| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 03, 2020 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 3, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Registrant Name | A. H. BELO CORPORATION |
| Entity File Number | 1-33741 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | TX |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-3765318 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | P. O. Box 224866 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75222-4866 |
| City Area Code | 214 |
| Local Phone Number | 977-7342 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Series A Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AHC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001413898 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
