CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 250,762	$ 176,099	$ 215,115
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	0	190	173
Adjustments to pension obligations, net of taxes	27	621	(3,814)
Pension settlement	0	4,810	0
Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes	0	0	285
Comprehensive income	250,789	181,720	211,759
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(5,461)	(4,575)	(2,836)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 245,328	$ 177,145	$ 208,923