Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 242,642	$ 127,889
Restricted cash	10,010	10,010
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - 2012, $2,491; 2011, $1,885)	125,639	135,537
Inventory	6,437	6,783
Deferred income taxes	7,210	7,228
Income taxes receivable	2,926	29,785
Miscellaneous	7,836	8,178
Total current assets	402,700	325,410
Investments	21,115	23,214
Property, plant and equipment	374,931	387,972
Goodwill	27,966	28,591
Other intangible assets	144,783	151,858
Deferred income taxes	36,095	32,705
Miscellaneous	23,178	20,778
Total Assets	1,030,768	970,528
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	23,329	17,697
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	26,240	26,373
Current portion of long-term debt	15,900	15,900
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	37,118	35,245
Miscellaneous	28,545	21,566
Other current liabilities	14,901	8,267
Total current liabilities	146,033	125,048
Long-term debt (less current portion)	180,200	196,100
Other liabilities (less current portion)	164,625	132,379
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par - authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 43,594,229 shares; 2011 - 42,353,882 shares. Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 11,932,735 shares; 2011 - 11,932,735 shares	555	543
Additional paid-in capital	517,688	515,421
Retained earnings	136,293	96,105
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
Unrealized loss on derivatives	(1,009)	0
Pension liability adjustments	(115,831)	(97,548)
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders' equity	537,696	514,521
Noncontrolling interest	2,214	2,480
Total equity	539,910	517,001
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,030,768	970,528
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 43,594,229 shares; 2011 - 42,353,882 shares. Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 11,932,735 shares; 2011 - 11,932,735 shares	436	424
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 43,594,229 shares; 2011 - 42,353,882 shares. Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 2012 - 11,932,735 shares; 2011 - 11,932,735 shares	$ 119	$ 119