The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 21, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	E.W. SCRIPPS Co
Entity Central Index Key	832428
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Common Class A
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		72,253,069
Voting common stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,932,722

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$159,489	$158,459
Restricted cash	6,810	6,810
Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances - $2,239 and $2,136)	136,695	136,567
Inventory	5,831	6,183
Deferred income taxes	17,146	12,836
Miscellaneous	10,229	7,805
Total current assets	336,200	328,660
Investments	14,698	9,530
Property, plant and equipment	336,588	343,389
Goodwill	106,261	106,261
Other intangible assets	187,063	189,260
Deferred income taxes	35,936	37,946
Miscellaneous	15,780	17,685
Total Assets	1,032,526	1,032,731
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,123	21,004
Customer deposits and unearned revenue	27,242	29,948
Current portion of long-term debt	2,000	2,000
Accrued liabilities:
Employee compensation and benefits	33,241	33,305
Miscellaneous	35,277	38,123
Other current liabilities	23,246	10,158
Total current liabilities	138,129	134,538
Long-term debt (less current portion)	195,500	196,000
Other liabilities (less current portion)	181,942	182,260
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; 45,868,082 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	578	570
Additional paid-in capital	526,753	525,456
Retained earnings	113,593	118,693
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	-125,626	-126,443
The E.W. Scripps Company total shareholders’ equity	515,298	518,276
Noncontrolling interest	1,657	1,657
Total equity	516,955	519,933
Total Liabilities and Equity	1,032,526	1,032,731
Common stock, Class A
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 45,868,082 and 45,062,522 shares; Voting - authorized: 60,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 11,932,722 and 11,932,722 shares	459	451
Voting common stock
Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par: Class A - authorized: 240,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding; 45,868,082 and 45,062,522 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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowances for accounts and notes receivable	$2,239	$2,136
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	45,868,082	45,062,522
Common stock, shares outstanding	45,868,082	45,062,522
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
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Operating Revenues:
Advertising	$144,076	$146,770
Subscriptions	31,276	32,299
Retransmission	27,918	12,474
Other	11,230	12,251
Total operating revenues	214,500	203,794
Costs and Expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	105,149	101,749
Programs and program licenses	21,132	12,968
Newsprint, press supplies and other printing costs	10,766	12,038
Newspaper distribution	11,326	11,916
Other expenses	49,657	49,748
Defined benefit pension plan expense	2,762	1,378
Acquisition and related integration costs	6,109	262
Total costs and expenses	206,901	190,059
Depreciation, Amortization, and (Gains) Losses:
Depreciation	9,971	9,808
Amortization of intangible assets	2,196	1,921
(Gains) losses, net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	-100	68
Net depreciation, amortization, and (gains) losses	12,067	11,797
Operating (loss) income	-4,468	1,938
Interest expense	-2,052	-2,254
Miscellaneous, net	-1,324	-445
Loss from operations before income taxes	-7,844	-761
Benefit for income taxes	-2,744	-149
Net loss	-5,100	-612
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($5,100)	($612)
Net loss per basic share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($0.09)	($0.01)
Net loss per diluted share of common stock attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($0.09)	($0.01)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net loss	($5,100)	($612)
Changes in fair value of derivative, net of tax of $36 and $37	60	59
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, net of tax of $458 and $280	757	444
Total comprehensive loss	-4,283	-109
Less comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($4,283)	($109)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in fair value of derivatives, tax amount	$36	$37
Changes in defined benefit pension plans, tax amount	$458	$280

Condednsed_Consolidated_Statem

Condednsed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss	($5,100)	($612)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,167	11,729
Deferred income taxes	-2,794	-304
Stock and deferred compensation plans	3,142	2,941
Pension expense, net of payments	2,606	1,021
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net	-10,741	14,640
Miscellaneous, net	702	45
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-18	29,460
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions	0	-46,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-3,339	-2,584
Purchase of investments	-7,280	-153
Change in restricted cash	0	1,400
Miscellaneous, net	308	361
Net cash used in investing activities	-10,311	-46,976
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	-500	-500
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	0	-17,828
Proceeds from employee stock options	4,262	6,855
Tax payments related to shares withheld for RSU vesting	-4,872	-3,835
Miscellaneous, net	12,469	-1,312
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	11,359	-16,620
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,030	-34,136
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	158,459	221,255
End of period	159,489	187,119
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Interest paid	1,718	1,972
Income taxes paid	$557	$367

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, 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		-612,000			-612,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0
Net loss, continuing operations		-612,000
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		444,000				444,000
Changes in fair value of derivative		59,000				59,000
Compensation plans: 1,065,619 net shares issued in 2014 and 805,560 in 2015	[1]	6,395,000	11,000	6,384,000
Repurchase 988,990 Class A Common shares in 2014		-17,828,000	-10,000	-10,469,000	-7,349,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Mar. 31, 2014		536,195,000	561,000	505,158,000	108,932,000	-80,420,000	1,964,000
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		519,933,000	570,000	525,456,000	118,693,000	-126,443,000	1,657,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net (loss) income		-5,100,000			-5,100,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		0
Net loss, continuing operations		-5,100,000
Changes in defined benefit pension plans		757,000				757,000
Changes in fair value of derivative		60,000				60,000
Compensation plans: 1,065,619 net shares issued in 2014 and 805,560 in 2015	[1]	1,305,000	8,000	1,297,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest at Mar. 31, 2015		$516,955,000	$578,000	$526,753,000	$113,593,000	($125,626,000)	$1,657,000
[1]	* Net of tax payments related to shares withheld for vested stock and RSUs of $4,872 in 2015 and $3,835 in 2014.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Repurchase of Class A Common shares	0	988,990
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation	$4,872	$3,835
Shares issued on compensation plans	805,560	1,065,619

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 2014 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 web, 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.
	On April 1, 2015, we distributed our newspaper business to our shareholders in a tax-free spin-off. See Note 18 for additional information on the spin-off.
	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; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; 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 2014 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, 2014. 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 $1.9 million and $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, 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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$	(5,100	)	$	(612	)
	Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(5,100	)	$	(612	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335			56,084
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335			56,084
	Anti-dilutive securities (1)	1,728			3,985
	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.
	For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Standards and Issued Accounting Standards
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards — In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued new guidance on reporting and disclosure requirements as they relate to discontinued operations. With the new guidance, a disposal of a component or group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. The amendments in this update are effective for all disposals, or classifications as held for sale, of components of an entity that occur within annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years.
	In May 2014, the FASB 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 created a duopoly with our Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ-TV.
	We finalized the determination of fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no material changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the preliminary amounts. The following table summarizes their final fair values.
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
	Intangible assets	53,500
	Goodwill	44,715
	Total assets acquired	110,240
	Current liabilities	240
	Net purchase price	$	110,000
	Of the $54 million allocated to intangible assets, $34 million was for FCC licenses which we determined to have an indefinite life and therefore are not amortized. The remaining balance of $19 million was allocated to television network affiliation relationships and advertiser relationships with estimated amortization periods of 10 to 20 years.
	The goodwill of $45 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 allocated the goodwill to our television segment. We treated 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 March 31, 2015 include the impact of the Acquired Granite Stations and therefore are not presented as pro forma results.
	(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Operating revenues	$	211,158
	Income from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(110		)
	Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
	Basic	$	—
	Diluted	—
	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.
	We finalized the determination of fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in the fourth quarter of 2014. There were no material changes in the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed from the preliminary amounts. The following table summarizes their final fair values.
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	640
	Other assets	74
	Equipment and software	631
	Intangible assets	5,900
	Goodwill	28,983
	Total assets acquired	36,228
	Current liabilities	116
	Long-term deferred liability	890
	Net purchase price	$	35,222
	Of the $6 million allocated to intangible assets, $4 million was allocated to customer relationships with an estimated amortization period of 5 years and the balance of $2 million was allocated to various other intangible assets.
	The goodwill of $29 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 allocated the goodwill to our syndication and other segment. We treated the transaction as a purchase of stock for income tax purposes with no step-up in the assets acquired. The goodwill is 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 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 may be payable over a three year period. We have estimated the fair value of the earnout to be $1.2 million. 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 35.0% and 19.6%, 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).
	Deferred tax assets totaled $53.1 million at March 31, 2015. 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 March 31, 2015 and 2014, 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 three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $16 million and $13 million, respectively.

Other_Charges_and_Credits

Other Charges and Credits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]
Other Charges and Credits	Other Charges and Credits
	Loss from operations was affected by the following:
	Acquisition and related integration costs of $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 include costs for spinning off our newspaper operations and merging with Journal's broadcast business.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had $6.8 million 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014	$	288,095		$	778,900		$	33,580	$	1,100,575
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of December 31, 2014	$	72,681		$	—		$	33,580	$	106,261
	Gross balance as of March 31, 2015	$	288,095		$	778,900		$	33,580	$	1,100,575
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of March 31, 2015	$	72,681		$	—		$	33,580	$	106,261
	Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of			As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Carrying amount:
	Television network affiliation relationships	$	93,944		$	93,944
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	30,404			30,404
	Other	5,761			5,761
	Total carrying amount	130,109			130,109
	Accumulated amortization:
	Television network affiliation relationships	(15,268		)	(14,092		)
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(17,068		)	(16,416		)
	Other	(2,925		)	(2,556		)
	Total accumulated amortization	(35,261		)	(33,064		)
	Net amortizable intangible assets	94,848			97,045
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215			92,215
	Total other intangible assets	$	187,063		$	189,260
	Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the next five years is $6.8 million for the remainder of 2015, $9.0 million in 2016, $6.5 million in 2017, $6.5 million in 2018, $5.5 million in 2019, $5.5 million in 2020, and $55.0 million in later years.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Term loan	197,500		198,000
	Long-term debt	197,500		198,000
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
	Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	195,500	$	196,000
	Fair value of long-term debt *	$	197,500	$	194,000
	* 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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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 March 31, 2015, we were not required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow. The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings was 3.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt at March 31, 2015 are: $1.5 million for the remainder of 2015, $2.0 million in 2016, $2.0 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2018, $2.0 million in 2019 and $188.0 million in 2020.
	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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $0.2 million.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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 March 31, 2015

As of December 31, 2014

Notional amount

Fair value

Notional amount

Fair value

(in thousands)

Asset

Liability (1)

Asset

Liability (1)

Undesignated derivatives:

Interest rate swap

$

75,000

$

—

$

645

$

75,000

$

—

$

471

(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 period ended March 31, 2015, approximately $0.1 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

March 31,

(in thousands)

2015

2014

Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)

96

96

Gain/(loss) on derivative

(174

)

49

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
			As of March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents		$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap		(645		)	—		(645		)	—
			As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents		$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap		(471		)	—		(471		)	—

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities
	Other liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	20,555	$	19,537
	Liability for pension benefits	140,694		139,789
	Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	6,791		6,741
	Other	13,902		16,193
	Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	181,942	$	182,260

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	(128	)	$	15,433
	Accounts payable	(3,881		)	(1,829		)
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(64		)	1,667
	Other accrued liabilities	(2,237		)	(432		)
	Other, net	(4,431		)	(199		)
	Total	$	(10,741	)	$	14,640

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 (referred to as transition credits) to certain employees' defined contribution retirement accounts in 2011. These transition credits, which will be made through the end of 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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	—		$	21
	Interest cost	6,449			6,278
	Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,085		)	(5,859		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1,132			642
	Total for defined benefit plans	2,496			1,082
	Multi-employer plans	59			119
	SERP	266			296
	Defined contribution plans	3,351			3,160
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,172		$	4,657
	We contributed $0.1 million to fund current benefit payments for our SERP during the three months ended March 31, 2015. We anticipate contributing an additional $1.4 million to fund the SERP’s benefit payments during the remainder of 2015. No contributions were made to our defined benefit pension plans during the first three months of 2015.
	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 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 in 2014 for the present value withdrawal liability. Once we reach a final agreement with the GCIU, we either will pay the liability in a lump sum or make equal monthly installments over 20 years.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, which we 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.
	Beginning in the second quarter of 2015, we will report the following segments: television, radio, digital and syndication and other.
	Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Segment operating revenues:
	Television	$	119,538		$	102,142
	Newspapers	91,478			98,490
	Syndication and other	3,484			3,162
	Total operating revenues	$	214,500		$	203,794
	Segment profit (loss):
	Television	$	22,202		$	20,972
	Newspapers	9,075			8,549
	Syndication and other	(243		)	212
	Shared services and corporate	(14,564		)	(14,358		)
	Defined benefit pension plan expense	(2,762		)	(1,378		)
	Acquisition and related integration costs	(6,109		)	(262		)
	Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(12,167		)	(11,729		)
	Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	100			(68		)
	Interest expense	(2,052		)	(2,254		)
	Miscellaneous, net	(1,324		)	(445		)
	Loss from operations before income taxes	$	(7,844	)	$	(761	)
	Depreciation:
	Television	$	5,386		$	5,111
	Newspapers	3,784			3,987
	Syndication and other	184			98
	Shared services and corporate	617			612
	Total depreciation	$	9,971		$	9,808
	Amortization of intangibles:
	Television	$	1,888		$	1,599
	Newspapers	88			118
	Syndication and other	220			204
	Total amortization of intangibles	$	2,196		$	1,921
	Additions to property, plant and equipment:
	Television	$	1,941		$	1,732
	Newspapers	1,034			219
	Syndication and other	85			28
	Shared services and corporate	279			605
	Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	3,339		$	2,584
	No single customer provides more than 10% of our revenue.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 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. Shares may be repurchased from time to time at management's discretion, either in the open market, through pre-arranged trading plans or in privately negotiated block transactions. No shares have been repurchased under this program as of March 31, 2015. With the closing of the merger with Journal Communications, the company can begin repurchasing shares on May 12, 2015.
	Options Outstanding — Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant as of March 31, 2015 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)
	2006 – expire in 2016	$10	1.1	32,861	9.96		$	0.6
	2007 – expire in 2017	9	2.07	32,861	9.24		0.6
	2008 – expire in 2018	10-Jul	3.04	1,198,618	8.6		23.8
	Total	$7-10	2.96	1,264,340	$	8.65	$	25

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other			Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2014	$	(479	)	$	(125,877	)	$	(87	)	$	(126,443	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $36 (a)	60			—			—			60
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $458 (b)	—			757			—			757
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	60			757			—			817
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	(419	)	$	(125,120	)	$	(87	)	$	(125,626	)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 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 $37 (a)	59			—			—			59
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $280 (b)	—			444			—			444
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			444			—			503
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	(659	)	$	(79,933	)	$	172		$	(80,420	)
	(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

Journal_Broadcast_Merger_and_N

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off	Journal 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 and combine them into a separate publicly traded company. On April 1, 2015, Scripps and Journal separated their respective newspaper businesses and merged them, resulting in each becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of Journal Media Group, Inc. Journal Media Group is headquarted in Milwaukee and combines the 13 Scripps newspapers with Journal's Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The company has approximately 3,600 employees. Journal's broadcast business was then merged with Scripps.
	The merged broadcast and digital media company, based in Cincinnati, retains The E.W. Scripps Company name and continues to be controlled by the Scripps family. The company’s television operations, following the close of the transactions, reaches approximately 18% of all U.S. households and has approximately 4,000 employees across its television, radio and digital media operations.
	Due to the limited time since we closed the Journal acquisition, we have not yet completed the initial acquisition accounting for the transaction, including the determination of the final purchase price, and the determination of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. We will complete the initial preliminary purchase price allocation in the second quarter and it will be reflected in our June 30, 2015 financial statements. The results of operations of the acquired business will be included in our results from April 1, 2015, the date of acquisition.
	In order to carry out the transactions, we expect to incur $30 to $35 million in costs, of which we have incurred approximately $16 million through March 31, 2015. With the Journal transactions, we assumed Journal's outstanding liabilities upon closing, including employee benefit obligations ($95 million as of December 31, 2014).
	As part of the transactions, Scripps shareholders received a $60 million special cash dividend on April 1, 2015.
	On April 1, 2015, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement ("New Financing Agreement") which amends and restates the Amended Revolving Credit and Term Loan Agreement dated November 26, 2013. The New Financing Agreement includes an incremental $200 million term loan, which is due November 2020. It also increased the revolving credit facility by $25 million to $100 million, which is due November 2018. The proceeds from the incremental $200 million loan were used to pay off the $116 million existing Journal term loan, fund the $60 million special cash dividend for Scripps shareholders and pay for transaction expenses.
	Upon completion of the spin-off of our Newspaper business, generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to assess impairment of the newspaper business long-lived assets using the held-and-used model. Under this model, if the expected cash flows over the life of the primary asset of the reporting unit are in excess of the carrying amount, then there is no impairment. Under this model no impairment charges were recorded at March 31, 2015. At the date of the spin-off of our newspaper business, GAAP requires us to assess impairment using the held-for-sale model. This model compares the fair value of the disposal unit to its carrying value and if the fair value is lower, then an impairment loss is recorded. Our preliminary analysis indicates that as of April 1, 2015 there would be a non cash impairment loss on disposal of the newspaper business of up to $30 million. Under GAAP, the impairment loss from applying the held-for sale model cannot be recorded until the date of the spin-off, April 1, 2015 and will be included as a component of discontinued operations.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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.
	Scripps and members of the Board of Directors of Journal Communications, Inc. ("Journal") were defendants in a class action lawsuit filed in Circuit Court, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (Howard Goldfinger v. Journal Communications, Inc., et al.). The plaintiff in the lawsuit alleged that the directors of Journal breached their fiduciary duties to Journal shareholders in connection with the proposed transactions between Scripps and Journal and that the other parties to the lawsuit aided and abetted such alleged breaches of fiduciary duty. On November 12, 2014, the Circuit Court entered an order dismissing this lawsuit.
	On January 6, 2015, the plaintiff in the above-referenced lawsuit filed a putative class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Howard Goldfinger v. Journal Communications, Inc., et al.), naming Scripps, Journal, the Board of Directors of Journal, and certain subsidiaries of Scripps and Journal as defendants. The plaintiff asserted disclosure claims under Sections 14(a) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as well as state common law claims for breaches of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. The complaint seeks, among other remedies, injunctive relief and damages. Prior to the shareholder meetings at which the Scripps/Journal transactions were approved, the plaintiff filed a motion for expedited discovery, and the defendants filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit. Plaintiff did not seek to enjoin the shareholder meetings or the Scripps/Journal transactions. Since the closing of the Scripps/Journal transactions, the plaintiff’s motion for expedited discovery and the defendants’ motions to dismiss the lawsuit remain pending. No further motions have been filed by either plaintiff or defendants. The court has yet to issue any orders with respect to the pending motions. Scripps believes the claims asserted are without merit and intends to continue to defend against them.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 2014 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 web, 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.
	On April 1, 2015, we distributed our newspaper business to our shareholders in a tax-free spin-off. See Note 18 for additional information on the spin-off.
	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; the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations; 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 2014 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, 2014. 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 $1.9 million and $3.3 million for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
	Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$	(5,100	)	$	(612	)
	Less income allocated to RSUs	—			—
	Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	(5,100	)	$	(612	)
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335			56,084
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options held by employees and directors	—			—
	Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335			56,084
	Anti-dilutive securities (1)	1,728			3,985
	(1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 include the impact of the Acquired Granite Stations and therefore are not presented as pro forma results.
	(in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014
	Operating revenues	$	211,158
	Income from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	(110		)
	Loss per share from operations attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company:
	Basic	$	—
	Diluted	—
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Property, plant and equipment	$	12,025
	Intangible assets	53,500
	Goodwill	44,715
	Total assets acquired	110,240
	Current liabilities	240
	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
	(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Accounts receivable	$	640
	Other assets	74
	Equipment and software	631
	Intangible assets	5,900
	Goodwill	28,983
	Total assets acquired	36,228
	Current liabilities	116
	Long-term deferred liability	890
	Net purchase price	$	35,222

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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, 2014	$	288,095		$	778,900		$	33,580	$	1,100,575
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of December 31, 2014	$	72,681		$	—		$	33,580	$	106,261
	Gross balance as of March 31, 2015	$	288,095		$	778,900		$	33,580	$	1,100,575
	Accumulated impairment losses	(215,414		)	(778,900		)	—		(994,314		)
	Net balance as of March 31, 2015	$	72,681		$	—		$	33,580	$	106,261
Summary of other intangible assets	Other intangible assets consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of			As of
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Carrying amount:
	Television network affiliation relationships	$	93,944		$	93,944
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	30,404			30,404
	Other	5,761			5,761
	Total carrying amount	130,109			130,109
	Accumulated amortization:
	Television network affiliation relationships	(15,268		)	(14,092		)
	Customer lists and advertiser relationships	(17,068		)	(16,416		)
	Other	(2,925		)	(2,556		)
	Total accumulated amortization	(35,261		)	(33,064		)
	Net amortizable intangible assets	94,848			97,045
	Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215			92,215
	Total other intangible assets	$	187,063		$	189,260

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Variable rate credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Term loan	197,500		198,000
	Long-term debt	197,500		198,000
	Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
	Long-term debt (less current portion)	$	195,500	$	196,000
	Fair value of long-term debt *	$	197,500	$	194,000
	* 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)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015							As of December 31, 2014
		Notional amount			Fair value				Notional amount		Fair value
	(in thousands)				Asset		Liability (1)				Asset		Liability (1)
	Undesignated derivatives:
	Interest rate swap	$	75,000		$	—	$	645	$	75,000	$	—	$	471
	(1) Balance recorded as other liabilities in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Effective portion of the unrealized gain and loss on the derivative	For the period ended March 31, 2015, approximately $0.1 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
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	96		96
	Gain/(loss) on derivative	(174	)	49

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
		As of March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents	$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(645		)	—		(645		)	—
		As of December 31, 2014
	(in thousands)	Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets/(Liabilities):
	Cash equivalents	$	10,000		$	10,000	$	—		$	—
	Interest rate swap	(471		)	—		(471		)	—

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities	Other liabilities consisted of the following:
	(in thousands)	As of		As of
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Employee compensation and benefits	$	20,555	$	19,537
	Liability for pension benefits	140,694		139,789
	Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	6,791		6,741
	Other	13,902		16,193
	Other liabilities (less current portion)	$	181,942	$	182,260

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
	Accounts and notes receivable	$	(128	)	$	15,433
	Accounts payable	(3,881		)	(1,829		)
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits	(64		)	1,667
	Other accrued liabilities	(2,237		)	(432		)
	Other, net	(4,431		)	(199		)
	Total	$	(10,741	)	$	14,640

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of benefit expense	The components of the expense consisted of the following:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Service cost	$	—		$	21
	Interest cost	6,449			6,278
	Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	(5,085		)	(5,859		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	1,132			642
	Total for defined benefit plans	2,496			1,082
	Multi-employer plans	59			119
	SERP	266			296
	Defined contribution plans	3,351			3,160
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,172		$	4,657

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information regarding business segments	Information regarding our business segments is as follows:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
	(in thousands)	2015			2014
	Segment operating revenues:
	Television	$	119,538		$	102,142
	Newspapers	91,478			98,490
	Syndication and other	3,484			3,162
	Total operating revenues	$	214,500		$	203,794
	Segment profit (loss):
	Television	$	22,202		$	20,972
	Newspapers	9,075			8,549
	Syndication and other	(243		)	212
	Shared services and corporate	(14,564		)	(14,358		)
	Defined benefit pension plan expense	(2,762		)	(1,378		)
	Acquisition and related integration costs	(6,109		)	(262		)
	Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	(12,167		)	(11,729		)
	Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	100			(68		)
	Interest expense	(2,052		)	(2,254		)
	Miscellaneous, net	(1,324		)	(445		)
	Loss from operations before income taxes	$	(7,844	)	$	(761	)
	Depreciation:
	Television	$	5,386		$	5,111
	Newspapers	3,784			3,987
	Syndication and other	184			98
	Shared services and corporate	617			612
	Total depreciation	$	9,971		$	9,808
	Amortization of intangibles:
	Television	$	1,888		$	1,599
	Newspapers	88			118
	Syndication and other	220			204
	Total amortization of intangibles	$	2,196		$	1,921
	Additions to property, plant and equipment:
	Television	$	1,941		$	1,732
	Newspapers	1,034			219
	Syndication and other	85			28
	Shared services and corporate	279			605
	Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$	3,339		$	2,584

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of options outstanding and exercisable	Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant as of March 31, 2015 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)
	2006 – expire in 2016	$10	1.1	32,861	9.96		$	0.6
	2007 – expire in 2017	9	2.07	32,861	9.24		0.6
	2008 – expire in 2018	10-Jul	3.04	1,198,618	8.6		23.8
	Total	$7-10	2.96	1,264,340	$	8.65	$	25

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
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 March 31, 2015
	(in thousands)	Gains and Losses on Derivatives			Defined Benefit Pension Items			Other			Total
	Beginning balance, December 31, 2014	$	(479	)	$	(125,877	)	$	(87	)	$	(126,443	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	—			—			—			—
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
	comprehensive loss
	Interest rate swap, net of tax of $36 (a)	60			—			—			60
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $458 (b)	—			757			—			757
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	60			757			—			817
	Ending balance, March 31, 2015	$	(419	)	$	(125,120	)	$	(87	)	$	(125,626	)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 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 $37 (a)	59			—			—			59
	Actuarial loss, net of tax of $280 (b)	—			444			—			444
	Net current-period other comprehensive income	59			444			—			503
	Ending balance, March 31, 2014	$	(659	)	$	(79,933	)	$	172		$	(80,420	)
	(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
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Share-based compensation costs	$1.90	$3.30

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net loss attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	($5,100)		($612)
Less income allocated to RSUs	0		0
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	($5,100)		($612)
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335		56,084
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	0		0
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	57,335		56,084
Anti-dilutive securities	1,728	[1]	3,985	[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 $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 01, 2014	Jun. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
		television_station
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets	$5,900,000
Goodwill				106,261,000	106,261,000
Customer relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets	4,100,000
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period	5 years
Other intangible assets
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets	1,800,000
Media Convergence Group (Newsy)
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition cost in cash	35,000,000
Intangible assets	5,900,000
Goodwill	28,983,000
Working capital adjustment	200,000
Business acquisition, purchase price	35,222,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of stations acquired		2
Acquisition cost in cash		110,000,000
Intangible assets		53,500,000
Goodwill		44,715,000
Business acquisition, purchase price		110,000,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		19,100,000
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | FCC licenses
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets		34,400,000
WeatherSphere
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Business acquisition, purchase price			4,100,000
Earnout provision, maximum			2,500,000
Earnout provision, payment term			3 years
Earnout provision, fair value			$1,200,000
Minimum | Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period		10 years
Maximum | Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate | Retransmission agreements, television network affiliate relationships and advertiser relationships
Acquisitions (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible asset, estimated amortization period		20 years

Acquisitions_Fair_Value_of_Ass

Acquisitions - Fair Value of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 01, 2014	Jun. 16, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets			$5,900
Goodwill	106,261	106,261
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant, equipment and software				12,025
Intangible assets				53,500
Goodwill				44,715
Total assets acquired				110,240
Current liabilities				240
Net purchase price				110,000
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			631
Intangible assets			5,900
Goodwill			28,983
Total assets acquired			36,228
Current liabilities			116
Long-term deferred liability			890
Net purchase price			$35,222

Acquisitions_Pro_Forma_Disclos

Acquisitions - Pro Forma Disclosures (Details) (Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Detroit MyNetworkTV affiliate and Buffalo ABC affiliate
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$211,158
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	($110)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic	$0
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$0

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	35.00%	19.60%
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred tax assets	$53.10
Unrecognized deductions for share based compensation awards	$16	$13

Other_Charges_and_Credits_Narr

Other Charges and Credits - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges and Credits [Abstract]
Acquisition and related integration costs	$6,109	$262

Restricted_Cash_Narrative_Deta

Restricted Cash - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted cash	$6,810	$6,810

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill by business segment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	$1,100,575	$1,100,575
Accumulated impairment losses	-994,314	-994,314
Goodwill	106,261	106,261
Television
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	288,095	288,095
Accumulated impairment losses	-215,414	-215,414
Goodwill	72,681	72,681
Newspapers
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	778,900	778,900
Accumulated impairment losses	-778,900	-778,900
Goodwill	0	0
Syndication and other
Summary of activity related to goodwill by business segment
Gross balance	33,580	33,580
Accumulated impairment losses	0	0
Goodwill	$33,580	$33,580

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of other intangible assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	$130,109	$130,109
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	-35,261	-33,064
Net amortizable intangible assets	94,848	97,045
Total other intangible assets	187,063	189,260
Licensing agreements
Accumulated amortization:
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets — FCC licenses	92,215	92,215
Television network affiliation relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	93,944	93,944
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	-15,268	-14,092
Customer lists and advertiser relationships
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	30,404	30,404
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	-17,068	-16,416
Other
Carrying amount:
Total carrying amount	5,761	5,761
Accumulated amortization:
Total accumulated amortization	($2,925)	($2,556)

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the remainder of 2015	$6.80
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2016	9
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2017	6.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2018	6.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2019	5.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for 2020	5.5
Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for later years	$55

LongTerm_Debt_Components_of_Lo

Long-Term Debt - Components of Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$197,500		$198,000
Current portion of long-term debt	2,000		2,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	195,500		196,000
Fair value of long-term debt	197,500	[1]	194,000
Variable rate credit facility
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	0		0
Term loan
Components of Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$197,500		$198,000
[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 $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Current portion of long-term debt	$2,000,000	2,000,000
Long-term debt (less current portion)	195,500,000	196,000,000
Scheduled principal payments on long-term debt in 2015	1,500,000
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 2020	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]
Long-term debt, term loan	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%
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 $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$100,000

Financial_Instruments_Notional

Financial Instruments - Notional Amounts (Details) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
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	$645	[1]	$471	[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
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest rate swaps
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCL, gain/(loss)	$96	$96
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	($174)	$49

Fair_Value_Measurement_Assets_

Fair Value Measurement - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	$10,000		$10,000
Level 1 | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Cash equivalents	10,000		10,000
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	-645	[1]	-471	[1]
Interest rate swaps | Recurring Measurements
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Interest rate swap	-645		-471
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	-645		-471
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 $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other liabilities
Employee compensation and benefits	$20,555	$19,537
Liability for pension benefits	140,694	139,789
Liabilities for uncertain tax positions	6,791	6,741
Other	13,902	16,193
Other liabilities (less current portion)	$181,942	$182,260

Noncontrolling_Interests_Narra

Noncontrolling Interests - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other changes in certain working capital accounts, net
Accounts and notes receivable	($128)	$15,433
Accounts payable	-3,881	-1,829
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	-64	1,667
Other accrued liabilities	-2,237	-432
Other, net	-4,431	-199
Total	($10,741)	$14,640

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Compone

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$6,172	$4,657
Defined contribution plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	3,351	3,160
Multi-employer plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	59	119
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	0	21
Interest cost	6,449	6,278
Expected return on plan assets, net of expenses	-5,085	-5,859
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,132	642
Total for defined benefit plans	2,496	1,082
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost	$266	$296

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, undiscounted liability	$6.50
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, recorded liability	4.1
Withdrawal from multi-employer pension plan, liability repayment, term	20 years
SERP
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	0.1
Estimated future contributions	1.4
Defined benefit plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contributions to benefit plan	$0

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information - Narrative (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	$214,500,000	$203,794,000
Defined benefit pension plan expense	-2,762,000	-1,378,000
Acquisition and related integration costs	-6,109,000	-262,000
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles	-12,167,000	-11,729,000
Gains (losses), net on disposal of property, plant and equipment	100,000	-68,000
Interest expense	-2,052,000	-2,254,000
Miscellaneous, net	-1,324,000	-445,000
Loss from operations before income taxes	-7,844,000	-761,000
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	9,971,000	9,808,000
Amortization of intangibles:
Syndication and other	2,196,000	1,921,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	3,339,000	2,584,000
Television
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	119,538,000	102,142,000
Segment profit (loss)	22,202,000	20,972,000
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	5,386,000	5,111,000
Amortization of intangibles:
Syndication and other	1,888,000	1,599,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	1,941,000	1,732,000
Newspapers
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	91,478,000	98,490,000
Segment profit (loss)	9,075,000	8,549,000
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	3,784,000	3,987,000
Amortization of intangibles:
Syndication and other	88,000	118,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	1,034,000	219,000
Syndication and other
Information regarding business segments
Total operating revenues	3,484,000	3,162,000
Segment profit (loss)	-243,000	212,000
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	184,000	98,000
Amortization of intangibles:
Syndication and other	220,000	204,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	85,000	28,000
Shared services and corporate
Information regarding business segments
Segment profit (loss)	-14,564,000	-14,358,000
Depreciation:
Total depreciation	617,000	612,000
Additions to property, plant and equipment:
Total additions to property, plant and equipment	$279,000	$605,000

Capital_Stock_Narrative_Detail

Capital Stock - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	6-May-14	Mar. 31, 2015
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 repurchased during period, value	$17,828,000
Common stock, Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		100,000,000
Stock repurchased during period, value			$0

Capital_Stock_Options_outstand

Capital Stock - Options outstanding and exercisable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 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
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)	$10
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range Limit (USD per share)	$10
2007 – expire in 2017
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)	$9
2008 – expire in 2018
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	2 years 11 months 17 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	1,264,340
Options on Shares Exercisable	1,264,340
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.65
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.65
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$25
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	25
Stock Options | 2006 – expire in 2016
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant
Average Remaining Term	1 year 1 month 5 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	32,861
Options on Shares Exercisable	32,861
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.96
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.96
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.6
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.6
Stock Options | 2007 – expire in 2017
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant
Average Remaining Term	2 years 0 months 27 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	32,861
Options on Shares Exercisable	32,861
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.24
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$9.24
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.6
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	0.6
Stock Options | 2008 – expire in 2018
Information about options outstanding and options exercisable by year of grant
Average Remaining Term	3 years 0 months 14 days
Options on Shares Outstanding	1,198,618
Options on Shares Exercisable	1,198,618
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.60
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (USD per share)	$8.60
Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	23.8
Options Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$23.80

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	($126,443)		($80,923)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	60	[1]	59	[1]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss	757	[2]	444	[2]
Ending balance	-125,626		-80,420
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Net current-period other comprehensive income	817		503
Gains and Losses on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			-718
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			0
Ending balance			-659
Gains and Losses on Derivatives | Interest rate swaps
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap			59	[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]
Net current-period other comprehensive income			59
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, Interest rate swap, tax			37
Defined Benefit Pension Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-125,877		-80,377
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ending balance	-125,120		-79,933
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	757	[2]	444	[2]
Amounts reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Actuarial loss, tax	458		280
Net current-period other comprehensive income	757		444
Other
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-87		172
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	0	[1]	0	[1]
Ending balance	-87		172
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]
Net current-period other comprehensive income	0		0
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	-479
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	0
Ending balance	-419
Gain or Loss on Derivatives [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, Interest rate swap	60	[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]
Net current-period other comprehensive income	60
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, Interest rate swap, tax	$36
[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

Journal_Broadcast_Merger_and_N1

Journal Broadcast Merger and Newspaper Spin-off (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		8 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition-related costs	$6,109,000	$262,000
Outstanding debt	197,500,000		197,500,000		197,500,000	198,000,000
Incremental term loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	197,500,000		197,500,000		197,500,000	198,000,000
Subsequent event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Special cash dividend				60,000,000
Subsequent event | Revolving credit facility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				100,000,000
Revolving credit facility, increase in borrowing capacity				25,000,000
Newspaper operations | Parent company | Subsequent event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of newspapers				13
Journal Communications, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition-related costs			16,000,000
Employee benefit obligations						95,000,000
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-and-used	0
Journal Communications, Inc. | Subsequent event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Outstanding debt				116,000,000
Impairment of long-lived assets, held-for-sale				30,000,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Minimum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition-related costs					30,000,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Maximum
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition-related costs					35,000,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Television operations | Subsequent event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Television operations, percentage of U.S. households reached				18.00%
Approximate number of employees				4,000
Journal Communications, Inc. | Newspaper operations | Subsequent event
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Approximate number of employees				3,600
Financing Agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	275,000,000		275,000,000		275,000,000
Financing Agreement | Incremental term loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, term loan	200,000,000		200,000,000		200,000,000
Financing Agreement | Revolving credit facility
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	75,000,000		75,000,000		75,000,000
Financing Agreement | Subsequent event | Incremental term loan
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Long-term debt, term loan				$200,000,000