Pension Benefits - Contributions and Expected Benefit Payments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 25, 2011
Pension Benefits
Pension contributions in current year	$ 151,000
Contributions to New York Times Newspaper Guild Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Benefits
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	45,000
Qualified Plans [Member]
Pension Benefits
2012	95,978
2013	97,043
2014	98,806
2015	103,391
2016	106,758
2017-2021	594,463
Non-Qualified Plans [Member]
Pension Benefits
2012	19,858
2013	18,860
2014	18,917
2015	19,583
2016	20,407
2017-2021	101,577
Company Sponsored Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Benefits
2012	115,836
2013	115,903
2014	117,723
2015	122,974
2016	127,165
2017-2021	$ 696,040