Supplemental equity information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 2,539,912	$ 2,512,025
Comprehensive income:
Net income	126,741	135,559	243,204	211,393
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	28	0	(246)	0
Other comprehensive income	9,486	(6,698)	(493)	10,309
Total comprehensive income	136,255	128,861	242,465	221,702
Dividends declared			91,485	(93,852)
Stock-based compensation			15,877	12,598
Treasury shares acquired			41,385	(81,010)
Other activity			10,984	1,154
Ending Balance	2,676,368	2,572,617	2,676,368	2,572,617
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			2,350,614	2,327,891
Comprehensive income:
Net income			218,185	188,112
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			0
Other comprehensive income			1,370	11,271
Total comprehensive income			219,555	199,383
Dividends declared			(91,485)	(93,852)
Stock-based compensation			15,877	12,598
Treasury shares acquired			(41,385)	(81,010)
Other activity			11,728	1,154
Ending Balance	2,464,904	2,366,164	2,464,904	2,366,164
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			189,298	184,134
Comprehensive income:
Net income			25,019	23,281
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			(246)
Other comprehensive income			(1,863)	(962)
Total comprehensive income			22,910	22,319
Dividends declared			0	0
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Treasury shares acquired			0	0
Other activity			(744)	0
Ending Balance	$ 211,464	$ 206,453	$ 211,464	$ 206,453