Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2012
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	$ 9,942,266
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,077,381)
Beginning Balance	2,864,885
Acquisitions and adjustments	16,572
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(2,794)
Total	13,778
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	9,956,044
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,077,381)
Ending Balance	2,878,663
Publishing [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	7,643,255
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(7,050,778)
Beginning Balance	592,477
Acquisitions and adjustments	3,895
Foreign currency exchange rate changes
Total	3,895
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	7,647,150
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,050,778)
Ending Balance	596,372
Digital [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	680,489
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(26,603)
Beginning Balance	653,886
Acquisitions and adjustments	12,677
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(2,781)
Total	9,896
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	690,385
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(26,603)
Ending Balance	663,782
Broadcasting [Member]
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	1,618,522
Beginning Balance	1,618,522
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(13)
Total	(13)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,618,509
Ending Balance	$ 1,618,509