Shareholders' equity Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Basic and Diluted) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 1,062,171us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 388,680us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss	$ 424,280us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)	226,292	228,541	232,327
Effect of dilutive securities
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (diluted)	231,907	234,189	236,690
Earnings per share (basic) (in dollars per share)	$ 4.69us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ 1.70us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic	$ 1.83us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic
Earnings per share (diluted) (in dollars per share)	$ 4.58us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ 1.66us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted	$ 1.79us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted
Restricted Stock
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities	2,624	2,839	2,552
Performance Shares
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities	1,999	1,649	944
Stock Options
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities	992	1,160	867

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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