Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (6,814)	$ (27,081)
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $155 and $248	460	740
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(6,354)	(26,341)
Less comprehensive net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	632
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (6,354)	$ (25,709)