INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED COMPANIES (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012
INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED COMPANIES
Proportionate share of net income before taxes (as a percent)	20.00%
Condensed financial information
Net revenues	$ 979,034	$ 913,688
Operating income	180,120	160,934
Net income	$ 181,791	$ 158,536

Represents the proportionate share in consolidated net income (loss) before taxes in affiliates subsidiaries associates and joint ventures.

No definition available.

Name:	mni_ShareInConsolidatedNetIncomeLossBeforeTaxesInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVentures
Namespace Prefix:	mni_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration