CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 44,034	$ 48,768	$ 115,269	$ 118,026
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	10	41	178	121
Unrealized gain(loss) on investments, net of taxes	0	(319)	0	285
Comprehensive income	44,044	48,490	115,447	118,432
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(779)	(427)	(1,945)	(1,192)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 43,265	$ 48,063	$ 113,502	$ 117,240