Segment reporting - Reconciliation of EBITDA to Operating Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net loss attributable to Gannett	$ (12,677)	$ (53,688)	$ (2,333)	$ (56,655)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	1,333	22,158	(15,996)	14,551
Interest expense	28,559	26,084	56,889	52,090
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	749	(496)	3,492
Non-operating pension income	(2,263)	(18,160)	(4,078)	(36,373)
Depreciation and amortization	39,784	49,530	83,482	97,313
Integration and reorganization costs	7,287	15,745	19,414	27,143
Other operating expenses	229	314	458	1,416
Asset impairments	1,177	85	1,182	939
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets, net	146	372	(17,535)	(2,432)
Share-based compensation expense	5,047	5,385	8,783	8,778
Other items	2,529	2,277	4,283	4,760
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP basis)	$ 71,151	$ 50,851	$ 134,053	$ 115,022
Net loss attributable to Gannett margin (percent)	(1.90%)	(7.20%)	(0.20%)	(3.80%)
Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP basis) (percent)	10.60%	6.80%	10.00%	7.70%