CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 52,033	$ 44,034	$ 128,262	$ 115,269
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	0	10	0	178
Comprehensive income	52,033	44,044	128,262	115,447
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,188)	(779)	(3,858)	(1,945)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 50,845	$ 43,265	$ 124,404	$ 113,502