Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Deficit (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock Class A	Common Stock Class B	Treasury Stock (at cost)	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (84,632)	$ 309	$ 235	$ (10,598)	$ 1,121,589	$ (1,157,390)	$ (38,777)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Amortization of pension net losses, net of tax of $338 and $340 for six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	522						522
Class A common stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	294	1			293
Class A common stock issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	59				59
Stock-based compensation	3,738				3,738
Purchase of LIN TV Corp. class A common stock	(6,500)			(6,500)
Net income attributable to LIN TV Corp.	31,384					31,384
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	(55,135)	310	235	(17,098)	1,125,679	(1,126,006)	(38,255)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	(91,564)	313	235	(21,984)	1,129,691	(1,164,435)	(35,384)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Amortization of pension net losses, net of tax of $338 and $340 for six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively	518						518
Class A common stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans	456	1			455
Class A common stock issued pursuant to exercise of stock options	703	2			701
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,497				1,497
Stock-based compensation	4,440				4,440
Net income attributable to LIN TV Corp.	6,619					6,619
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ (77,331)	$ 316	$ 235	$ (21,984)	$ 1,136,784	$ (1,157,816)	$ (34,866)