Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 34,991,000	$ 24,614,000	$ 25,833,000	$ 14,292,000	$ 30,472,000	$ 13,713,000	$ 18,087,000	$ (4,314,000)	$ 13,773,000	$ 27,486,000	$ 99,730,000	$ 57,958,000	$ 86,906,000
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax								442,000	884,000	1,325,000	2,521,000	1,771,000	2,969
Pension funded status adjustment, net of tax											(9,544,000)	(31,611,000)	(6,107,000)
Split of Pension Plan with A. H. Belo, net of tax								85,222,000	85,222,000	85,222,000		85,222,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)											(7,023,000)	55,382,000	(3,138,000)
Comprehensive income											92,707,000	113,340	83,768
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests											(440,000)
Comprehensive income attributable to Belo Corp.								$ 81,350,000	$ 99,879,000	$ 114,033,000	$ 93,147,000	$ 113,340,000	$ 83,768,000