Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 97,151	$ 39,951	$ 244,850	$ (88,579)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (earnings not available to shareholders)	0	36	0	(2,797)
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(31)	24,764	551	34,126
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	1,276	2,201	3,827	6,603
Pension payment timing related charges	1,198	0	7,498	0
Unrealized gains on available for sale investment during the period	0	0	0	1,776
Other comprehensive income, before tax	2,443	26,965	11,876	42,505
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(615)	(752)	(3,021)	(2,445)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,828	26,213	8,855	40,060
Comprehensive income (loss)	98,979	66,200	253,705	(51,316)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	0	1,360	0	55,676
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 98,979	$ 67,560	$ 253,705	$ 4,360