Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 24, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets
Gross	$ 303,336	$ 298,437
Accumulated Amortization	182,489	169,499
Other [Member]
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets
Gross	44,782	43,624
Accumulated Amortization	21,595	18,834
Mastheads and trade names [Member]
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets
Gross	93,163	93,163
Television station FCC licenses [Member]
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets
Gross	255,304	255,304
Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets
Gross	$ 2,878,663	$ 2,864,885