Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Retained Earnings [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Total
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ (279,691)	$ 572	$ 253,511	$ (11,746)	$ (37,354)
Shares issued (redeemed)		5	(453)		(448)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	10,361				10,361
Stock compensation			385		385
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(163)	(163)
Deferred income taxes, net				41	41
Balance at Dec. 30, 2018	(269,330)	577	253,443	(11,868)	(27,178)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	(279,691)	572	253,511	(11,746)	(37,354)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated					7,683
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	(272,008)	577	254,185	(11,990)	(29,236)
Balance at Dec. 30, 2018	(269,330)	577	253,443	(11,868)	(27,178)
Shares issued (redeemed)			317		317
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(2,678)				(2,678)
Stock compensation			425		425
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(163)	(163)
Deferred income taxes, net				41	41
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	(272,008)	577	254,185	(11,990)	(29,236)
Balance at Sep. 29, 2019	(265,423)	577	255,476	(29,114)	(38,484)
Shares issued (redeemed)		4	(379)		(375)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	5,320				5,320
Stock compensation			545		545
Other comprehensive income (loss)				452	452
Deferred income taxes, net				(135)	(135)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2019	(260,103)	581	255,642	(28,797)	(32,677)
Balance at Sep. 29, 2019	(265,423)	577	255,476	(29,114)	(38,484)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated					(46)
Balance at Mar. 29, 2020	(265,470)	581	255,712	(28,481)	(37,658)
Balance at Dec. 29, 2019	(260,103)	581	255,642	(28,797)	(32,677)
Shares issued (redeemed)			(199)		(199)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	(5,367)				(5,367)
Stock compensation			269		269
Other comprehensive income (loss)				451	451
Deferred income taxes, net				(135)	(135)
Balance at Mar. 29, 2020	$ (265,470)	$ 581	$ 255,712	$ (28,481)	$ (37,658)