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Supplemental Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows) (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) $ 11,769us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss $ 176,083us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss $ (32,729)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 115,275cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations 116,951cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations 143,303cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 9,493us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium 9,919us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium 10,130us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
Provision for doubtful accounts 4,302us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts 3,349us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts 3,694us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations (1,342)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment (3,685)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment 2,277us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
Gain on exchange of assets or stations 0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations (108,158)cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations (62,967)cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
Impairment of intangible assets 0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment 0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment 127,141us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 21us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives (1,829)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives 320us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Deferred income taxes 6,902us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit (76,378)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit (18,227)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Stock-based compensation expense 17,638us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation 10,804us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation 11,893us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Loss on early extinguishment of debt 0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt 34,934cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt 2,432cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
Changes in assets and liabilities (27,262)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital (40,849)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital (7,777)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
Net cash provided by operating activities 136,796us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities 121,141us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities 179,490us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 15,843us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment 1,897us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Restricted cash (3,909)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments (225)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments (2,067)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities 241,519us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities 114,918us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
Acquisitions less cash acquired (8,500)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired (322,838)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired (9,998)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
Capital expenditures (19,006)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (11,081)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment (6,607)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (15,572)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities (92,625)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities 98,143us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net 0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities 0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities 0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities (156,125)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (2,111,688)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt (174,313)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 10,000cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities 2,027,308cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities 21,000cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees (1,332)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees (337)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees (1,952)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
Preferred stock dividends 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock (9,395)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock (15,017)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 113us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants 93us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants 142us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
Proceeds from exercise of options 620us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised 818us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
Redemption of preferred stock 0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock (150,391)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock (49,233)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
Proceeds from issuance of common stock 0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities 94,300cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities 0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock 77,241us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
Deferred financing costs (21)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts (7,182)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts (802)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock 0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts (4,541)us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts 0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
Net cash used in financing activities (146,745)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities (83,774)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities (220,175)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (25,521)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease (55,258)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease 57,458us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 32,792us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 88,050us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 30,592us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 7,271us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 32,792us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue 88,050us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Cumulus Media Inc. (Parent Guarantor)      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) 11,769us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
176,083us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(32,729)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
2,671cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Provision for doubtful accounts 0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Gain on exchange of assets or stations   0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Impairment of intangible assets     0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
332us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Deferred income taxes (3,739)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Stock-based compensation expense 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
11,893us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Loss on early extinguishment of debt   0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (17,379)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(183,142)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(28,407)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Changes in assets and liabilities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(80,084)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (9,349)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(7,059)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(126,324)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
  1,897us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Restricted cash 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(2,067)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Acquisitions less cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(722)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(892)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net (3,188)cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(70,524)cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
263,963cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees 0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(337)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(1,952)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Preferred stock dividends   (9,395)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(15,017)us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 113us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
93us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
142us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from exercise of options 620us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
818us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Redemption of preferred stock   (150,391)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(49,233)us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   94,300cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   77,241us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Deferred financing costs 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(802)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock   (4,541)us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
 
Net cash used in financing activities (2,455)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(62,736)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
197,101us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (11,804)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
(69,795)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
69,885us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 11,804us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
81,599us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
11,714us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
11,804us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
81,599us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Cumulus Media Holdings Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer)      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) 17,379us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
183,142us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
28,407us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 1,619cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
1,913cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 9,302us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
9,905us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
10,130us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Provision for doubtful accounts 0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Gain on exchange of assets or stations   0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Impairment of intangible assets     0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 21us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
23us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Deferred income taxes (81,993)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Stock-based compensation expense 17,638us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
10,804us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Loss on early extinguishment of debt   34,934cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
2,432cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (148,874)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(339,604)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(226,875)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Changes in assets and liabilities 349,463us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
46,572us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
3,075us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 164,555us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(52,311)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(182,831)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
  0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Restricted cash (3,909)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(225)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Acquisitions less cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Capital expenditures (1,000)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(495)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (4,909)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(720)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net (50,909)cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
189,671cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
336,144cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities (121,125)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(2,111,688)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(174,313)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
2,002,308cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
21,000cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees (1,332)cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Preferred stock dividends   0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Proceeds from exercise of options 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
 
Redemption of preferred stock   0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
 
Deferred financing costs 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(6,272)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock   0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
 
Net cash used in financing activities (173,366)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
74,019us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
182,831us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (13,720)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
20,988us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 20,988us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 7,268us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
20,988us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_SubsidiaryIssuerMember
Subsidiary Guarantors      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) 148,874us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
339,604us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
226,875us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 113,656cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
115,038cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
140,632cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Provision for doubtful accounts 4,302us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
3,349us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
3,694us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations (1,342)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(3,685)us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
2,277us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Gain on exchange of assets or stations   (108,158)cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(37,990)cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Impairment of intangible assets     127,141us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(1,852)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(12)us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Deferred income taxes 93,576us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(77,551)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(28,681)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Stock-based compensation expense 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Loss on early extinguishment of debt   0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries 1,414us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,394us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(20,315)us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Changes in assets and liabilities (368,911)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(329,635)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
87,256us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (8,431)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(61,496)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
500,877us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 15,843us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
  0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Restricted cash 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations   241,519us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
114,918us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Acquisitions less cash acquired (8,500)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(322,838)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(9,998)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Capital expenditures (18,006)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(10,586)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(5,885)us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (10,663)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(91,905)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
99,035us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net 19,097cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
146,950cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(612,339)cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees 0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Preferred stock dividends   0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exercise of options 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Redemption of preferred stock   0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Deferred financing costs 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock   0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Net cash used in financing activities 19,097us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
146,950us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(612,339)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 3us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(6,451)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(12,427)us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
6,451us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
18,878us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 3us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
6,451us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_GuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Subsidiary Non- guarantors      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) (1,414)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(1,394)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
20,315us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 191us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
14us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Provision for doubtful accounts 0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Gain on exchange of assets or stations   0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(24,977)cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Impairment of intangible assets     0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Deferred income taxes (942)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
1,173us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
10,454us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Stock-based compensation expense 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Loss on early extinguishment of debt   0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Changes in assets and liabilities (7,814)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
242,214us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(18,024)us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash provided by operating activities (9,979)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
242,007us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(12,232)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
  0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Restricted cash 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Acquisitions less cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net 35,000cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(266,097)cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
12,232cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities (35,000)us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 10,000cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
25,000cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees 0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Preferred stock dividends   0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Proceeds from exercise of options 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Redemption of preferred stock   0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Deferred financing costs (21)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(910)us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock   0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
 
Net cash used in financing activities 9,979us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(242,007)us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
12,232us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_NonGuarantorSubsidiariesMember
Eliminations      
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income (loss) (164,839)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(521,352)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(275,597)us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_DepreciationAndAmortizationIncludingDiscontinuedOperations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Amortization of debt issuance costs/discounts 0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Provision for doubtful accounts 0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(Gain) loss on sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Gain on exchange of assets or stations   0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_GainsOnExchangeOfAssetsOrStations
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Impairment of intangible assets     0us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetImpairment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Fair value adjustment of derivative instruments 0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Deferred income taxes 0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Stock-based compensation expense 0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Loss on early extinguishment of debt   0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_LossOnEarlyExtinguishmentOfDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Earnings from consolidated subsidiaries 164,839us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
521,352us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
275,597us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfInterestInConsolidatedSubsidiaries
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Changes in assets and liabilities 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash provided by operating activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash flows from investing activities:      
Proceeds from sale of assets or stations 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
  0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Restricted cash 0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCashAndInvestments
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from exchange of assets or stations   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherAssetsInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Acquisitions less cash acquired 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Capital expenditures 0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Intercompany transactions, net 0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_IntercompanyActivityFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Repayment of borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from borrowings under term loans and revolving credit facilities 0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_ProceedsFromBorrowingsUnderTermLoansAndRevolvingCreditFacilities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Tax withholding payments on behalf of employees 0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0cmls_TaxWithholdingPaidOnBehalfOfEmployees
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Preferred stock dividends   0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from exercise of warrants 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfWarrants
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Proceeds from exercise of options 0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Redemption of preferred stock   0us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfRedeemablePreferredStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock   0cmls_ProceedsFromSaleOfEquitySecurities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock   0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Deferred financing costs 0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Financing costs paid in connection with issuance of common stock   0us-gaap_PaymentOfFinancingAndStockIssuanceCosts
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
 
Net cash used in financing activities 0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
$ 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember
$ 0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= us-gaap_ConsolidationEliminationsMember