Investment in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity and cost method investments
Investments in unconsolidated entities	$ 191,644		$ 173,710
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	23,389	19,388
Equity investments, combined income statements
Revenues	1,437,008	1,329,057
Operating expenses	1,076,750	1,036,245
Operating income (loss)	360,258	292,812
Other income (expense)	649	(1,835)
Net income	360,907	290,977
Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership
Equity and cost method investments
Ownership interest in equity method investment	5.50%	5.50%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities	$ 17,100	$ 13,000