Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) television_station	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013 USD ($)
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Number of Television Stations | television_station		42
Decrease in carrying value of debt			$ 50,000
Fiscal Year Additional Days		2 days	4 days
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$ 17,566	$ 17,595
Repayments of long-term debt		27,842	1,114,262	$ 299,285
Interest		160,200	130,311	140,338
Broadcast rights impairment charge		37,000	74,000
Advertising Expense		42,000	39,000	$ 43,000
Self-insurance deductible, per occurrence		1,000
Liabilities for self-insured risks		$ 26,000	$ 34,000
Buildings | Minimum
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment, years		2 years
Buildings | Maximum
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment, years		44 years
Equipment | Minimum
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment, years		1 year
Equipment | Maximum
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment, years		30 years
Senior 9.25 and 10 Percent Toggle Notes Due 2015 | Senior Notes
Summary of Significant Account Policies [Line Items]
Senior Toggle Notes redemption period (days)	30 days
Cash deposit	$ 202,000
Repayments of long-term debt	174,000
Interest	2,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Intercompany Amounts	$ 28,000
Restricted cash held by the company					$ 202,000