Tribune Publishing (TPCO) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	6-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Tribune Publishing Company
Entity Central Index Key	1593195
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-15
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	29-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		25,608,448

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_STAT

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Operating revenues:
Advertising	$219,829	$233,035
Circulation	109,283	107,307
Other	67,120	76,180
Total operating revenues	396,232	416,522
Operating expenses:
Compensation	149,231	143,712
Circulation and distribution	66,905	73,540
Newsprint and ink	31,295	35,498
Other operating expenses	125,196	138,655
Depreciation	10,825	2,740
Amortization	1,884	1,606
Total operating expenses	385,336	395,751
Income from operations	10,896	20,771
Loss on equity investments, net	-57	-335
Interest expense, net	-5,867	-2
Reorganization items, net	-601	-9
Income before income taxes	4,371	20,425
Income tax expense	1,856	8,653
Net income	$2,515	$11,772
Net income per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.46
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.46
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	25,495	25,424
Diluted (in shares)	25,790	25,424
Dividends declared per common share: (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_STAT1

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$2,515	$11,772
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes:
Change in unrecognized benefit plan gain arising during the period, net of taxes of $288	-440	0
Foreign currency translation	-22	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes	-462	0
Comprehensive income	$2,053	$11,772

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_STAT2

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Taxes on change in unrecognized benefit plan gain arising during the period	$288	$0

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_BALA

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash	$40,218	$36,675
Accounts receivable (net of allowances of $16,593 and $16,664)	209,106	234,812
Inventories	16,776	16,651
Deferred income taxes	33,459	38,207
Prepaid expenses and other	21,231	26,593
Total current assets	320,790	352,938
Property, plant and equipment
Machinery, equipment and furniture	219,213	210,217
Buildings and leasehold improvements	6,408	6,434
Property, plant and equipment, gross	225,621	216,651
Accumulated depreciation	-78,557	-68,076
Property, plant and equipment, net, excluding construction in progress	147,064	148,575
Construction in progress	10,641	13,770
Property, plant and equipment, net	157,705	162,345
Other assets
Goodwill	41,669	41,669
Intangible assets, net	85,388	87,272
Investments	3,855	3,370
Restricted cash	27,508	27,505
Debt issuance costs and other long-term assets	10,992	11,416
Total other assets	169,412	171,232
Total assets	647,907	686,515
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	17,911	17,911
Accounts payable	69,352	81,567
Employee compensation and benefits	87,920	101,071
Deferred revenue	74,871	73,004
Other current liabilities	27,052	32,435
Total current liabilities	277,106	305,988
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt	325,362	329,613
Deferred revenue	8,324	8,775
Postretirement medical, life and other benefits	20,117	27,672
Other obligations	13,043	8,298
Total non-current liabilities	366,846	374,358
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock— authorized 30,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 300,000 shares, 25,607 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2015; 25,444 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2014	256	254
Additional paid-in capital	2,719	2,370
Accumulated deficit	-9,040	-6,937
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,020	10,482
Total stockholders' equity	3,955	6,169
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$647,907	$686,515

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_BALA1

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances for doubtful accounts	$16,593	$16,664
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,607,000	25,444,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,607,000	25,444,000

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_STAT3

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (DEFICIT) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid in Capital	Accumulated Deficit	AOCI
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at at Dec. 28, 2014	$6,169	$254	$2,370	($6,937)	$10,482
Beginning balance at (shares) at Dec. 28, 2014		25,444,057
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends to common stockholders	-4,618			-4,618
Comprehensive income (loss)	2,053			2,515	-462
Issuance of stock from RSU conversions		2	-2
Issuance of stock from RSU conversions (in shares)		157,588
Exercise of stock options	77		77
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		5,519
Share-based compensation	274		274
Ending balance at at Mar. 29, 2015	$3,955	$256	$2,719	($9,040)	$10,020
Ending balance at (shares) at Mar. 29, 2015		25,607,164

CONSOLIDATED_AND_COMBINED_STAT4

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Operating Activities
Net income	$2,515	$11,772
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	10,825	2,740
Allowance for bad debt	2,159	2,469
Amortization of intangible assets	1,884	1,606
Amortization of contract intangible liabilities	-27	-48
Loss on equity investments, net	57	335
Gain on postretirement plan amendment	-7,799	0
Changes in working capital items, excluding acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	31,824	41,419
Prepaid expenses, inventories and other current assets	9,884	-339
Accounts payable, employee compensation and benefits, deferred revenue and other current liabilities	-38,816	-6,403
Non-current deferred revenue	-451	-479
Deferred income taxes	8,947	5,340
Postretirement medical, life and other benefits	-197	-894
Other, net	236	105
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,041	57,623
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	-13,126	-1,112
Acquisitions	0	-2,000
Investments in equity investments	-542	0
Net cash used for investing activities	-13,668	-3,112
Financing Activities
Repayment of long-term debt	-4,375	0
Dividends to stockholders	-136	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	77	0
Excess tax benefits realized from exercise of stock-based awards	604	0
Transactions with Tribune Media Company, net	0	-55,665
Net cash used for financing activities	-3,830	-55,665
Net increase (decrease) in cash	3,543	-1,154
Cash, beginning of period	36,675	9,694
Cash, end of period	$40,218	$8,540

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Description of Business—Tribune Publishing Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “Tribune Publishing”) is a multiplatform media and marketing solutions company that delivers innovative experiences for audiences and advertisers. The Company's diverse portfolio of iconic news and information brands includes award-winning daily and weekly titles, digital properties and verticals in major markets across the country. Tribune Publishing’s media groups include the Los Angeles Times Media Group, the Chicago Tribune Media Group, the Sun Sentinel Media Group, the Orlando Sentinel Media Group, The Baltimore Sun Media Group, the Hartford Courant Media Group, the Morning Call Media Group and the Daily Press Media Group.
	Separation from Tribune Media Company—On August 4, 2014 (the “Distribution Date”), Tribune Media Company, formerly Tribune Company (“TCO”) completed the spin-off of its principal publishing operations into Tribune Publishing, by distributing 98.5% of the common stock of Tribune Publishing to holders of TCO common stock and warrants. In the distribution, each holder of TCO's Class A common stock, Class B common stock and warrants received 0.25 of a share of Tribune Publishing's common stock for each share of TCO common stock or TCO warrant held as of July 28, 2014 (the “Record Date”). Based on the number of shares of TCO common stock and TCO warrants outstanding as of the Record Date and the distribution ratio, 25,042,263 shares of Tribune Publishing common stock were distributed to the TCO stockholders and holders of TCO warrants and TCO retained 381,354 shares of Tribune Publishing common stock, representing 1.5% of the outstanding common stock of Tribune Publishing. On August 5, 2014, Tribune Publishing became a separate publicly-traded company with its own board of directors and senior management team. Shares of Tribune Publishing common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TPUB.”
	Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and notes of Tribune Publishing have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune Publishing as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The year-end Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
	Prior to the Distribution Date, separate financial statements were not prepared for Tribune Publishing. The accompanying unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for the periods presented prior to the Distribution Date were derived from the historical accounting records of TCO and present Tribune Publishing’s Consolidated and Combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented as if Tribune Publishing was a separate entity through the Distribution Date. The costs of TCO services that are specifically identifiable to Tribune Publishing are included in these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The costs of TCO services that are incurred by TCO but are not specifically identifiable to Tribune Publishing have been allocated to Tribune Publishing and included in the pre-spin Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements on a basis that management considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided or the benefit received by Tribune Publishing during the periods presented. Management believes that assumptions and methodologies underlying the allocation of general corporate expenses are reasonable. However, such expenses prior to the Distribution Date may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been incurred had Tribune Publishing operated as a separate stand-alone entity, and, accordingly, may not necessarily reflect Tribune Publishing’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows had Tribune Publishing operated as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented. See Note 4 for further information on costs allocated from TCO. Subsequent to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing's financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis as the Company became a separate consolidated entity.
	All intercompany accounts within Tribune Publishing have been eliminated in consolidation. For periods prior to the Distribution Date, all significant intercompany transactions between Tribune Publishing and TCO have been included within the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and are considered to be effectively settled through equity contributions or distributions or through cash payments at the time the transactions were recorded. These intercompany transactions are further described in Note 4. The total net effect of these intercompany transactions prior to the Distribution Date are reflected in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.
	Tribune Publishing assesses its operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting.” Tribune Publishing is managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, as one business. Accordingly, the financial statements of Tribune Publishing are presented to reflect one reportable segment.
	New Accounting Standards—In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods therein. It is to be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 affects presentation only and will have no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, concerning revenue recognition. The new standard supersedes a majority of existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP, and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. Companies may need to use more judgment and make more estimates while recognizing revenue, which could result in additional disclosures to the financial statements. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a “full retrospective” adoption or a “modified retrospective” adoption. The Company is currently evaluating which adoption method it will elect. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for public companies for yearly and interim reporting periods starting after December 15, 2016; however, in April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one year deferral of the effective date. The proposed deferral may permit early adoption, but would not allow adoption any earlier than the original effective date of the standard. The Company is currently evaluating the revenue recognition impact this guidance will have once implemented.

PROCEEDINGS_UNDER_CHAPTER_11

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Reorganizations [Abstract]
PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11	PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11
	Chapter 11 Reorganization—On December 8, 2008, TCO, and 110 of its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries (each a “Debtor” and, collectively, the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 (“Chapter 11”) of title 11 of the United States Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Debtors’ Chapter 11 proceedings continue to be jointly administered under the caption “In re: Tribune Company, et al.,” Case No. 08-13141. Certain of the legal entities included in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements of Tribune Publishing were Debtors or, as a result of the restructuring transactions described below, are successor legal entities to legal entities that were Debtors (collectively, the “Tribune Publishing Debtors”). A joint plan of reorganization for the Debtors (the “Plan”), including the Tribune Publishing Debtors, became effective and the Debtors emerged from Chapter 11 on December 31, 2012 (the “Effective Date”). The Chapter 11 estates of 88 of the Debtors were closed by a final decree issued by the Bankruptcy Court on March 16, 2015. The remainder of the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases, including several of the Tribune Publishing Debtors’ cases, are pending.
	On the Effective Date, substantially all of the Debtors’ prepetition liabilities at December 30, 2012 were settled or otherwise satisfied under the Plan. However, certain other claims have been or will be settled or otherwise satisfied subsequent to the Effective Date. Although the allowed amount of certain unresolved claims has not been determined, Tribune Publishing’s liabilities subject to compromise associated with these unresolved claims were discharged upon emergence from Chapter 11 in exchange for the treatment outlined in the Plan.
	Reorganization Items, Net—Reorganization items, net, generally includes provisions and adjustments to reflect the carrying value of certain prepetition liabilities at their estimated allowable claim amounts and, pursuant to ASC Topic 852, “Reorganizations,” is reported separately in Tribune Publishing’s Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Reorganization items, net may also include professional advisory fees and other costs directly associated with the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases.
	Specifically identifiable reorganization provisions, adjustments and other costs directly related to Tribune Publishing have been included in the Company’s Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
	Reorganization costs, net:
	Contract rejections and claim settlements	$	—		$	(7	)
	Other, net	(601		)	(2		)
	Total reorganization costs, net	$	(601	)	$	(9	)
	Tribune Publishing expects to incur certain expenses pertaining to the Chapter 11 proceedings throughout 2015 and potentially in future periods. These expenses are expected to include primarily other costs related to the implementation of the Plan and the resolution of unresolved claims.

CHANGES_IN_OPERATIONS

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
CHANGES IN OPERATIONS	CHANGES IN OPERATIONS
	Employee Reductions—Tribune Publishing re-evaluated its staffing levels in the three months ended March 29, 2015 and re-established 22 positions that had previously been identified for reductions. In the three months ended March 30, 2014, the Company had identified reductions in staffing levels in its operations of 25 positions. Tribune Publishing recorded a pretax credit of $0.7 million for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and pretax charges of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 30, 2014. A summary of the activity with respect to Tribune Publishing’s severance accrual for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	5,038
	Provision	(700		)
	Payments	(2,082		)
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	2,256
	Charges for severance and related expenses are included in compensation expense in the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. The severance and related expenses above exclude severance and related expenses incurred by TCO and allocated to Tribune Publishing prior to the Distribution Date. See Note 4 for further discussion of allocated charges from TCO.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	In connection with the separation and distribution, Tribune Publishing entered into a transition services agreement (the “TSA”) and certain other agreements with TCO that govern the relationships between Tribune Publishing and TCO following the separation and distribution. Under the TSA, the providing company generally is allowed to fully recover all out-of-pocket costs and expenses it actually incurs in connection with providing the services, plus, in some cases, the allocated direct costs of providing the services, generally without profit. Pursuant to the TSA, TCO provides Tribune Publishing with certain services on a transitional basis. During the three months ended March 29, 2015, Tribune Publishing incurred $0.3 million in charges payable to TCO under the TSA. In addition, the TSA outlines the services that Tribune Publishing will provide TCO on a transitional basis. For the three months ended March 29, 2015, TCO's charges payable to Tribune Publishing were $0.9 million under the TSA.
	Prior to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing participated in a number of corporate-wide programs administered by TCO. These included participation in TCO’s centralized treasury function, insurance programs, employee benefit programs, workers’ compensation programs, and centralized service centers and other corporate functions. The following is a discussion of the relationship with TCO, the services provided and how transactions with TCO have been accounted for in the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. Subsequent to the Distribution Date, any programs not governed by the TSA, as described above, are now administered by Tribune Publishing and are recorded directly to operating expenses.
	Support Services Provided and Other Amounts with TCO—Prior to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing received allocated charges from TCO for certain corporate support services, which were recorded within Tribune Publishing’s Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Management believes that the basis used for the allocations was reasonable and reflects the portion of such costs attributed to Tribune Publishing’s operations; however, the amounts may not be representative of the costs necessary for Tribune Publishing to operate as a separate stand-alone company. These allocated costs are summarized in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-14
	Corporate management fee	$	9,060
	Allocated depreciation	4,781
	Service center support costs	20,285
	Other	1,033
	Total	$	35,159
	Medical and Workers’ Compensation Benefit Plans—Tribune Publishing participated in TCO-sponsored employee benefit plans, including medical and workers’ compensation. Allocations of benefit plan costs varied by plan type and were based on actuarial valuations of cost and/or liability, premium amounts and payroll. Total benefit plan costs allocated to Tribune Publishing amounted to $11.6 million in the three months ended March 30, 2014 and were recorded in compensation expense in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. While management believes the cost allocation methods utilized for the benefit plans were reasonable and reflected the portion of such costs attributed to Tribune Publishing, the amounts may not be representative of the costs necessary for Tribune Publishing to operate as a stand-alone business.
	Defined Benefit Plans—Retirement benefits obligations pursuant to the TCO defined benefit pension plans have historically been and continue to be an obligation of TCO. Prior to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing accounted for costs associated with these defined benefit pension plans as a participant in multi-employer plans in accordance with ASC Topic 715, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits.” Costs related to TCO-sponsored pension plans, which totaled credits of $5.4 million in the three months ended March 30, 2014, were based upon a specific allocation of actuarially determined service costs plus an allocation of the remaining net periodic pension cost components based upon Tribune Publishing's proportional share of the pension liability. Through the Distribution Date, TCO-sponsored pension plan income allocated to Tribune Publishing is recorded in compensation expense in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Subsequent to the Distribution Date, no further costs or credits were allocated.
	Defined Contribution Plans—Tribune Publishing’s employees have historically participated in various TCO qualified 401(k) savings plans, which permit eligible employees to make voluntary contributions on a pretax basis. The plans allowed participants to invest their savings in various investments. Amounts charged to expense by Tribune Publishing for employer contributions to TCO 401(k) savings plans totaled $3.4 million in the three months ended March 30, 2014 and are recorded in compensation expense in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.
	Related Party Lease Agreements—In 2013, Tribune Publishing entered into related party lease agreements with TCO to lease certain land and buildings. The initial term of these non-cancelable related party lease agreements is either five or ten years, with two optional renewal terms. In connection with all related party lease agreements, Tribune Publishing recognized $8.4 million and $9.6 million of rent expense for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, respectively, recorded in other operating expense.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	INVENTORIES
	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of
		29-Mar-15		December 28, 2014
	Newsprint	$	16,333	$	16,174
	Supplies and other	443		477
	Total inventories	$	16,776	$	16,651
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Tribune Publishing determines cost on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis for all inventories.

GOODWILL_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSE

GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES	GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES
	Goodwill, other intangible assets and intangible liabilities at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		29-Mar-15									December 28, 2014
		Gross Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount			Gross Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount
	Other intangible assets subject to amortization
	Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years)	$	8,494		$	(2,351	)	$	6,143		$	8,494		$	(2,121	)	$	6,373
	Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years)	28,366			(5,195		)	23,171			28,366			(4,596		)	23,770
	Affiliate agreements (useful life of 4 years)	11,929			(6,710		)	5,219			11,929			(5,965		)	5,964
	Tradenames (useful life of 20 years)	15,100			(498		)	14,602			15,100			(317		)	14,783
	Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years)	5,540			(1,087		)	4,453			5,540			(958		)	4,582
	Total	$	69,429		$	(15,841	)	$	53,588		$	69,429		$	(13,957	)	$	55,472
	Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
	Goodwill							41,669									41,669
	Newspaper mastheads							31,800									31,800
	Total goodwill and other intangible assets							$	127,057								$	128,941
	Intangible liabilities subject to amortization
	Lease contract intangible liabilities	$	(570	)	$	386		$	(184	)	$	(570	)	$	359		$	(211	)
	Total intangible liabilities subject to amortization	$	(570	)	$	386		$	(184	)	$	(570	)	$	359		$	(211	)
	The changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets subject to amortization during the three months ended March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	55,472
	Amortization	1,884
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	53,588
	There were no changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets not subject to amortization and goodwill during the three months ended March 29, 2015.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS
	Investments consisted of equity method investments totaling $3.9 million and $3.4 million at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, in the following private companies:
		% Owned
	Company	March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
	CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.	50	%	50	%
	Homefinder.com, LLC	33	%	33	%
	Contend, LLC	20	%	20	%
	Jean Knows Cars, LLC	20	%	—
	Tribune Publishing recorded losses of $0.1 million in the three months ended March 29, 2015 and $0.3 million in the three months ended March 30, 2014 relating to its equity method investments.
	On January 8, 2015, the Company purchased a 20% investment for $0.5 million in Jean Knows Cars, LLC, a content creation company that develops and produces digital content relating to the car industry.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Tribune Publishing measures and records in its Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and Tribune Publishing’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). This hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
	•	Level 1-Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
	•	Level 2-Assets and liabilities whose values are based on inputs other than those included in Level 1, including quoted market prices in markets that are not active; quoted prices of assets or liabilities with similar attributes in active markets; or valuation models whose inputs are observable or unobservable but corroborated by market data.
	•	Level 3-Assets and liabilities whose values are based on valuation models or pricing techniques that utilize unobservable inputs that are significant to the overall fair value measurement.
	The carrying values of cash, trade accounts receivable and trade accounts payable approximated their respective fair values due to their short term to maturity.

DEBT

DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	At March 29, 2015, Tribune Publishing had $345.6 million in variable-rate debt outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement, as defined below. The weighted average interest rate for the variable-rate debt is 5.75%. At March 29, 2015, the fair value of the Term Loan Credit Agreement was estimated to be $343.9 million. The Company's Term Loan Credit Agreement's classification is determined based on Level 2 inputs, because the fair value for these instruments is determined using observable inputs in non-active markets. See below for details related to the Company's debt agreements.
	Senior Term Facility
	On August 4, 2014, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (in such capacity, the “Term Collateral Agent”), and the lenders party thereto (the “Senior Term Facility”). The Senior Term Facility will mature on August 4, 2021. The Senior Term Facility provides for secured loans (the “Term Loans”) in an aggregate principal amount of $350.0 million. The Term Loans bear interest at a variable interest rate based on either LIBOR or a base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. The Term Loans amortize in equal quarterly installments equal to 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Senior Term Facility with the balance payable on the maturity date, August 4, 2021. The Senior Term Facility may be expanded by an amount up to (i) the greater of $100.0 million and an amount as will not cause the net senior secured leverage ratio after giving effect to such incurrence to exceed 2:1 plus (ii) an amount equal to all voluntary prepayments of the term loans borrowed under the Senior Term Facility, subject to certain conditions. Tribune Publishing Company is the borrower under the Senior Term Facility and each of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions, (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”) guarantee the payment obligations under the Senior Term Facility. The Senior Term Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Tribune Publishing Company and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur more indebtedness; pay dividends; redeem stock or make other distributions in respect of equity; make investments; and certain other usual and customary covenants. As of March 29, 2015, the outstanding balance under the Senior Term Facility is $345.6 million, the unamortized balance of the discount is $3.2 million and the Company was in compliance with the covenants of the Senior Term Facility.
	Senior ABL Facility
	On August 4, 2014, Tribune Publishing Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors entered into a credit agreement (the “ABL Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent (in such capacity, the “ABL Collateral Agent”), swing line lender and letter of credit issuer and the lenders party thereto (the “Senior ABL Facility”). The Senior ABL Facility will mature on August 4, 2019. The Senior ABL Facility provides for senior secured revolving loans and letters of credit of up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $140.0 million. Up to $75.0 million of availability under the Senior ABL Facility is available for letters of credit and up to $15.0 million of availability under the Senior ABL Facility is available for swing line loans. The Senior ABL Facility also permits Tribune Publishing Company to increase the commitments under the Senior ABL Facility by up to $75.0 million. The Senior ABL Facility bears interest at a variable interest rate based on either LIBOR or a base rate, in either case plus an applicable margin. Tribune Publishing Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors are the borrowers under the Senior ABL Facility. Tribune Publishing Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors guarantee the payment obligations under the Senior ABL Facility. The Senior ABL Facility contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Tribune Publishing Company and its restricted subsidiaries to: incur more indebtedness; pay dividends; redeem stock or make other distributions in respect of equity; make investments; and certain other usual and customary covenants. Customary fees will be payable in respect of the Senior ABL Facility, including commitment fees of 0.25% and letter of credit fees. As of March 29, 2015, $19.3 million of the Senior ABL Facility availability supported an outstanding undrawn letter of credit in the same amount.
	Letter of Credit Agreement
	On August 4, 2014, Tribune Publishing Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as letter of credit issuer (the “L/C Issuer”) entered into a letter of credit agreement (the “Letter of Credit Agreement”). The Letter of Credit Agreement provides for the issuance of standby letters of credit of up to a maximum aggregate principal face of $30.0 million. The Letter of Credit Agreement permits Tribune Publishing Company, at the sole discretion of L/C Issuer, to request to increase the amount available to be issued under the Letter of Credit Agreement up to an aggregate maximum face amount of $50.0 million. The Letter of Credit Agreement is scheduled to terminate on August 4, 2019. As of March 29, 2015, a $27.5 million undrawn letter of credit was outstanding against the Letter of Credit Agreement. This Letter of Credit Agreement was collateralized with $27.5 million of cash held in a specified cash collateral account. The specified cash account is required to remain as long as the undrawn letter of credit remains outstanding and is recorded in restricted cash in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	For the three months ended March 29, 2015, Tribune Publishing recorded income tax expense of $1.9 million. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 42.5% in the three months ended March 29, 2015. This rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, non-deductible expenses and the domestic production activities deduction. For the three months ended March 30, 2014, Tribune Publishing recorded income tax expense of $8.7 million. The effective tax rate on pretax income was 42.4% in the three months ended March 30, 2014. This rate differs from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, nondeductible expenses, certain transaction costs not fully deductible for tax purposes and the domestic production activities deduction.

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
	Multiemployer Pension Plans—Tribune Publishing contributes to a number of multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover its union-represented employees. See Note 4 for the description of costs and credits related to TCO-sponsored pension plans.
	Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions—Prior to the Distribution Date, retirement benefits were provided to eligible employees of Tribune Publishing through defined benefit pension plans sponsored by TCO. Subsequent to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing provides postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to Tribune Publishing employees. There is some variation in the provisions of these plans, including different provisions for lifetime maximums, prescription drug coverage and certain other benefits. The components of net periodic benefit cost for Tribune Publishing were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
	Service cost	$	67		$	105
	Interest cost	227			450
	Amortization of prior service credits	(701		)	—
	Amortization of gain	(27		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	(434		)	555
	Curtailment gain	7,799			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit) after curtailment gain	$	7,365		$	555
	In the first quarter of 2015, Tribune Publishing notified plan members that the Company was no longer going to offer the life insurance benefit effective December 27, 2015.These life insurance modifications impact a grandfathered group of employees that were eligible for post-retirement life insurance benefits based on their employment date and certain employment qualifications. The impact of this plan modification was to reduce the postretirement medical, life and other benefits liability by $7.8 million and to recognize a gain of the same amount to compensation expense.
	Expected Future Benefit Payments—For 2015, Tribune Publishing expects to contribute $3.2 million to its other postretirement plans.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Tribune Publishing Company 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Tribune Publishing Equity Plan”) provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSU”), performance share units (“PSU”), restricted and unrestricted stock awards, dividend equivalents and cash awards. In the three months ended March 29, 2015, 355,133 options and 442,091 RSUs were granted under the Tribune Publishing Equity Plan. Stock-based compensation expense under the Tribune Publishing Equity Plan totaled $1.5 million during the three months ended March 29, 2015.
	Prior to the Distribution Date, stock-based compensation expense for participants in the TCO 2013 Equity Incentive Plan who were solely dedicated to Tribune Publishing has been included in compensation expense. Stock-based compensation expense related to these Tribune Publishing employees totaled $0.7 million for the three months ended March 30, 2014. Stock-based compensation expense for participants in the TCO 2013 Equity Incentive Plan who provided services to but were not solely dedicated to Tribune Publishing have been allocated to Tribune Publishing through the corporate management fee and technology service center support costs, as described in Note 4. In the three months ended March 30, 2014, the Company was allocated $2.6 million of stock-based compensation expense through the corporate management fee and technology service center support costs.
	As of March 29, 2015, Tribune Publishing had not yet recognized compensation cost related to unvested options of $4.3 million with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 3.24 years. Additionally, as of March 29, 2015, Tribune Publishing had not yet recognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs of $19.2 million with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 3.08 years.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Tribune Publishing common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is similarly calculated, except that the calculation includes the dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of common shares under equity-based compensation plans except where the inclusion of such common shares would have an anti-dilutive impact.
	For the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15		30-Mar-14
	Income - Numerator:
	Net income available to Tribune Publishing stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	2,515	$	11,772
	Shares - Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)	25,495		25,424
	Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs	295		—
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)	25,790		25,424
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.1	$	0.46
	Diluted	$	0.1	$	0.46
	The number of stock options that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would result in an anti-dilutive effect on per share amounts was 681,501 for the three months ended March 29, 2015.
	On August 4, 2014, approximately 25.4 million shares of the Company's common stock were distributed to TCO and TCO stockholders and warrant holders who held shares or warrants as of the record date of July 28, 2014. This share amount is being utilized for the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share for all periods prior to the Distribution Date.
	Dividends
	On March 17, 2015, the Company declared a dividend of $0.175 cents per share on common stock outstanding, to be paid on May 15, 2015, to stockholders of record on April 15, 2015.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Pension and other postretirement costs	$	10,062		$	10,502
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(42		)	(20		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	10,020		$	10,482
	The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	March 29, 2015			30-Mar-14			Affected Line Items in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income
	Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments:
	Amortization of recognized actuarial gains	$	(728	)	$	—		Compensation
	Total before taxes	(728		)	—
	Tax effect	288			—			Income tax expense
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(440	)	$	—

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT

SUBSEQUENT EVENT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
SUBSEQUENT EVENT	SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	Acquisition
	On May 7, 2015, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to acquire MLIM, LLC (“MLIM”), which owns the U-T San Diego (f/k/a the San Diego Union-Tribune) and nine community weeklies and related digital properties in San Diego County. The purchase price is $85 million, consisting of $73 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment, and $12 million in Tribune Publishing common stock.

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA1

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation—The accompanying unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and notes of Tribune Publishing have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Tribune Publishing as of March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period classifications. The year-end Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
	Prior to the Distribution Date, separate financial statements were not prepared for Tribune Publishing. The accompanying unaudited Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements for the periods presented prior to the Distribution Date were derived from the historical accounting records of TCO and present Tribune Publishing’s Consolidated and Combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented as if Tribune Publishing was a separate entity through the Distribution Date. The costs of TCO services that are specifically identifiable to Tribune Publishing are included in these Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements. The costs of TCO services that are incurred by TCO but are not specifically identifiable to Tribune Publishing have been allocated to Tribune Publishing and included in the pre-spin Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements on a basis that management considered to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided or the benefit received by Tribune Publishing during the periods presented. Management believes that assumptions and methodologies underlying the allocation of general corporate expenses are reasonable. However, such expenses prior to the Distribution Date may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been incurred had Tribune Publishing operated as a separate stand-alone entity, and, accordingly, may not necessarily reflect Tribune Publishing’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows had Tribune Publishing operated as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented. See Note 4 for further information on costs allocated from TCO. Subsequent to the Distribution Date, Tribune Publishing's financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis as the Company became a separate consolidated entity.
	All intercompany accounts within Tribune Publishing have been eliminated in consolidation. For periods prior to the Distribution Date, all significant intercompany transactions between Tribune Publishing and TCO have been included within the Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements and are considered to be effectively settled through equity contributions or distributions or through cash payments at the time the transactions were recorded. These intercompany transactions are further described in Note 4. The total net effect of these intercompany transactions prior to the Distribution Date are reflected in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows as financing activities.
	Tribune Publishing assesses its operating segments in accordance with ASC Topic 280, “Segment Reporting.” Tribune Publishing is managed by its chief operating decision maker, as defined by ASC Topic 280, as one business. Accordingly, the financial statements of Tribune Publishing are presented to reflect one reportable segment.
New Accounting Standards	New Accounting Standards—In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods therein. It is to be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-03 affects presentation only and will have no effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, concerning revenue recognition. The new standard supersedes a majority of existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP, and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled. Companies may need to use more judgment and make more estimates while recognizing revenue, which could result in additional disclosures to the financial statements. ASU 2014-09 allows for either a “full retrospective” adoption or a “modified retrospective” adoption. The Company is currently evaluating which adoption method it will elect. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for public companies for yearly and interim reporting periods starting after December 15, 2016; however, in April 2015, the FASB voted to propose a one year deferral of the effective date. The proposed deferral may permit early adoption, but would not allow adoption any earlier than the original effective date of the standard. The Company is currently evaluating the revenue recognition impact this guidance will have once implemented.

PROCEEDINGS_UNDER_CHAPTER_11_T

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Reorganization Items, Consolidated Financial Statements	Specifically identifiable reorganization provisions, adjustments and other costs directly related to Tribune Publishing have been included in the Company’s Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 and consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
	Reorganization costs, net:
	Contract rejections and claim settlements	$	—		$	(7	)
	Other, net	(601		)	(2		)
	Total reorganization costs, net	$	(601	)	$	(9	)

CHANGES_IN_OPERATIONS_Tables

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance Accrual	A summary of the activity with respect to Tribune Publishing’s severance accrual for the three months ended March 29, 2015 is as follows (in thousands):
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	5,038
	Provision	(700		)
	Payments	(2,082		)
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	2,256

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Tab

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions
		Three Months Ended
		30-Mar-14
	Corporate management fee	$	9,060
	Allocated depreciation	4,781
	Service center support costs	20,285
	Other	1,033
	Total	$	35,159

INVENTORIES_Tables

INVENTORIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of
		29-Mar-15		December 28, 2014
	Newsprint	$	16,333	$	16,174
	Supplies and other	443		477
	Total inventories	$	16,776	$	16,651

GOODWILL_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSE1

GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Intangible Liabilities	Goodwill, other intangible assets and intangible liabilities at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		29-Mar-15									December 28, 2014
		Gross Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount			Gross Amount			Accumulated Amortization			Net Amount
	Other intangible assets subject to amortization
	Subscribers (useful life of 2 to 10 years)	$	8,494		$	(2,351	)	$	6,143		$	8,494		$	(2,121	)	$	6,373
	Advertiser relationships (useful life of 2 to 13 years)	28,366			(5,195		)	23,171			28,366			(4,596		)	23,770
	Affiliate agreements (useful life of 4 years)	11,929			(6,710		)	5,219			11,929			(5,965		)	5,964
	Tradenames (useful life of 20 years)	15,100			(498		)	14,602			15,100			(317		)	14,783
	Other (useful life of 1 to 20 years)	5,540			(1,087		)	4,453			5,540			(958		)	4,582
	Total	$	69,429		$	(15,841	)	$	53,588		$	69,429		$	(13,957	)	$	55,472
	Goodwill and other intangible assets not subject to amortization
	Goodwill							41,669									41,669
	Newspaper mastheads							31,800									31,800
	Total goodwill and other intangible assets							$	127,057								$	128,941
	Intangible liabilities subject to amortization
	Lease contract intangible liabilities	$	(570	)	$	386		$	(184	)	$	(570	)	$	359		$	(211	)
	Total intangible liabilities subject to amortization	$	(570	)	$	386		$	(184	)	$	(570	)	$	359		$	(211	)
Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	The changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets subject to amortization during the three months ended March 29, 2015 were as follows (in thousands):
	Intangible assets subject to amortization
	Balance at December 28, 2014	$	55,472
	Amortization	1,884
	Balance at March 29, 2015	$	53,588
Schedule of Intangible Assets Not Subject To Amortization	There were no changes in the carrying amounts of intangible assets not subject to amortization and goodwill during the three months ended March 29, 2015.

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	Investments consisted of equity method investments totaling $3.9 million and $3.4 million at March 29, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively, in the following private companies:
		% Owned
	Company	March 29, 2015		December 28, 2014
	CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.	50	%	50	%
	Homefinder.com, LLC	33	%	33	%
	Contend, LLC	20	%	20	%
	Jean Knows Cars, LLC	20	%	—

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME1

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost for Tribune Publishing were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15			30-Mar-14
	Service cost	$	67		$	105
	Interest cost	227			450
	Amortization of prior service credits	(701		)	—
	Amortization of gain	(27		)	—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	(434		)	555
	Curtailment gain	7,799			—
	Net periodic benefit cost (credit) after curtailment gain	$	7,365		$	555

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	For the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014, basic and diluted earnings per common share were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		29-Mar-15		30-Mar-14
	Income - Numerator:
	Net income available to Tribune Publishing stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	2,515	$	11,772
	Shares - Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)	25,495		25,424
	Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs	295		—
	Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)	25,790		25,424
	Net income per common share:
	Basic	$	0.1	$	0.46
	Diluted	$	0.1	$	0.46

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table sets forth the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax where applicable (in thousands):
		March 29, 2015			28-Dec-14
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Pension and other postretirement costs	$	10,062		$	10,502
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(42		)	(20		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	10,020		$	10,482
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the amounts and line items in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income where adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were recorded during the three months ended March 29, 2015 and March 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	March 29, 2015			30-Mar-14			Affected Line Items in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income
	Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments:
	Amortization of recognized actuarial gains	$	(728	)	$	—		Compensation
	Total before taxes	(728		)	—
	Tax effect	288			—			Income tax expense
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(440	)	$	—

DESCRIPTION_OF_BUSINESS_AND_BA2

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Aug. 04, 2014
	segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Issuance of stock in the Distribution (in shares)		25,042,263
Common stock outstanding (shares)		381,354
Number of operating segments	1
Number of reporting segments	1
Common Stock | Tribune Media Company
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Outstanding shares distributed (percent)		98.50%
Conversion ratio		0.25
Percentage of outstanding share retained (percent)		1.50%

PROCEEDINGS_UNDER_CHAPTER_11_D

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (Details Textual)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 08, 2008
	subsidiary
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries	110

PROCEEDINGS_UNDER_CHAPTER_11_R

PROCEEDINGS UNDER CHAPTER 11 (Reorganization Items) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Reorganizations [Abstract]
Contract rejections and claim settlements	$0	($7)
Other, net	-601	-2
Total reorganization costs, net	($601)	($9)

CHANGES_IN_OPERATIONS_Details

CHANGES IN OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
	position	position
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Number of positions re-established	22
Reductions in staffing levels in operations		25
Pretax charges (credit)	$700	$300
Severance Accrual
Balance	5,038
Provision	-700	-300
Payments	-2,082
Balance	$2,256

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
			renewal_term
Medical And Workers' Compensation Benefit Plan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service cost (credit)	$7,365,000	$555,000
TCO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Employer contributions		3,400,000
TCO | Transition Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accrued expenses from TSA agreement	300,000
Accrued receivables from TSA agreement	900,000
TCO | Lease Agreements
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of lease agreement renewal terms			2
Rent expense	8,400,000	9,600,000
TCO | Lease Agreements | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease period			5 years
TCO | Lease Agreements | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease period			10 years
TCO | Medical And Workers' Compensation Benefit Plan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service cost (credit)		11,600,000
TCO | Pension Plan, Defined Benefit
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service cost (credit)		($5,400,000)

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Sch

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Schedule of Support Services and Other Amounts) (Details) (Affiliated Entity, USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 30, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$35,159
Corporate management fee
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	9,060
Allocated depreciation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,781
Service center support costs
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	20,285
Other
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$1,033

INVENTORIES_Details

INVENTORIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Newsprint	$16,333	$16,174
Supplies and other	443	477
Total inventories	$16,776	$16,651

GOODWILL_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSE2

GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES (Summary of Goodwill and Other Intangibles) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	$69,429	$69,429
Accumulated Amortization	-15,841	-13,957
Net Amount	53,588	55,472
Goodwill	41,669	41,669
Newspaper mastheads	31,800	31,800
Total goodwill and other intangible assets	127,057	128,941
Intangible liabilities subject to amortization
Gross Amount	-570	-570
Accumulated Amortization	386	359
Net Amount	-184	-211
Subscribers
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	8,494	8,494
Accumulated Amortization	-2,351	-2,121
Net Amount	6,143	6,373
Subscribers | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	2 years
Subscribers | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	10 years
Advertiser relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	28,366	28,366
Accumulated Amortization	-5,195	-4,596
Net Amount	23,171	23,770
Advertiser relationships | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	2 years
Advertiser relationships | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	13 years
Affiliate agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	11,929	11,929
Accumulated Amortization	-6,710	-5,965
Net Amount	5,219	5,964
Useful life	4 years
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	15,100	15,100
Accumulated Amortization	-498	-317
Net Amount	14,602	14,783
Useful life	20 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Amount	5,540	5,540
Accumulated Amortization	-1,087	-958
Net Amount	$4,453	$4,582
Other | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	1 year
Other | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful life	20 years

GOODWILL_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_ASSE3

GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND INTANGIBLE LIABILITIES (Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Beginning balance	$55,472
Amortization	1,884	1,606
Ending balance	$53,588

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Jan. 08, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$3,855			$3,370
Losses on equity method investments	57	335
Equity method investment, aggregate cost	542	0
CIPS Marketing Group, Inc.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%			50.00%
Homefinder.com, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	33.00%			33.00%
Contend, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	20.00%			20.00%
Jean Knows Cars, LLC
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	20.00%		20.00%	0.00%
Equity method investment, aggregate cost			$500

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Aug. 04, 2014	Mar. 29, 2015
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	75,000,000
Letter of Credit | LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee (percent)	0.25%
Senior ABL Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount	140,000,000
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	15,000,000
Senior ABL Facility | Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount outstanding		19,300,000
Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount	30,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Amount outstanding		27,500,000
Senior Term Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Principal amount	350,000,000	345,600,000
Stated interest rate (percent)	1.25%
Weighted average interest rate		5.75%
Fair value outstanding		343,900,000
Potential increase in borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Unamortized balance of the discount		$3,200,000

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$1,856	$8,653
Effective tax rate	42.50%	42.40%
U.S. Federal Statutory Rate	35.00%	35.00%

PENSION_AND_OTHER_POSTRETIREME2

PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Curtailment gain	$7,800,000
Other Postretirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	67,000	105,000
Interest cost	227,000	450,000
Amortization of prior service credits	-701,000	0
Amortization of gain	-27,000	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	-434,000	555,000
Curtailment gain	7,799,000	0
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) after curtailment gain	7,365,000	555,000
Expected plan contribution	$3,200,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$1.50	$0.70
Stock-based compensation plan expenses
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		2.6
Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Costs not yet recognized	4.3
Costs not yet recognized, period for recognition	3 years 2 months 27 days
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Costs not yet recognized	$19.20
Costs not yet recognized, period for recognition	3 years 0 months 29 days
Tribune Publishing | Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued	355,133
Tribune Publishing | RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued	442,091

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 17, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Aug. 04, 2014
Income - Numerator:
Net income available to Tribune Publishing stockholders plus assumed conversions		$2,515	$11,772
Shares - Denominator:
Basic (in shares)		25,495,000	25,424,000
Dilutive effect of employee stock options and RSUs		295,000	0
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)		25,790,000	25,424,000
Basic (in dollars per share)		$0.10	$0.46
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$0.10	$0.46
Dividends declared per common share: (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.18	$0
Option
Shares - Denominator:
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS		681,501
Common Stock
Shares - Denominator:
Issuance of stock in the distribution (in shares)				25,400,000

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$10,020	$10,482
Pension and other postretirement costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	10,062	10,502
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income	($42)	($20)

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Reclassifications) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 29, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Compensation	$149,231	$143,712
Total before taxes	4,371	20,425
Income tax expense	-1,856	-8,653
Net income	2,515	11,772
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before taxes	-728	0
Income tax expense	288	0
Net income	-440	0
Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments: | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Compensation	($728)	$0

SUBSEQUENT_EVENT_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENT (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	7-May-15	7-May-15
		weekly_newspaper
New Term Loan
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt commitment	$50	50
MLIM, LLC
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of community weeklies and related digital properties	9	9
Purchase price	85
Cash portion of purchase price	73
Stock portion of purchase price	$12