Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 24, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 113,620	$ 119,889	$ 218,185	$ 188,112
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	228,837	233,334	229,116	234,807
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options	1,094	679	1,056	909
Restricted stock	2,971	2,490	2,897	2,561
Performance share units	1,734	633	1,797	497
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	234,636	237,136	234,866	238,774
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.51	$ 0.95	$ 0.80
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.51	$ 0.93	$ 0.79