Note 2 - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 24, 2018	Mar. 25, 2018	Dec. 24, 2017	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Operating revenue	$ 123,665	$ 127,284	$ 122,704	$ 136,201	$ 139,746	$ 132,618	$ 127,805	$ 143,786	$ 509,854	$ 543,955	$ 566,943
Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Operating revenue									265,933	303,446	331,360
Subscription and Circulation [Member]
Operating revenue									186,691	195,108	191,922
Digital Services Revenues [Member]
Operating revenue									19,637	16,328	14,008
Other Revenues [Member]
Operating revenue									$ 37,593	$ 29,073	$ 29,653