Summary of the Change in Net Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	$ 9,893,120
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,056,160)
Beginning Balance	2,836,960
Acquisitions and adjustments	23,276
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,783
Total	25,059
Goodwill before Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	9,920,457
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,058,438)
Ending Balance	2,862,019
Publishing
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	7,599,030
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,019,557)
Beginning Balance	579,473
Acquisitions and adjustments	14,893
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	192
Total	15,085
Goodwill before Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	7,626,393
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,031,835)
Ending Balance	594,558
Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	675,527
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(36,603)
Beginning Balance	638,924
Acquisitions and adjustments	8,383
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	1,656
Total	10,039
Goodwill before Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	675,566
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(26,603)
Ending Balance	648,963
Broadcasting
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	1,618,563
Beginning Balance	1,618,563
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(65)
Total	(65)
Goodwill before Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,618,498
Ending Balance	$ 1,618,498