CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 43,383	$ 29,309	$ 66,154	$ 73,304
Comprehensive income	43,383	29,309	66,154	73,304
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(1,086)	(1,268)	(2,185)	(2,139)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 42,297	$ 28,041	$ 63,969	$ 71,165