CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 50,600	$ 46,399	$ 76,229	$ 71,235
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	0	84	0	168
Comprehensive income	50,600	46,483	76,229	71,403
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,181)	(612)	(2,670)	(1,166)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 49,419	$ 45,871	$ 73,559	$ 70,237