Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 14,255	$ 71,618
Trade accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts 2014 - $2,683; 2013 - $2,772)	108,151	110,283
Current deferred tax asset	9,391	7,506
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,076	13,889
Total current assets	145,873	203,296
Property and equipment, net	278,632	285,467
Deferred tax asset, long-term	37,270	42,711
Other assets, net	35,833	35,477
Definite lived intangible assets, net	233,310	239,642
Broadcast licenses	573,300	573,300
Goodwill	541,475	541,475
Total assets (a)	1,845,693	1,921,368
Current liabilities:
Trade accounts payable	18,685	11,783
Accrued salaries and wages	8,787	14,183
Other accrued expenses and other current liabilities	50,141	42,656
Current installments of long-term debt	2,400	11,217
Current installments of obligation under capital leases	147	153
Total current liabilities	80,160	79,992
Long-term debt	879,000	905,783
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current installments	1,117	1,156
Retirement and postretirement plans	107,713	155,309
Other liabilities	36,068	43,891
Total liabilities (b)	1,104,058	1,186,131
Preferred stock (no par value):
authorized 50,000,000 shares; none outstanding	0	0
Common stock (no par value):
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,668	5,668
Retained earnings	166,461	161,076
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Media General	743,325	736,981
Noncontrolling interests	(1,690)	(1,744)
Total stockholders' equity	741,635	735,237
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,845,693	1,921,368
Voting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock (no par value):
Common stock, issued value	558,713	557,754
Nonvoting Common Stock [Member]
Common stock (no par value):
Common stock, issued value	$ 12,483	$ 12,483