Earnings per share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Gannett Co., Inc.	$ 118,516	$ 79,748	$ 386,142	$ 297,933
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic	225,761	228,587	226,374	228,940
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted	232,097	234,438	232,157	234,724
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.35	$ 1.71	$ 1.30
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.51	$ 0.34	$ 1.66	$ 1.27
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	2,900	3,083	2,809	2,960
Performance Shares [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	2,424	1,500	1,958	1,698
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	1,012	1,268	1,016	1,126