Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 39,951	$ 133,435	$ (88,579)	$ 343,756
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (earnings not available to shareholders)	36	(1,353)	(2,797)	(3,628)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	24,764	(1,973)	34,126	(7,934)
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	2,201	1,763	6,603	6,085
Unrealized (losses) gains on available for sale investment during the period	0	(3,743)	1,776	(8,017)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	26,965	(3,953)	42,505	(9,866)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(752)	(688)	(2,445)	(2,368)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26,213	(4,641)	40,060	(12,234)
Comprehensive income (loss)	66,200	127,441	(51,316)	327,894
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	1,360	(12,470)	55,676	(32,813)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 67,560	$ 114,971	$ 4,360	$ 295,081