Nexstar Media (NXST) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	NXST
Entity Registrant Name	NEXSTAR BROADCASTING GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1142417
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$1,365,119,661
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,172,060

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$131,912	$40,028
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,002 and $3,035, respectively	127,878	109,430
Deferred tax assets, net	41,737	38,585
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,137	13,123
Total current assets	317,664	201,166
Property and equipment, net	237,739	212,259
Goodwill	256,491	198,052
FCC licenses	275,313	222,757
FCC licenses of consolidated variable interest entities	46,727	66,263
Other intangible assets, net	194,129	162,721
Deferred tax assets, net	15,055	30,898
Other noncurrent assets, net	119,107	69,606
Total assets	1,462,225	1,163,722
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	15,840	6,857
Current portion of broadcast rights payable	9,618	6,282
Accounts payable	16,282	10,250
Accrued expenses	32,631	24,142
Taxes payable	4,899
Interest payable	4,601	4,661
Amounts payable to sellers for acquisition of stations		22,000
Other current liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities	7,852	4,923
Other current liabilities	5,543	4,807
Total current liabilities	97,266	83,922
Debt	1,220,304	1,064,262
Deferred tax liabilities	44,224
Other noncurrent liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities	10,018	8,080
Other noncurrent liabilities	33,876	20,689
Total liabilities	1,405,688	1,176,953
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at each of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013
Additional paid-in capital	398,029	396,817
Accumulated deficit	-345,804	-410,354
Total Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)	52,537	-13,231
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	4,000
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	56,537	-13,231
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	1,462,225	1,163,722
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock	312	306
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	312	306
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,002	$3,035
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	31,172,060	30,598,535
Common stock, shares outstanding	31,172,060	30,598,535
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]
Net revenue	$631,311	$502,330	$378,632
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	187,432	147,711	91,764
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization	174,791	150,933	117,535
Amortization of broadcast rights	34,316	35,439	22,411
Amortization of intangible assets	25,850	30,148	22,994
Depreciation	35,047	33,578	23,555
Loss on asset disposal, net	638	1,280	468
Total operating expenses	458,074	399,089	278,727
Income from operations	173,237	103,241	99,905
Interest expense, net	-61,959	-66,243	-51,559
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-71	-34,724	-3,272
Other expenses	-556	-1,459
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	110,651	815	45,074
Income tax (expense) benefit	-46,101	-2,600	132,279
Income (loss) from continuing operations	64,550	-1,785	177,353
Gain on disposal of station, net of income tax expense of $3,098			5,139
Net income (loss)	$64,550	($1,785)	$182,492
Income (loss) per common share from continuing operations:
Basic	$2.10	($0.06)	$6.13
Diluted	$2.02	($0.06)	$5.77
Gain on disposal of station, net of income tax expense, per common share:
Basic			$0.18
Diluted			$0.17
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$2.10	($0.06)	$6.31
Diluted	$2.02	($0.06)	$5.94
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	30,774	29,897	28,940
Diluted	32,003	29,897	30,732
Dividends declared per common share	$0.60	$0.48

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Gain on disposal of station, income tax expense	$3,100	$3,098

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Total	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]	Class C Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling interest in a consolidated variable interest entity [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	($184,119)	$154	$134		$406,654		($591,061)
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2011		15,387,131	13,411,588
Stock-based compensation expense	1,362				1,362
Exercise of stock options	1,768	6			1,762
Exercise of stock options, shares		581,000
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common Stock		57	-57
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares		5,709,117	-5,709,117
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	736				736
Net income (loss)	182,492						182,492
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	2,239	217	77		410,514		-408,569
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012		21,677,248	7,702,471
Stock-based compensation expense	2,080				2,080
Exercise of stock options	6,959	12			-1,475	8,422
Exercise of stock options, shares		1,218,816				365,384
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common Stock		77	-77
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares		7,702,471	-7,702,471
Purchase of treasury stock	-8,422	-8,400				-8,422
Purchase of treasury stock, shares		-365,384				-365,384
Common stock dividends declared	-14,302				-14,302
Net income (loss)	-1,785						-1,785
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	-13,231	306			396,817		-410,354
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		30,598,535	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	7,598				7,598
Exercise of stock options	2,031	6			2,025
Exercise of stock options, shares		573,525
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	10,034				10,034
Common stock dividends declared	-18,445				-18,445
Consolidation of a variable interest entity	4,000							4,000
Net income (loss)	64,550						64,550
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$56,537	$312			$398,029		($345,804)	$4,000
Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		31,172,060	0	0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$64,550	($1,785)	$182,492
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for bad debt	2,310	2,697	2,390
Amortization of broadcast rights, excluding barter	11,634	12,613	8,591
Depreciation of property and equipment	35,047	33,578	23,555
Amortization of intangible assets	25,850	30,148	22,994
Loss on asset disposal, net	638	1,280	468
Amortization of debt financing costs	2,618	2,223	1,610
Amortization of debt discount (premium), net	174	1,057	1,329
Loss on extinguishment of debt	71	34,724	3,272
Stock-based compensation expense	7,598	2,080	1,362
Deferred income taxes	43,491	2,667	-132,618
Payments for broadcast rights	-12,025	-14,191	-9,169
Gain on disposal of station			-5,139
Deferred gain recognition	-436	-436	-437
Amortization of deferred representation fee incentive	-845	-820	-769
Non-cash representation contract termination fee	353
Issue discount and PIK interest paid upon debt extinguishment		-8,161	-15,625
Premium on debt extinguishment		-28,364	-344
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	-10,034		-736
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-10,378	-38,114	-5,348
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,321	-3,177	-348
Other noncurrent assets	333	97	-1,690
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,990	4,442	6,680
Taxes payable	-1,719
Interest payable	-60	-4,042	-2,165
Other liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities	1,957	691	428
Other noncurrent liabilities	89	-1,868	-895
Net cash provided by operating activities	166,527	27,339	79,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-20,389	-18,955	-17,260
Deposits and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-209,733	-229,382	-235,453
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	89	219	236
Proceeds from disposal of station			13,860
Net cash used in investing activities	-230,033	-248,118	-238,617
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	237,275	654,563	608,750
Repayments of long-term debt	-72,431	-438,835	-377,806
Payments for debt financing costs	-1,607	-7,210	-13,238
Purchase of treasury stock		-8,422
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,031	6,959	1,768
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	10,034		736
Common stock dividends paid	-18,445	-14,302
Payments for capital lease obligations	-1,467	-945	-28
Net cash provided by financing activities	155,390	191,808	220,182
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	91,884	-28,971	61,453
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	40,028	68,999	7,546
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	131,912	40,028	68,999
Supplemental information:
Interest paid	59,227	75,074	66,360
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	3,131	2,129	1,597
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued purchases of property and equipment	3,767	1,763	1,263
Noncash purchases of property and equipment	7,023	3,683	451
Accrued debt financing costs	191	77	1,242
Amounts payable to sellers for acquisition of stations		$22,000

Organization_and_Business_Oper

Organization and Business Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business Operations	1. Organization and Business Operations
	As of December 31, 2014, Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Nexstar”) owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to 87 television stations and 26 digital multicast channels, including those owned by variable interest entities (“VIEs”), in 49 markets in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, New York, Florida, Wisconsin, Michigan, Utah, Vermont, California, Iowa, Colorado and Virginia. The stations are affiliates of ABC (20 stations), NBC (16 stations), FOX (19 stations), CBS (16 stations), The CW (8 stations and 2 digital multicast channels), MyNetworkTV (7 stations and 2 digital multicast channels), Telemundo (one station and one digital multicast channel), Bounce TV (9 digital multicast channels), Me-TV (8 digital multicast channels), LATV (one digital multicast channel), Weather Nation Utah (one digital multicast channel), This TV (one digital multicast channel) and Movies! (one digital multicast channel). The stations reach approximately 16.2 million viewers or 14.0% of all U.S. television households. Through various local service agreements, Nexstar provided sales, programming and other services to 23 stations and 3 digital multicast channels owned and/or operated by independent third parties.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nexstar and the accounts of independently-owned VIEs for which Nexstar is the primary beneficiary (See Note 2—Variable Interest Entities). Nexstar and the consolidated VIEs are collectively referred to as the “Company.” Where the assets of the consolidated VIEs are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar, they are presented separately as assets of the consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Similarly, where the creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar, the related liabilities are presented separately as liabilities of the consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Noncontrolling interest represents the VIE owner’s share of the equity in a consolidated VIE and is presented as a component separate from Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit). Nexstar management evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance. Certain stations owned by Citadel Communications, L.P. and its related entities (“Citadel”) were considered VIEs as of December 31, 2013. Nexstar completed the acquisition of these stations from Citadel during the first quarter of 2014 and they are no longer considered VIEs as of December 31, 2014.
	All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Liquidity
	Nexstar is highly leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. Nexstar’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond Nexstar’s control.
	During 2014, the Company borrowed a net amount of $172.2 million, issued at 99.75%, from all of its unused Term Loan A commitments and borrowed $5.5 million from its revolving credit facilities. On January 29, 2015, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of $275.0 million 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes (“6.125% Notes”). In January and February 2015, Nexstar also borrowed a net amount of $40.0 million under its revolving credit facility. These loans were used to partially fund the acquisition of Gray Television, Inc. (“Gray TV”) and Grant Company, Inc. (“Grant”) during 2014 and Communications Corporation of America (“CCA”), KLAS, LLC, the owner of television station KLAS, the CBS affiliate serving the Las Vegas, Nevada market, KASW, the CW affiliate in the Phoenix, Arizona market and Yashi, Inc. (“Yashi”) in January and February 2015, and to pay the related fees and expenses.
	See Notes 3 and 7 for additional information with respect to the acquisitions and debt transactions, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in the amended credit agreements governing its senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing the 6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes (“6.875% Notes”). The Company expects to continue to be in compliance with all such covenants for at least the next twelve months from December 31, 2014.
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company may determine that an entity is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with the owner-operator of an entity. The term local service agreements generally refers to a contract between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the owner-operator of one station contracts with the owner-operator of the other station to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station. A local service agreement can be (1) a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) which allows Nexstar to program most of a station’s broadcast time, sell the station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments, based on the station’s monthly operating expenses, (2) a shared services agreement (“SSA”) which allows the Nexstar station in the market to provide services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments as described in the SSAs, or (3) a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) which permits Nexstar to sell certain of the station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the related revenue, as described in the JSAs.
	Consolidated VIEs
	Nexstar consolidates Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”), Marshall Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Marshall”) and Parker Broadcasting of Colorado, LLC (“Parker”). Certain stations owned by Citadel were considered VIEs as of December 31, 2013. Nexstar completed the acquisition of these stations during the first quarter of 2014 and they are no longer considered VIEs as of December 31, 2014.
	Mission is included in these Consolidated Financial Statements because Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) to have a controlling financial interest in Mission as a VIE for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Mission stations, (2) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Mission’s economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, advertising sales and hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (4) purchase options granted by Mission which permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent. The purchase options are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission for consideration equal to the greater of (1) seven times the station’s cash flow, as defined in the option agreement, less the amount of its indebtedness, as defined in the option agreement, or (2) the amount of its indebtedness. Additionally, on November 29, 2011, Mission’s shareholders granted Nexstar an option to purchase any or all of Mission’s stock, subject to FCC consent, for a price equal to the pro rata portion of the greater of (1) five times the stations’ cash flow, as defined in the agreement, reduced by the amount of indebtedness, as defined in the agreement, or (2) $100,000. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2017 and 2024) are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent by Mission or its shareholders. The Company expects these option agreements, if unexercised, will be renewed upon expiration. Substantially all of Mission’s assets, except for its FCC licenses, collateralize its secured debt obligation.
	As of December 31, 2014, Nexstar serves two Mission stations under TBAs and 18 Mission stations under SSAs and JSAs.
	On December 1, 2014, Marshall entered into a credit agreement with a group of commercial banks in which Nexstar is a guarantor (See Note 7). Concurrently, Marshall acquired KLJB, the FOX affiliate, in the Quad Cities, Iowa market from Nexstar (See Note 3) and entered into a JSA and SSA with Nexstar to perform certain sales and other services for this station. Marshall is included in these Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 1, 2014 because Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) to have a controlling financial interest in Marshall as a VIE for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Marshall station, (2) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Marshall’s senior secured credit facility (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Marshall’s economic performance, including management advice and consulting over broadcast matters, the ability to sell certain advertising on the Marshall station, and the production of the Marshall station’s news and other programming.
	Effective June 13, 2014, upon Nexstar’s acquisition of KREX, (See Note 3), Nexstar assumed the contractual obligations under a TBA with Parker, the owner of television station KFQX, the FOX affiliate in the Grand Junction, Colorado market to perform certain sales and other services for the station. Nexstar evaluated the business arrangements with Parker and has determined that it has a variable interest in Parker. Nexstar has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it has the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar consolidated Parker as of June 13, 2014. The consolidation of the assets and liabilities of this station into Nexstar resulted in a noncontrolling interest of $4.0 million, representing the interest held by the owners of Parker as of June 13, 2014.
	Nexstar’s ability to receive cash from Mission, Marshall and Parker is governed by the local service agreements. Under these agreements, Nexstar has received substantially all of Mission’s, Marshall’s and Parker’s available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. Nexstar anticipates it will continue to receive substantially all of Mission’s, Marshall’s and Parker’s available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, Mission and Marshall maintain complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of their stations.
	Nexstar had variable interests in the acquired stations (WOI, KCAU and WHBF) from Citadel as a result of TBAs effective September 16, 2013 and had a variable interest in an acquired station (KSEE) from Granite Broadcasting Corporation (“Granite”) as a result of a TBA effective February 1, 2013. Nexstar evaluated the business arrangements with these stations and determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because it had the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the stations including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar consolidated the Citadel stations and KSEE as of September 16, 2013 and February 1, 2013, respectively, under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities. Nexstar completed its acquisition of the Citadel stations on March 13, 2014. The acquisition of KSEE closed effective May 31, 2013. Thus, Nexstar no longer has variable interests in these stations. See Note 3 for additional information.
	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, were as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,440	$	3,716
	Accounts receivable, net		7,594		9,227
	Deferred tax assets, net		9,389		8,160
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,657		1,742
	Total current assets		21,080		22,845
	Property and equipment, net		26,235		37,012
	Goodwill		35,308		62,703
	FCC licenses		46,727		66,263
	Other intangible assets, net		30,333		52,373
	Deferred tax assets, net		15,055		25,727
	Other noncurrent assets, net		49,803		7,412
	Total assets	$	224,541	$	274,335
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	5,137	$	2,334
	Interest payable		28		26
	Other current liabilities		7,852		6,639
	Total current liabilities		13,017		8,999
	Debt		289,161		230,131
	Other noncurrent liabilities		10,018		8,132
	Total liabilities	$	312,196	$	247,262
	Non-Consolidated VIEs
	Nexstar has an outsourcing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (“Cunningham”), which continues through December 31, 2017. Under the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar provides certain engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ through WMBD, the Nexstar television station in the market. During the term of the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar retains the broadcasting revenue and related expenses of WYZZ and is obligated to pay a monthly fee based on the combined operating cash flow of WMBD and WYZZ, as defined in the agreement.
	Nexstar’s outsourcing agreement with a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”), the owner of WUHF, the FOX affiliate in Rochester, New York market was not renewed and terminated on December 31, 2013. The services that were provided to WUHF through WROC, the Nexstar television station in the market, were similar to the services provided to WYZZ.
	Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WYZZ and had a variable interest in WUHF. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangements with Cunningham and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in WYZZ because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Nexstar had evaluated its previous arrangements with Sinclair and has determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in WUHF because it did not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar has not consolidated these stations under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. Under the outsourcing agreement for WYZZ, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar’s management believes that Nexstar’s minimum exposure to loss under the WYZZ outsourcing agreement consists of the fees paid to Cunningham. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of WYZZ from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nexstar had balances in accounts payable of $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for fees under these arrangements and had receivables for advertising aired on these stations of $0.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Fees incurred under these arrangements of $1.4 million, $5.3 million and $10.3 million were included in direct operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Basis of Presentation
	Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure for contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates made by management include those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill from business combinations, retransmission revenue recognized, trade and barter transactions, income taxes, the recoverability of broadcast rights, the carrying amounts and the recoverability and useful lives of tangible and intangible assets. Actual results may vary from such estimates recorded.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company’s accounts receivable consist primarily of billings to its customers for advertising broadcast on its stations or placed on its websites or for retransmission consent from cable or satellite operators. Trade receivables normally have terms of 30 days and the Company has no interest provision for customer accounts that are past due. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Management periodically evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including customer payment history, known customer circumstances, as well as the overall aging of customer balances and trends. In circumstances where management is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is recorded to reduce their receivable amount to an amount estimated to be collectable.
	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash deposits are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, the Company believes these deposits are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and are not subject to any unusual credit risk. A significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from local and national advertising agencies. The Company does not require collateral from its customers, but maintains reserves for potential credit losses. Management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, but if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from individual customers or by geographical area.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the sale of advertising. Total revenue includes cash and barter advertising revenue, retransmission compensation, digital media revenue and other broadcast related revenues. Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period during which the advertisements are broadcast on its stations or delivered on its websites. Any amounts paid by customers but not earned by the balance sheet date are recorded in deferred revenue. Retransmission compensation is recognized based on the estimated number of subscribers over the contract period, based on historical levels and trends for individual providers. Digital media revenue derives from website development and providing products and services through website management and is recognized when services are performed.
	The Company barters advertising time for certain program material. These transactions, except those involving exchange of advertising time for network programming, are recorded at management’s estimate of the fair value of the advertising time exchanged, which approximates the fair value of the program material received. The fair value of advertising time exchanged is estimated by applying average historical advertising rates for specific time periods. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as the related advertisement spots are broadcast. Barter expense is recognized at the time program broadcast rights assets are used. The Company recorded $22.7 million, $22.8 million and $13.8 million of barter revenue and barter expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Barter expense is included in amortization of broadcast rights in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company trades certain advertising time for various goods and services. These transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the goods or services received. Revenue from trade transactions is recognized when the related advertisement spots are broadcast. The Company recorded $8.5 million, $8.7 million and $8.1 million of trade revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Trade expense is recognized when services or merchandise received are used. The Company recorded $8.7 million, $7.9 million and $7.0 million of trade expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was included in direct operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable
	The Company records broadcast rights contracts as an asset and a liability when the following criteria are met: (1) the license period has begun, (2) the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, (3) the program material has been accepted in accordance with the license agreement, and (4) the program is produced and available for broadcast. Cash broadcast rights are initially recorded at the contract cost. Barter broadcast rights are recorded at fair value, which is estimated by using average historical rates for the time periods where the programming will air. Broadcast rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period the programming airs. The current portion of broadcast rights represents those rights available for broadcast which will be amortized in the succeeding year. At least quarterly, the Company evaluates the net realizable value, calculated using the average historical rates for the programs or the time periods the programming will air, of broadcast rights and adjust amortization in that quarter for any deficiency calculated.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The cost and related accumulated depreciation applicable to assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized and ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense in the period incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (see Note 4).
Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, broadcast licenses (“FCC licenses”), network affiliation agreements and software arising from acquisitions. The purchase price of acquired businesses are allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at estimated fair values at the date of acquisition using various valuation techniques, including discounted projected cash flows, the cost approach and the income approach. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company’s goodwill and FCC licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The use of an indefinite life for FCC licenses contemplates the Company’s historical ability to renew its licenses, that such renewals generally may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost and that the technology used in broadcasting is not expected to be replaced in the foreseeable future. Therefore, cash flows derived from the FCC licenses are expected to continue indefinitely. Network affiliation agreements are subject to amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 15 years. The 15 year life assumes affiliation contracts will be renewed upon expiration. Changes in the likelihood of renewal could require a change in the useful life of such assets and cause an acceleration of amortization. The Company evaluates the remaining lives of its network affiliations whenever changes occur in the likelihood of affiliation contract renewals, and at least on an annual basis.
The Company aggregates its stations by market (“reporting unit”) for purposes of goodwill and FCC license impairment testing because management views, manages and evaluates its stations on a market basis. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine the likelihood of the goodwill and FCC licenses being impaired. The qualitative analysis includes, but is not limited to, assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, regulatory environment, industry and market conditions, and the financial performance versus budget of the reporting units, as well as any other events or circumstances specific to the reporting units or the FCC licenses. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s goodwill or a station’s FCC license is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing will be required. Otherwise, the Company will apply the quantitative impairment test method. The quantitative impairment test for FCC licenses consists of a market-by-market comparison of the carrying amount of FCC licenses with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis. The quantitative impairment test for goodwill utilizes a two-step fair value approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by performing an assumed purchase price allocation, using the reporting unit fair value (as determined in Step 1) as the purchase price. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Determining the fair value of reporting units requires management to make a number of judgments about assumptions and estimates that are highly subjective and that are based on unobservable inputs. The actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates; and it is possible that such differences could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to the various inputs (i.e. market growth, operating profit margins, discount rates) used to calculate the fair value of FCC licenses and reporting units, the Company evaluates the reasonableness of its assumptions by comparing the total fair value of all its reporting units to its total market capitalization; and by comparing the fair values of its reporting units and FCC licenses to recent market television station sale transactions.
The Company tests network affiliation agreements for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. An impairment in the carrying amount of a network affiliation agreement is recognized when the expected discounted future operating cash flow derived from the operation to which the asset relates is less than its carrying value. The impairment test for network affiliation agreements consists of a station-by-station comparison of the carrying amount of network affiliation agreements with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis.
Debt Financing Costs
Debt financing costs represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, debt financing costs of $17.0 million and $18.0 million, respectively, were included in other noncurrent assets.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and certain items that are excluded from net income (loss) and recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income (loss) and, therefore, comprehensive income (loss) does not differ from reported net income (loss).
Advertising Expense
The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs in the amount of $2.7 million, $2.6 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of which the majority was recognized in trade expense.
Financial Instruments
The Company utilizes the following categories to classify the valuation methodologies for fair values of financial assets and liabilities:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, broadcast rights payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of consolidated VIEs approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. See Note 7 for fair value disclosures related to the Company’s debt.
Stock-Based Compensation
Nexstar maintains stock-based employee compensation plans which are described more fully in Note 10. The Company calculates the grant-date fair value of employee stock options using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the number of shares awarded and market price of the stock on the date of award. These amounts are recognized into selling, general and administrative expense over the vesting period of the options or the restricted stock units.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is applied against net deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nexstar and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Mission and Marshall file their own separate federal income tax returns.
The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to income taxes within income tax expense.
Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The following table shows the amounts used in computing the Company’s diluted shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
	2014		2013		2012
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		30,774		29,897		28,940
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments		1,229		-		1,792
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		32,003		29,897		30,732
The Company has outstanding stock options and restricted stock units to acquire 720,000, 3,418,000 and 379,000 weighted average shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the effects of which are excluded from the calculation of dilutive income (loss) per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.
Segments
Nexstar operates in one reportable television broadcasting segment. The economic characteristics, services, production process, customer type and distribution methods for Nexstar’s operations are substantially similar and are therefore aggregated as a single reportable segment. Additionally, Nexstar operates a digital media business which sells digital content management, digital publishing platform and digital agency services. No separate disclosures have been presented on this business due to the insignificance of its operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40) – Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 places responsibility on management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The standard is intended to reduce diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures and require management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term substantial doubt, (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management’s plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of consideration of management’s plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The amendments in this accounting standard update are effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted. The Company does not expect the implementation of this standard to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which updates the accounting guidance on revenue recognition. This standard is intended to provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, improve comparability of revenue recognition practices, and improve disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of the accounting standard update.
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant and Equipment (Topic 360). ASU 2014-08 provides guidance that raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 also allows companies to have significant continuing involvement and continuing cash flows with the discontinued operation and requires additional disclosures for discontinued operation and new disclosures for individually material disposal transactions that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The update is effective for the years beginning after December 15, 2014. Early application is permitted. The Company does not expect the implementation of this standard to have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquisitions And Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	3. Acquisitions and Dispositions
	2014 Acquisitions
	Citadel
	On September 16, 2013, Nexstar entered into definitive agreements with Citadel to acquire 3 television stations in 3 markets along with the respective network affiliation agreements: WOI, the ABC affiliate in the Des Moines, Iowa market, WHBF, the CBS affiliate in the Quad Cities, Iowa market and KCAU, the ABC affiliate in the Sioux City, Iowa market. Nexstar acquired the assets of KCAU and WHBF and the outstanding equity of WOI for a total of $87.9 million in cash. In 2013, Nexstar made payments of $44.9 million to acquire the assets excluding FCC licenses and real property interests of KCAU and WHBF and $21.0 million as an upfront payment to acquire the outstanding equity of WOI, funded by a combination of borrowings under Nexstar’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand. Nexstar also entered into TBAs with these stations, effective September 16, 2013, to provide programming and sales services to these stations during the pendency of the FCC approval of the acquisitions. On March 5, 2014, Nexstar received approval from the FCC to purchase the remaining assets of KCAU and WHBF and to acquire the outstanding equity of WOI. On March 13, 2014, Nexstar completed the acquisition of FCC licenses and real property interests of KCAU and WHBF and the outstanding equity of WOI and paid the remaining purchase price of $22.0 million, funded by cash on hand. In addition, Nexstar finalized the fair values of the assets acquired and recorded a decrease in goodwill of $19 thousand. The TBAs entered into with KCAU, WHBF and WOI were also terminated as of this date. The acquisitions allow Nexstar entrance into 3 new markets. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, were expensed as incurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities consolidated upon becoming a VIE are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	269
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		305
	Property and equipment		10,613
	FCC licenses		24,700
	Network affiliation agreements		26,129
	Other intangible assets		3,398
	Goodwill		30,195
	Other assets		1,807
	Total assets acquired		97,416
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(269	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(397	)
	Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(8,801	)
	Net assets acquired	$	87,949
	The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of one year.
	The $10.7 million goodwill, $14.7 million FCC licenses and $15.1 million network affiliation agreements attributable to KCAU and WHBF are deductible for tax purposes. WOI’s goodwill, FCC license and network affiliation agreements of $19.5 million, $10.0 million and $11.0 million, respectively, will not be deductible for tax purposes.
	The acquired stations’ net revenue of $30.5 million and net income of $8.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 and net revenue of $6.9 million and net income of $0.8 million from September 16, 2013 to December 31, 2013 were included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations as a consolidated VIE (See Note 2).
	Internet Broadcasting Systems
	Effective April 1, 2014, Nexstar acquired the assets of Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (“IBS”), a digital publishing platform and digital agency services provider, for a total purchase price of $18.8 million, funded by cash on hand. The acquisition broadens Nexstar’s digital media portfolio with technologies and offerings that are complementary to Nexstar’s digital businesses and multi-screen strategies. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014. Additionally, employment charges of $0.5 million were incurred and included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	631
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		154
	Property and equipment		2,851
	Software and other intangible assets		10,853
	Goodwill		6,396
	Total assets acquired		20,885
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(1,119	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(976	)
	Net assets acquired	$	18,790
	The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in operating costs. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Software and other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of five years.
	IBS’ net revenue of $15.8 million and net loss of $0.9 million for the period April 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	ETG
	On May 15, 2014, Nexstar acquired the outstanding equity of Enterprise Technology Group, Inc. (“ETG”), a digital content management firm that offers solutions for media companies to build a presence on the web and in the mobile content sector, for a total purchase price of $7.2 million, funded by cash on hand. The acquisition broadens Nexstar’s digital media portfolio with technologies and offerings that are complementary to Nexstar’s digital businesses and multi-screen strategies. No significant transaction costs relating to this acquisition were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	433
	Accounts receivable		210
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		84
	Property and equipment		75
	Software and other intangible assets		4,329
	Goodwill		4,432
	Total assets acquired		9,563
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(368	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(219	)
	Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(1,792	)
	Net assets acquired	$	7,184
	The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in operating costs. Goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. Software and other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of five years.
	ETG’s net revenue of $3.0 million and net loss of $0.2 million for the period May 15, 2014 to December 31, 2014 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Gray TV/Parker
	Effective June 13, 2014, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the outstanding equity of WMBB, the ABC affiliate in the Panama City, Florida market, KREX/KREG/KREY, the CBS affiliates and KGJT, the MyNetworkTV affiliate, all in the Grand Junction, Colorado market, from Gray TV for $34.5 million in cash, funded by a combination of proceeds from borrowings under Nexstar’s Term Loan A (See Note 7) and cash on hand. Both KREG and KREY operate as satellite stations of KREX. This acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into 2 new markets. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	1,831
	Broadcast rights		98
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		75
	Property and equipment		12,513
	FCC licenses		5,950
	Network affiliation agreements		7,719
	Other intangible assets		1,878
	Goodwill		4,895
	Total assets acquired		34,959
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(98	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(361	)
Net assets acquired	$	34,500
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 1.5 years.
The acquired stations’ net revenue of $9.8 million and net income of $3.9 million for the period June 13, 2014 to December 31, 2014 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
On December 18, 2013, Mission entered into a definitive agreement with Excalibur Broadcasting, LLC (“Excalibur”) to acquire Parker, the owner of television station KFQX, the FOX affiliate in the Grand Junction, Colorado market. The acquisition will allow Mission entrance into this market. The FCC has not granted consent to Mission’s acquisition of Parker from Excalibur. On May 27, 2014, Mission and Excalibur terminated their purchase agreement and Mission assumed Excalibur’s rights, title and interest in an existing purchase agreement to acquire Parker for $4.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. In connection with this restructuring, Mission paid a deposit of $3.2 million on June 13, 2014. The acquisition is subject to FCC approval and other customary conditions and Mission is expecting it to close during 2015. Mission expects to fund the remaining purchase price through cash generated from operations prior to closing. No significant transaction costs were incurred in connection with this acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Upon Nexstar’s acquisition of KREX, Nexstar assumed the contractual obligations under a TBA with Parker to perform certain sales and other services for KFQX. As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of the variable interests in Parker through the assumption of the TBA and has consolidated this station into its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning June 13, 2014. Nexstar has recorded the following estimated fair values of beginning assets and liabilities of the station (in thousands):
FCC licenses of a consolidated VIE	$	1,539
Network affiliation agreements		1,744
Other intangible assets		20
Goodwill		697
Total assets of a consolidated VIE		4,000
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(13	)
Net assets of a consolidated VIE	$	3,987
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. Mission will evaluate the tax deductibility of the values assigned to goodwill and FCC licenses upon completion of the acquisition. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreements is amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 11 months.
During the period from June 13, 2014 to December 31, 2014, Parker had no significant revenue or operating results.
Grant
On December 1, 2014, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the outstanding equity of privately-held Grant, the owner of 7 television stations in 4 markets, for $92.4 million in cash, from the Estate of Milton Grant. The stations, along with their respective network affiliation agreements, are WFXR, the FOX affiliate and WWCW, The CW affiliate, both serving the Roanoke, Virginia market, WZDX, the FOX affiliate in the Huntsville, Alabama market, KGCW, The CW affiliate and KLJB, the FOX affiliate, both in the Quad Cities, Iowa market and WLAX/WEUX, the FOX affiliates, in the La Crosse, Wisconsin market. WEUX operates as a satellite station of WLAX.
A deposit of $8.5 million was paid by Nexstar in November 2013 upon signing the stock purchase agreement. Nexstar paid $83.1 million at closing funded by a combination of cash on hand and Nexstar’s Term Loan A (See Note 7). The remaining unpaid working capital adjustment of $0.8 million is included in accrued expenses of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014.
Simultaneous with Nexstar’s acquisition of Grant on December 1, 2014, Nexstar sold the assets of KLJB to Marshall for $15.3 million in cash, and entered into local service agreements to perform certain sales and other services for this station. Marshall funded the purchase price to Nexstar through its credit facility (See Note 7).
As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of the variable interests in Marshall and has consolidated this entity into Nexstar’s Consolidated Financial Statements beginning December 1, 2014. Accordingly, all effects of the sale between Nexstar and Marshall have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Grant acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into 3 new markets and creates duopolies in 3 markets. Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.3 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Grant acquisition, including the assets and liabilities of KLJB, are as follows (in thousands):
Cash	$	1,834
Accounts receivable		7,708
Broadcast rights		9,213
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		157
Property and equipment		22,971
FCC licenses		25,531
Network affiliation agreements		27,614
Other intangible assets		3,101
Goodwill		42,038
Other assets		34
Total assets acquired		140,201
Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(10,337	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4,160	)
Less:  Capital lease obligation		(4,446	)
Less:  Software agreement obligation		(562	)
Less:  Taxes payable		(6,618	)
Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(21,665	)
Net assets acquired	$	92,413
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in operating costs. Goodwill will not be deductible for tax purposes. The intangible assets related to the network affiliation agreements are amortized over 15 years and other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of five months.
The acquired stations’ net revenue of $3.6 million and net income of $0.3 million for the period December 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
2012 and 2013 Acquisitions
Newport/Inergize
On December 1, 2012, Nexstar acquired the assets of 10 television stations listed below in 7 markets and Inergize Digital Media (“Inergize”), a digital media management entity that offers solutions for companies in building presence on the web and in the mobile arena, from Newport Television LLC and Newport Television License LLC for $225.0 million in cash, funded by Nexstar’s senior secured credit facility. The acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into these markets. The transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal, professional fees and travel, of $1.7 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012.
			Primary
Market	Station		Affiliation
Salt Lake City, Utah	KTVX		ABC
	KUCW		The CW
Memphis, Tennessee	WPTY		ABC
	WLMT		The CW
Syracuse, New York	WSYR		ABC
Binghamton, New York	WBGH		NBC
	WIVT		ABC
Elmira, New York	WETM		NBC
Jacksonville, Tennessee	WJKT		FOX
Watertown, New York	WWTI		ABC
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
Broadcast rights	$	9,346
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		728
Property and equipment		44,314
FCC licenses		80,838
Network affiliation agreements		52,817
Other intangible assets		11,149
Goodwill		36,501
Other assets		1,015
Total assets acquired		236,708
Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(10,274	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(1,204	)
Less:  Deferred revenue		(216	)
Less:  Other liabilities		(2	)
Net assets acquired	$	225,012
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreement acquired will be amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of approximately 1.5 years.
Newport/Inergize’s revenue of $8.0 million and net income of $0.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
KLRT/KASN (Newport)
Effective January 1, 2013, Mission acquired the assets of KLRT, the FOX affiliate, and KASN, the CW affiliate, both in the Little Rock, Arkansas market, from Newport for $59.7 million in cash. Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, Mission made an initial payment of $6.0 million against the purchase price on July 18, 2012. The remainder of the purchase price was funded by Mission through the proceeds of $60.0 million term loan under its senior secured credit facility. This acquisition allows Mission entrance into this market. The transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional of $0.1 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2012. No significant transaction costs were incurred in connection with this acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2013.
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
Broadcast rights	$	2,279
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		71
Property and equipment		11,153
FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs		16,827
Network affiliation agreements		17,002
Other intangible assets		2,511
Goodwill		12,727
Other assets		7
Total assets acquired		62,577
Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(2,492	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(386	)
Net assets acquired	$	59,699
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreements acquired is amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of one year.
KLRT/KASN’s net revenue of $20.4 million and net income of $9.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE (Newport)
Effective February 1, 2013, Nexstar acquired the assets of KGPE, the CBS affiliate, in the Fresno, California market, KGET, the NBC/The CW affiliate, and KKEY-LP, the low powered Telemundo affiliate, both in the Bakersfield, California market, from Newport for $35.4 million in cash, funded by cash on hand and includes a $3.5 million deposit paid by Nexstar upon signing the purchase agreement in November 2012. This acquisition allows Nexstar entrance into these markets. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.2 million were expensed as incurred.
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
Broadcast rights	$	72
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		351
Property and equipment		9,343
FCC licenses		14,318
Network affiliation agreements		9,307
Other intangible assets		1,310
Goodwill		1,077
Total assets acquired		35,778
Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(72	)
Less:  Deferred revenue		(57	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(196	)
Net assets acquired	$	35,453
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreements acquired is amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 10 months.
KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE’s net revenue of $25.0 million and net income of $0.3 million for the period February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
KSEE
Effective February 1, 2013, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of KSEE, the NBC affiliate serving the Fresno, California market, and an unrelated network affiliation agreement from Granite for $26.5 million in cash. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement, Nexstar made a payment of $20.0 million funded by cash on hand, to acquire the station’s assets excluding FCC license and certain transmission equipment. Nexstar also entered into a TBA for KSEE, effective February 1, 2013, to program most of KSEE’s broadcast time, sell its advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated during the pendency of the FCC approval of the asset purchase. On April 17, 2013, Nexstar received approval from the FCC to purchase the remaining assets of KSEE. On May 31, 2013, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the FCC license and certain transmission equipment and paid the remaining purchase price of $6.5 million. Accordingly, the TBA was terminated as of this date. This acquisition allows Nexstar to operate a duopoly in this market. No significant transaction costs were incurred in connection with this acquisition during the year ended December 31, 2013.
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	140
Property and equipment		7,350
FCC licenses		7,385
Network affiliation agreements		7,870
Other intangible assets		107
Goodwill		3,838
Total assets acquired		26,690
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(194	)
Net assets acquired	$	26,496
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreements acquired is amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 5 months.
KSEE’s net revenue of $6.6 million and net income of $4.7 million for the period February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
WFFF/WVNY
On March 1, 2013, Nexstar and Mission acquired the assets of WFFF, the FOX affiliate, and WVNY, the ABC affiliate, both in the Burlington-Plattsburgh, Vermont market, from Smith Media, LLC (“Smith Media”) for $16.6 million in cash, funded by a combination of Nexstar’s and Mission’s borrowings from their revolving credit facilities and cash on hand. The purchase price includes a $0.8 million deposit paid by Nexstar upon signing the purchase agreement in November 2012. This acquisition allows Nexstar and Mission entrance into this market. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million were expensed as incurred.
The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
Broadcast rights	$	1,030
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		150
Property and equipment		7,100
FCC licenses		2,797
FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs		2,797
Network affiliation agreements		2,119
Other intangible assets		439
Goodwill		1,787
Total assets acquired		18,219
Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(1,145	)
Less:  Deferred revenue		(19	)
Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(504	)
Net assets acquired	$	16,551
The fair value assigned to goodwill is attributable to future expense reductions utilizing management’s leverage in programming and other station operating costs. The goodwill and FCC licenses are deductible for tax purposes. The intangible asset related to the network affiliation agreements acquired is amortized over 15 years. Other intangible assets are amortized over an estimated weighted average useful life of 6 months.
WFFF/WVNY’s net revenue of $10.1 million and net income of $1.8 million for the period March 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013 have been included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Future Acquisitions
Stainless
On September 13, 2013, Mission entered into a definitive agreement to acquire WICZ, the FOX affiliate, and WBPN-LP, the MyNetworkTV affiliate, both in the Binghamton, New York market, from Stainless Broadcasting, L.P. The acquisition will allow Mission entrance into this market. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Mission will acquire the assets of WICZ and WBPN-LP for $15.3 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. A deposit of $0.2 million was paid in September 2013 upon signing the agreement. The remaining purchase price is expected to be funded by Mission through borrowings under its existing credit facility and cash on hand. The acquisition is subject to FCC approval and other customary conditions and Mission expects it to close during 2015. The transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.4 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
CCA
Effective January 1, 2015, Nexstar completed the acquisition of the outstanding equity of privately-held CCA and assumed CCA’s rights and obligations under its existing local service agreements with White Knight Broadcasting (“White Knight”) for a total consideration of $270.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital, from SP ComCorp LLC, NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund and Highland Floating Rate Opportunities Fund. CCA and White Knight, collectively, owned of 19 television stations in 10 markets.
A deposit of $27.0 million was paid to CCA in April 2013 upon signing the stock purchase agreement. Nexstar paid the remaining purchase price at closing funded by a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under its senior secured credit facility (See Note 7). The transaction costs relating to the CCA transaction, including legal and professional fees of $0.7 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Simultaneous with Nexstar’s acquisition of CCA on January 1, 2015, Nexstar sold the assets of CCA stations KPEJ and KMSS to Marshall for $43.3 million in cash, and entered into local service agreements with Marshall to perform certain sales and other services for these stations. Marshall funded the purchase price to Nexstar through its credit facility (See Note 7). Additionally, Nexstar sold the assets of CCA station WEVV, the CBS and FOX affiliate serving the Evansville market for $26.9 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. There is no relationship between Nexstar and Bayou City Broadcasting Evansville, Inc. (“BCB”) or their respective stations after the sale.
The above transactions allow the Company entrance into 7 new markets and create duopolies in 6 markets. The stations impacted are as follows:
Market	Market Rank		Station	Affiliation
Nexstar:
Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX	86		KVEO	NBC/Estrella
Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX	87		KWKT	FOX/MyNetworkTV/ Estrella
			KYLE	FOX/MyNetworkTV/ Estrella
El Paso, TX	91		KTSM	NBC/Estrella
Baton Rouge, LA	93		WGMB	FOX
			WBRL-CD	The CW
Tyler-Longview, TX	108		KETK	NBC/Estrella
Lafayette, LA	124		KADN	FOX
			KLAF-LD	MyNetworkTV
Alexandria, LA	179		WNTZ	FOX/MyNetworkTV
Marshall:
Shreveport, LA	83		KMSS	FOX
Odessa-Midland, TX	146		KPEJ	FOX/Estrella
White Knight:
Baton Rouge, LA	93		WVLA	NBC
			KZUP-CD	RTV
Tyler-Longview, TX	108		KFXK	FOX
			KFXL-LD	FOX
			KLPN-LD	MyNetworkTV
Shreveport, LA	83		KSHV	MyNetworkTV
KASW
On October 21, 2014, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of KASW, the CW affiliate in the Phoenix, Arizona market from Meredith Corporation and SagamoreHill of Phoenix, LLC for $68.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. The acquisition was completed on January 30, 2015 and allows Nexstar entrance into this market. The purchase price was funded through Nexstar’s 6.125% Notes and borrowings under Nexstar’s existing credit facility (See Note 7). No significant transaction costs relating to this acquisition were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
KCWI
On October 24, 2014, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of KCWI, the CW affiliate in the Des Moines-Ames, Iowa market from Pappas Telecasting of Iowa, LLC for $3.5 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. A deposit of $0.2 million was paid upon signing the purchase agreement. The remaining purchase price is expected to be funded through cash on hand. The acquisition is subject to bankruptcy approval and other customary conditions and Nexstar expects it to close during the first quarter of 2015. No significant transaction costs relating to this acquisition were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
KLAS
On November 21, 2014, Nexstar entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the outstanding equity of KLAS, LLC, the owner of television station KLAS, the CBS affiliate serving the Las Vegas, Nevada market for $145.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital, from Landmark Television, LLC and Landmark Media Enterprises, LLC. The acquisition was completed on February 13, 2015 and allows Nexstar entrance into this market. The purchase price was funded through Nexstar’s 6.125% Notes and borrowings under Nexstar’s existing credit facility (See Note 7). Transaction costs relating to this acquisition, including legal and professional fees of $0.1 million, were expensed as incurred during the year ended December 31, 2014.
Yashi
On February 2, 2015, Nexstar acquired the outstanding equity of Yashi, a local digital video advertising and targeted programmatic technology platform for $33.0 million in cash, subject to adjustments for working capital. The acquisition is expected to broaden Nexstar’s digital media portfolio with technologies and offerings that are complementary to Nexstar’s digital businesses and multi-screen strategies. The purchase price was funded through Nexstar’s 6.125% Notes and borrowings under Nexstar’s existing credit facility (See Note 7).
Due to the timing of the completion of acquisitions of KLAS, Yashi, KASW and CCA as described above, certain disclosures, including the allocation of the purchase price, have been omitted because the initial accounting for these business combinations was incomplete as of the filing date.
Unaudited Pro Forma Information
The Gray TV, ETG and Citadel acquisitions in 2014 and the Smith Media and Granite acquisitions in 2013 are immaterial, both individually and in aggregate. Therefore, pro forma information has not been provided for these acquisitions.
As discussed above, Nexstar and Mission acquired certain television stations from Newport during 2013 and 2012. As the stations were acquired from the same entity, the Company considered these acquisitions as a single transaction for purposes of assessing materiality and presenting pro forma information. The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, as if the IBS and Grant acquisitions, and the related VIE consolidation, occurred at the beginning of 2013 and the Newport acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 2012, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions (in thousands, except per share data):
	Unaudited
	2014			2013			2012
Net revenue	$	677,105		$	565,873		$	498,859
Income before income taxes		115,191			3,111			54,253
Net income (loss)		67,663			(95	)		188,079
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - basic	$	2.16		$	(0.02	)	$	6.5
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - diluted	$	2.08		$	(0.02	)	$	6.12
The above selected unaudited pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations in future periods or results that would have been achieved had the Company owned the acquired stations during the specified periods.
Beaumont Station Sale
On December 1, 2012, Nexstar sold the net assets of KBTV, its FOX and Bounce TV affiliate in Beaumont-Port Arthur, Texas, to Deerfield Media (Port Arthur), Inc. and San Antonio Television, LLC for $13.9 million, net of $0.1 million working capital sold. Proceeds of the sale were used to repay debt obligations and for general corporate purposes. Nexstar recognized a $5.1 million gain on disposal of KBTV, net of $3.1 million income tax expense presented as discontinued operations. The operating results of KBTV, comprising net revenue and total operating expenses of $4.1 million of $4.0 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2012, have not been presented as discontinued operations based on materiality for this period.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment
	4. Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands):
		Estimated
		useful life,
		in years	2014			2013
	Buildings and improvements	39	$	65,050		$	55,338
	Land	N/A		16,699			14,479
	Leasehold improvements	term of lease		7,633			4,396
	Studio and transmission equipment	15-May		305,075			278,014
	Office equipment and furniture	7-Mar		36,128			29,580
	Vehicles	5		14,329			12,924
	Construction in progress	N/A		9,116			9,416
				454,030			404,147
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(216,291	)		(191,888	)
	Property and equipment, net		$	237,739		$	212,259
	In 2001, entities acquired by the Company sold certain of their telecommunications tower facilities for cash and then entered into noncancelable operating leases with the buyer for tower space. In connection with this transaction, a $9.1 million gain on the sale was deferred and is being recognized over the lease term which expires in May 2021. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the balance of deferred gain included $2.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively, in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and $0.4 million in other current liabilities as of each of the years then ended.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, costs related to purchases of software of $4.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively, were included in net property and equipment. These assets are being amortized over a weighted average useful life of 3 years, based on the life of the contracts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the current portion of the liability associated with these contracts of $1.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively, is included in other current liabilities and the long-term portion of $4.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, is included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	As of December 31, 2014, capital leases of $4.6 million were included in property and equipment. The balance of capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2014 included $0.1 million in other current liabilities and $4.5 million in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet. There were no significant capital leases in 2013.

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	5. Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		Estimated		2014								2013
		useful life,					Accumulated								Accumulated
		in years		Gross			Amortization			Net		Gross			Amortization			Net
	Network affiliation agreements		15	$	478,888		$	(310,097	)	$	168,791	$	441,811		$	(291,154	)	$	150,657
	Other definite-lived	15-Jan			52,052			(26,714	)		25,338		33,642			(21,578	)		12,064
	intangible assets
	Other intangible assets			$	530,940		$	(336,811	)	$	194,129	$	475,453		$	(312,732	)	$	162,721
	The estimated useful life of network affiliation agreements contemplates renewals of the underlying agreements based on the Company’s historical ability to renew such agreements without significant cost or modifications to the conditions from which the value of the affiliation was derived. These renewals can result in estimated useful lives of individual affiliations ranging from 12 to 20 years. Management has determined that 15 years is a reasonable estimate within the range of such estimated useful lives.
	No events or circumstances were noted leading management to conclude that impairment testing should be performed on intangible assets subject to amortization during the year 2014.  During 2013, certain customers terminated their web hosting and other services agreements with Nexstar. Nexstar acquired these contracts through purchase of the assets of Inergize in December 2012 (See Note 3) and had a total fair value related to these acquired contracts of $1.4 million at acquisition date. Pursuant to the termination agreements, Nexstar received aggregate termination fees of $5.5 million, which was included in net revenue in its Consolidated Statements of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2013. As a result of the contract terminations, Nexstar recognized an additional $1.0 million amortization of intangible assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations during the year ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, the intangible assets associated with the terminated contracts are fully amortized.
	The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter for definite-lived intangibles assets as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	28,363
	2016		20,776
	2017		19,832
	2018		17,614
	2019		14,675
	Thereafter		92,869
		$	194,129
	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and FCC licenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill								FCC Licenses
				Accumulated								Accumulated
		Gross		Impairment			Net			Gross		Impairment			Net
	Balances as of December 31, 2012	$	194,400	$	(45,991	)	$	148,409		$	269,617	$	(49,421	)	$	220,196
	Acquisitions and consolidation		49,643		-			49,643			68,824		-			68,824
	of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3)
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		244,043		(45,991	)		198,052			338,441		(49,421	)		289,020
	Acquisitions and consolidation		58,439		-			58,439			33,020		-			33,020
	of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3)
	Balances as of December 31, 2014	$	302,482	$	(45,991	)	$	256,491		$	371,461	$	(49,421	)	$	322,040
	The Company did not have any indicators of impairment in 2014 and therefore did not perform interim impairment tests for goodwill or FCC licenses during this period. The Company performed its annual impairment tests on these intangible assets in the fourth quarter of 2014 using the qualitative analysis approach and concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting units and the fair value of FCC licenses would sufficiently exceed their respective carrying amounts and thus it was not necessary to perform the quantitative test method.
	As a result of the termination of certain web hosting services agreements during 2013 as discussed above, Nexstar assessed the recoverability of one of its reporting units as of September 30, 2013, between the required annual tests, by comparing its estimated fair value with its carrying amount. Based on the results of the step one analysis, management concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount. Therefore, no impairment of goodwill was indicated and Nexstar deemed it not necessary to perform the step two impairment test. The Company’s annual impairment quantitative tests of goodwill and FCC licenses performed as of December 31, 2013 resulted in no impairment charge being recognized.

Accrued_Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	6. Accrued Expenses
	Accrued expenses consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related taxes	$	9,874	$	9,744
	Sales commissions		3,073		2,556
	Employee benefits		2,345		1,354
	Property taxes		841		649
	Other		16,498		9,839
		$	32,631	$	24,142

Debt

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

7. Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):

2014

2013

Term loans, net of discount of $1,725 and $1,554, respectively

$

705,054

$

545,450

Revolving loans

5,500

-

6.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2020, including premium of $590 and $669, respectively

525,590

525,669

1,236,144

1,071,119

Less: current portion

(15,840

)

(6,857

)

$

1,220,304

$

1,064,262

Nexstar Senior Secured Credit Facility

On March 10, 2014, pursuant to the mandatory prepayment provisions under its credit agreement, Nexstar prepaid $1.1 million of the outstanding principal balances under its Term Loan B-2. In addition, Nexstar prepaid $0.5 million of the outstanding principal balance under its Term Loan A. The mandatory prepayments were calculated per the credit agreements, based on the consolidated first lien indebtedness ratio, as defined in the credit agreements, less amounts declined by lenders.

Effective April 30, 2014, Nexstar amended its credit agreement. The amendment increased Nexstar’s total commitment under its Term Loan A from $144.0 million to $159.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of the amended credit agreement, Nexstar may also reallocate its unused Term Loan A commitment to Mission. Additionally, the amendments increased the fee on unused Term Loan A commitment from 0.5% to 1.0% and extended the quarterly principal payments commencement from June 30, 2014 to December 31, 2014. On May 5, 2014, Nexstar prepaid $3.2 million of the outstanding principal balance under its Term Loan A pursuant to the terms of its amended credit agreement.

On June 12, 2014, Nexstar borrowed $25.0 million, issued at 99.75%, under its Term Loan A to partially fund the acquisition of certain television stations from Gray TV (See Note 3).

On October 31, 2014, Nexstar borrowed $147.2 million, issued at 99.75%, from all of the remaining unused Term Loan A commitments including the amounts reallocated from Mission as discussed below. On November 28, 2014, Nexstar prepaid $60.0 million of the outstanding principal under its Term Loan A. The net borrowing under Nexstar’s Term Loan A was used to partially fund the remaining purchase price to acquire Grant and CCA. See Note 3 for additional information.

On December 1, 2014, Nexstar amended its credit agreement which increased its revolving loan commitment from $75.0 million to $95.0 million.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Nexstar senior secured credit facility (the “Nexstar Facility”) had $416.3 million and $313.0 million term loans outstanding, respectively, and no amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of each of the years then ended.

The Nexstar Term Loan B-2, which matures in October 2020, is payable in consecutive quarterly installments of 0.25%, with the remainder due at maturity. The Nexstar Term Loan A, which matures in June 2018, is payable in quarterly installments that increase over time from 5.0% to 10.0%, adjusted for any prepayments, with the remainder due at maturity. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nexstar repaid scheduled maturities of $4.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of its term loans.

Interest rates are selected at Nexstar’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Nexstar’s Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Nexstar Credit Agreement”). The interest rate of Nexstar’s Term Loan A was 2.4% as of each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the interest rate of Nexstar’s Term Loan B-2 was 3.75% as of each of the years then ended. The interest rate on Nexstar’s revolving credit facility was 2.4% as of each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Interest is payable periodically based on the type of interest rate selected. Additionally, Nexstar is required to pay quarterly commitment fees on the unused portion of its revolving loan commitment of 0.5% per annum.

Mission Senior Secured Credit Facility

On March 10, 2014, pursuant to the mandatory prepayment provisions under Mission’s credit agreement, Mission prepaid $1.0 million of the outstanding principal balance under its Term Loan B-2. The mandatory prepayment was calculated per the credit agreement, based on the consolidated first lien indebtedness ratio, as defined in Nexstar’s credit agreement.

Effective April 30, 2014, Mission amended its credit agreement. The amendment decreased Mission’s total commitment under its Term Loan A from $90.0 million to $60.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of the amended credit agreement, Mission may reallocate its unused Term Loan A commitment to Nexstar. Additionally, the amendment increased the fee on unused Term Loan A commitment from 0.5% to 1.0% and extended the quarterly principal payments commencement from June 30, 2014 to December 31, 2014.

On October 31, 2014, Mission re-allocated all of its $60.0 million unused Term Loan A commitment to Nexstar.

On December 1, 2014, Mission amended its credit agreement which decreased its revolving loan commitment from $30.0 million to $8.0 million.

On December 31, 2014, Mission borrowed $5.5 million under its revolving credit facility in order to pay Nexstar for amounts due under service arrangements.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Mission senior secured credit facility (the “Mission Facility”) had $229.7 million and $232.5 million term loans outstanding, respectively, and $5.5 million and no amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of the years then ended.

The Mission Term Loan B-2, which matures in October 2020, is payable in consecutive quarterly installments of 0.25%, with the remainder due at maturity. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Mission repaid scheduled maturities of $1.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of its term loans.

Terms of the Mission Facility, including repayment, maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the Nexstar Facility described above. Interest rates are selected at Mission’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in Mission’s Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Mission Credit Agreement”). The interest rate of Mission’s Term Loan B-2 was 3.75% as of each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and the interest rate on Mission’s revolving loans was 2.4% as of each of the years then ended.

Marshall Senior Secured Credit Facility

On December 1, 2014, Marshall entered into a new credit agreement with a group of commercial banks (the “Marshall Credit Agreement”). The senior secured credit facility consists of a $60.0 million Term Loan A, issued at 99.75%, the proceeds of which were used to finance Marshall’s acquisition of Grant and CCA stations from Nexstar (See Note 3), and a $2.0 million revolving loan facility.

As of December 31, 2014, the Marshall senior secured credit facility (the “Marshall Facility”) had $59.1 million Term Loan A outstanding and no amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of the year then ended. As of December 31, 2014, the portion of the proceeds under Marshall Term Loan A of $43.0 million is included in other noncurrent assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The Marshall Term Loan A, which matures in June 2018, is payable in quarterly installments that increase over time from 5.0% to 10.0%, with the remainder due at maturity. During the year ended December 31, 2014, Marshall repaid a $0.8 million scheduled maturity of its term loans.

Terms of the Marshall Facility, including repayment, maturity and interest rates, are the same as the terms of the Nexstar Facility described above. Interest rates are selected at Marshall’s option and the applicable margin is adjusted quarterly as defined in the Marshall Credit Agreement. The interest rate of Marshall’s Term Loan A was 2.4% as of December 31, 2014.

As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of the variable interests in Marshall and has consolidated this entity into Nexstar’s Consolidated Financial Statements beginning December 1, 2014.

Unused Commitments and Borrowing Availability

The Company had $99.5 million of total unused revolving loan commitments under the respective Nexstar, Mission and Marshall credit facilities, all of which was available for borrowing, based on the covenant calculations as of December 31, 2014. The Company’s ability to access funds under the senior secured credit facilities depends, in part, on its compliance with certain financial covenants. In January 2015, Mission repaid the outstanding principal balance under its revolving credit facility of $5.5 million and Marshall borrowed $1.0 million under its revolving credit facility. In January and February 2015, Nexstar borrowed a net amount of $40.0 million under its revolving credit facility to partially fund the acquisition of CCA, KASW, Yashi and KLAS (See Note 3).

6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes

On January 29, 2015, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of $275.0 million 6.125% Notes at par.

The 6.125% Notes will mature on February 15, 2022. Interest on the 6.125% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year commencing on August 15, 2015. The 6.125% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2015 (the “6.125% Indenture”). The 6.125% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Nexstar and are guaranteed by Mission and certain of Nexstar’s and Mission’s future 100% owned subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions.

The 6.125% Notes are senior obligations of Nexstar and Mission but junior to the secured debt, including the Nexstar Facility, the Mission Facility and the Marshall Facility to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The 6.125% Notes rank equal to the 6.875% Notes.

Nexstar has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 6.125% Notes at any time prior to February 15, 2018 at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus applicable premium as of the date of redemptions. At any time on or after February 15, 2018, Nexstar may redeem the 6.125% Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the 6.125% Indenture. At any time before February 15, 2018, Nexstar may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount at a redemption price of 106.125%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, with the net cash proceeds from equity offerings.

Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined in the 6.125% Indenture), each holder of the 6.125% Notes may require Nexstar to repurchase all or a portion of the 6.125% Notes in cash at a price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase.

The 6.125% Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar’s ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchases or redeem its capital stock, (3) make certain investments, (4) create liens, (5) merge or consolidate with another person or transfer or sell assets, (6) enter into restrictions affecting the ability of Nexstar’s restricted subsidiaries to make distributions, loans or advances to it or other restricted subsidiaries; prepay, redeem or repurchase certain indebtedness and (7) engage in transactions with affiliates.

The 6.125% Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments and certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding 6.125% Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the 6.125% Notes to be due and payable.

6.875% Senior Unsecured Notes

On November 9, 2012, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of $250.0 million 6.875% Notes at par.

On October 1, 2013, Nexstar completed the sale and issuance of $275.0 million 6.875% Notes at 100.25%, plus accrued interest from May 15, 2013. The proceeds were used to repurchase substantially all of the 8.875% Notes (discussed below) and for related fees and expenses.

The 6.875% Notes will mature on November 15, 2020. Interest on the 6.875% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The 6.875% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of November 9, 2012, and a First Supplemental Indenture (together with the Indenture, the “6.875% Indenture”), dated as of October 1, 2013. The 6.875% Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Nexstar and are guaranteed by Mission and certain of Nexstar’s and Mission’s future 100% owned subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions.

The 6.875% Notes are senior obligations of Nexstar and Mission but junior to the secured debt, including the Nexstar Facility, the Mission Facility and the Mashall Facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The 6.875% Notes rank equal to the 6.125% Notes.

Nexstar has the option to redeem all or a portion of the 6.875% Notes at any time prior to November 15, 2015 at a price specified in the 6.875% Indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date plus applicable premium as of the date of redemption. At any time before November 15, 2015, Nexstar may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes at a redemption price of 106.875% plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds from equity offerings. At any time on or after November 15, 2015, Nexstar may redeem 6.875% Notes, in whole or in part, at the redemption dates and redemption prices specified in the 6.875% Indenture.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 6.875% Indenture), each holder of the 6.875% Notes may require Nexstar to repurchase all or a portion of the 6.875% Notes in cash at a price equal to 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the date of repurchase.

The 6.875% Indenture contains covenants that limit, among other things, Nexstar’s ability to (1) incur additional debt, (2) make certain restricted payments, (3) consummate specified asset sales, (4) enter into transactions with affiliates, (5) create liens, (6) pay dividends or make other distributions, (7) repurchase or redemption of capital, (8) merge or consolidate with another person and (9) enter new lines of business.

The 6.875% Indenture provides for customary events of default (subject in certain cases to customary grace and cure periods), which include nonpayment, breach of covenants in the 6.875% Indenture, payment defaults or acceleration of other indebtedness, a failure to pay certain judgments, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency and any guarantee of the 6.875% Notes that ceases to be in full force and effect with certain exceptions specified in the 6.875% Indenture. Generally, if an event of default occurs, the Trustee or holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest, including additional interest, on all the notes to be due and payable.

In 2013 and 2012, Nexstar recorded $3.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, in legal and professional fees related to the issuance of 6.875% Notes, which were capitalized as debt finance costs, included in other noncurrent assets, net on the balance sheet, and are being amortized over the term of the 6.875% Notes.

8.875% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes

On April 19, 2010, Nexstar and Mission, as co-issuers, completed the issuance and sale of $325.0 million senior secured second lien notes due 2017 (the “8.875% Notes”). Interest on the 8.875% Notes accrues at a rate of 8.875% per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year.

The 8.875% Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2010 (the “8.875% Indenture”). Nexstar’s and Mission’s obligations under the 8.875% Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Nexstar and all of Nexstar’s and Mission’s future 100% owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain customary release provisions.

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes at an average price of 108.2%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, funded by cash on hand. On October 1, 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased $292.7 million of the outstanding principal balance of the 8.875% Notes at 108.875%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, in accordance with a tender offer dated September 17, 2013. The repurchases were funded by a combination of the proceeds from the issuance of 6.875% Notes, the Mission Term Loan B-2 and cash on hand. On November 18, 2013, the Company repurchased the remaining $21.9 million outstanding principal balance of the 8.875% Notes at the redemption price of 107.0%, funded by cash on hand. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million, representing premiums paid to retire the notes and write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts.

Collateralization and Guarantees of Debt

The Credit Facilities described above are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all the combined assets, excluding FCC licenses of Nexstar, Mission and Marshall. Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission Facility and the Marshall Facility in the event of their default. Similarly, Mission and Marshall are guarantors of the Nexstar Facility. Mission is also a guarantor of Nexstar’s 6.875% Notes and 6.125% Notes. Marshall is not a guarantor of either the 6.875% Notes or the 6.125% Notes.

In consideration of Nexstar’s guarantee of the Mission Facility, Mission has granted Nexstar a purchase option to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2017 and 2024) are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission. The Company expects these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration.

Debt Covenants

The Nexstar Credit Agreement contains covenants which require the Company to comply with certain financial covenant ratios, including (1) a maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio of the Company of 6.75 to 1.00 at December 31, 2014, (2) a maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of 4.0 to 1.00 at any time and (3) a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.20 to 1.00 at any time. The covenants, which are formally calculated on a quarterly basis, are based on the combined results of the Company. The Mission Credit Agreement and the Marshall Credit Agreement do not contain financial covenant ratio requirements, but do provide for default in the event Nexstar does not comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants.

Fair Value of Debt

The aggregate carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands):

2014

2013

Carrying

Fair

Carrying

Fair

Amount

Value

Amount

Value

Term loans(1)

$

705,054

$

697,420

$

545,450

$

546,818

Revolving loans

5,500

5,386

-

-

6.875% Senior unsecured notes(2)

525,590

547,313

525,669

561,750

-1

The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.

-2

The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.

Debt Maturities

As of December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt, excluding the unamortized discount and premium, for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):

2015

$

15,840

2016

22,139

2017

33,594

2018

168,614

2019

4,983

Thereafter

992,109

$

1,237,279

Contract_Termination

Contract Termination	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contract Termination [Abstract]
Contract Termination	8. Contract Termination
	On March 31, 2008, Nexstar signed a ten year agreement for national sales representation with two units of Katz Television Group, a subsidiary of Katz Media Group (“Katz”), transferring 24 stations in 14 of its markets from Petry Television Inc. (“Petry”) and Blair Television Inc. (“Blair”). Nexstar, Blair, Petry and Katz entered into a termination and mutual release agreement under which Blair agreed to release Nexstar from its future contractual obligations in exchange for payments totaling $8.0 million. Katz is making the payments on behalf of Nexstar as an inducement for Nexstar to enter into the long-term contract with Katz. A liability of $7.2 million, representing the present value of the payments Katz is making to Blair, was recorded and is being recognized as a non-cash reduction to operating expenses over the term of the agreement with Katz. Effective May 1, 2009, Nexstar signed another agreement to transfer the remaining Nexstar stations to Katz and its related companies. Moving these contracts resulted in Nexstar cancelling multiple contracts with Blair. As a result, Blair sued the Company for additional termination fees. Katz indemnified the Company for all expenses related to the settlement and defense of this lawsuit. The lawsuit was settled effective May 7, 2010. Termination of these contracts resulted in an additional liability of $0.2 million, which is being recognized over the remaining contract term with Katz.
	On August 4, 2014, Nexstar signed an agreement for the two stations acquired from Gray TV (See Note 3) transferring the stations’ national representation from Harrington Righter & Parson (“Harrington”) and Petry to Katz. Nexstar, Harrington, Petry and Katz entered into termination and mutual release agreements under which Harrington and Petry agreed to release Nexstar from its future contractual obligations in exchange for total payments of $0.4 million. Katz paid these termination fees on behalf of Nexstar in exchange for entering into a long-term contract with Katz and is being recognized by Nexstar over the remaining contract terms.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the liability associated with these contracts of $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, was included in other current liabilities and $2.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, was included in other noncurrent liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognized $0.8 million of these incentives as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	9. Common Stock
	The holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share and the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally vote together as a single class on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Holders of Class C common stock have no voting rights.
	The common stockholders are entitled to receive cash dividends, subject to the rights of holders of any series of preferred stock, on an equal per share basis. The Nexstar Facility provides limits on the amounts of dividends the Company may pay to stockholders over the term of the Nexstar Credit Agreement.
	Pursuant to the dividend policy Nexstar announced on November 26, 2012, the board of directors declared in 2013 a total annual cash dividend with respect to the outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock of $0.48 per share in equal quarterly installments. In 2014, the board of directors declared a total annual cash dividend with respect to the outstanding shares of Class A common stock of $0.60 per share in equal quarterly installments. In January 2015, the board of directors declared a quarterly dividend for 2015 beginning in the first quarter. See Note 18 for additional information.
	In 2012, Nexstar’s former principal stockholder, ABRY Partners, LLC (“ABRY”), converted a total of 5,709,117 shares of Class B common stock into an equal number of Class A common stock. The converted shares were sold in offerings that were completed during the year. During 2013, ABRY converted a total of 7,702,471 shares of outstanding Class B common stock into an equal number of Class A common stock, of which 7,337,087 were sold in various offerings that were completed during the year. The remaining 365,384 shares were repurchased by Nexstar for $8.4 million and held in treasury. As a result of these transactions, no Class B common stock is outstanding and ABRY no longer holds an ownership interest in Nexstar. During the second half of 2013, Nexstar utilized all of the 365,384 shares held in treasury in connection with stock option exercises.

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	10. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	The Company measures compensation cost related to stock options based on the grant-date fair value of the awards, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The compensation cost related to restricted stock units is based on the market price of the stock on the date of the award. The fair value of the stock options and restricted stock units, less estimated forfeitures, is recognized ratably over their respective vesting periods. Nexstar granted 797,500 options and 20,500 restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2014 and granted 1,000,000 options during the year ended December 31, 2012. No equity incentives were granted during the year ended December 31, 2013. The assumptions used in calculating the fair values of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012 were as follows:
			2014			2012
	Expected volatility		87.0% - 87.2%				88.40%
	Risk-free interest rates		2.1% - 2.3%				1.20%
	Expected life		7 years			7 years
	Dividend yields		1.1% - 1.5%			None
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per share		$	31.87		$	7.37
	The expected volatility assumptions used for stock option grants were based on Nexstar’s historical volatility rates over a period approximating the expected life of the options. The expected term assumption is calculated utilizing Nexstar’s historical exercise and post-vesting cancellation experience combined with expectations developed over outstanding options. The risk-free interest rates used are based on the daily U.S. Treasury yield curve rate in effect at the time of the grant having a period commensurate with the expected term assumption.
	The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $7.6 million, $2.1 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $22.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to stock options and restricted stock units, expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.9 years.
	Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	On September 26, 2012, Nexstar’s majority shareholders approved the 2012 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) which provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance awards to directors, employees or consultants of Nexstar. Upon the effectiveness of the 2012 Plan, no new awards will be granted under the previous equity incentive plans. Under the 2012 Plan, a maximum of 1,500,000 shares can be issued plus unissued available shares from Nexstar’s previous equity incentive plans. As of December 31, 2014, a total of 397,500 shares were available for future grants under the 2012 Plan.
	Under Nexstar’s equity incentive plans, options to purchase 2,742,275 shares of Nexstar’s Class A common stock were outstanding and 20,500 restricted stock units were unvested as of December 31, 2014. Options are granted with an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares of common stock on the date of the grant, vest over a range of four to five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee or with respect to the termination of a participant’s services in certain circumstances, including a change of control, no option may be exercised within six months of the date of the grant. Upon the employee’s termination, all nonvested options are forfeited immediately and any unexercised vested options are cancelled from 30 to 180 days following the termination date. The restricted stock units vest over four years from the date of the award. All unvested restricted stock units are forfeited immediately upon the employee’s termination for any reason other than change of control. Nexstar utilizes any available treasury stock or issues new shares of its Class A common stock when options are exercised or restricted stock units vest.
	The following table summarizes stock award activity and related information for all of Nexstar’s Equity Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014:
					Outstanding Options									Non-Vested Options
										Weighted-
								Weighted-		Average		Aggregate					Weighted-
		Shares						Average		Remaining		Intrinsic					Average
		Available						Exercise		Contractual		Value(1)					Grant-Date
		for Grant			Shares			Price		Term (Years)		(thousands)		Shares			Fair Value
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		1,158,000			2,575,800		$	6.24						934,000		$	6.33
	Options granted		(797,500	)		797,500		$	45.92						797,500			-
	Restricted stock units awarded		(20,500	)		-			-						-			-
	Exercised		-			(573,525	)	$	3.54						-			-
	Vested		-			-			-						(392,000	)	$	5.27
	Forfeited/cancelled		57,500			(57,500	)	$	41.21						(52,500	)	$	30.94
	Balances as of December 31, 2014		397,500			2,742,275		$	17.61		6.44	$	93,728		1,287,000		$	21.48
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014					1,455,275		$	6.2		4.68	$	66,351
	Fully vested and expected to vest					2,713,295		$	17.39		6.41	$	93,339
	as of December 31, 2014
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the closing market price of Nexstar’s common stock on the last day of the fiscal period, which was $51.79 on December 31, 2014, and the stock option exercise prices multiplied by the number of options outstanding.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised, on their respective exercise dates, was $26.5 million, $44.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the aggregate fair value of options vested during the year was $2.1 million, $2.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	11. Income Taxes
	The income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	402		$	(681	)	$	681
	State		2,230			480			1,518
			2,632			(201	)		2,199
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		38,176			2,069			(127,131	)
	State		5,293			732			(4,249	)
			43,469			2,801			(131,380	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(129,181	)
	Income tax expense (benefit) is allocated between continuing operations and discontinued operations as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Continuing operations	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(132,279	)
	Discontinued operations		-			-			3,098
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(129,181	)
	The Company’s 2012 income tax benefit relating to continuing operations primarily resulted from a reduction in its valuation allowance. Based on the weight of available evidence including the Company’s generation of pre-tax income from continuing operations on a three-year look-back basis, forecast of future earnings, and the anticipated ability to sustain a level of earnings, the Company determined, in the fourth quarter of 2012, it was more likely than not a substantial portion of its deferred tax assets will be realized and the Company decreased its valuation allowance by $151.4 million through its income tax benefit in the 2012 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	The income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the loss (income) before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences were as follows, for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at 35% statutory	$	38,752		$	285		$	15,777
	federal rate
	Change in valuation allowance		-			-			(151,394	)
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		5,373			599			2,616
	Nondeductible compensation		690			479			702
	Nondeductible acquisition costs		342			611			-
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment		381			321			255
	Other		563			305			(235	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(132,279	)
	The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	106,890		$	134,596
	Deferred revenue		1,111			1,071
	Deferred gain on sale of assets		1,084			1,250
	Other		14,607			11,535
	Total deferred tax assets		123,692			148,452
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment		(9,528	)		(5,803	)
	Other intangible assets		(18,933	)		(9,272	)
	Goodwill		(24,352	)		(22,608	)
	FCC licenses		(58,197	)		(41,286	)
	Other		(114	)		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(111,124	)		(78,969	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	12,568		$	69,483
	During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, there were no changes to the gross unrecognized tax benefit of $3.7 million. If the gross unrecognized tax benefit were recognized, it would result in a favorable effect on the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company does not expect the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.
	Interest expense and penalties related to the Company’s uncertain tax positions would be reflected as a component of income tax (benefit) expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not accrue interest on the unrecognized tax benefits as an unfavorable outcome upon examination would not result in a cash outlay but would reduce net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”).
	The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for years after 2010. Additionally, any NOLs that were generated in prior years and utilized in the current year or future years may also be subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination are not considered significant.
	As a result of certain realization requirements of ASC 718, the table of deferred tax assets and liabilities shown above does not include certain deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 that arose directly from tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of compensation recognized for financial reporting. Equity will be increased by $14.8 million if and when such deferred tax assets are ultimately realized. The Company uses tax law ordering when determining when excess tax benefits have been realized.
	The Company has gross federal and state income tax NOL carryforwards of $333.0 million and $69.9 million, respectively, which are available to reduce future taxable income if utilized before their expiration. The federal NOL carryforwards include excess tax benefits not recognized under GAAP as noted above. The federal NOLs expire through 2033 if not utilized. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, generally imposes an annual limitation on the amount of NOLs that may be used to offset taxable income when a corporation has undergone significant changes in stock ownership. Ownership changes are evaluated as they occur and could limit the ability to use NOLs. In May 2013, ABRY sold 3,865,384 shares of common stock and it no longer has any ownership interest in Nexstar. As a result of this sale, an ownership change occurred resulting in a Section 382 limitation on the use of Nexstar’s NOLs. The sale of common stock by ABRY is not expected to impact Mission. The Company expects to be able to utilize its existing NOLs prior to their expiration. Nexstar’s estimated annual Section 382 limitation following the ownership change is $209.0 million for 2015, $91.0 million for each of 2016-2017, $45.0 million for 2018 and $21.0 million annually thereafter.
	In addition, any subsequent ownership changes could result in additional limitations. The ability to use NOLs is also dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate taxable income. The NOLs could expire before the Company generates sufficient taxable income. To the extent the Company’s use of NOLs is significantly limited, the Company’s income could be subject to corporate income tax earlier than it would if it were able to use NOLs, which could have a negative effect on the Company’s financial results and operations. Changes in ownership are largely beyond the Company’s control and the Company can give no assurance that it will continue to have realizable NOLs.

FCC_Regulatory_Matters

FCC Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract]
FCC Regulatory Matters	12. FCC Regulatory Matters
	Television broadcasting is subject to the jurisdiction of the FCC under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the “Communications Act”). The Communications Act prohibits the operation of television broadcasting stations except under a license issued by the FCC, and empowers the FCC, among other things, to issue, revoke, and modify broadcasting licenses, determine the location of television stations, regulate the equipment used by television stations, adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of the Communications Act and impose penalties for the violation of such regulations. The FCC’s ongoing rule making proceedings could have a significant future impact on the television industry and on the operation of the Company’s stations and the stations to which it provides services. In addition, the U.S. Congress may act to amend the Communications Act or adopt other legislation in a manner that could impact the Company’s stations, the stations to which it provides services and the television broadcast industry in general.
	The FCC has adopted rules with respect to the final conversion of existing low power and television translator stations to digital operations. The FCC has established a September 1, 2015 deadline by which low power and television translator stations must cease analog operations, but it recently has solicited comment on whether that deadline should be extended.
	Media Ownership
	The FCC is required to review its media ownership rules every four years and to eliminate those rules it finds no longer serve the “public interest, convenience and necessity.”
	In March 2014, the FCC initiated its 2014 quadrennial review with the adoption of a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM). The FNPRM incorporates the record of the uncompleted 2010 quadrennial review proceeding and solicits comment on proposed changes to the media ownership rules. Among the proposals in the FNPRM are (1) retention of the current local television ownership rule (but with modifications to certain service contour definitions to conform to digital television broadcasting), (2) elimination of the radio/television cross-ownership rule, (3) elimination of the newspaper/radio cross-ownership rule, and (4) retention of the newspaper/television cross-ownership rule, while considering waivers of that rule in certain circumstances. The FNPRM also proposes to define a category of sharing agreements designated as SSAs between television stations, and to require television stations to disclose those SSAs. Comments and reply comments on the FNPRM were filed in the third quarter of 2014.
	Concurrently with its adoption of the FNPRM, the FCC also adopted a rule making television JSAs attributable to the seller of advertising time in certain circumstances. Under this rule, where a party owns a full-power television station in a market and sells more than 15% of the weekly advertising time for another, non-owned station in the same market under a JSA, that party will be deemed to have an attributable interest in the latter station for purposes of the local television ownership rule. Parties to newly attributable JSAs that do not comply with the local television ownership rule were given two years to modify or terminate their JSAs to come into compliance. Congressional legislation signed into law in late 2014 extended this compliance period for an additional six months, and the compliance deadline is now December 19, 2016. Although the FCC has indicated that it will consider waivers of the new JSA attribution rule, the FCC thus far has not granted any such waiver and has provided little guidance on what factors must be present for a waiver to be granted. Various parties, including Nexstar (and Mission, which has intervened), have appealed this new rule to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. If Nexstar is required to amend or terminate its existing agreements with Mission and others, the Company could have a reduction in revenue and could incur increased costs if it is unable to successfully implement alternative arrangements that are as beneficial as the existing JSAs.
	Also in March 2014, the FCC’s Media Bureau issued a public notice announcing “processing guidelines” for certain pending and future applications for FCC approval of television acquisitions. The public notice indicates that the FCC will “closely scrutinize” applications which propose a JSA, SSA or local marketing agreement (“LMA”) between television stations, combined with an option, a similar “contingent interest,” or a loan guarantee. These new processing guidelines have impacted the Company’s previously announced acquisitions and may affect the Company’s acquisition of additional stations in the future.
	In September 2013, the FCC commenced a rulemaking proceeding to consider whether to eliminate the “UHF discount” that is currently used to calculate compliance with the national television ownership limit.
	Spectrum
	The FCC has initiated various proceedings to assess the availability of spectrum to meet future wireless broadband needs. The FCC’s March 2010 “National Broadband Plan” recommends the reallocation of 120 megahertz of the spectrum currently used for broadcast television for wireless broadband use. The FCC has thus far adopted rules permitting television stations to share a single 6 megahertz channel and requested comment on proposals that include, among other things, whether to add new frequency allocations in the television bands for licensed fixed and mobile wireless uses and whether to implement technical rule modifications to improve the viability of certain channels that are underutilized by digital television stations. In February 2012, the U.S. Congress adopted legislation authorizing the FCC to conduct an incentive auction whereby television broadcasters could voluntarily relinquish all or part of their spectrum in exchange for consideration. In June 2014, the FCC released a Report and Order in which it adopted a framework for the auction.  This Report and Order is the subject of a pending court appeal.  In December 2014, the FCC released a public notice proposing certain procedures that the FCC will follow in the incentive auction and the subsequent “repacking” of broadcast television spectrum.  Comments on this public notice are expected to be filed in the first quarter of 2015. The FCC is deciding additional issues related to the incentive auction, including still-outstanding technical issues, in other proceedings. The FCC has stated its intention to conduct the incentive auction in 2016. The reallocation of television spectrum for wireless broadband use will require some television stations to change channel or otherwise modify their technical facilities. Future steps to reallocate television spectrum to broadband use may be to the detriment of the Company’s investment in digital facilities, could require substantial additional investment to continue current operations, and may require viewers to invest in additional equipment or subscription services to continue receiving broadcast television signals. The Company cannot predict the timing or results of television spectrum reallocation efforts or their impact to its business.
	Retransmission Consent
	On March 3, 2011, the FCC initiated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reexamine its rules (i) governing the requirements for good faith negotiations between multichannel video program distributors (MVPDs) and broadcasters, including implementing a prohibition on one station negotiating retransmission consent terms for another station under a local service agreement; (ii) for providing advance notice to consumers in the event of dispute; and (iii) to extend certain cable-only obligations to all MVPDs. The FCC also asked for comment on eliminating the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity protection rules, which may permit MVPDs to import out-of-market television stations during a retransmission consent dispute.
	In March 2014, the FCC adopted a rule that prohibits joint retransmission consent negotiation between television stations in the same market which are not commonly owned and which are ranked among the top four stations in the market in terms of audience share. This new rule requires Nexstar, Mission and other independent third parties with which Nexstar has local service agreements to separately negotiate retransmission consent agreements for certain of their stations. This new rule is now effective and is the subject of a pending court appeal. On December 5, 2014, the U.S. Congress extended the joint negotiation prohibition to all non-commonly owned television stations in a market.
	Concurrently with its adoption of this rule, the FCC also adopted a further notice of proposed rulemaking which seeks comment on the elimination or modification of the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity rules. The FCC’s prohibition on certain joint retransmission consent negotiations and its possible elimination or modification of the network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity protection rules may affect the Company’s ability to sustain its current level of retransmission consent revenues or grow such revenues in the future and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company cannot predict the resolution of the FCC’s network non-duplication and syndicated exclusivity proposals, or the impact of these proposals or the FCC’s new prohibition on certain joint negotiations, on its business.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
	13. Commitments and Contingencies
	Broadcast Rights Commitments
	Broadcast rights acquired for cash under license agreements are recorded as an asset and a corresponding liability at the inception of the license period. Future minimum payments for license agreements for which the license period has not commenced and no asset or liability has been recorded are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,946
	2016		7,024
	2017		4,251
	2018		976
	2019		446
	Thereafter		833
		$	21,476
	Operating Leases
	The Company leases office space, vehicles, towers, antenna sites, studio and other operating equipment under noncancelable operating lease arrangements expiring through January 2053. Rent expense recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations for such leases was $7.1 million, $6.2 million and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,154
	2016		7,132
	2017		7,244
	2018		7,295
	2019		7,401
	Thereafter		24,964
		$	61,190
	Capital Leases
	The Company leases certain equipment and tower facilities under noncancelable lease arrangements. These contracts were accounted for as capital leases and included in property and equipment (See Note 4). The future minimum lease payments under these agreements are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	351
	2016		361
	2017		331
	2018		315
	2019		328
	Thereafter		6,674
			8,360
	Less: Amount representing interest		3,765
		$	4,595
	Guarantee of Mission and Marshall Debt
	Nexstar and its subsidiaries guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission Facility and the Marshall Facility. In the event that Mission and/or Marshall are unable to repay amounts due, Nexstar will be obligated to repay such amounts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Nexstar would be required to make under these guarantees would be generally limited to the borrowings outstanding. As of December 31, 2014, Mission had a maximum commitment of $238.1 million under its senior secured credit facility, of which $235.6 million of debt was outstanding, and Marshall had a maximum commitment of $61.2 million under its senior secured credit facility, of which $59.2 million of debt was outstanding.
	Indemnification Obligations
	In connection with certain agreements that the Company enters into in the normal course of its business, including local service agreements, business acquisitions and borrowing arrangements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company agrees to indemnify the third party to such arrangement from losses, claims and damages incurred by the indemnified party for certain events as defined within the particular contract. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements may be unlimited. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been insignificant and the Company has not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.
	Collective Bargaining Agreements
	As of December 31, 2014, certain technical, production and news employees at nine of the Company’s stations are covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Company believes that employee relations are satisfactory and has not experienced any work stoppages at any of its stations. However, there can be no assurance that the collective bargaining agreements will be renewed in the future or that the Company will not experience a prolonged labor dispute, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, or results of operations.
	Litigation
	From time to time, the Company is involved with claims that arise out of the normal course of its business. In the opinion of management, any resulting liability with respect to these claims would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	14. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
	The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company, including its 100%, directly or indirectly, owned subsidiaries and its consolidated VIEs. This information is presented in lieu of separate financial statements and other related disclosures pursuant to Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, “Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered.”
	The Nexstar column presents Nexstar’s financial information (not including any subsidiaries). Nexstar owns 100% of Nexstar Finance Holdings, Inc. (“Nexstar Holdings”), which owns 100% of Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. (“Nexstar Broadcasting”). The Nexstar Broadcasting column presents its financial information. The Mission column presents the financial information of Mission, an entity which Nexstar Broadcasting is required to consolidate as a VIE (see Note 2). The Non-Guarantors column presents the combined financial information of Nexstar Holdings (not including any subsidiaries) and other VIEs consolidated by Nexstar Broadcasting in 2014 (See Note 2). Nexstar Broadcasting, Mission and the non-guarantor other consolidated VIEs have no subsidiaries.
	Nexstar Broadcasting’s outstanding 6.875% Notes (See Note 7) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Nexstar and Mission, subject to certain customary release provisions. These notes are not guaranteed by any other entities.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-		$	130,472		$	880		$	560		$	-		$	131,912
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		-			-			29,867			-			(29,867	)		-
	Other current assets		-			166,112			17,972			1,668			-			185,752
	Total current assets		-			296,584			48,719			2,228			(29,867	)		317,664
	Investments in subsidiaries		109,567			-			-			124,809			(234,376	)		-
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		1,476			13,764			-			-			(15,240	)		-
	Property and equipment, net		-			211,504			24,166			2,069			-			237,739
	Goodwill		-			221,183			32,489			2,819			-			256,491
	FCC licenses		-			275,313			41,563			5,164			-			322,040
	Other intangible assets, net		-			163,796			21,310			9,023			-			194,129
	Other noncurrent assets		-			65,451			23,818			44,893			-			134,162
	Total assets	$	111,043		$	1,247,595		$	192,065		$	191,005		$	(279,483	)	$	1,462,225
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
	EQUITY (DEFICIT)
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	-		$	10,703		$	1,837		$	3,300		$	-		$	15,840
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			29,026			-			841			(29,867	)		-
	Other current liabilities		-			73,546			6,713			1,167			-			81,426
	Total current liabilities		-			113,275			8,550			5,308			(29,867	)		97,266
	Debt		-			931,143			233,357			55,804			-			1,220,304
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			-			15,240			(15,240	)		-
	Other noncurrent liabilities		(3	)		78,101			8,667			1,353			-			88,118
	Total liabilities		(3	)		1,122,519			250,574			77,705			(45,107	)		1,405,688
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)		111,046			125,076			(58,509	)		113,300			(234,376	)		56,537
	Total liabilities and stockholders'	$	111,043		$	1,247,595		$	192,065		$	191,005		$	(279,483	)	$	1,462,225
	equity (deficit)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-		$	36,312		$	3,716		$	-		$	-		$	40,028
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		-			3,847			-			-			(3,847	)		-
	Other current assets		-			146,298			14,840			-			-			161,138
	Total current assets		-			186,457			18,556			-			(3,847	)		201,166
	Investments in subsidiaries		61,100			-			-			76,342			(137,442	)		-
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		259			14,981			-			-			(15,240	)		-
	Property and equipment, net		-			185,499			26,760			-			-			212,259
	Goodwill		-			165,563			32,489			-			-			198,052
	FCC licenses		-			247,457			41,563			-			-			289,020
	Other intangible assets, net		-			138,683			24,038			-			-			162,721
	Other noncurrent assets		-			69,161			31,343			-			-			100,504
	Total assets	$	61,359		$	1,007,801		$	174,749		$	76,342		$	(156,529	)	$	1,163,722
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
	EQUITY (DEFICIT)
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	-		$	4,523		$	2,334		$	-		$	-		$	6,857
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			3,847			-			(3,847	)		-
	Other current liabilities		-			72,115			4,950			-			-			77,065
	Total current liabilities		-			76,638			11,131			-			(3,847	)		83,922
	Debt		-			834,131			230,131			-			-			1,064,262
Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			-			15,240			(15,240	)		-
Other noncurrent liabilities		(3	)		20,690			8,080			2			-			28,769
Total liabilities		(3	)		931,459			249,342			15,242			(19,087	)		1,176,953
Stockholders' equity (deficit):		61,362			76,342			(74,593	)		61,100			(137,442	)		(13,231	)
Total liabilities and stockholders'	$	61,359		$	1,007,801		$	174,749		$	76,342		$	(156,529	)	$	1,163,722
equity (deficit)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	594,011		$	36,498		$	802		$	-		$	631,311
Revenue between consolidated entities		-			10,012			42,079			64			(52,155	)		-
Net revenue		-			604,023			78,577			866			(52,155	)		631,311
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation		-			169,082			18,135			215			-			187,432
and amortization
Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			171,388			3,118			285			-			174,791
excluding depreciation and amortization
Local service agreement fees between		-			42,079			9,780			296			(52,155	)		-
consolidated entities
Amortization of broadcast rights		-			28,365			5,844			107			-			34,316
Amortization of intangible assets		-			22,914			2,728			208			-			25,850
Depreciation		-			32,270			2,760			17			-			35,047
Loss on asset disposal, net		-			568			70			-			-			638
Total operating expenses		-			466,666			42,435			1,128			(52,155	)		458,074
Income from operations		-			137,357			36,142			(262	)		-			173,237
Interest expense, net		-			(51,804	)		(10,014	)		(141	)		-			(61,959	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(50	)		(21	)		-			-			(71	)
Other expenses		-			(556	)		-			-			-			(556	)
Equity in income of subsidiaries		48,466			-			-			48,466			(96,932	)		-
Income before income taxes		48,466			84,947			26,107			48,063			(96,932	)		110,651
Income tax (expense) benefit		-			(36,214	)		(10,023	)		136			-			(46,101	)
Net income	$	48,466		$	48,733		$	16,084		$	48,199		$	(96,932	)	$	64,550
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	473,359		$	28,971		$	-		$	-		$	502,330
Revenue between consolidated entities		-			9,740			39,513			-			(49,253	)		-
Net revenue		-			483,099			68,484			-			(49,253	)		502,330
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation		-			133,161			14,550			-			-			147,711
and amortization
Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			147,875			3,058			-			-			150,933
excluding depreciation and amortization
Local service agreement fees between consolidated		-			39,513			9,740			-			(49,253	)		-
entities
Amortization of broadcast rights		-			29,405			6,034			-			-			35,439
Amortization of intangible assets		-			23,386			6,762			-			-			30,148
Depreciation		-			30,043			3,535			-			-			33,578
Loss on asset disposal, net		-			1,103			177			-			-			1,280
Total operating expenses		-			404,486			43,856			-			(49,253	)		399,089
Income from operations		-			78,613			24,628			-			-			103,241
Interest expense, net		-			(50,062	)		(16,181	)		-			-			(66,243	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(20,392	)		(14,332	)		-			-			(34,724	)
Other expenses		-			(1,157	)		(302	)		-			-			(1,459	)
Equity in income of subsidiaries		1,961			-			-			1,961			(3,922	)		-
Income (loss) before income taxes		1,961			7,002			(6,187	)		1,961			(3,922	)		815
Income tax (expense) benefit		-			(5,041	)		2,441			-			-			(2,600	)
Net income (loss)	$	1,961		$	1,961		$	(3,746	)	$	1,961		$	(3,922	)	$	(1,785	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	360,022		$	18,610		$	-		$	-		$	378,632
Revenue between consolidated entities		-			7,740			33,352			-			(41,092	)		-
Net revenue		-			367,762			51,962			-			(41,092	)		378,632
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding		-			84,444			7,320			-			-			91,764
depreciation and amortization
Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			114,648			2,887			-			-			117,535
excluding depreciation and amortization
Local service agreement fees between		-			33,352			7,740			-			(41,092	)		-
consolidated entities
Amortization of broadcast rights		-			18,172			4,239			-			-			22,411
Amortization of intangible assets		-			17,913			5,081			-			-			22,994
Depreciation		-			20,702			2,853			-			-			23,555
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net		-			623			(155	)		-			-			468
Total operating expenses		-			289,854			29,965			-			(41,092	)		278,727
Income from operations		-			77,908			21,997			-			-			99,905
Interest expense, net		-			(36,522	)		(15,037	)		-			-			(51,559	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(3,039	)		(233	)		-			-			(3,272	)
Equity in income of subsidiaries		135,250			-			-			135,250			(270,500	)		-
Income from continuing operations before		135,250			38,347			6,727			135,250			(270,500	)		45,074
income taxes
Income tax benefit		-			91,764			40,515			-			-			132,279
Income from continuing operations		135,250			130,111			47,242			135,250			(270,500	)		177,353
Gain on disposal of station, net of income		-			5,139			-			-			-			5,139
tax expense
Net income	$	135,250		$	135,250		$	47,242		$	135,250		$	(270,500	)	$	182,492
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	168,242		$	(1,928	)	$	213		$	-		$	166,527
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		-			(20,153	)		(236	)		-			-			(20,389	)
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(163,533	)		(3,200	)		(58,300	)		15,300			(209,733	)
Proceeds from sale of a station		-			15,300			-			-			(15,300	)		-
Other investing activities		-			89			-			-			-			89
Net cash used in investing activities		-			(168,297	)		(3,436	)		(58,300	)		-			(230,033	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		-			171,925			5,500			59,850			-			237,275
Repayments of long-term debt		-			(68,849	)		(2,832	)		(750	)		-			(72,431	)
Common stock dividends paid		(18,445	)		-			-			-			-			(18,445	)
Inter-company payments		16,414			(16,414	)		-			-			-			-
Other financing activities		2,031			7,553			(140	)		(453	)		-			8,991
Net cash provided by financing		-			94,215			2,528			58,647			-			155,390
activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and		-			94,160			(2,836	)		560			-			91,884
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			36,312			3,716			-			-			40,028
of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end of	$	-		$	130,472		$	880		$	560		$	-		$	131,912
period
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	19,994		$	4,428		$	-		$	2,917		$	27,339
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		-			(18,790	)		(165	)		-			-			(18,955	)
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(169,874	)		(59,508	)		-			-			(229,382	)
Other investing activities		-			56			3,080			-			(2,917	)		219
Net cash used in investing activities		-			(188,608	)		(56,593	)		-			(2,917	)		(248,118	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		-			459,563			195,000			-			-			654,563
Repayments of long-term debt		-			(300,825	)		(138,010	)		-			-			(438,835	)
Common stock dividends paid		(14,302	)		-			-			-			-			(14,302	)
Purchase of treasury stock		(8,422	)		-			-			-			-			(8,422	)
Inter-company payments		15,765			(15,765	)		-			-			-			-
Other financing activities		6,959			(6,728	)		(1,427	)		-			-			(1,196	)
Net cash provided by financing		-			136,245			55,563			-			-			191,808
activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and		-			(32,369	)		3,398			-			-			(28,971	)
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			68,681			318			-			-			68,999
of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end	$	-		$	36,312		$	3,716		$	-		$	-		$	40,028
of period
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(in thousands)
				Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
	Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	74,090		$	5,798		$	-		$	-		$	79,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		-			(16,973	)		(287	)		-			-			(17,260	)
Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(229,453	)		(6,000	)		-			-			(235,453	)
Proceeds from disposal of station		-			13,860			-			-			-			13,860
Other investing activities		-			40			196			-			-			236
Net cash used in investing activities		-			(232,526	)		(6,091	)		-			-			(238,617	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		-			560,750			48,000			-			-			608,750
Repayments of long-term debt		-			(328,719	)		(49,115	)		-			-			(377,834	)
Payments for debt financing costs		-			(13,066	)		(172	)		-			-			(13,238	)
Inter-company payments		(1,768	)		1,768			-			-			-			-
Other financing activities		1,768			736			-			-			-			2,504
Net cash provided by (used in)		-			221,469			(1,287	)		-			-			220,182
financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and		-			63,033			(1,580	)		-			-			61,453
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			5,648			1,898			-			-			7,546
of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end	$	-		$	68,681		$	318		$	-		$	-		$	68,999
of period

Employee_Benefits

Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefits	15. Employee Benefits
	Nexstar and Mission have established retirement savings plans under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Plans”). The Plans cover substantially all employees of Nexstar and Mission who meet minimum age and service requirements, and allow participants to defer a portion of their annual compensation on a pre-tax basis. Employer contributions to the Plans may be made at the discretion of Nexstar and Mission. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Nexstar contributed $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively, to the Nexstar Plan and Mission contributed $20 thousand, $20 thousand and $16 thousand, respectively, to the Mission Plan.
	Under a collective bargaining agreement, the Company contributes three percent of the gross monthly payroll of certain covered employees toward their pension benefits. Employees must have completed 90 days of service to be eligible for the contribution. The Company’s pension benefit contribution totaled $17 thousand, $21 thousand and $24 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data

Unaudited Quarterly Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data	16. Unaudited Quarterly Data
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2014		2014		2014
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net revenue		$	133,833	$	146,930	$	157,744	$	192,804
	Income from operations			27,700		34,942		41,696		68,899
	Income before income taxes			12,402		19,405		25,994		52,850
	Net income			7,353		10,944		15,404		30,849
	Basic net income per common share		$	0.24	$	0.36	$	0.5	$	1
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			30,603		30,641		30,888		30,962
	Diluted net income per common share		$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.48	$	0.96
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			31,909		31,932		32,067		32,102
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2013		2013		2013(1)
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net revenue		$	112,205	$	126,211	$	125,792	$	138,122
	Income from operations			17,818		28,192		25,153		32,078
	Income (loss) before income taxes			1,185		11,205		7,121		(18,696	)
	Net income (loss)			705		6,367		3,595		(12,452	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share		$	0.02	$	0.22	$	0.12	$	(0.41	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			29,461		29,604		30,048		30,465
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share		$	0.02	$	0.2	$	0.11	$	(0.41	)
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			31,054		31,325		31,509		30,465
	-1	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	17. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to					Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and					End of
			of Period		Expenses		Deductions(1)			Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		$	3,035	$	2,604	$	(2,637	)	$	3,002
	Year Ended December 31, 2013			1,965		2,697		(1,627	)		3,035
	Year Ended December 31, 2012			1,313		2,390		(1,738	)		1,965
	-1	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets Rollforward
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to					Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and					End of
			of Period		Expenses		Deductions(1)			Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-
	Year Ended December 31, 2013			-		-		-			-
	Year Ended December 31, 2012			151,394		-		(151,394	)		-
	-1	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company released the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	18. Subsequent Events
	Effective January 1, 2015, Nexstar completed its acquisition of CCA. Concurrently, Nexstar sold the assets of certain acquired CCA stations to Marshall and BCB. See Note 3 for additional information.
	On January 29, 2015, Nexstar completed the issuance and sale of 6.125% Notes. See Note 7 for additional information.
	On January 30, 2015, Nexstar’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share of its Class A common stock. The dividend was paid on February 27, 2015 to stockholders of record on February 13, 2015.
	In January 2015, Nexstar completed the acquisition of KASW. In February 2015, Nexstar completed the acquisition of Yashi and KLAS. See Note 3 for additional information on these transactions.
	In January 2015, Mission repaid the outstanding principal balance under its revolving credit facility of $5.5 million.
	In January 2015, Marshall borrowed $1.0 million under its revolving credit facility.
	In January and February of 2015, Nexstar borrowed a net amount of $40.0 million under its revolving credit facility.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nexstar and the accounts of independently-owned VIEs for which Nexstar is the primary beneficiary (See Note 2—Variable Interest Entities). Nexstar and the consolidated VIEs are collectively referred to as the “Company.” Where the assets of the consolidated VIEs are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar, they are presented separately as assets of the consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Similarly, where the creditors of the consolidated VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar, the related liabilities are presented separately as liabilities of the consolidated VIEs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Noncontrolling interest represents the VIE owner’s share of the equity in a consolidated VIE and is presented as a component separate from Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity (deficit). Nexstar management evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance. Certain stations owned by Citadel Communications, L.P. and its related entities (“Citadel”) were considered VIEs as of December 31, 2013. Nexstar completed the acquisition of these stations from Citadel during the first quarter of 2014 and they are no longer considered VIEs as of December 31, 2014.
	All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Variable Interest Entities
	Variable Interest Entities
	The Company may determine that an entity is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with the owner-operator of an entity. The term local service agreements generally refers to a contract between two separately owned television stations serving the same market, whereby the owner-operator of one station contracts with the owner-operator of the other station to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station. A local service agreement can be (1) a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) which allows Nexstar to program most of a station’s broadcast time, sell the station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments, based on the station’s monthly operating expenses, (2) a shared services agreement (“SSA”) which allows the Nexstar station in the market to provide services including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments as described in the SSAs, or (3) a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) which permits Nexstar to sell certain of the station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the related revenue, as described in the JSAs.
	Consolidated VIEs
	Nexstar consolidates Mission Broadcasting, Inc. (“Mission”), Marshall Broadcasting Group, Inc. (“Marshall”) and Parker Broadcasting of Colorado, LLC (“Parker”). Certain stations owned by Citadel were considered VIEs as of December 31, 2013. Nexstar completed the acquisition of these stations during the first quarter of 2014 and they are no longer considered VIEs as of December 31, 2014.
	Mission is included in these Consolidated Financial Statements because Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) to have a controlling financial interest in Mission as a VIE for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Mission stations, (2) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Mission’s economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, advertising sales and hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (4) purchase options granted by Mission which permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) consent. The purchase options are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission for consideration equal to the greater of (1) seven times the station’s cash flow, as defined in the option agreement, less the amount of its indebtedness, as defined in the option agreement, or (2) the amount of its indebtedness. Additionally, on November 29, 2011, Mission’s shareholders granted Nexstar an option to purchase any or all of Mission’s stock, subject to FCC consent, for a price equal to the pro rata portion of the greater of (1) five times the stations’ cash flow, as defined in the agreement, reduced by the amount of indebtedness, as defined in the agreement, or (2) $100,000. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2017 and 2024) are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent by Mission or its shareholders. The Company expects these option agreements, if unexercised, will be renewed upon expiration. Substantially all of Mission’s assets, except for its FCC licenses, collateralize its secured debt obligation.
	As of December 31, 2014, Nexstar serves two Mission stations under TBAs and 18 Mission stations under SSAs and JSAs.
	On December 1, 2014, Marshall entered into a credit agreement with a group of commercial banks in which Nexstar is a guarantor (See Note 7). Concurrently, Marshall acquired KLJB, the FOX affiliate, in the Quad Cities, Iowa market from Nexstar (See Note 3) and entered into a JSA and SSA with Nexstar to perform certain sales and other services for this station. Marshall is included in these Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 1, 2014 because Nexstar is deemed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) to have a controlling financial interest in Marshall as a VIE for financial reporting purposes as a result of (1) local service agreements Nexstar has with the Marshall station, (2) Nexstar’s guarantee of the obligations incurred under Marshall’s senior secured credit facility (see Note 7), (3) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting Marshall’s economic performance, including management advice and consulting over broadcast matters, the ability to sell certain advertising on the Marshall station, and the production of the Marshall station’s news and other programming.
	Effective June 13, 2014, upon Nexstar’s acquisition of KREX, (See Note 3), Nexstar assumed the contractual obligations under a TBA with Parker, the owner of television station KFQX, the FOX affiliate in the Grand Junction, Colorado market to perform certain sales and other services for the station. Nexstar evaluated the business arrangements with Parker and has determined that it has a variable interest in Parker. Nexstar has also determined that it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest because it has the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar consolidated Parker as of June 13, 2014. The consolidation of the assets and liabilities of this station into Nexstar resulted in a noncontrolling interest of $4.0 million, representing the interest held by the owners of Parker as of June 13, 2014.
	Nexstar’s ability to receive cash from Mission, Marshall and Parker is governed by the local service agreements. Under these agreements, Nexstar has received substantially all of Mission’s, Marshall’s and Parker’s available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. Nexstar anticipates it will continue to receive substantially all of Mission’s, Marshall’s and Parker’s available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, Mission and Marshall maintain complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of their stations.
	Nexstar had variable interests in the acquired stations (WOI, KCAU and WHBF) from Citadel as a result of TBAs effective September 16, 2013 and had a variable interest in an acquired station (KSEE) from Granite Broadcasting Corporation (“Granite”) as a result of a TBA effective February 1, 2013. Nexstar evaluated the business arrangements with these stations and determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because it had the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the stations including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar consolidated the Citadel stations and KSEE as of September 16, 2013 and February 1, 2013, respectively, under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of variable interest entities. Nexstar completed its acquisition of the Citadel stations on March 13, 2014. The acquisition of KSEE closed effective May 31, 2013. Thus, Nexstar no longer has variable interests in these stations. See Note 3 for additional information.
	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, were as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,440	$	3,716
	Accounts receivable, net		7,594		9,227
	Deferred tax assets, net		9,389		8,160
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,657		1,742
	Total current assets		21,080		22,845
	Property and equipment, net		26,235		37,012
	Goodwill		35,308		62,703
	FCC licenses		46,727		66,263
	Other intangible assets, net		30,333		52,373
	Deferred tax assets, net		15,055		25,727
	Other noncurrent assets, net		49,803		7,412
	Total assets	$	224,541	$	274,335
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	5,137	$	2,334
	Interest payable		28		26
	Other current liabilities		7,852		6,639
	Total current liabilities		13,017		8,999
	Debt		289,161		230,131
	Other noncurrent liabilities		10,018		8,132
	Total liabilities	$	312,196	$	247,262
	Non-Consolidated VIEs
	Nexstar has an outsourcing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (“Cunningham”), which continues through December 31, 2017. Under the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar provides certain engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ through WMBD, the Nexstar television station in the market. During the term of the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar retains the broadcasting revenue and related expenses of WYZZ and is obligated to pay a monthly fee based on the combined operating cash flow of WMBD and WYZZ, as defined in the agreement.
	Nexstar’s outsourcing agreement with a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. (“Sinclair”), the owner of WUHF, the FOX affiliate in Rochester, New York market was not renewed and terminated on December 31, 2013. The services that were provided to WUHF through WROC, the Nexstar television station in the market, were similar to the services provided to WYZZ.
	Nexstar has determined that it has a variable interest in WYZZ and had a variable interest in WUHF. Nexstar has evaluated its arrangements with Cunningham and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in WYZZ because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Nexstar had evaluated its previous arrangements with Sinclair and has determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of the variable interest in WUHF because it did not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the station including developing the annual operating budget, programming and oversight and control of sales management personnel. Therefore, Nexstar has not consolidated these stations under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. Under the outsourcing agreement for WYZZ, Nexstar pays for certain operating expenses, and therefore may have unlimited exposure to any potential operating losses. Nexstar’s management believes that Nexstar’s minimum exposure to loss under the WYZZ outsourcing agreement consists of the fees paid to Cunningham. Additionally, Nexstar indemnifies the owners of WYZZ from and against all liability and claims arising out of or resulting from its activities, acts or omissions in connection with the agreement. The maximum potential amount of future payments Nexstar could be required to make for such indemnification is undeterminable at this time.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Nexstar had balances in accounts payable of $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for fees under these arrangements and had receivables for advertising aired on these stations of $0.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Fees incurred under these arrangements of $1.4 million, $5.3 million and $10.3 million were included in direct operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	Certain prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure for contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The more significant estimates made by management include those relating to the allowance for doubtful accounts, valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill from business combinations, retransmission revenue recognized, trade and barter transactions, income taxes, the recoverability of broadcast rights, the carrying amounts and the recoverability and useful lives of tangible and intangible assets. Actual results may vary from such estimates recorded.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of ninety days or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company’s accounts receivable consist primarily of billings to its customers for advertising broadcast on its stations or placed on its websites or for retransmission consent from cable or satellite operators. Trade receivables normally have terms of 30 days and the Company has no interest provision for customer accounts that are past due. The Company maintains an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. Management periodically evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors, including customer payment history, known customer circumstances, as well as the overall aging of customer balances and trends. In circumstances where management is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, an allowance is recorded to reduce their receivable amount to an amount estimated to be collectable.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash deposits are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits; however, the Company believes these deposits are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and are not subject to any unusual credit risk. A significant portion of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from local and national advertising agencies. The Company does not require collateral from its customers, but maintains reserves for potential credit losses. Management believes that the allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate, but if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, additional allowances may be required. The Company has not experienced significant losses related to receivables from individual customers or by geographical area.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from the sale of advertising. Total revenue includes cash and barter advertising revenue, retransmission compensation, digital media revenue and other broadcast related revenues. Advertising revenue is recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period during which the advertisements are broadcast on its stations or delivered on its websites. Any amounts paid by customers but not earned by the balance sheet date are recorded in deferred revenue. Retransmission compensation is recognized based on the estimated number of subscribers over the contract period, based on historical levels and trends for individual providers. Digital media revenue derives from website development and providing products and services through website management and is recognized when services are performed.
	The Company barters advertising time for certain program material. These transactions, except those involving exchange of advertising time for network programming, are recorded at management’s estimate of the fair value of the advertising time exchanged, which approximates the fair value of the program material received. The fair value of advertising time exchanged is estimated by applying average historical advertising rates for specific time periods. Revenue from barter transactions is recognized as the related advertisement spots are broadcast. Barter expense is recognized at the time program broadcast rights assets are used. The Company recorded $22.7 million, $22.8 million and $13.8 million of barter revenue and barter expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Barter expense is included in amortization of broadcast rights in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The Company trades certain advertising time for various goods and services. These transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the goods or services received. Revenue from trade transactions is recognized when the related advertisement spots are broadcast. The Company recorded $8.5 million, $8.7 million and $8.1 million of trade revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Trade expense is recognized when services or merchandise received are used. The Company recorded $8.7 million, $7.9 million and $7.0 million of trade expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which was included in direct operating expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable	Broadcast Rights and Broadcast Rights Payable
	The Company records broadcast rights contracts as an asset and a liability when the following criteria are met: (1) the license period has begun, (2) the cost of each program is known or reasonably determinable, (3) the program material has been accepted in accordance with the license agreement, and (4) the program is produced and available for broadcast. Cash broadcast rights are initially recorded at the contract cost. Barter broadcast rights are recorded at fair value, which is estimated by using average historical rates for the time periods where the programming will air. Broadcast rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period the programming airs. The current portion of broadcast rights represents those rights available for broadcast which will be amortized in the succeeding year. At least quarterly, the Company evaluates the net realizable value, calculated using the average historical rates for the programs or the time periods the programming will air, of broadcast rights and adjust amortization in that quarter for any deficiency calculated.
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net
	Property and equipment is stated at cost or estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The cost and related accumulated depreciation applicable to assets sold or retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized and ordinary repairs and maintenance are charged to expense in the period incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (see Note 4).
Intangible Assets, Net
	Intangible Assets, Net
	Intangible assets consist primarily of goodwill, broadcast licenses (“FCC licenses”), network affiliation agreements and software arising from acquisitions. The purchase price of acquired businesses are allocated to the assets and liabilities acquired at estimated fair values at the date of acquisition using various valuation techniques, including discounted projected cash flows, the cost approach and the income approach. The excess of the purchase price over the fair values of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company’s goodwill and FCC licenses are considered to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. The use of an indefinite life for FCC licenses contemplates the Company’s historical ability to renew its licenses, that such renewals generally may be obtained indefinitely and at little cost and that the technology used in broadcasting is not expected to be replaced in the foreseeable future. Therefore, cash flows derived from the FCC licenses are expected to continue indefinitely. Network affiliation agreements are subject to amortization computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of 15 years. The 15 year life assumes affiliation contracts will be renewed upon expiration. Changes in the likelihood of renewal could require a change in the useful life of such assets and cause an acceleration of amortization. The Company evaluates the remaining lives of its network affiliations whenever changes occur in the likelihood of affiliation contract renewals, and at least on an annual basis.
	The Company aggregates its stations by market (“reporting unit”) for purposes of goodwill and FCC license impairment testing because management views, manages and evaluates its stations on a market basis. The Company first assesses the qualitative factors to determine the likelihood of the goodwill and FCC licenses being impaired. The qualitative analysis includes, but is not limited to, assessing the changes in macroeconomic conditions, regulatory environment, industry and market conditions, and the financial performance versus budget of the reporting units, as well as any other events or circumstances specific to the reporting units or the FCC licenses. If it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s goodwill or a station’s FCC license is greater than its carrying amount, no further testing will be required. Otherwise, the Company will apply the quantitative impairment test method. The quantitative impairment test for FCC licenses consists of a market-by-market comparison of the carrying amount of FCC licenses with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis. The quantitative impairment test for goodwill utilizes a two-step fair value approach. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount. The fair value of a reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by performing an assumed purchase price allocation, using the reporting unit fair value (as determined in Step 1) as the purchase price. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
	Determining the fair value of reporting units requires management to make a number of judgments about assumptions and estimates that are highly subjective and that are based on unobservable inputs. The actual results may differ from these assumptions and estimates; and it is possible that such differences could have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition to the various inputs (i.e. market growth, operating profit margins, discount rates) used to calculate the fair value of FCC licenses and reporting units, the Company evaluates the reasonableness of its assumptions by comparing the total fair value of all its reporting units to its total market capitalization; and by comparing the fair values of its reporting units and FCC licenses to recent market television station sale transactions.
	The Company tests network affiliation agreements for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. An impairment in the carrying amount of a network affiliation agreement is recognized when the expected discounted future operating cash flow derived from the operation to which the asset relates is less than its carrying value. The impairment test for network affiliation agreements consists of a station-by-station comparison of the carrying amount of network affiliation agreements with their fair value, using a discounted cash flow analysis.
Debt Financing Costs	Debt Financing Costs
	Debt financing costs represent direct costs incurred to obtain long-term financing and are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Previously capitalized debt financing costs are expensed and included in loss on extinguishment of debt if the Company determines that there has been a substantial modification of the related debt. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, debt financing costs of $17.0 million and $18.0 million, respectively, were included in other noncurrent assets.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and certain items that are excluded from net income (loss) and recorded as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (deficit). During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no items of other comprehensive income (loss) and, therefore, comprehensive income (loss) does not differ from reported net income (loss).
Advertising Expense	Advertising Expense
	The cost of advertising is expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs in the amount of $2.7 million, $2.6 million and $2.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, of which the majority was recognized in trade expense.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	The Company utilizes the following categories to classify the valuation methodologies for fair values of financial assets and liabilities:
	Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;
	Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
	Level 3: Prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable (i.e., supported by little or no market activity).
	The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, broadcast rights payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities of consolidated VIEs approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. See Note 7 for fair value disclosures related to the Company’s debt.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Nexstar maintains stock-based employee compensation plans which are described more fully in Note 10. The Company calculates the grant-date fair value of employee stock options using the Black-Scholes model. The fair value of restricted stock units is based on the number of shares awarded and market price of the stock on the date of award. These amounts are recognized into selling, general and administrative expense over the vesting period of the options or the restricted stock units.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is applied against net deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nexstar and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Mission and Marshall file their own separate federal income tax returns.
	The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties relating to income taxes within income tax expense.
Income (Loss) Per Share	Income (Loss) Per Share
	Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The following table shows the amounts used in computing the Company’s diluted shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		30,774		29,897		28,940
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments		1,229		-		1,792
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		32,003		29,897		30,732
	The Company has outstanding stock options and restricted stock units to acquire 720,000, 3,418,000 and 379,000 weighted average shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the effects of which are excluded from the calculation of dilutive income (loss) per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.
Segments	Segments
	Nexstar operates in one reportable television broadcasting segment. The economic characteristics, services, production process, customer type and distribution methods for Nexstar’s operations are substantially similar and are therefore aggregated as a single reportable segment. Additionally, Nexstar operates a digital media business which sells digital content management, digital publishing platform and digital agency services. No separate disclosures have been presented on this business due to the insignificance of its operations.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidated VIEs	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the VIEs mentioned above which have been included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, were as follows (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,440	$	3,716
	Accounts receivable, net		7,594		9,227
	Deferred tax assets, net		9,389		8,160
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		2,657		1,742
	Total current assets		21,080		22,845
	Property and equipment, net		26,235		37,012
	Goodwill		35,308		62,703
	FCC licenses		46,727		66,263
	Other intangible assets, net		30,333		52,373
	Deferred tax assets, net		15,055		25,727
	Other noncurrent assets, net		49,803		7,412
	Total assets	$	224,541	$	274,335
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	5,137	$	2,334
	Interest payable		28		26
	Other current liabilities		7,852		6,639
	Total current liabilities		13,017		8,999
	Debt		289,161		230,131
	Other noncurrent liabilities		10,018		8,132
	Total liabilities	$	312,196	$	247,262
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the period and reflect the potential dilution that could occur if common shares were issued upon exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The following table shows the amounts used in computing the Company’s diluted shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		2014		2013		2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding - basic		30,774		29,897		28,940
	Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments		1,229		-		1,792
	Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted		32,003		29,897		30,732

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Unaudited Pro forma Information	The following table sets forth unaudited pro forma results of operations, as if the IBS and Grant acquisitions, and the related VIE consolidation, occurred at the beginning of 2013 and the Newport acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 2012, along with transactions necessary to finance the acquisitions (in thousands, except per share data):
		Unaudited
		2014			2013			2012
	Net revenue	$	677,105		$	565,873		$	498,859
	Income before income taxes		115,191			3,111			54,253
	Net income (loss)		67,663			(95	)		188,079
	Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - basic	$	2.16		$	(0.02	)	$	6.5
	Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - diluted	$	2.08		$	(0.02	)	$	6.12
Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities consolidated upon becoming a VIE are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	269
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		305
	Property and equipment		10,613
	FCC licenses		24,700
	Network affiliation agreements		26,129
	Other intangible assets		3,398
	Goodwill		30,195
	Other assets		1,807
	Total assets acquired		97,416
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(269	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(397	)
	Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(8,801	)
	Net assets acquired	$	87,949
Internet Broadcasting Systems [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	631
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		154
	Property and equipment		2,851
	Software and other intangible assets		10,853
	Goodwill		6,396
	Total assets acquired		20,885
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(1,119	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(976	)
	Net assets acquired	$	18,790
ETG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	433
	Accounts receivable		210
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		84
	Property and equipment		75
	Software and other intangible assets		4,329
	Goodwill		4,432
	Total assets acquired		9,563
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(368	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(219	)
	Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(1,792	)
	Net assets acquired	$	7,184
Gray TV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable	$	1,831
	Broadcast rights		98
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		75
	Property and equipment		12,513
	FCC licenses		5,950
	Network affiliation agreements		7,719
	Other intangible assets		1,878
	Goodwill		4,895
	Total assets acquired		34,959
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(98	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(361	)
	Net assets acquired	$	34,500
KFQX [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	Upon Nexstar’s acquisition of KREX, Nexstar assumed the contractual obligations under a TBA with Parker to perform certain sales and other services for KFQX. As discussed in Note 2, Nexstar became the primary beneficiary of the variable interests in Parker through the assumption of the TBA and has consolidated this station into its Consolidated Financial Statements beginning June 13, 2014. Nexstar has recorded the following estimated fair values of beginning assets and liabilities of the station (in thousands):
	FCC licenses of a consolidated VIE	$	1,539
	Network affiliation agreements		1,744
	Other intangible assets		20
	Goodwill		697
	Total assets of a consolidated VIE		4,000
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(13	)
	Net assets of a consolidated VIE	$	3,987
Grant [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
	The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Grant acquisition, including the assets and liabilities of KLJB, are as follows (in thousands):
	Cash	$	1,834
	Accounts receivable		7,708
	Broadcast rights		9,213
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		157
	Property and equipment		22,971
	FCC licenses		25,531
	Network affiliation agreements		27,614
	Other intangible assets		3,101
	Goodwill		42,038
	Other assets		34
	Total assets acquired		140,201
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(10,337	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(4,160	)
	Less:  Capital lease obligation		(4,446	)
	Less:  Software agreement obligation		(562	)
	Less:  Taxes payable		(6,618	)
	Less:  Deferred tax liabilities		(21,665	)
	Net assets acquired	$	92,413
Newport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	9,346
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		728
	Property and equipment		44,314
	FCC licenses		80,838
	Network affiliation agreements		52,817
	Other intangible assets		11,149
	Goodwill		36,501
	Other assets		1,015
	Total assets acquired		236,708
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(10,274	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(1,204	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(216	)
	Less:  Other liabilities		(2	)
	Net assets acquired	$	225,012
KLRT/KASN [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	2,279
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		71
	Property and equipment		11,153
	FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs		16,827
	Network affiliation agreements		17,002
	Other intangible assets		2,511
	Goodwill		12,727
	Other assets		7
	Total assets acquired		62,577
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(2,492	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(386	)
	Net assets acquired	$	59,699
KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	72
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		351
	Property and equipment		9,343
	FCC licenses		14,318
	Network affiliation agreements		9,307
	Other intangible assets		1,310
	Goodwill		1,077
	Total assets acquired		35,778
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(72	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(57	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(196	)
	Net assets acquired	$	35,453
KSEE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	140
	Property and equipment		7,350
	FCC licenses		7,385
	Network affiliation agreements		7,870
	Other intangible assets		107
	Goodwill		3,838
	Total assets acquired		26,690
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(194	)
	Net assets acquired	$	26,496
WFFF/WVNY [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are as follows (in thousands):
	Broadcast rights	$	1,030
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		150
	Property and equipment		7,100
	FCC licenses		2,797
	FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs		2,797
	Network affiliation agreements		2,119
	Other intangible assets		439
	Goodwill		1,787
	Total assets acquired		18,219
	Less:  Broadcast rights payable		(1,145	)
	Less:  Deferred revenue		(19	)
	Less:  Accounts payable and accrued expenses		(504	)
	Net assets acquired	$	16,551

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consisted of the following, as of December 31 (dollars in thousands):
		Estimated
		useful life,
		in years	2014			2013
	Buildings and improvements	39	$	65,050		$	55,338
	Land	N/A		16,699			14,479
	Leasehold improvements	term of lease		7,633			4,396
	Studio and transmission equipment	15-May		305,075			278,014
	Office equipment and furniture	7-Mar		36,128			29,580
	Vehicles	5		14,329			12,924
	Construction in progress	N/A		9,116			9,416
				454,030			404,147
	Less: accumulated depreciation			(216,291	)		(191,888	)
	Property and equipment, net		$	237,739		$	212,259

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill1

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		Estimated		2014								2013
		useful life,					Accumulated								Accumulated
		in years		Gross			Amortization			Net		Gross			Amortization			Net
	Network affiliation agreements		15	$	478,888		$	(310,097	)	$	168,791	$	441,811		$	(291,154	)	$	150,657
	Other definite-lived	15-Jan			52,052			(26,714	)		25,338		33,642			(21,578	)		12,064
	intangible assets
	Other intangible assets			$	530,940		$	(336,811	)	$	194,129	$	475,453		$	(312,732	)	$	162,721
Estimated Amortization Expense of Definite-Lived Intangibles Assets	The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter for definite-lived intangibles assets as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	28,363
	2016		20,776
	2017		19,832
	2018		17,614
	2019		14,675
	Thereafter		92,869
		$	194,129
Goodwill and FCC Licenses	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and FCC licenses for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Goodwill								FCC Licenses
				Accumulated								Accumulated
		Gross		Impairment			Net			Gross		Impairment			Net
	Balances as of December 31, 2012	$	194,400	$	(45,991	)	$	148,409		$	269,617	$	(49,421	)	$	220,196
	Acquisitions and consolidation		49,643		-			49,643			68,824		-			68,824
	of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3)
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		244,043		(45,991	)		198,052			338,441		(49,421	)		289,020
	Acquisitions and consolidation		58,439		-			58,439			33,020		-			33,020
	of VIEs (See Notes 2 and 3)
	Balances as of December 31, 2014	$	302,482	$	(45,991	)	$	256,491		$	371,461	$	(49,421	)	$	322,040

Accrued_Expenses_Tables

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014		2013
	Compensation and related taxes	$	9,874	$	9,744
	Sales commissions		3,073		2,556
	Employee benefits		2,345		1,354
	Property taxes		841		649
	Other		16,498		9,839
		$	32,631	$	24,142

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long Term Debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following, as of December 31 (in thousands):
			2014			2013
	Term loans, net of discount of $1,725 and $1,554, respectively		$	705,054		$	545,450
	Revolving loans			5,500			-
	6.875% Senior unsecured notes due 2020, including premium of $590 and $669, respectively			525,590			525,669
				1,236,144			1,071,119
	Less: current portion			(15,840	)		(6,857	)
			$	1,220,304		$	1,064,262
Fair Value of Debt	The aggregate carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s debt were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands):
			2014						2013
			Carrying			Fair			Carrying		Fair
			Amount			Value			Amount		Value
	Term loans(1)		$	705,054		$	697,420		$	545,450	$	546,818
	Revolving loans			5,500			5,386			-		-
	6.875% Senior unsecured notes(2)			525,590			547,313			525,669		561,750
	-1	The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
	-2	The fair value of Nexstar’s fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.
Maturities of Debt	As of December 31, 2014, the scheduled maturities of the Company’s debt, excluding the unamortized discount and premium, for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
	2015		$	15,840
	2016			22,139
	2017			33,594
	2018			168,614
	2019			4,983
	Thereafter			992,109
			$	1,237,279

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Assumptions Used in Black-Scholes Calculations	The assumptions used in calculating the fair values of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012 were as follows:
			2014			2012
	Expected volatility		87.0% - 87.2%				88.40%
	Risk-free interest rates		2.1% - 2.3%				1.20%
	Expected life		7 years			7 years
	Dividend yields		1.1% - 1.5%			None
	Weighted-average grant date fair value per share		$	31.87		$	7.37
Summary of Stock Award Activity and Related Information	The following table summarizes stock award activity and related information for all of Nexstar’s Equity Plans for the year ended December 31, 2014:
					Outstanding Options									Non-Vested Options
										Weighted-
								Weighted-		Average		Aggregate					Weighted-
		Shares						Average		Remaining		Intrinsic					Average
		Available						Exercise		Contractual		Value(1)					Grant-Date
		for Grant			Shares			Price		Term (Years)		(thousands)		Shares			Fair Value
	Balances as of December 31, 2013		1,158,000			2,575,800		$	6.24						934,000		$	6.33
	Options granted		(797,500	)		797,500		$	45.92						797,500			-
	Restricted stock units awarded		(20,500	)		-			-						-			-
	Exercised		-			(573,525	)	$	3.54						-			-
	Vested		-			-			-						(392,000	)	$	5.27
	Forfeited/cancelled		57,500			(57,500	)	$	41.21						(52,500	)	$	30.94
	Balances as of December 31, 2014		397,500			2,742,275		$	17.61		6.44	$	93,728		1,287,000		$	21.48
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014					1,455,275		$	6.2		4.68	$	66,351
	Fully vested and expected to vest					2,713,295		$	17.39		6.41	$	93,339
	as of December 31, 2014
	-1	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the closing market price of Nexstar’s common stock on the last day of the fiscal period, which was $51.79 on December 31, 2014, and the stock option exercise prices multiplied by the number of options outstanding.

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Taxes	The income tax expense (benefit) consisted of the following components for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	402		$	(681	)	$	681
	State		2,230			480			1,518
			2,632			(201	)		2,199
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal		38,176			2,069			(127,131	)
	State		5,293			732			(4,249	)
			43,469			2,801			(131,380	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(129,181	)
Schedule of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Allocable to Continuing and Discontinued Operations	Income tax expense (benefit) is allocated between continuing operations and discontinued operations as follows (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Continuing operations	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(132,279	)
	Discontinued operations		-			-			3,098
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(129,181	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Expense Reconciliation	The income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to the loss (income) before income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences were as follows, for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013			2012
	Income tax expense (benefit) at 35% statutory	$	38,752		$	285		$	15,777
	federal rate
	Change in valuation allowance		-			-			(151,394	)
	State and local taxes, net of federal benefit		5,373			599			2,616
	Nondeductible compensation		690			479			702
	Nondeductible acquisition costs		342			611			-
	Nondeductible meals and entertainment		381			321			255
	Other		563			305			(235	)
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	46,101		$	2,600		$	(132,279	)
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability	The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) were as follows, as of December 31 (in thousands):
		2014			2013
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	106,890		$	134,596
	Deferred revenue		1,111			1,071
	Deferred gain on sale of assets		1,084			1,250
	Other		14,607			11,535
	Total deferred tax assets		123,692			148,452
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment		(9,528	)		(5,803	)
	Other intangible assets		(18,933	)		(9,272	)
	Goodwill		(24,352	)		(22,608	)
	FCC licenses		(58,197	)		(41,286	)
	Other		(114	)		-
	Total deferred tax liabilities		(111,124	)		(78,969	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	12,568		$	69,483

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Payments for Un-booked Broadcast Rights	Future minimum payments for license agreements for which the license period has not commenced and no asset or liability has been recorded are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,946
	2016		7,024
	2017		4,251
	2018		976
	2019		446
	Thereafter		833
		$	21,476
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under these operating leases are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	7,154
	2016		7,132
	2017		7,244
	2018		7,295
	2019		7,401
	Thereafter		24,964
		$	61,190
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases	The future minimum lease payments under these agreements are as follows as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
	2015	$	351
	2016		361
	2017		331
	2018		315
	2019		328
	Thereafter		6,674
			8,360
	Less: Amount representing interest		3,765
		$	4,595

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-		$	130,472		$	880		$	560		$	-		$	131,912
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		-			-			29,867			-			(29,867	)		-
	Other current assets		-			166,112			17,972			1,668			-			185,752
	Total current assets		-			296,584			48,719			2,228			(29,867	)		317,664
	Investments in subsidiaries		109,567			-			-			124,809			(234,376	)		-
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		1,476			13,764			-			-			(15,240	)		-
	Property and equipment, net		-			211,504			24,166			2,069			-			237,739
	Goodwill		-			221,183			32,489			2,819			-			256,491
	FCC licenses		-			275,313			41,563			5,164			-			322,040
	Other intangible assets, net		-			163,796			21,310			9,023			-			194,129
	Other noncurrent assets		-			65,451			23,818			44,893			-			134,162
	Total assets	$	111,043		$	1,247,595		$	192,065		$	191,005		$	(279,483	)	$	1,462,225
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
	EQUITY (DEFICIT)
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	-		$	10,703		$	1,837		$	3,300		$	-		$	15,840
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			29,026			-			841			(29,867	)		-
	Other current liabilities		-			73,546			6,713			1,167			-			81,426
	Total current liabilities		-			113,275			8,550			5,308			(29,867	)		97,266
	Debt		-			931,143			233,357			55,804			-			1,220,304
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			-			15,240			(15,240	)		-
	Other noncurrent liabilities		(3	)		78,101			8,667			1,353			-			88,118
	Total liabilities		(3	)		1,122,519			250,574			77,705			(45,107	)		1,405,688
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)		111,046			125,076			(58,509	)		113,300			(234,376	)		56,537
	Total liabilities and stockholders'	$	111,043		$	1,247,595		$	192,065		$	191,005		$	(279,483	)	$	1,462,225
	equity (deficit)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-		$	36,312		$	3,716		$	-		$	-		$	40,028
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		-			3,847			-			-			(3,847	)		-
	Other current assets		-			146,298			14,840			-			-			161,138
	Total current assets		-			186,457			18,556			-			(3,847	)		201,166
	Investments in subsidiaries		61,100			-			-			76,342			(137,442	)		-
	Amounts due from consolidated entities		259			14,981			-			-			(15,240	)		-
	Property and equipment, net		-			185,499			26,760			-			-			212,259
	Goodwill		-			165,563			32,489			-			-			198,052
	FCC licenses		-			247,457			41,563			-			-			289,020
	Other intangible assets, net		-			138,683			24,038			-			-			162,721
	Other noncurrent assets		-			69,161			31,343			-			-			100,504
	Total assets	$	61,359		$	1,007,801		$	174,749		$	76,342		$	(156,529	)	$	1,163,722
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
	EQUITY (DEFICIT)
	Current liabilities:
	Current portion of debt	$	-		$	4,523		$	2,334		$	-		$	-		$	6,857
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			3,847			-			(3,847	)		-
	Other current liabilities		-			72,115			4,950			-			-			77,065
	Total current liabilities		-			76,638			11,131			-			(3,847	)		83,922
	Debt		-			834,131			230,131			-			-			1,064,262
	Amounts due to consolidated entities		-			-			-			15,240			(15,240	)		-
	Other noncurrent liabilities		(3	)		20,690			8,080			2			-			28,769
	Total liabilities		(3	)		931,459			249,342			15,242			(19,087	)		1,176,953
	Stockholders' equity (deficit):		61,362			76,342			(74,593	)		61,100			(137,442	)		(13,231	)
Total liabilities and stockholders'	$	61,359		$	1,007,801		$	174,749		$	76,342		$	(156,529	)	$	1,163,722
equity (deficit)
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
	Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	594,011		$	36,498		$	802		$	-		$	631,311
	Revenue between consolidated entities		-			10,012			42,079			64			(52,155	)		-
	Net revenue		-			604,023			78,577			866			(52,155	)		631,311
	Operating expenses:
	Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation		-			169,082			18,135			215			-			187,432
	and amortization
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			171,388			3,118			285			-			174,791
	excluding depreciation and amortization
	Local service agreement fees between		-			42,079			9,780			296			(52,155	)		-
	consolidated entities
	Amortization of broadcast rights		-			28,365			5,844			107			-			34,316
	Amortization of intangible assets		-			22,914			2,728			208			-			25,850
	Depreciation		-			32,270			2,760			17			-			35,047
	Loss on asset disposal, net		-			568			70			-			-			638
	Total operating expenses		-			466,666			42,435			1,128			(52,155	)		458,074
	Income from operations		-			137,357			36,142			(262	)		-			173,237
	Interest expense, net		-			(51,804	)		(10,014	)		(141	)		-			(61,959	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(50	)		(21	)		-			-			(71	)
	Other expenses		-			(556	)		-			-			-			(556	)
	Equity in income of subsidiaries		48,466			-			-			48,466			(96,932	)		-
	Income before income taxes		48,466			84,947			26,107			48,063			(96,932	)		110,651
	Income tax (expense) benefit		-			(36,214	)		(10,023	)		136			-			(46,101	)
	Net income	$	48,466		$	48,733		$	16,084		$	48,199		$	(96,932	)	$	64,550
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	473,359		$	28,971		$	-		$	-		$	502,330
	Revenue between consolidated entities		-			9,740			39,513			-			(49,253	)		-
	Net revenue		-			483,099			68,484			-			(49,253	)		502,330
	Operating expenses:
	Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation		-			133,161			14,550			-			-			147,711
	and amortization
	Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			147,875			3,058			-			-			150,933
	excluding depreciation and amortization
	Local service agreement fees between consolidated		-			39,513			9,740			-			(49,253	)		-
	entities
	Amortization of broadcast rights		-			29,405			6,034			-			-			35,439
	Amortization of intangible assets		-			23,386			6,762			-			-			30,148
	Depreciation		-			30,043			3,535			-			-			33,578
	Loss on asset disposal, net		-			1,103			177			-			-			1,280
	Total operating expenses		-			404,486			43,856			-			(49,253	)		399,089
	Income from operations		-			78,613			24,628			-			-			103,241
	Interest expense, net		-			(50,062	)		(16,181	)		-			-			(66,243	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(20,392	)		(14,332	)		-			-			(34,724	)
	Other expenses		-			(1,157	)		(302	)		-			-			(1,459	)
	Equity in income of subsidiaries		1,961			-			-			1,961			(3,922	)		-
	Income (loss) before income taxes		1,961			7,002			(6,187	)		1,961			(3,922	)		815
	Income tax (expense) benefit		-			(5,041	)		2,441			-			-			(2,600	)
	Net income (loss)	$	1,961		$	1,961		$	(3,746	)	$	1,961		$	(3,922	)	$	(1,785	)
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)	$	-		$	360,022		$	18,610		$	-		$	-		$	378,632
	Revenue between consolidated entities		-			7,740			33,352			-			(41,092	)		-
	Net revenue		-			367,762			51,962			-			(41,092	)		378,632
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating expenses, excluding		-			84,444			7,320			-			-			91,764
depreciation and amortization
Selling, general, and administrative expenses,		-			114,648			2,887			-			-			117,535
excluding depreciation and amortization
Local service agreement fees between		-			33,352			7,740			-			(41,092	)		-
consolidated entities
Amortization of broadcast rights		-			18,172			4,239			-			-			22,411
Amortization of intangible assets		-			17,913			5,081			-			-			22,994
Depreciation		-			20,702			2,853			-			-			23,555
Loss (gain) on asset disposal, net		-			623			(155	)		-			-			468
Total operating expenses		-			289,854			29,965			-			(41,092	)		278,727
Income from operations		-			77,908			21,997			-			-			99,905
Interest expense, net		-			(36,522	)		(15,037	)		-			-			(51,559	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		-			(3,039	)		(233	)		-			-			(3,272	)
Equity in income of subsidiaries		135,250			-			-			135,250			(270,500	)		-
Income from continuing operations before		135,250			38,347			6,727			135,250			(270,500	)		45,074
income taxes
Income tax benefit		-			91,764			40,515			-			-			132,279
Income from continuing operations		135,250			130,111			47,242			135,250			(270,500	)		177,353
Gain on disposal of station, net of income		-			5,139			-			-			-			5,139
tax expense
Net income	$	135,250		$	135,250		$	47,242		$	135,250		$	(270,500	)	$	182,492
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Cash Flow Statement	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantors			Eliminations			Company
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	168,242		$	(1,928	)	$	213		$	-		$	166,527
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment		-			(20,153	)		(236	)		-			-			(20,389	)
	Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(163,533	)		(3,200	)		(58,300	)		15,300			(209,733	)
	Proceeds from sale of a station		-			15,300			-			-			(15,300	)		-
	Other investing activities		-			89			-			-			-			89
	Net cash used in investing activities		-			(168,297	)		(3,436	)		(58,300	)		-			(230,033	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from long-term debt		-			171,925			5,500			59,850			-			237,275
	Repayments of long-term debt		-			(68,849	)		(2,832	)		(750	)		-			(72,431	)
	Common stock dividends paid		(18,445	)		-			-			-			-			(18,445	)
	Inter-company payments		16,414			(16,414	)		-			-			-			-
	Other financing activities		2,031			7,553			(140	)		(453	)		-			8,991
	Net cash provided by financing		-			94,215			2,528			58,647			-			155,390
	activities
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and		-			94,160			(2,836	)		560			-			91,884
	cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			36,312			3,716			-			-			40,028
	of period
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of	$	-		$	130,472		$	880		$	560		$	-		$	131,912
	period
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	19,994		$	4,428		$	-		$	2,917		$	27,339
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment		-			(18,790	)		(165	)		-			-			(18,955	)
	Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(169,874	)		(59,508	)		-			-			(229,382	)
	Other investing activities		-			56			3,080			-			(2,917	)		219
	Net cash used in investing activities		-			(188,608	)		(56,593	)		-			(2,917	)		(248,118	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from long-term debt		-			459,563			195,000			-			-			654,563
	Repayments of long-term debt		-			(300,825	)		(138,010	)		-			-			(438,835	)
	Common stock dividends paid		(14,302	)		-			-			-			-			(14,302	)
	Purchase of treasury stock		(8,422	)		-			-			-			-			(8,422	)
	Inter-company payments		15,765			(15,765	)		-			-			-			-
	Other financing activities		6,959			(6,728	)		(1,427	)		-			-			(1,196	)
	Net cash provided by financing		-			136,245			55,563			-			-			191,808
	activities
	Net (decrease) increase in cash and		-			(32,369	)		3,398			-			-			(28,971	)
	cash equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			68,681			318			-			-			68,999
	of period
	Cash and cash equivalents at end	$	-		$	36,312		$	3,716		$	-		$	-		$	40,028
	of period
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
					Nexstar						Non-						Consolidated
		Nexstar			Broadcasting			Mission			Guarantor			Eliminations			Company
	Cash flows from operating activities	$	-		$	74,090		$	5,798		$	-		$	-		$	79,888
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property and equipment		-			(16,973	)		(287	)		-			-			(17,260	)
	Deposits and payments for acquisitions		-			(229,453	)		(6,000	)		-			-			(235,453	)
	Proceeds from disposal of station		-			13,860			-			-			-			13,860
	Other investing activities		-			40			196			-			-			236
	Net cash used in investing activities		-			(232,526	)		(6,091	)		-			-			(238,617	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt		-			560,750			48,000			-			-			608,750
Repayments of long-term debt		-			(328,719	)		(49,115	)		-			-			(377,834	)
Payments for debt financing costs		-			(13,066	)		(172	)		-			-			(13,238	)
Inter-company payments		(1,768	)		1,768			-			-			-			-
Other financing activities		1,768			736			-			-			-			2,504
Net cash provided by (used in)		-			221,469			(1,287	)		-			-			220,182
financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and		-			63,033			(1,580	)		-			-			61,453
cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning		-			5,648			1,898			-			-			7,546
of period
Cash and cash equivalents at end	$	-		$	68,681		$	318		$	-		$	-		$	68,999
of period

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data_Table

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2014		2014		2014
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net revenue		$	133,833	$	146,930	$	157,744	$	192,804
	Income from operations			27,700		34,942		41,696		68,899
	Income before income taxes			12,402		19,405		25,994		52,850
	Net income			7,353		10,944		15,404		30,849
	Basic net income per common share		$	0.24	$	0.36	$	0.5	$	1
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			30,603		30,641		30,888		30,962
	Diluted net income per common share		$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.48	$	0.96
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			31,909		31,932		32,067		32,102
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
			2013		2013		2013		2013(1)
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Net revenue		$	112,205	$	126,211	$	125,792	$	138,122
	Income from operations			17,818		28,192		25,153		32,078
	Income (loss) before income taxes			1,185		11,205		7,121		(18,696	)
	Net income (loss)			705		6,367		3,595		(12,452	)
	Basic net income (loss) per common share		$	0.02	$	0.22	$	0.12	$	(0.41	)
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding			29,461		29,604		30,048		30,465
	Diluted net income (loss) per common share		$	0.02	$	0.2	$	0.11	$	(0.41	)
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			31,054		31,325		31,509		30,465
	-1	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to					Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and					End of
			of Period		Expenses		Deductions(1)			Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		$	3,035	$	2,604	$	(2,637	)	$	3,002
	Year Ended December 31, 2013			1,965		2,697		(1,627	)		3,035
	Year Ended December 31, 2012			1,313		2,390		(1,738	)		1,965
	-1	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets Rollforward
					Additions
			Balance at		Charged to					Balance at
			Beginning		Costs and					End of
			of Period		Expenses		Deductions(1)			Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-
	Year Ended December 31, 2013			-		-		-			-
	Year Ended December 31, 2012			151,394		-		(151,394	)		-
	-1	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company released the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

Organization_and_Business_Oper1

Organization and Business Operations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014
	TelevisionStation
	Channel
	Market
	Viewer
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of markets in various states	49
Approximate number of viewers	16,200,000
Approximate number of viewers (in hundredths)	14.00%
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	87
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	26
ABC [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	20
NBC [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	16
FOX [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	19
CBS [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	16
The CW [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	8
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	2
MyNetworkTV [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	7
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	2
Telemundo [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	1
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	1
Bounce TV [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	9
Me-TV [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	8
LATV [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	1
Weather Nation Utah [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	1
This TV [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of digital multi-cast channels owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to	1
Independent Third Parties [Member]
Television stations and digital multi channel by affiliates [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned or operated by independent third parties	23
Number of digital multicast channels owned or operated by independent third parties	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended			2 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 29, 2011	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 12, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 09, 2012	Jan. 29, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	$237,275,000	$654,563,000	$608,750,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%	6.88%
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated variable interest entities	4,000,000
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Barter revenue	22,700,000	22,800,000	13,800,000
Barter expense	22,700,000	22,800,000	13,800,000
Revenue from trade transactions	8,500,000	8,700,000	8,100,000
Trade expense	8,700,000	7,900,000	7,000,000
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Network affiliation agreements useful life	15 years	15 years	15 years
Debt Financing Costs [Abstract]
Debt financing costs	17,000,000	18,000,000
Advertising Expense [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	2,700,000	2,600,000	2,100,000
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Options with potentially dilutive effect (in shares)	720,000	3,418,000	379,000
Time Brokerage Agreement [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Number of stations owned	2
Shared Services Agreement And Joint Sales Agreement [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Number of stations owned	18
Nonconsolidated VIEs [Member]
Variable Interest Entity Nonconsolidated Carrying Amount Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable for fees	500,000	1,800,000
Receivable for advertisements	700,000	2,500,000
Payments made under outsourcing agreement	1,400,000	5,300,000	10,300,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,500,000	195,000,000	48,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Debt redeemed				100,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,500,000
Term A Loan [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Borrowed debt at discount percentage	99.75%				99.75%	99.75%
Proceeds from long-term debt	172,200,000				147,200,000	25,000,000
6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Borrowed debt at discount percentage								100.25%
Debt instrument principal amount								275,000,000	250,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%								6.88%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt							40,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount										$275,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)										6.13%
Maximum [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Options expiration date year				2024
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Network affiliation agreements useful life	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Options expiration date year				2017
Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Network affiliation agreements useful life	12 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Consolidated VIEs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$131,912	$40,028	$68,999	$7,546
Accounts receivable, net	127,878	109,430
Deferred tax assets, net	41,737	38,585
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,137	13,123
Total current assets	317,664	201,166
Property and equipment, net	237,739	212,259
Goodwill	256,491	198,052	148,409
FCC licenses	275,313	222,757
Other intangible assets, net	194,129	162,721
Deferred tax assets, net	15,055	30,898
Other noncurrent assets, net	119,107	69,606
Total assets	1,462,225	1,163,722
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	15,840	6,857
Interest payable	4,601	4,661
Other current liabilities	5,543	4,807
Total current liabilities	97,266	83,922
Debt	1,220,304	1,064,262
Other noncurrent liabilities	33,876	20,689
Total liabilities	1,405,688	1,176,953
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,440	3,716
Accounts receivable, net	7,594	9,227
Deferred tax assets, net	9,389	8,160
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,657	1,742
Total current assets	21,080	22,845
Property and equipment, net	26,235	37,012
Goodwill	35,308	62,703
FCC licenses	46,727	66,263
Other intangible assets, net	30,333	52,373
Deferred tax assets, net	15,055	25,727
Other noncurrent assets, net	49,803	7,412
Total assets	224,541	274,335
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	5,137	2,334
Interest payable	28	26
Other current liabilities	7,852	6,639
Total current liabilities	13,017	8,999
Debt	289,161	230,131
Other noncurrent liabilities	10,018	8,132
Total liabilities	$312,196	$247,262

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Diluted Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	30,962	30,888	30,641	30,603	30,465	[1]	30,048	29,604	29,461	30,774	29,897	28,940
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments										1,229		1,792
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	32,102	32,067	31,932	31,909	30,465	[1]	31,509	31,325	31,054	32,003	29,897	30,732
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_1

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Citadel - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 13, 2014

Sep. 16, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Market

Market

TelevisionStation

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

Citadel [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Variable interest entity, qualitative or quantitative information, date involvement began

16-Sep-13

Number of television stations to be acquired

3

Number of television markets of stations to be acquired

3

Purchase price of entities acquired

87,900,000

Cash paid in business acquisition

22,000,000

Acquisition date

13-Mar-14

Decrease in goodwill recorded in acquisition

-19,000

New television markets entered

3

Acquisition related costs

100,000

400,000

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

1 year

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

30,500,000

6,900,000

Net income (loss)

33,701,000

800,000

Citadel [Member] | KCAU and WHBF [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid in business acquisition

44,900,000

Goodwill expected to be deductible for tax purposes

10,700,000

Indefinite lived intangible assets expected to be deductible for tax purposes

14,700,000

Finite lived intangible assets expected to be deductible for tax purposes

15,100,000

Citadel [Member] | WOI [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid in business acquisition

21,000,000

Goodwill not deductible for tax purposes until disposal

19,500,000

Indefinite lived intangible assets not deductible for tax purposes until disposal

10,000,000

Finite lived intangible assets not deductible for tax purposes until disposal

$11,000,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_2

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Schedule of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 16, 2013	Jun. 13, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$256,491	$198,052	$148,409
Citadel [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Broadcast rights				269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				305
Property and equipment				10,613
FCC licenses				24,700
Network affiliation agreements				26,129
Other intangible assets				3,398
Goodwill				30,195
Other assets				1,807
Total assets acquired				97,416
Less: Broadcast rights payable				-269
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses				-397
Less: Deferred tax liabilities				-8,801
Net assets acquired				87,949
KFQX [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
FCC licenses					1,539
Network affiliation agreements					1,744
Other intangible assets					20
Goodwill					697
Total assets acquired					4,000
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses					-13
Net assets acquired					$3,987

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_3

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Internet Broadcasting Systems - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations	$192,804,000	$157,744,000	$146,930,000	$133,833,000	$138,122,000	[1]	$125,792,000	$126,211,000	$112,205,000	$631,311,000	$502,330,000	$378,632,000
Net income (loss)	30,849,000	15,404,000	10,944,000	7,353,000	-12,452,000	[1]	3,595,000	6,367,000	705,000	64,550,000	-1,785,000	182,492,000
Internet Broadcasting Systems [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date													1-Apr-14
Purchase price of entities acquired													18,800,000
Acquisition related costs										100,000
One time employment charges										500,000
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets													5 years
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations														15,800,000
Net income (loss)														($900,000)
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_4

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014	15-May-14	Jun. 13, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014	Dec. 01, 2012	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$256,491	$198,052	$148,409
Internet Broadcasting Systems [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable				631
Prepaid expenses and other current assets				154
Property and equipment				2,851
Software and other intangible assets				10,853
Goodwill				6,396
Total assets acquired				20,885
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses				-1,119
Less: Deferred revenue				-976
Net assets acquired				18,790
ETG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash					433
Accounts receivable					210
Prepaid expenses and other current assets					84
Property and equipment					75
Software and other intangible assets					4,329
Goodwill					4,432
Total assets acquired					9,563
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses					-368
Less: Deferred revenue					-219
Less: Deferred tax liabilities					-1,792
Net assets acquired					7,184
Gray TV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable						1,831
Broadcast rights						98
Prepaid expenses and other current assets						75
Property and equipment						12,513
FCC licenses						5,950
Network affiliation agreements						7,719
Other intangible assets						1,878
Goodwill						4,895
Total assets acquired						34,959
Less: Broadcast rights payable						-98
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses						-361
Net assets acquired						34,500
Grant [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash							1,834
Accounts receivable							7,708
Broadcast rights							9,213
Prepaid expenses and other current assets							157
Property and equipment							22,971
FCC licenses							25,531
Network affiliation agreements							27,614
Other intangible assets							3,101
Goodwill							42,038
Other assets							34
Total assets acquired							140,201
Less: Broadcast rights payable							-10,337
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses							-4,160
Less: Capital lease obligation							-4,446
Less: Software agreement obligation							-562
Less: Taxes payable							-6,618
Less: Deferred tax liabilities							-21,665
Net assets acquired							92,413
Newport [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Broadcast rights								9,346
Prepaid expenses and other current assets								728
Property and equipment								44,314
FCC licenses								80,838
Network affiliation agreements								52,817
Other intangible assets								11,149
Goodwill								36,501
Other assets								1,015
Total assets acquired								236,708
Less: Broadcast rights payable								-10,274
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses								-1,204
Less: Deferred revenue								-216
Less: Other liabilities								-2
Net assets acquired								225,012
KLRT/KASN [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Broadcast rights		2,279
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		71
Property and equipment		11,153
FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs		16,827
Network affiliation agreements		17,002
Other intangible assets		2,511
Goodwill		12,727
Other assets		7
Total assets acquired		62,577
Less: Broadcast rights payable		-2,492
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses		-386
Net assets acquired		59,699
KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Broadcast rights		72
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		351
Property and equipment		9,343
FCC licenses		14,318
Network affiliation agreements		9,307
Other intangible assets		1,310
Goodwill		1,077
Total assets acquired		35,778
Less: Broadcast rights payable		-72
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses		-196
Less: Deferred revenue		-57
Net assets acquired		35,453
KSEE [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets									140
Property and equipment									7,350
FCC licenses									7,385
Network affiliation agreements									7,870	2,119
Other intangible assets									107	439
Goodwill									3,838
Total assets acquired									26,690
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses									-194
Net assets acquired									26,496
WFFF/WVNY [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Broadcast rights										1,030
Prepaid expenses and other current assets										150
Property and equipment										7,100
FCC licenses										2,797
FCC licenses of consolidated VIEs										2,797
Goodwill										1,787
Total assets acquired										18,219
Less: Broadcast rights payable										-1,145
Less: Accounts payable and accrued expenses										-504
Less: Deferred revenue										-19
Net assets acquired										$16,551

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_5

Acquisitions and Dispositions - ETG - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	15-May-14	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations	$192,804,000	$157,744,000	$146,930,000	$133,833,000	$138,122,000	[1]	$125,792,000	$126,211,000	$112,205,000	$631,311,000	$502,330,000	$378,632,000
Net income (loss)	30,849,000	15,404,000	10,944,000	7,353,000	-12,452,000	[1]	3,595,000	6,367,000	705,000	64,550,000	-1,785,000	182,492,000
ETG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date													15-May-14
Purchase price of entities acquired													7,200,000
Acquisition related costs										0
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets													5 years
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations														3,000,000
Net income (loss)														($200,000)
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_6

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Gray TV - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 13, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

27-May-14

Market

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

Gray TV [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition date

13-Jun-14

Cash paid in business acquisition

34,500,000

New television markets entered

2

Acquisition related costs

100,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

1 year 6 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

9,800,000

Net income (loss)

3,900,000

KFQX [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition related costs

0

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

11 months

Purchase price of entities to be acquired

4,000,000

Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business

$3,200,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_7

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Grant - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Dec. 01, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 01, 2014

Dec. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

TelevisionStation

Market

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price of entities acquired

$13,900,000

$13,860,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

192,804,000

157,744,000

146,930,000

133,833,000

138,122,000

[1]

125,792,000

126,211,000

112,205,000

631,311,000

502,330,000

378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

Grant [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price of entities acquired

92,400,000

Number of television stations acquired

7

Number of television market of stations acquired

4

Acquisition date

1-Dec-14

Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business

8,500,000

Remaining purchase price paid to seller

83,100,000

New television markets to be entered

3

New market duopolies to be operated

3

Acquisition related costs

300,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

5 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

3,600,000

Net income (loss)

300,000

Grant [Member] | Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Purchase price of entities acquired

15,300,000

Grant [Member] | Accrued Liabilities

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Remaining unpaid working capital adjustment

$800,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_8

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Newport/Inergize - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 01, 2012

TelevisionStation

Market

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

Newport [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of television stations acquired

10

Number of television market of stations acquired

7

Acquisition date

1-Dec-12

Purchase price of entities acquired

225,000,000

Acquisition related costs

1,700,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

1 year 6 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

8,000,000

Net income (loss)

$500,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Acquisitions_and_Dispositions_9

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KLRT/KASN (Newport) - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 18, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt										$237,275,000	$654,563,000	$608,750,000
Network affiliation agreements useful life										15 years	15 years	15 years
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations	192,804,000	157,744,000	146,930,000	133,833,000	138,122,000	[1]	125,792,000	126,211,000	112,205,000	631,311,000	502,330,000	378,632,000
Net income (loss)	30,849,000	15,404,000	10,944,000	7,353,000	-12,452,000	[1]	3,595,000	6,367,000	705,000	64,550,000	-1,785,000	182,492,000
KLRT/KASN [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date														1-Jan-13
Purchase price of entities acquired														59,700,000
Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business															6,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt										60,000,000
Acquisition related costs											0	100,000
Network affiliation agreements useful life													15 years
Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets													1 year
Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations											20,400,000
Net income (loss)											$9,400,000
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Recovered_Sheet1

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE (Newport) - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

KGET/KKEY-LP/KGPE [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business

3,500,000

Purchase price of entities acquired

35,400,000

Acquisition date

1-Feb-13

Acquisition related costs

200,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

10 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

25,000,000

Net income (loss)

$300,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Recovered_Sheet2

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KSEE - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

11 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

31-May-13

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

KSEE [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Variable interest entity, qualitative or quantitative information, date involvement began

1-Feb-13

Acquisition date

31-May-13

Cash paid in business acquisition

6,500,000

20,000,000

Purchase price of entities acquired

26,500,000

Acquisition related costs

0

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

5 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

6,600,000

Net income (loss)

$4,700,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Recovered_Sheet3

Acquisitions and Dispositions - WFFF/WVNY - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

10 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

15 years

15 years

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

$192,804,000

$157,744,000

$146,930,000

$133,833,000

$138,122,000

[1]

$125,792,000

$126,211,000

$112,205,000

$631,311,000

$502,330,000

$378,632,000

Net income (loss)

30,849,000

15,404,000

10,944,000

7,353,000

-12,452,000

[1]

3,595,000

6,367,000

705,000

64,550,000

-1,785,000

182,492,000

WFFF/WVNY [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisition date

1-Mar-13

Purchase price of entities acquired

16,600,000

Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business

800,000

Acquisition related costs

100,000

Network affiliation agreements useful life

15 years

Weighted average estimated useful life of other intangible assets

6 months

Revenue included in consolidated statement of operations

10,100,000

Net income (loss)

$1,800,000

[1]

During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Recovered_Sheet4

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Stainless - Additional Information (Details) (Stainless [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Stainless [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities to be acquired	$15,300,000
Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business	200,000
Acquisition related costs		$400,000

Recovered_Sheet5

Acquisitions and Dispositions - CCA - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2015
				Market	Market
					TelevisionStation
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired	$13,900,000	$13,860,000
Cca And White Knight
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business			27,000,000
Acquisition related costs				700,000
New television markets to be entered				7
New market duopolies to be operated				6
Cca And White Knight | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired					270,000,000
Number of television stations to be acquired					19
Number of television markets of stations to be acquired					10
Acquisition date					1-Jan-15
Cca And White Knight | Subsequent Event [Member] | Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired					43,300,000
Cca And White Knight | Subsequent Event [Member] | Bayou City Broadcasting Evansville Inc
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired					$26,900,000

Recovered_Sheet6

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KASW - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%		6.88%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)				6.13%
KASW [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	$0
KASW [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.13%
KASW [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired		$68,000,000
Acquisition date		30-Jan-15

Recovered_Sheet7

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KCWI - Additional Information (Details) (KCWI [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 24, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
KCWI [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities to be acquired	$3,500,000
Deposit paid upon signing an agreement to acquire a business	200,000
Acquisition related costs		$0

Recovered_Sheet8

Acquisitions and Dispositions - KLAS - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)		6.88%	6.88%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)				6.13%
KLAS [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired	$145,000,000
Acquisition related costs		$100,000
Acquisition date	13-Feb-15
KLAS [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.13%

Recovered_Sheet9

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Yashi - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 29, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)		6.88%	6.88%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)				6.13%
Yashi [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of entities acquired	$33
Acquisition date	2-Feb-15
Yashi [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.13%

Recovered_Sheet10

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Unaudited Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net revenue	$677,105	$565,873	$498,859
Income before income taxes	115,191	3,111	54,253
Net income (loss)	$67,663	($95)	$188,079
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - basic	$2.16	($0.02)	$6.50
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Nexstar - diluted	$2.08	($0.02)	$6.12

Recovered_Sheet11

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Beaumont Station Sale - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Proceeds from disposal of station	$13,900,000	$13,860,000
Working capital sold	100,000
Gain on disposal of station, net of income tax expense of $3,098	5,100,000	5,139,000
Gain on disposal of station, income tax expense	3,100,000	3,098,000
Net revenue of KBTV		4,100,000
Operating expenses of KBTV		$4,000,000

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$454,030	$404,147
Less: accumulated depreciation	-216,291	-191,888
Property and equipment, net	237,739	212,259
Buildings and improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	65,050	55,338
Estimated useful life	39 years	39 years
Land [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	16,699	14,479
Leasehold improvements [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	7,633	4,396
Studio and transmission equipment [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	305,075	278,014
Studio and transmission equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Studio and transmission equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	15 years	15 years
Office equipment and furniture [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	36,128	29,580
Office equipment and furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Office equipment and furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life	7 years	7 years
Vehicles [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	14,329	12,924
Estimated useful life	5 years	5 years
Construction in progress [Member]
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$9,116	$9,416

Property_and_Equipment_Additio

Property and Equipment - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Software [Abstract]
Capitalized software	4.3	2.9
Current liability related to Software	1.6	1.1
Non-current liability related to Software	4.2	3.3
Telecommunications tower facilities [Member]
Deferred Gain on Sale and Leaseback [Abstract]
Gain on sale of property	9.1
Telecommunications tower facilities [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Deferred Gain on Sale and Leaseback [Abstract]
Deferred gain on sale of assets	2.3	2.7
Telecommunications tower facilities [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Deferred Gain on Sale and Leaseback [Abstract]
Deferred gain on sale of assets	0.4	0.4
Software [Member]
Software [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	3 years	3 years
Capital Leased Property and Equipment [Member]
Software [Abstract]
Capital lease obligations	4.6
Capital lease obligations, current	0.1
Capital lease obligations, noncurrent	4.5

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	15 years	15 years	15 years
Gross	$530,940	$475,453
Accumulated Amortization	-336,811	-312,732
Net	194,129	162,721
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	12 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	20 years
Network affiliation agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	15 years	15 years
Gross	478,888	441,811
Accumulated Amortization	-310,097	-291,154
Net	168,791	150,657
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross	52,052	33,642
Accumulated Amortization	-26,714	-21,578
Net	$25,338	$12,064
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	1 year	1 year
Other definite-lived intangible assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	15 years	15 years

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 01, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	15 years	15 years	15 years
Terminated customer contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired contracts, fair value				$1,400,000
Contract termination fees received		5,500,000
Additional amortization of intangible assets		1,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	12 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated useful life, in years	20 years

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill4

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Estimated Amortization Expense of Definite-Lived Intangibles Assets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense Current And Five Succeeding Fiscal Years [Abstract]
2015	$28,363
2016	20,776
2017	19,832
2018	17,614
2019	14,675
Thereafter	92,869
Net	$194,129	$162,721

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill5

Intangible Assets and Goodwill - Goodwill and FCC Licenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross	$302,482	$244,043	$194,400
Goodwill, Accumulated Impairment	-45,991	-45,991	-45,991
Goodwill, Net	256,491	198,052	148,409
FCC Licenses [Abstract]
FCC Licenses, Gross	371,461	338,441	269,617
FCC Licenses, Accumulated Impairment	-49,421	-49,421	-49,421
FCC Licenses, Net	322,040	289,020	220,196
Acquisitions and consolidation of VIEs [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill Acquisitions, Gross	58,439	49,643
Goodwill Acquisitions, Net	58,439	49,643
FCC Licenses [Abstract]
FCC Licenses Acquisitions, Gross	33,020	68,824
FCC Licenses Acquisitions, Net	$33,020	$68,824

Accrued_Expenses_Accrued_Expen

Accrued Expenses - Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Compensation and related taxes	$9,874	$9,744
Sales commissions	3,073	2,556
Employee benefits	2,345	1,354
Property taxes	841	649
Other	16,498	9,839
Accrued expenses	$32,631	$24,142

Debt_Long_Term_Debt_Details

Debt - Long Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	$1,236,144,000		$1,071,119,000
Less: current portion	-15,840,000		-6,857,000
Debt, noncurrent	1,220,304,000		1,064,262,000
Term Loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	705,054,000	[1]	545,450,000	[1]
Revolving loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	5,500,000
6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt	$525,590,000	[2]	$525,669,000	[2]
[1]	The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
[2]	The fair value of Nexstarbs fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.

Debt_Long_Term_Debt_Parentheti

Debt - Long Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 09, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Interest rate	6.88%	6.88%
Term Loans [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt discount	$1,725	$1,554
6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Long term Debt [Abstract]
Debt premium	$590	$669
Interest rate	6.88%		6.88%

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					2 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 27, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 12, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 10, 2014	Nov. 28, 2014	5-May-14	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 10, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 09, 2012	Jan. 29, 2015	Nov. 18, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 19, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	$237,275,000		$654,563,000		$608,750,000
Debt	1,236,144,000		1,071,119,000						1,071,119,000										1,236,144,000
Repayment of debt	72,431,000		438,835,000		377,806,000
Debt issuance cost	17,000,000		18,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%		6.88%						6.88%										6.88%
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	-71,000		-34,724,000		-3,272,000
Debt Covenants [Abstract]
Maximum consolidated total net leverage ratio	6.75 to 1.00
Maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio	4.0 to 1.00
Minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	1.20 to 1.00
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt						40,000,000
Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	172,200,000						147,200,000	25,000,000
Borrowed debt at discount percentage	99.75%						99.75%	99.75%											99.75%
Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	705,054,000	[1]	545,450,000	[1]					545,450,000	[1]									705,054,000	[1]
Repayment of debt			1,900,000
6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowed debt at discount percentage																					100.25%
Debt	525,590,000	[2]	525,669,000	[2]					525,669,000	[2]									525,590,000	[2]
Frequency of periodic payments	semiannually
Debt instrument principal amount																					275,000,000	250,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%																		6.88%			6.88%
Aggregate principal amount of debt that can be redeemed (in hundredths)	35.00%																		35.00%
Redemption price as a percentage of debt principal that can be redeemed (in hundredths)	106.88%																		106.88%
Redemption price of a debt as percentage of par value upon occurrence of change of control. (in hundredths)	101.00%																		101.00%
Principal amount of outstanding note percentage	25.00%																		25.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Frequency of periodic payments	semiannually
Aggregate principal amount of debt that can be redeemed (in hundredths)	40.00%																		40.00%
Redemption price as a percentage of debt principal that can be redeemed (in hundredths)	106.13%																		106.13%
Redemption price as percentage of debt principal amount that can be redeemed at any time prior	100.00%																		100.00%
Redemption price of a debt as percentage of par value upon occurrence of change of control. (in hundredths)	101.00%																		101.00%
Principal amount of outstanding note percentage	25.00%																		25.00%
6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument principal amount																							275,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)																							6.13%
8.875% Senior secured second lien notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Frequency of periodic payments	semiannually
Debt instrument principal amount																										325,000,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)			8.88%						8.88%																8.88%	8.88%
Senior secured second lien notes due	2017
Debt redeemed			314,600,000						314,600,000												292,700,000			21,900,000	10,400,000
Redemption price as percentage of par value (in hundredths)																					108.88%			107.00%	108.20%
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	-34,300,000								-34,300,000
Nexstar [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fees	0.50%
Debt	0		0						0										0
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	2.40%		2.40%
Proceeds from lines of credit	5,500,000
Nexstar [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit											40,000,000	40,000,000
Nexstar [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan commitments																		75,000,000
Nexstar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan commitments																		95,000,000
Nexstar [Member] | Term Loan B-2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of outstanding principal balance													1,100,000
Maturity date	31-Oct-20
Percentage of debt amount payable in consecutively quarterly installments (in hundredths)	0.25%
Frequency of periodic payments	quarterly
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	3.75%		3.75%
Nexstar [Member] | Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of outstanding principal balance													500,000	60,000,000	3,200,000
Commitment fees			0.50%													1.00%
Term loan commitments			144,000,000						144,000,000							159,000,000
Maturity date	30-Jun-18
Minimum percentage of debt amount to be repaid annually	5.00%
Maximum percentage of debt amount to be repaid annually	10.00%
Frequency of periodic payments	quarterly
Nexstar [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	416,300,000		313,000,000						313,000,000										416,300,000
Repayment of debt	4,000,000
Nexstar [Member] | Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	2.40%		2.40%
Nexstar [Member] | 6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost			3,500,000		4,700,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,500,000		195,000,000		48,000,000
Extinguishment of Debt Disclosures [Abstract]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	-21,000		-14,332,000		-233,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	5,500,000		0						0										5,500,000
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	2.40%		2.40%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit												5,500,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan commitments																		8,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving loan commitments																		30,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loan B-2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Prepayment of outstanding principal balance																	1,000,000
Maturity date	31-Oct-20
Percentage of debt amount payable in consecutively quarterly installments (in hundredths)	0.25%
Frequency of periodic payments	quarterly
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	3.75%		3.75%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan re-allocated to Nexstar							60,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term A Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fees																0.50%
Term loan commitments																60,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term A Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fees																1.00%
Term loan commitments																90,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	229,700,000		232,500,000						232,500,000										229,700,000
Repayment of debt	1,800,000		1,100,000
Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	0																		0
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt																		2,000,000
Available borrowing capacity	99,500,000																		99,500,000
Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from long-term debt						1,000,000
Proceeds from lines of credit						40,000,000
Repayments of lines of credit						5,500,000
Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc | Term A Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowed debt at discount percentage																		99.75%
Maturity date	30-Jun-18
Minimum percentage of debt amount to be repaid annually	5.00%
Maximum percentage of debt amount to be repaid annually	10.00%
Frequency of periodic payments	quarterly
Interest rate during the period (in hundredths)	2.40%
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt																		60,000,000
Marshall Broadcasting Group Inc | Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	59,100,000																		59,100,000
Repayment of debt	800,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt																			$43,000,000
[1]	The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
[2]	The fair value of Nexstarbs fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.

Debt_Fair_Value_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Fair Value of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Debt, Carrying Amount	$1,236,144,000		$1,071,119,000
Term Loans [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Debt, Carrying Amount	705,054,000	[1]	545,450,000	[1]
Debt, Fair Value	697,420,000	[1]	546,818,000	[1]
Revolving loans [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Debt, Carrying Amount	5,500,000
Debt, Fair Value	5,386,000
6.875 % Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value of debt [Line Items]
Debt, Carrying Amount	525,590,000	[2]	525,669,000	[2]
Debt, Fair Value	$547,313,000	[2]	$561,750,000	[2]
[1]	The fair value of senior secured credit facilities is computed based on borrowing rates currently available to the Company for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
[2]	The fair value of Nexstarbs fixed rate debt is estimated based on bid prices obtained from an investment banking firm that regularly makes a market for these financial instruments. These fair value measurements are considered Level 2, as quoted market prices are available for low volume trading of these securities.

Debt_Maturities_of_Debt_Detail

Debt - Maturities of Debt (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Maturities [Abstract]
2015	$15,840
2016	22,139
2017	33,594
2018	168,614
2019	4,983
Thereafter	992,109
Debt	$1,237,279

Contract_Termination_Additiona

Contract Termination - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 04, 2014	7-May-10
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services		87
Nexstar [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Number of television stations owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services	24
Number of markets entered for sales representation	14
Katz [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
National sales representation contract termination payment made by new representative	$8
Term of national sales representation agreement	10 years
Present value of contract termination payments made by new national sales representative	7.2
Additional liability recognized						0.2
Contractual termination payment to be made by new representative					0.4
Current portion of deferred representation fee incentive		0.8	0.7
Deferred representation fee incentive		2.2	2.8
Incentives as a reduction in selling, general and administrative expense		$0.80	$0.80	$0.80

Common_Stock_Additional_Inform

Common Stock - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Annual cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)			$0.60	$0.48
Portion converted from Class B common stock to Class A common stock by the former principal stockholder (in shares)	3,865,384
Stock repurchased and held in treasury				$8,422
Stock held as treasury reissued (in shares)		365,384
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights			1
Annual cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)			$0.60
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares				7,702,471	5,709,117
Portion converted from Class B common stock to Class A common stock by the former principal stockholder (in shares)				7,702,471	5,709,117
Number of shares sold by former principal stockholder (in shares)				7,337,087	5,709,117
Stock repurchased and held in treasury (in shares)				365,384
Stock repurchased and held in treasury				$8,400
Common stock, shares outstanding		30,598,535	31,172,060	30,598,535	21,677,248	15,387,131
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights			10
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, shares				-7,702,471	-5,709,117
Common stock, shares outstanding		0	0	0	7,702,471	13,411,588
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock voting rights			0
Common stock, shares outstanding		0	0	0

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Stock-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$7,598,000	$2,080,000	$1,362,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost	22,400,000
Unrecognized compensation cost reorganization period	2 years 10 months 24 days
Shares Available for Grant, Balances	397,500	1,158,000
Shares Available for Grant, 2012 Plan shares approved (in shares)	1,500,000
Two Thousand Twelve Long Term Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares Available for Grant, Balances	397,500
Stock Options [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	797,500	0	1,000,000
Outstanding Options at end of the period (in shares)	2,742,275	2,575,800
Share based payment award expiration period	10 years
Number of options that can be exercised within six months grant date (in shares)	0
Non-vested Shares, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised	26,500,000	44,500,000	3,900,000
Aggregate fair value of options vested	$2,100,000	$2,100,000	$900,000
Stock Options [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	4 years
Cancellation period for unexercised vested options	30 days
Stock Options [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period	5 years
Cancellation period for unexercised vested options	180 days
Restricted stock units [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock award, gross	20,500
Restricted stock units unvested	20,500
Share-based payment award vesting period	4 years

Summary_of_Fair_Value_Options_

Summary of Fair Value Options Granted (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility		88.40%
Risk-free interest rates		1.20%
Expected life	7 years	7 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share	$31.87	$7.37
Minimum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	87.00%
Risk-free interest rates	2.10%
Dividend yields	1.10%
Maximum [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility	87.20%
Risk-free interest rates	2.30%
Dividend yields	1.50%

Summary_of_Stock_Award_Activit

Summary of Stock Award Activity and Related Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Outstanding Options, Shares Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Balances (in shares)	397,500		1,158,000
Stock Options [Member]
Outstanding Options, Shares Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Options granted (in shares)	-797,500
Shares Available for Grant, Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	57,500
Outstanding Options, Shares [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Options at beginning of the period (in shares)	2,575,800
Stock options granted (in shares)	797,500		0	1,000,000
Options Exercised (in shares)	-573,525
Options Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-57,500
Outstanding Options at end of the period (in shares)	2,742,275		2,575,800
Outstanding Options Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	1,455,275
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 (in shares)	2,713,295
Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$6.24
Options granted Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$45.92
Option Exercised Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$3.54
Options Forfeited/cancelled Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$41.21
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price, end of period (in dollars per share)	$17.61		$6.24
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$6.20
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$17.39
Outstanding Options Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 5 months 9 days
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 8 months 5 days
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 4 months 28 days
Outstanding Options Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$93,728	[1]
Outstanding Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	66,351	[1]
Outstanding Options Fully vested and expected to vest Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$93,339	[1]
Non-vested Options, Shares [Roll Forward]
Non-vested Shares, beginning of the period (in shares)	934,000
Non-vested Shares, Options granted (in shares)	797,500
Non-vested Shares, Vested (in shares)	-392,000
Non-vested Shares, Forfeited/cancelled (in shares)	-52,500
Non-vested Shares, end of the period (in shares)	1,287,000		934,000
Non-vested Shares, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Non-vested shares, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$6.33
Non-vested shares Vested, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$5.27
Non-vested shares Forfeited/cancelled, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (in dollars per share)	$30.94
Non-vested shares, Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value, end of the period (in dollars per share)	$21.48
Restricted stock units [Member]
Outstanding Options, Shares Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Shares Available for Grant, Restricted stock units awarded (in shares)	-20,500
[1]	Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the closing market price of Nexstarbs common stock on the last day of the fiscal period, which was $51.79 on DecemberB 31, 2014, and the stock option exercise prices multiplied by the number of options outstanding.

Summary_of_Stock_Award_Activit1

Summary of Stock Award Activity and Related Information (Parenthetical) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]
Non-vested Shares, Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Common stock market price at the end of reporting period (in dollars per share)	$51.79

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax (benefit) expense [Abstract]
Federal	$402	($681)	$681
State	2,230	480	1,518
Current tax (benefit) expense	2,632	-201	2,199
Deferred tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Federal	38,176	2,069	-127,131
State	5,293	732	-4,249
Deferred tax expense (benefit)	43,469	2,801	-131,380
Income tax expense (benefit)	$46,101	$2,600	($129,181)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax (Benefit) Expense Allocable to Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income tax expense (benefit) tax allocation [Abstract]
Continuing operations	$46,101	$2,600	($132,279)
Discontinued operations			3,098
Income tax expense (benefit)	$46,101	$2,600	($129,181)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	31-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance			($151,394,000)
Statutory federal income tax rate (in hundredths)		35.00%
Gross unrecognized tax benefits		3,700,000	3,700,000	3,700,000
Accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits			0	0	0
Increase of equity if deferred tax assets are ultimately realized		14,800,000
Conversion of stock shares by principal stockholder (in shares)	3,865,384
2015		209,000,000
2016		91,000,000
2017		91,000,000
2018		45,000,000
Annually thereafter		21,000,000
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		333,000,000
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards		$69,900,000

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Expense Reconciliation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective income tax expense reconciliation [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit) at 35% statutory federal rate	$38,752	$285	$15,777
Change in valuation allowance			-151,394
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit	5,373	599	2,616
Nondeductible compensation	690	479	702
Nondeductible acquisition costs	342	611
Nondeductible meals and entertainment	381	321	255
Other	563	305	-235
Income tax expense (benefit)	$46,101	$2,600	($132,279)

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo1

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Asset Liability (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$106,890	$134,596
Deferred revenue	1,111	1,071
Deferred gain on sale of assets	1,084	1,250
Other	14,607	11,535
Total deferred tax assets	123,692	148,452
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment	-9,528	-5,803
Other intangible assets	-18,933	-9,272
Goodwill	-24,352	-22,608
FCC licenses	-58,197	-41,286
Other	-114
Total deferred tax liabilities	-111,124	-78,969
Net deferred tax assets	$12,568	$69,483

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Payments for Un-booked Broadcast Rights (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Broadcast Rights Commitments [Abstract]
2015	$7,946
2016	7,024
2017	4,251
2018	976
2019	446
Thereafter	833
Future minimum payment due for license agreement, total	$21,476

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Station
Operating Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense	$7.10	$6.20	$5.60
Collective Bargaining Agreements [Abstract]
Number of stations covered under collective bargaining agreements	9
Guarantee of Mission Debt [Member]
Guarantees of Mission and Marshall Debt [Abstract]
Maximum commitment under senior secured credit facility	238.1
Commitment under senior secured credit facility at carrying Value	235.6
Marshall Debt [Member]
Guarantees of Mission and Marshall Debt [Abstract]
Maximum commitment under senior secured credit facility	61.2
Commitment under senior secured credit facility at carrying Value	$59.20

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies -Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases [Abstract]
2015	$7,154
2016	7,132
2017	7,244
2018	7,295
2019	7,401
Thereafter	24,964
Operating leases future minimum payments due, total	$61,190

Commitments_and_Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Capital Leases [Abstract]
2015	$351
2016	361
2017	331
2018	315
2019	328
Thereafter	6,674
Capital leases future minimum payments due, total	8,360
Less: Amount representing interest	3,765
Present value of future lease payments	$4,595

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.88%	6.88%
Senior note 6.875% due 2020 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.88%
Nexstar Holdings [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Controlling ownership percentage	100.00%
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Controlling ownership percentage	100.00%

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$131,912	$40,028	$68,999	$7,546
Other current assets	185,752	161,138
Total current assets	317,664	201,166
Property and equipment, net	237,739	212,259
Goodwill	256,491	198,052	148,409
FCC licenses	322,040	289,020
Other intangible assets, net	194,129	162,721
Other noncurrent assets	134,162	100,504
Total assets	1,462,225	1,163,722
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	15,840	6,857
Other current liabilities	81,426	77,065
Total current liabilities	97,266	83,922
Debt	1,220,304	1,064,262
Other noncurrent liabilities	88,118	28,769
Total liabilities	1,405,688	1,176,953
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	56,537	-13,231	2,239	-184,119
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	1,462,225	1,163,722
Nexstar [Member]
Current assets:
Investments in subsidiaries	109,567	61,100
Amounts due from consolidated entities	1,476	259
Total assets	111,043	61,359
Current liabilities:
Other noncurrent liabilities	-3	-3
Total liabilities	-3	-3
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	111,046	61,362
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	111,043	61,359
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	130,472	36,312	68,681	5,648
Amounts due from consolidated entities		3,847
Other current assets	166,112	146,298
Total current assets	296,584	186,457
Amounts due from consolidated entities	13,764	14,981
Property and equipment, net	211,504	185,499
Goodwill	221,183	165,563
FCC licenses	275,313	247,457
Other intangible assets, net	163,796	138,683
Other noncurrent assets	65,451	69,161
Total assets	1,247,595	1,007,801
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	10,703	4,523
Amounts due to consolidated entities	29,026
Other current liabilities	73,546	72,115
Total current liabilities	113,275	76,638
Debt	931,143	834,131
Other noncurrent liabilities	78,101	20,690
Total liabilities	1,122,519	931,459
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	125,076	76,342
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	1,247,595	1,007,801
Mission [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	880	3,716	318	1,898
Amounts due from consolidated entities	29,867
Other current assets	17,972	14,840
Total current assets	48,719	18,556
Property and equipment, net	24,166	26,760
Goodwill	32,489	32,489
FCC licenses	41,563	41,563
Other intangible assets, net	21,310	24,038
Other noncurrent assets	23,818	31,343
Total assets	192,065	174,749
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	1,837	2,334
Amounts due to consolidated entities		3,847
Other current liabilities	6,713	4,950
Total current liabilities	8,550	11,131
Debt	233,357	230,131
Other noncurrent liabilities	8,667	8,080
Total liabilities	250,574	249,342
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	-58,509	-74,593
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	192,065	174,749
Non-Guarantors [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	560
Other current assets	1,668
Total current assets	2,228
Investments in subsidiaries	124,809	76,342
Property and equipment, net	2,069
Goodwill	2,819
FCC licenses	5,164
Other intangible assets, net	9,023
Other noncurrent assets	44,893
Total assets	191,005	76,342
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt	3,300
Amounts due to consolidated entities	841
Other current liabilities	1,167
Total current liabilities	5,308
Debt	55,804
Amounts due to consolidated entities	15,240	15,240
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,353	2
Total liabilities	77,705	15,242
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	113,300	61,100
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	191,005	76,342
Eliminations [Member]
Current assets:
Amounts due from consolidated entities	-29,867	-3,847
Total current assets	-29,867	-3,847
Investments in subsidiaries	-234,376	-137,442
Amounts due from consolidated entities	-15,240	-15,240
Total assets	-279,483	-156,529
Current liabilities:
Amounts due to consolidated entities	-29,867	-3,847
Total current liabilities	-29,867	-3,847
Amounts due to consolidated entities	-15,240	-15,240
Total liabilities	-45,107	-19,087
Stockholders' equity (deficit)	-234,376	-137,442
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	($279,483)	($156,529)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 01, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)											$631,311	$502,330	$378,632
Net revenue		192,804	157,744	146,930	133,833	138,122	[1]	125,792	126,211	112,205	631,311	502,330	378,632
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											187,432	147,711	91,764
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											174,791	150,933	117,535
Amortization of broadcast rights											34,316	35,439	22,411
Amortization of intangible assets											25,850	30,148	22,994
Depreciation											35,047	33,578	23,555
Loss on asset disposal, net											638	1,280	468
Total operating expenses											458,074	399,089	278,727
Income from operations		68,899	41,696	34,942	27,700	32,078	[1]	25,153	28,192	17,818	173,237	103,241	99,905
Interest expense, net											-61,959	-66,243	-51,559
Loss on extinguishment of debt											-71	-34,724	-3,272
Other expenses											-556	-1,459
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		52,850	25,994	19,405	12,402	-18,696	[1]	7,121	11,205	1,185	110,651	815	45,074
Income tax (expense) benefit											-46,101	-2,600	132,279
Income (loss) from continuing operations											64,550	-1,785	177,353
Gain on disposal of station, net of income tax expense	5,100												5,139
Net income (loss)		30,849	15,404	10,944	7,353	-12,452	[1]	3,595	6,367	705	64,550	-1,785	182,492
Nexstar [Member]
Operating expenses:
Equity in income of subsidiaries											48,466	1,961	135,250
Income from continuing operations before income taxes											48,466	1,961	135,250
Income (loss) from continuing operations													135,250
Net income (loss)											48,466	1,961	135,250
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)											594,011	473,359	360,022
Revenue between consolidated entities											10,012	9,740	7,740
Net revenue											604,023	483,099	367,762
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											169,082	133,161	84,444
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											171,388	147,875	114,648
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities											42,079	39,513	33,352
Amortization of broadcast rights											28,365	29,405	18,172
Amortization of intangible assets											22,914	23,386	17,913
Depreciation											32,270	30,043	20,702
Loss on asset disposal, net											568	1,103	623
Total operating expenses											466,666	404,486	289,854
Income from operations											137,357	78,613	77,908
Interest expense, net											-51,804	-50,062	-36,522
Loss on extinguishment of debt											-50	-20,392	-3,039
Other expenses											-556	-1,157
Income from continuing operations before income taxes											84,947	7,002	38,347
Income tax (expense) benefit											-36,214	-5,041	91,764
Income (loss) from continuing operations													130,111
Gain on disposal of station, net of income tax expense													5,139
Net income (loss)											48,733	1,961	135,250
Mission [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)											36,498	28,971	18,610
Revenue between consolidated entities											42,079	39,513	33,352
Net revenue											78,577	68,484	51,962
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											18,135	14,550	7,320
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											3,118	3,058	2,887
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities											9,780	9,740	7,740
Amortization of broadcast rights											5,844	6,034	4,239
Amortization of intangible assets											2,728	6,762	5,081
Depreciation											2,760	3,535	2,853
Loss on asset disposal, net											70	177	-155
Total operating expenses											42,435	43,856	29,965
Income from operations											36,142	24,628	21,997
Interest expense, net											-10,014	-16,181	-15,037
Loss on extinguishment of debt											-21	-14,332	-233
Other expenses												-302
Income from continuing operations before income taxes											26,107	-6,187	6,727
Income tax (expense) benefit											-10,023	2,441	40,515
Income (loss) from continuing operations													47,242
Net income (loss)											16,084	-3,746	47,242
Non-Guarantors [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Net broadcast revenue (including trade and barter)											802
Revenue between consolidated entities											64
Net revenue											866
Operating expenses:
Direct operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											215
Selling, general, and administrative expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization											285
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities											296
Amortization of broadcast rights											107
Amortization of intangible assets											208
Depreciation											17
Total operating expenses											1,128
Income from operations											-262
Interest expense, net											-141
Equity in income of subsidiaries											48,466	1,961	135,250
Income from continuing operations before income taxes											48,063	1,961	135,250
Income tax (expense) benefit											136
Income (loss) from continuing operations													135,250
Net income (loss)											48,199	1,961	135,250
Eliminations [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS [Abstract]
Revenue between consolidated entities											-52,155	-49,253	-41,092
Net revenue											-52,155	-49,253	-41,092
Operating expenses:
Local service agreement fees between consolidated entities											-52,155	-49,253	-41,092
Total operating expenses											-52,155	-49,253	-41,092
Equity in income of subsidiaries											-96,932	-3,922	-270,500
Income from continuing operations before income taxes											-96,932	-3,922	-270,500
Income (loss) from continuing operations													-270,500
Net income (loss)											($96,932)	($3,922)	($270,500)
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	$166,527	$27,339	$79,888
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-20,389	-18,955	-17,260
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	-209,733	-229,382	-235,453
Proceeds from disposal of station			13,860
Other investing activities	89	219	236
Net cash used in investing activities	-230,033	-248,118	-238,617
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	237,275	654,563	608,750
Repayments of long-term debt	-72,431	-438,835	-377,834
Common stock dividends paid	-18,445	-14,302
Purchase of treasury stock		-8,422
Payments for debt financing costs	-1,607	-7,210	-13,238
Other financing activities	8,991	-1,196	2,504
Net cash provided by financing activities	155,390	191,808	220,182
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	91,884	-28,971	61,453
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	40,028	68,999	7,546
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	131,912	40,028	68,999
Nexstar [Member]
Cash flows from financing activities:
Common stock dividends paid	-18,445	-14,302
Purchase of treasury stock		-8,422
Inter-company payments	16,414	15,765	-1,768
Other financing activities	2,031	6,959	1,768
Nexstar Broadcasting [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	168,242	19,994	74,090
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-20,153	-18,790	-16,973
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	-163,533	-169,874	-229,453
Proceeds from disposal of station	15,300		13,860
Other investing activities	89	56	40
Net cash used in investing activities	-168,297	-188,608	-232,526
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	171,925	459,563	560,750
Repayments of long-term debt	-68,849	-300,825	-328,719
Payments for debt financing costs			-13,066
Inter-company payments	-16,414	-15,765	1,768
Other financing activities	7,553	-6,728	736
Net cash provided by financing activities	94,215	136,245	221,469
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	94,160	-32,369	63,033
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	36,312	68,681	5,648
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	130,472	36,312	68,681
Mission [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	-1,928	4,428	5,798
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-236	-165	-287
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	-3,200	-59,508	-6,000
Other investing activities		3,080	196
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,436	-56,593	-6,091
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,500	195,000	48,000
Repayments of long-term debt	-2,832	-138,010	-49,115
Payments for debt financing costs			-172
Other financing activities	-140	-1,427
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,528	55,563	-1,287
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-2,836	3,398	-1,580
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,716	318	1,898
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	880	3,716	318
Non-Guarantors [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities	213
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	-58,300
Net cash used in investing activities	-58,300
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	59,850
Repayments of long-term debt	-750
Other financing activities	-453
Net cash provided by financing activities	58,647
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	560
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	560
Eliminations [Member]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities		2,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Deposits and payments for acquisitions	15,300
Proceeds from disposal of station	-15,300
Other investing activities		-2,917
Net cash used in investing activities		($2,917)

Employee_Benefits_Additional_I

Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Retirement savings plans Nexstar [Member]
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	$1,000	$800	$600
Retirement savings plans Nexstar [Member] | Mission [Member]
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contributions by employer	20	20	16
Pension benefit [Member]
Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contribution under collective bargaining agreement (in hundredths)	3.00%
Employee service period for eligibility	90 days
Contributions by employer	$17	$21	$24

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data_Unaud

Unaudited Quarterly Data - Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net revenue	$192,804	$157,744	$146,930	$133,833	$138,122	[1]	$125,792	$126,211	$112,205	$631,311	$502,330	$378,632
Income from operations	68,899	41,696	34,942	27,700	32,078	[1]	25,153	28,192	17,818	173,237	103,241	99,905
Income (loss) before income taxes	52,850	25,994	19,405	12,402	-18,696	[1]	7,121	11,205	1,185	110,651	815	45,074
Net income (loss)	$30,849	$15,404	$10,944	$7,353	($12,452)	[1]	$3,595	$6,367	$705	$64,550	($1,785)	$182,492
Basic net income (loss) per share	$1	$0.50	$0.36	$0.24	($0.41)	[1]	$0.12	$0.22	$0.02	$2.10	($0.06)	$6.31
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	30,962	30,888	30,641	30,603	30,465	[1]	30,048	29,604	29,461	30,774	29,897	28,940
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$0.96	$0.48	$0.34	$0.23	($0.41)	[1]	$0.11	$0.20	$0.02	$2.02	($0.06)	$5.94
Diluted	32,102	32,067	31,932	31,909	30,465	[1]	31,509	31,325	31,054	32,003	29,897	30,732
[1]	During September 2013, Nexstar repurchased $10.4 million of the 8.875% Notes. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Nexstar and Mission repurchased the remaining principal balance under their 8.875% Notes of $314.6 million. These transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $34.3 million.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data_Unaud1

Unaudited Quarterly Data - Unaudited Quarterly Data (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 18, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 19, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%	6.88%		6.88%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	($71,000)	($34,724,000)	($3,272,000)
8.875% Senior secured second lien notes due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase of long-term debt		314,600,000		314,600,000	21,900,000	292,700,000	10,400,000
Interest rate (in hundredths)		8.88%		8.88%			8.88%	8.88%
Loss on extinguishment of debt	($34,300,000)			($34,300,000)

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$3,035		$1,965		$1,313
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,604		2,697		2,390
Deductions	-2,637	[1]	-1,627	[1]	-1,738	[1]
Balance at End of Period	3,002		3,035		1,965
Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period					151,394
Deductions					($151,394)	[2]
[1]	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
[2]	In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company released the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 01, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Feb. 13, 2015	Jan. 29, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.88%	6.88%
Quarterly dividend declared per common share	$0.60	$0.48
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit	$5.50
KASW [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)	6.13%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Quarterly dividend declared per common share			$0.19
Dividends, date declared			30-Jan-15
Dividends, date payable			27-Feb-15
Dividends, date of record			13-Feb-15
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of lines of credit				5.5
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Marshall Debt [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit				1
Subsequent Event [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Nexstar [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Proceeds from lines of credit				$40	$40
Subsequent Event [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)									6.13%
Subsequent Event [Member] | CCA Member
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition date						1-Jan-15
Subsequent Event [Member] | KASW [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition date			30-Jan-15
Subsequent Event [Member] | Yashi [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition date							2-Feb-15
Subsequent Event [Member] | Yashi [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)							6.13%
Subsequent Event [Member] | KLAS [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Acquisition date								13-Feb-15
Subsequent Event [Member] | KLAS [Member] | 6.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2022 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate (in hundredths)								6.13%