Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator (for basic and diluted earnings per share)
Net income (loss) attributable to the shareholders of The E.W. Scripps Company	$ 15,717	$ (1,341)	$ (3,235)	$ (612)	$ 7,863	$ (8,851)	$ 3,185	$ (2,671)	$ 10,529		$ (474)		$ 40,188
Less income allocated to unvested restricted stock and RSUs									(240)		0		(1,845)
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share									$ 10,289		$ (474)		$ 38,343
Denominator
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	56,763	56,469	56,043	56,084	55,980	56,177	57,448	56,330	56,342		56,516		54,907
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options held by employees and directors									897		0		474
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	57,474	56,469	56,043	56,084	57,272	56,177	58,747	56,330	57,239		56,516		55,381
Anti-dilutive securities									0	[1]	4,957	[1]	176	[1]

[1] Amount outstanding at Balance Sheet date, before application of the treasury stock method and not weighted for period outstanding.