Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net (loss) income attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ 7,863	$ (8,851)	$ 3,185	$ (2,671)	$ 27,185	$ 12,002	$ 5,416	$ (4,415)	$ (474)		$ 40,188		$ (15,537)
Less income allocated to unvested restricted stock and RSUs									0		(1,845)		0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share									$ (474)		$ (38,343)		$ 15,537
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	55,980	56,177	57,448	56,330	55,073	54,637	55,146	54,775	56,516		54,907		57,217
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors									0		474		0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	57,272	56,177	58,747	56,330	55,956	55,211	55,486	54,775	56,516		55,381		57,217
Anti-dilutive securities									4,957	[1]	176	[1]	14,077	[1]

[1] Amount outstanding at Balance Sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.