| Document and Entity Information | May 03, 2021 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | GRAY TELEVISION INC |
| Amendment Flag | true |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000043196 |
| Document Type | 8-K/A |
| Document Period End Date | May 3, 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 |
| Amendment Description | This Current Report on Form 8-K/A amends the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Gray Television, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3, 2021 (the “Original Report”) in order to file herewith, as Exhibit 2.1, the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 3, 2021, by and among Gray Television, Inc., Gray Hawkeye Stations, Inc., and Meredith Corporation. The Original Report otherwise remains unchanged. |
| 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 |
