Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 79,748	$ 133,083	$ 297,933	$ 321,195
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	228,587	230,556	228,940	233,390
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options	1,268	729	1,126	849
Restricted stock	3,083	2,806	2,960	2,643
Performance share units	1,500	1,459	1,698	817
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	234,438	235,550	234,724	237,699
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.58	$ 1.30	$ 1.38
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 0.56	$ 1.27	$ 1.35