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Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
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