Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
NBA Estimate of the Company's Revenue Sharing Expense	$ 9,500

NBA Estimate of the Company's Revenue Sharing Expense

No definition available.

Name:	msg_NbaEstimateOfCompanySRevenueSharingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	msg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant