| Cover Page | Dec. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | OH |
| Entity File Number | 001-10701 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 31-1223339 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 312 Walnut Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Cincinnati, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 45202 |
| City Area Code | 513 |
| Local Phone Number | 977-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | SSP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000832428 |
