Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by business segment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance		$ 1,022,905		$ 994,314
Accumulated impairment losses		(994,314)		(994,314)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	28,591		0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments in 2012	(625)
Balance, end of period	27,966		0	0
Television
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance		244,005		215,414
Accumulated impairment losses		(215,414)		(215,414)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	28,591		0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments in 2012	(625)
Balance, end of period	27,966		0	0
Newspapers
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance		778,900		778,900
Accumulated impairment losses		(778,900)		(778,900)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, end of period	0		0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments in 2012	0
Balance, end of period	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0