Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$ 550,305	$ 601,411	$ 565,708
Circulation	120,569	121,283	115,873
Other	57,786	54,196	50,817
Total operating revenues	728,660	776,890	732,398
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	351,898	347,183	363,837
Programs and program licenses	57,713	59,949	52,530
Newsprint and press supplies	51,230	47,235	53,544
Other expenses	229,525	232,155	221,733
Acquisition costs	2,787
Separation and restructuring costs	9,935	12,678	9,935
Total costs and expenses	703,088	699,200	701,579
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation	38,822	43,517	42,530
Amortization of intangible assets	1,247	1,377	1,830
Impairment of goodwill, indefinite and long-lived assets	9,000		216,413
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	(124)	1,218	(444)
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses	48,945	46,112	260,329
Operating income (loss)	(23,373)	31,578	(229,510)
Interest expense	(1,640)	(3,666)	(2,554)
Miscellaneous, net	(675)	1,798	749
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(25,688)	29,710	(231,315)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(10,001)	840	(32,363)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	(15,687)	28,870	(198,952)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		101,536	(10,695)
Net income (loss)	(15,687)	130,406	(209,647)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(150)	(103)	(42)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (15,537)	$ 130,509	$ (209,605)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.27)	$ 0.45	$ (3.69)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$ 1.59	$ (0.20)
Net income (loss) per basic share of common stock	$ (0.27)	$ 2.04	$ (3.89)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ (0.27)	$ 0.45	$ (3.69)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations		$ 1.58	$ (0.20)
Net income (loss) per diluted share of common stock	$ (0.27)	$ 2.03	$ (3.89)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	57,217	56,857	53,902
Diluted	57,217	56,998	53,902