Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 63,899	$ 95,936
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(1,815)	(925)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,262	1,201
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	2,075	1,900
Unrealized losses on available for sale investment during the period	(2,293)	(1,983)
Other comprehensive income, before tax	2,044	1,118
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(797)	(738)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,247	380
Comprehensive income	63,331	95,391
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(5,435)	(10,133)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 57,896	$ 85,258