Retirement plans (Details Textual) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2014
Gannett Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans	$ 55.0
Dealey Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans	20.1
Newsquest Retirement Plan [Member]
Retirement Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans	$ 10.5

The increase in the fair value of plan assets from contributions made by the employer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 715

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35743120&loc=d3e1928-114920

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration