Salem Media Group, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

CONTINGENT EARN-OUT CONSIDERATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 775	$ 3,285
Acquisitions	66	300
Accretion of acquisition-related contingent earn-out consideration	25	109
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration	(689)	(1,715)	$ 734
Reclassification of payments due in next 12 months to short-term	0	0
Payments	(111)	(1,204)
Ending Balance	66	775	3,285
Short-Term Accrued Expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	173	1,575
Acquisitions	66	176
Accretion of acquisition-related contingent earn-out consideration	17	60
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration	(635)	(1,269)
Reclassification of payments due in next 12 months to short-term	556	835
Payments	(111)	(1,204)
Ending Balance	66	173	1,575
Long-Term Other Liabilities [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	602	1,710
Acquisitions	0	124
Accretion of acquisition-related contingent earn-out consideration	8	49
Change in the estimated fair value of contingent earn-out consideration	(54)	(446)
Reclassification of payments due in next 12 months to short-term	(556)	(835)
Payments	0	0
Ending Balance	$ 0	$ 602	$ 1,710