Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 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	28,564
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(15,004)
Total	13,560
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	9,974,311
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,113,882)
Ending Balance	2,860,429
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	1,052
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(11,434)
Total	(10,382)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	7,608,986
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(6,997,226)
Ending Balance	611,760
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	27,512
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(3,389)
Total	24,123
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	746,904
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(116,656)
Ending Balance	630,248
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	(181)
Total	(181)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,618,421
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	0
Ending Balance	$ 1,618,421