Fair Value Measurements - LIN Television (Details) (Recurring, USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Level 1
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	$ 587	$ 552
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation related liabilities	2,489	1,904
Level 2
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	1,893	1,405
Total
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	2,480	1,957
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation related liabilities	2,489	1,904
LIN Television | Level 1
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	587	552
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation related liabilities	2,489	1,904
LIN Television | Level 2
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	1,893	1,405
LIN Television | Total
Assets:
Deferred compensation related investments	2,480	1,957
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation related liabilities	$ 2,489	$ 1,904