Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 92,512	$ (192,429)	$ 147,699	$ (128,530)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (earnings not available to shareholders)	0	(1,017)	0	(2,832)
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	382	7,099	582	9,362
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	1,302	2,327	2,552	4,402
Pension lump-sum payment charge	0	0	6,300	0
Unrealized gains on available for sale investment during the period	0	4,069	0	1,776
Other comprehensive income, before tax	1,684	13,495	9,434	15,540
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(432)	(896)	(2,408)	(1,693)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,252	12,599	7,026	13,847
Comprehensive income (loss)	93,764	(180,847)	154,725	(117,515)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	0	59,750	0	54,315
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 93,764	$ (121,097)	$ 154,725	$ (63,200)