Segment Information - News Media Group (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. 25, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									$ 1,221,497	$ 1,300,361	$ 1,336,291
Circulation									941,468	931,493	936,486
Other									160,436	161,609	167,662
Total revenues	642,960	537,235	576,702	566,504	661,676	554,333	589,587	587,867	2,323,401	2,393,463	2,440,439
New York Times Media Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									756,148	780,424	797,298
Circulation									705,163	683,717	683,445
Other									93,263	92,697	101,118
Total revenues									1,554,574	1,556,838	1,581,861
New England Media Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									198,383	213,720	230,886
Circulation									157,819	167,360	167,998
Other									41,854	42,809	41,710
Total revenues									398,056	423,889	440,594
Regional Media Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									161,831	177,056	192,924
Circulation									78,486	80,416	85,043
Other									19,628	19,187	18,956
Total revenues									259,945	276,659	296,923
News Media Group [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Advertising									1,116,362	1,171,200	1,221,108
Circulation									941,468	931,493	936,486
Other									154,745	154,693	161,784
Total revenues									$ 2,212,575	$ 2,257,386	$ 2,319,378