CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 482,763	$ 286,235	$ 405,665
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	138	(774)	362
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items:
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	6,209	5,764	5,141
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period	22,574	(13,822)	(19,279)
Pension lump-sum payment charges	0	686	7,498
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	28,783	(7,372)	(6,640)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	28,921	(8,146)	(6,278)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,400)	2,060	1,535
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	21,521	(6,086)	(4,743)
Comprehensive income	504,284	280,149	400,922
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, net of tax	15	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 504,299	$ 280,149	$ 400,922