CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 176,099	$ 215,115	$ 75,817
Amortization of net periodic pension benefit costs, net of taxes	190	173	(392)
Adjustments to pension obligations, net of taxes	621	(3,814)	2,571
Pension settlement	4,810	0	0
Unrealized gain on investments, net of taxes	0	285	261
Comprehensive income	181,720	211,759	78,257
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(4,575)	(2,836)	(2,349)
Comprehensive income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ 177,145	$ 208,923	$ 75,908