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Numerator for diluted earnings per common share available to common shareholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Common Stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent Frederick Smith Frederick Smith [Member] Frederick Smith Recourse Status [Axis] Recourse Status [Axis] Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Nature of Operations Nature of Operations [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets. 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Duncan Smith Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Current liabilities: Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Lease payments Finance Lease, Principal Payments Political advertising revenue Political Advertising Revenue [Member] Political Advertising Revenue Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Intersegment revenues Intersegment Revenues Intersegment Revenues Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Property, Plant, and Equipment 4.375% Second-Out First Lien Secured Notes due 2032 STG Second-Out First Lien Secured Notes 4.375 Percent due 2032 [Member] STG Second-Out First Lien Secured Notes 4.375 Percent due 2032 Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Held-for-sale Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] First lien leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Required Prepayment, First Lien Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Required Prepayment, First Lien Leverage Ratio RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Basic weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic A/R Facility AR Facility [Member] AR Facility Amount paid Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Marquee Marquee [Member] Marquee Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Customer relationships, net Customer Relationships [Member] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Atlantic Automotive Corporation Atlantic Automotive Corporation [Member] Atlantic Automotive Corporation Granted (in shares) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period The Baltimore Sun The Baltimore Sun [Member] The Baltimore Sun Compliance plan term Litigation Settlement, Compliance Plan Term Litigation Settlement, Compliance Plan Term Jason Smith Jason Smith [Member] Jason Smith Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Title of Individual [Domain] Title and Position [Domain] LMA Local Marketing Agreements [Member] Represents details pertaining to Local Marketing Agreements (LMAs). 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Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Current portion of program contracts payable Program Rights Obligations, Current Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Class B Common Stock Common Class B [Member] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Contract period utilizing accelerated amortization method (in years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Greater Than Period To Be Amortized Utilizing Accelerated Method Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Greater Than Period To Be Amortized Utilizing Accelerated Method Current portion of operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Annual Fee Local Marketing Agreements, Annual Fee [Member] Local Marketing Agreements, Annual Fee Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Tennis Tennis Tennis Segment [Member] Tennis Segment EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus (Q1,Q2,Q3,FY) Document Fiscal Period Focus Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Variable Interest Entities Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest Rate Collar, Agreement Two Interest Rate Collar, Agreement Two [Member] Interest Rate Collar, Agreement Two Impairment recorded Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Impairment Loss, Annual Amount Transfer to Level 2 Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3 Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-lived intangible assets reclassified Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] KMYT and KOKI KMYT and KOKI [Member] KMYT and KOKI Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Shares received in exchange for advertising spots Equity Shares, Received in Exchange for Advertising Spots Equity Shares, Received in Exchange for Advertising Spots Local Media Local Media Segment [Member] Local Media Segment Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Share service agreement, annual service consideration increasing rate ( as a percent) Share Service Agreement, Annual Service Consideration Increasing Rate Share Service Agreement, Annual Service Consideration Increasing Rate Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Individual: Individual [Axis] Diluted weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares) Diluted weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Loss on asset dispositions and other, net (Gain) loss on asset dispositions and other, net Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets and Asset Impairment Charges Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Deferred tax benefit Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Property and equipment, net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant, and Equipment and Finance Lease Right-of-Use Asset, after Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization 9.750% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2033 STG Second Lien Secured Notes 9.750 Percent Due 2033 [Member] STG Second Lien Secured Notes 9.750 Percent Due 2033 Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Cunningham Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation [Member] Represents information pertaining to Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation, of which the company is a primary beneficiary. Guarantee, amount sought Guarantor Obligation, Amount Sought Guarantor Obligation, Amount Sought Interest Rate Collar Interest Rate Collar [Member] Interest Rate Collar Unfavorable Regulatory Action Unfavorable Regulatory Action [Member] Customer Two Customer Two [Member] Customer Two [Member] Voluntary contribution Loss Contingency, Voluntary Contribution Loss Contingency, Voluntary Contribution Other definite-lived intangible assets, net Other Intangible Assets [Member] Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Consolidated total debt Debt and Lease Obligation Issuance of subsidiary stock awards APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Domain] Debt of variable interest entities Debt Of Variable Interest Entities [Member] Represents information pertaining to debt of variable interest entities. Non-media expenses Other Non Media Expenses This element represents other operating costs and expense items that are associated with other operating division activities. Dilutive effect of stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Renewal Term Local Marketing Agreements, Renewal Term [Member] Local Marketing Agreements, Renewal Term All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Charter Aircraft Charter Aircraft [Member] Represents information pertaining to chartered aircraft facility services received from the related party. Repayment of borrowings Repayments of Long-Term Lines of Credit Depreciation of property and equipment Depreciation of property and equipment Depreciation Multi-Cast Agreements Multi-Cast Agreements [Member] Multi-Cast Agreements Operating lease assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Schedule of Reconciliation of Income (Numerator) and Shares (Denominator) Used in Computation of Diluted Earnings Per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Working capital Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital Annual increase in aggregate purchase price Business Acquisition, Annual Increase in Aggregate Purchase Price Represents the annual percentage increase in aggregate purchase price of the television stations. 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Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Post-retirement plan assets Postretirement Plan Assets Postretirement Plan Assets Total Sinclair shareholders’ equity Equity, Attributable to Parent Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Other Asset, Noncurrent Station Disposals Station Disposals [Member] Station Disposals Annual Master Control And Maintenance Fee Local Marketing Agreements, Annual Master Control And Maintenance Fee [Member] Local Marketing Agreements, Annual Master Control And Maintenance Fee ASSETS ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Television Programming Contract Rights Contractual Rights [Member] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Other investments Other Investments Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Amount of debt guaranteed by parent Payment Of Guarantee Liability Payment Of Guarantee Liability Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Derivative, cap interest ceiling (as a percent) Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Other, net Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Media selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Business Combination [Domain] Business Combination [Domain] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Weighted-average stock-settled appreciation rights and outstanding stock options excluded (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Business Combination [Axis] Business Combination [Axis] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net cash flows from operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Cash payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Options and Warrants Options and Warrants [Member] Options and Warrants Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Initial Fee Local Marketing Agreements, Initial Fee [Member] Local Marketing Agreements, Initial Fee Loss from investments Gain (Loss) on Investments Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] OPERATING EXPENSES: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Finance lease liabilities, non-current Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Notes receivable Long-Term Investments and Receivables, Net City Area Code City Area Code Term Loan B-7, due December 31, 2030 Term Loan B-7 [Member] Term Loan B-7 Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Debt fair value disclosure Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Recourse Status [Domain] Recourse Status [Domain] Statement Statement [Line Items] Total assets Assets Assets Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Including Goodwill) Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Including Goodwill) Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Total compensation (less than) Employee Benefits and Share-Based Compensation Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs Interest expense including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs Interest Expense, Nonoperating Equity investments, net of cumulative impairment Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Other media, non-media, and intercompany revenue Other Media, Non-Media Revenues, and Intercompany Revenues [Member] Other Media, Non-Media Revenues, and Intercompany Revenues [Member] PEO PEO [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Deferred compensation liabilities Deferred Compensation Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred Compensation Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] 8.125% First-Out First Lien Secured Notes due 2033 STG First-Out First Lien Secured Notes 8.125 Percent Due 2033 [Member] STG First-Out First Lien Secured Notes 8.125 Percent Due 2033 Other long-term liabilities Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Vice President Vice President [Member] Deferred revenue, revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Remaining purchase price Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Remaining Purchase Price Represents the amount of remaining purchase price, difference of aggregate purchase price and total payments made in pursuant to the business acquisition. Disposed of by sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Operating lease liabilities, less current portion Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Income taxes payable Taxes Payable, Current Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Money market funds Money Market Funds [Member] Loss contingency, number of other broadcasters Loss Contingency, Number of Other Broadcasters Loss Contingency, Number of Other Broadcasters A/R Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Other & Corporate Corporate And Reconciling Items [Member] Corporate And Reconciling Items Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Value of Notes and Debentures Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proposed fine per station Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Per Station Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Per Station Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Gain (loss) on fair value adjustment Unrealized Gain (Loss) On FV-NI and NAV Investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) On FV-NI and NAV Investments Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation, Total Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Percentage of net broadcast revenue used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid Related Party Transaction Percentage of Annual Net Broadcast Revenue Used to Determine Annual LMA Fees Required to be Paid Represents the percentage of each station's net broadcast revenue due to the related party used to determine amount of annual LMA fees required to be paid. Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Amortization of definite-lived intangible assets Amortization of definite-lived intangible and other assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Amortization Expense Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Deferred compensation assets Deferred Compensation Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Deferred Compensation Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Definite-lived intangible assets Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Acquired Broadcast Television Programming Programming Agreement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Programming Agreement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Available borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Liabilities associated with the certain outsourcing agreements and purchase options Outsourcing Agreements And Purchase Option Liabilities Outsourcing Agreements And Purchase Option Liabilities Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Axis] Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid Related Party Transaction Amount Used to Determine Annual LMA Fees Required to be Paid Represents the amount used to determine annual LMA fees required to be paid to related party. Other, net Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Amberly Thompson Amberly Thompson [Member] Amberly Thompson Segment Reporting [Table] Segment Reporting [Table] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Table] Interest collar agreements Derivative, Number of Instruments Held Interest Rate Collar, Agreement One Interest Rate Collar, Agreement One [Member] Interest Rate Collar, Agreement One Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Equity Method Investment [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title and Position [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Number of television stations owned Number of Television Stations Owned Represents the number of television stations owned by the entity. Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Cumulative impairments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Impairment Loss, Cumulative Amount Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity File Number Entity File Number Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Guarantee Obligations Guarantee Obligations [Member] Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Number of markets Number of Markets Represent the number of markets in which broadcasting and media stations are operated. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Measure: Measure [Axis] Term Loan B-2 Term Loan B-2 [Member] Term Loan B-2 [Member] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] OTHER ASSETS Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Core advertising revenue Core Advertising Revenue [Member] Core Advertising Revenue Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Decrease in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Related Party Related Party [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosure [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Class A Common Stock Common Class A [Member] Distribution revenue Distribution Revenue [Member] Distribution Revenue [Member] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Finance lease liabilities, current Finance Lease, Liability, Current Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Net loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Comprehensive loss attributable to Sinclair Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Compensation Actually Paid 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Employee Employee [Member] Employee Vesting period (in years) Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Customer Three Customer Three [Member] Customer Three [Member] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Domain] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived, Class [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Table] Amount paid Related Party Transaction Payments to Related Party Represents the amount paid for transactions to related party during the financial reporting period. 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Loss contingency, damages sought, total Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Total Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Total Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Concentration risk (as a percent) Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] (Gain) loss on disposal Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, before Income Tax Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Current portion of notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing Debt, Current FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Noncontrolling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Agreement renewal period Related Party Transaction Agreement Renewal Period Represents the renewal period of agreements by related parties. Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Domain] Related and Nonrelated Parties [Domain] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Noncurrent Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Shareholders’ equity: Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Purchases of investments Payments to Acquire Investments Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] First-Out Revolving Credit Facility First-Out Revolving Credit Facility [Member] First-Out Revolving Credit Facility Corporate general and administrative expenses Corporate general and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Customer One Customer One [Member] Customer One [Member] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Media revenue Media Revenue This element represents advertising time sales, retransmission revenues, network compensation revenues and other revenues derived from our media business Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Asset purchase agreement consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration To Be Received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration To Be Received Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Notes payable, finance leases, and commercial bank financing, less current portion Long-Term Debt and Lease Obligation Amended Credit Agreement Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Amended Credit Agreement Name Measure Name Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Other Other Operating Segment [Member] Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Ryan McCoy Ryan McCoy [Member] Ryan McCoy Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Director Director [Member] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] Intangible Asset, Indefinite-Lived, Class [Axis] 5.500% Senior Notes due 2030 STG Senior Unsecured Notes 5.500 Percent Due 2030 [Member] STG Senior Unsecured Notes 5.500 Percent Due 2030 [Member] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Fair value at beginning of period Fair value Fair value at end of period Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalent Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount WG Communications Group WG Communications Group [Member] WG Communications Group Distributions from investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of definite-lived intangibles and other assets Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Class A Common Stock issued pursuant to employee benefit plans (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture NET LOSS Net loss Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Current assets: Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability INCOME TAX (PROVISION) BENEFIT Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Noncash Item [Abstract] Customer Concentration Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Net (loss) income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Principles of Consolidation and Interim Financial Statements Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect and Discontinued Operation Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Income (Numerator) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Consolidated VIEs Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Ethan White Ethan White [Member] Ethan White NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SINCLAIR Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Amount awarded to other party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Loss contingency, new claims filed, number (lawsuit) Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Schedule of Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Program contracts payable, less current portion Program Rights Obligations, Noncurrent Number of channels Number of Channels Represents the number of channels broadcasted under the agreement. REVENUE: Revenues [Abstract] Proposed fine Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value STG 5.125% Senior Notes STG 5.125% Unsecured Notes [Member] STG 5.125% Unsecured Notes [Member] Remaining percentage of business acquired (in percentage) Business Acquisition, Interests Acquired, Percentage Business Acquisition, Interests Acquired, Percentage Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block]