Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2011		Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 25, 2011		Sep. 26, 2010
Segment information
Number of daily newspapers at Regional Media Group						14
Segment reporting information
Revenues	$ 537,235				$ 554,333	$ 1,680,441		$ 1,731,787
Operating profit/(loss)	33,045				8,993	(49,958)		122,476
Gain on sale of investments	65,273			5,898	0	71,171		9,128
(Loss)/income from joint ventures	(1,068)				5,482	(4,026)		22,271
Premium on debt redemption	46,381				0	46,381		0
Interest expense, net	20,039				20,627	69,782		61,825
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	30,830				(6,152)	(98,976)		92,050
Income tax expense/(benefit)	15,362				(2,018)	153		50,444
Income/(loss) from continuing operations	15,468				(4,134)	(99,129)		41,606
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0				(224)	0		13
Net income/(loss)	15,468				(4,358)	(99,129)		41,619
Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	217				97	515		(1,054)
Net income/(loss) attributable to The New York Times Company common stockholders	15,685				(4,261)	(98,614)		40,565
Impairment of assets	0		161,318		16,148	161,318		16,148
Pension withdrawal expense	0		4,228		6,268	4,228		6,268
News Media Group [Member]
Segment reporting information
Revenues	511,511				521,868	1,595,731		1,630,935
Operating profit/(loss)	30,020	[1]			6,046	(55,940)	[1]	108,914
About Group [Member]
Segment reporting information
Revenues	25,724				32,465	84,710		100,852
Operating profit/(loss)	9,544				13,876	35,406		45,782
Corporate [Member]
Segment reporting information
Operating profit/(loss)	$ (6,519)				$ (10,929)	$ (29,424)		$ (32,220)

[1] In the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a $161.3 million impairment charge, primarily related to goodwill at the Regional Media Group, and a $4.2 million charge for a pension withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan at the Globe. In the third quarter of 2010, we recorded a $16.1 million impairment charge associated with the Globe's Billerica, Mass., printing facility and a $6.3 million charge for a pension withdrawal obligation under a multiemployer pension plan at the Globe. The Regional Media Group and the Globe are a part of the News Media Group reportable segment.