Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 114,385	$ 131,493	$ 210,321	$ 258,976
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,350)	(52)	(2,275)	(1,285)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,162)	32,703	(5,961)	394
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items:
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	2,422	15,095	4,322	30,172
Other	0	(22,937)	0	(4,398)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items	2,422	(7,842)	4,322	25,774
Unrealized loss on available for sale investments during the period	(2,292)	0	(4,275)	0
Other comprehensive income, before tax	(7,032)	24,861	(5,914)	26,168
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(942)	(847)	(1,680)	(9,988)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(7,974)	24,014	(7,594)	16,180
Comprehensive income	105,061	155,455	200,452	273,871
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(10,211)	(18,933)	(20,343)	(26,724)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 94,850	$ 136,522	$ 180,109	$ 247,147