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Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2012 Billboard State Markets | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Number of advertising displays | 144,000 |  |
Number of states in which the company operates | 44 |  |
Number of states in which the company operates logo sign business | 22 |  |
Number of markets in which entity operates with transit advertising business | 60 |  |
Estimated useful lives of Intangible assets, Minimum | 3 years |  |
Estimated useful lives of Intangible assets, Maximum | 15 years |  |
Anti-dilutive shares | 0 | 0 | 465,820
Expenses related to stock | $ 14,466 | $ 11,650 | $ 17,839
Investment maturity period | Three months or less |  |
LAMAR MEDIA CORP [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Number of advertising displays | 144,000 |  |
Number of states in which the company operates | 44 |  |
Number of states in which the company operates logo sign business | 22 |  |
Stock options [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Expenses related to stock | 6,249 |  |
Performance-based stock incentive program [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Expenses related to stock | 7,970 |  |
Stock awards to directors [Member] |  |  |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] |  |  |
Expenses related to stock | $ 247 |  |

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