Goodwill and other intangible assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 23, 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	70,211
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	8,545
Total	78,756
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	10,112,461
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,168,820)
Ending Balance	2,943,641
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	22,731
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	7,711
Total	30,442
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	7,765,136
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(7,142,217)
Ending Balance	622,919
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	47,480
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	682
Total	48,162
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	728,651
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(26,603)
Ending Balance	702,048
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	152
Total	152
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses ending balance	1,618,674
Ending Balance	$ 1,618,674