Earning Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 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	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income (Numerator)
Net earnings attributable to Belo Corp.	$ 35,130	$ 24,817	$ 25,931	$ 14,292					$ 100,170	$ 57,958	$ 86,906
Less: Income to participating securities									(1,049)	(730)	(1,303)
Income available to common stockholders									99,121	57,228	85,603
Effect of dilutive securities									2	2	5
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions									$ 99,123	$ 57,230	$ 85,608
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average shares outstanding (basic)									103,507	103,606	103,026
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and PBRSUs									505	374	411
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding									104,012	103,980	103,437
Net earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.34	$ 0.24	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.29	$ 0.13	$ 0.17	$ (0.04)	$ 0.96	$ 0.55	$ 0.83
Diluted	$ 0.34	$ 0.24	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.29	$ 0.13	$ 0.17	$ (0.04)	$ 0.95	$ 0.55	$ 0.83