Supplemental Guarantor Information (Details 1) (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
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 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
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)
Settlement loss recognized								85,222,000	85,222,000	85,222,000		85,222,000
Comprehensive income (loss)											92,707,000	113,340	83,768
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests											(440,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belo Corp.								81,350,000	99,879,000	114,033,000	93,147,000	113,340,000	83,768,000
Parent [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)											100,170	57,958	86,906,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax											2,521	1,771	2,969
Pension funded status adjustment, net of tax											(9,544)	(31,611)	(6,107)
Settlement loss recognized												85,222
Comprehensive income (loss)											93,147	113,340	83,768
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belo Corp.											93,147
Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)											165,663	127,085	144,175,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax
Pension funded status adjustment, net of tax
Settlement loss recognized
Comprehensive income (loss)											165,663	127,085	144,175
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belo Corp.											165,663
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)											(2,554)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax
Pension funded status adjustment, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)											(2,554)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests											(440)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belo Corp.											(2,114)
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)											(163,549)	(127,085)	(144,175,000)
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax
Pension funded status adjustment, net of tax
Settlement loss recognized
Comprehensive income (loss)											(163,549)	(127,085)	(144,175)
Less: Comprehensive (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Belo Corp.											$ (163,549)