DallasNews (DALN) 10-K 10 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 03, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Entity Registrant Name	A. H. Belo Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1,413,898
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 93,312,305
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Series A
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,203,580
Series B
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,472,680

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Operating Revenue:
Advertising and marketing services	$ 150,315	$ 156,790	$ 158,183
Circulation	79,619	83,581	84,922
Printing, distribution and other	30,050	31,737	29,683
Total net operating revenue	259,984	272,108	272,788
Operating Costs and Expense:
Employee compensation and benefits	104,009	120,818	111,710
Other production, distribution and operating costs	119,830	125,829	122,239
Newsprint, ink and other supplies	25,590	30,892	32,507
Depreciation	10,713	11,515	13,820
Amortization	906	1,349	198
Goodwill impairment	22,682
Total operating costs and expense	283,730	290,403	280,474
Operating loss	(23,746)	(18,295)	(7,686)
Other Income (Expense):
Gain (loss) from equity method investments, net		(1,065)	93,898
Other income (expense), net	2,294	(404)	5,773
Total other income (expense), net	2,294	(1,469)	99,671
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	(21,452)	(19,764)	91,985
Income tax provision (benefit)	(2,272)	(1,570)	5,978
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	(19,180)	(18,194)	86,007
Income from discontinued operations			4,064
Gain (loss) from divestiture of discontinued operations		(63)	17,057
Tax expense from discontinued operations			14,351
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations		(63)	6,770
Net Income (Loss)	(19,180)	(18,257)	92,777
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	130	(415)	(152)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)	$ 92,929
Basic
Continuing operations	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 3.84
Discontinued operations			0.31
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	(0.90)	(0.84)	4.15
Diluted
Continuing operations	(0.90)	(0.84)	3.82
Discontinued operations			0.31
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 4.13
Number of common shares used in the per share calculation:
Basic	21,620,539	21,408,940	21,899,602
Diluted	21,620,539	21,408,940	22,006,022

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ (19,180)	$ (18,257)	$ 92,777
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Actuarial gains (losses)	(810)	2,742	(49,228)
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses, net of tax	(56)	16,183	6,954
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(866)	18,925	(42,274)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(20,046)	668	50,503
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	130	(415)	(152)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ (20,176)	$ 1,083	$ 50,655

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 80,071	$ 78,380
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $1,115 and $1,441 at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)	29,114	31,502
Inventories	3,386	4,052
Prepaids and other current assets	9,553	9,415
Total current assets	122,124	123,349
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	445,874	448,223
Less accumulated depreciation	(402,115)	(396,865)
Property, plant and equipment, net	43,759	51,358
Intangible assets, net	4,872	5,778
Goodwill	14,201	36,883
Other assets	7,775	4,133
Total assets	192,731	221,501
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	9,036	12,736
Accrued compensation and benefits	8,657	7,100
Other accrued expense	6,318	4,712
Advance subscription payments	13,243	14,424
Total current liabilities	37,254	38,972
Long-term pension liabilities	54,843	57,446
Other post-employment benefits	2,329	2,489
Deferred income taxes, net		1,046
Other liabilities	6,483	1,277
Total liabilities	100,909	101,230
Noncontrolling interest - redeemable	2,670	1,421
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued
Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 1,416,881 shares held at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	(11,233)	(11,233)
Additional paid-in capital	499,552	500,449
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(39,308)	(38,442)
Accumulated deficit	(361,324)	(333,222)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	87,918	117,781
Noncontrolling interests	1,234	1,069
Total shareholders’ equity	89,152	118,850
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	192,731	221,501
Series A
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	207	205
Series B
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	$ 24	$ 24

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 1,115	$ 1,441
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
Series A
Common stock, shares, issued	20,620,461	20,522,503
Series B
Common stock, shares, issued	2,472,680	2,387,509
Treasury Stock [Member] | Series A
Treasury stock Series A, shares held	1,416,881	1,416,881

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]Series A	Common Stock [Member]Series B	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]Series A	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013			$ 223	$ 496,682		$ (3,113)	$ (15,093)	$ (310,099)	$ 176	$ 168,776
Beginning Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2013	19,931,599	2,397,155
Beginning Balance, Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2013					(495,200)
Net income (loss)								92,929	(152)	92,777
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(42,274)			(42,274)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests									232	232
Treasury stock purchases, shares					(449,436)
Treasury stock purchases						(4,974)				(4,974)
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	210,522
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			2	(2)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	190,462
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises			2	939						941
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation				933						933
Share-based compensation				768						768
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	8,918	(8,918)
Dividends								(91,160)		(91,160)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014			227	499,320		(8,087)	(57,367)	(308,330)	256	126,019
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2014	20,341,501	2,388,237
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2014					(944,636)
Net income (loss)								(17,842)	(415)	(18,257)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							18,925			18,925
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests									1,210	1,210
Treasury stock purchases, shares					(472,245)
Treasury stock purchases						(3,146)				(3,146)
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	162,274
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			2	(2)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	18,000
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises				71						71
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation				557						557
Share-based compensation				605						605
Redeemable non-controlling interests				(102)					18	(84)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	728	(728)
Dividends								(7,050)		(7,050)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015			229	500,449		(11,233)	(38,442)	(333,222)	1,069	118,850
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2015	20,522,503	2,387,509
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2015					(1,416,881)
Net income (loss)								(19,310)	77	(19,233)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(866)			(866)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests									(308)	$ (308)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests				(396)					396
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	97,203
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			1	(1)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares		85,926								85,926
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises			1	155						$ 156
Share-based compensation				640						640
Redeemable non-controlling interests				(1,295)						(1,295)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	755	(755)
Dividends								(8,792)		(8,792)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016			$ 231	$ 499,552		$ (11,233)	$ (39,308)	$ (361,324)	$ 1,234	$ 89,152
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2016	20,620,461	2,472,680
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2016					(1,416,881)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Activities
Net Income (Loss)	$ (19,180)	$ (18,257)	$ 92,777
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
(Income) loss from discontinued operations		63	(6,770)
Depreciation and amortization	11,619	12,864	14,018
Net periodic pension and other post-employment (benefit) expense	(3,538)	10,423	3,479
Contributions to defined benefit pension plans			(29,927)
Equity method investment (gain) loss in excess of dividends		1,440	(18,677)
Share-based compensation	640	605	702
Deferred income taxes	(1,046)	(1,572)	780
(Gain) loss on investment related activity	200	(1,045)	(78,762)
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets	(1,950)	478	(2,787)
Goodwill impairment	22,682
Other operating activities		405	(672)
Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
Accounts receivable	2,388	2,894	1,002
Inventories, prepaids and other current assets	528	(144)	(2,138)
Other assets	(2,592)	(363)	343
Accounts payable	(3,700)	85	(813)
Compensation and benefit obligations	1,777	(2,133)	(2,564)
Other accrued expenses	1,060	(9,052)	(4,304)
Advanced subscription payments	(1,181)	(1,470)	1,052
Other post-employment benefits	(91)		(57)
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing operations	7,616	(4,779)	(33,318)
Net cash provided by (used for) discontinued operations		(24)	6,856
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	7,616	(4,803)	(26,462)
Investing Activities
Acquisition costs, net of cash acquired		(14,110)
Sales of assets	5,636	5,866	10,085
Purchases of assets	(6,597)	(7,572)	(7,844)
Other investment related proceeds		1,046	100,980
Purchases of investments	(250)	(500)	(2,279)
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing investing activities	(1,211)	(15,270)	100,942
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities			45,561
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	(1,211)	(15,270)	146,503
Financing Activities
Dividends paid	(7,029)	(57,200)	(41,012)
Proceeds from other financing activities	2,566
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(407)
Purchases of treasury stock		(3,146)	(4,974)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	156	71	941
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation		557	933
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests			49
Net cash used for financing activities	(4,714)	(59,718)	(44,063)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,691	(79,791)	75,978
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	78,380	158,171	82,193
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 80,071	$ 78,380	$ 158,171

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards Description of Business. A. H. Belo Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “A. H. Belo” or the “Company.” 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 expertise in emerging media and digital marketing. With a continued focus on extending the Company’s media platform, A. H. Belo deliver s news and information in inno vative ways to a broad spectrum of 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 DMV Digital Holdings Company (“DMV Holdings”) and Your Speakeasy, LLC (“Speakeasy”), and provides event activation, promotion and marketing services through DMN CrowdSource LLC (“CrowdSource”) . Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements included herein include adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. A. H. Belo consolidates the financial results of the entities in which it has controlling financial interests, including DMV Holdings and Speakeasy , in which the Company holds ownership percentages of 80 percent and 70 percent, respectively. As a consequence, the assets and liabilities of such entities are presented on a consolidated basis in A. H. Belo’s financial statements. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve that represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience and t he Company’s knowledge of the customers’ ability to pay amounts due. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Bad debt expense for 2016 and 2015 was $ 1,712 and $ 2,168 , respectively. Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments for 2016 and 2015 were $2,039 and $1,989, respectively.  Risk Concentration. A significant portion of the Company’s customer base is concentrated within the North Texas geographical area. The Company generally extends credit to customers, and the ultimate collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the national and local economy. Management continually performs credit evaluations of its customers and may require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers. The Company maintains an allowance for losses based upon the collectability of accounts receivable. Management does not believe significant credit risk exists that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.  Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, ink and other supplies used in printing newspapers, are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the weighted average purchase p rice of the inventory acquired. Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company records property, plant and equipment at cost or its fair value if acquired through a business acquisition or non-monetary exchange. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and depreciable assets are reviewed to ensure the remaining useful life of the assets continues to be appropriate. An adjustment resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of an asset is recorded to depreciation expense on a prospective basis. The table below sets forth property, plant and equipment by type.      December 31, Estimated  2016 2015 Useful Lives  Land $ 11,384 $ 16,066  Buildings and improvements 133,441 133,355 5 - 30 years  Publishing equipment 217,221 214,608 3 - 20 years  Other 81,724 82,530 3 - 10 years  Construction in process 2,104 1,664  Total 445,874 448,223  Less accumulated depreciation (402,115) (396,865)  Property, plant and equipment, net $ 43,759 $ 51,358  Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded at the reporting unit level based on the excess fair value of prior business acquisitions over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Reporting units of the Company are based on its internal reporting structure and represent a reporting level below an operating segment. Unless qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more - likely - than - not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is tested for impairment by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value for the reporting unit ’ s underlying assets and liabilities is determined and goodwill is adjusted accordingly. In determining the fair value for a reporting unit , the Company considers recent stock and sales transaction prices of peer group companies as well as the present value of expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. Significant assumptions include sales and expense growth rates, discount rates, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test as of December 31 each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. Impairment charges represent noncash charges and do not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities or have any effect on future operations.  The Company conducted the annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2016, for all reporting units. This test, which was based on the Company’s most recent cash flow forecast, indicated that the P ublishing reporting unit ’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non cash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 in the fourth quarter of 2016, fully impairing the Publishing reporting unit ’s goodwill.  Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, using the lowest level of cash flows associated with the assets, which are grouped based on the Company’s intended use of these assets. This evaluation is performed whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable . If the analysis of undiscounted future cash flows indicates the carrying value of the long-lived assets cannot be recovered, the assets are adjusted to the lower of its carrying value or fair value.  Investments. The Company owns certain equity securities in companies in which it does not exercise control. These investments are recorded under the cost method and the Company recognizes income or loss upon the receipt of dividends or distributions, or upon liquidation of the investment. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of cost method investments based upon the financial strength of the investee. If the Company determines the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the investment and the carrying value. For those investments where the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee as defined under ASC 323 – Equity Method and Joint Ventures , the Company accounts for the investment under the equity method of accounting, recognizing its share of the investee’s income or loss as a component of earnings. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any equity method investments.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company’s ownership interest in Wanderful Media, LLC (“Wanderful”) decreased to less than 20 percent of the outstanding membership interests of Wanderful and the Company no longer exerted significant influence over Wanderful . Accordingly, the Company discontinued the use of the equity method of accounting for the investment in Wanderful, and began accounting for the investment under the cost method. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company abandoned its remaining ownership interest in Wanderful.  Pension. The Company follows accounting guidance for single - employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefits obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the net funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are amortized to net periodic pension expense over the weighted average remaining life of plan participants, to the extent the cumulative balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense on the projected benefit obligation and accruing a return on assets associated with the plan assets. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension expense. From time to time, the Company-sponsored plans may settle pension obligations with certain plan participants through the plans’ master trust as part of its de-risking strategies. The gains or losses associated with settlements of plan obligations to participants are recognized to earnings if such settlements exceed the interest component of net periodic pension cost for the year. Otherwise, such amounts are included in actuarial gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). R e-measurement of plan assets and liabilities upon a significant settlement or curtailment event is performed based on the values of the month-end closest to the event. Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which it issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and cash awards to directors and certain employees of the Company. The fair value of awards issued under the Plan is recognized to expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of RSUs is established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. The Company records a liability for the portion of the outstanding RSUs to be redeemed in cash, which is adjusted to its fair value each period, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock. Under the long-term incentive plan, options can be issued to directors and employees of the Company. All outstanding options issued against the Company’s stock were fully vested and recognized to earnings a s of December 31, 2016. Shareholders’ Equity. The Company authorized the issuance of shares of Series A and Series B common stock. Series A common stock has one vote per share and Series B common stock has 10 votes per share. Shares of Series B common stock are convertible at any time on a share-for-share basis into shares of Series A common stock, but not vice versa. The Company is authorized to grant stock option and RSU awards to employees and directors of the Company. Upon vesting of RSUs, shares of Series A common stock are issued. Upon the exercise of stock options, Series A common stock is issued if the holder of the stock options executes a simultaneous exercise and sale. If the holder of the stock option chooses not to sell the shares, Series B common stock is issued. In 2012, the Company’s board of directors authorized the purchase of the A. H. Belo Series A or Series B common stock, for use other than retirement, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The Company’s agreement to repurchase its shares was terminated in December 2015. Treasury stock acquired under the repurchase program is recorded at cost, reducing shareholders’ equity. The acquired shares are available for sale on the open market or for settlement of obligations related to its share-based awards. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (“Pension Plans”) and other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans. The cumulative balances are amortized to earnings over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants to the extent such balances exceed 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. The Company discloses amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income in Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity . Revenue Recognition. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are the advertising space in published issues of its newspapers and on the Company’s and third-party websites, the sale of newspapers to distributors and individual subscribers, as well as amounts charged to customers for commercial printing, distribution and direct mail. Advertising revenue is recorded net of agency commission at the time the advertisements are published in the newspaper and ratably over the period of time the advertisement is placed on the websites. Marketing services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Proceeds from subscriptions are deferred and included in revenue ratably over the term of the subscriptions. Subscription revenue under buy-sell arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the net amount received from the distributor, whereas subscription revenue under fee-based delivery arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the amount received from the subscriber. Commercial printing and direct mail revenue is recorded when the product is distributed or shipped. Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it is more - likely - than - not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax asset s include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies , future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years. In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 allowing companies to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The Company elected to early-adopt this presentation in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The Company evaluates any uncertain tax positions each reporting period by tax jurisdiction to determine if it is more - likely - than - not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements for such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If a net operating loss or other tax credit carry forward exists, the Company records the unrecognized tax benefits for such tax positions as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. Otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a liability. The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in interest expense. Use of Estimates. Company management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in its financial statements and include valuation allowances for doubtful accounts, uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets, fair value measurements related to assets held for sale, pension plan assets and equity based compensation, actuarial liabilities related to self-insured risks, pension plan obligations and assumptions related to impairment and recovery of goodwill and long - lived assets. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.  Segments. The Company operates under two reportable segments. The Publishing (“Publishing”) segment includes the operating activities associated with the Company’s print operations and its related websites. All other activities are included in the marketing, event marketing and other services segment (“MEMO”). This segment primarily includes sales of advertising delivered outside the Company’s news platforms, social media management services, and other marketing services designed to provide integrated solutions for optimizing businesses marketing challenges and opportunities. The segment also includes the operations related to the Company’s event marketing services. Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable and amounts due to customers are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.  Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.  In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-05 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This update provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The standard became effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 – Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This update requires that an acquirer in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this update with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015. Accordingly, the Company has not retroactively accounted for the changes in the purchase price allocation for DMV Holdings, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2015.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 – Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this update affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. T he Company early adopted this standard prospectively in the first quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.  New Accounting Pronouncements. The FASB has issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers . The core principle contemplated by this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required . Since May 2014 , the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017.  The Company currently anticipates adopting ASU 2 014-09 using the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures. The Company will utilize a bottoms-up approach to analyze the impact of the standard on the Company’s portfolio of contracts by reviewing its current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to the Company’s existing revenue contracts. The Company expects to complete this evaluation prior to the fourth quarter of 2017.  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842). This update requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of its leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will generally be based on the liability. For income statement purposes operating leases will result in straight-line expense and finance leases will result in expenses similar to current capital leases. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and will be applied retrospectively . Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement s.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 2: Acquisitions  In January 2015 , the Company acquired an 80 percent voting interest in DMV Digital Holdings Company, which holds all outstanding ownership interests of three Dallas-based businesses, Distribion, Inc., Vertical Nerve, Inc. and CDFX, LLC . These businesses specialize in local marketing automation, search engine marketing, and direct mail and promotional products, respectively. The Company believes this acquisition complements the product and service offerings currently available to A. H. Belo clients, thereby strengthening the Company’s diversified product portfolio and allowing for greater penetration in a competitive advertising market.  The Company’s interest in DMV Holdings was acquired for a cash purchase price of $14,110 . Transaction costs related to the purchase are a component of other production, distribution and operating costs and totaled $1,288 . The estimated fair value of the acquired businesses totaled $17,829 , of which $2,548 was attributed to noncontrolling interests. Approximately $807 of goodwill acquired is expected to be deductible for tax purposes . On March 2, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 20 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings for $7,120 .  As further discussed in Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies and Note 11 - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest the contribution agreement included provisions for two pro-rata distributions and an embedded put option arrangement with certain noncontrolling shareholders of DMV Holdings. The allocation of the purchase price was completed in the fourth quarter of 2015 and i s summarized as follows:        Estimated Fair Value  Working capital, net of acquired cash $ (80)  Property, plant and equipment 57  Other intangible assets 6,470  Goodwill 12,301  Deferred tax liability (2,090)  $ 16,658  Through this acquisition, the Company has been able to fulfill key marketing service functions that were previously outsourced to third-party vendors and also expand the portfolio of marketing services offe red to its existing customers. These synergies have allowed the Company to establish a more robust service offering that will allow it to establish greater market presence in this industry. Operating results of the businesses acquired have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from the acquisition date forward. Revenue from marketing services is recognized at the time services are delivered and upfront fees, if any, are recognized over the life of the contractual arrangement. Operating results for 2015, related to the acquired businesses , included $10,138 of operating revenue, which included $1,137 of intercompany sales and a pretax income of $ 95 before adjusting for noncontrolling interests. Pro forma results of the Company, assuming the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.  Additionally, on February 16, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 30 percent voting interest in Speakeasy for $2,111 .

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	 Note 3: Segment Reporting  The Company has identified two reportable segments based on management and internal reporting structures as well as product and service offerings: Publishing (“Publishing”) and Marketing, Event Marketing and Other Services (“MEMO ”).  The Publishing segment includes the Company’s core print operations associated with its newspapers, niche publications and related websites. These operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within its newspaper and digital platforms, subscription and retail sales of newspapers and commercial printing and distribution services primarily related to national and regional newspapers and preprint advertisers. Businesses within the Publishing segment leverage production facilities, subscriber base and digital news platforms to provide additional contribution margin. The Company assesses the performance of the Publishing segment on the basis of operating profit and cash flows from operating activities. In 2015, the Company initiated cost reductions through a voluntary severance option offered to certain newsroom employees and other headcount reductions. Through these initiatives, the Company eliminated 70 positions resulting in severance and other related costs of approximately $2,891 in employee compensation and benef its during 2015.  The MEMO segment is comprised of the Company’s marketing, event marketing and other businesses. Marketing services and product offerings include multi-channel marketing services, targeted-channel marketing services, marketing analytics, content development, social media management and other consulting services. Marketing services also include non-digital marketing products, including sales of business promotional items and sales of pay-for-performance services directed primarily to other newspaper companies. Marketing services include the operations of DMV Holdings, Speakeasy and Proven Performance Media, as well as its operating division doing business as Connect and its cars.com sales division.  Event marketing includes the operations of CrowdSource, which provides event activation, promotion and marketing services.  The Company assesses the performance of the MEMO segment on the basis of revenue growth and operating profit in conjunction with the expansion of these businesses within their respective markets. The following tables show summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments.       Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Revenue  Publishing $ 215,559 $ 236,166 $ 250,112  MEMO 44,425 35,942 22,676  Total $ 259,984 $ 272,108 $ 272,788   Operating Income (Loss)  Publishing $ (26,925) $ (18,350) $ (9,881)  MEMO 3,179 55 2,195  Total $ (23,746) $ (18,295) $ (7,686)   Noncash Expenses  Publishing  Depreciation $ 10,633 $ 11,401 $ 13,672  Amortization — 120 121  Goodwill impairment 22,682 — —  Pension settlement — 14,964 7,648  Total $ 33,315 $ 26,485 $ 21,441   MEMO  Depreciation $ 80 $ 114 $ 148  Amortization 906 1,229 77  Total $ 986 $ 1,343 $ 225       December 31,  2016 2015  Total Assets  Publishing $ 168,641 $ 196,912  MEMO 24,090 24,589  Total $ 192,731 $ 221,501 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Note 4: Goodwill and Intangible Assets  The Company records goodwill and intangible assets from previous acquisitions. In 2015, the Company reorganized reporting units, aligning resources consistent with management’s operating strategies. The Company’s Publishing segment operates as a single reporting unit and the MEMO segment includes reporting units for marketing services operations and event marketing operations. The table below sets forth the goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015.          December 31,  2016 2015  Goodwill  Publishing $ — $ 22,682  MEMO 14,201 14,201  Total $ 14,201 $ 36,883   Intangible Assets  MEMO  Cost $ 6,710 $ 6,710  Accumulated Amortization (1,838) (932)  Net Carrying Value $ 4,872 $ 5,778  I ntangible assets consist of $5,190 of customer relationships with estimated useful lives of 10 years and $1,520 of developed technology with a n estimated useful life of five years. Aggregate a mortization expense was $906 and $1,349 for 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Annual amortization expense is expected to approximate $799 in 2017 through 2019 , and approximately $495 thereafter until the carrying value is fully amortized.  The Company tested goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2016 at the reporting unit level using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, combined with a market approach using peer-based earnings multiples. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach, combined with the market approach, is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair values of the businesses.  Because the Company’s annual test indicated that the Publishing reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value, a second phase of the goodwill impairment test (“Step 2”) was performed specific to the Publishing reporting unit. Under Step 2, the fair value of the Publishing reporting unit’s assets and liabilities were estimated, including intangible assets, for the purpose of deriving an estimate of the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill was then compared to the recorded goodwill to determine the amount of the impairment.  Upon completion of the annual test, the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill was determined to be impaired, and the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 in the fourth quarter of 2016, fully impairing the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill.

Long-term Incentive Plan

Long-term Incentive Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Long-term Incentive Plan	Note 5 : Long-term Incentive Plan A. H. Belo sponsors a long-term incentive plan under which 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Awards may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, 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. Awards under the P lan were also granted to holders of stock options issued by A. H. Belo’s former parent company in connection with the Company’s separation from its former parent in 2008.  Stock Options. S tock options granted under the Plan are fully vested and exercisable . No options have been granted by the Company since 2009, and all compensation expense associated with stock options has been fully recognized as of December 31, 2016. The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the P lan.         Number of Options Weighted­Average Exercise Price  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 259,311 $ 8.37  Exercised (85,926) 1.81  Canceled (58,406) 18.33  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 114,979 8.21  The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was $300 , $100 and $1,099 , respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options at December 31, 2016 was $13 . The weighted-average remaining contractual life of the Company’s stock options was 1.4 years as of December 31, 2016. Restricted Stock Units. The Company’s RSUs have a service condition and , subject to retirement eligibility, vest over a period of up to three years. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. A s of December 31, 2016 , the liability for the portion of the award s to be redeemed in cash was $769 . The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the Plan .        Total RSUs Issuance of Common Stock RSUs Redeemed in Cash Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock Weighted- Average Price on Date of Grant  Non-vested at December 31, 2015 92,355 $ 7.13  Granted 202,955 5.47  Vested and outstanding (155,511) 6.00  Vested and issued (18,668) 11,196 7,472 $ 44 8.10  Non-vested at December 31, 2016 121,131 5.65  In 2016, the Company issued 86,007 shares of Series A common stock and 57,341 shares were redeemed in cash for RSUs that were previously vested as of December 31, 2015. In addition, there were 2 37 , 074 and 224,911 RSU s that were vested and outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  The fair value of RSU grant s is determined using the closing trading price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. As of December 31, 2016 , unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested RSUs totaled $ 320 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.0 years .  Compensation Expense. A. H. Belo recognizes compensation expense for awards granted under the P lan over the vesting period of the award . Compensation expense related to RSUs granted under the Plan is set forth in the table below.      Years Ended December 31, RSUs Redeemable in Stock RSUs Redeemable in Cash Total RSU Awards Expense  2016 $ 640 $ 580 $ 1,220  2015 605 (349) 256  2014 702 1,117 1,819 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 6: Income Taxes  The table below sets forth the income tax provision (benefit) related to continuing operations.      Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Current  Federal $ (2,431) $ (1,726) $ 3,865  State 1,205 1,729 1,333  Total current (1,226) 3 5,198  Deferred  Federal 1,514 (3,988) 28,577  State (26) (389) 646  Total deferred 1,488 (4,377) 29,223  Valuation Allowance (2,534) 2,804 (28,443)  Income Tax Provision (Benefit) $ (2,272) $ (1,570) $ 5,978  The table below reconciles the income tax provision (benefit ) for continuing operations computed by applying the applicable United States federal income tax rate to the tax provision (benefit) computed at the effective income tax rate.      Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Computed expected income tax provision (benefit) $ (7,312) $ (6,917) $ 32,195  State income tax (net of federal benefit) 757 780 1,314  Valuation allowance (2,534) 2,804 (28,443)  Goodwill impairment 6,266 — —  Nondeductible expenses 249 493 81  Uncertain tax position reserve (7) 244 —  Noncontrolling interests (40) 133 53  Other 349 893 778  Income tax provision (benefit) $ (2,272) $ (1,570) $ 5,978  Effective income tax rate 10.6% 7.9% 6.5%  A tax benefit of $ 2,272 was recorded in 2016. The benefit is primarily due to deductions associated with capital losses on the sale of certain investments , which w ill be carried back to 2014 for federal income tax purposes.  A tax benefit of $1,570 was recorded in 2015. The benefit was primarily derived from $2,090 of deferred tax liabilities assumed in the acquisition of DMV Holdings, which reduced the amount of valuation allowance that would have otherwise been required. A receivable was recorded in prepaid and other assets as of December 31, 2015, for f ederal net operating losses of $3,066 generated in 2015.  The Company generated taxable income in 2014 as a result of the sale of its investment in Classified Ventures, LLC (“Classified Ventures”) and the sale of The Providence Journal . Accordingly, the 2014 tax provision was reduced for changes in the valuation allowance, primarily resulting from the use of the Company’s net operating loss carry forwards which totaled $19,567 .  The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $(906) and $11,613 in 2016 and 2015 , respectively . Tax benefits recognized in 2015 were carried back against taxes paid in 2014 for a refund of $2,930 received in 2016. Federal tax benefits recognized in 2016 in the amount of $2,976 are recorded within current assets on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. These tax benefits are the result of the abandonment of the Company’s ownership interest in Wanderful and the sale of the Company’s equity investment in Homesnap, Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2016. Taxes paid in 2015 relate to gains on the sale of the Classified Ventures investment and the newspaper operation discussed above.  In accordance with realization requirements of ASC 718 – Stock Compensation, the tax liability and additional paid in capital were reduced in 2015 and 2014 by $557 and $933 , respectively, for the value of equity compensation in excess of the compensation expense recognized. These deductions were not available to the Company prior to 2014 due to the net operating loss assets.  The table below sets forth the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets.        December 31,  2016 2015  Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)  Defined benefit plans $ 19,195 $ 20,106  Investments 659 4,270  Tax depreciation less than book depreciation 4,171 2,284  Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued 805 1,366  Deferred compensation and benefits 756 951  Tax amortization in excess of book amortization (848) (2,814)  State taxes 106 80  Other 739 502  Total 25,583 26,745  Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (25,583) (27,791)  Net Deferred Tax Liabilities $ — $ (1,046)  The presentation of net deferred tax assets and liabilities for each jurisdiction are presented as noncurrent within the Company’s C onsolidated B alance S heets. Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. The Company recogni zes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more - likely - than - not that these assets will not be realized. In making this determination, all positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years.  Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and a liability is recognized for the tax benefit associated with uncertain positions only if it is more-likely-than-not that the positions will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the positions. The Company assesses its filing positions in all significant jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns for all open tax years. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the years subsequent to December 31, 2013, remain subject to examination, and income tax returns in major state income tax jurisdictions where the Company operates remain subject to examination for various periods subsequent to December 31, 2012. Additionally, the December 2014 return was amended in 2016, extending the statute of limitations associated with the 2014 filing. The Company is currently under examination by state tax jurisdictions for California and New Jersey for income taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The Company has recorded a reserve for the tax benefit related to uncertain state tax positions existing as of December 31, 2016 .  The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit.     2016  Balance at January 1 $ 244  Reductions for tax positions of prior years (7)  Balance at December 31 $ 237

Pension and Other Retirement Pl

Pension and Other Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Pension and Other Retirement Plans	Note 7 : Pension and Other Retirement Plans Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, which provide benefits to approximately 2,300 current and former employees of the Company. A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain current and former 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 former employees of The Providence Journal Company . T h is obligation was retained by the Company upon the sale of the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal . No additional benefits are accruing under the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen. The Company was not required to make contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2016 and 2015 under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding. Required and voluntary contributions of $9,927 and $20,000 , respectively, were made in 2014 , to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, directly reducing the unfunded projected pension obligation of the Pension P lans . Actuarial gains (losses) of $(884) , $2,540 and $(49,243) were recorded to other comprehensive income in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively; see Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity for information on amounts recorded to accumulate d other comprehensive loss . In 2015, the Company-sponsored Pension Plans implemented a de-risking strategy whereby voluntary and mandatory lump - sum payments to participants may be made to decrease future benefit obligations. As part of this strategy, payments of $100,877 were made in 2015 to approximately 1,000 participants and $52,919 of payments were made in 2014 to approximately 700 participants. The lump-sum payments resulted in a favorable settlement of the projected benefit obligations of approximately $5,000 and $15,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. A charge to pension expense for $14,964 and $7,648 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, was recorded to reflect the amortization of losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with these settlements. The obligations were funded through the Pension Plan s’ master trust account and are a component of benefit payments as shown in the table below. The Company will continue to evaluate the feasibility of additional de-risking strategies based on the economic benefits to the Company.  The table below sets forth summarized financial information about the A. H. Belo Pension Plans .        2016 2015  Change in Projected Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 262,027 $ 396,656  Interest cost 10,098 14,161  Actuarial (gain) loss 1,368 (27,307)  Benefit payments (14,468) (121,483)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year 259,025 262,027  Change in Plan Assets  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 204,581 330,797  Return on plan assets 14,069 (4,733)  Benefit payments (14,468) (121,483)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year 204,182 204,581  Funded Status $ (54,843) $ (57,446)  Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet  Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost $ 54,843 $ 57,446  Accumulated Benefit Obligation $ 259,025 $ 262,027  Net Periodic Pension Expense (Benefit) The projected benefit obligations of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are estimated using the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve, which is based upon a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with maturities that correlate to the timing of benefit payments to the Pension Plans’ participants . Future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve rate to determine the projected benefit obligation outstanding at each year end. The y ield curve discount rate s as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , w ere 3.8 percent and 4.0 percent, respectively . Interest expense included in net periodic pension expense (benefit) is based on the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve established at the beginning of the fiscal year. Interest expense for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was determined using beginning of year yield curve rate of 4.0 percent . The Company assumed a 6.5 percent long-term return on the Pension P lans’ assets in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . This return is based upon historical returns of similar investment pools having asset allocations consistent with the expected allocations of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. Investment strategies for the Pension Plans’ assets are based upon factors such as the remaining life expectancy of participants and market risks. The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension expense (benefit) for 2016 , 2015 and 2014 .         Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Interest cost $ 10,098 $ 14,161 $ 17,320  Expected return on plans' assets (13,585) (20,033) (20,859)  Amortization of actuarial loss 45 1,252 —  Recognized settlement loss — 14,964 7,648  Net periodic pension expense (benefit) $ (3,442) $ 10,344 $ 4,109  Plan Assets  The Company is responsible for directing the investment strategies of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans’ assets. The investment strategies fo cus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term investment return and risks. The long-term targeted allocation of the Pension P lans’ assets invested in equity securities and fixed-income securities is 50.0 percent and 50.0 percent, respectively . These targets are determined by matching the actuarial projections of the Pension P lans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with the expected long-term rates of return on assets and expected market risks. Investment risk is continuously monitored and Pension Plans ’ assets are rebalanced to target allocations to meet the Company’s strategy and the Pension P lans’ liquidity needs. At December 31, 2016 , the Pension P lans’ investments in equity securities and fixed income securities accounted for 44.8 percent and 55.2 percent of the total non cash holdings, respectively.  The table below sets forth the A. H. Belo Pension Plans’ assets at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , with inputs used to develop fair value measurements .         Fair Value Measurements Using  Total Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level I) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level II) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level III)  Description 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Cash and Money Market Funds $ 1,865 $ 4,178 $ 1,865 $ 4,178 $ — $ — $ — $ —  Equity Funds  U.S. equity securities 58,645 62,314 — — 58,645 62,314 — —  International equity securities 32,079 28,669 10,824 4,334 21,255 24,335 — —  Fixed Income Funds  Domestic corporate and government debt securities 52,136 54,427 — — 52,136 54,427 — —  Domestic corporate debt securities 51,768 49,074 — — 51,768 49,074 — —  International corporate and government debt securities 7,689 5,919 — — 7,689 5,919 — —  Total $ 204,182 $ 204,581 $ 12,689 $ 8,512 $ 191,493 $ 196,069 $ — $ —  Inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of Pension P lan s’ assets vary according to the type of asset being valued. Cash and money market funds, as well as exchange traded funds, are designated as Level I. Remaining equity securities and fixed income securities represent units of commingled pooled funds and fair values are based on net asset value (“NAV”) of the units of the fund determined by the fund manager. Commingled pooled funds are similar in nature to retail mutual funds, but are typically more efficient for institutional investors than retail mutual funds. As commingled pooled funds are typically only accessible by institutional investors, the NAV is not readily observable by non-institutional investors. Equity securities held through units in these funds are monitored as to issuer and industry. As of December 31, 2016 , there were no significant concentrations of equity or debt securities in any single issuer or industry. Other  The table below sets forth the Company’s expected future benefit payments as of December 31, 2016 .         Payment year Expected Benefit Payments  2017 $ 15,859  2018 16,030  2019 16,100  2020 16,043  2021 16,039  2022 - 2026 79,266  The Company expects to make no required contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2017.  Other defined benefit plans A. H. Belo also sponsors other post- employment benefit plans which provide health and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These plans were frozen subsequent to the separation from the Company’s former parent company and no future benefits accrue. The Company recorded a liability of $1,342 and $1,429 related to the OPEB plans as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. A net periodic benefit (cost) of $(43) , $13 an d $630 in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, was recorded to employee compensation and benefits. The net benefit primarily represents amortization of actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs, offset by interest expense associated with the actuarial liability. Actuarial gains of $74 , $202 and $15 were recorded to other comprehensive loss in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. See Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity . Defined Contribution Plans. The A. H. Belo Savings Plan, a defined contribution 401(k) plan, covers substantially all employees of A. H. Belo. Participants may elect to contribute a portion of their pretax compensation as provided by the Savings P lan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees can contribute up to 100 percent of thei r annual eligible compensation less requi red withholdings and deductions up to statutory limits. The Company provides an ongoing dollar-for-dollar match of eligible employee contributions, up to 1.5 percent of the employees’ compensat ion on a per-pay-period basis. The Company recorded expense of $977 , $1,013 and $987 in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, for matching contributions to the Savings P lan.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note 8 : Shareholders’ Equity  Dividends. On December 9, 2016 , the Company announced a $0.08 per share dividend to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on February 10, 2017 , payable on March 3, 2017 . As of December 31, 2016 , the Company recorded $1,763 to accrue for dividends declared but not yet paid. Dividends paid in 2015 included a special dividend of $2.25 per share, declared and recorded in 2014, returning $50,148 to shareholders and holders of RSUs.  On March 2, 2017 , the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share payable on June 2, 2017 , to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs at the close of business on May 12, 2017 .  Treasury Stock. The Company repurchased shares of its common stock pursuant to a publicly announced share repurchase program by the Company’s board of directors. A total of 2,500,000 shares were authorized under the program. In December 2015, t he Company discontinued share repurchases . For the years 2015 and 2014, the Company purchased 472,245 and 449,436 shares of its Series A common stock at a total cost of $3,146 and $4,974 , respectively, under its share repurchase program.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss . Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses attributable to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, gains and losses resulting from Pension Plans’ amendments and other actuarial experience attributable to OPEB plans. The Company records amortization of the components 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 Pension Plan s’ participants. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s OPEB plans are amortized over the average remaining service period of active OPEB pl ans’ participants. In 2017, the Company anticipates amortizin g $371 of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to its defined benefit Pension Plans and OPEB plans. Deferred tax assets related to amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2016 and 2015 are fully reserved. See Note 6 - Income Taxes . The table below sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.         2016 2015  Total Defined benefit pension plans Other post- employment benefit plans Total Defined benefit pension plans Other post- employment benefit plans  Balance, beginning of period $ (38,442) $ (38,898) $ 456 $ (57,367) $ (57,654) $ 287  Amortization (56) 45 (101) 16,183 16,216 (33)  Actuarial gains (losses) (810) (884) 74 2,742 2,540 202  Balance, end of period $ (39,308) $ (39,737) $ 429 $ (38,442) $ (38,898) $ 456 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 9 : Earnings Per Share  The table below sets forth the reconciliations for net income (loss) and weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company’s Series A and Series B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.         Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Earnings (Numerator)  Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation $ (19,310) $ (17,842) $ 92,929  Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (63) 6,770  Less: Dividends to participating securities 140 115 2,118  Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ (19,450) $ (17,894) $ 84,041   Shares (Denominator)  Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic) 21,620,539 21,408,940 21,899,602  Effect of dilutive securities — — 106,420  Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 21,620,539 21,408,940 22,006,022   Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations  Basic $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.84  Diluted $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.82  Holders of service-based RSUs participate in A. H. Belo dividends on a one- for -one share basis. Distributed and undistributed income associated with participating securities is included in the calculation of EPS under the two-class met hod as prescribed under ASC 260 – Earnings Per Share .  The Company considers outstanding stock options and RSUs in the calculation of earnings per share. A total of 473,184 , 576 ,577 and 729,611 options and RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively, were excluded from the calculation because the effect was anti-dilutive.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 10 : Commitments and Contingencies  As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had contractual obligations for leases and capital expenditures that primarily related to software upgrades. The table below sets forth the summarized commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2016 .        Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter  Operating lease commitments $ 36,795 $ 2,180 $ 2,586 $ 3,038 $ 2,403 $ 1,904 $ 24,684  Capital commitments 319 319 — — — — —  Total commitments $ 37,114 $ 2,499 $ 2,586 $ 3,038 $ 2,403 $ 1,904 $ 24,684  On December 30, 2016, the Dallas Morning News, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a lease for office space for the Company’s new corporate headquarters. The 16 -year lease agreement is subject to the landlord’s completion of its construction obligations. The new office space will be occupied by the Company after construction and tenant improvements are complete around mid-year 2017, and the Company will recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis. Per the lease agreement, rent payments will begin in June 2018.  Total lease expense for property and equipment was $1,988 , $1,856 and $1,724 in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively.  The Company funds the A. H. Belo Pension Plans to meet or exceed statutory requirements and currently expects to make no required contributions to these plans in 2017. See Note 7 - Pension and Other Retirement Plans for discussion of pension funding relief.  From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in th ese matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcome s are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals.  The Company is currently involved in a dispute with a customer regarding performance and pricing terms with respect to a change order to its printing services contract with the Company. Although the Company believes its position related to the contract can be sustained on its legal merits, it is reasonably possible that losses from zero up to the total amount of disputed invoices, totaling approximately $1,500 , could be incurred in connection with the dispute.  In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.  Pro-rata distributions. In connection with the acquisition of DMV Holdings, the shareholder agreement provides for a pro-rata distribution of 100 percent and 50 percent of DMV Holdings’ free cash flow for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, respectively. Free cash flow is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures, debt amortization and interest expense, as applicable. In 2016 , the Company made pro-rata distributions to noncontrolling interests of $264 in connection with this agreement based on 2015 free cash flow as defined.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Inter

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	Note 11: Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest  In connection with the acquisition of DMV Holdings, the Company entered into a shareholder agreement which provides for a put option to a noncontrolling shareholder. The put option provides the shareholder with the right to require the Company to purchase up to 25 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the second and third anniversaries of the agreement and up to 50 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the agreement.  The exercisability of the noncontrolling interest put option is outside the control of the Company. As such, the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $ 2,670 and $1,421 is reported in the mezzanine equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In the event that the put option expires unexercised, the related portion of noncontrolling interest would be classified as a component of equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Redeemable noncontrolling interest is recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and the carrying value is adjusted each period for its share of the earnings related to DMV Holdings. After the carrying value is adjusted for its share of the earnings related to DMV Holdings, the carrying value is adjusted for the change in fair value, which is the greater of the estimated redemption value or the value that would otherwise be assigned if the interest was not redeemable. Adjustments are recorded to retained earnings or additional paid in capital, as applicable, and have no effect to earnings of the Company. In 2016 , redeemable noncontrolling interest was increased by $53 for its share of the DMV Holdings’ earnings and decreased by $99 for distributions related to 2015 free cash flow as required under the shareholder agreement. The carrying value adjustment for the 2016 change in fair value was an increase of $1,295 .

Supplemental Cash Flow Data

Supplemental Cash Flow Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Data	Note 12: Supplemental Cash Flow Data  The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures related to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.      Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Income tax paid, net of refunds $ (906) $ 11,613 $ 8,759  Noncash investing and financing activities:  Investments in property and equipment not paid 1,203 — —  Receivable for asset sales proceeds 1,000 — —  Dividends payable at year end 1,763 — 50,148  Receivable for investment sales proceeds — — 3,280  Impairment of equity method investment — — 1,871  Noncash contributions from noncontrolling interests — 1,210 183   

Discontinued Operations and Sal

Discontinued Operations and Sales of Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Sales of Assets [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations and Sales of Assets	Note 13: Discontinued Operations and Sales of Assets  Discontinued Operations. In September 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 working capital adjustment of $2,654 . Closing costs of $110 and estimated selling and exit costs of $3,237 were recognized, and a pretax gain on the sale of $17,104 was recorded in 2014.  Upon completion of th is divestiture, the Company no longer owns newspaper operations in Providence, Rhode Island and the activity and balances of The Providence Journal are presented as discontinued operations. The Company re tains the obligation for the A. H. Belo Pension Plan II, which provides benefits to employees of The Providence Journal Company.  Other Dispositions. O n December 22, 2016, the Company completed the sale of land, in Providence, Rhode Island and received net cash proceeds of $921 and a $1,000 three -year note receivable upon closing of the transaction, generating a loss of $216 . On December 27 , 2016, the Company completed the sale of a parking lot located in downtown Dallas, Texas. The Company received net cash proceeds of $4,458 , generating a gain of $1,842 .  In 2015, the Company completed the sale of land and a building which served as the headquarters of The Providence Journal . The Company received net proceeds of $6,119 upon closing of the transaction, generating a loss of $265 , which was offset by $328 of returned escrow received in 2016. The Company demolished existing structures on an additional property in Providence, Rhode Island, at a cost of $251 .  In 2014, the Company sold the land and building formerly used as a commercial packaging operation in southern Dallas , generating sales proceeds of $6,677 and a gain of $1,827 . T he Company also received sales proceeds of $3,408 for the sale s of land and buildings in Riverside, California, and 97 acres in undeveloped land in southern Dallas, Texas, resulting in gains totaling $862 .

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations	Note 14 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)  The table below sets forth a summary of the unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations for 2016 and 2015 .      1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Net operating revenue $ 62,483 $ 65,436 $ 66,626 $ 66,676 $ 64,780 $ 66,908 $ 66,095 $ 73,088  Operating income (loss) (1,781) (5,106) 2,659 (535) (489) (3,102) (24,135) (9,552)  Income (loss) from continuing operations (593) 319 674 (694) (452) (3,967) (18,809) (13,852)  Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (12) — 2 — (52) — (1)  Net income (loss) (593) 307 674 (692) (452) (4,019) (18,809) (13,853)  Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation (632) 363 693 (592) (497) (3,956) (18,874) (13,657)   Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations  Basic $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ (0.18) $ (0.87) $ (0.64)  Diluted (0.03) 0.02 0.03 (0.03) (0.02) (0.18) (0.87) (0.64)  Fourth quarter 2016 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 related to the Company’s P ublishing reporting unit and fourth quarter 2015 includes a pension settlement charge of $14,964 .  Per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Significant Accounting Polici22

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation, Policy	Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements included herein include adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. A. H. Belo consolidates the financial results of the entities in which it has controlling financial interests, including DMV Holdings and Speakeasy , in which the Company holds ownership percentages of 80 percent and 70 percent, respectively. As a consequence, the assets and liabilities of such entities are presented on a consolidated basis in A. H. Belo’s financial statements. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, Policy	Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve that represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience and t he Company’s knowledge of the customers’ ability to pay amounts due. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Bad debt expense for 2016 and 2015 was $ 1,712 and $ 2,168 , respectively. Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments for 2016 and 2015 were $2,039 and $1,989, respectively.
Risk Concentration, Policy	Risk Concentration. A significant portion of the Company’s customer base is concentrated within the North Texas geographical area. The Company generally extends credit to customers, and the ultimate collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the national and local economy. Management continually performs credit evaluations of its customers and may require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers. The Company maintains an allowance for losses based upon the collectability of accounts receivable. Management does not believe significant credit risk exists that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
Inventories, Policy	Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, ink and other supplies used in printing newspapers, are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the weighted average purchase p rice of the inventory acquired.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company records property, plant and equipment at cost or its fair value if acquired through a business acquisition or non-monetary exchange. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and depreciable assets are reviewed to ensure the remaining useful life of the assets continues to be appropriate. An adjustment resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of an asset is recorded to depreciation expense on a prospective basis. The table below sets forth property, plant and equipment by type.      December 31, Estimated  2016 2015 Useful Lives  Land $ 11,384 $ 16,066  Buildings and improvements 133,441 133,355 5 - 30 years  Publishing equipment 217,221 214,608 3 - 20 years  Other 81,724 82,530 3 - 10 years  Construction in process 2,104 1,664  Total 445,874 448,223  Less accumulated depreciation (402,115) (396,865)  Property, plant and equipment, net $ 43,759 $ 51,358 
Goodwill, Policy	Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded at the reporting unit level based on the excess fair value of prior business acquisitions over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Reporting units of the Company are based on its internal reporting structure and represent a reporting level below an operating segment. Unless qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more - likely - than - not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is tested for impairment by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value for the reporting unit ’ s underlying assets and liabilities is determined and goodwill is adjusted accordingly. In determining the fair value for a reporting unit , the Company considers recent stock and sales transaction prices of peer group companies as well as the present value of expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. Significant assumptions include sales and expense growth rates, discount rates, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test as of December 31 each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. Impairment charges represent noncash charges and do not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities or have any effect on future operations.  The Company conducted the annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2016, for all reporting units. This test, which was based on the Company’s most recent cash flow forecast, indicated that the P ublishing reporting unit ’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a non cash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 in the fourth quarter of 2016, fully impairing the Publishing reporting unit ’s goodwill.
Long-Lived Assets, Policy	Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, using the lowest level of cash flows associated with the assets, which are grouped based on the Company’s intended use of these assets. This evaluation is performed whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable . If the analysis of undiscounted future cash flows indicates the carrying value of the long-lived assets cannot be recovered, the assets are adjusted to the lower of its carrying value or fair value.
Investments, Policy	 Investments. The Company owns certain equity securities in companies in which it does not exercise control. These investments are recorded under the cost method and the Company recognizes income or loss upon the receipt of dividends or distributions, or upon liquidation of the investment. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of cost method investments based upon the financial strength of the investee. If the Company determines the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the investment and the carrying value. For those investments where the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee as defined under ASC 323 – Equity Method and Joint Ventures , the Company accounts for the investment under the equity method of accounting, recognizing its share of the investee’s income or loss as a component of earnings. As of December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any equity method investments.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company’s ownership interest in Wanderful Media, LLC (“Wanderful”) decreased to less than 20 percent of the outstanding membership interests of Wanderful and the Company no longer exerted significant influence over Wanderful . Accordingly, the Company discontinued the use of the equity method of accounting for the investment in Wanderful, and began accounting for the investment under the cost method. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company abandoned its remaining ownership interest in Wanderful.
Pension, Policy	 Pension. The Company follows accounting guidance for single - employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefits obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the net funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are amortized to net periodic pension expense over the weighted average remaining life of plan participants, to the extent the cumulative balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense on the projected benefit obligation and accruing a return on assets associated with the plan assets. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension expense. From time to time, the Company-sponsored plans may settle pension obligations with certain plan participants through the plans’ master trust as part of its de-risking strategies. The gains or losses associated with settlements of plan obligations to participants are recognized to earnings if such settlements exceed the interest component of net periodic pension cost for the year. Otherwise, such amounts are included in actuarial gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). R e-measurement of plan assets and liabilities upon a significant settlement or curtailment event is performed based on the values of the month-end closest to the event.
Long-Term Incentive Plan, Policy	Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which it issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and cash awards to directors and certain employees of the Company. The fair value of awards issued under the Plan is recognized to expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of RSUs is established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. The Company records a liability for the portion of the outstanding RSUs to be redeemed in cash, which is adjusted to its fair value each period, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock. Under the long-term incentive plan, options can be issued to directors and employees of the Company. All outstanding options issued against the Company’s stock were fully vested and recognized to earnings a s of December 31, 2016.
Shareholders' Equity, Policy	Shareholders’ Equity. The Company authorized the issuance of shares of Series A and Series B common stock. Series A common stock has one vote per share and Series B common stock has 10 votes per share. Shares of Series B common stock are convertible at any time on a share-for-share basis into shares of Series A common stock, but not vice versa. The Company is authorized to grant stock option and RSU awards to employees and directors of the Company. Upon vesting of RSUs, shares of Series A common stock are issued. Upon the exercise of stock options, Series A common stock is issued if the holder of the stock options executes a simultaneous exercise and sale. If the holder of the stock option chooses not to sell the shares, Series B common stock is issued. In 2012, the Company’s board of directors authorized the purchase of the A. H. Belo Series A or Series B common stock, for use other than retirement, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The Company’s agreement to repurchase its shares was terminated in December 2015. Treasury stock acquired under the repurchase program is recorded at cost, reducing shareholders’ equity. The acquired shares are available for sale on the open market or for settlement of obligations related to its share-based awards. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (“Pension Plans”) and other post-employment benefit (“OPEB”) plans. The cumulative balances are amortized to earnings over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants to the extent such balances exceed 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. The Company discloses amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income in Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity .
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are the advertising space in published issues of its newspapers and on the Company’s and third-party websites, the sale of newspapers to distributors and individual subscribers, as well as amounts charged to customers for commercial printing, distribution and direct mail. Advertising revenue is recorded net of agency commission at the time the advertisements are published in the newspaper and ratably over the period of time the advertisement is placed on the websites. Marketing services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Proceeds from subscriptions are deferred and included in revenue ratably over the term of the subscriptions. Subscription revenue under buy-sell arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the net amount received from the distributor, whereas subscription revenue under fee-based delivery arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the amount received from the subscriber. Commercial printing and direct mail revenue is recorded when the product is distributed or shipped.
Income Taxes, Policy	Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it is more - likely - than - not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax asset s include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies , future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years. In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 allowing companies to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The Company elected to early-adopt this presentation in its Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The Company evaluates any uncertain tax positions each reporting period by tax jurisdiction to determine if it is more - likely - than - not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements for such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If a net operating loss or other tax credit carry forward exists, the Company records the unrecognized tax benefits for such tax positions as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. Otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a liability. The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in interest expense.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates. Company management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in its financial statements and include valuation allowances for doubtful accounts, uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets, fair value measurements related to assets held for sale, pension plan assets and equity based compensation, actuarial liabilities related to self-insured risks, pension plan obligations and assumptions related to impairment and recovery of goodwill and long - lived assets. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 
Segments, Policy	 Segments. The Company operates under two reportable segments. The Publishing (“Publishing”) segment includes the operating activities associated with the Company’s print operations and its related websites. All other activities are included in the marketing, event marketing and other services segment (“MEMO”). This segment primarily includes sales of advertising delivered outside the Company’s news platforms, social media management services, and other marketing services designed to provide integrated solutions for optimizing businesses marketing challenges and opportunities.
Fair Value Measurements, Policy	Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable and amounts due to customers are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.  In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-05 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. This update provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The standard became effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 – Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This update requires that an acquirer in a business combination recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The amendments in this update should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this update with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2015. Accordingly, the Company has not retroactively accounted for the changes in the purchase price allocation for DMV Holdings, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2015.  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 – Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The amendments in this update affect all entities that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. T he Company early adopted this standard prospectively in the first quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements. The FASB has issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers . The core principle contemplated by this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required . Since May 2014 , the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017.  The Company currently anticipates adopting ASU 2 014-09 using the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the updated guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures. The Company will utilize a bottoms-up approach to analyze the impact of the standard on the Company’s portfolio of contracts by reviewing its current accounting policies and practices to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to the Company’s existing revenue contracts. The Company expects to complete this evaluation prior to the fourth quarter of 2017.  In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842). This update requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of its leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will generally be based on the liability. For income statement purposes operating leases will result in straight-line expense and finance leases will result in expenses similar to current capital leases. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and will be applied retrospectively . Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statement s.

Significant Accounting Polici23

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment by Type	   December 31, Estimated  2016 2015 Useful Lives  Land $ 11,384 $ 16,066  Buildings and improvements 133,441 133,355 5 - 30 years  Publishing equipment 217,221 214,608 3 - 20 years  Other 81,724 82,530 3 - 10 years  Construction in process 2,104 1,664  Total 445,874 448,223  Less accumulated depreciation (402,115) (396,865)  Property, plant and equipment, net $ 43,759 $ 51,358 

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Purchase price allocation, preliminary	   Estimated Fair Value  Working capital, net of acquired cash $ (80)  Property, plant and equipment 57  Other intangible assets 6,470  Goodwill 12,301  Deferred tax liability (2,090)  $ 16,658 

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Reportable Segment Information	       Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Revenue  Publishing $ 215,559 $ 236,166 $ 250,112  MEMO 44,425 35,942 22,676  Total $ 259,984 $ 272,108 $ 272,788   Operating Income (Loss)  Publishing $ (26,925) $ (18,350) $ (9,881)  MEMO 3,179 55 2,195  Total $ (23,746) $ (18,295) $ (7,686)   Noncash Expenses  Publishing  Depreciation $ 10,633 $ 11,401 $ 13,672  Amortization — 120 121  Goodwill impairment 22,682 — —  Pension settlement — 14,964 7,648  Total $ 33,315 $ 26,485 $ 21,441   MEMO  Depreciation $ 80 $ 114 $ 148  Amortization 906 1,229 77  Total $ 986 $ 1,343 $ 225       December 31,  2016 2015  Total Assets  Publishing $ 168,641 $ 196,912  MEMO 24,090 24,589  Total $ 192,731 $ 221,501 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets	   December 31,  2016 2015  Goodwill  Publishing $ — $ 22,682  MEMO 14,201 14,201  Total $ 14,201 $ 36,883   Intangible Assets  MEMO  Cost $ 6,710 $ 6,710  Accumulated Amortization (1,838) (932)  Net Carrying Value $ 4,872 $ 5,778 

Long-term Incentive Plan (Table

Long-term Incentive Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of stock options outstanding activity	   Number of Options Weighted­Average Exercise Price  Outstanding at December 31, 2015 259,311 $ 8.37  Exercised (85,926) 1.81  Canceled (58,406) 18.33  Outstanding at December 31, 2016 114,979 8.21 
Schedule of RSU activity	   Total RSUs Issuance of Common Stock RSUs Redeemed in Cash Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock Weighted- Average Price on Date of Grant  Non-vested at December 31, 2015 92,355 $ 7.13  Granted 202,955 5.47  Vested and outstanding (155,511) 6.00  Vested and issued (18,668) 11,196 7,472 $ 44 8.10  Non-vested at December 31, 2016 121,131 5.65 
Schedule of compensation expense related to stock awards	   Years Ended December 31, RSUs Redeemable in Stock RSUs Redeemable in Cash Total RSU Awards Expense  2016 $ 640 $ 580 $ 1,220  2015 605 (349) 256  2014 702 1,117 1,819 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	   Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Current  Federal $ (2,431) $ (1,726) $ 3,865  State 1,205 1,729 1,333  Total current (1,226) 3 5,198  Deferred  Federal 1,514 (3,988) 28,577  State (26) (389) 646  Total deferred 1,488 (4,377) 29,223  Valuation Allowance (2,534) 2,804 (28,443)  Income Tax Provision (Benefit) $ (2,272) $ (1,570) $ 5,978 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	   Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Computed expected income tax provision (benefit) $ (7,312) $ (6,917) $ 32,195  State income tax (net of federal benefit) 757 780 1,314  Valuation allowance (2,534) 2,804 (28,443)  Goodwill impairment 6,266 — —  Nondeductible expenses 249 493 81  Uncertain tax position reserve (7) 244 —  Noncontrolling interests (40) 133 53  Other 349 893 778  Income tax provision (benefit) $ (2,272) $ (1,570) $ 5,978  Effective income tax rate 10.6% 7.9% 6.5% 
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	   December 31,  2016 2015  Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)  Defined benefit plans $ 19,195 $ 20,106  Investments 659 4,270  Tax depreciation less than book depreciation 4,171 2,284  Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued 805 1,366  Deferred compensation and benefits 756 951  Tax amortization in excess of book amortization (848) (2,814)  State taxes 106 80  Other 739 502  Total 25,583 26,745  Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (25,583) (27,791)  Net Deferred Tax Liabilities $ — $ (1,046) 
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Positions	   2016  Balance at January 1 $ 244  Reductions for tax positions of prior years (7)  Balance at December 31 $ 237 

Pension and Other Retirement 29

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	   2016 2015  Change in Projected Benefit Obligation  Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 262,027 $ 396,656  Interest cost 10,098 14,161  Actuarial (gain) loss 1,368 (27,307)  Benefit payments (14,468) (121,483)  Projected benefit obligation at end of year 259,025 262,027  Change in Plan Assets  Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 204,581 330,797  Return on plan assets 14,069 (4,733)  Benefit payments (14,468) (121,483)  Fair value of plan assets at end of year 204,182 204,581  Funded Status $ (54,843) $ (57,446)  Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet  Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost $ 54,843 $ 57,446  Accumulated Benefit Obligation $ 259,025 $ 262,027 
Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Expense	   Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Interest cost $ 10,098 $ 14,161 $ 17,320  Expected return on plans' assets (13,585) (20,033) (20,859)  Amortization of actuarial loss 45 1,252 —  Recognized settlement loss — 14,964 7,648  Net periodic pension expense (benefit) $ (3,442) $ 10,344 $ 4,109 
Schedule of Fair Value and Allocation of Plan Assets	   Fair Value Measurements Using  Total Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level I) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level II) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level III)  Description 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Cash and Money Market Funds $ 1,865 $ 4,178 $ 1,865 $ 4,178 $ — $ — $ — $ —  Equity Funds  U.S. equity securities 58,645 62,314 — — 58,645 62,314 — —  International equity securities 32,079 28,669 10,824 4,334 21,255 24,335 — —  Fixed Income Funds  Domestic corporate and government debt securities 52,136 54,427 — — 52,136 54,427 — —  Domestic corporate debt securities 51,768 49,074 — — 51,768 49,074 — —  International corporate and government debt securities 7,689 5,919 — — 7,689 5,919 — —  Total $ 204,182 $ 204,581 $ 12,689 $ 8,512 $ 191,493 $ 196,069 $ — $ — 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	   Payment year Expected Benefit Payments  2017 $ 15,859  2018 16,030  2019 16,100  2020 16,043  2021 16,039  2022 - 2026 79,266 

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss	   2016 2015  Total Defined benefit pension plans Other post- employment benefit plans Total Defined benefit pension plans Other post- employment benefit plans  Balance, beginning of period $ (38,442) $ (38,898) $ 456 $ (57,367) $ (57,654) $ 287  Amortization (56) 45 (101) 16,183 16,216 (33)  Actuarial gains (losses) (810) (884) 74 2,742 2,540 202  Balance, end of period $ (39,308) $ (39,737) $ 429 $ (38,442) $ (38,898) $ 456 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation	   Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Earnings (Numerator)  Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation $ (19,310) $ (17,842) $ 92,929  Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (63) 6,770  Less: Dividends to participating securities 140 115 2,118  Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations $ (19,450) $ (17,894) $ 84,041   Shares (Denominator)  Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic) 21,620,539 21,408,940 21,899,602  Effect of dilutive securities — — 106,420  Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) 21,620,539 21,408,940 22,006,022   Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations  Basic $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.84  Diluted $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.82 

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating lease and capital commitment obligations	   Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter  Operating lease commitments $ 36,795 $ 2,180 $ 2,586 $ 3,038 $ 2,403 $ 1,904 $ 24,684  Capital commitments 319 319 — — — — —  Total commitments $ 37,114 $ 2,499 $ 2,586 $ 3,038 $ 2,403 $ 1,904 $ 24,684 

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Ta

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows	   Years Ended December 31,  2016 2015 2014  Income tax paid, net of refunds $ (906) $ 11,613 $ 8,759  Noncash investing and financing activities:  Investments in property and equipment not paid 1,203 — —  Receivable for asset sales proceeds 1,000 — —  Dividends payable at year end 1,763 — 50,148  Receivable for investment sales proceeds — — 3,280  Impairment of equity method investment — — 1,871  Noncash contributions from noncontrolling interests — 1,210 183 

Quarterly Results of Operatio34

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	   1 st Quarter 2 nd Quarter 3 rd Quarter 4 th Quarter  2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015  Net operating revenue $ 62,483 $ 65,436 $ 66,626 $ 66,676 $ 64,780 $ 66,908 $ 66,095 $ 73,088  Operating income (loss) (1,781) (5,106) 2,659 (535) (489) (3,102) (24,135) (9,552)  Income (loss) from continuing operations (593) 319 674 (694) (452) (3,967) (18,809) (13,852)  Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (12) — 2 — (52) — (1)  Net income (loss) (593) 307 674 (692) (452) (4,019) (18,809) (13,853)  Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation (632) 363 693 (592) (497) (3,956) (18,874) (13,657)   Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations  Basic $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ 0.03 $ (0.03) $ (0.02) $ (0.18) $ (0.87) $ (0.64)  Diluted (0.03) 0.02 0.03 (0.03) (0.02) (0.18) (0.87) (0.64) 

Significant Accounting Polici35

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)segmentitem	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Bad debt expense		$ 1,712	$ 2,168
Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments		2,039	$ 1,989
Goodwill impairment		22,682
Equity method investments	$ 0	$ 0
Amortization threshold percentage		10.00%
Number of operating segments | segment		2
Publishing
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 22,682
Series A
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | item	1	1
Series B
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | item	10	10
RSUs
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Vested RSUs are redemption percentage of common stock		60.00%
Vested RSUs are redemption percentage of cash		40.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
RSUs | Maximum
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Speakeasy
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Consolidated method - A. H. Belo ownership	70.00%	70.00%
DMV
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Consolidated method - A. H. Belo ownership	80.00%	80.00%
Wanderful | Maximum
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Cost method A. H. Belo ownership			20.00%

Significant Accounting Polici36

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Property, Plant and Equipment by Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 445,874	$ 448,223
Less accumulated depreciation	(402,115)	(396,865)
Property, plant and equipment, net	43,759	51,358
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	11,384	16,066
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 133,441	133,355
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Publishing equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 217,221	214,608
Publishing equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Publishing equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	20 years
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 81,724	82,530
Other | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Other | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 2,104	$ 1,664

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Detai

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 02, 2017	Feb. 16, 2017	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
DMV
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition				Jan. 1, 2015
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired			80.00%
Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred	$ 7,120		$ 14,110
Business Acquisition, Cumulative Transaction Costs			1,288
Business Acquisition, Fair Value Of Business			17,829
Business Acquisition, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value			2,548
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount			$ 807
Business Acquisition, Current Revenues of Acquiree					$ 10,138
Business Acquisition, Current Net Loss before Income Taxes					95
DMV | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	20.00%
DMV | Intercompany [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Current Revenues of Acquiree					$ 1,137
Speakeasy | Subsequent Event [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired		30.00%
Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred		$ 2,111

Acquisitions (Purchase price al

Acquisitions (Purchase price allocation, preliminary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 14,201	$ 36,883
DMV
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working capital, net of acquired cash		(80)
Property, plant, and equipment		57
Other intangible assets		6,470
Goodwill		12,301
Deferred tax liability		(2,090)
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net		$ 16,658

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)employee
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Number of positions eliminated | employee		70
Severance Costs | $		$ 2,891

Segment Reporting (Reportable S

Segment Reporting (Reportable Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 66,095	$ 64,780	$ 66,626	$ 62,483	$ 73,088	$ 66,908	$ 66,676	$ 65,436	$ 259,984	$ 272,108	$ 272,788
Operating Income (Loss)	(24,135)	$ (489)	$ 2,659	$ (1,781)	(9,552)	$ (3,102)	$ (535)	$ (5,106)	(23,746)	(18,295)	(7,686)
Depreciation									10,713	11,515	13,820
Amortization									906	1,349	198
Goodwill impairment									22,682
Pension settlement										14,964	7,648
Total Assets	192,731				221,501				192,731	221,501
Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	22,682
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									986	1,343	225
Operating Segments | Publishing
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									215,559	236,166	250,112
Operating Income (Loss)									(26,925)	(18,350)	(9,881)
Depreciation									10,633	11,401	13,672
Amortization										120	121
Goodwill impairment	22,682								22,682
Pension settlement					14,964					14,964	7,648
Total									33,315	26,485	21,441
Total Assets	168,641				196,912				168,641	196,912
Operating Segments | Marketing, Event Marketing and Other Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									44,425	35,942	22,676
Operating Income (Loss)									3,179	55	2,195
Depreciation									80	114	148
Amortization									906	1,229	$ 77
Total Assets	$ 24,090				$ 24,589				$ 24,090	$ 24,589

Goodwill and Intangible Asset41

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense		$ 906	$ 1,349	$ 198
Expected amortization expense, 2017	$ 799	799
Expected amortization expense, 2018	799	799
Expected amortization expense, 2019	799	799
Expected amortization expense, thereafter	495	495
Goodwill impairment		22,682
Publishing
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	22,682
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangibles	5,190	$ 5,190
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life		10 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangibles	$ 1,520	$ 1,520
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life		5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset42

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of identifiable intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 14,201	$ 36,883
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Net Carrying Value	4,872	5,778
Operating Segments | Publishing
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		22,682
Operating Segments | Marketing, Event Marketing and Other Services
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	14,201	14,201
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Cost	6,710	6,710
Accumulated Amortization	(1,838)	(932)
Net Carrying Value	$ 4,872	$ 5,778

Long-term Incentive Plan (Narra

Long-term Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based compensation expense
Number of shares authorized	8,000,000
Number of options exercised	85,926
Number of shares issued	86,007
Number of shares previously vested redeemed in cash	57,341
Employee Stock Option
Share-based compensation expense
Options, exercises in period, intrinsic Value	$ 300	$ 100	$ 1,099
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value	$ 13
Number of options granted	0
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period	1 year 4 months 24 days
RSUs
Share-based compensation expense
RSUs Vested and outstanding	237,074	224,911
RSUs Redeemed in cash, liability	$ 769
RSUs, award vesting period	3 years
RSUs, percentage of redemption in common stock	60.00%
RSUs, percentage of redemption in cash	40.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 320
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period	1 year
RSUs | Maximum
Share-based compensation expense
RSUs, award vesting period	3 years

Long-term Incentive Plan (Sched

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of stock options outstanding activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Stock option activity rollforward
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning Balance | shares	259,311
Number of Options Exercised | shares	(85,926)
Number of Options Canceled | shares	(58,406)
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending Balance | shares	114,979
Weighted average price per share
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 8.37
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	1.81
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled | $ / shares	18.33
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 8.21

Long-term Incentive Plan (Sch45

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of RSU activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
RSU non-vested rollforward
Number of RSUs, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	92,355
Number of RSUs Granted	202,955
Number of RSUs Vested and outstanding	(155,511)
Number of RSUs Vested and issued	(18,668)
Number of RSUs, Outstanding, Ending Balance	121,131
Vested RSUs redeemed for stock, cash, and related payments
Issuance of Common Stock	11,196
RSUs Redeemed in Cash	7,472
Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock | $	$ 44
Weighted-Average Price on Date of Grant
Beginning balance - Weighted average price | $ / shares	$ 7.13
Granted | $ / shares	5.47
Vested and outstanding | $ / shares	6
Vested and issued | $ / shares	8.10
Ending balance - Weighted average price | $ / shares	$ 5.65

Long-term Incentive Plan (Sch46

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of compensation expense related to stock awards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
RSUs Redeemable in Stocks
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 640	$ 605	$ 702
RSUs Redeemable in Cash
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	580	(349)	1,117
RSUs
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,220	$ 256	$ 1,819

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income tax benefit (provision)	$ 2,272	$ 1,570	$ (5,978)
Tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of recognized compensation expense		557	933
Net refund resulting from carryback	2,930
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	(906)	11,613	8,759
Income taxes receivable	$ 2,976
DMV
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income tax benefit (provision)		1,570
Changes in valuation allowance		2,090
Classified Ventures
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforwards utilized			$ 19,567
Federal | DMV
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss		$ 3,066

Income Taxes (Schedule of compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current
Federal	$ (2,431)	$ (1,726)	$ 3,865
State	1,205	1,729	1,333
Total current	(1,226)	3	5,198
Deferred
Federal	1,514	(3,988)	28,577
State	(26)	(389)	646
Total deferred	1,488	(4,377)	29,223
Valuation Allowance	(2,534)	2,804	(28,443)
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	$ (2,272)	$ (1,570)	$ 5,978

Income Taxes (Schedule of effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$ (7,312)	$ (6,917)	$ 32,195
State income tax (net of federal benefit)	757	780	1,314
Valuation allowance	(2,534)	2,804	(28,443)
Goodwill impairment	6,266
Nondeductible expenses	249	493	81
Uncertain tax position reserve	(7)	244
Noncontrolling interest	(40)	133	53
Other	349	893	778
Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	$ (2,272)	$ (1,570)	$ 5,978
Effective income tax rate	10.60%	7.90%	6.50%

Income Taxes (Schedule of defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$ 19,195	$ 20,106
Investments	659	4,270
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation	4,171	2,284
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued	805	1,366
Deferred compensation and benefits	756	951
Tax amortization in excess of book amortization	(848)	(2,814)
State taxes	106	80
Other	739	502
Total deferred tax assets	25,583	26,745
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	$ (25,583)	(27,791)
Net deferred tax liabilities		$ (1,046)

Income Taxes (Schedule of unrec

Income Taxes (Schedule of unrecognized tax positions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$ 244
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(7)
Balance at December 31	$ 237

Pension and Other Retirement 52

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)employee	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)employee	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)employee
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Pension settlement		$ 14,964	$ 7,648
401(K) plan
Defined Contribution Plans
Maximum pretax contribution per employee	100.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	1.50%
Expense recognized	$ 977	1,013	987
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Recorded liabilities	1,342	1,429
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	(43)	13	630
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ 74	$ 202	$ 15
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Discount rate of projected benefit obligation	3.80%	4.00%
Discount rate, net periodic pension expense (benefit)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost	$ 3,442	$ (10,344)	$ (4,109)
Actuarial gains (losses)	(884)	$ 2,540	$ (49,243)
Plan Settlements
Defined benefit plan, total participants accepting pay-out | employee		1,000	700
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets		$ 100,877	$ 52,919
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation		5,000	15,000
Recognized settlement loss		$ 14,964	7,648
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions
Estimated future employer contributions in 2016	$ 0
Defined Contribution Plans
Number Of Employees Covered By Employer Sponsored Pension Plans | employee	2,300
Pension Plan | Required Contributions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Employer contributions			9,927
Pension Plan | Voluntary Contributions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Employer contributions			$ 20,000
Pension Plan | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocation of plans' assets	50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits
Allocation of plans' assets	44.80%
Pension Plan | Fixed Income Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocation of plans' assets	50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits
Allocation of plans' assets	55.20%

Pension and Other Retirement 53

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	$ 54,843	$ 57,446
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	262,027	396,656
Interest cost	10,098	14,161	$ 17,320
Actuarial (gain) loss	1,368	(27,307)
Benefit payments	(14,468)	(121,483)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	259,025	262,027	396,656
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	204,581	330,797
Return on plan assets	14,069	(4,733)
Benefit payments	(14,468)	(121,483)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	204,182	204,581	$ 330,797
Funded status	(54,843)	(57,446)
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	54,843	57,446
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 259,025	$ 262,027

Pension and Other Retirement 54

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of net periodic pension benefit expense) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Interest cost	$ 10,098	$ 14,161	$ 17,320
Expected return on plans' assets	(13,585)	(20,033)	(20,859)
Amortization of actuarial loss	45	1,252
Recognized settlement loss		14,964	7,648
Net periodic pension expense (benefit)	$ (3,442)	$ 10,344	$ 4,109

Pension and Other Retirement 55

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of fair value and allocation of plan assets) (Details) - Pension Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 204,182	$ 204,581	$ 330,797
Cash and money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	1,865	4,178
U.S. Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	58,645	62,314
International Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	32,079	28,669
Domestic Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	52,136	54,427
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	51,768	49,074
International Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	7,689	5,919
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	12,689	8,512
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs | Cash and money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	1,865	4,178
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs | International Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	10,824	4,334
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	191,493	196,069
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs | U.S. Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	58,645	62,314
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs | International Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	21,255	24,335
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs | Domestic Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	52,136	54,427
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs | Domestic Corporate Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	51,768	49,074
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs | International Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,689	$ 5,919

Pension and Other Retirement 56

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of expected benefit payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 15,859
2,018	16,030
2,019	16,100
2,020	16,043
2,021	16,039
2022-2026	$ 79,266

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 02, 2017	Dec. 09, 2016
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Mar. 2, 2017
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share					$ 0.08
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	May 12, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Jun. 2, 2017
Dividends Payable, Current	$ 1,763
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	2,500,000
Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year	$ 371
Fiscal year 2016
Dividends Payable, Date Declared	Dec. 9, 2016
Dividends Payable, Date of Record	Feb. 10, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid	Mar. 3, 2017
Special Dividend Declared December 11, 2014
Dividends		$ 50,148
Dividend paid, per share		$ 2.25
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share				$ 0.08
Common Stock [Member] | Series A
Total cost of share purchased		$ 3,146	$ 4,974
Treasury Stock [Member] | Series A
Treasury stock purchases, shares		472,245	449,436

Shareholders' Equity (Changes i

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (38,442)	$ (57,367)
Amortization	(56)	16,183
Actuarial gains (losses)	(810)	2,742
Balance, end of period	(39,308)	(38,442)
Pension Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(38,898)	(57,654)
Amortization	45	16,216
Actuarial gains (losses)	(884)	2,540
Balance, end of period	(39,737)	(38,898)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	456	287
Amortization	(101)	(33)
Actuarial gains (losses)	74	202
Balance, end of period	$ 429	$ 456

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	473,184	576,577	729,611

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ (18,874)	$ (497)	$ 693	$ (632)	$ (13,657)	$ (3,956)	$ (592)	$ 363	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)	$ 92,929
Less: Income (loss) from discontinued operations					$ (1)	$ (52)	$ 2	$ (12)		(63)	6,770
Less: Dividends to participating securities									140	115	2,118
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations									$ (19,450)	$ (17,894)	$ 84,041
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)									21,620,539	21,408,940	21,899,602
Effect of dilutive securities											106,420
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)									21,620,539	21,408,940	22,006,022
Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 3.84
Diluted	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 3.82

Commitments and Contingencies61

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Lease term	16 years
Lease expense for property and equipment	$ 1,988	$ 1,856	$ 1,724
Possible losses from legal dispute, minimum	0
Possible losses from legal dispute, maximum	1,500
Distributions to non-controlling interests	$ 407
Fiscal year 2016
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Pro-rata distributions, percentage of free-cash-flow	50.00%
Fiscal year 2015
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Pro-rata distributions, percentage of free-cash-flow	100.00%
DMV
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Distributions to non-controlling interests	$ 264

Commitments and Contingencies62

Commitments and Contingencies (Operating lease and capital commitment obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating leases commitments, Total	$ 36,795
2,017	2,180
2,018	2,586
2,019	3,038
2,020	2,403
2,021	1,904
Thereafter	24,684
Capital lease commitments
Capital commitments, Total	319
2,017	319
2,018
2,019
2,020
2,021
Thereafter
Total commitments
Total commitments	37,114
2,017	2,499
2,018	2,586
2,019	3,038
2,020	2,403
2,021	1,904
Thereafter	$ 24,684

Redeemable Noncontrolling Int63

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest - redeemable	$ 2,670	$ 1,421
Redeemable between 2nd and 3rd anniversaries
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)	25.00%
Redeemable between 4th and 5th anniversaries
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)	50.00%
DMV
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 1,295
DMV | Distributions Related To Earnings [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest	53
DMV | Distributions Related To 2015 Free Cash Flow [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 99

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (De

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$ (906)	$ 11,613	$ 8,759
Investments in property and equipment not paid	1,203
Receivable for asset sales proceeds	1,000
Dividends payable at year end	$ 1,763		50,148
Receivable for investment sales proceeds			3,280
Impairment of equity method investment			1,871
Noncash contributions by noncontrolling interests		$ 1,210	$ 183

Discontinued Operations And S65

Discontinued Operations And Sales of Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)a
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building			$ 5,636	$ 5,866	$ 10,085
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets			$ 1,950	(478)	2,787
Providence, Rhode Island
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building		$ 921
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets		(216)
Note receivable		$ 1,000
Notes Receivable Term			3 years
Dallas, Texas [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building	$ 4,458				6,677
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets	$ 1,842				$ 1,827
Area of land sold | a					97
Riverside, California And Dallas, Texas [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building					$ 3,408
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets					862
Providence Journal | Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase price					46,000
Working capital adjustment					2,654
Closing costs					110
Selling expense					3,237
Purchase price and working capital adjustment					$ 17,104
Land and Building Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building				6,119
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets				(265)
Escrow deposit returned			$ 328
Building Demolition
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale or disposition of assets				$ (251)

Quarterly Results of Operatio66

Quarterly Results of Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill, Impairment Loss			$ 22,682
Pension settlement				$ 14,964	$ 7,648
Publishing
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 22,682
Publishing | Operating Segments
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 22,682		$ 22,682
Pension settlement		$ 14,964		$ 14,964	$ 7,648

Quarterly Results of Operatio67

Quarterly Results of Operations (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information ) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Operating Revenue:
Net operating revenues	$ 66,095	$ 64,780	$ 66,626	$ 62,483	$ 73,088	$ 66,908	$ 66,676	$ 65,436	$ 259,984	$ 272,108	$ 272,788
Operating income (loss)	(24,135)	(489)	2,659	(1,781)	(9,552)	(3,102)	(535)	(5,106)	(23,746)	(18,295)	(7,686)
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	(18,809)	(452)	674	(593)	(13,852)	(3,967)	(694)	319	(19,180)	(18,194)	86,007
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations					(1)	(52)	2	(12)		(63)	6,770
Net Income (Loss)	(18,809)	(452)	674	(593)	(13,853)	(4,019)	(692)	307	(19,180)	(18,257)	92,777
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ (18,874)	$ (497)	$ 693	$ (632)	$ (13,657)	$ (3,956)	$ (592)	$ 363	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)	$ 92,929
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations
Basic	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 3.84
Diluted	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ (0.64)	$ (0.18)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.02	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)	$ 3.82