The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SCRIPPS E W CO /DE
Entity Central Index Key	'0000832428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer
Document Type	'10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3
Amendment Flag	'false
Common Class A	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	44,692,345
Voting common stock	'
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,932,722

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$124,369	$221,255
Restricted cash	6,810	8,210
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - $1,806 and $2,027)	125,096	139,703
Inventory	7,495	6,543
Deferred income taxes	11,510	17,861
Income taxes receivable	6,200	436
Miscellaneous	8,400	8,046
Total current assets	289,880	402,054
Investments	16,765	16,567
Property, plant and equipment	348,979	353,797
Goodwill	106,423	27,966
Other intangible assets	192,172	137,862
Deferred income taxes	7,890	8,733
Miscellaneous	16,334	19,151
Total Assets	978,443	966,130
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	16,719	16,529
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	34,058	28,633
Current portion of long-term debt	2,000	2,000
Accrued liabilities:	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	36,802	26,986
Miscellaneous	33,908	28,930
Other current liabilities	13,173	10,043
Total current liabilities	136,660	113,121
Long-term debt (less current portion)	196,500	198,000
Other liabilities (less current portion)	108,432	107,272
Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $.01 par — authorized: 25,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 44,692,345 and 44,094,501 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	566	560
Additional paid-in capital	511,064	509,243
Retained earnings	102,976	116,893
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes:	'	'
Unrealized loss on derivatives	-541	-718
Pension liability adjustments	-78,876	-80,205
Total The E.W. Scripps Company shareholders’ equity	535,189	545,773
Noncontrolling interest	1,662	1,964
Total equity	536,851	547,737
Total Liabilities and Equity	978,443	966,130
Common stock, Class A	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 44,692,345 and 44,094,501 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	447	441
Voting common stock	'	'
Equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 44,692,345 and 44,094,501 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	$119	$119

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$1,806	$2,027
Preferred stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, Class A	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	44,692,345	44,094,501
Common stock, shares outstanding	44,692,345	44,094,501
Voting common stock	'	'
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,932,722	11,932,722
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,932,722	11,932,722

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Advertising	$154,030	$141,139	$458,055	$446,391
Subscriptions	28,738	28,184	90,736	86,751
Retransmission	15,235	10,403	40,409	31,345
Other	9,597	9,809	34,140	31,554
Total operating revenues	207,600	189,535	623,340	596,041
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	103,425	95,581	308,242	292,409
Programs and program licenses	16,181	14,318	42,951	40,332
Newsprint, press supplies and other printing costs	10,122	10,614	33,206	34,965
Newspaper distribution	11,492	11,623	35,046	35,837
Other expenses	46,760	49,502	150,727	149,629
Defined benefit pension plan expense	1,670	2,490	8,525	7,028
Acquisition and related integration costs	5,049	0	9,408	0
Separation and restructuring costs	0	1,290	0	3,691
Total costs and expenses	194,699	185,418	588,105	563,891
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	10,925	10,360	30,431	30,497
Amortization of intangible assets	2,270	1,736	6,088	5,187
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-2,951	177	-2,861	140
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses	10,244	12,273	33,658	35,824
Operating income (loss)	2,657	-8,156	1,577	-3,674
Interest expense	-2,050	-2,655	-6,347	-7,924
Miscellaneous, net	-216	-1,087	-1,061	-4,025
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	391	-11,898	-5,831	-15,623
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,835	-3,047	-341	-7,286
Net loss	-1,444	-8,851	-5,490	-8,337
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-103	0	-302	0
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($1,341)	($8,851)	($5,188)	($8,337)
Net loss per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($0.02)	($0.16)	($0.09)	($0.15)
Net loss per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($0.02)	($0.16)	($0.09)	($0.15)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net loss	($1,444)	($8,851)	($5,490)	($8,337)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $37, $(107), $111 and $299	59	-177	177	494
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $364, $460, $924 and $1,759	441	1,179	1,329	3,135
Total comprehensive loss	-944	-7,849	-3,984	-4,708
Less comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	103	0	302	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($841)	($7,849)	($3,682)	($4,708)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in fair value of derivatives, tax amount	$37	($107)	$111	$299
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$364	$460	$924	$1,759

Condednsed_Consolidated_Statem

Condednsed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net loss	($5,490)	($8,337)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	36,519	35,684
(Gains) losses on sale of property, plant and equipment	-2,861	140
Deferred income taxes	4,934	-1,770
Stock and deferred compensation plans	4,608	6,092
Pension expense, net of payments	3,639	4,294
Liability for withdrawal from GCIU employer retirement fund	4,100	0
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	27,034	-13,486
Miscellaneous, net	-1,449	3,318
Net cash provided by operating activities	71,034	25,935
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisitions	-149,334	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	6,453	300
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-13,437	-15,531
Purchase of investments	-2,003	-1,425
Change in restricted cash	1,400	1,800
Miscellaneous, net	453	39
Net cash used in investing activities	-156,468	-14,817
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Payments on long-term debt	-1,500	-11,925
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	-21,237	-69,313
Proceeds from employee stock options	13,175	40,229
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	-4,035	-6,157
Miscellaneous, net	2,145	-4,458
Net cash used in financing activities	-11,452	-51,624
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-96,886	-40,506
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
Beginning of year	221,255	242,642
End of period	124,369	202,136
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures	'	'
Interest paid	5,511	6,077
Income taxes paid	$397	$290

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		$539,910,000	$555,000	$517,688,000	$136,293,000	($116,840,000)	$2,214,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income		-8,337,000	'	'	-8,337,000	'	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss, continuing operations		-8,337,000	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		3,135,000	'	'	'	3,135,000	'
Changes in fair value of derivative		494,000	'	'	'	494,000	'
Compensation plans: 4,980,097 net shares issued in 2013 and 1,779,404 in 2014	[1]	39,348,000	50,000	39,298,000	'	'	'
Repurchase 4,816,228 Class A Common shares in 2013 and 1,181,560 Class A Common shares in 2014		-69,313,000	-48,000	-52,501,000	-16,764,000	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Sep. 30, 2013		505,237,000	557,000	504,485,000	111,192,000	-113,211,000	2,214,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		547,737,000	560,000	509,243,000	116,893,000	-80,923,000	1,964,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]		'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income		-5,188,000	'	'	-5,188,000	'	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		-302,000	'	'	'	'	-302,000
Net loss, continuing operations		-5,490,000	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		1,329,000	'	'	'	1,329,000	'
Changes in fair value of derivative		177,000	'	'	'	177,000	'
Compensation plans: 4,980,097 net shares issued in 2013 and 1,779,404 in 2014	[1]	14,335,000	18,000	14,317,000	'	'	'
Repurchase 4,816,228 Class A Common shares in 2013 and 1,181,560 Class A Common shares in 2014		-21,237,000	-12,000	-12,496,000	-8,729,000	'	'
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Sep. 30, 2014		$536,851,000	$566,000	$511,064,000	$102,976,000	($79,417,000)	$1,662,000
[1]	* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $4,035 in 2014 and $6,157 in 2013.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	1,181,560	4,816,228
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$4,035	$6,157
Shares issued on compensation plans	1,779,404	4,980,097

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	As used in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms “Scripps,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” may, depending on the context, refer to The E. W. Scripps Company, to one or more of its consolidated subsidiary companies or to all of them taken as a whole.
	Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.
	Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.
	Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise with a portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, newspapers and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.
	Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; and self-insured risks.
	While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
	Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers.
	Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of print, broadcast and digital advertising, retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers and newspaper subscription fees.
	The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.
	Share-based compensation costs totaled $0.2 million and $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. Year-to-date share-based compensation costs totaled $4.9 million and $5.0 million in 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and therefore exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.
	The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$	(1,341	)	$	(8,851	)	$	(5,188	)	$	(8,337	)
	Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—			—			—
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(1,341	)	$	(8,851	)	$	(5,188	)	$	(8,337	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469			56,177			56,200			56,696
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—			—			—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469			56,177			56,200			56,696
	Anti-dilutive securities (1)	3,313			5,551			3,313			5,551
	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.
	For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we incurred a net loss and the inclusion of RSUs and stock options held by employees and directors would have been anti-dilutive, and accordingly the diluted EPS calculation for the period excludes those common share equivalents.
	Derivative Financial Instruments — It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings.
	All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Recently_Adopted_Standards_and

Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance on revenue recognition. Under this new standard, an entity shall recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step process that requires entities to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. This standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and will be effective for us beginning in 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and have not yet determined a transition method.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance related to the disclosures around going concern. The new standard provides guidance around management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	On June 16, 2014, we closed our acquisition of two television stations owned by Granite Broadcasting Corporation — the Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate WMYD-TV and the Buffalo, N.Y. ABC affiliate WKBW-TV ("Acquired Granite Stations") — for $110 million in cash. The acquisition of WMYD-TV creates a duopoly with our Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV.
	Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired as of June 16, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
	Intangible assets	53,500
	Goodwill	44,475
	Net purchase price	$	110,000
	Of the $54 million allocated to intangible assets, $34.4 million was for FCC licenses which we have determined to have an indefinite life and therefore will not be amortized. The remaining balance of $19.1 million will be allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years.
	The goodwill of $44.5 million arising from the transaction consists largely of synergies and economies of scale and other benefits of a larger broadcast footprint, as well as synergies from being able to create a duopoly in our Detroit market. We have allocated the goodwill to our television segment. We will treat the transaction as an asset acquisition for income tax purposes resulting in a step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2013, are included in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and the Acquired Granite Stations and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the period. Reported results for the three months ended September 30, 2014 include the impact of the Acquired Granite Stations and therefore are not presented as pro forma results.
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2013			2014			2013
	Operating revenues	$	197,460		$	637,579		$	619,521
	Loss from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(7,974		)	(3,655		)	(5,129		)
	Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
	Basic	(0.14		)	(0.07		)	(0.09		)
	Diluted	(0.14		)	(0.07		)	(0.09		)
	On January 1, 2014 we completed our acquisition of Media Convergence Group, Inc., which operates as Newsy, a digital video news provider, for $35 million in cash, plus a working capital adjustment of $0.2 million.
	Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 1, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	640
	Other assets	74
	Equipment and software	631
	Intangible assets	5,900
	Goodwill	28,938
	Total assets acquired	36,183
	Current liabilities	116
	Long-term deferred liability	845
	Net purchase price	$	35,222
	Of the $5.9 million allocated to intangible assets, $4.1 million was allocated to customer relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the balance of $1.8 million was allocated to various other intangible assets.
	The goodwill of $28.9 million arising from the transaction consists largely of the benefit we will derive from being able to enter the digital video market with an established business. We have allocated the goodwill to our syndication and other segment. We will treat the transaction as a purchase of stock for income tax purposes with no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill will not be deductible for income tax purposes. We are not presenting any pro forma results of operations since the impact of the acquisition is not material to prior year results of operations.
	On September 16, 2014, we completed our acquisition of Geoterrestrial, Inc. ("WeatherSphere") for $4.1 million. WeatherSphere is a provider of weather-related mobile apps. The stock purchase agreement includes an earnout provision, whereby up to an additional $2.5 million in purchase price can be payable over a three year period, which we have estimated to have a fair value of $1.6 million. The purchase price allocation is preliminary as of September 30, 2014. We are not presenting any pro forma results of operations since the impact of the acquisition is not material to prior periods results of operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We file a consolidated federal income tax return, consolidated unitary tax returns in certain states and other separate state income tax returns for our subsidiary companies.
	The income tax provision for interim periods is generally determined based upon the expected effective income tax rate for the full year and the tax rate applicable to certain discrete transactions in the interim period. To determine the annual effective income tax rate, we must estimate both the total income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which that income (loss) is subject to tax. The actual effective income tax rate for the full year may differ from these estimates if income (loss) before income tax is greater than or less than what was estimated or if the allocation of income (loss) to jurisdictions in which it is taxed is different from the estimated allocations. We review and adjust our estimated effective income tax rate for the full year each quarter based upon our most recent estimates of income (loss) before income tax for the full year and the jurisdictions in which we expect that income will be taxed.
	The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 5.8% and 46.6%, respectively. The primary reason for the difference between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% is the impact of state taxes, non-deductible expenses and adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions (including interest). We recognized $2.4 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits in the first nine months of 2013 upon settlement of audits or when the statute of limitations lapsed in certain tax jurisdictions.
	The impact of small changes in our estimated pretax income for the 2013 year significantly impacted our estimated effective tax rate for the year. Differences between pretax book and taxable earnings, such as non-deductible expenses and state income taxes, on the effective income tax rate varies significantly as income before income taxes changes. Accordingly, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we did not believe we could reasonably estimate our full year effective income tax rate, and as permitted by US GAAP, we determined our tax benefit for 2013 based upon year-to-date pretax loss and the effect of differences between book and taxable loss.
	Deferred tax assets totaled $19.4 million at September 30, 2014. Management believes that it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of our federal deferred tax assets and therefore has not recorded a valuation allowance for our federal deferred tax assets. If economic conditions worsen, future estimates of taxable income could be lower than our current estimates which may require valuation allowances to be recorded in future reporting periods.
	We recognize state net operating loss carryforwards as deferred tax assets, subject to valuation allowances. At each balance sheet date, we estimate the amount of carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to expiration of the carryforward period. The tax effect of the carryforwards that are not expected to be used prior to their expiration is included in the valuation allowance.
	During the periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, deferred tax assets relating to employee share-based compensation from the vesting of RSU's and the exercise of stock options have not been recognized since we are in a net tax loss position for both periods. The additional tax benefits will be reflected as net operating loss carryforwards when we file our tax returns, but the additional tax benefits are not recorded under GAAP until the tax deduction reduces taxes payable. When the benefit is recognized, it will be recorded as additional paid-in capital. The amount of unrecognized tax deductions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $31 million and $33 million, respectively.

Other_Charges_and_Credits

Other Charges and Credits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]	'
Other Charges and Credits	'
	Other Charges and Credits
	Income (loss) from operations was affected by the following:
	Acquisition and related integration costs of $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2014 and $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 include costs associated with the acquisition of two television stations from Granite Broadcasting as well as costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and the merger of Journal's broadcast business.
	During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a $3.0 million gain from the sale of excess land in our newspaper business.
	Restructuring costs, primarily at our newspaper operations, totaled $1.3 million for the third quarter of 2013 and $3.7 million for the first nine months of 2013. Restructuring costs primarily include costs associated with efforts to simplify and standardize advertising and circulation systems and other processes in our newspaper division. In 2014, we are in the final stages of these system implementations and any remaining costs are now included in segment operating results.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had $6.8 million and $8.2 million, respectively, in a restricted cash account on deposit with our insurance carrier. This account serves as collateral, in place of an irrevocable stand-by letter of credit, to provide financial assurance that we will fulfill our obligations with respect to cash requirements associated with our workers compensation self-insurance. This cash is to remain on deposit with the carrier until all claims have been paid or we provide a letter of credit in lieu of the cash deposit.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill by business segment was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Television			Newspapers			Syndication and other		Total
	Gross balance as of December 31, 2013	$	243,380		$	778,900		$	—	$	1,022,280
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013	27,966			—			—		27,966
	2014 Newsy acquisition	—			—			28,938		28,938
	2014 Granite Stations acquisitions	44,475			—			—		44,475
	2014 WeatherSphere acquisition	—			—			5,044		5,044
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	72,441		$	—		$	33,982	$	106,423
	Gross balance as of September 30, 2014	$	287,855		$	778,900		$	33,982	$	1,100,737
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of September 30, 2014	$	72,441		$	—		$	33,982	$	106,423
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of			As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Carrying amount:
	Television network affiliation relationships	$	93,944		$	78,844
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	30,404			22,304
	Other	6,361			3,561
	Total carrying amount	130,709			104,709
	Accumulated amortization:
	Television network affiliation relationships	(12,855		)	(9,691		)
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(15,746		)	(13,138		)
	Other	(2,151		)	(1,833		)
	Total accumulated amortization	(30,752		)	(24,662		)
	Net amortizable intangible assets	99,957			80,047
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215			57,815
	Total other intangible assets	$	192,172		$	137,862
	Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $2.3 million for the remainder of 2014, $9.0 million in 2015, $8.9 million in 2016, $6.5 million in 2017, $6.4 million in 2018, $5.5 million in 2019, and $61.4 million in later years.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Term loan	198,500		200,000
	Long-term debt	198,500		200,000
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
	Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	196,500	$	198,000
	Fair value of long-term debt *	$	198,500	$	200,000
	* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	We have a $275 million revolving credit and term loan agreement (“Financing Agreement”). The Financing Agreement includes a $200 million term loan B maturing in November 2020 and a $75 million revolving credit facility maturing in November 2018.
	The Financing Agreement includes the maintenance of a net leverage ratio if we borrow more than 20% on the revolving credit facility. The term loan B requires that if we borrow additional amounts or make a permitted acquisition that we cannot exceed a stated net leverage ratio on a pro forma basis at the date of the transaction.
	Interest is payable on the term loan B at rates based on LIBOR with a 0.75% floor, plus a fixed margin of 2.50%. Interest is payable on the revolving credit facility at rates based on LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the interest rate was 3.25% on the term loan B. The Financing Agreement also includes a provision that in certain circumstances we must use a portion of excess cash flow to repay debt. As of September 30, 2014, we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.25% and 3.70% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt at September 30, 2014 are: $0.5 million for the remainder of 2014, $2.0 million in 2015, $2.0 million in 2016, $2.0 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2018, $2.0 million in 2019 and $188 million thereafter.
	Under the terms of the Financing Agreement, we granted the lenders mortgages on certain of our real property, pledges of our equity interests in our subsidiaries and security interests in substantially all other personal property including cash, accounts receivables, inventories and equipment.
	The Financing Agreement allows us to make restricted payments (dividends and share repurchases) up to $50 million plus additional amounts based on our financial results and condition. We can also make additional stock repurchases equal to the amount of proceeds that we receive from the exercise of stock options held by our employees. Additionally, we can make acquisitions as long as the pro forma net leverage ratio is less than 4.5 to 1.0.
	Commitment fees of 0.30% to 0.50% per annum, based on our leverage ratio, of the total unused commitment are payable under the revolving credit facility.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.2 million.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. To manage risks associated with the volatility of changes in interest rates, we may enter into interest rate management instruments.
	We may utilize interest rate swaps to manage our interest expense exposure by fixing our interest rate on portions of our floating rate term loan. We have entered into a $75 million notional value interest rate swap expiring in December 2016 which provides for a fixed interest rate of 1.08%. We did not provide or receive any collateral for this contract. The fair value of this financial derivative, which was designated as and qualified as a cash flow hedge through November 2013, is determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observed market interest rate curves and implied volatilities. In addition, credit valuation adjustments, which consider the impact of any credit enhancements to the contracts, are incorporated in the fair values to account for potential nonperformance risk.
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below:
		As of September 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
		Notional			Fair value					Notional		Fair value
	(in thousands)	amount			Asset			Liability (1)		amount		Asset		Liability (1)
	Undesignated derivatives:
	Interest rate swap	$	75,000		$	—		$	423	$	75,000	$	—	$	723
	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Through November 2013, the above derivative instrument was designated as and qualified as a cash flow hedge and the effective portion of the unrealized gains and losses on the derivative was reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and reclassified into earnings in the periods during which the hedged transactions affected earnings. Upon refinancing our term loan in November 2013, this hedge no longer qualified as a cash flow hedge and gains and losses on the derivative are recorded in current period earnings. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive loss at the date of discontinuance of hedge accounting is being amortized into earnings on a straight-line basis through December 2016. For the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2014, approximately $0.3 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss).
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Effective portion recognized in accumulated OCL,	—		(455	)		—		290
	gain/(loss)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96		171			288		504
	Gain/(loss) on derivative	362		—			300		—

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	We measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, such as cash equivalents and derivatives. The fair value of these financial assets and liabilities was determined based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value. These levels of input are as follows:
	•	Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	•	Level 2 — Inputs, other than quoted market prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly.
	•	Level 3 — Unobservable inputs based on our own assumptions.
	The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
			As of September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents		$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap		(423		)	—		(423		)	—
			As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents		$	30,000		$	30,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap		(723		)	—		(723		)	—

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other Liabilities	'
	Other Liabilities
	Other liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	18,578	$	19,756
	Liability for pension benefits	62,903		62,020
	Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	11,078		10,670
	Other	15,873		14,826
	Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	108,432	$	107,272

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
	Noncontrolling Interests
	Individuals and other entities own a 4% noncontrolling interest in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Memphis newspaper and a 6% noncontrolling interest in the capital stock of the subsidiary company that publishes our Evansville newspaper. We are not required to redeem the noncontrolling interests in these subsidiary companies.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	15,247		$	2,807
	Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(5,764		)	(2,251		)
	Accounts payable	79			(6,274		)
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	9,811			(5,827		)
	Other accrued liabilities	4,284			(238		)
	Other, net	3,377			(1,703		)
	Total	$	27,034		$	(13,486	)

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit Plans
	We sponsor various noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all full-time employees that began employment prior to June 30, 2008. Benefits earned by employees are generally based upon employee compensation and years of service credits. We also have a non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"). Effective June 30, 2009, we froze the accrual of benefits under our defined benefit pension plans and our SERP that cover the majority of our employees.
	We sponsor a defined contribution plan covering substantially all non-union and certain union employees. We match a portion of employees' voluntary contributions to this plan. In connection with freezing the accrual of service credits under certain of our defined benefit pension plans, we began contributing additional amounts to certain employees' defined contribution retirement accounts in 2011. These transition credits, which will be made through 2015, are determined based upon the employee’s age, compensation and years of service.
	Other union-represented employees are covered by defined benefit pension plans jointly sponsored by us and the union, or by union-sponsored multi-employer plans.
	The components of the expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	21		$	17		$	64		$	51
	Interest cost	6,600			5,976			19,155			17,927
	Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,893		)	(5,371		)	(17,611		)	(16,113		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	862			1,060			2,145			3,182
	Total for defined benefit plans	1,590			1,682			3,753			5,047
	Multi-employer plans	100			95			324			326
	Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan	—			—			4,100			—
	SERP	80			808			672			1,981
	Defined contribution plans	2,419			2,341			8,635			8,627
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,189		$	4,926		$	17,484		$	15,981
	We contributed $0.6 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERP during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We anticipate contributing an additional $0.2 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2014. We contributed $0.1 million to our defined benefit pension plans during the first nine months of 2014.
	We participate in multi-employer pension plans that cover certain employees that are members of unions or trade associations that have a collective bargaining agreement with us. In the second quarter of 2014, unions ratified our plan to withdraw from the Graphics Communication International Union (GCIU) Employer Retirement Fund. Upon ratification of the agreement, we estimated the undiscounted liability to be approximately $6.5 million and recorded a liability of $4.1 million for the present value withdrawal liability. Once the final withdrawal liability is determined at the end of this year with the GCIU, we either will pay the liability in a lump sum or make equal monthly installments over 20 years beginning in 2015.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	We determine our business segments based upon our management and internal reporting structure. Our reportable segments are strategic businesses that offer different products and services.
	Our television segment includes 11 ABC affiliates, three NBC affiliates, and two independent stations that operate as duopolies with our Kansas City NBC affiliate and our Detroit ABC affiliate. We also own five Azteca America affiliates. Our television stations reach approximately 14% of the nation’s households. Television stations earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising time to local and national advertisers and retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers.
	Our newspaper segment includes daily and community newspapers in 13 markets across the United States. Newspapers earn revenue primarily from the sale of advertising space to local and national advertisers and newspaper subscription fees.
	Syndication and other primarily includes certain digital operations outside of our television and newspaper markets and syndication of news features and comics and other features for the newspaper industry. Newsy, a digital video news service, and WeatherSphere, a provider of weather-related mobile apps, are also included in syndication and other.
	We allocate a portion of certain corporate costs and expenses, including information technology, certain employee benefits, digital operation services and other shared services, to our business segments. The allocations are generally amounts agreed upon by management, which may differ from an arms-length amount. Corporate assets are primarily cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, property and equipment primarily used for corporate purposes, and deferred income taxes. A portion of our digital operations, which is not allocated to our television and newspaper segments, is included in shared services and corporate.
	Our chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of our business segments and makes decisions about the allocation of resources to our business segments using a measure called segment profit. Segment profit excludes interest, defined benefit pension plan expense (other than current service cost), income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, divested operating units, restructuring activities, investment results and certain other items that are included in net income (loss) determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
	Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Segment operating revenues:
	Television	$	121,068		$	99,289		$	339,004		$	307,548
	Newspapers	84,473			88,346			275,213			281,286
	Syndication and other	2,059			1,900			9,123			7,207
	Total operating revenues	$	207,600		$	189,535		$	623,340		$	596,041
	Segment profit (loss):
	Television	$	29,813		$	18,921		$	78,591		$	65,945
	Newspapers	767			3,038			14,759			14,857
	Syndication and other	(872		)	(177		)	(1,385		)	(145		)
	Shared services and corporate	(10,088		)	(13,885		)	(38,797		)	(37,788		)
	Defined benefit pension plan expense	(1,670		)	(2,490		)	(8,525		)	(7,028		)
	Acquisition and related integration costs	(5,049		)	—			(9,408		)	—
	Separation and restructuring costs	—			(1,290		)	—			(3,691		)
	Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(13,195		)	(12,096		)	(36,519		)	(35,684		)
	Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	2,951			(177		)	2,861			(140		)
	Interest expense	(2,050		)	(2,655		)	(6,347		)	(7,924		)
	Miscellaneous, net	(216		)	(1,087		)	(1,061		)	(4,025		)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	391		$	(11,898	)	$	(5,831	)	$	(15,623	)
	Depreciation:
	Television	$	5,894		$	5,751		$	16,033		$	16,958
	Newspapers	4,255			4,015			12,167			12,132
	Syndication and other	127			20			327			58
	Shared services and corporate	649			574			1,904			1,349
	Total depreciation	$	10,925		$	10,360		$	30,431		$	30,497
	Amortization of intangibles:
	Television	$	1,909		$	1,599		$	5,108		$	4,778
	Newspapers	92			137			303			409
	Syndication and other	269			—			677			—
	Total amortization of intangibles	$	2,270		$	1,736		$	6,088		$	5,187
	Additions to property, plant and equipment:
	Television	$	4,100		$	2,169		$	10,540		$	7,325
	Newspapers	573			285			1,486			1,746
	Syndication and other	302			—			432			—
	Shared services and corporate	253			908			979			6,460
	Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	5,228		$	3,362		$	13,437		$	15,531
	No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.

SpinOff_of_Scripps_Networks_In

Spin-Off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Spin Off of Company [Abstract]	'
Spin-off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.	'
	Spin-off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.
	On July 1, 2008, we distributed all of the shares of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“SNI”) to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 16, 2008. SNI owned and operated our national lifestyle cable television networks and interactive media businesses.
	In connection with the separation we entered into several agreements, including a Tax Allocation Agreement. This agreement sets forth the allocations between us and SNI with regards to liabilities for federal, state and local taxes for periods prior to the separation.
	Under the terms of the Tax Allocation Agreement, we receive any tax deductions for share-based compensation awards held by our employees in SNI. Tax deductions for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 resulting from the exercise of those awards totaled approximately $7.4 million and $11.4 million, respectively. These benefits are recorded as additional paid-in capital at the time they are realized. At September 30, 2014, our employees held options on approximately 0.2 million SNI shares which expire through 2015.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital Stock	'
	Capital Stock
	Capital Stock — We have two classes of common shares, Common Voting shares and Class A Common shares. The Class A Common shares are only entitled to vote on the election of the greater of three or one-third of the directors and other matters as required by Ohio law.
	Share Repurchase Plan — In November 2012, our board of directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2014. Under the authorization, we repurchased $21.2 million of shares at prices ranging from $16.35 to $19.99 per share during the first nine months of 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we purchased $69.3 million of shares at prices ranging from $10.83 to $17.94 per share. As of September 30, 2014, we have $5 million remaining for share repurchases under this authorization.
	In May 2014, our board of directors authorized a new repurchase program of up to $100 million of our Class A Common shares through December 2016. No shares have been repurchased under this program as of September 30, 2014.
	Based on the terms of the Master Transaction Agreement with Journal Communications, we are precluded from repurchasing shares prior to closing the transactions.
	Options Outstanding — Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:
				Options Outstanding and Exercisable
	Year of Grant	Range of Exercise Prices	Average Remaining Term	Options on Shares Outstanding	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in years)				(in millions)
	2004 – expire in 2014	$10	0.18	3,794	$	9.78	$	—
	2005 – expire in 2015	11-Oct	0.54	43,188	10.9		0.3
	2006 – expire in 2016	11-Oct	1.66	47,737	10.03		0.3
	2007 – expire in 2015	10-Sep	0.42	349,497	10.27		2.1
	2008 – expire in 2016	10-Jul	1.5	1,610,994	8.73		12.2
	Total	$7-11	1.29	2,055,210	$	9.07	$	14.9

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2014	$	(600	)	$	(79,489	)	$	172	$	(79,917	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a)	59			—			—		59
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $364 (b)	—			441			—		441
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			441			—		500
	Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2013	$	(338	)	$	(114,232	)	$	357	$	(114,213	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(284		)	—			—		(284		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $64 (a)	107			—			—		107
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $460 (b)	—			1,179			—		1,179
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(177		)	1,179			—		1,002
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	(515	)	$	(113,053	)	$	357	$	(113,211	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	(718	)	$	(80,377	)	$	172	$	(80,923	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $111 (a)	177			—			—		177
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $924 (b)	—			1,329			—		1,329
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	177			1,329			—		1,506
	Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2012	$	(1,009	)	$	(116,188	)	$	357	$	(116,840	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	180			—			—		180
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $190 (a)	314			—			—		314
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,759 (b)	—			3,135			—		3,135
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	494			3,135			—		3,629
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	(515	)	$	(113,053	)	$	357	$	(113,211	)
	(a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Pending_Broadcast_Merger_and_N

Pending Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Pending Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off	'
	Pending Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off
	On July 30, 2014, Scripps and Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") agreed to merge their broadcast operations and spin-off their newspaper businesses into a separate publicly traded company (the “Transactions”). The Transactions are expected to close in the first half of 2015.
	The merged broadcast and digital media company, to be based in Cincinnati, will retain The E.W. Scripps Company name and continue to be controlled by the Scripps family. The company’s television operations will reach approximately 18% of all U.S. households and have approximately 4,000 employees across its television, radio and digital media operations.
	The newspaper company will be named Journal Media Group, combining the 13 Scripps newspapers with Journal's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The company will have approximately 3,600 employees and will be headquartered in Milwaukee.
	The board of directors of both companies have approved the Transactions, which are subject to customary regulatory and shareholder approvals. As part of the Transactions, Scripps shareholders will receive a $60 million special cash dividend. Based on the terms of the Master Transaction Agreement, we are precluded from repurchasing shares prior to closing the transaction.
	In order to carry out the Transactions, we will incur $25 to $30 million in costs, of which we have incurred $6.7 million to date. With the Journal Transactions, we will also assume Journal's outstanding liabilities, including any employee benefit obligations ($66 million as of December 31, 2013). Journal also has outstanding debt of $144 million as of September 30, 2014, of which we will be required to refinance $131 million and can assume the remainder.
	In the case that Scripps breaches its obligation to consummate the Transactions, the Master Transaction Agreement may require Scripps to pay liquidated damages of $15.8 million plus expenses, subject to an overall limit of $23.5 million.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	We are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, such as defamation actions and governmental
	proceedings, primarily relating to renewal of broadcast licenses, none of which is expected to result in material loss.
	Members of the Board of Directors of Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal"), and the parties to the Master Transaction Agreement, including Journal and Scripps, are defendants in a class action lawsuit filed in Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (Howard Goldfinger v. Journal Communications, Inc., et al.). The plaintiff in this lawsuit alleges that the directors of Journal breached their fiduciary duties to Journal shareholders in connection with the transactions and that the other parties to the lawsuit aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. The plaintiff alleges that the directors of Journal breached their fiduciary duties by, among other things, (i) agreeing to enter into the Master Transaction Agreement for inadequate consideration, (ii) having certain conflicts of interest, (iii) not negotiating a “collar” mechanism on the share exchange ratio, and (iv) agreeing to certain deal protection provisions, such as a termination fee, a “no-shop” provision, and a “matching rights” provision. The plaintiff also challenges the qualifications of Journal's financial advisor, Methuselah Advisors LLC ("Methuselah"), and asserts that Methuselah has a conflict because the founder and managing partner of Methuselah, who is the lead investment banker at Methuselah for Journal in this transaction, was employed by Lazard Freres & Co. LLC (“Lazard”) prior to 2010 as a managing partner and group co-head, where he had responsibility for Lazard’s relationship with Scripps.
	The outcome of this lawsuit is uncertain and cannot be predicted. An adverse judgment for monetary damages could have a material adverse effect on the operations and liquidity of Journal or Scripps. An adverse judgment granting permanent injunctive relief could indefinitely enjoin completion of the transactions. Journal and Scripps believe the allegations of the plaintiff’s complaint are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against the claims alleged in this lawsuit. On August 29, 2014, the defendants filed motions asking the Circuit Court to dismiss this lawsuit. On October 20, 2014, the Circuit Court held a hearing and stated it would issue a ruling on such motions on or about November 11, 2014.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation — The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods have been made.
	Results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future interim periods or for the full year.
Nature of Operations	'
	Nature of Operations — We are a diverse media enterprise with a portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. All of our media businesses provide content and advertising services via digital platforms, including the Internet, smartphones and tablets. Our media businesses are organized into the following reportable business segments: television, newspapers and syndication and other. Additional information for our business segments is presented in the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates — Preparing financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make a variety of decisions that affect the reported amounts and the related disclosures. Such decisions include the selection of accounting principles that reflect the economic substance of the underlying transactions and the assumptions on which to base accounting estimates. In reaching such decisions, we apply judgment based on our understanding and analysis of the relevant circumstances, including our historical experience, actuarial studies and other assumptions.
	Our financial statements include estimates and assumptions used in accounting for our defined benefit pension plans; the periods over which long-lived assets are depreciated or amortized; the fair value of long-lived assets, goodwill and indefinite lived assets; the liability for uncertain tax positions and valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets; and self-insured risks.
	While we re-evaluate our estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis, actual results could differ from those estimated at the time of preparation of the financial statements.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition — We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, delivery occurs or services are rendered, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. When a sales arrangement contains multiple elements, such as the sale of advertising and other services, we allocate revenue to each element based upon its relative fair value. We report revenue net of sales and other taxes collected from our customers.
	Our primary sources of revenue are from the sale of print, broadcast and digital advertising, retransmission fees received from cable operators and satellite carriers and newspaper subscription fees.
	The revenue recognition policies for each source of revenue are described in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation — We have a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which is described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Plan provides for the award of incentive and nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (RSUs), unrestricted Class A Common shares and performance units to key employees and non-employee directors.
	Share-based compensation costs totaled $0.2 million and $1.1 million for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)	'
	Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) — Unvested awards of share-based payments with rights to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, such as our RSUs, are considered participating securities for purposes of calculating EPS. Under the two-class method, we allocate a portion of net income to these participating securities and therefore exclude that income from the calculation of EPS for common stock. We do not allocate losses to the participating securities.
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments — It is our policy that derivative transactions are executed only to manage exposures arising in the normal course of business and not for the purpose of creating speculative positions or trading. Derivative financial instruments are utilized to manage interest rate risks. We do not hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Each derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge or remains undesignated. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings when the effects of the item being hedged are recognized in earnings. These changes are offset in earnings to the extent the hedge was effective by fair value changes related to the risk being hedged on the hedged item. Changes in the fair value of undesignated hedges are recognized currently in earnings. All ineffective changes in derivative fair values are recognized currently in earnings.
	All designated hedges are formally documented as to the relationship with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, or the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the hedge designation is removed, or the derivative is terminated, the hedge accounting discussed above is discontinued.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Components of basic and diluted weighted-average shares	'
	The following table presents information about basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$	(1,341	)	$	(8,851	)	$	(5,188	)	$	(8,337	)
	Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—			—			—
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(1,341	)	$	(8,851	)	$	(5,188	)	$	(8,337	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469			56,177			56,200			56,696
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—			—			—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469			56,177			56,200			56,696
	Anti-dilutive securities (1)	3,313			5,551			3,313			5,551
	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'
Pro forma results of operations	'
	Pro forma results of operations, assuming the transaction had taken place at the beginning of 2013, are included in the following table. The pro forma information includes the historical results of operations of Scripps and the Acquired Granite Stations and adjustments for additional depreciation and amortization of the assets acquired. The pro forma information does not include efficiencies, cost reductions or synergies expected to result from the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have occurred had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the period. Reported results for the three months ended September 30, 2014 include the impact of the Acquired Granite Stations and therefore are not presented as pro forma results.
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	2013			2014			2013
	Operating revenues	$	197,460		$	637,579		$	619,521
	Loss from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(7,974		)	(3,655		)	(5,129		)
	Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
	Basic	(0.14		)	(0.07		)	(0.09		)
	Diluted	(0.14		)	(0.07		)	(0.09		)
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate	'
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	'
	Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired as of June 16, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
	Intangible assets	53,500
	Goodwill	44,475
	Net purchase price	$	110,000
Media Convergence Group (Newsy)	'
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]	'
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed	'
	Pending the finalization of third-party valuations and other items, the following table summarizes the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed as of January 1, 2014:
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	640
	Other assets	74
	Equipment and software	631
	Intangible assets	5,900
	Goodwill	28,938
	Total assets acquired	36,183
	Current liabilities	116
	Long-term deferred liability	845
	Net purchase price	$	35,222

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill by business segment	'
	Goodwill by business segment was as follows:
	(in thousands)	Television			Newspapers			Syndication and other		Total
	Gross balance as of December 31, 2013	$	243,380		$	778,900		$	—	$	1,022,280
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of December 31, 2013	27,966			—			—		27,966
	2014 Newsy acquisition	—			—			28,938		28,938
	2014 Granite Stations acquisitions	44,475			—			—		44,475
	2014 WeatherSphere acquisition	—			—			5,044		5,044
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	72,441		$	—		$	33,982	$	106,423
	Gross balance as of September 30, 2014	$	287,855		$	778,900		$	33,982	$	1,100,737
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of September 30, 2014	$	72,441		$	—		$	33,982	$	106,423
Summary of other intangible assets	'
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of			As of
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Carrying amount:
	Television network affiliation relationships	$	93,944		$	78,844
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	30,404			22,304
	Other	6,361			3,561
	Total carrying amount	130,709			104,709
	Accumulated amortization:
	Television network affiliation relationships	(12,855		)	(9,691		)
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(15,746		)	(13,138		)
	Other	(2,151		)	(1,833		)
	Total accumulated amortization	(30,752		)	(24,662		)
	Net amortizable intangible assets	99,957			80,047
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215			57,815
	Total other intangible assets	$	192,172		$	137,862

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Long-term debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Term loan	198,500		200,000
	Long-term debt	198,500		200,000
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
	Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	196,500	$	198,000
	Fair value of long-term debt *	$	198,500	$	200,000
	* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notional amounts and fair values of derivatives	'
	The notional amounts and fair values of derivative instruments are shown in the table below:
		As of September 30, 2014								As of December 31, 2013
		Notional			Fair value					Notional		Fair value
	(in thousands)	amount			Asset			Liability (1)		amount		Asset		Liability (1)
	Undesignated derivatives:
	Interest rate swap	$	75,000		$	—		$	423	$	75,000	$	—	$	723
	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative	'
	For the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2014, approximately $0.3 million was amortized into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive loss and is included in the table below as amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss).
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Effective portion recognized in accumulated OCL,	—		(455	)		—		290
	gain/(loss)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96		171			288		504
	Gain/(loss) on derivative	362		—			300		—

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following tables set forth our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
		As of September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents	$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(423		)	—		(423		)	—
		As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents	$	30,000		$	30,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(723		)	—		(723		)	—

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other liabilities	'
	Other liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		September 30,		December 31,
		2014		2013
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	18,578	$	19,756
	Liability for pension benefits	62,903		62,020
	Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	11,078		10,670
	Other	15,873		14,826
	Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	108,432	$	107,272

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Change in certain working capital accounts	'
	The following table presents additional information about the change in certain working capital accounts:
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	15,247		$	2,807
	Income taxes receivable/payable, net	(5,764		)	(2,251		)
	Accounts payable	79			(6,274		)
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	9,811			(5,827		)
	Other accrued liabilities	4,284			(238		)
	Other, net	3,377			(1,703		)
	Total	$	27,034		$	(13,486	)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of benefit expense	'
	The components of the expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	21		$	17		$	64		$	51
	Interest cost	6,600			5,976			19,155			17,927
	Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,893		)	(5,371		)	(17,611		)	(16,113		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	862			1,060			2,145			3,182
	Total for defined benefit plans	1,590			1,682			3,753			5,047
	Multi-employer plans	100			95			324			326
	Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan	—			—			4,100			—
	SERP	80			808			672			1,981
	Defined contribution plans	2,419			2,341			8,635			8,627
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	4,189		$	4,926		$	17,484		$	15,981

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information regarding business segments	'
	Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Segment operating revenues:
	Television	$	121,068		$	99,289		$	339,004		$	307,548
	Newspapers	84,473			88,346			275,213			281,286
	Syndication and other	2,059			1,900			9,123			7,207
	Total operating revenues	$	207,600		$	189,535		$	623,340		$	596,041
	Segment profit (loss):
	Television	$	29,813		$	18,921		$	78,591		$	65,945
	Newspapers	767			3,038			14,759			14,857
	Syndication and other	(872		)	(177		)	(1,385		)	(145		)
	Shared services and corporate	(10,088		)	(13,885		)	(38,797		)	(37,788		)
	Defined benefit pension plan expense	(1,670		)	(2,490		)	(8,525		)	(7,028		)
	Acquisition and related integration costs	(5,049		)	—			(9,408		)	—
	Separation and restructuring costs	—			(1,290		)	—			(3,691		)
	Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(13,195		)	(12,096		)	(36,519		)	(35,684		)
	Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	2,951			(177		)	2,861			(140		)
	Interest expense	(2,050		)	(2,655		)	(6,347		)	(7,924		)
	Miscellaneous, net	(216		)	(1,087		)	(1,061		)	(4,025		)
	Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	$	391		$	(11,898	)	$	(5,831	)	$	(15,623	)
	Depreciation:
	Television	$	5,894		$	5,751		$	16,033		$	16,958
	Newspapers	4,255			4,015			12,167			12,132
	Syndication and other	127			20			327			58
	Shared services and corporate	649			574			1,904			1,349
	Total depreciation	$	10,925		$	10,360		$	30,431		$	30,497
	Amortization of intangibles:
	Television	$	1,909		$	1,599		$	5,108		$	4,778
	Newspapers	92			137			303			409
	Syndication and other	269			—			677			—
	Total amortization of intangibles	$	2,270		$	1,736		$	6,088		$	5,187
	Additions to property, plant and equipment:
	Television	$	4,100		$	2,169		$	10,540		$	7,325
	Newspapers	573			285			1,486			1,746
	Syndication and other	302			—			432			—
	Shared services and corporate	253			908			979			6,460
	Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	5,228		$	3,362		$	13,437		$	15,531

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of options outstanding and exercisable	'
	Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant as of September 30, 2014 is as follows:
				Options Outstanding and Exercisable
	Year of Grant	Range of Exercise Prices	Average Remaining Term	Options on Shares Outstanding	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
			(in years)				(in millions)
	2004 – expire in 2014	$10	0.18	3,794	$	9.78	$	—
	2005 – expire in 2015	11-Oct	0.54	43,188	10.9		0.3
	2006 – expire in 2016	11-Oct	1.66	47,737	10.03		0.3
	2007 – expire in 2015	10-Sep	0.42	349,497	10.27		2.1
	2008 – expire in 2016	10-Jul	1.5	1,610,994	8.73		12.2
	Total	$7-11	1.29	2,055,210	$	9.07	$	14.9

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") by component, including items reclassified out of AOCL, were as follows:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2014	$	(600	)	$	(79,489	)	$	172	$	(79,917	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $37 (a)	59			—			—		59
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $364 (b)	—			441			—		441
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			441			—		500
	Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, June 30, 2013	$	(338	)	$	(114,232	)	$	357	$	(114,213	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(284		)	—			—		(284		)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $64 (a)	107			—			—		107
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $460 (b)	—			1,179			—		1,179
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	(177		)	1,179			—		1,002
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	(515	)	$	(113,053	)	$	357	$	(113,211	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2013	$	(718	)	$	(80,377	)	$	172	$	(80,923	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—		—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $111 (a)	177			—			—		177
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $924 (b)	—			1,329			—		1,329
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	177			1,329			—		1,506
	Ending balance, September 30, 2014	$	(541	)	$	(79,048	)	$	172	$	(79,417	)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other		Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2012	$	(1,009	)	$	(116,188	)	$	357	$	(116,840	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	180			—			—		180
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $190 (a)	314			—			—		314
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $1,759 (b)	—			3,135			—		3,135
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	494			3,135			—		3,629
	Ending balance, September 30, 2013	$	(515	)	$	(113,053	)	$	357	$	(113,211	)
	(a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
	(b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation costs	$0.20	$1.10	$4.90	$5

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)	'		'		'		'
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($1,341)		($8,851)		($5,188)		($8,337)
Less income allocated to RSUs	0		0		0		0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	($1,341)		($8,851)		($5,188)		($8,337)
Denominator	'		'		'		'
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469		56,177		56,200		56,696
Effect of dilutive securities:	'		'		'		'
Stock options held by employees and directors	0		0		0		0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	56,469		56,177		56,200		56,696
Anti-dilutive securities	3,313	[1]	5,551	[1]	3,313	[1]	5,551	[1]
[1]	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding

Acquisitions_Narrative_Details

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 02, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 02, 2014

Jan. 02, 2014

Jan. 02, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Sep. 16, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

television_station

Customer relationships

Other intangible assets

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

WeatherSphere

WeatherSphere

Minimum

Maximum

television_station

Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships

FCC licenses

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships

Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships

Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stations acquired

2

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition cost in cash

'

'

'

'

'

$35,000,000

$110,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets

'

5,900,000

'

4,100,000

1,800,000

5,900,000

53,500,000

19,100,000

34,400,000

'

'

'

'

Intangible asset, estimated amortization period

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'20 years

Goodwill

106,423,000

'

27,966,000

'

'

28,938,000

44,475,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Working capital adjustment

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business acquisition, purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

35,222,000

110,000,000

'

'

'

4,100,000

'

'

Earnout provision, maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

Earnout provision, payment term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

Earnout provision, fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,600,000

'

'

Acquisitions_Fair_Value_of_Ass

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 16, 2014	Jan. 02, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate	Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	'	'	$640
Other assets	'	'	'	'	74
Property, plant, equipment and software	'	'	'	12,025	631
Intangible assets	'	5,900	'	53,500	5,900
Goodwill	106,423	'	27,966	44,475	28,938
Total assets acquired	'	'	'	'	36,183
Current liabilities	'	'	'	'	116
Long-term deferred liability	'	'	'	'	845
Net purchase price	'	'	'	$110,000	$35,222

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Disclos

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclosures (Details) (Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate, USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$197,460	$637,579	$619,521
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	($7,974)	($3,655)	($5,129)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	($0.14)	($0.07)	($0.09)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	($0.14)	($0.07)	($0.09)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate	5.80%	46.60%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
Previously unrecognized tax benefits	'	$2.40
Deferred tax assets	19.4	'
Unrecognized deductions for share based compensation awards	$31	$33

Other_Charges_and_Credits_Narr

Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			television_station
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Acquisition and related integration costs	$5,049,000	$0	$9,408,000	$0
Number of television stations acquired	'	'	2	'
Gain on sale of excess land	2,951,000	-177,000	2,861,000	-140,000
Restructuring charges	0	1,290,000	0	3,691,000
Land	'	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of excess land	$3,000,000	'	'	'

Restricted_Cash_Narrative_Deta

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]	'	'
Restricted cash	$6,810	$8,210

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by business segment (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jan. 02, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 16, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

WeatherSphere

Television

Television

Television

Television

Television

Newspapers

Newspapers

Newspapers

Newspapers

Newspapers

Syndication and other

Syndication and other

Syndication and other

Syndication and other

Syndication and other

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

WeatherSphere

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

WeatherSphere

Media Convergence Group (Newsy)

Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate

WeatherSphere

Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross balance

$1,100,737

$1,022,280

'

'

'

'

'

$287,855

$243,380

'

'

'

$778,900

$778,900

'

'

'

$33,982

$0

'

'

'

Accumulated impairment losses

-994,314

-994,314

'

'

'

'

'

-215,414

-215,414

'

'

'

-778,900

-778,900

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

Goodwill

106,423

27,966

'

28,938

'

44,475

'

72,441

27,966

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

33,982

0

'

'

'

Goodwill, Acquired During Period

'

'

$28,938

'

$44,475

'

$5,044

'

'

$0

$44,475

$0

'

'

$0

$0

$0

'

'

$28,938

$0

$5,044

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying amount:	'	'
Total carrying amount	$130,709	$104,709
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Total accumulated amortization	-30,752	-24,662
Net amortizable intangible assets	99,957	80,047
Total other intangible assets	192,172	137,862
Licensing agreements	'	'
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215	57,815
Television network affiliation relationships	'	'
Carrying amount:	'	'
Total carrying amount	93,944	78,844
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Total accumulated amortization	-12,855	-9,691
Customer lists and advertiser relationships	'	'
Carrying amount:	'	'
Total carrying amount	30,404	22,304
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Total accumulated amortization	-15,746	-13,138
Other	'	'
Carrying amount:	'	'
Total carrying amount	6,361	3,561
Accumulated amortization:	'	'
Total accumulated amortization	($2,151)	($1,833)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the remainder of 2014	$2.30
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2015	9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2016	8.9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017	6.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018	6.4
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019	5.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	$61.40

LongTerm_Debt_Components_of_Lo

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Long-term debt	'		'
Long-term debt	$198,500		$200,000
Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	196,500		198,000
Fair value of long-term debt	198,500	[1]	200,000
Variable rate credit facility	'		'
Components of Long-term debt	'		'
Long-term debt	0		0
Term loan	'		'
Components of Long-term debt	'		'
Long-term debt	$198,500		$200,000
[1]	* Fair value of the term loan was estimated based on quoted private market transactions and is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	$2,000,000	2,000,000	'
Long-term debt (less current portion)	196,500,000	198,000,000	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2014	500,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2015	2,000,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2016	2,000,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2017	2,000,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2018	2,000,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2019	2,000,000	'	'
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in later years	188,000,000	'	'
Letters of credit outstanding amount	200,000	200,000	'
Minimum	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.30%	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of commitment fees of total unused commitment under revolving credit facility	0.50%	'	'
Financing Agreement	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition	275,000,000	'	'
Restricted payment for dividend and share repurchase, maximum	50,000,000	'	'
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	4.5	'	'
Financing Agreement | Term loan	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition	200,000,000	'	'
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	3.25%	3.25%	'
LIBOR plus margin range	2.50%	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	3.25%	'	3.70%
Financing Agreement | Term loan | Minimum	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	0.75%	'	'
Financing Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Revolving credit and term loan agreement to finance acquisition	$75,000,000	'	'
Financing Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding, Trigger Leverage Ratio, Percentage	20.00%	'	'
LIBOR plus margin range	2.25%	'	'
Financing Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum	'	'	'
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'
LIBOR plus margin range	2.75%	'	'

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest rate swaps	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amount	$75,000,000	$75,000,000
Fixed LIBOR interest rate	1.08%	'
Derivative instrument, amortized into earnings from AOCI	$300,000	'

Financial_Instruments_Notional

Financial Instruments - Notional Amounts (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Interest rate swaps	'		'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:	'		'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$75,000		$75,000
Interest Rate Derivative Assets, at Fair Value	0		0
Interest Rate Derivative Liabilities, at Fair Value	$423	[1]	$723	[1]
[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Financial_Instruments_Effectiv

Financial Instruments - Effective Portion of Unrealized Gain and Loss (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:	'	'	'	'
Effective portion recognized in accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	$0	($455)	$0	$290
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96	171	288	504
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	362	'	300	'
Gain/(loss) on derivative	'	$0	'	$0

Fair_Value_Measurement_Assets_

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Cash equivalents	$10,000		$30,000
Level 1 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Cash equivalents	10,000		30,000
Level 2 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Cash equivalents	0		0
Level 3 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Cash equivalents	0		0
Interest rate swaps	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap	-423	[1]	-723	[1]
Interest rate swaps | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap	-423		-723
Interest rate swaps | Level 1 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap	0		0
Interest rate swaps | Level 2 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap	-423		-723
Interest rate swaps | Level 3 | Recurring Measurements	'		'
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'		'
Interest rate swap	$0		$0
[1]	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Other_Liabilities_Additional_I

Other Liabilities - Additional Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other liabilities	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	$18,578	$19,756
Liability for pension benefits	62,903	62,020
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	11,078	10,670
Other	15,873	14,826
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$108,432	$107,272

Noncontrolling_Interests_Narra

Noncontrolling Interests - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling interest Memphis Newspaper	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	4.00%
Noncontrolling interest Evansville Newspaper	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners	6.00%

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Change in Certain Working Capital Accounts (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	'	'
Accounts and notes receivable	$15,247	$2,807
Income taxes receivable/payable, net	-5,764	-2,251
Accounts payable	79	-6,274
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	9,811	-5,827
Other accrued liabilities	4,284	-238
Other, net	3,377	-1,703
Total	$27,034	($13,486)

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$4,189	$4,926	$17,484	$15,981
Defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	21	17	64	51
Interest cost	6,600	5,976	19,155	17,927
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	-5,893	-5,371	-17,611	-16,113
Amortization of actuarial loss	862	1,060	2,145	3,182
Total for defined benefit plans	1,590	1,682	3,753	5,047
Multi-employer plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	100	95	324	326
Withdrawal from GCIU multi-employer plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	0	0	4,100	0
SERP	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	80	808	672	1,981
Defined contribution plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$2,419	$2,341	$8,635	$8,627

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		SERP	Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Contributions to benefit plan	'	$0.60	$0.10
Estimated future contributions	'	0.2	'
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, undiscounted liability	6.5	'	'
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, recorded liability	$4.10	'	'
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, liability repayment, term	'20 years	'	'

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014
	customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of major customers customers	0
Percentage of revenue by major customer	10.00%
Television	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Percentage of market capture	14.00%
Television | ABC affiliates	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of Affiliates	11
Television | NBC affiliates	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of Affiliates	3
Television | Independent station	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of Affiliates	2
Television | Azteca America affiliates	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of Affiliates	5
Newspapers	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Number of markets for daily and community newspapers	13

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Information regarding business segments	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	$207,600,000	$189,535,000	$623,340,000	$596,041,000
Defined benefit pension plan expense	-1,670,000	-2,490,000	-8,525,000	-7,028,000
Acquisition and related integration costs	-5,049,000	0	-9,408,000	0
Separation and restructuring costs	0	-1,290,000	0	-3,691,000
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	-13,195,000	-12,096,000	-36,519,000	-35,684,000
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	2,951,000	-177,000	2,861,000	-140,000
Interest expense	-2,050,000	-2,655,000	-6,347,000	-7,924,000
Miscellaneous, net	-216,000	-1,087,000	-1,061,000	-4,025,000
Income (loss) from operations before income taxes	391,000	-11,898,000	-5,831,000	-15,623,000
Depreciation:	'	'	'	'
Total depreciation	10,925,000	10,360,000	30,431,000	30,497,000
Amortization of intangibles:	'	'	'	'
Syndication and other	2,270,000	1,736,000	6,088,000	5,187,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'	'
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	5,228,000	3,362,000	13,437,000	15,531,000
Television	'	'	'	'
Information regarding business segments	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	121,068,000	99,289,000	339,004,000	307,548,000
Segment profit (loss)	29,813,000	18,921,000	78,591,000	65,945,000
Depreciation:	'	'	'	'
Total depreciation	5,894,000	5,751,000	16,033,000	16,958,000
Amortization of intangibles:	'	'	'	'
Syndication and other	1,909,000	1,599,000	5,108,000	4,778,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'	'
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	4,100,000	2,169,000	10,540,000	7,325,000
Newspapers	'	'	'	'
Information regarding business segments	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	84,473,000	88,346,000	275,213,000	281,286,000
Segment profit (loss)	767,000	3,038,000	14,759,000	14,857,000
Depreciation:	'	'	'	'
Total depreciation	4,255,000	4,015,000	12,167,000	12,132,000
Amortization of intangibles:	'	'	'	'
Syndication and other	92,000	137,000	303,000	409,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'	'
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	573,000	285,000	1,486,000	1,746,000
Syndication and other	'	'	'	'
Information regarding business segments	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	2,059,000	1,900,000	9,123,000	7,207,000
Segment profit (loss)	-872,000	-177,000	-1,385,000	-145,000
Depreciation:	'	'	'	'
Total depreciation	127,000	20,000	327,000	58,000
Amortization of intangibles:	'	'	'	'
Syndication and other	269,000	0	677,000	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'	'
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	302,000	0	432,000	0
Shared services and corporate	'	'	'	'
Information regarding business segments	'	'	'	'
Segment profit (loss)	-10,088,000	-13,885,000	-38,797,000	-37,788,000
Depreciation:	'	'	'	'
Total depreciation	649,000	574,000	1,904,000	1,349,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'	'
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$253,000	$908,000	$979,000	$6,460,000

SpinOff_of_Scripps_Networks_In1

Spin-Off of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Spin Off of Company [Abstract]	'	'
Spin-Off of Company, Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Deduction from Exercise of Stock Options	$7.40	$11.40
SNI options held by employees	0.2	'

Capital_Stock_Narrative_Detail

Capital Stock - Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

6-May-14

Sep. 30, 2014

common_share

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Common stock, Class A

Common stock, Class A

First Repurchase Plan

First Repurchase Plan

Second Repurchase Plan

Second Repurchase Plan

director

Common stock, Class A

Common stock, Class A

Common stock, Class A

Common stock, Class A

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Classes of common shares

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum number of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minumum percent of directors up for election to entitle shareholders to vote

33.33%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program, authorized amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

$100,000,000

'

Stock repurchased during period, value

21,237,000

69,313,000

'

'

'

'

21,200,000

69,300,000

'

'

'

0

Range of price of shares repurchased (USD per share)

'

'

$16.35

$10.83

$19.99

$17.94

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,000,000

'

'

Capital_Stock_Options_outstand

Capital Stock - Options outstanding and exercisable (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$7
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$11
Options Granted, Range One [Member]	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
2004 – expire in 2014	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$11
2005 – expire in 2015	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$11
2006 – expire in 2016	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$9
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
2007 – expire in 2015	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range Limit (USD per share)	$7
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
Stock Options	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'1 year 3 months 15 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	2,055,210
Options on Shares Exercisable	2,055,210
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.07
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.07
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$14.90
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	14.9
Stock Options | Options Granted, Range One [Member]	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'2 months 5 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	3,794
Options on Shares Exercisable	3,794
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.78
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.78
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0
Stock Options | 2004 – expire in 2014	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'6 months 14 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	43,188
Options on Shares Exercisable	43,188
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.90
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.90
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.3
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.3
Stock Options | 2005 – expire in 2015	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'1 year 7 months 27 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	47,737
Options on Shares Exercisable	47,737
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.03
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.03
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.3
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.3
Stock Options | 2006 – expire in 2016	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'5 months 2 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	349,497
Options on Shares Exercisable	349,497
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.27
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$10.27
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2.1
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	2.1
Stock Options | 2007 – expire in 2015	'
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant	'
Average Remaining Term	'1 year 6 months 0 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	1,610,994
Options on Shares Exercisable	1,610,994
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.73
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.73
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	12.2
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$12.20

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	($79,917)		($114,213)		($80,923)		($116,840)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		-284		0		180
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	59	[1]	107	[1]	177	[1]	314	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	441	[2]	1,179	[2]	1,329	[2]	3,135	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	1,835		-3,047		-341		-7,286
Ending balance	-79,417		-113,211		-79,417		-113,211
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	500		1,002		1,506		3,629
Gains and Losses on Derivatives	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		-338		'		-1,009
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	'		-284		'		180
Ending balance	'		-515		'		-515
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	'		107	[1]	'		314	[1]
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	'		0	[2]	'		0	[2]
Net current-period other comprehensive income	'		-177		'		494
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest rate swaps	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	'		64		'		190
Defined Benefit Pension Items	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-79,489		-114,232		-80,377		-116,188
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ending balance	-79,048		-113,053		-79,048		-113,053
Defined Benefit Pension Items | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	441	[2]	1,179	[2]	1,329	[2]	3,135	[2]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	364		460		924		1,759
Net current-period other comprehensive income	441		1,179		1,329		3,135
Other	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	172		357		172		357
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ending balance	172		357		172		357
Other | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Net current-period other comprehensive income	0		0		0		0
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member]	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Beginning balance	-600		'		-718		'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		'		0		'
Ending balance	-541		'		-541		'
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member] | Interest rate swaps	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	59	[1]	'		177	[1]	'
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	0	[2]	'		0	[2]	'
Net current-period other comprehensive income	59		'		177		'
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Interest rate swaps	'		'		'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]	'		'		'		'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, tax	$37		'		$111		'
[1]	(a) Interest rate swap is included in interest expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
[2]	(b) Actuarial loss is included in defined benefit pension plan expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

Pending_Broadcast_Merger_and_N1

Pending Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 30, 2014

Jul. 30, 2014

Newspaper operations

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Journal Communications, Inc.

Parent company

Minimum

Maximum

Television operations

Newspaper operations

newspaper

employee

employee

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Television operations, percentage of U.S. households reached

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18.00%

'

Approximate number of employees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000

3,600

Number of newspapers

'

'

'

'

'

13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Special cash dividend

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$60,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated acquisition-related costs

5,049,000

0

9,408,000

0

'

'

'

6,700,000

'

'

25

30,000,000

'

'

Employee benefit obligations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

66,000,000

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt

198,500,000

'

198,500,000

'

200,000,000

'

'

144,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding debt, required to be refinanced

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

131,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Liquidation damages upon breach of merger

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,800,000

'

'

'

'

$23,500,000

'

'