Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of the Registrant (Details) - Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other income (expense):
Loss before taxes and equity in income (loss) from operations of consolidated subsidiaries	$ 108,973	$ 16,679	$ 56,343
Net loss from continuing operations	56,520
Net income attributable to Media General	53,506	6,140	35,921
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(42,113)	6,655	(500)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Media General	11,393	12,795	35,421
Net earnings per common share (basic) (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.59	$ 0.11	$ 0.82
Net earnings per common share (diluted) (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.10	$ 0.53
Intercompany Income and Expenses [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income and expenses	(3)
Total other income (expense), net	(3)
Parent Company [Member]
Other income (expense):
Intercompany income and expenses	(3)
Total other income (expense), net	(3)
Loss before taxes and equity in income (loss) from operations of consolidated subsidiaries	(3)
Net loss from continuing operations	(3)
Equity in income (loss) from operations of consolidated subsidiaries	53,509
Net income attributable to Media General	53,506
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(42,113)
Total comprehensive income attributable to Media General	$ 11,393
Net earnings per common share (basic) (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.59
Net earnings per common share (diluted) (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.58