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, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Feb. 20, 2013
Class A Common Stock
Feb. 20, 2013
Class B common stock
Document Information [Line Items]        
Document Type 10-K      
Amendment Flag false      
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2012      
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012      
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   $ 26,005,840    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     19,004,901 5,553,696