| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 31, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | GRAY TELEVISION INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000043196 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 31, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | GA |
| Entity File Number | 001-13796 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-0285030 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4370 Peachtree Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | NE |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Atlanta |
| Entity Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30319 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 504-9828 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Class A common stock (no par value) |
| Trading Symbol | GTN.A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | common stock (no par value) |
| Trading Symbol | GTN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
