Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (192,429)	$ 114,385	$ (128,530)	$ 210,321
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (earnings not available to shareholders)	(1,017)	(1,350)	(2,832)	(2,275)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,099	(7,162)	9,362	(5,961)
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	2,327	2,422	4,402	4,322
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale investment during the period	4,069	(2,292)	1,776	(4,275)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	13,495	(7,032)	15,540	(5,914)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(896)	(942)	(1,693)	(1,680)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	12,599	(7,974)	13,847	(7,594)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(180,847)	105,061	(117,515)	200,452
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	59,750	(10,211)	54,315	(20,343)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ (121,097)	$ 94,850	$ (63,200)	$ 180,109