Salem Media Group, Inc. Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax	$ 820	$ 327
Tax provision for stock-based compensation expense	(328)	(143)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	492	184
Corporate
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock option expense	78	207
Restricted stock expense	481
Broadcast
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock option expense	169	87
Internet
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock option expense	74	28
Publishing segment
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Stock option expense	$ 18	$ 5

The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation.