Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ (2,384)	$ (15,432)	$ 785
Assets:
Total current assets	0		0			$ 46,507
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities	0		0			47,642
Spin-off
Operating results of discontinued operations:
Operating revenues	0	84,474	91,478	275,214
Total costs and expenses	0	(80,655)	(79,517)	(253,257)
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	0	(4,517)	(3,608)	(12,958)
Other, net	0	(2,709)	(3,298)	(7,549)
Loss on disposal of Scripps Newspapers	0	0	(30,000)	0
Income (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes	0	(3,407)	(24,945)	1,450
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	0	920	9,513	(967)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	(2,487)	(15,432)	483
Noncontrolling interest	0	(103)	0	(302)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	$ (2,384)	(15,432)	$ 785
Non-recurring costs related to spin-off	$ 4,000		40,000
Professional fees allocated to discontinued operations			3,000
Professional fees			$ 37,000
Assets:
Total current assets					$ 44,786	46,507
Property, plant and equipment					155,047	185,548
Intangible assets					0	2,001
Other assets					14,590	2,018
Total assets included in the disposal group					214,423	236,074
Liabilities:
Total current liabilities					47,664	47,642
Deferred income taxes					16,520	16,666
Other liabilities					9,008	13,089
Total liabilities distributed					73,192	77,397
Net assets included in the disposal group					$ 141,231	$ 158,677