Supplemental equity information (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income before income taxes	$ 166,341	$ 186,759	$ 288,204	$ 289,193
Income tax effect	(39,600)	(51,200)	(45,000)	(77,800)
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	113,620	119,889	218,185	188,112
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	9,970	7,206	19,666	14,292
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	(384)	(2,878)	(806)	(5,750)
Amortization of actuarial loss	16,275	13,241	32,135	27,396
Income before income taxes	15,891	10,363	31,329	21,646
Income tax effect	$ (5,921)	$ (3,157)	$ (11,663)	$ (7,354)