Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Jun. 16, 2014 station	Nov. 26, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) television_station	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of Stations Acquired	2											2
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment			$ 96		$ (59)	$ (200)	$ (215)	$ (164)	$ 2,979	$ (13)	$ (35)	$ (483)	$ 2,872	$ (296)
Non-cash charge to investments												5,900
Non-cash charge for loss on disposition of investments and impairments													4,500
Acquisition and related integration costs												37,988	9,708	0
Asset impairment charges				$ 24,613								$ 24,613	$ 0	$ 0
Financing Agreement [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Non-cash charge to write off unamortized deferred loan fees		$ 4,600
Land [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
(Losses) gains, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment						$ 3,000