Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011	Jun. 24, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 119,889	$ 151,527	$ 188,112	$ 242,020
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	233,334	240,311	234,807	240,012
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options	679	1,451	909	1,449
Restricted stock	2,490	2,233	2,561	2,191
Performance share units	633		497
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	237,136	243,995	238,774	243,652
Net income per share-basic	$ 0.51	$ 0.63	$ 0.80	$ 1.01
Net income per share-diluted	$ 0.51	$ 0.62	$ 0.79	$ 0.99

Incremental common shares attributable to performance shares.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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