Common and Preferred Stock (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	May 08, 2012
Common and Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common and Preferred Stock (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of authorized shares of common stock	450,000,000	450,000,000
Terms of convertibility of shares	Series B shares are convertible at any time on a one-for-one basis into Series A shares but Series A shares are not convertible into Series B shares. Shares of Belo’s Series A common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE symbol: BLC). There is no established public trading market for shares of Series B common stock. Transferability of the Series B shares is limited to family members and affiliated entities of the holder. Upon any other type of transfer, the Series B shares automatically convert into Series A shares.
Remaining authorization for repurchase of shares	12,010
Share repurchases	1,021	0	0
Shares repurchased, value	$ 5,964
Common stock par value prior amendment				$ 1.67
Common stock par value after amendment				$ 0.01
Preferred stock par value prior amendment				$ 1.00
Preferred stock par value after amendment				$ 0.01
Series A Common Stock [Member]
Common and Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Voting Rights	Series A shares are entitled to one vote per share
Number of Votes Per Share	1
Shares Series B [Member]
Common and Preferred Stock (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Voting Rights	Series B shares are entitled to 10 votes per share
Number of Votes Per Share	10