v3.5.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 31, 2016
Common Stock [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   66,285,797
Common Class A [Member]    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   6,404,862
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 Sep. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Amendment Flag false