Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 127,889	$ 204,924
Restricted cash	10,010	2,500
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - 2011, $1,885; 2010, $2,789)	135,537	115,568
Inventory	6,783	7,859
Deferred income taxes	7,228	8,914
Income taxes receivable	29,785	14,596
Miscellaneous	8,178	8,218
Total current assets	325,410	362,579
Investments	23,214	10,652
Property, plant and equipment	387,972	389,650
Goodwill	28,591	0
Other intangible assets	151,858	23,107
Deferred income taxes	32,705	30,844
Miscellaneous	20,778	10,710
Total Assets	970,528	827,542
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,697	34,091
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	26,373	26,072
Current portion of long-term debt	15,900	0
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	35,245	36,981
Income taxes payable	0	7,310
Miscellaneous	21,566	25,528
Other current liabilities	8,267	8,502
Total current liabilities	125,048	138,484
Long-term debt (less current portion)	196,100	0
Other liabilities (less current portion)	132,379	97,526
Commitments and contingencies (Note 18)
Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par - authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding
Common stock value	543	583
Additional paid-in capital	515,421	558,225
Retained earnings	96,105	111,641
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:
Pension liability adjustments	(97,548)	(81,547)
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders' equity	514,521	588,902
Noncontrolling interest	2,480	2,630
Total equity	517,001	591,532
Total Liabilities and Equity	970,528	827,542
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock value	424	464
Voting Common stock
Equity:
Common stock value	$ 119	$ 119