Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	$ 10,096,342
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,249,473)
Beginning Balance	2,846,869
Acquisitions and adjustments	9,426
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(15,124)
Total	(5,698)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	9,954,056
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,112,885)
Ending Balance	2,841,171
Publishing [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	7,754,959
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,132,817)
Beginning Balance	622,142
Acquisitions and adjustments	383
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(11,518)
Total	(11,135)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	7,607,236
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(6,996,229)
Ending Balance	611,007
Digital [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	722,781
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(116,656)
Beginning Balance	606,125
Acquisitions and adjustments	9,043
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(3,536)
Total	5,507
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	728,288
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(116,656)
Ending Balance	611,632
Broadcasting [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	1,618,602
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	0
Beginning Balance	1,618,602
Acquisitions and adjustments	0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(70)
Total	(70)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,618,532
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	0
Ending Balance	$ 1,618,532