DallasNews (DALN) 10-Q 30 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 24, 2014
Entity Registrant Name	'A. H. Belo Corp	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001413898	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	21,872,537
Series A: Common stock	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	19,484,300
Series B: Common stock	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	2,388,237

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Operating Revenue	'	'	'	'
Advertising and marketing services	$36,941	$40,402	$114,918	$122,288
Circulation	21,219	21,787	63,458	64,024
Printing and distribution	7,763	5,284	21,200	16,390
Total net operating revenue	65,923	67,473	199,576	202,702
Operating Costs and Expense	'	'	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	24,265	27,070	78,151	83,608
Other production, distribution and operating costs	29,846	28,511	87,930	85,640
Newsprint, ink and other supplies	7,910	8,370	24,012	25,484
Depreciation	3,341	3,661	10,099	11,504
Amortization	61	29	121	89
Total operating costs and expense	65,423	67,641	200,313	206,325
Income (loss) from operations	500	-168	-737	-3,623
Other Income (Expense), Net	'	'	'	'
Gains (losses) on equity method investments, net	-953	723	17,206	1,818
Interest income (expense)	0	108	0	-311
Other income, net	3,878	152	4,136	116
Total other income, net	2,925	983	21,342	1,623
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	3,425	815	20,605	-2,000
Income tax provision	1,156	384	3,475	1,373
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	2,269	431	17,130	-3,373
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	643	87	3,766	-3,202
Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net	17,134	4,746	17,109	4,746
Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	1,652	-5	1,698	-138
Gain from Discontinued Operations, Net	16,125	4,838	19,177	1,682
Net Income (Loss)	18,394	5,269	36,307	-1,691
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-50	-52	-80	-171
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$18,444	$5,321	$36,387	($1,520)
Per Share Basis, Basic and Diluted	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$0.10	$0.02	$0.74	($0.15)
Income from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$0.74	$0.22	$0.87	$0.07
Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$0.84	$0.24	$1.61	($0.08)
Weighted average shares outstanding	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	21,890,754	21,943,876	21,927,920	22,005,705
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	21,991,716	22,069,511	22,039,248	22,005,705

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Income (Loss)	$18,394	$5,269	$36,307	($1,691)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (losses) gains	-173	245	-520	736
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-173	245	-520	736
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	18,221	5,514	35,787	-955
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-50	-52	-80	-171
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$18,271	$5,566	$35,867	($784)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$108,063	$82,193
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $1,303 and $1,055 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively)	25,095	32,270
Inventories	6,971	5,567
Prepaids and other current assets	8,233	5,618
Deferred income taxes, net	0	61
Assets of discontinued operations	875	42,716
Total current assets	149,237	168,425
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	474,406	488,998
Less accumulated depreciation	-407,581	-414,135
Property, plant and equipment, net	66,825	74,863
Goodwill	24,582	24,582
Intangible assets, net	733	241
Investments	6,821	7,333
Deferred income taxes, net	602	538
Other assets	4,083	3,236
Total assets	252,883	279,218
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	11,929	13,717
Accrued compensation and benefits	11,221	9,816
Advance subscription payments	14,416	14,842
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	5,614	4,459
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current	137	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations	995	11,538
Total current liabilities	44,312	54,372
Long-term pension liabilities	37,500	50,082
Other post-employment benefits	2,640	2,730
Other liabilities	3,913	3,258
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 821,449 and 495,200 shares held at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	-6,655	-3,113
Additional paid-in capital	499,168	496,682
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-15,613	-15,093
Accumulated deficit	-312,937	-310,099
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	164,190	168,600
Noncontrolling interests	328	176
Total shareholders’ equity	164,518	168,776
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	252,883	279,218
Series A: Common stock	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	203	199
Series B: Common stock	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	$24	$24

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	1,303	1,055
Preferred stock, par value	0.01	0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	0.01	0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	125,000,000	125,000,000
Common Stock | Series A: Common stock	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	20,329,177	19,931,599
Common Stock | Series B: Common stock	'	'
Common stock, shares issued	2,388,291	2,397,155
Treasury Stock	'	'
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	821,449	495,200
Treasury Stock | Series A: Common stock	'	'
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	821,449	495,200

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Deficit	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	Series A	Series B	USD ($)	USD ($)	Series A	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$102,060	$221	'	'	$495,528	($350)	'	($73,532)	($319,862)	$55
Beginning Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	19,651,830	2,401,556	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2012	'	'	'	'	'	'	-74,130	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	-1,691	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,520	-171
Other comprehensive income (loss)	736	'	'	'	'	'	'	736	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance	195	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	195
Treasury stock purchases, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-358,153	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	-2,286	'	'	'	'	-2,286	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	'	'	247,863	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units	0	2	'	'	-2	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	'	'	16,820	0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises	65	0	'	'	65	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit on options and RSUs	84	'	'	'	84	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	1,107	'	'	'	1,107	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	'	'	1,880	-1,880	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Series B to Series A	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	-4,549	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-4,549	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	95,721	223	'	'	496,782	-2,636	'	-72,796	-325,931	79
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'	19,918,393	2,399,676	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	-432,283	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	5,269	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	245	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-124,122	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	-922	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	-1,814	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	95,721	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Sep. 30, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	-432,283	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	168,776	223	'	'	496,682	-3,113	'	-15,093	-310,099	176
Beginning Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	19,931,599	2,397,155	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2013	'	'	'	'	'	-495,200	-495,200	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	36,307	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,387	-80
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-520	'	'	'	'	'	'	-520	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance	232	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	232
Treasury stock purchases, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-326,249	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	-3,542	'	'	'	'	-3,542	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	'	'	210,522	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units	0	2	'	'	-2	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	178,192	'	178,192	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises	861	2	'	'	859	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit on options and RSUs	873	'	'	'	873	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	756	'	'	'	756	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	'	'	8,864	-8,864	'	'	'	'	'	'
Conversion of Series B to Series A	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	-39,225	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-39,225	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	164,518	227	'	'	499,168	-6,655	'	-15,613	-312,937	328
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	20,329,177	2,388,291	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	-821,449	-821,449	'	'	'
Beginning Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	18,394	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-173	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	-126,164	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	-1,424	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends	-1,796	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$164,518	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balance, Shares, Treasury Stock at Sep. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	-821,449	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	$36,307	($1,691)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations:	'	'
Net income from discontinued operations	-19,177	-1,682
Depreciation and amortization	10,220	11,593
Net periodic benefit and contributions related to employee benefit plans	-13,125	-16,184
Share-based compensation	698	954
Gain on disposition of assets	-867	-23
Deferred income taxes	915	1,919
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	0	-108
Equity method investment gains	-19,077	-1,818
Gain on investment related activity, net	-1,669	0
Write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs	0	401
Other operating activities	-651	188
Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities, net	3,274	4,196
Net cash used for continuing operations	-3,152	-2,255
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	6,386	8,735
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,234	6,480
Investing Activities	'	'
Capital expenditures, net	-4,594	-3,032
Purchase of investments	-2,279	-1,377
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	3,401	0
Investment distribution proceeds	19,626	0
Proceeds from Other Investing Activities	3,540	0
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing investing activities	19,694	-4,409
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities	44,799	26,915
Net cash provided by investing activities	64,493	22,506
Financing Activities	'	'
Dividends paid	-39,225	-4,549
Purchase of treasury stock	-3,542	-2,286
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	861	65
Capital contributions by noncontrolling interests	49	126
Net cash used for financing activities	-41,857	-6,644
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	25,870	22,342
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	82,193	34,094
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$108,063	$56,436

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business.    A. H. Belo Corporation and subsidiaries (“A. H. Belo” or the “Company”), headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading local news and information publishing company with commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as businesses with expertise in emerging media and digital marketing. With a continued focus on extending the Company’s media platform, A. H. Belo is able to deliver news and information in innovative ways to new audiences with diverse interests and lifestyles.
	The Company publishes The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes; the Denton Record-Chronicle (www.dentonrc.com), a daily newspaper operating in Denton, Texas, and various niche publications targeting specific audiences. A. H. Belo also offers digital marketing solutions through 508 Digital and Your Speakeasy, LLC.
	Basis of Presentation.    These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of A. H. Belo and its subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation are included. Transactions between the consolidated companies are eliminated and noncontrolling interests in less than wholly-owned subsidiaries are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, may not be necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. All dollar amounts are presented in thousands, except per share amounts, unless the context requires otherwise.
	In September 2014, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities which comprise the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal, a daily newspaper in Providence, Rhode Island and the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States. In 2013, the Company completed the disposition of The Press‑Enterprise, a daily newspaper in Riverside, California, which serves the Inland Southern California region. As described in Note 2 – Discontinued Operations, these dispositions meet the criteria and are reflected as discontinued operations as prescribed under Accounting Standards Codification 205 - Presentation of Financial Statements. Accordingly, presentation of current and prior period amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto reflect continuing operations of the Company unless otherwise noted.
	New Accounting Standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which generally requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss or other tax credit carryforward exists. The assessment should be performed by taxing jurisdiction as of each reporting date. The update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The implementation of this update did not have a material impact to the presentation of uncertain tax positions within the consolidated balance sheets.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under this amendment, requirements for reporting discontinued operations have changed. Discontinued operations may include disposals of a business, nonprofit activity and component of an entity upon meeting certain other criteria. Disposals representing components of an entity must reflect a strategic shift that has a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results. Previous conditions prohibiting the entity from having significant continuing involvement in the disposal group and requiring the elimination of operations and cash flows from ongoing operations of the entity have been removed. The update is effective on a prospective basis for disposals that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods in those years. The Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities which comprise the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal in the third quarter of 2014. The operations of The Providence Journal are presented as a discontinued operation under the current accounting standards. The Company does not anticipate the implementation of this update will impact the presentation of discontinued operations within its financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance generally clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods in those years. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption and has not yet selected a transition method, but does not anticipate this update will have a material impact on its recognition and presentation of revenues within the consolidated statements of operations.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	On September 3, 2014, The Providence Journal Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, completed a transaction for the (i) sale of substantially all of the assets comprising the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal and related real property located in Providence, Rhode Island, and (ii) assumption of certain liabilities by LMG Rhode Island Holdings, Inc. (“LMG”), a subsidiary of New Media Investment Group Inc. The purchase price consisted of $46,000 plus a preliminary working capital adjustment of $2,654. Closing costs of $110 and estimated selling and exit costs of $3,735 were recognized in the third quarter of 2014. Proceeds of $47,981 were received in September 2014 and settlement of the working capital adjustment is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2014.  The Company recorded a pretax gain on the sale of $17,134 in the third quarter of 2014.
	In July 2013, the Company completed the sale of the headquarters building and certain press equipment used by The Press-Enterprise in its operations. Total proceeds of $29,093 were received, after selling costs of $1,457. The Company recorded a pretax gain of $4,746 related to these transactions in the third quarter of 2013. On November 21, 2013, the Company completed the sale of the newspaper operations of The Press-Enterprise, including the production facility and related land, to Freedom Communications, Inc. (“Freedom Communications”) under a definitive asset purchase agreement, resulting in sales proceeds of $27,828. A gain of $8,656 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013, which was decreased by $25 in 2014.
	Upon completion of these divestitures, the Company no longer owns newspaper operations in Providence, Rhode Island or Riverside, California. The Company continues to hold and market for sale certain land and buildings in Providence, Rhode Island, which served as the administrative headquarters of The Providence Journal. The Company also retains the obligation for the A. H. Belo Pension Plan II, which provides benefits to employees of The Providence Journal Company.
	As a result of the above transactions, the activity and balances of The Providence Journal and The Press-Enterprise as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, are presented as discontinued operations. Major components of these amounts presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements are set forth below.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Revenue	$	15,079		$	22,688		$	58,591		$	65,394
	Costs and expense	(14,436		)	(21,026		)	(54,825		)	(63,466		)
		643			1,662			3,766			1,928
	The Press-Enterprise
	Revenue	—			12,987			—			38,836
	Costs and expense	—			(14,562		)	—			(43,966		)
		—			(1,575		)	—			(5,130		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	643			87			3,766			(3,202		)
	Gain (loss) related to the divestiture of discontinued operations
	Gain on sale of The Providence Journal	17,134			—			17,134			—
	Gain on sale of The Press-Enterprise	—			—			(25		)	—
	Gain on sale of The Press-Enterprise office building and press equipment	—			4,746			—			4,746
		17,134			4,746			17,109			4,746
	Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal	1,652			8			1,698			(89		)
	The Press-Enterprise	—			(13		)	—			(49		)
		1,652			(5		)	1,698			(138		)
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations	$	16,125		$	4,838		$	19,177		$	1,682
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets of discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Current assets	$	875		$	13,343
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			22,249
	Other assets	—			5,491
	Total	875			41,083
	The Press-Enterprise
	Current assets	—			1,633
	Total	—			1,633
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	875		$	42,716
	Liabilities of discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Accrued expenses	$	995		$	5,168
	Deferred revenue	—			4,342
	Total	995			9,510
	The Press-Enterprise
	Accrued expenses	—			2,028
	Total	—			2,028
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	995		$	11,538

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	The Company records goodwill and intangible assets from its previous acquisitions. The carrying value of goodwill was $24,582 as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The carrying value of customer relationships amortized over an estimated useful life of three years, is set forth in the table below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Gross intangible assets	$	975		$	362
	Accumulated amortization	(242		)	(121		)
	Net balance	$	733		$	241

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company owns investment interests in various entities which are recorded under the equity method or cost method of accounting, or consolidated if the Company holds a controlling financial interest. Under the equity method, the Company records its share of the investee’s earnings or losses each period in the consolidated statements of operations. Under the cost method, the Company records earnings or losses when such amounts are realized. The carrying value of equity method and cost method investments is set forth in the table below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity method investments	$	5,889		$	6,401
	Cost method investments	932			932
	Total investments	$	6,821		$	7,333
	Equity method investments. Investments recorded under the equity method of accounting include the following:
	Classified Ventures, LLC – As of September 30, 2014, the Company owned a 3.3 percent interest in Classified Ventures, in which the other owners were Gannett Co., Inc., The McClatchy Company, Tribune Company and Graham Holdings Company. The principal business operations of Classified Ventures is cars.com. During the third quarter of 2014, the Company announced a transaction to sell its units in Classified Ventures to Gannett Co. Inc. The transaction closed on October 1, 2014, and the Company received pre-tax cash proceeds, net of selling costs, of $77,830. Escrow proceeds of $3,280 will be received within one year. The Company expects to record a gain of $77,261 related to the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2014. The Company received distributions from Classified Ventures of $765 and $19,626 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, reducing the carrying value of its investment.
	Wanderful Media, LLC – The Company owns a 13.0 percent interest in Wanderful, which operates FindnSave.com, a digital shopping platform where consumers can find national and local retail goods and services for sale. This platform combines local media participation with advanced search and database technology to allow consumers to view local advertised offers and online sales circulars or search for an item and receive a list of local advertisers and the price and terms offered for the searched item.
	Net gains on equity method investments were $(953) and $723 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $17,206 and $1,818 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Gains in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, included an $18,479 gain related to Classified Ventures’ sale of apartments.com, offset by a first quarter impairment charge of $934 related to the Company's investment in Wanderful Media, which was further impaired in the third quarter by $937. The Company determined that an other-than-temporary decline occurred in the value of the investment after evaluating the estimated fair value of the investee as determined by an independent valuation specialist. The Company attributes the impairments primarily to a decline in business related to Wanderful Media’s legacy products. An additional contribution of $1,909 was made in the second quarter of 2014 to provide capital for development of new product offerings as Wanderful Media establishes its market presence.
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company recorded other income of $3,540 for the receipt of an economic parity payment from the former parent company in conjunction with the dissolution of the jointly-owned partnership holding the Company’s investment in Classified Ventures.
	Summarized financial information provided for equity method investments determined to be significant to the Company’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is set forth in the table below.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Classified Ventures
	Revenue	$	119,434		$	107,724		$	347,369		$	306,344
	Gross Profit	107,456			95,238			311,231			275,436
	Net Income from Continuing Operations	6,086			22,349			35,942			53,789
	Net Income	7,251			30,767			607,588			81,604
	Wanderful Media
	Revenue	$	1,129		$	1,338		$	3,478		$	4,011
	Gross Profit	912			1,087			2,797			3,216
	Net Loss	(2,306		)	(2,062		)	(7,097		)	(6,567		)

Longterm_Incentive_Plans

Long-term Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, share-based Payments	'
	Long-term Incentive Plans
	A. H. Belo sponsors a long-term incentive plan under which 8,000,000 common shares are authorized for equity based awards. Awards under the plan may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. In addition, stock options may be accompanied by full and limited stock appreciation rights. Rights and limited stock appreciation rights may also be issued without accompanying stock options.
	Stock Options.    The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan.
		Number of		Weighted-Average
		Options		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	910,533		$	15.29
	Exercised	(178,192	)	4.83
	Canceled	(31,968	)	26.93
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	700,373		$	17.42
	Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014	700,373		$	17.42
	The vested and exercisable weighted average remaining contractual term of A. H. Belo stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2014, was 1.8 years. The expense associated with all outstanding options was fully recognized in prior years.
	Restricted Stock Units. Under A. H. Belo’s long-term incentive plan, the Company’s board of directors periodically awards RSUs. The RSUs have service and/or performance conditions and vest over a period up to three years. Upon vesting, the RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash. As of September 30, 2014, the liability for the portion of the award to be redeemed in cash was $1,707. The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan.
		Total		Issuance of			RSUs		Cash		Weighted-
		RSUs		Common			Redeemed in		Payments at		Average Price
				Stock			Cash		Closing Price		on Date of
									of Stock		Grant
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	728,818									$	5.59
	Granted	123,232									11.85
	Vested	(350,892	)	210,522			140,370		$	1,489	6.05
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014	501,158									$	6.81
	A. H. Belo recognizes compensation expense for RSUs issued to its employees and directors under its long-term incentive plan on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award, as set forth in the table below.
		RSUs Redeemable in Stock			RSUs Redeemable in Cash			Total RSU Awards Expense
	Three months ended September 30,
	2014	$	106		$	(127	)	$	(21	)
	2013	151			321			472
	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014	$	698		$	1,206		$	1,904
	2013	954			1,325			2,279

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term Debt
	In January 2013, the Company voluntarily terminated its credit agreement as cash flows from operations were sufficient to meet liquidity requirements and the credit agreement had not been drawn upon since 2009. All liens and security interests under the credit agreement were released and no early termination penalties were incurred by the Company as a result of the termination. Unamortized debt issuance costs of $401 were recorded to interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as a result of the termination.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method. The provision for taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, adjusted for any discrete transactions which are reported in the period in which they occur. The estimated effective tax rate is re-evaluated each quarter based on the Company’s estimated tax expense for the year.
	The Company recognized income tax expense from continuing operations of $1,156 and $384 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3,475 and $1,373 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Effective income tax rates from continuing operations were 16.9 percent and (68.7) percent for 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effective tax rate is affected by recurring items such as tax rates and income in jurisdictions which we expect to be fairly consistent in the near term. It is also affected by discrete transactions, primarily related to investment activity, that have occurred during the year that will not recur in future periods. The impact of these discrete transactions for 2014 increased the tax provision by approximately $650. The Company anticipates an additional discrete transaction in the fourth quarter of 2014 that will impact the tax provision as well as reduce the valuation allowance. In addition to these items, the tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, was primarily attributable to state income tax expense and changes in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.
	The Company currently projects taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2014, for federal income tax purposes and in certain state income tax jurisdictions. The Company made cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds, of $2,203 and $1,521 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has net operating losses that can be carried forward to offset future taxable income. The Company’s net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2016 if not utilized.

Pension_and_Other_Retirement_P

Pension and Other Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Retirement Plans	'
	Pension and Other Retirement Plans
	Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors two defined benefit pension plans, A. H. Belo Pension Plans I and II (collectively the “A. H. Belo Pension Plans”). A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain employees primarily employed with The Dallas Morning News or the A. H. Belo corporate offices. A. H. Belo Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain employees at The Providence Journal. This pension obligation has been retained by the Company upon the sale of the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal. The table below sets forth required and voluntary contributions the Company made to the pension plans.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Required contributions	$	5,801		$	5,060		$	9,927		$	7,396
	Voluntary contributions	—			4,604			—			4,604
	Total contributions	$	5,801		$	9,664		$	9,927		$	12,000
	During the third quarter of 2014, the Company accelerated payment of its scheduled fourth quarter contribution. No further contributions are required in 2014, as the Company met minimum funding requirements for the year.
	Net Periodic Pension Benefit
	The Company estimates net periodic pension expense or benefit based on the expected return on plan assets, the interest on projected pension obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss, if required. The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension benefit.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest cost	$	4,330		$	3,999		$	12,990		$	11,997
	Expected return on plans' assets	(5,215		)	(4,891		)	(15,645		)	(14,673		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	—			426			—			1,277
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	(885	)	$	(466	)	$	(2,655	)	$	(1,399	)
	Defined Contribution Plans. The A. H. Belo Savings Plan (“Savings Plan”), a defined contribution 401(k) plan, covers substantially all employees of A. H. Belo. The Company provides an ongoing dollar-for-dollar match of eligible employee contributions, up to 1.5 percent of the employees’ compensation on a per-pay-period basis. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded expense of $222 and $223, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded expense of $743 and $738, respectively, for matching contributions to this plan.
	The Company sponsored the A. H. Belo Pension Transition Supplement Plan (“PTS Plan”), a defined contribution plan, which covered certain employees affected by the curtailment of a defined benefit plan sponsored by the former parent company.  The Company was obligated to make contributions to this plan based on the earnings of actively employed participants for a period of five years, which concluded on March 31, 2013. Final benefits of $598 were accrued in the first quarter of 2013. The Company made contributions of $2,826 in the first and second quarters of 2013. No further obligations exist under this Plan. As a result of fulfilling its obligations to the PTS Plan and in order to achieve efficient administration of the Company's defined contribution plans, the PTS Plan was merged into the A. H. Belo Savings Plan on July 1, 2013. Accordingly, individual participant account balances within the PTS Plan were transferred to their respective accounts in the A. H. Belo Savings Plan and the PTS Plan has ceased to exist as a stand-alone benefit plan of the Company.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Shareholders’ Equity
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss contains actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans and gains and losses resulting from negative plan amendments and other actuarial experience related to other post-employment benefit plans. The Company records amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss in employee compensation and benefits in its consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s other post-employment benefit plans are amortized over the average remaining service period of active plan participants. The net deferred tax assets associated with accumulated other comprehensive loss are fully reserved.
	In 2014, the Company does not amortize actuarial losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the Company’s pension plans as the balance of these losses as of December 31, 2013, no longer fell outside the corridor requiring amortization. The tables below set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes.
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans			Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(15,440	)	$	(16,059	)	$	619		$	(73,041	)	$	(74,081	)	$	1,040
	Amortization	(173		)	—			(173		)	245			426			(181		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(15,613	)	$	(16,059	)	$	446		$	(72,796	)	$	(73,655	)	$	859
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans			Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(15,093	)	$	(16,059	)	$	966		$	(73,532	)	$	(74,932	)	$	1,400
	Amortization	(520		)	—			(520		)	736			1,277			(541		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(15,613	)	$	(16,059	)	$	446		$	(72,796	)	$	(73,655	)	$	859
	Dividends. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded and paid dividends of $1,796 and $1,814, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded and paid dividends of $39,225 and $4,549, respectively. Dividends paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, include a special dividend of $1.50 per share totaling $33,819.
	On September 11, 2014, the Company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 14, 2014, payable on December 5, 2014.
	Treasury Stock. The Company’s board of directors has authorized a share repurchase program for the purchase of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s Series A or Series B common stock through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company purchased 126,164 and 124,122 shares of Series A common stock for $1,424 and $922, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company purchased 326,249 and 358,153 shares of the Company's Series A common stock for $3,542 and $2,286, respectively. All purchases were made through open market transactions and were recorded as treasury stock.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The table below sets forth the reconciliations for net loss and weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company’s Series A and B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Earnings (numerator)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$	18,444	$	5,321	$	36,387	$	(1,520	)
	Less: Income from discontinued operations, net	16,125		4,838		19,177		1,682
	Less: Income to participating securities	41		59		910		151
	Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations	$	2,278	$	424	$	16,300	$	(3,353	)
	Shares (denominator)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)	21,890,754		21,943,876		21,927,920		22,005,705
	Effect of dilutive securities	100,962		125,635		111,328		—
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)	21,991,716		22,069,511		22,039,248		22,005,705
	Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
	Basic and Diluted	$	0.1	$	0.02	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)
	The Company considers outstanding stock options and RSUs in the calculation of its earnings per share. A total of 984,991 options and RSUs outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, and 1,772,891 and 1,898,526 options and RSUs outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, were excluded from the calculation because either they did not affect the earnings per share for common shareholders or the effect was anti-dilutive.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	A number of legal proceedings are pending against A. H. Belo. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from these legal proceedings would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation, Policy	'
	These condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of A. H. Belo and its subsidiaries and were prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation are included. Transactions between the consolidated companies are eliminated and noncontrolling interests in less than wholly-owned subsidiaries are reflected in the consolidated financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, may not be necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014. All dollar amounts are presented in thousands, except per share amounts, unless the context requires otherwise.
	In September 2014, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities which comprise the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal, a daily newspaper in Providence, Rhode Island and the oldest continuously-published daily newspaper in the United States. In 2013, the Company completed the disposition of The Press‑Enterprise, a daily newspaper in Riverside, California, which serves the Inland Southern California region. As described in Note 2 – Discontinued Operations, these dispositions meet the criteria and are reflected as discontinued operations as prescribed under Accounting Standards Codification 205 - Presentation of Financial Statements. Accordingly, presentation of current and prior period amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto reflect continuing operations of the Company unless otherwise noted.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	'
	The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) recently issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which generally requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset when a net operating loss or other tax credit carryforward exists. The assessment should be performed by taxing jurisdiction as of each reporting date. The update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The implementation of this update did not have a material impact to the presentation of uncertain tax positions within the consolidated balance sheets.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under this amendment, requirements for reporting discontinued operations have changed. Discontinued operations may include disposals of a business, nonprofit activity and component of an entity upon meeting certain other criteria. Disposals representing components of an entity must reflect a strategic shift that has a major effect on the entity’s operations and financial results. Previous conditions prohibiting the entity from having significant continuing involvement in the disposal group and requiring the elimination of operations and cash flows from ongoing operations of the entity have been removed. The update is effective on a prospective basis for disposals that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods in those years. The Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities which comprise the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal in the third quarter of 2014. The operations of The Providence Journal are presented as a discontinued operation under the current accounting standards. The Company does not anticipate the implementation of this update will impact the presentation of discontinued operations within its financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance generally clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods in those years. The Company is evaluating the impact of adoption and has not yet selected a transition method, but does not anticipate this update will have a material impact on its recognition and presentation of revenues within the consolidated statements of operations.
Investment, Policy	'
	The Company owns investment interests in various entities which are recorded under the equity method or cost method of accounting, or consolidated if the Company holds a controlling financial interest. Under the equity method, the Company records its share of the investee’s earnings or losses each period in the consolidated statements of operations. Under the cost method, the Company records earnings or losses when such amounts are realized.
Income Tax, Policy	'
	Income taxes are recorded using the asset and liability method. The provision for taxes reflects the Company’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year, adjusted for any discrete transactions which are reported in the period in which they occur. The estimated effective tax rate is re-evaluated each quarter based on the Company’s estimated tax expense for the year.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy	'
	The Company estimates net periodic pension expense or benefit based on the expected return on plan assets, the interest on projected pension obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss, if required.
Stockholders' Equity, Policy	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss contains actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans and gains and losses resulting from negative plan amendments and other actuarial experience related to other post-employment benefit plans. The Company records amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss in employee compensation and benefits in its consolidated statements of operations. Gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s other post-employment benefit plans are amortized over the average remaining service period of active plan participants. The net deferred tax assets associated with accumulated other comprehensive loss are fully reserved.

Discontinued_Operations_Financ

Discontinued Operations (Financial Statements of Discontinued Operations) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	Major components of these amounts presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements are set forth below.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Revenue	$	15,079		$	22,688		$	58,591		$	65,394
	Costs and expense	(14,436		)	(21,026		)	(54,825		)	(63,466		)
		643			1,662			3,766			1,928
	The Press-Enterprise
	Revenue	—			12,987			—			38,836
	Costs and expense	—			(14,562		)	—			(43,966		)
		—			(1,575		)	—			(5,130		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	643			87			3,766			(3,202		)
	Gain (loss) related to the divestiture of discontinued operations
	Gain on sale of The Providence Journal	17,134			—			17,134			—
	Gain on sale of The Press-Enterprise	—			—			(25		)	—
	Gain on sale of The Press-Enterprise office building and press equipment	—			4,746			—			4,746
		17,134			4,746			17,109			4,746
	Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal	1,652			8			1,698			(89		)
	The Press-Enterprise	—			(13		)	—			(49		)
		1,652			(5		)	1,698			(138		)
	Gain (loss) from discontinued operations	$	16,125		$	4,838		$	19,177		$	1,682
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets of discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Current assets	$	875		$	13,343
	Property, plant and equipment, net	—			22,249
	Other assets	—			5,491
	Total	875			41,083
	The Press-Enterprise
	Current assets	—			1,633
	Total	—			1,633
	Total assets of discontinued operations	$	875		$	42,716
	Liabilities of discontinued operations
	The Providence Journal
	Accrued expenses	$	995		$	5,168
	Deferred revenue	—			4,342
	Total	995			9,510
	The Press-Enterprise
	Accrued expenses	—			2,028
	Total	—			2,028
	Total liabilities of discontinued operations	$	995		$	11,538

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Company's Identifiable Intangible Assets	'
	The carrying value of customer relationships amortized over an estimated useful life of three years, is set forth in the table below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Gross intangible assets	$	975		$	362
	Accumulated amortization	(242		)	(121		)
	Net balance	$	733		$	241

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Company's investments	'
	The carrying value of equity method and cost method investments is set forth in the table below.
		September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Equity method investments	$	5,889		$	6,401
	Cost method investments	932			932
	Total investments	$	6,821		$	7,333
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information	'
	Summarized financial information provided for equity method investments determined to be significant to the Company’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is set forth in the table below.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Classified Ventures
	Revenue	$	119,434		$	107,724		$	347,369		$	306,344
	Gross Profit	107,456			95,238			311,231			275,436
	Net Income from Continuing Operations	6,086			22,349			35,942			53,789
	Net Income	7,251			30,767			607,588			81,604
	Wanderful Media
	Revenue	$	1,129		$	1,338		$	3,478		$	4,011
	Gross Profit	912			1,087			2,797			3,216
	Net Loss	(2,306		)	(2,062		)	(7,097		)	(6,567		)

Longterm_Incentive_Plans_Table

Long-term Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock option activity	'
	The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan.
		Number of		Weighted-Average
		Options		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	910,533		$	15.29
	Exercised	(178,192	)	4.83
	Canceled	(31,968	)	26.93
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	700,373		$	17.42
	Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014	700,373		$	17.42
RSU activity	'
	The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the A. H. Belo long-term incentive plan.
		Total		Issuance of			RSUs		Cash		Weighted-
		RSUs		Common			Redeemed in		Payments at		Average Price
				Stock			Cash		Closing Price		on Date of
									of Stock		Grant
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	728,818									$	5.59
	Granted	123,232									11.85
	Vested	(350,892	)	210,522			140,370		$	1,489	6.05
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014	501,158									$	6.81
Compensation expense related to RSU awards	'
	A. H. Belo recognizes compensation expense for RSUs issued to its employees and directors under its long-term incentive plan on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award, as set forth in the table below.
		RSUs Redeemable in Stock			RSUs Redeemable in Cash			Total RSU Awards Expense
	Three months ended September 30,
	2014	$	106		$	(127	)	$	(21	)
	2013	151			321			472
	Nine months ended September 30,
	2014	$	698		$	1,206		$	1,904
	2013	954			1,325			2,279

Pension_and_Other_Retirement_P1

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Required and Voluntary Contributions to Pension Plan [Table Text Block]	'
	The table below sets forth required and voluntary contributions the Company made to the pension plans.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Required contributions	$	5,801		$	5,060		$	9,927		$	7,396
	Voluntary contributions	—			4,604			—			4,604
	Total contributions	$	5,801		$	9,664		$	9,927		$	12,000
Net periodic pension expense (benefit)	'
	The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension benefit.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest cost	$	4,330		$	3,999		$	12,990		$	11,997
	Expected return on plans' assets	(5,215		)	(4,891		)	(15,645		)	(14,673		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss	—			426			—			1,277
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	(885	)	$	(466	)	$	(2,655	)	$	(1,399	)

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	The tables below set forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes.
		Three Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans			Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(15,440	)	$	(16,059	)	$	619		$	(73,041	)	$	(74,081	)	$	1,040
	Amortization	(173		)	—			(173		)	245			426			(181		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(15,613	)	$	(16,059	)	$	446		$	(72,796	)	$	(73,655	)	$	859
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014									2013
		Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans			Total			Defined benefit pension plans			Other post-employment benefit plans
	Balance, beginning of period	$	(15,093	)	$	(16,059	)	$	966		$	(73,532	)	$	(74,932	)	$	1,400
	Amortization	(520		)	—			(520		)	736			1,277			(541		)
	Balance, end of period	$	(15,613	)	$	(16,059	)	$	446		$	(72,796	)	$	(73,655	)	$	859

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The table below sets forth the reconciliations for net loss and weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company’s Series A and B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Earnings (numerator)
	Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$	18,444	$	5,321	$	36,387	$	(1,520	)
	Less: Income from discontinued operations, net	16,125		4,838		19,177		1,682
	Less: Income to participating securities	41		59		910		151
	Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations	$	2,278	$	424	$	16,300	$	(3,353	)
	Shares (denominator)
	Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)	21,890,754		21,943,876		21,927,920		22,005,705
	Effect of dilutive securities	100,962		125,635		111,328		—
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)	21,991,716		22,069,511		22,039,248		22,005,705
	Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations
	Basic and Diluted	$	0.1	$	0.02	$	0.74	$	(0.15	)

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Providence Journal

Providence Journal

Providence Journal

Providence Journal

Press Enterprise Building and Equipment Sale

Press Enterprise Building and Equipment Sale

Press Enterprise Building and Equipment Sale

Press Enterprise Building and Equipment Sale

Press Enterprise Operations Sale

Press Enterprise Operations Sale

Press Enterprise Operations Sale

Press Enterprise Operations Sale

Press Enterprise Operations Sale

Subsequent Event

Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Disposal Date

'

'

'

'

3-Sep-14

'

3-Sep-14

'

'

17-Jul-13

'

17-Jul-13

'

'

'

'

21-Nov-13

Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested

'

'

'

'

$47,981

'

$47,981

'

'

$29,093

'

$29,093

'

'

'

'

$27,828

Purchase Price

'

'

'

'

46,000

'

46,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Working Capital Adjustment

'

'

'

'

2,654

'

2,654

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Closing Costs

'

'

'

'

110

'

110

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Selling Expense

'

'

'

'

3,735

'

3,735

'

'

1,457

'

1,457

'

'

'

'

'

Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net

17,134

4,746

17,109

4,746

17,134

0

17,134

0

0

4,746

0

4,746

0

0

-25

0

8,656

Discontinued Operation, Amount of Adjustment to Prior Period Gain (Loss) on Disposal, Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($25)

Discontinued_Operations_Dispos

Discontinued Operations (Disposal Groups) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$643	$87	$3,766	($3,202)	'
Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net	17,134	4,746	17,109	4,746	'
Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	1,652	-5	1,698	-138	'
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net	16,125	4,838	19,177	1,682	'
Assets of discontinued operations	875	'	875	'	42,716
Liabilities of discontinued operations	995	'	995	'	11,538
Providence Journal	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	15,079	22,688	58,591	65,394	'
Costs and expense	-14,436	-21,026	-54,825	-63,466	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	643	1,662	3,766	1,928	'
Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net	17,134	0	17,134	0	'
Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	1,652	8	1,698	-89	'
Current assets	875	'	875	'	13,343
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	'	0	'	22,249
Other assets	0	'	0	'	5,491
Assets of discontinued operations	875	'	875	'	41,083
Accrued expenses	995	'	995	'	5,168
Deferred revenue	0	'	0	'	4,342
Liabilities of discontinued operations	995	'	995	'	9,510
Press Enterprise Operations Sale	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net	0	0	-25	0	'
Press Enterprise	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue	0	12,987	0	38,836	'
Costs and expense	0	-14,562	0	-43,966	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	-1,575	0	-5,130	'
Tax expense (benefit) from discontinued operations	0	-13	0	-49	'
Current assets	0	'	0	'	1,633
Assets of discontinued operations	0	'	0	'	1,633
Accrued expenses	0	'	0	'	2,028
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0	'	0	'	2,028
Press Enterprise Building and Equipment Sale	'	'	'	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Gain related to the divestiture of discontinued operations, net	$0	$4,746	$0	$4,746	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Schedule of identifiable intangible assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Gross intangible assets	$975	$362
Accumulated amortization	-242	-121
Net balance	$733	$241

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill	$24,582	$24,582
Customer Relationships, Useful Life	'3 years	'

Investments_Schedule_of_invest

Investments (Schedule of investments) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Equity Method Investments	$5,889	$6,401
Cost method investments	932	932
Total investments	$6,821	$7,333

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 29, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Classified Ventures

Classified Ventures

Classified Ventures

Wanderful

First Quarter Impairment

Third Quarter Impairment

Third Quarter Impairment

Apartments.com Sale [Member]

Subsequent Event

Wanderful

Wanderful

Wanderful

Classified Ventures

Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity method - A. H. Belo ownership percentage of investments

'

'

'

'

'

3.30%

3.30%

13.00%

'

'

'

'

Gains (losses) on equity method investments

($953)

$723

$17,206

$1,818

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$18,479

Impairment charge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

934

937

937

'

Payments to Acquire Other Investments

'

'

2,279

1,377

'

'

'

1,909

'

'

'

'

Other investment-related income

3,540

'

3,540

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital

'

'

'

'

'

765

19,626

'

'

'

'

'

Subsequent Event

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Subsequent Event, Date

'

'

'

'

1-Oct-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds

'

'

'

'

77,830

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal

'

'

'

'

77,261

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables

'

'

'

'

$3,280

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity_Method_Investments_Sche

Equity Method Investments (Schedule of summarized financial information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Classified Ventures	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	$119,434	$107,724	$347,369	$306,344
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit	107,456	95,238	311,231	275,436
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Extraordinary Items	6,086	22,349	35,942	53,789
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	7,251	30,767	607,588	81,604
Wanderful	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	1,129	1,338	3,478	4,011
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Gross Profit	912	1,087	2,797	3,216
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	($2,306)	($2,062)	($7,097)	($6,567)

Longterm_Incentive_Plans_Sched

Long-term Incentive Plans (Schedule of stock option activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Stock option activity rollforward	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	910,533
Exercised	-178,192
Canceled	-31,968
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	700,373
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014	700,373
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Beginning balance - Weighted average price	$15.29
Exercised	$4.83
Canceled	$26.93
Ending Balance - Weighted average price	$17.42
Weighted average price - Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014	$17.42

Longterm_Incentive_Plans_Sched1

Long-term Incentive Plans (Schedule of RSU activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
RSU non-vested rollforward	'
Non-vested at December 31, 2013	728,818
Granted	123,232
Vested	-350,892
Non-vested at September 30, 2014	501,158
Weighted- Average Price on Date of Grant	'
Beginning balance - Weighted average price	$5.59
Granted	$11.85
Vested	$6.05
Ending balance - Weighted average price	$6.81
Vested RSUs redeemed for stock, cash, and related payments	'
Issuance of Common Stock	210,522
RSUs Redeemed in Cash	140,370
Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock	$1,489

Longterm_Incentive_Plans_Sched2

Long-term Incentive Plans (Schedule of compensation expense for RSUs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation expense related to stock awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	($21)	$472	$1,904	$2,279
RSUs - Redeemed in Stock	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense related to stock awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	106	151	698	954
RSUs - Redeemed in Cash	'	'	'	'
Compensation expense related to stock awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	($127)	$321	$1,206	$1,325

Longterm_Incentive_Plans_Narra

Long-term Incentive Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Feb. 08, 2008
Stock Options	'	'
Common shares authorized for equity awards	'	8,000,000
Vested and exercisable weighted average remaining contractual term	'1 year 9 months 14 days	'
RSUs - Redeemed in Stock	'	'
RSUs	'	'
Percentage of redemption of RSUs in common stock	60.00%	'
RSUs - Redeemed in Cash	'	'
RSUs	'	'
Percentage of redemption of RSUs in cash	40.00%	'
Liability for the cash portion of redemption	1,707	'
Maximum | RSUs - Redeemed in Stock	'	'
RSUs	'	'
RSUs - vesting period	'3 years	'

Longterm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility, USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility	'
Line of Credit	'
Debt issuance costs amortized in current period	$401

Income_Taxes_Supplemental_Info

Income Taxes Supplemental Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$1,156	$384	$3,475	$1,373
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	'	'	16.90%	-68.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount	'	'	650	'
Income Taxes Paid, Net	'	'	$2,203	$1,521
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date	'	'	31-Dec-16	'

Pension_and_Other_Retirement_P2

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of net periodic pension benefit) (Details) (A. H. Belo Pension Plans, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$5,801	$9,664	$9,927	$12,000
Interest cost	4,330	3,999	12,990	11,997
Expected return on plans' assets	-5,215	-4,891	-15,645	-14,673
Amortization of net actuarial gains	0	426	0	1,277
Net periodic pension benefit	-885	-466	-2,655	-1,399
Required Contributions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	5,801	5,060	9,927	7,396
Voluntary Contributions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	$0	$4,604	$0	$4,604

Pension_and_Other_Retirement_P3

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
401(K) Plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans	'	'	'	'
Employer Matching Contribution, Percent	'	'	1.50%	1.50%
Expense Recognized	$222	$223	$743	$738
Pension Transition Supplement Plan	'	'	'	'
Defined Contribution Plans	'	'	'	'
Expense Recognized	'	'	'	598
Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	'	'	'	2,826
Maximum period of supplemental contributions to the PTS plan	'	'	'	'5 years
A. H. Belo Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Expected remaining pension plan contributions	'	'	$0	'

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) rollforward	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	($15,440)	($73,041)	($15,093)	($73,532)
Amortization of net actuarial (losses) gains	-173	245	-520	736
Balance, end of period	-15,613	-72,796	-15,613	-72,796
A. H. Belo Pension Plans	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) rollforward	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	-16,059	-74,081	-16,059	-74,932
Amortization of net actuarial (losses) gains	0	426	0	1,277
Balance, end of period	-16,059	-73,655	-16,059	-73,655
Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) rollforward	'	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	619	1,040	966	1,400
Amortization of net actuarial (losses) gains	-173	-181	-520	-541
Balance, end of period	$446	$859	$446	$859

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	1,500,000	'	1,500,000	'
Treasury stock purchases	$1,424	$922	$3,542	$2,286
Dividends [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Payments of dividends	1,796	1,814	39,225	4,549
SpecialDividendDeclaredMay15,2014	'	'	'	'
Dividends [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Payments of dividends	'	'	33,819	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	'	'	$1.50	'
DividendDeclaredSeptember11,2014 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Dividends [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date declared	11-Sep-14	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$0.08	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date of record	14-Nov-14	'	'	'
Dividends payable, date to be paid	5-Dec-14	'	'	'
Treasury Stock	'	'	'	'
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock purchases	'	'	$3,542	$2,286
Treasury Stock | Series A: Common stock	'	'	'	'
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Treasury stock, acquired shares	126,164	124,122	326,249	358,153

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings (numerator)	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$18,444	$5,321	$36,387	($1,520)
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net	16,125	4,838	19,177	1,682
Less: Income to participating securities	41	59	910	151
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations	$2,278	$424	$16,300	($3,353)
Shares (denominator)	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	21,890,754	21,943,876	21,927,920	22,005,705
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	100,962	125,635	111,328	0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	21,991,716	22,069,511	22,039,248	22,005,705
Earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations	'	'	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic and Diluted Share	$0.10	$0.02	$0.74	($0.15)

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	984,991	1,772,891	984,991	1,898,526