Components of Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
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 (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(19,135)	36,916	2,242	(9,695)
Other	2,262	(7,576)	(3,637)	1,504
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(16,873)	29,340	(1,395)	(8,191)
Total comprehensive income	94,907	141,511	373,081	426,357
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	8,956	16,423	31,556	18,467
Comprehensive income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 85,951	$ 125,088	$ 341,525	$ 407,890

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