CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 23, 2012	Jun. 24, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 65,681	$ (24,287)	$ 20,138	$ 3,323	$ 178,388	$ 2,724	$ (87,649)	$ 42,550	$ 64,856	$ 136,013	$ (38,203)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments-gain/(loss)				(2,477)	1,684	3,251	(6,712)	2,313	2,613	536	(523)
Unrealized derivative gain/(loss) on cash-flow hedge of equity method investment				0	0	0	0	1,143	0	1,143	839
Unrealized gain/(loss) on available-for-sale security				(1,374)	(1,980)	(2,338)	(3,425)	7,014	729	(729)	0
Pension and postretirement benefits obligation				8,259	(28,578)	5,817	5,817	(10,278)	180,340	(27,222)	(211,289)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, before tax				4,408	(28,874)	6,730	(4,320)	192	183,682	(26,272)	(210,973)
Income tax benefit				(1,780)	11,492	(2,539)	1,647	160	(73,165)	10,760	86,065
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax				2,628	(17,382)	4,191	(2,673)	352	110,517	(15,512)	(124,908)
Comprehensive income/(loss)				5,951	161,006	6,915	(90,322)	42,902	175,373	120,501	(163,111)
Comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest				249	(263)	21	27	53	(313)	(162)	1,000
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders				$ 6,200	$ 160,743	$ 6,936	$ (90,295)	$ 42,955	$ 175,060	$ 120,339	$ (162,111)