Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net (loss) income attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ (3,235)		$ 3,185		$ (3,847)		$ 514
Less income allocated to RSUs	0		(89)		0		(16)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ (3,235)		$ 3,096		$ (3,847)		$ 498
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,043		57,448		56,063		56,894
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors	0		1,299		0		1,172
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	56,043		58,747		56,063		58,066
Anti-dilutive securities	3,746	[1]	0	[1]	3,746	[1]	0	[1]

[1] (1) Amount outstanding at balance sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding