NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCING - Additional Debt Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 291,976	$ 212,315	$ 211,143
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts	7,500	7,700	10,800
Ticking fees		1,100	1,400
Bank Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs related to amendment	900	$ 500	$ 2,000
Tribune Media Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ticking fees	99,800
Interest Expense | Tribune Media Company
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ticking fees	$ 78,500