v3.4.0.3
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
Apr. 28, 2016
Common Class A [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   6,404,862
Common Stock [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   66,284,329
Entity Registrant Name GRAY TELEVISION INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000043196  
Trading Symbol gtn  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false