| Cover | Jul. 27, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 27, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-29 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36230 |
| Entity Registrant Name | TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001593195 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-3919441 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 160 N. Stetson Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Chicago |
| Entity Address, State or Province | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60601 |
| City Area Code | 312 |
| Local Phone Number | 222-9100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | TPCO |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
