CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 22,771	$ 43,994
Comprehensive income	22,771	43,994
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,099)	(871)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 21,672	$ 43,123