Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (1,341)		$ (8,851)		$ (5,188)		$ (8,337)
Less income allocated to RSUs	0		0		0		0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ (1,341)		$ (8,851)		$ (5,188)		$ (8,337)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469		56,177		56,200		56,696
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	0		0		0		0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469		56,177		56,200		56,696
Anti-dilutive securities	3,313	[1]	5,551	[1]	3,313	[1]	5,551	[1]

[1] (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding