Summary Of Equity Account Activity (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 25, 2012	Mar. 27, 2011
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 2,512,025	$ 2,334,073
Comprehensive income:
Net income	75,834	98,142
Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)		(973)
Other comprehensive income	17,007	26,732
Total comprehensive income	92,841	123,901
Dividends declared	(47,408)	(9,587)
Stock-based compensation	6,631	9,653
401(k) match		6,386
Treasury shares acquired	(35,525)
Other activity	2,254	1,515
Ending Balance	2,530,818	2,465,941
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	2,327,891	2,163,754
Comprehensive income:
Net income	68,223	90,493
Other comprehensive income	15,220	23,230
Total comprehensive income	83,443	113,723
Dividends declared	(47,408)	(9,587)
Stock-based compensation	6,631	9,653
401(k) match		6,386
Treasury shares acquired	(35,525)
Other activity	2,254	1,452
Ending Balance	2,337,286	2,285,381
Noncontrolling Interests
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	184,134	170,319
Comprehensive income:
Net income	7,611	7,649
Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)		(973)
Other comprehensive income	1,787	3,502
Total comprehensive income	9,398	10,178
Other activity		63
Ending Balance	$ 193,532	$ 180,560