Business segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013 Store	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013 Store	Jun. 24, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television stations	23		23
Revenues	$ 1,302,699	$ 1,307,040	$ 2,540,434	$ 2,525,627
Operating Income (Loss)	202,882	216,518	353,939	352,176
Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Asset Impairment And Other Charges Operating	52,333	53,332	105,172	105,702
Publishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	904,231	920,333	1,775,464	1,794,395
Operating Income (Loss)	85,192	104,211	145,329	166,251
Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Asset Impairment And Other Charges Operating	31,415	33,736	63,651	66,950
Broadcasting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television stations	23		23
Revenues	211,962	205,381	403,542	381,554
Operating Income (Loss)	98,092	94,586	181,768	167,201
Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Asset Impairment And Other Charges Operating	6,974	7,124	13,909	14,234
Digital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	186,506	181,326	361,428	349,678
Operating Income (Loss)	35,277	36,531	58,881	52,794
Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Asset Impairment And Other Charges Operating	9,383	8,330	18,490	16,235
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	(15,679)	(18,810)	(32,039)	(34,070)
Depreciation Amortization Of Intangible Assets And Asset Impairment And Other Charges Operating	$ 4,561	$ 4,142	$ 9,122	$ 8,283