CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (49)	$ 65	$ 18	$ 138
Comprehensive (loss) income	(49)	65	18	138
Comprehensive income attributable to the redeemable noncontrolling interests	(11)	0	(11)	0
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	0	(1)	(3)	(3)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Sinclair Broadcast Group	$ (60)	$ 64	$ 4	$ 135