DOCUMENT AND ENTITY INFORMATION (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 15, 2013 Common Class A [Member]	Mar. 15, 2013 Common Class B [Member]	Mar. 15, 2013 Common Class C [Member]	Mar. 15, 2013 Common Class D [Member]
Entity Registrant Name	RADIO ONE, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0001041657
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	roia
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			2,714,410	2,861,843	3,121,048	40,760,067
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$ 29.3