Supplemental Equity Information - Equity Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,456,744	$ 3,489,273
Comprehensive income:
Net income	95,936	127,483
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(925)	(1,233)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	380	(7,834)
Comprehensive income	95,391	118,416
Dividends declared	(30,524)	(45,371)
Stock-based compensation	4,757	9,114
Treasury shares acquired	(75,411)	(37,520)
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(19,306)	1,754
Ending Balance	2,431,651	3,535,666
TEGNA Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,191,971	3,254,914
Comprehensive income:
Net income	85,444	112,893
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(186)	(2,268)
Comprehensive income	85,258	110,625
Dividends declared	(30,524)	(45,371)
Stock-based compensation	4,757	9,114
Treasury shares acquired	(75,411)	(37,520)
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(18,470)	2,723
Ending Balance	2,157,581	3,294,485
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	264,773	234,359
Comprehensive income:
Net income	10,492	14,590
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(925)	(1,233)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	566	(5,566)
Comprehensive income	10,133	7,791
Dividends declared	0	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0
Treasury shares acquired	0	0
Other activity, including shares withheld for employee taxes and tax windfall benefits	(836)	(969)
Ending Balance	$ 274,070	$ 241,181