Mergers, Acquisitions, and Dispositions - Pro Forma Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net operating revenue	$ 1,345,275	$ 1,173,140
Net (loss) income	(41,901)	38,863
Net (loss) income attributable to Media General	$ (47,767)	$ 38,464
Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.53)	$ 0.30