Note 8 - Earnings Per Common Share - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2021	Dec. 27, 2020	Dec. 27, 2020
Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 12,658	$ 15,902	$ 15,902
Weighted average common shares (in shares)	5,885		5,845
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (in shares)	(159)		(155)
Basic average common shares (in shares)	5,726		5,690
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock (in shares)	118		42
Diluted average common shares (in shares)	5,844		5,732
Basic: (in dollars per share)	$ 2.21	$ 2.79	$ 2.79
Diluted: (in dollars per share)	$ 2.17	$ 2.77	$ 2.77