| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 30, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | New Media Investment Group Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36097 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-3910250 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1345 Avenue of the Americas |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10105 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 479-3160 |
| Written Communications | true |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001579684 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NEWM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
