Document and Entity Information (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2012	Jun. 22, 2012	Feb. 22, 2013 Common Class A	Feb. 22, 2013 Common Class B
Entity Registrant Name	MCCLATCHY CO
Entity Central Index Key	0001056087
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 135.3
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			61,170,502	24,800,962
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY