CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 405,665	$ 215,046	$ 487,999
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	0	(2,797)	(4,511)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	362	34,563	(15,938)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items:
Recognition of previously deferred post-retirement benefit plan costs	5,141	8,837	8,068
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	(19,279)	20,373	(21,337)
Pension payment timing related charges	7,498	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	(6,640)	29,210	(13,269)
Unrealized gain (losses) on available for sale investment during the period	0	1,776	(11,346)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before tax	(6,278)	65,549	(40,553)
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income (loss)	1,535	(11,340)	5,066
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(4,743)	54,209	(35,487)
Comprehensive income	400,922	266,458	448,001
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	0	55,676	(39,284)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 400,922	$ 322,134	$ 408,717