
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Gain on share exchange	266,700
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| WPLG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
After-tax gain (loss) on sale and/or disposition							375,000
Estimated fair value of business exchanged	$ 438,000						$ 438,000
Residential And Michigan Hospital Joint Venture [Member] \| Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate		40.00%
Percentage of joint venture sold		60.00%
Class A Common Stock [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares	2,107						2,107
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Shares Received in Exchange \| shares	1,620,190.00000						1,620,190.00000
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares	1,278						1,278
Common Class A and B [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of available-for-sale equity securities exchanged	$ 400,300						$ 400,300
Kaplan International [Member] \| Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Measurement period adjustment								$ 0
Kaplan International [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Mander Portman Woodward [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired													100.00%
Kaplan International [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Osborne Books [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired												100.00%
Kaplan International [Member] \| Kaplan China [Member] \| Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of schools sold \| school				1		3
Higher Education [Member] \| Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Measurement period adjustment								$ (2,781)
Higher Education [Member] \| KHE Campuses [Member] \| Education [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold \| campus																38	38

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Acquired assets and liabilities assumed) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,122,954	$ 1,017,513	$ 1,348,710
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable	8,538	30,537	15,912
Other assets	2,298	21,806	16,495
Property, plant and equipment	3,940	28,872	12,834
Goodwill	184,118	76,156	128,919
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	53,110	7,400	12,051
Amortized intangible assets	28,267	31,900	73,766
Deferred income taxes and other liabilities	(32,901)	(36,892)	(36,834)
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	0	0	(17,108)
Aggregate purchase price, net of cash received	$ 247,370	$ 159,779	$ 206,035

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Pro Forma Financials) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]
Pro Forma Operating revenues	$ 2,498,753	$ 2,804,663
Pro Forma Net income (loss)	$ 172,738	$ (84,209)

Acquisitions and Dispositions of Businesses (Significant Component) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$ 167,093	$ 268,895
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	$ (6,264)	$ (7,748)

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) business	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1,603	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0		$ 1,603	$ 251,401
Other Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of businesses recorded impairment of goodwill \| business	1
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1,600				$ 2,800	1,603	2,810
Education [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss						$ 0	$ 248,591

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) business
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gain on sale of intangible asset		$ 0	$ 0	$ 75,249
Higher Education [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets				700
Other Businesses [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets				$ 100
Number of businesses that recorded impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets \| business				1
Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Wireless Licenses [Member] \| Cable [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gain on sale of intangible asset	$ 75,200

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Finite-lived Intangible Assets) (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) business	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) business
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets											$ 25,100
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 7,511	$ 6,620	$ 6,278	$ 6,262	$ 5,120	$ 4,512	$ 4,647	$ 4,738	$ 26,671	$ 19,017	18,187
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2017	24,000								24,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2018	21,000								21,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2019	20,000								20,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2020	16,000								16,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, 2021	12,000								12,000
Estimated amortization of intangible assets, after 2021	$ 15,000								$ 15,000
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets											7,800
Test Preparation [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets					$ 500						$ 1,800
Number of businesses that recorded impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets \| business					1						1
Kaplan International [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets					$ 900						$ 1,100
Number of businesses that recorded impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets \| business					1						1
Kaplan International [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Kaplan China [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets											$ 7,800

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				$ 1,377,255			$ 1,377,255	$ 1,457,051
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(359,742)			(359,742)	(108,341)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				1,017,513			1,017,513	1,348,710
Measurement period adjustment							(20,024)	4,570
Acquisitions							184,118	71,586
Impairment	$ (1,603)	$ 0	$ 0	0			(1,603)	(251,401)
Dispositions							(2,800)	(126,809)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							(54,250)	(29,143)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,481,489				$ 1,377,255		1,481,489	1,377,255
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(358,535)				(359,742)		(358,535)	(359,742)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,122,954				1,017,513		1,122,954	1,017,513
Education [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				1,006,096			1,006,096	1,057,226
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(350,850)			(350,850)	(102,259)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				655,246			655,246	954,967
Measurement period adjustment							(2,781)	0
Acquisitions							161,938	11,515
Impairment							0	(248,591)
Dispositions							0	(33,502)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							(54,250)	(29,143)
Goodwill, ending balance	1,111,003				1,006,096		1,111,003	1,006,096
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(350,850)				(350,850)		(350,850)	(350,850)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	760,153				655,246		760,153	655,246
Education [Member] \| Higher Education [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				392,457			392,457	409,884
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(248,591)			(248,591)	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				143,866			143,866	409,884
Measurement period adjustment							(2,781)
Acquisitions							0	11,515
Impairment						$ (248,600)		(248,591)
Dispositions								(28,738)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							44	(204)
Goodwill, ending balance	389,720				392,457		389,720	392,457
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(248,591)				(248,591)		(248,591)	(248,591)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	141,129				143,866		141,129	143,866
Education [Member] \| Test Preparation [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				166,098			166,098	166,098
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(102,259)			(102,259)	(102,259)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				63,839			63,839	63,839
Measurement period adjustment							0
Acquisitions							0	0
Impairment								0
Dispositions								0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	166,098				166,098		166,098	166,098
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(102,259)				(102,259)		(102,259)	(102,259)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	63,839				63,839		63,839	63,839
Education [Member] \| Kaplan International [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				447,541			447,541	481,244
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0			0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				447,541			447,541	481,244
Measurement period adjustment							0
Acquisitions							161,938	0
Impairment								0
Dispositions								(4,764)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							(54,294)	(28,939)
Goodwill, ending balance	555,185				447,541		555,185	447,541
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0		0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	555,185				447,541		555,185	447,541
Cable [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				0			0	85,488
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0			0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				0			0	85,488
Measurement period adjustment							0	0
Acquisitions							0	0
Impairment							0	0
Dispositions							0	(85,488)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	0				0		0	0
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0		0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	0				0		0	0
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				168,345			168,345	168,345
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				0			0	0
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				168,345			168,345	168,345
Measurement period adjustment							0	0
Acquisitions							0	0
Impairment							0	0
Dispositions							0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	168,345				168,345		168,345	168,345
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	0				0		0	0
Goodwill, net, ending balance	168,345				168,345		168,345	168,345
Other Businesses [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance				202,814			202,814	145,992
Accumulated impairment losses, beginning balance				(8,892)			(8,892)	(6,082)
Goodwill, net, beginning balance				$ 193,922			193,922	139,910
Measurement period adjustment							(17,243)	4,570
Acquisitions							22,180	60,071
Impairment	(1,600)				(2,800)		(1,603)	(2,810)
Dispositions							(2,800)	(7,819)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes							0	0
Goodwill, ending balance	202,141				202,814		202,141	202,814
Accumulated impairment losses, ending balance	(7,685)				(8,892)		(7,685)	(8,892)
Goodwill, net, ending balance	$ 194,456				$ 193,922		$ 194,456	$ 193,922

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Other Intangible Assets) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 204,217	$ 178,747
Accumulated Amortization	96,278	71,556
Net Carrying Amount	107,939	107,191
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	66,026	21,885
Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	129,616	108,806
Accumulated Amortization	55,863	40,280
Net Carrying Amount	73,753	68,526
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	55,240	53,848
Accumulated Amortization	29,670	23,941
Net Carrying Amount	25,570	29,907
Databases and Technology [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5,601	4,617
Accumulated Amortization	4,368	4,114
Net Carrying Amount	1,233	503
Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,730	1,381
Accumulated Amortization	1,404	1,012
Net Carrying Amount	326	369
Other [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	12,030	10,095
Accumulated Amortization	4,973	2,209
Net Carrying Amount	$ 7,057	$ 7,886
Minimum [Member] \| Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	2 years	2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	2 years	2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Databases and Technology [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] \| Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	2 years	2 years
Minimum [Member] \| Other [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	1 year	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Student and Customer Relationships [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] \| Databases and Technology [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	5 years	5 years
Maximum [Member] \| Other [Member]
Amortized Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful Life (in years)	8 years	8 years
Trade Names and Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 65,192	$ 21,051
Licensure and Accreditation [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Amount	$ 834	$ 834

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Federal statutory income tax rate		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Write-off of deferred taxes related to intercompany loans		$ 10,965,000	$ 0	$ 0
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		10,070,000	11,929,000	62,628,000
Tax expenses with respect to losses from discontinued operations			27,800,000	82,400,000
Deferred state income tax asset		23,178,000	19,550,000
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards		6,212,000	5,007,000
Deferred tax assets with respect to non U.S. income tax loss carryforwards		19,246,000	26,921,000
Non-U.S.deferred tax asset related to capital loss carryforwards		1,929,000	10,055,000
Valuation Allowance, Amount		41,319,000	69,545,000
Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits		700,000
Penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits		0
Adjustment [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		(5,600,000)
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire		455,600,000
Deferred state income tax asset		23,200,000
Valuation Allowance, Amount		31,800,000
Valuation allowance related to operating loss carryforwards		21,000,000
Valuation allowance released		3,196,000	(3,285,000)	(4,960,000)
Unrecognized tax benefit that would impact the effective tax rate		5,100,000
U.S. Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards obtained as a result of prior stock acqusitions		17,600,000
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards		6,200,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		1,900,000
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards		1,900,000
Federal tax impact of unrecognized tax benefits that would impact the effective tax rate		1,800,000
U.S. Federal [Member] \| Expire in 2024 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		700,000
U.S. Federal [Member] \| Expire in 2025 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		700,000
U.S. Federal [Member] \| Expire in 2026 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Foreign tax credit carryforwards		500,000
non-U.S. [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets with respect to U.S. Federal foreign tax credit carryforwards		1,921,000	1,374,000
Tax loss carryforwards as a result of operating losses and prior stock acquisitions		69,300,000
Deferred tax assets with respect to non U.S. income tax loss carryforwards		19,200,000
Valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets recorded for the tax losses carryforward		4,900,000
Tax loss carryforwards from operating losses and prior stock acquisitions that can be carried forward indefinitely		60,300,000
Non-U.S.deferred tax asset related to capital loss carryforwards		1,900,000
Valuation Allowance, Amount		9,500,000
Valuation allowance released		(12,688,000)	431,000	$ (2,477,000)
non-U.S. [Member] \| Through 2021 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration		4,800,000
non-U.S. [Member] \| After 2021 [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax loss carryforwards subject to expiration		4,200,000
U.S. Federal and State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred income tax liabilities related to undistributed earnings of investments in non-U.S. subsidiaries		23,800,000	17,500,000
Excess of book value over tax basis of investment		103,300,000	71,800,000
Additional deferred tax liabilitites due to excess of book value over tax basis of investment		300,000	$ 0
Australian Taxation Office [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance released	$ 19,300,000
Capital loss carryforwards to 2013 tax year [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes Receivable		10,500,000
Capital loss carryforward [Member] \| non-U.S. [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Carryforward amount		6,400,000
Valuation Allowance, Amount		$ 1,900,000

Income Taxes (Income from Operations) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S.									$ 227,457	$ (142,705)	$ 1,025,101
Non-U.S.									23,201	21,815	52,602
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$ 64,118	$ 40,926	$ 84,999	$ 60,615	$ 81,609	$ (261,435)	$ 59,525	$ (589)	$ 250,658	$ (120,890)	$ 1,077,703

Income Taxes (Provision for Income Taxes Components) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S. Federal, Current									$ 56,342	$ 5,728	$ 215,450
State and Local, Current									6,325	402	23,737
Non-U.S.									8,463	2,441	10,485
Total income tax, Current									71,130	8,571	249,672
U.S. Federal, Deferred									33,959	20,890	38,684
State and Local, Deferred									(5,164)	(10,749)	27,257
Non-U.S.									(18,725)	1,788	(3,313)
Total income tax, Deferred									10,070	11,929	62,628
U.S. Federal, Total									90,301	26,618	254,134
State and Local, Total									1,161	(10,347)	50,994
Non-U.S.									(10,262)	4,229	7,172
Total provision for income tax	$ 27,200	$ 7,800	$ 23,800	$ 22,400	$ 30,500	$ (30,500)	$ 19,600	$ 900	$ 81,200	$ 20,500	$ 312,300

Income Taxes (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. Federal taxes at statutory rate									$ 87,731	$ (42,311)	$ 377,196
State and local taxes, net of U.S. Federal tax									(2,965)	(3,441)	38,106
Tax-free stock transactions									0	0	(91,540)
Tax provided on non-U.S. subsidiary earnings and distributions at more (less) than the expected U.S. Federal statutory tax rate									1,993	2,688	2,186
Goodwill impairments and dispositions									(5,631)	63,889	0
U.S. Federal Manufacturing Deducation tax benefits									(6,012)	(625)	(6,789)
Write-off of deferred taxes related to intercompany loans									10,965	0	0
Other, net									4,611	3,154	578
Total provision for income tax	$ 27,200	$ 7,800	$ 23,800	$ 22,400	$ 30,500	$ (30,500)	$ 19,600	$ 900	81,200	20,500	312,300
State [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance against tax benefits									3,196	(3,285)	(4,960)
non-U.S. [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Valuation allowance against tax benefits									$ (12,688)	$ 431	$ (2,477)

Income Taxes (Deferred Income Taxes Components) (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Line Items]
Accrued postretirement benefits	$ 9,444	$ 13,763
Other benefit obligations	120,792	108,349
Accounts receivable	10,780	12,840
State income tax loss carryforwards	23,178	19,550
U.S. Federal income tax loss carryforwards	6,212	5,007
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	19,246	26,921
Non-U.S. capital loss carryforwards	1,929	10,055
Other	44,401	44,858
Deferred tax assets	237,903	242,717
Valuation allowance	(41,319)	(69,545)
Deferred tax assets, net	196,584	173,172
Property, plant and equipment	13,591	17,465
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities	61,964	39,010
Goodwill and other intangible assets	132,997	133,097
Deferred tax liabilities	558,430	576,488
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net	361,846	403,316
non-U.S. [Member]
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Line Items]
U.S Federal foreign income tax credit carryforwards	1,921	1,374
Non-U.S. income tax loss carryforwards	19,200
Non-U.S. capital loss carryforwards	1,900
Valuation allowance	(9,500)
Pension Plan [Member]
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities [Line Items]
Prepaid pension cost	$ 349,878	$ 386,916

Income Taxes (Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Details 5) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	$ 455.6
U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	17.6
2017 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	7.3
2017 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	4.1
2018 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	9.3
2018 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	3.6
2019 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	2.8
2019 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	3.3
2020 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	18.3
2020 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	3.3
2021 [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	19.6
2021 [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	1.1
2022 and after [Member] \| State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to expire	398.3
2022 and after [Member] \| U.S. Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax loss carryforwards to be fully utilized	$ 2.2

Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Valluation Allowances) (Details 6) - Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Begining of Period	$ 69,545	$ 65,521	$ 72,767
Tax Expense and Revaluation	4,709	4,024	889
Deductions	(32,935)	0	(8,135)
Balance at End of Period	$ 41,319	$ 69,545	$ 65,521

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Unrecognized Tax Benefits Rollforward) (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning unrecognized tax benefits	$ 17,331	$ 19,817	$ 0
Increases related to current year tax positions	0	0	19,817
Increases related to prior year tax positions	0	0	0
Decrease related to prior year tax positions	0	(2,486)	0
Decreases related to settlement with tax authorities	0	0	0
Decreases due to lapse of applicable statute of limitations	0	0	0
Ending unrecognized tax benefits	$ 17,331	$ 17,331	$ 19,817

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 25, 2016

GBP (£)

Jul. 14, 2016

GBP (£)

Jun. 29, 2015

USD ($)

Jun. 17, 2015

USD ($)

Mar. 09, 2015

AUD ($)

Sep. 07, 2011

USD ($)

Jan. 31, 2009

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014

USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015

USD ($)

Jun. 17, 2015

AUD ($)

Sep. 07, 2011

AUD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Average borrowings outstanding

$ 443,900,000

$ 428,000,000

Weighted average interest rate of borrowings

6.70%

7.10%

Net interest expense incurred

$ 32,300,000

$ 30,700,000

$ 33,400,000

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Issuance Costs, Net

$ 100,000

Interest rate of debt instrument

7.25%

Face amount of debt issued

$ 400,000,000

Debt Instrument, Term

10 years

Debt Instrument, Maturity date

Feb. 01, 2019

Notes repurchase percentage of principal amount to be eligible for redemption

101.00%

Fair value of debt instrument

$ 438,700,000

$ 436,600,000

Carrying value of debt instrument

^[1]

399,052,000

398,596,000

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

UK Credit Facility

$ 0

Debt Instrument, Term

4 years

Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Term

5 years

Current borrowing capacity

$ 200,000,000

Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum

3.5

Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum

3.5

USD $450 million portion of Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

UK Credit Facility

$ 0

Termination Of Credit Agreement

$ 450,000,000

AUD $50 million portion of Revolver [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

UK Credit Facility

$ 50,000,000

Termination Of Credit Agreement

$ 50,000,000

Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit

$ (50,000,000)

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Types of interest rate derivatives used

interest rate swap

Notional amount of cash flow hedge

$ 50,000,000

Interest rate swap percentage rate

4.5275%

Notional amount of derivative matured

$ 50,000,000

Other Indebtedness [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

6.00%

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, start

Jan. 01, 2019

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Instrument, Maturity year, end

Dec. 31, 2025

Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

UK Credit Facility

^[2]

$ 91,316,000

$ 0

Minimum [Member] | Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

0.15%

Minimum [Member] | Other Indebtedness [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

2.00%

Maximum [Member] | Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage

0.25%

Maximum [Member] | Other Indebtedness [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate of debt instrument

6.00%

Eurodollar [Member] | Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis Spread on Variable Rate

1.00%

Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] | Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement Dated June 29, 2015 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis Spread on Variable Rate

0.50%

Education [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis Spread on Variable Rate

1.50%

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

0.51%

Notional amount of cash flow hedge | £

£ 75,000,000

Interest rate swap percentage rate

2.01%

Education [Member] | Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Issuance Costs, Net

$ 500,000

UK Credit Facility | £

£ 75,000,000

Debt Instrument, Term

4 years

Current borrowing capacity | £

£ 75,000,000

Education [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis Spread on Variable Rate

1.25%

Education [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis Spread on Variable Rate

1.75%

Cable Spin-Off [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt issued

$ 450,000,000

Cable Spin-Off [Member] | Cable [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt issued

$ 550,000,000

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Education [Member] | Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Price Percentage Of Outstanding Balance Redeemed

6.66%

Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum

3.5

Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum

3.5

Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest Expense, Other

$ 2,700,000

[1]	The carrying value is net of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
[2]	The carrying value is net of $0.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016.

Debt (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Jan. 31, 2009

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Other indebtedness

$ 1,479

$ 1,204

Total Debt

491,847

399,800

Less: current portion

(6,128)

Total Long-Term Debt

485,719

399,800

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

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Unsecured notes

^[1]

$ 399,052

$ 398,596

Interest rate of debt instrument

7.25%

Kaplan Four Year Credit Agreement Dated July 14, 2016 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

UK Credit Facility

^[2]

$ 91,316

$ 0

[1]	The carrying value is net of $0.1 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
[2]	The carrying value is net of $0.5 million of unamortized debt issuance costs as of December 31, 2016.

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1,603	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0					$ 1,603	$ 251,401
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets					$ 4,233	$ 248,591	$ 6,876	$ 0	1,603	$ 259,700	$ 17,302
Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets											25,100
Vocational School Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Write-downs of cost method investment	$ (12,000)	$ (15,000)							$ (27,000)
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets											$ 7,800

Fair Value Measurements (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Assets

Investments in Marketable equity securities

$ 424,229

$ 350,563

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

435,258

433,040

Commercial paper

^[2]

49,882

Investments in Marketable equity securities

^[3]

424,229

350,563

Other current investments

^[4]

24,012

28,882

Total Financial Assets

933,381

812,485

Liabilities

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

46,300

48,055

Interest rate swap

^[6]

365

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

^[7]

12,584

Total Financial Liabilities

59,249

Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

Commercial paper

^[2]

49,882

Investments in Marketable equity securities

^[3]

424,229

350,563

Other current investments

^[4]

6,957

12,822

Total Financial Assets

481,068

363,385

Liabilities

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

Interest rate swap

^[6]

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

^[7]

Total Financial Liabilities

Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

435,258

433,040

Commercial paper

^[2]

Investments in Marketable equity securities

^[3]

Other current investments

^[4]

17,055

16,060

Total Financial Assets

452,313

449,100

Liabilities

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

46,300

$ 48,055

Interest rate swap

^[6]

365

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

^[7]

Total Financial Liabilities

46,665

Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Assets

Money market investments

^[1]

Commercial paper

^[2]

Investments in Marketable equity securities

^[3]

Other current investments

^[4]

Total Financial Assets

Liabilities

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

^[5]

Interest rate swap

^[6]

Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

^[7]

12,584

Total Financial Liabilities

$ 12,584

[1]	The Company’s money market investments are included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash.
[2]	The Company’s commercial paper investments with original maturities of three months or less are included in cash and cash equivalents.
[3]	The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are classified as available-for-sale.
[4]	Includes U.S. Government Securities, corporate bonds, mutual funds and time deposits. 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.
[5]	Includes Graham Holdings Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan and supplemental savings plan benefits under the Graham Holdings Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which are included in accrued compensation and related benefits. These plans measure the market value of a participant’s balance in a notional investment account that is comprised primarily of mutual funds, which are based on observable market prices. However, since the deferred compensation obligations are not exchanged in an active market, they are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on deferred compensation are included in operating income.
[6]	Included in Other liabilities. The Company utilized a market approach model using the notional amount of the interest rate swap multiplied by the observable inputs of time to maturity and market interest rates.
[7]	The fair value of the mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest is based on an EBITDA multiple, adjusted for working capital and other items, which approximates fair value.

Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2015 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Temporary Equity [Abstract]
Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value per share	$ 1
Redeemable Preferred Stock, liquidation value per share	$ 1,000
Redeemable preferred shares outstanding \| shares	10,510
Redeemable Preferred Stock, redemption value per share	$ 1,000
Redeemable preferred stock redemption amount \| $	$ 10,500		$ 0	$ 10,510	$ 0
Number of times dividends payable in a year per share		4
Dividends payable per share		$ 80

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Narrative) (Details)		1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017 $ / shares	Feb. 23, 2017 shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) employee $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) employee shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2015 shares	May 14, 2015 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cost of shares repurchased by company \| $						$ 108,948,000	$ 22,979,000	$ 327,718,000
Shares subject to award outstanding				81,475		67,225	81,475
Number of shares forfeited due to modification						4,175
Number of shares awarded in 2017						1,291
Exercised, Number of Shares						4,726
Number of shares granted						0
Stock options outstanding				191,722		186,996	191,722
Dividends declared per common share \| $ / shares						$ 4.84	$ 9.10	$ 10.2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares excluded from earnings per share						5,450	6,250	5,175
Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercised, Number of Shares						0	0	0
Number of shares granted						0	2,500	0
Stock options outstanding						0
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares excluded from earnings per share						102,000	102,000	52,000
Senior Manager [Member] \| Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							4 years
Maximum [Member] \| Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						5 years
Minimum [Member] \| Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						4 years
Education [Member] \| Kaplan Stock Option and Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense \| $						$ 600,000	$ (1,800,000)	$ 900,000
Accrual balance related to stock based compensation \| $						9,600,000
Stock compensation payouts \| $				$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Conversion of Class A shares to Class B						0	10,822
Conversion of stock from Class A to Class B, percentage							1.00%
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						229,498	46,226
Cost of shares repurchased by company \| $						$ 108,900,000	$ 23,000,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased										500,000
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased remaining under previous authorization										159,219
Authorized shares remaining for repurchase						224,276
Market value of company's stock \| $ / shares						$ 511.95
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares affected by modification of terms				9,800
Number of employees affected by modification of terms of share awards \| employee				1
Number of share awards with accelerated vesting				9,412
Number of shares forfeited due to modification				388
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2017						28,200
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2018						14,225
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2019						24,550
Share awards outstanding, restriction will lapse in 2020						250
Stock-based compensation expense \| $						$ 11,000,000	25,300,000	15,400,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense \| $						$ 11,900,000
Years over which cost expected to be recognized						10 months 24 days
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense \| $						$ 2,400,000	$ 22,900,000	$ 2,700,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense \| $						$ 8,200,000
Years over which cost expected to be recognized						4 years 2 months 12 days
Options outstanding exercisable now						114,872
Options outstanding exercisable in 2017						17,000
Options outstanding exercisable in 2018						17,000
Options outstanding exercisable in 2019						17,000
Options outstanding exercisable in 2020						17,000
Options outstanding exercisable in 2021						4,124
Intrinsic value of options outstanding \| $						$ 15,900,000
Intrinsic value of options exercisable \| $						15,900,000
Intrinsic value of options unvested \| $						$ 0
Options unvested, shares				89,896		72,124	89,896
Options unvested, average exercise price \| $ / shares				$ 755.65		$ 761.30	$ 755.65
Options unvested, weighted average remaining contractual term, years						8 years 1 month 6 days	9 years 1 month 6 days
Exercised, Number of Shares						4,726	40,527	19,125
Intrinsic value of options exercised \| $						$ 1,200,000	$ 19,500,000	$ 6,700,000
Tax benefit from stock option exercises \| $						$ 500,000	$ 7,800,000	$ 2,700,000
Number of shares granted						0
Weighted average fair value, granted options \| $ / shares							$ 155.00	$ 178.95
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Exercise Price Above Fair Market Value of Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted								50,000
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares awarded in 2017			15,150
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $				$ 6,000,000
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance						83,065
Shares reserved for stock awards granted under the plan						1,900,000
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						10 years
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2003 Employee Stock Option Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						4 years
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] \| Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Individual award limit authorization					50,000				77,258
Shares reserved for issuance						617,326
Shares reserved for stock awards granted under the plan					500,000				772,588
Shares subject to award outstanding						171,156
Shares available for future awards						446,170
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] \| 2015 and 2014 Options Granted [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period							6 years	6 years
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						10 years
Class B Common Stock [Member] \| 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period						4 years
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] \| Senior Manager [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares subject to award outstanding						7,206
Kaplan Restricted Stock [Member] \| Subsequent Event [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of company common stock \| $ / shares		$ 1,327
Kaplan Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of company common stock \| $ / shares							$ 1,180
Before Spin-off of Cable ONE [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Exercise Price Above Fair Market Value of Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted								24,742
After Spin-Off of Cable ONE [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Exercise Price Above Fair Market Value of Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted								77,258
Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchased by company								1,620,190
Cost of shares repurchased by company \| $								$ 1,165,400,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares affected by modification of terms					10,830
Number of share awards with accelerated vesting					6,324
Number of shares forfeited due to modification					4,506
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $	$ 23,500,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $					$ 3,700,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Cable [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of employees affected by modification of terms of share awards \| employee					21
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $	4,700,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Q3 2015 [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Corporate Office [Member] \| Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $	18,800,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| July 2015 through December 2018 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Incremental stock compensation expense, net of forfeitures, due to modification \| $	$ 3,000,000

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Stock Awards Rollforward) (Details 1)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning of year, unvested, Number of Shares \| shares	81,475
Awarded, Number of Shares \| shares	1,291
Vested, Number of Shares \| shares	(11,366)
Forfeited, Number of Shares \| shares	(4,175)
End of year, unvested, Number of Shares \| shares	67,225
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning of year, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 637.70
Awarded, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	872.36
Vested, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	565.79
Forfeited, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	625.04
End of year, Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 655.15

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Stock Options Rollforward) (Details 2) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning, Number of Shares	191,722
Granted, Number of Shares	0
Exercised, Number of Shares	(4,726)
Expired or forfeited, Number of Shares	0
End, Number of Shares	186,996	191,722
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Beginning, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 552.00
Granted, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	0.00
Exercised, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	250.29
Expired or forfeited, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	0.00
End, Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 559.62	$ 552.00
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Common Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted, Number of Shares	0
Exercised, Number of Shares	(4,726)	(40,527)	(19,125)

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details 3) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	186,996	191,722
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 3 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 559.62	$ 552.00
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	114,872
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 433.00
Exercise Price Range of $244-$284 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low Exercise Price Range	244
High Exercise Price Range	$ 284
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	4,648
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 261.18
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	4,648
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 4 months 24 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 261.18
Exercise Price $325 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low Exercise Price Range	$ 325
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	77,258
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 325.26
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	77,258
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 325.26
Exercise Price $422 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low Exercise Price Range	$ 422
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	3,090
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 421.91
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	3,090
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 421.91
Exercise Price $719 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low Exercise Price Range	$ 719
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	77,258
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 719.15
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	25,753
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 719.15
Exercise Price Range of $805-$872 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Low Exercise Price Range	805
High Exercise Price Range	$ 872
Options Outstanding, Shares Outstanding	24,742
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years 10 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 866.58
Options Exercisable, Shares Exercisable	4,123
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	8 years 10 months 24 days
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 866.58

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Fair Value Assumptions) (Details 4)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Interest rate, minimum	1.88%	2.15%
Interest rate, maximum	2.17%	2.45%
Volatility, minimum (percentage)	31.59%	30.75%
Volatility, maximum (percentage)	32.69%	32.10%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (in years)	7 years	7 years
Dividend yield	0.81%	1.30%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (in years)	8 years	8 years
Dividend yield	1.18%	1.54%

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Earnings Per Share) (Details 5) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]

Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Graham Holdings Company common stockholders

$ 51,169

$ (231,222)

$ 39,280

$ (2,683)

$ 168,590

$ (143,456)

$ 765,139

Less: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding and unvested restricted shares

(27,325)

(53,090)

(67,267)

Undistributed earnings (losses)

$ 141,265

$ (196,546)

$ 697,872

Percent allocated to common stockholders (1)

^[1]

98.79%

100.00%

97.98%

Undistributed earnings (losses) allocated to common stockholders

$ 139,562

$ (196,546)

$ 683,780

Add: Dividends paid–common stock outstanding

26,962

52,050

66,012

Numerator for basic earnings (loss) per share

166,524

(144,496)

749,792

Add: Additional undistributed earnings due to dilutive stock options

Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share

$ 166,533

$ (144,496)

$ 749,856

Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per share (shares)

5,527

5,544

5,623

5,746

5,738

5,720

5,704

5,559

5,727

6,470

Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per share (shares)

5,589

5,727

6,497

Income Per Share From Continuing Operations To Common Stockholders [Abstract]

Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share

$ 8.78

$ (40.32)

$ 6.74

$ (0.58)

$ 29.95

$ (25.23)

$ 115.88

Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share

$ 8.72

$ (40.32)

$ 6.71

$ (0.58)

$ 29.80

$ (25.23)

$ 115.40

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]

Add: Effect of dilutive stock options (shares)

[1]	Percent of undistributed losses allocated to common stockholders is 100% in 2015 as participating securities are not contractually obligated to share in losses.

Capital Stock, Stock Awards, and Stock Options (Antidilutive Shares) (Details 6) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Shares [Abstract]
Antidilutive Restricted Stock	40	52	62
Antidilutive Options	0	39	0

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Pension and Postretirement Plans (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Investment companies	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Investment	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Investment companies	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) multiemployer_plan Investment companies	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) multiemployer_plan Investment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) multiemployer_plan
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense								$ 0	$ 4,606,000	$ 8,374,000
Expense associated with the retirement benefits provided under incentive savings plans								7,500,000	7,600,000	8,600,000
Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Percent of Plan Assets Managed Internally by Company							44.00%
Percent Of Plan Assets Managed By Investment Companies							56.00%
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense								0	4,606,000	8,374,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 1,137,900,000	$ 1,219,700,000					$ 1,137,900,000	1,137,900,000	1,219,700,000
Company contributions								0	0	0
Estimated employer contributions in next fiscal year								0
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year								$ (49,104,000)	$ (63,269,000)	(69,406,000)
Number of investment companies actively managing plan assets \| companies	2						2	2
Percentage of total plan assets	100.00%	100.00%					100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Curtailment								$ 0	$ 3,267,000	0
Settlement	$ (18,000,000)							17,993,000	0	0
Pension Plans [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year									1,900,000	3,700,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense								0	0	2,422,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 103,000,000	$ 102,500,000					$ 103,000,000	103,000,000	102,500,000
Company contributions								4,967,000	6,083,000
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year								8,485,000	9,968,000	7,481,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year									200,000	500,000
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Company contributions								852,000	1,900,000
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year								779,000	1,132,000	89,000
Curtailment								$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,292,000
Discount rate to determine benefit obligation	3.31%	3.45%					3.31%	3.31%	3.45%
Discount rate to determine periodic cost								3.45%	3.25%	3.80%
Other Postretirement Plans [Member] \| Pre-Age 65 [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed health care cost trend rate								7.15%
Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate								decreasing
Ultimate health care cost trend rate								4.50%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2025						2025	2025
Other Postretirement Plans [Member] \| Post-Age 65 [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed health care cost trend rate								8.65%
Direction of change for assumed health care cost trend rate								decreasing
Ultimate health care cost trend rate								4.50%
Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate	2025						2025	2025
Multiemployer Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of multiemployer plans contributed to \| multiemployer_plan								1	1	1
Contributions to multiemployer pension plans								$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Berkshire Hathaway Common Stock [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator								20.00%
Foreign Investments [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, equity securities								23.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] \| Pension Plans [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]
Number of foreign countries for which the companys pension plan holds investments that exceed 10% of total plan assets \| Investment		1							1
Value of investments		$ 332,400,000							$ 332,400,000
Percentage of total plan assets		15.00%							15.00%
Single Equity Concentration [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, target allocation maximum percentage of assets, singular equity security, without prior approval by plan administrator								10.00%
Value of investments	$ 978,800,000	$ 562,600,000					$ 978,800,000	$ 978,800,000	$ 562,600,000
Percentage of total plan assets	48.00%	25.00%					48.00%	48.00%	25.00%
Single Equity Concentration [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of investments the company's pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets \| Investment	1	2					1	1	2
Single Equity Concentration [Member] \| Equity funds [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of investments the company's pension plan held which individually exceed 10% of total plan assets \| Investment	1						1	1
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Total [Member] \| 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%
Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] \| Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense										$ 2,400,000
Education [Member] \| Special Incentive Program [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense			$ 3,700,000
Corporate Office [Member] \| Special Incentive Program [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense		$ 900,000
Corporate Office [Member] \| Separation Incentive Program [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense						$ 4,500,000
Corporate Office [Member] \| Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement and special separation benefit program expense					$ 3,900,000
Corporate Office [Member] \| Exchange of WPLG, Separation Incentive Program and VRIP [Member] \| Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Settlement				$ 1,300,000
Cable Spin-Off [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member] \| Discontinued Operations [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment									$ 2,200,000
Sale Of KHE Campuses Business [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Retirement Benefits Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment									$ 1,100,000

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Obligation, Asset, and Funding Information) (Details 1) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	$ 1,254,298,000	$ 1,317,480,000
Service cost	20,461,000	26,294,000	$ 27,792,000
Interest cost	51,608,000	52,613,000	51,825,000
Amendments	0	4,606,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	(32,203,000)	(57,834,000)
Benefits paid	(60,076,000)	(85,542,000)
Curtailment	0	(3,319,000)
Settlement	(73,191,000)	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,160,897,000	1,254,298,000	1,317,480,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	2,234,268,000	2,469,968,000
Actual return on plan assets	(58,511,000)	(150,158,000)
Employer contributions	0	0	0
Benefits paid	(60,076,000)	(85,542,000)
Settlement	(73,191,000)	0
Fair value of assets at end of year	2,042,490,000	2,234,268,000	2,469,968,000
Funded status	881,593,000	979,970,000
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	105,004,000	116,083,000
Service cost	985,000	1,946,000	1,493,000
Interest cost	4,384,000	4,550,000	4,397,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,120,000	(6,544,000)
Benefits paid	(4,967,000)	(6,083,000)
Curtailment	0	(4,948,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	106,526,000	105,004,000	116,083,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	4,967,000	6,083,000
Benefits paid	(4,967,000)	(6,083,000)
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	0
Funded status	(106,526,000)	(105,004,000)
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at begining of year	37,391,000	41,957,000
Service cost	1,386,000	1,331,000	1,500,000
Interest cost	1,230,000	1,299,000	1,448,000
Actuarial (gain) loss	(14,984,000)	(5,296,000)
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852,000)	(1,900,000)
Benefit obligation at end of year	24,171,000	37,391,000	41,957,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	852,000	1,900,000
Benefits paid, net of Medicare subsidy	(852,000)	(1,900,000)
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	$ 0
Funded status	$ (24,171,000)	$ (37,391,000)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Consolidated Balance Sheet) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent asset	$ 881,593	$ 979,970
Current liability	0	0
Noncurrent liability	0	0
Recognized asset (liability)	881,593	979,970
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Noncurrent asset	0	0
Current liability	(5,580)	(5,442)
Noncurrent liability	(100,946)	(99,562)
Recognized asset (liability)	(106,526)	(105,004)
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current liability	(2,312)	(3,444)
Noncurrent liability	(21,859)	(33,947)
Recognized asset (liability)	$ (24,171)	$ (37,391)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Key Assumptions - Obligation) (Details 3) - Benefit Obligation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (percent)	4.10%	4.30%
Rate of compensation increase (percent)		4.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (percent)	4.10%	4.30%
Rate of compensation increase (percent)		4.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase (percent)	5.00%
Maximum [Member] \| Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase (percent)	5.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase (percent)	1.00%
Minimum [Member] \| Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Rate of compensation increase (percent)	1.00%

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Future Estimated Benefit Payments) (Details 4) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2017	$ 68,782
2018	69,704
2019	69,465
2020	69,933
2021	70,122
2022-2026	350,228
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2017	5,693
2018	5,820
2019	6,232
2020	6,327
2021	6,429
2022-2026	34,061
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2017	2,312
2018	2,240
2019	2,199
2020	2,319
2021	2,277
2022-2026	$ 10,725

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Total Benefit/Cost) (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense		$ 0	$ 4,606	$ 8,374
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year		(67,097)	(60,557)	(64,780)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Current year actuarial gain (loss)		133,915	211,054	149,482
Current year prior service cost		0	0	1,600
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		(419)	(275)	407
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)		(1,157)	9,906	29,412
Curtailments and settlements		17,993	(51)	(8)
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		150,332	219,800	180,893
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		20,461	26,294	27,792
Interest cost		51,608	52,613	51,825
Expected return on assets		(121,470)	(130,571)	(120,472)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		297	320	329
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		0	(11,925)	(28,880)
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year		(49,104)	(63,269)	(69,406)
Curtailment		0	(3,267)	0
Settlement	$ 18,000	(17,993)	0	0
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense		0	4,606	8,374
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year		(67,097)	(61,930)	(61,032)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Current year actuarial gain (loss)		147,779	222,894	125,866
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		(297)	(320)	(329)
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)		0	11,925	28,880
Curtailments and settlements		17,993	(51)	(368)
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		165,475	234,448	154,049
Total Recognized in Total (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		98,378	172,518	93,017
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		985	1,946	1,493
Interest cost		4,384	4,550	4,397
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		457	457	47
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		2,659	3,015	1,544
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year		8,485	9,968	7,481
Early retirement programs and special separation benefit expense		0	0	2,422
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year		8,485	9,968	9,903
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Current year actuarial gain (loss)		1,120	(6,544)	19,168
Current year prior service cost		0	0	1,600
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		(457)	(457)	(47)
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)		(2,659)	(3,015)	(1,544)
Curtailments and settlements		0	(834)	0
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		(1,996)	(10,850)	19,177
Total Recognized in Total (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		6,489	(882)	29,080
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		1,386	1,331	1,500
Interest cost		1,230	1,299	1,448
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(335)	(502)	(783)
Recognized actuarial loss (gain)		(1,502)	(996)	(2,076)
Net Periodic Cost (Benefit) for the Year		779	1,132	89
Curtailment		0	0	(1,292)
Total Cost (Benefit) for the Year		779	1,132	(1,203)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Current year actuarial gain (loss)		(14,984)	(5,296)	4,448
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)		335	502	783
Recognized net actuarial gain (loss)		1,502	996	2,076
Curtailments and settlements		0	0	360
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		(13,147)	(3,798)	7,667
Total Recognized in Total (Benefit) Cost and Other Comprehensive Income (Before Tax Effects)		$ (12,368)	$ (2,666)	$ 6,464

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Key Assumptions - Cost) (Details 6) - Periodic Cost [Member]

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

^[1]

Jun. 30, 2015

^[1]

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Pension Plans [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Discount rate (percent)

4.40%

4.00%

4.30%

4.80%

Expected return on plan assets (percent)

6.50%

Rate of compensation increase (percent)

4.00%

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Discount rate (percent)

4.40%

4.00%

4.30%

4.80%

Expected return on plan assets (percent)

0.00%

Rate of compensation increase (percent)

4.00%

[1]

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details 7) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net amount	$ (170,830)	$ (261,029)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	(285,304)	(451,076)
Unrecognized prior service cost	365	662
Gross amount	(284,939)	(450,414)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	113,976	180,166
Net amount	(170,963)	(270,248)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	24,958	26,497
Unrecognized prior service cost	775	1,232
Gross amount	25,733	27,729
Deferred tax liability (asset)	(10,293)	(11,091)
Net amount	15,440	16,638
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss	(25,186)	(11,704)
Unrecognized prior service cost	(326)	(661)
Gross amount	(25,512)	(12,365)
Deferred tax liability (asset)	10,205	4,946
Net amount	$ (15,307)	$ (7,419)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Future Amortization of Net Periodic Cost) (Details 8) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition	$ (5,161)
Prior service cost (credit) recognition	156
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition	1,827
Prior service cost (credit) recognition	457
Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actuarial (gain) loss recognition	(3,953)
Prior service cost (credit) recognition	$ (291)

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Asset Allocation) (Details 9) - Pension Plans [Member]	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Fixed income securities [Member] \| U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	11.00%	13.00%
Equity securities [Member] \| U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	53.00%	62.00%
Equity securities [Member] \| International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	6.00%	25.00%
Equity funds [Member] \| U.S. [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Assets Allocation (Percent)	30.00%	0.00%

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Reconciliation of Change in Pension Plan Assets Fair Value Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details 11) - Level 3 [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets, Level 3 Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	$ 0
Acquisitions	574,000
Gains related to assets still held at year-end	48,865
Fair value of assets at end of year	$ 622,865

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates) (Details 12) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Increase	$ 1,330
Benefit obligation at end of year, 1% Decrease	(1,220)
Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Increase	165
Service cost plus interest cost, 1% Decrease	$ (148)

Other Non-Operating (Expense) Income (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands				1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($) shares	Mar. 27, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($) business	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment								$ 34,100		$ 21,400			$ 34,072	$ 21,379	$ 127,670
Gain (loss) on sale of business											$ 2,900		18,931	(23,335)	0
Gain on formation of a joint venture													3,232	5,972	0
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate													0	4,827	396,553
Gain on share exchange													0	0	266,733
Proceeds from sale of headquarters building			$ 158,000
Gain on sale of headquarters building			$ 127,700
Education [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of business						$ (26,300)
Number Of Businesses Disposed \| business											2
Residential Healthcare Group Inc [Member] \| Residential And Michigan Hospital Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate				40.00%				40.00%
Gain on formation of a joint venture				$ (3,200)
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Favorable out of period adjustment											$ 4,800
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate													$ 0	$ 4,827	$ 396,553
Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member] \| Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain on formation of a joint venture					$ 6,000
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain on share exchange		$ 266,700
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] \| Class B Common Stock [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares		1,278
Berkshire Hathaway Inc [Member] \| Common Class A [Member] \| Berkshire Exchange Transaction [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Number of shares exchanged \| shares		2,107
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate																16.50%
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment, including amount held in escrow	$ 408,500
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment										$ 16,500
Gain on sale of an equity affiliate												$ 396,600
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate					40.00%
Celtic Healthcare Allegheny Health Network Joint Venture [Member] \| Celtic Healthcare Inc [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Ownership percentage of investment in affiliate					40.00%	40.00%							40.00%
Vocational School Company [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Write-downs of cost method investment						$ (12,000)	$ (15,000)						$ (27,000)
Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] \| Colloquy [Member] \| Education [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of business									$ 18,900

Other Non-Operating Income (Expense) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment			$ 34,100		$ 21,400				$ 34,072	$ 21,379	$ 127,670
Foreign currency losses, net									(39,890)	(15,564)	(11,129)
Losses on sales or write-downs of cost method investments, net									28,571	1,124	(94)
Net losses on sales of businesses							$ 2,900		18,931	(23,335)	0
Gain on formation of a joint venture									3,232	5,972	0
Gain on sale of Classified Ventures									0	4,827	396,553
Gain on Berkshire marketable equity securities exchange									0	0	266,733
Net losses on sales or write-down of marketable equity securities									(1,791)	(14)	(3,044)
Other, net									1,375	(764)	1,321
Other (expense) income, net	$ (28,513)	$ (18,225)	$ 19,000	$ 15,096	$ 21,262	$ (40,458)	$ 11,678	$ (1,105)	(12,642)	(8,623)	778,010
Classified Ventures LLC [Member]
Schedule of Non-Operating (Expense) Income [Line Items]
Gain on sale of Classified Ventures									$ 0	$ 4,827	$ 396,553

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of OCI) (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

$ (115,429)

$ (222,402)

$ (399,046)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax

37,235

83,602

153,032

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

(78,194)

(138,800)

(246,014)

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

(18,898)

(16,061)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

(22,149)

(18,898)

(16,061)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

5,501

(404)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

5,501

(404)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

(22,149)

(13,397)

(16,465)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

(22,149)

(13,397)

(16,465)

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

55,507

10,620

62,719

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

(22,203)

(4,248)

(25,088)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

33,304

6,372

37,631

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

1,879

(4)

(265,274)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

(752)

106,110

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

1,127

(2)

(159,164)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

57,386

10,616

(202,555)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax

(22,955)

(4,246)

81,022

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

34,431

6,370

(121,533)

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

(80,349)

(126,132)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

(16,417)

(9,580)

(29,819)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

6,567

3,831

11,928

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(9,850)

(5,749)

(17,891)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

(150,332)

(219,800)

(180,893)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax

60,133

87,919

72,357

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

(90,199)

(131,881)

(108,536)

Net Actuarial Loss [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

(133,915)

(211,054)

(149,482)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

53,566

84,421

59,792

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

(80,349)

(126,633)

(89,690)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

^[1]

1,157

(9,906)

(29,412)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

(463)

3,962

11,765

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

694

(5,944)

(17,647)

Net Prior Service Cost [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

(1,600)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

640

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

(960)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

^[1]

419

275

(407)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

(167)

(110)

163

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

252

165

(244)

Curtailment Gains Included in Net Income [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

(3)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax

^[1]

(17,993)

Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax

7,197

(21)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

(10,796)

Curtailment And Settlement Included in Distribution [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax

834

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax

(333)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

501

Cash Flow Hedge [Member]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax

(290)

Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Tax

(334)

179

867

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Income Tax

(71)

(347)

Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax

$ (277)

$ 108

$ 520

[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 14).

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI balances) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	$ 2,490,698	$ 3,140,775	$ 3,300,288
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(78,194)	(138,800)	(246,014)
As of	2,452,941	2,490,698	3,140,775
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	314,680	453,480
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(69,484)	(138,629)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8,710)	(171)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(78,194)	(138,800)
As of	236,486	314,680	453,480
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	(4,849)	8,548
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(22,149)	(18,898)	(16,061)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	5,501	(404)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(22,149)	(13,397)	(16,465)
As of	(26,998)	(4,849)	8,548
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	58,500	52,130
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	33,304	6,372	37,631
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,127	(2)	(159,164)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	34,431	6,370	(121,533)
As of	92,931	58,500	52,130
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Pensions and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	261,029	392,910
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(80,349)	(126,132)
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,850)	(5,749)	(17,891)
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(90,199)	(131,881)	(108,536)
As of	170,830	261,029	392,910
Cash Flow Hedge [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
As of	0	(108)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(290)	29
Net amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	13	79
Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax	(277)	108	520
As of	$ (277)	$ 0	$ (108)

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Sep. 30, 2016

Jun. 30, 2016

Mar. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2015

Jun. 30, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

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

Other (expense) income, net

$ 28,513

$ 18,225

$ (19,000)

$ (15,096)

$ (21,262)

$ 40,458

$ (11,678)

$ 1,105

$ 12,642

$ 8,623

$ (778,010)

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

(379)

(18,502)

(23,289)

(42,170)

(527,857)

Interest expense

10,857

8,614

7,971

7,948

7,975

7,830

8,348

8,501

35,390

32,654

35,533

Provision for Income Taxes

27,200

7,800

23,800

22,400

30,500

(30,500)

19,600

900

81,200

20,500

312,300

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$ (64,118)

$ (40,926)

$ (84,999)

$ (60,615)

(81,609)

261,435

(59,525)

589

(250,658)

120,890

(1,077,703)

Income Net of Tax

$ (51,109)

$ 230,935

$ (39,925)

$ 1,489

(169,458)

141,390

(765,403)

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]

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

Income Net of Tax

(8,710)

(171)

(176,951)

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

5,501

(404)

Provision for income taxes

Reclassifications, net of tax

5,501

(404)

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

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

Other (expense) income, net

^[1]

5,501

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

^[1]

(404)

Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Available- for- Sale Securities [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

1,879

(4)

(265,274)

Provision for income taxes

(752)

106,110

Reclassifications, net of tax

1,127

(2)

(159,164)

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

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

Other (expense) income, net

1,879

(4)

(265,274)

Provision for Income Taxes

(752)

^[2]

1,200

Income tax on unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income

^[2]

106,110

Income Net of Tax

1,127

(2)

(159,164)

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

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

Income tax on unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income

107,300

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

(16,417)

(9,580)

(29,819)

Provision for income taxes

6,567

3,831

11,928

Reclassifications, net of tax

(9,850)

(5,749)

(17,891)

Net Actuarial Loss [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

^[3]

1,157

(9,906)

(29,412)

Provision for income taxes

(463)

3,962

11,765

Reclassifications, net of tax

694

(5,944)

(17,647)

Net Prior Service Cost [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

^[3]

419

275

(407)

Provision for income taxes

(167)

(110)

163

Reclassifications, net of tax

252

165

(244)

Curtailment Gains Included in Net Income [Member]

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

Reclassifications, before tax

^[3]

(17,993)

Provision for income taxes

7,197

(21)

Reclassifications, net of tax

(10,796)

Cash Flow Hedge [Member]

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

Reclassifications, net of tax

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

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

Interest expense

132

847

Provision for Income Taxes

(3)

(53)

(339)

Income Net of Tax

$ 13

$ 79

$ 508

[1]	The amount for 2015 was recorded in other (expense) income, net and the amount for 2014 was recorded in income from discontinued operations, net of tax.
[2]	The amounts for 2016 and 2015 were recorded in Provision for Income Taxes. Benefits of $1.2 million were recorded in Provision for Income Taxes related to the realized loss for the year ended December 31, 2014. The remaining $107.3 million for the year relates to the reversal of income taxes previously recorded on the unrealized gain of the Company’s investment in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. marketable securities as part of the Berkshire exchange transaction, which qualified as a tax-free distribution under IRC Section 355 and 361 (see Note 7).
[3]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement plan cost (see Note 14).

Leases and Other Commitments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Future minimum sublease payments due	$ 93.0
Rent expense for operating leases	86.9	$ 102.6	$ 105.5
Sublease rental income	14.3	$ 6.7	$ 5.4
Secondarily liable leases	51.3
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Long-term programming purchase commitment	$ 16.4

Leases and Other Commitments (Details 1) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Leases And Other Commitments [Abstract]
Future minimum lease payments for 2017	$ 87,626
Future minimum lease payments for 2018	84,525
Future minimum lease payments for 2019	73,899
Future minimum lease payments for 2020	65,592
Future minimum lease payments for 2021	50,416
Future minimum lease payments after 2021	146,857
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, total	$ 508,915

Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions					12 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 11, 2015 claim	Feb. 13, 2013 allegations	Aug. 17, 2011 claim Complaint	Jul. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) claim program_review	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) Case
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of existing legal claims or proceedings that are likely to have a material effect on the Company's business					0
Portion of regulations under 90/10 rule					an institution would lose its eligibility to participate in Title IV programs for a period of at least two fiscal years if the institution derives more than 90% of its receipts from Title IV programs, as calculated on a cash basis in accordance with the Higher Education Act and applicable ED regulations, in each of two consecutive fiscal years. An institution with Title IV receipts exceeding 90% for a single fiscal year would be placed on provisional certification and may be subject to other enforcement measures.
KHE's Broomall, PA location [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount payable under agreement \| $				$ 1.6
Higher Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Education division revenue derived from financial aid received by students under Title IV programs \| $					$ 437.0	$ 628.0	$ 806.0
Kaplan University [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of receipts derived from Title IV					77.00%	79.00%
Education [Member] \| Urquilla-Diaz And Jajdelski Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of unsealed cases filed by former employees under the U.S. Federal False Claims Act \| Case							2
Education [Member] \| Diaz Case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
The number of separate complaints included in the Diaz case that received rulings \| Complaint			3
Remaining employment claim in the Diaz complaint			1
Education [Member] \| Diaz Claims [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims affirmed for dismissal by US Court of Appeals	3
Number of claims appealed	4
Education [Member] \| Jajdelski case [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of allegations not dismissed \| allegations		1
Higher Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of receipts from Title IV programs					90.00%
Higher Education [Member] \| Sale Of KHE Campuses Business [Member] \| Education [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of pending ED program reviews \| program_review					4

Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
Business Segments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2015 school	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) TelevisionStation	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 school	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) TelevisionStation Segment	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) campus	Sep. 03, 2015 campus	Feb. 12, 2015 campus	Sep. 30, 2012 campus
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| Segment											4
Operating Revenues		$ 629,579	$ 621,638	$ 628,933	$ 601,740	$ 616,367	$ 641,432	$ 680,890	$ 647,425		$ 2,481,890	$ 2,586,114	$ 2,737,032
Television Broadcasting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television broadcast stations owned \| TelevisionStation		5									5
Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Software asset write-offs											$ 0	0	7,689
Restructuring costs											11,852	44,373	16,806
Accrued restructuring costs		$ 11,800				24,200					11,800	24,200
Non U.S. [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues											624,000	660,000	712,000
Foreign assets		$ 67,000				$ 59,000					67,000	59,000
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues											312,000	319,000	351,000
Higher Education [Member] \| Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring costs											7,200	12,900	$ 6,500
Number of campuses announced to close or consolidate \| campus													5			13
Other long-lived assets impairment charge								$ 6,900					$ 13,600
Higher Education [Member] \| Education [Member] \| KHE Campuses [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of nationally accredited ground campuses sold \| campus														38	38
Kaplan International [Member] \| Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring costs											$ 4,700	1,300	$ 200
Kaplan International [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Kaplan China [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of schools sold \| school	1									3
Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member] \| Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring costs												$ 29,400
Related To Certain Items Recorded In 2011 And 2010 [Member] \| Test Preparation [Member] \| Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Immaterial Error Correction Amount							$ 3,000

Business Segments (Restructuring Costs) (Details 1) - Education [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation	$ 1,815	$ 17,956	$ 2,062
Lease obligation losses	2,694	8,240	1,750
Severance and Special Incentive Program Expense	5,902	17,968	5,075
Software asset write-offs	0	0	7,689
Other	1,441	209	230
Total restructuring costs	$ 11,852	$ 44,373	$ 16,806

Business Segments (Information by Operating Segment) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues	$ 629,579	$ 621,638	$ 628,933	$ 601,740	$ 616,367	$ 641,432	$ 680,890	$ 647,425	$ 2,481,890	$ 2,586,114	$ 2,737,032
Income (loss) from operations	109,489	68,033	74,140	51,872	67,811	(213,723)	56,225	8,862	303,534	(80,825)	232,720
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	(7,042)	(1,008)	(891)	1,004	(35)	95	(353)	(404)	(7,937)	(697)	100,370
Interest expense, net									(32,297)	(30,745)	(33,397)
Other (expense) income, net	(28,513)	(18,225)	19,000	15,096	21,262	(40,458)	11,678	(1,105)	(12,642)	(8,623)	778,010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	64,118	40,926	84,999	60,615	81,609	(261,435)	59,525	(589)	250,658	(120,890)	1,077,703
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	15,717	16,097	16,045	16,761	15,640	14,460	25,609	22,197	64,620	77,906	74,913
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									28,274	278,717	35,489
Amortization of intangible assets	7,511	$ 6,620	$ 6,278	$ 6,262	5,120	4,512	4,647	4,738	26,671	19,017	18,187
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets					4,233	$ 248,591	$ 6,876	$ 0	1,603	259,700	17,302
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									(67,097)	(60,557)	(64,780)
Capital expenditures									70,712	62,033	57,007
Identifiable Assets	3,068,042				2,963,063				3,068,042	2,963,063
Investments in Marketable equity securities	424,229				350,563				424,229	350,563
Investments in Affiliates	58,806				59,229				58,806	59,229
Prepaid Pension Cost	881,593				979,970				881,593	979,970
Total Assets	4,432,670				4,352,825				4,432,670	4,352,825
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									1,598,461	1,927,521	2,160,417
Income (loss) from operations									93,632	(223,456)	65,463
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									41,187	61,177	61,737
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									7,516	262,353	24,941
Amortization of intangible assets									7,516	5,523	7,738
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									0	256,830	17,203
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									11,803	18,804	15,418
Capital expenditures									26,497	42,220	33,528
Identifiable Assets	1,479,267				1,454,520				1,479,267	1,454,520
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Reportable Subsegments [Member] \| Higher Education [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									617,047	849,625	1,010,058
Income (loss) from operations									66,632	55,572	83,069
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									16,822	17,937	29,187
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									7,620	10,849	10,514
Capital expenditures									5,364	10,202	11,551
Identifiable Assets	373,127				447,282				373,127	447,282
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Reportable Subsegments [Member] \| Test Preparation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									286,556	301,607	304,662
Income (loss) from operations									9,599	16,798	(4,730)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									6,287	9,045	12,547
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									3,072	3,101	2,888
Capital expenditures									4,672	8,720	1,143
Identifiable Assets	133,709				134,535				133,709	134,535
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Reportable Subsegments [Member] \| Kaplan International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									696,362	770,273	840,915
Income (loss) from operations									48,398	53,661	69,153
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									17,523	17,811	19,297
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									268	424	356
Capital expenditures									16,252	22,673	20,802
Identifiable Assets	950,922				826,475				950,922	826,475
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Reportable Subsegments [Member] \| Kaplan Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									214	6,502	6,094
Income (loss) from operations									(30,968)	(349,583)	(82,034)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									555	16,384	706
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									843	4,430	1,660
Capital expenditures									209	625	32
Identifiable Assets	21,509				46,228				21,509	46,228
Operating Segments [Member] \| Education [Member] \| Intersubsegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									(1,718)	(486)	(1,312)
Income (loss) from operations									(29)	96	5
Operating Segments [Member] \| Television Broadcasting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									409,718	359,192	363,836
Income (loss) from operations									200,470	164,927	187,833
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									9,942	9,551	8,409
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									251	252	32
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									1,714	1,620	1,355
Capital expenditures									27,453	9,998	11,295
Identifiable Assets	336,631				312,243				336,631	312,243
Operating Segments [Member] \| Other Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									473,850	299,517	212,907
Income (loss) from operations									(22,102)	(13,667)	(21,086)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									12,375	6,168	3,931
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									20,507	16,112	10,516
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									1,118	964	748
Capital expenditures									16,047	9,504	5,110
Identifiable Assets	796,935				712,161				796,935	712,161
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									0	0	0
Income (loss) from operations									31,534	(8,629)	510
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment									1,116	1,010	836
Amortization of intangible assets and impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									0	0	0
Net Pension (Credit) Expense									(81,732)	(81,945)	(82,301)
Capital expenditures									715	311	7,074
Identifiable Assets	$ 455,209				$ 484,139				455,209	484,139
Intersegment Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Revenues									$ (139)	$ (116)	$ (128)

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Quarterly Results) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues
Education	$ 391,261	$ 386,936	$ 419,144	$ 401,006	$ 421,491	$ 481,687	$ 523,625	$ 500,602	$ 1,598,347	$ 1,927,405	$ 2,160,417
Advertising	85,488	86,531	70,901	68,158	74,435	68,898	70,137	66,454	311,078	279,924	308,214
Other	152,830	148,171	138,888	132,576	120,441	90,847	87,128	80,369	572,465	378,785	268,401
Total Operating Revenues	629,579	621,638	628,933	601,740	616,367	641,432	680,890	647,425	2,481,890	2,586,114	2,737,032
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating	300,086	293,194	296,033	291,632	283,780	302,029	311,121	309,223	1,180,945	1,206,153	1,261,753
Selling, general and administrative	195,173	237,694	236,437	235,213	239,783	285,563	276,412	302,405	904,517	1,104,163	1,132,157
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	15,717	16,097	16,045	16,761	15,640	14,460	25,609	22,197	64,620	77,906	74,913
Amortization of intangible assets	7,511	6,620	6,278	6,262	5,120	4,512	4,647	4,738	26,671	19,017	18,187
Impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets											25,100
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets					4,233	248,591	6,876	0	1,603	259,700	17,302
Impairment of goodwill	1,603	0	0	0					1,603	251,401
Total Operating Costs and Expenses	520,090	553,605	554,793	549,868	548,556	855,155	624,665	638,563	2,178,356	2,666,939	2,504,312
Income (Loss) from Operations	109,489	68,033	74,140	51,872	67,811	(213,723)	56,225	8,862	303,534	(80,825)	232,720
Equity in (losses) earnings of affiliates, net	(7,042)	(1,008)	(891)	1,004	(35)	95	(353)	(404)	(7,937)	(697)	100,370
Interest income	1,041	740	721	591	546	481	323	559	3,093	1,909	2,136
Interest expense	(10,857)	(8,614)	(7,971)	(7,948)	(7,975)	(7,830)	(8,348)	(8,501)	(35,390)	(32,654)	(35,533)
Other (expense) income, net	(28,513)	(18,225)	19,000	15,096	21,262	(40,458)	11,678	(1,105)	(12,642)	(8,623)	778,010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	64,118	40,926	84,999	60,615	81,609	(261,435)	59,525	(589)	250,658	(120,890)	1,077,703
Provision for Income Taxes	27,200	7,800	23,800	22,400	30,500	(30,500)	19,600	900	81,200	20,500	312,300
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations					51,109	(230,935)	39,925	(1,489)	169,458	(141,390)	765,403
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax					0	379	18,502	23,289	0	42,170	527,857
Net Income (Loss)	36,918	33,126	61,199	38,215	51,109	(230,556)	58,427	21,800	169,458	(99,220)	1,293,260
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	(433)	(435)	60	(287)	(434)	(774)	(868)	(1,435)	583
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests											0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company					51,169	(230,843)	57,993	21,026	168,590	(100,655)	1,293,843
Redeemable Preferred Stock Dividends					0	0	(211)	(420)	0	(631)	(847)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	36,918	33,126	60,766	37,780	51,169	(230,843)	57,782	20,606	168,590	(101,286)	1,292,996
Amounts Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Income (loss) from continuing operations					51,169	(231,222)	39,280	(2,683)	168,590	(143,456)	765,139
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax					0	379	18,502	23,289	0	42,170	527,857
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders	$ 36,918	$ 33,126	$ 60,766	$ 37,780	$ 51,169	$ (230,843)	$ 57,782	$ 20,606	$ 168,590	$ (101,286)	$ 1,292,996
Per Share Information Attributable to Graham Holdings Company Common Stockholders
Basic income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share					$ 8.78	$ (40.32)	$ 6.74	$ (0.58)	$ 29.95	$ (25.23)	$ 115.88
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share					0.00	0.07	3.18	4.09	0.00	7.36	79.93
Basic net income (loss) per common share in dollars per share	$ 6.60	$ 5.90	$ 10.82	$ 6.63	8.78	(40.25)	9.92	3.51	29.95	(17.87)	195.81
Diluted income (loss) per common share from continuing operations in dollars per share					8.72	(40.32)	6.71	(0.58)	29.80	(25.23)	115.40
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations in dollars per share					0.00	0.07	3.16	4.06	0.00	7.36	79.63
Diluted net income (loss) per common share in dollars per share	$ 6.57	$ 5.87	$ 10.76	$ 6.59	$ 8.72	$ (40.25)	$ 9.87	$ 3.48	$ 29.80	$ (17.87)	$ 195.03
Basic average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,527	5,544	5,544	5,623	5,746	5,738	5,720	5,704	5,559	5,727	6,470
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding in shares	5,556	5,574	5,574	5,652	5,834	5,837	5,805	5,791	5,589	5,727	6,559
Quarterly comprehensive income (loss)	$ (40,946)	$ 40,331	$ 49,996	$ 41,015	$ (64,301)	$ (235,556)	$ 56,304	$ 4,098

Summary of Quarterly Operating Results and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Quarterly Impact of Certain Items) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Settlement gain, after tax	$ 10.8								$ 10.8
Settlement gain, per share (dollars per share)	$ 1.92
Net non-operating gain (loss) from the sales of land and marketable equity securities, after tax	$ (5.0)		$ 23.9	$ 1.1					20.0
Net non-operating gain (loss) from the sales of land and marketable equity securities, per share (dollars per share)	$ (0.90)		$ 4.23	$ 0.19
Net non-operating gain (loss) on the sale of businesses and an investment and on the formation of a JV, after tax			$ 1.7	$ 11.9		$ (24.3)	$ 5.0	$ 3.6	13.6	$ (15.7)
Net non-operating gain (loss) on the sale of businesses and an investment and on the formation of a JV, per share (dollars per share)			$ 0.29	$ 2.08		$ (4.16)	$ 0.85	$ 0.50
Non-operating expense from the write-down of cost and equity method investments, after tax	$ 14.5	$ 9.6							24.1
Non-operating expense from the write-down of cost and equity method investments, per share (dollars per share)	$ (2.57)	$ (1.70)
Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses), after tax	$ (4.2)	$ (2.4)	$ (15.4)	$ (3.4)	$ 0.4	$ (8.0)	$ 2.3	$ (4.4)	(25.5)	(9.7)
Non-operating unrealized foreign currency gains (losses), per share (dollars per share)	$ (0.75)	$ (0.43)	$ (2.73)	$ (0.60)	$ 0.07	$ (1.37)	$ 0.39	$ (0.75)
Modification of stock option awards and restricted stock awards, after tax					$ 3.7	$ 11.6				15.3
Modification of stock option awards and restricted stock awards, per share (dollars per share)					$ (0.63)	$ (1.99)
Gain on sale of land, after tax					$ 13.2					13.2
Gain on sale of land, per share (dollars per share)					$ 2.27
Kaplan and other businesses [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment, after tax					$ 3.7	$ 217.1	$ 4.4			225.2
Goodwill and other long-lived assets impairment, per share (dollars per share)					$ (0.63)	$ (37.85)	$ (0.75)
Education division, corporate office and other businesses [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Restructuring and related charges, after tax					$ 5.5	$ 5.8	$ 10.7	$ 6.8		$ 28.9
Restructuring and related charges, per share (dollars per share)					$ (0.96)	$ (1.00)	$ (1.82)	$ (1.17)
Education [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Restructuring and related charges, after tax	$ 4.5	$ 1.1	$ 0.9	$ 1.2					7.7
Restructuring and related charges, per share (dollars per share)	$ (0.81)	$ (0.19)	$ (0.15)	$ (0.21)
Education [Member] \| Kaplan International [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment		$ 8.3							8.3
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment, per share (dollars per share)		$ 1.47
Education [Member] \| Higher Education [Member]
Quarterly Impact of Certain Items [Line Items]
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment			$ 5.6						$ 5.6
Net nonrecurring deferred tax benefit adjustment, per share (dollars per share)			$ 1.00

Pension and Postretirement Plans (Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets) (Details 10) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	$ 2,042,490	$ 2,234,268	$ 2,469,968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	2,042,490	2,234,268
Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	223,448	290,273
Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,074,528	1,378,158
Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| International [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	120,735	564,263
Equity funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	622,865
Total investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	2,041,576	2,232,694
Receivables [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	914	1,574
Level 1 [Member] \| Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	61,438	256,364
Level 1 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,074,528	1,378,158
Level 1 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| International [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	120,735	564,263
Level 1 [Member] \| Equity funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0
Level 1 [Member] \| Total investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	1,256,701	2,198,785
Level 2 [Member] \| Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	162,010	33,909
Level 2 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| International [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Equity funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0
Level 2 [Member] \| Total investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	162,010	33,909
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	622,865	$ 0
Level 3 [Member] \| Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Equity securities [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| International [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	0
Level 3 [Member] \| Equity funds [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| U.S. [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	622,865
Level 3 [Member] \| Total investments [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan assets at fair value	$ 622,865