CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 65,000	$ 32,566	$ 138,304	$ 149,303
Comprehensive income	65,000	32,566	138,304	149,303
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,125)	(1,929)	(3,264)	(16,820)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 63,875	$ 30,637	$ 135,040	$ 132,483