Supplemental Stockholders' Equity Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Sep. 24, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income/(loss)	$ 32,329	$ 406	$ 61,109	$ (8,076)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			844,244	828,455
Net income/(loss)	36,002	283	64,676	(13,795)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	7,739	4,244	19,294	13,273
Effect of issuance of shares			(158)	(9,298)
Share repurchases				(15,056)
Dividends declared			(19,543)	(19,414)
Stock-based compensation			9,845	9,006
Balance, end of period	918,674	793,171	918,674	793,171
Total New York Times Company Stockholders' Equity
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income/(loss)			61,109
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			847,815	826,751
Net income/(loss)				(8,076)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			19,294	13,273
Effect of issuance of shares			(158)	(9,298)
Share repurchases				(15,056)
Dividends declared			(19,543)	(19,414)
Stock-based compensation			9,845	9,006
Balance, end of period	918,678	797,186	918,678	797,186
Noncontrolling Interest
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			(3,571)	1,704
Net income/(loss)			3,567	(5,719)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax			0	0
Effect of issuance of shares			0	0
Share repurchases				0
Dividends declared			0	0
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Balance, end of period	$ (4)	$ (4,015)	$ (4)	$ (4,015)