Other (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2011	Sep. 25, 2011	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Sep. 26, 2010	Jun. 27, 2010	Mar. 28, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009	Dec. 25, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Severance costs										$ 13,600	$ 6,800	$ 53,900
Severance liability	13,100				11,100					13,100	11,100
Gain on sale of investments	0	65,273	0	5,898	0	0	9,128	0		71,171	9,128	0
Loss on leases and other expenses	4,500	0	0	0					3,500	4,500	0	34,633
Gain/(loss) on sale of properties												5,198
City and Suburban Closure [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Loss on leases and other expenses												22,800
New York Times Media Group [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Loss on leases and other expenses												$ 8,300