Supplemental equity information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 23, 2012
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 2,539,912	$ 2,512,025
Comprehensive income:
Net income	97,501	148,608	340,705	360,001
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	396	0	642	0
Other comprehensive income	28,954	14,540	28,461	24,849
Total comprehensive income	126,059	163,148	368,524	384,850
Dividends declared			(137,246)	(139,957)
Stock-based compensation			23,130	18,108
Treasury shares acquired			(78,786)	(116,502)
Other activity			12,523	5,837
Ending Balance	2,728,057	2,664,361	2,728,057	2,664,361
Gannett Co., Inc. Shareholders' Equity [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			2,350,614	2,327,891
Comprehensive income:
Net income			297,933	321,195
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			0
Other comprehensive income			27,659	24,033
Total comprehensive income			325,592	345,228
Dividends declared			(137,246)	(139,957)
Stock-based compensation			23,130	18,108
Treasury shares acquired			(78,786)	(116,502)
Other activity			13,576	5,837
Ending Balance	2,496,880	2,440,605	2,496,880	2,440,605
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Equity Note [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			189,298	184,134
Comprehensive income:
Net income			42,772	38,806
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest			642
Other comprehensive income			802	816
Total comprehensive income			42,932	39,622
Dividends declared			0	0
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Treasury shares acquired			0	0
Other activity			(1,053)	0
Ending Balance	$ 231,177	$ 223,756	$ 231,177	$ 223,756