Income Taxes - LIN Television (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Provision for income taxes	$ 10,109,000	$ 9,589,000	$ 12,907,000	$ 10,571,000
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)			38.60%	80.80%
Incremental deferred income tax expense, net of federal benefit, recognized for the reversal of previously established deferred tax assets		5,100,000
LIN Television
Provision for income taxes	10,109,000	9,589,000	12,907,000	10,571,000
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)			38.60%	80.80%
Incremental deferred income tax expense, net of federal benefit, recognized for the reversal of previously established deferred tax assets		$ 5,100,000