Summary of Equity Account Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 2,334,073	$ 1,747,475
Comprehensive income:
Net income	111,780	113,688	375,449	438,903
Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)		(1,517)	(973)	(4,355)
Other comprehensive income	(16,873)	29,340	(1,395)	(8,191)
Total comprehensive income	94,907	141,511	373,081	426,357
Dividends declared			(38,474)	(28,590)
Stock option and restricted stock compensation			20,239	21,528
401(k) match			17,996	17,456
Dispositions				378
Treasury shares acquired			(27,913)
Other activity			1,905	1,391
Ending Balance	2,680,907	2,185,995	2,680,907	2,185,995
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			2,163,754	1,603,925
Comprehensive income:
Net income			341,808	414,066
Other comprehensive income			(283)	(6,176)
Total comprehensive income			341,525	407,890
Dividends declared			(38,474)	(28,590)
Stock option and restricted stock compensation			20,239	21,528
401(k) match			17,996	17,456
Treasury shares acquired			(27,913)
Other activity			1,842	1,391
Ending Balance	2,478,969	2,023,600	2,478,969	2,023,600
Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			170,319	143,550
Comprehensive income:
Net income			33,641	24,837
Less: Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)			(973)	(4,355)
Other comprehensive income			(1,112)	(2,015)
Total comprehensive income			31,556	18,467
Dispositions				378
Other activity			63
Ending Balance	$ 201,938	$ 162,395	$ 201,938	$ 162,395