Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 218,101	$ 242,642
Restricted cash	8,210	10,010
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - $1,591 and $2,491)	130,059	125,639
Inventory	6,864	6,437
Deferred income taxes	7,210	7,210
Income taxes receivable	6,093	2,926
Miscellaneous	7,599	7,836
Total current assets	384,136	402,700
Investments	20,330	21,115
Property, plant and equipment	367,567	374,931
Goodwill	27,966	27,966
Other intangible assets	141,334	144,783
Deferred income taxes	32,360	36,095
Miscellaneous	19,238	23,178
Total Assets	992,931	1,030,768
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	16,791	23,329
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	24,402	26,240
Current portion of long-term debt	27,200	15,900
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	24,631	37,118
Miscellaneous	29,524	28,545
Other current liabilities	9,786	14,901
Total current liabilities	132,334	146,033
Long-term debt (less current portion)	160,950	180,200
Other liabilities (less current portion)	159,704	164,625
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; 45,157,991 and 43,594,229 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,735 shares	571	555
Additional paid-in capital	520,196	517,688
Retained earnings	131,175	136,293
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
Unrealized loss on derivatives	(338)	(1,009)
Pension liability adjustments	(113,875)	(115,831)
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders' equity	537,729	537,696
Noncontrolling interest	2,214	2,214
Total equity	539,943	539,910
Total Liabilities and Equity	992,931	1,030,768
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 45,157,991 and 43,594,229 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,735 shares	452	436
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 45,157,991 and 43,594,229 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,735 shares	$ 119	$ 119