Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 55,187	$ 63,899
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (earnings not available to shareholders)	0	(1,815)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	202	2,262
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	1,250	2,075
Pension lump-sum payment charge	6,300	0
Unrealized losses on available for sale investment during the period	0	(2,293)
Other comprehensive income, before tax	7,752	2,044
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,977)	(797)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	5,775	1,247
Comprehensive income	60,962	63,331
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	0	(5,435)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 60,962	$ 57,896