Supplemental equity information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 2,512,025	$ 2,334,073
Comprehensive income:
Net income	135,559	165,527	211,393	263,669
Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)				(973)
Other comprehensive income	(6,698)	(1,627)	10,309	25,105
Total comprehensive income	128,861	163,900	221,702	287,801
Dividends declared			(93,852)	(19,202)
Stock-based compensation			12,598	14,953
401(k) match				12,236
Treasury shares acquired			(81,010)
Other activity			1,154	1,874
Ending Balance	2,572,617	2,631,735	2,572,617	2,631,735
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			2,327,891	2,163,754
Comprehensive income:
Net income			188,112	242,020
Other comprehensive income			11,271	23,181
Total comprehensive income			199,383	265,201
Dividends declared			(93,852)	(19,202)
Stock-based compensation			12,598	14,953
401(k) match				12,236
Treasury shares acquired			(81,010)
Other activity			1,154	1,811
Ending Balance	2,366,164	2,438,753	2,366,164	2,438,753
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			184,134	170,319
Comprehensive income:
Net income			23,281	21,649
Redeemable noncontrolling interest accretion (income not available to shareholders)				(973)
Other comprehensive income			(962)	1,924
Total comprehensive income			22,319	22,600
Other activity				63
Ending Balance	$ 206,453	$ 192,982	$ 206,453	$ 192,982