Supplemental equity information (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 25, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 121,863	$ 102,434
Income tax effect	(5,400)	(26,600)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	104,565	68,223
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	9,696	7,086
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service cost	(422)	(2,872)
Amortization of actuarial loss	15,860	14,155
Income before income taxes	15,438	11,283
Income tax effect	$ (5,742)	$ (4,197)