| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Nexstar Media Group, Inc. |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001142417 |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 31, 2020 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 000-50478 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-3083125 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 545 E. John Carpenter Freeway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Irving |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75062 |
| City Area Code | 972 |
| Local Phone Number | 373-8800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | NXST |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
