| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | TRIBUNE MEDIA CO |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000726513 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 17, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-08572 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-1880355 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 515 North State Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60654 |
| City Area Code | (312) |
| Local Phone Number | 222-3394 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | TRCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
