Pension Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 29, 2013

Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]

Pension Benefits

Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:

	December 29, 2013								December 30, 2012								December 25, 2011
(In thousands)	Qualified Plans			Non- Qualified Plans		All Plans			Qualified Plans			Non- Qualified Plans		All Plans			Qualified Plans			Non- Qualified Plans		All Plans
Components of net periodic pension cost
Service cost	$	11,225		$	1,162	$	12,387		$	11,903		$	1,656	$	13,559		$	12,079		$	1,660	$	13,739
Interest cost	77,136			10,681		87,817			94,113			12,635		106,748			98,206			13,112		111,318
Expected return on plan assets	(124,250		)	—		(124,250		)	(118,551		)	—		(118,551		)	(111,813		)	—		(111,813		)
Recognized actuarial loss	33,770			5,247		39,017			33,323			4,489		37,812			25,007			3,053		28,060
Amortization of prior service (credit)/cost	(1,945		)	—		(1,945		)	574			—		574			803			—		803
Effect of settlement	—			3,228		3,228			47,657			—		47,657			—			—		—
Effect of special termination benefits	—			314		314			—			—		—			—			—		—
Effect of sale of Regional Media Group	—			—		—			(5,097		)	—		(5,097		)	—			—		—
Net periodic pension cost	$	(4,064	)	$	20,632	$	16,568		$	63,922		$	18,780	$	82,702		$	24,282		$	17,825	$	42,107

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/loss were as follows:

(In thousands)	December 29, 2013			December 30, 2012			December 25, 2011
Net actuarial (gain)/loss	$	(178,088	)	$	96,551		$	246,672
Prior service credit	—			(31,839		)	—
Amortization of loss	(39,017		)	(37,813		)	(28,060		)
Amortization of prior service cost	1,945			(574		)	(803		)
Effect of settlement	(3,358		)	(47,657		)	—
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income)/loss	(218,518		)	(21,332		)	217,809
Net periodic pension cost	16,568			82,702			42,107
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss	$	(201,950	)	$	61,370		$	259,916

Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets

The changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) were as follows:

	December 29, 2013									December 30, 2012
(In thousands)	Qualified Plans			Non- Qualified Plans			All Plans			Qualified Plans			Non- Qualified Plans			All Plans
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	1,965,406		$	299,265		$	2,264,671		$	1,943,882		$	273,542		$	2,217,424
Service cost	11,225			1,162			12,387			11,903			1,656			13,559
Interest cost	77,136			10,681			87,817			94,113			12,635			106,748
Plan participants’ contributions	26			—			26			32			—			32
Amendments	—			—			—			(31,839		)	—			(31,839		)
Actuarial (gain)/loss	(161,348		)	(18,960		)	(180,308		)	162,569			32,803			195,372
Lump-sum settlement paid	—			(10,667		)	(10,667		)	(112,404		)	—			(112,404		)
Benefits paid	(113,798		)	(19,149		)	(132,947		)	(89,340		)	(21,412		)	(110,752		)
Effect of sale of Regional Media Group	—			—			—			(13,510		)	—			(13,510		)
Effects of change in currency conversion	—			169			169			—			41			41
Benefit obligation at end of year	1,778,647			262,501			2,041,148			1,965,406			299,265			2,264,671
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,615,723			—			1,615,723			1,464,729			—			1,464,729
Actual return on plan assets	122,030			—			122,030			217,371			—			217,371
Employer contributions	74,110			29,999			104,109			143,748			21,412			165,160
Plan participants’ contributions	26			—			26			32			—			32
Lump-sum settlement paid	—			(10,667		)	(10,667		)	(112,404		)	—			(112,404		)
Benefits paid	(113,798		)	(19,149		)	(132,947		)	(89,340		)	(21,412		)	(110,752		)
Effect of sale of Regional Media Group	—			—			—			(8,413		)	—			(8,413		)
Effect of change in currency conversion	—			(183		)	(183		)	—			—			—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,698,091			—			1,698,091			1,615,723			—			1,615,723
Net amount recognized	$	(80,556	)	$	(262,501	)	$	(343,057	)	$	(349,683	)	$	(299,265	)	$	(648,948	)
Amount recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liabilities	$	—		$	(17,903	)	$	(17,903	)	$	—		$	(19,586	)	$	(19,586	)
Noncurrent liabilities	(80,556		)	(244,598		)	(325,154		)	(349,683		)	(279,679		)	(629,362		)
Net amount recognized	$	(80,556	)	$	(262,501	)	$	(343,057	)	$	(349,683	)	$	(299,265	)	$	(648,948	)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Actuarial loss	$	662,293		$	97,436		$	759,729		$	855,191		$	125,002		$	980,193
Prior service (credit)/cost	(28,510		)	—			(28,510		)	(30,454		)	—			(30,454		)
Total	$	633,783		$	97,436		$	731,219		$	824,737		$	125,002		$	949,739

Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows:

(In thousands)	December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012
Projected benefit obligation	$	2,041,148	$	2,264,671
Accumulated benefit obligation	$	2,034,145	$	2,255,135
Fair value of plan assets	$	1,698,091	$	1,615,723

Schedule of Assumptions Used

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for qualified pension plans were as follows:

(Percent)	December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012
Discount rate	4.90	%	4.00	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	2.55	%	3.00	%

The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for qualified pension plans that have not been frozen.

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for qualified plans were as follows:

(Percent)	December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012		December 25, 2011
Discount rate	4.00	%	5.05	%	5.60	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	3.50	%	3.00	%	4.00	%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	7.85	%	8.00	%	8.25	%

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine benefit obligations for non-qualified plans were as follows:

(Percent)	December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012
Discount rate	4.60	%	3.70	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	2.50	%	3.50	%

The rate of increase in compensation levels is applicable only for the non-qualified pension plans that have not been frozen.

Weighted-average assumptions used in the actuarial computations to determine net periodic pension cost for non-qualified plans were as follows:

(Percent)	December 29, 2013		December 30, 2012		December 25, 2011
Discount rate	3.70	%	4.80	%	5.45	%
Rate of increase in compensation levels	3.00	%	3.50	%	3.50	%

We determined our discount rate using a Ryan ALM, Inc. Curve (the “Ryan Curve”). The Ryan Curve provides the bonds included in the curve and allows adjustments for certain outliers (e.g., bonds on “watch”). We believe the Ryan Curve allows us to calculate an appropriate discount rate.

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 29, 2013 is as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)	Hedge Fund		Private Equity			Total
Balance at beginning of year	$	26,370	$	36,011		$	62,381
Actual gain/(loss) on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held	3,955		6,169			10,124
Capital contribution	—		3,018			3,018
Return of Capital	—		(4,661		)	(4,661		)
Balance at end of year	$	30,325	$	40,537		$	70,862

The reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 30, 2012 is as follows:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
(In thousands)	Real Estate		Private Equity			Total
Balance at beginning of year	$	—	$	37,393		$	37,393
Actual gain on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held	1,370		(1,736		)	(366		)
Capital contribution	25,000		3,737			28,737
Return of Capital	—		(3,383		)	(3,383		)
Balance at end of year	$	26,370	$	36,011		$	62,381

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

The following benefit payments under our pension plans, which reflect expected future services for plans that have not been frozen, are expected to be paid:

	Plans
(In thousands)	Qualified		Non- Qualified		Total
2014	$	99,747	$	18,271	$	118,018
2015	101,704		18,315		120,019
2016	103,648		18,743		122,391
2017	106,149		18,646		124,795
2018	108,206		18,795		127,001
2019-2023	578,124		92,828		670,952

Schedule of Multi Employer Plans

Our participation in significant plans for the fiscal period ended December 29, 2013, is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit plan number. The zone status is based on the latest information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow zone are less than 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented. The “Surcharge Imposed” column includes plans in a red zone status that are required to pay a surcharge in excess of regular contributions. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject.

	EIN/Pension Plan Number	Pension Protection Act Zone Status		FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	(In thousands)Contributions of the Company						Surcharge Imposed	Collective Bargaining Agreement Expiration Date
Pension Fund		2013	2012		2013		2012		2011
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan	13-6212879-001	Red as of 1/01/13	Red as of 1/01/12	Implemented	$	663	$	646	$	776	Yes	3/30/2016	(1)
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund	13-6122251-001	Yellow as of 6/01/13	Yellow as of 6/01/12	Implemented	1,217		1,101		1,298		No	3/30/2020	(2)
GCIU-Employer Retirement Benefit Plan	91-6024903-001	Red as of 1/01/13	Red as of 1/01/12	Implemented	124		114		116		Yes	3/30/2017	(3)
Pressmen’s Publishers’ Pension Fund	13-6121627-001	Green as of 4/01/13	Green as of 4/01/12	N/A	1,016		1,037		1,113		No	3/30/2017	(4)
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund	13-6104795-001	Green as of 4/01/13	Green as of 4/01/12	N/A	114		121		153		No	3/30/2014	(5)
Contributions for individually significant plans					$	3,134	$	3,019	$	3,456
Contributions to other multiemployer plans					945		2,503		2,296
Total Contributions					$	4,079	$	5,522	$	5,752

(1) There are two collective bargaining agreements (Mailers and Typographers) requiring contributions to this plan, which both expire March 30, 2016.

(2) Elections under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010: Extended Amortization of Net Investment Losses (IRS Section 431(b)(8)(A)) and the Expanded Smoothing Period (IRS Section 431(b)(8)(B)).

(3) We previously had two collective bargaining agreements requiring contributions to this plan. With the sale of the New England Media Group only one collective bargaining agreement remains for the Stereotypers, which expires March 30, 2017. The method for calculating actuarial value of assets was changed retroactive to January 1, 2009, as elected by the Board of Trustees and as permitted by IRS Notice 2010-83. This election includes smoothing 2008 investment losses over ten years and widening the asset corridor to 130% of market value of assets for 2009 and 2010.

(4) The Plan sponsor elected two provisions of funding relief under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 (PRA 2010) to more slowly absorb the 2008 plan year investment loss, retroactively effective as of April 1, 2009. These included extended amortization under the prospective method and 10-year smoothing of the asset loss for the plan year beginning April 1, 2008.

(5) Board of Trustees elected funding relief. This election includes smoothing the March 31, 2009 investment losses over 10 years and widening the asset corridor to 130% of market value of assets for April 1, 2009 and April 1, 2010.

The rehabilitation plan for the GCIU-Employer Retirement Benefit Plan includes minimum annual contributions no less than the total annual contribution made by us from September 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009.

The Company was listed in the plans’ respective Forms 5500 as providing more than 5% of the total contributions for the following plans and plan years:

Pension Fund	Year Contributions to Plan Exceeded More Than 5 Percent of Total Contributions (as of Plan’s Year-End)
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan	12/31/2012 & 12/31/2011	(1)
Newspaper and Mail Deliverers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund	5/31/2012 & 5/31/2011	(1)
Pressmen’s Publisher’s Pension Fund	3/31/2013 & 3/31/2012
Paper-Handlers’-Publishers’ Pension Fund	3/31/2013 & 3/31/2012

(1) Form 5500 for the plan year 12/31/13 and 5/31/13 was not available as of the date we filed our financial statements.

Company Sponsored Pension Plan [Member]

Pension Benefits

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The following asset allocation guidelines apply to the Return-Seeking Assets:

Asset Category	Percentage Range
Public Equity	70%	-	90	%
Growth Fixed Income	0%	-	15	%
Alternatives	0%	-	15	%
Cash	0%	-	10	%

The asset allocations of our Company-sponsored pension plans by asset category for both Long Duration and Return-Seeking Assets, as of December 29, 2013, were as follows:

Asset Category	Percentage
Public Equity	27	%
Fixed Income	69	%
Alternatives	4	%
Cash	—	%

New York Times Newspaper Guild Pension Plan [Member]

Pension Benefits

Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets

The fair value of the assets underlying our Company-sponsored qualified pension plans and The New York Times Newspaper Guild pension plan by asset category are as follows:

	Fair Value Measurement at December 29, 2013
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Asset Category	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Equity Securities:
U.S. Equities	$	36,920	$	—	$	—	$	36,920
International Equities	75,606		—		—		75,606
Common/Collective Funds(1)	—		581,553		—		581,553
Fixed Income Securities:
Corporate Bonds	—		594,667		—		594,667
U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities	—		183,700		—		183,700
Group Annuity Contract	—		72,663		—		72,663
Municipal and Provincial Bonds	—		41,729		—		41,729
Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)	—		4,738		—		4,738
Other	—		29,115		—		29,115
Cash and Cash Equivalents			6,538		—		6,538
Private Equity	—		—		40,537		40,537
Hedge Fund	—		—		30,325		30,325
Assets at Fair Value	$	112,526	$	1,514,703	$	70,862	$	1,698,091
Other Assets							—
Total							$	1,698,091

(1) The underlying assets of the common/collective funds are primarily comprised of equity and fixed income securities. The fair value in the above table represents our ownership share of the net asset value of the underlying funds.

(2) Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

	Fair Value Measurement at December 30, 2012
(In thousands)	Quoted Prices Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Asset Category	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Equity Securities:
U.S. Equities	$	193,489	$	—	$	—	$	193,489
International Equities	87,273		—		—		87,273
Common/Collective Funds(1)	—		678,449		—		678,449
Fixed Income Securities:
Corporate Bonds	—		383,483		—		383,483
U.S. Treasury and Other Government Securities	—		91,122		—		91,122
Insurance Contracts	—		44,511		—		44,511
Municipal and Provincial Bonds	—		22,192		—		22,192
Government Sponsored Enterprises(2)	—		19,115		—		19,115
Other	—		10,847		—		10,847
Cash and Cash Equivalents	—		16,427		—		16,427
Private Equity	—		—		36,011		36,011
Hedge Fund	—		—		26,370		26,370
Assets at Fair Value	$	280,762	$	1,266,146	$	62,381	$	1,609,289
Other Assets							6,434
Total							$	1,615,723

(1) The underlying assets of the common/collective funds are primarily comprised of equity and fixed income securities. The fair value in the above table represents our ownership share of the net asset value of the underlying funds.

(2) Represents investments that are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.