(Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 25, 2012
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,539,912	$ 2,512,025
Comprehensive income:
Net income	116,463	75,834
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(274)	0
Other comprehensive income	(9,979)	17,007
Total comprehensive income	106,210	92,841
Dividends declared	(45,721)	(47,408)
Stock-based compensation	8,232	6,631
Treasury shares acquired	(32,770)	(35,525)
Other activity	4,866	2,254
Ending Balance	2,580,729	2,530,818
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,350,614	2,327,891
Comprehensive income:
Net income	104,565	68,223
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	0
Other comprehensive income	(8,193)	15,220
Total comprehensive income	96,372	83,443
Dividends declared	(45,721)	(47,408)
Stock-based compensation	8,232	6,631
Treasury shares acquired	(32,770)	(35,525)
Other activity	5,516	2,254
Ending Balance	2,382,243	2,337,286
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	189,298	184,134
Comprehensive income:
Net income	11,898	7,611
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(274)
Other comprehensive income	(1,786)	1,787
Total comprehensive income	9,838	9,398
Dividends declared	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Treasury shares acquired	0	0
Other activity	(650)	0
Ending Balance	$ 198,486	$ 193,532