Supplemental equity information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 29, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 2,894,793	$ 2,539,912
Comprehensive income:
Net income	225,912	126,741	295,501	243,204
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,395)	28	(1,850)	(246)
Other comprehensive income	9,473	9,486	36,574	(493)
Total comprehensive income	233,990	136,255	330,225	242,465
Dividends declared			(90,495)	(91,485)
Stock-based compensation			17,208	15,877
Treasury shares acquired			(75,815)	(41,385)
Other activity			8,665	10,984
Ending Balance	3,084,581	2,676,368	3,084,581	2,676,368
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			2,693,098	2,350,614
Comprehensive income:
Net income			267,626	218,185
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			0	0
Other comprehensive income			35,513	1,370
Total comprehensive income			303,139	219,555
Dividends declared			(90,495)	(91,485)
Stock-based compensation			17,208	15,877
Treasury shares acquired			(75,815)	(41,385)
Other activity			10,976	11,728
Ending Balance	2,858,111	2,464,904	2,858,111	2,464,904
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			201,695	189,298
Comprehensive income:
Net income			27,875	25,019
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			(1,850)	(246)
Other comprehensive income			1,061	(1,863)
Total comprehensive income			27,086	22,910
Dividends declared			0	0
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Treasury shares acquired			0	0
Other activity			(2,311)	(744)
Ending Balance	$ 226,470	$ 211,464	$ 226,470	$ 211,464