SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013 Scenario
Income taxes
Amount of valuation allowance for deferred tax asset of consolidated VIEs released	$ 7.7
Reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits, continuing operation		0.6
Reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits, discontinued operation		$ 5.1

The expected reduction in liability for unrecognized tax benefits related to certain discontinued operations in the next twelve months as a result of statute of limitations expirations, the application of limits under available state administrative practice exceptions, and the resolution of examination issues and settlements with federal and certain state tax authorities.

No definition available.

Name:	sbgi_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitationsDiscontinuedOperation
Namespace Prefix:	sbgi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration