Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 01, 2012
Class A Common Stock
Mar. 01, 2012
Class B Common stock
Document Information [Line Items]        
Document Type 10-K      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011      
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY      
Trading Symbol SALM      
Entity Registrant Name SALEM COMMUNICATIONS CORP /DE/      
Entity Central Index Key 0001050606      
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31      
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No      
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes      
Entity Voluntary Filers No      
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company      
Entity Public Float   $ 20,803,011    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     18,735,555 5,553,696