Gannett 10-K 25 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Jun. 28, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	GCI
Entity Registrant Name	Gannett Co., Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,635,718
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-27
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,082,033
Entity Public Float			$ 0

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALAN

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 196,696	$ 71,947
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $8,836 and $5,788, respectively	330,473	357,523
Other receivables	36,114	16,339
Inventories	25,777	38,944
Assets held for sale	12,288	18,434
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,188	27,883
Total current assets	629,536	531,070
Property, plant and equipment, net	896,585	934,483
Goodwill	575,685	544,345
Intangible assets, net	59,713	50,115
Deferred income taxes	201,991	261,322
Investments and other assets	64,289	63,125
Total assets	2,427,799	2,384,460
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	393,026	318,785
Dividends payable	18,501	0
Income taxes	0	13,675
Deferred income	78,967	77,123
Total current liabilities	490,494	409,583
Income taxes	22,221	11,991
Postretirement medical and life insurance liabilities	87,594	93,474
Pension liabilities	612,443	770,041
Other noncurrent liabilities	156,471	161,899
Total noncurrent liabilities	878,729	1,037,405
Total liabilities	$ 1,369,223	$ 1,446,988
Commitments and contingent liabilities (see Note 12)
Equity
Preferred stock of $0.01 par value per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock of $0.01 par value per share, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 115,668,957 shares issued	1,156	0
Additional paid-in capital	1,708,291	0
Retained earnings	22,553	0
Former parent’s investment, net	0	1,615,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(673,424)	(678,112)
Total equity	1,058,576	937,472
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,427,799	$ 2,384,460

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALA3

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade receivables, allowance for doubtful receivables	$ 8,836	$ 5,788
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0
Preferred stock, Authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	0
Preferred stock, Issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0
Common stock, Authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	0
Common stock, Issued (in shares)	115,668,957	0

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATE

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Operating revenues:
Advertising	$ 1,611,445	$ 1,840,067	$ 1,971,046
Circulation	1,060,118	1,109,729	1,117,491
Other	213,449	222,082	236,402
Total operating revenues	2,885,012	3,171,878	3,324,939
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses	1,866,729	1,997,803	2,089,748
Selling, general and administrative expenses	707,022	765,465	773,409
Depreciation	95,916	97,178	95,979
Amortization	11,636	13,885	14,119
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	34,278	35,216	26,611
Total operating expenses	2,715,581	2,909,547	2,999,866
Operating income	169,431	262,331	325,073
Non-operating income (expense):
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net	11,981	15,857	22,768
Other non-operating items, net	12,563	77	(2,078)
Total non-operating income	24,544	15,934	20,690
Income before income taxes	193,975	278,265	345,763
Provision for income taxes	47,884	67,560	71,302
Net income	$ 146,091	$ 210,705	$ 274,461
Net income per share-basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.27	$ 1.83	$ 2.39
Net income per share-diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.83	$ 2.39

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STAT5

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 146,091	$ 210,705	$ 274,461
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(19,390)	(27,414)	7,516
Pension and other postretirement benefit items:
Actuarial (loss) gain arising during the period	(54,142)	(429,402)	258,220
Amortization of actuarial loss	58,148	42,446	57,940
Change in prior service credit	0	36,873	303
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,722)	(4,454)	(2,039)
Settlement charge	1,254	0	1,721
Transfer from Separation	24,180	0	0
Other	15,544	23,634	(9,448)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	42,262	(330,903)	306,697
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax	22,872	(358,317)	314,213
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive (loss) income	(18,184)	122,186	(131,121)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,688	(236,131)	183,092
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 150,779	$ (25,426)	$ 457,553

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STAT6

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 146,091	$ 210,705	$ 274,461
Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flows:
Gain on acquisition	(21,799)	0	0
Depreciation	95,916	97,178	95,979
Amortization	11,636	13,885	14,119
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges (see Notes 4 and 5)	34,278	35,216	26,611
Stock-based compensation — equity awards	20,623	17,099	16,201
Provision for deferred income taxes	47,380	48,943	66,621
Pension and other postretirement expense, net of contributions	(134,907)	(100,984)	(99,683)
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net (see Notes 4 and 6)	(11,981)	(15,857)	(22,768)
Decrease in accounts receivable	33,376	30,753	2,943
(Increase) decrease in other receivables	(24,961)	(4,988)	65
Decrease (increase) in inventories	14,023	9,577	5,028
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	16,844	23,298	(25,086)
Decrease in interest and taxes payable	(9,349)	(30,871)	(48,120)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses	44,787	(21,544)	(34,473)
Decrease in deferred income	(2,894)	(1,471)	(3,783)
Other, net	(28,043)	35,199	(13,580)
Net cash flows from operating activities	231,020	346,138	254,535
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(53,979)	(72,307)	(53,619)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(28,668)	(113)	(922)
Payments for investments	(2,750)	(2,500)	0
Proceeds from investments	12,402	18,629	26,806
Proceeds from sale of certain assets	29,683	24,519	19,983
Net cash used for investing activities	(43,312)	(31,772)	(7,752)
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid	(18,462)	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards	6,615	0	0
Transactions with former parent, net	(49,701)	(319,422)	(300,805)
Deferred payments for acquisitions	(1,218)	(1,313)	(1,314)
Net cash used for financing activities	(62,766)	(320,735)	(302,119)
Effect of currency exchange rate change	(193)	(280)	(164)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	124,749	(6,649)	(55,500)
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	71,947	78,596	134,096
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of year	196,696	71,947	78,596
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	38,707	0	0
Cash paid for interest	$ 2,995	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STAT7

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock $0.01 par value	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Former parent’s investment, net
Beginning Balance at Dec. 30, 2012	$ 1,092,270	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (625,073)	$ 1,717,343
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	274,461					274,461
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	183,092				183,092
Total comprehensive income	457,553
Transactions with our former parent, net	(284,602)					(284,602)
Ending Balance at Dec. 29, 2013	1,265,221	0	0	0	(441,981)	1,707,202
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	210,705					210,705
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(236,131)				(236,131)
Total comprehensive income	(25,426)
Transactions with our former parent, net	(302,323)					(302,323)
Ending Balance at Dec. 28, 2014	937,472	0	0	0	(678,112)	1,615,584
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	146,091			59,517		86,574
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,688				4,688
Total comprehensive income	150,779
Dividends declared, 2015: $0.32 per share	(36,964)			(36,964)
Issuance of common shares	0	1,150	(1,150)
Stock options exercised	4,993	6	4,987
Restricted stock awards settled	(293)		(293)
Stock-based compensation	21,742		21,742
Tax benefit derived from stock awards settled	1,622		1,622
Transactions with our former parent, net	(13,244)		55,402			(68,646)
Transfer of former parent's investment, net	(7,634)		1,625,878			(1,633,512)
Other activity	103		103
Ending Balance at Dec. 27, 2015	$ 1,058,576	$ 1,156	$ 1,708,291	$ 22,553	$ (673,424)	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STAT8

CONSOLIDATED AND COMBINED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015$ / shares
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared, per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation Description of business: Gannett Co., Inc. (“Gannett,” “our,” “us” and “we”) is a leading international, multi-platform news and information company that delivers high-quality, trusted content where and when consumers want to engage with it on virtually any device. Our operations comprise 112 daily publications in the U.S. and the U.K., more than 400 non-daily local publications in the U.S. and more than 150 such titles in the U.K. Our 93 U.S. daily publications include USA TODAY. Separation from Former Parent: On June 29, 2015, the separation of Gannett from our former parent, TEGNA Inc., was completed pursuant to a Separation and Distribution Agreement (the “Separation Agreement”) dated June 26, 2015. On the distribution date of June 29, 2015, our former parent completed the pro rata distribution to its stockholders of 98.5% of the outstanding shares of Gannett common stock, and Gannett common stock began trading “regular way” on the New York Stock Exchange. Each holder of our former parent’s common stock received one share of Gannett common stock for every two shares of our former parent’s common stock held on June 22, 2015, the record date for the distribution. Following the distribution, our former parent owns 1.5% of Gannett’s outstanding common stock and our former parent will continue to own our shares for a period of time not to exceed five years after the distribution. Our former parent structured the distribution to be tax free to its U.S. shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Basis of presentation: Prior to the spin-off, we did not prepare separate financial statements. The accompanying audited consolidated and combined financial statements for periods prior to the spin-off were derived from the consolidated and combined financial statements and accounting records of our former parent and present our combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of and for the periods presented as if we were a separate entity. Through the date of the spin-off, in preparing these consolidated and combined financial statements, management has made certain assumptions or implemented methodologies to allocate various expenses from our former parent to us and from us back to our former parent in the form of cost recoveries. These allocations represent services provided between the two entities and are more fully detailed in Note 14 — Relationship with our former parent. All such costs and expenses are assumed to be settled with our former parent through “Former parent’s investment, net” in the period in which the costs were incurred. Current income taxes are also assumed to be settled with our former parent through “Former parent’s investment, net,” and settlement is deemed to occur in the year following recognition in the current income tax provision. We believe the assumptions and methodologies used in these allocations are reasonable; however, such allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been incurred had we been operating on a stand-alone basis, and, accordingly, may not necessarily reflect our consolidated and combined financial position, results of operations and cash flows had we operated as a stand-alone entity during the periods presented. Subsequent to the spin-off, our financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis as we became a separate consolidated entity. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. For periods prior to the spin-off, all significant intercompany transactions between either (i) us and our former parent or (ii) us and our former parent’s affiliates have been included within the combined financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled through equity contributions or distributions at the time the transactions were recorded. The accumulated net effect of intercompany transactions between either (i) us and our former parent or (ii) us and our former parent affiliates are included in “Former parent’s investment, net.” These intercompany transactions are further described in Note 14 — Relationship with our former parent.

Summary of significant accounti

Summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of significant accounting policies	Summary of significant accounting policies Fiscal year: Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Our 2015 fiscal year ended on Dec. 27, 2015, and encompassed a 52-week period. Our 2014 and 2013 fiscal years encompassed 52-week periods. Consolidation: The consolidated and combined financial statements include our accounts and those over which we have control after elimination of all intercompany transactions and profits. Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated and combined financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include amounts for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits and valuation of long-lived and intangible assets. Segment presentation: All of our operating segments meet the criteria under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting , to be aggregated into one reportable segment. Business combinations: We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing certain identifiable assets include but are not limited to expected long-term revenues; future expected operating expenses; cost of capital and appropriate discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates. Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with maturities of three months or less. Accounts receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Accounts receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and significant individual account credit risk. Inventories: Inventories, consisting principally of newsprint, printing ink and plate material for our publishing operations, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Assets held for sale: In accordance with the guidance on the disposal of long-lived assets under ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (ASC Topic 360), we reported assets held for sale at Dec. 27, 2015 of $12.3 million and at Dec. 28, 2014, of $18.4 million . Valuation of long-lived assets: In accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (ASC Topic 350) and ASC Topic 360, we evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets (mostly property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying value. We measure impairment based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose. Property and depreciation: Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 30 years for machinery, equipment and fixtures. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major renewals and improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred. A breakout of property, plant and equipment by type is presented below: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Land $ 84,059 $ 92,470 Buildings and Improvements 752,849 775,078 Machinery, equipment and fixtures 1,687,875 1,712,028 Construction in progress 17,786 10,583 Total 2,542,569 2,590,159 Accumulated depreciation (1,645,984 ) (1,655,676 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 896,585 $ 934,483 Certain assets of our former parent and former parent affiliates that were not owned by us but were otherwise specifically identifiable or attributable to us and were necessary to present combined financial statements on a stand-alone basis for prior years have also been included in these financial statements. Leases: Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. At lease inception, we determine the lease term by excluding renewal options that are not reasonably assured. The lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term. Accounts payable and accrued expenses: A breakout of accounts payable and accrued expenses by type is presented below: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Compensation $ 115,602 $ 77,606 Taxes 23,644 26,195 Other 108,775 89,096 Total accrued liabilities 248,021 192,897 Accounts payable 145,005 125,888 Total accrued liabilities and accounts payable $ 393,026 $ 318,785 Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. In accordance with the impairment testing provisions included in ASC Topic 350, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Before performing the annual two-step goodwill impairment test, we are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the two-step quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a two-step quantitative test. Otherwise, the two-step test is not required. In the first step of the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill. In determining the reporting units, we consider the way we manage our businesses and the nature of those businesses. These reporting units therefore consist principally of U.S. Community Publishing, the USA TODAY group, and the U.K. group. We perform an impairment test annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 as described above. We recognized impairment charges each year from 2013 through 2015. See Note 5 for additional information. Investments and other assets: Investments in entities for which we do not have control, but we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. See Note 6 for additional information. Revenue recognition: Our revenues include amounts charged to customers for space purchased in our newspapers, digital ads placed on our digital platforms, advertising and marketing service fees, online subscription advertising products and commercial printing. • Publishing revenues also include circulation revenues for newspapers, both print and digital, purchased by readers or distributors, reduced by the amount of any discounts taken. • Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when advertising is printed or placed on digital platforms. • Marketing services revenues are generally recognized when advertisements or services are delivered. • Online subscriptions are recognized over the subscription period. • Commercial printing revenues are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. • Circulation revenues are recognized when purchased newspapers are distributed or made available on our digital platforms. We have various advertising and circulation agreements which have both print and digital deliverables. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities. Retirement plans: Pension and other postretirement benefit costs under our defined benefit retirement plans are actuarially determined. We recognize the cost of postretirement benefits including pension, medical and life insurance benefits on an accrual basis over the average life expectancy of employees expected to receive such benefits for plans that have had their benefits frozen. For active plans, costs are recognized over the estimated average future service period. Stock-based employee compensation: We grant restricted stock units as well as performance shares to our employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the four -year incentive period for restricted stock units and the three -year incentive period for performance shares. Expense for performance share awards for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 11 for further discussion. Income taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and recognizes a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position 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 from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record 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. Foreign currency translation: The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income and are classified as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets and Statements of Equity. Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable. Concentration of risk: Due to the distributed nature of our operations, we are not subject to significant concentrations of risk relating to customers, products, or geographic locations. Generally, credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial position, and advance payment is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and have been within management’s expectations. Our foreign revenues, principally from businesses in the U.K., totaled approximately $417.4 million in 2015, $461.3 million in 2014, and $452.0 million in 2013. Our long-lived assets in foreign countries, principally in the U.K., totaled approximately $330.0 million at Dec. 27, 2015, $336.7 million at Dec. 28, 2014, and $384.3 million at Dec. 29, 2013. Supplementary Cash Flow Information: Supplementary cash flow information, including non-cash investing and financing activities, are as follows: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Accrued capital expenditures $ 3,251 Dividends payable $ 18,501 Parent, net investment activity subsequent to separation $ 31,762 Fair value of noncontrolling equity interests in TNP and CNP $ 60,954 Pre-acquisition carrying value of TNP $ 39,155 Supplementary non-cash information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 is immaterial. New accounting pronouncements: In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-07 Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which the fair value is measured at NAV using the practical expedient under Topic 820. ASU 2015-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented beginning in the year of adoption. As ASU 2015-07 will impact our disclosures only, adoption will not affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) delayed the effective date for ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). The core principle contemplated by ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which 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. We are required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2018 and retroactively apply it to our 2016 and 2017 financial results at the time of adoption. Under the new rules, we are permitted to adopt the new standard in 2017. We can also choose to apply the standard using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach, which recognizes a cumulative catch up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We are currently assessing the impact and timing of adopting this pronouncement and the transition method we will use. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 Inventory (“Topic 330”): “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires entities using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory costing method to subsequently value inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Topic 330 defines net realizable value as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Topic 330 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of Topic 330 and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial results. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 Business Combinations (“Topic 805”): “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments,” which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Under Topic 805, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments in the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of Topic 805 and assessing the impact, if any, on our consolidated financial results. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 Income Taxes (“Topic 740”): “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted and this presentation is included in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets.

Acquisitions and dispositions

Acquisitions and dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and dispositions	Acquisitions and dispositions Texas-New Mexico Partnership : On June 1, 2015, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 59.4% interest in the Texas-New Mexico Partnership (“TNP”) that we did not own from Digital First Media. We completed the acquisition through the assignment of our 19.5% interest in the California Newspapers Partnership (“CNP”), valued at $34.4 million , and additional cash consideration, net of cash acquired, of $5.2 million . As a result, we own 100% of TNP and no longer have any ownership interest or continuing involvement in CNP. Through the transaction, we acquired news organizations in Texas ( El Paso Times ), New Mexico ( Alamogordo Daily News ; Carlsbad Current-Argus ; The Daily Times in Farmington; Deming Headlight ; Las Cruces Sun-News ; and Silver City Sun-News ) and Pennsylvania ( Chambersburg Public Opinion; Hanover Evening Sun; Lebanon Daily News; and The York Daily Record ). The purchase price was allocated to the tangible assets and identified intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The allocation of the purchase price is based upon management’s preliminary estimates. At the acquisition date, the purchase price assigned to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows: In thousands of dollars Current assets $ 12,310 Plant, property and equipment 20,792 Intangible assets 28,440 Goodwill 28,250 Total assets acquired 89,792 Current liabilities 10,860 Noncurrent liabilities 11,878 Total liabilities assumed 22,738 Net assets acquired $ 67,054 The fair value of our 40.6% interest in TNP on the acquisition date was $26.6 million . We recognized a $21.8 million pre-tax non-cash gain on the transaction. This gain is included in “Other non-operating items, net” on the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Acquisition-related costs for this transaction were $0.7 million . The impact to our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income, since the June 1, 2015, acquisition date, was approximately $46.6 million of revenue. Acquired property, plant and equipment will be depreciated on a straight-line basis over the assets’ respective estimated remaining useful lives. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other intangible assets acquired that do not qualify for separate recognition, including assembled workforce and non-contractual relationships, as well as expected future synergies. We expect the purchase price allocated to goodwill and mastheads will be deductible for tax purposes. Romanes Media Group: On May 26, 2015, Newsquest paid $23.4 million , net of cash acquired, to purchase 100% of the shares of Romanes Media Group (“RMG”). RMG publishes local newspapers in Scotland, Berkshire and Northern Ireland and its portfolio comprises one daily newspaper, 28 weekly newspapers and their associated websites. We incurred $ 0.5 million of acquisition-related costs for this transaction. The impact to our Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income since the acquisition date was $15.9 million of revenue. Journal Media Group: On Oct. 7, 2015 we entered into a merger agreement for the acquisition of Journal Media Group, Inc. (“JMG”) for approximately $280 million . We will finance the transaction through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our $500 million Credit Facility. The pending acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016.

Severance-related expenses

Severance-related expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance-related expenses	Severance-related expenses We have initiated various cost reducing actions that are severance-related. In March 2015, we announced an Early Retirement Opportunity Program (“EROP”) for our USA TODAY employees. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 712, we recorded severance-related expenses of $7.8 million for the year ended Dec. 27, 2015. In August 2015, we announced an EROP for employees in certain corporate departments and publishing sites. We recorded severance-related expenses of approximately $34.3 million for the year ended Dec. 27, 2015. We recorded $59.3 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $12.9 million in selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended Dec. 27, 2015 related to our EROP and employee termination actions. We recorded $15.5 million in costs of sales and operating expenses and $4.2 million in selling, general and administrative expenses during the year ended Dec. 28, 2014 related to employee termination actions. We also had other employee termination actions associated with our facility consolidation and other cost efficiency efforts. We recorded severance-related expenses of $30.2 million and $19.8 million for the years ended Dec. 27, 2015 and Dec. 28, 2014, respectively. A summary of our USA TODAY 2015 EROP is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ — Payments (4,464 ) Expense 7,801 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 3,337 A summary of our August 2015 EROP is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ — Payments (6,127 ) Expense 34,280 Adjustments 240 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 28,393 A summary of the related severance liability for our various other one-time actions is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 14,886 Payments (21,289 ) Expense 13,074 Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 6,671 Payments (19,679 ) Expense 22,826 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 9,818 We also have an ongoing severance plan to terminated employees in the normal course of business. A summary of the related liability is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 5,824 Payments (7,696 ) Expense 6,723 Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 4,851 Payments (8,175 ) Expense 7,359 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 4,035 Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges For each year presented, we recognized charges related to facility consolidations efforts and in certain of these periods, we also recorded non-cash impairment charges to assets and certain investments in which we hold a noncontrolling interest which are accounted for under the equity method. A summary of these charges by year is presented below: In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2015 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 19,437 $ 13,131 $ 0.11 Property, plant and equipment 10,061 6,167 0.05 Other 4,780 2,930 0.03 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations 34,278 22,228 0.19 Non-operating charges: Equity method investments 658 404 — Total charges $ 34,936 $ 22,632 $ 0.19 In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2014 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 1,701 $ 1,000 $ 0.01 Property, plant and equipment 19,467 13,467 0.12 Other 14,048 8,449 0.07 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations $ 35,216 $ 22,916 $ 0.20 In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2013 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Amount Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 2,401 $ 1,500 $ 0.01 Property, plant and equipment 14,756 9,156 0.08 Other 9,454 5,854 0.05 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations 26,611 16,510 0.14 Non-operating charges: Other non-operating items 2,693 1,593 0.01 Total charges $ 29,304 $ 18,103 $ 0.15 During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recorded non-cash impairment charges for mastheads, after the qualitative assessments indicated it was more likely than not that the carrying values exceeded the respective fair values. Accordingly, we prepared quantitative assessments for the assets which indicated that certain carrying values were less than its respective fair values, and as a result pre-tax impairment charges totaled $0.9 million in 2015, $1.7 million in 2014 and $2.4 million in 2013. Fair values were determined using a relief-from-royalty method. The impairments recorded were principally a result of revenue projections which were lower than expected. During 2015, we recorded non-cash impairment charges for definite lived other intangibles, after qualitative assessments indicated it was more likely than not that the carrying values exceeded the respective fair values. Accordingly, we prepared quantitative assessments for the years which also indicated that impairments existed. As a results of these assessments, we recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the carrying value of each asset to its respective fair value. Fair values were determined using a relief-from-royalty method as well as the excess earnings method. The pre-tax impairment charges totaled $18.5 million in 2015. The impairments recorded were principally a result of revenue projections which were lower than expected. Facility consolidation plans led us to recognize charges associated with revising the useful lives of certain assets over a shortened period as well as shutdown costs. Charges were recognized in each year presented. Certain assets classified as held-for-sale in accordance with ASC Topic 360 resulted in charges also being recognized as the carrying values were reduced to equal the fair value less cost to dispose. These fair values were based on estimates of prices for similar assets. During 2015, the carrying value of a certain investment in which we own noncontrolling interest was written down to fair value because the business underlying the investments had experienced sustained operating losses, leading us to conclude the investment was impaired. These charges of $0.7 million are recorded in “Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net.” We also recorded non-operating charges to write off certain assets that were donated during 2013.

Goodwill and other intangible a

Goodwill and other intangible assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014. In thousands of dollars Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Dec. 27, 2015 Goodwill $ 575,685 $ — $ 575,685 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Mastheads and trade names 31,521 — 31,521 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 68,005 (39,813 ) 28,192 Other 11,478 (11,478 ) — Total $ 686,689 $ (51,291 ) $ 635,398 Dec. 28, 2014 Goodwill $ 544,345 $ — $ 544,345 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Mastheads and trade names 13,469 — 13,469 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 173,822 (140,720 ) 33,102 Other 14,279 (10,735 ) 3,544 Total $ 745,915 $ (151,455 ) $ 594,460 Amortization expense was $11.6 million in 2015 and $13.9 million in 2014. The decrease primarily reflects the full amortization of 4 assets partially offset by the impact of the TNP and RMG acquisitions in 2015. Customer relationships, which include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships, are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Other intangibles are primarily amortizable trade names and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The weighted average remaining amortization period for customer relationships is approximately 6 years. The other intangibles were fully amortized as of Dec. 27, 2015. The following table shows the projected annual amortization expense, as of Dec. 27, 2015, related to amortizable intangibles assuming no acquisitions or dispositions: In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 5,081 2017 $ 4,980 2018 $ 4,930 2019 $ 4,340 2020 $ 3,948 The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2015 and 2014. In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013: Goodwill $ 7,501,584 Accumulated impairment losses (6,946,105 ) Net balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 555,479 Activity during the year: Acquisitions & adjustments 2 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (11,136 ) Total $ (11,134 ) Balance at Dec. 28, 2014: Goodwill 7,358,420 Accumulated impairment losses (6,814,075 ) Net balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 544,345 Activity during the year: Acquisitions & adjustments 39,484 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (8,144 ) Total $ 31,340 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015: Goodwill 7,297,752 Accumulated impairment losses (6,722,067 ) Net balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 575,685 In fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, we performed a quantitative step one analysis of our reporting units as part of the annual goodwill impairment evaluation and determined that the fair values were in excess of the individual reporting units carrying values, and, accordingly, there were no goodwill impairments.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments	Investments Our investments include several that are accounted for under the equity method. Principal among these are the following: % Owned Dec. 27, 2015 Ponderay Newsprint Company 13.50% Homefinder.com 33.33% Timerazor 7.09% TNI Partners 50.00% The aggregate carrying value of equity investments at Dec. 27, 2015, was $7.9 million and $54.5 million at Dec. 28, 2014. Certain differences exist between our investment carrying value and the underlying equity of the investee companies principally due to fair value measurement at the date of investment acquisition and due to impairment charges we recorded for certain of the investments.

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facility	Revolving Credit Facility On June 29, 2015, we entered into a new five -year secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million (“Credit Facility”). Under the Credit Facility, we may borrow at an applicable margin above the Eurodollar base rate (“LIBOR loan”) or the higher of the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% , or the one month LIBOR rate plus 1.00% (“ABR loan”). The applicable margin is determined based on our total leverage ratio but differs between LIBOR loans and ABR loans. For LIBOR-based borrowing, the margin varies from 2.00% to 2.50% . For ABR-based borrowing, the margin will vary from 1.00% to 1.50% . Customary fees are payable related to the Credit Facility, including commitment fees on the undrawn commitments of between 0.30% and 0.40% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears, based on our total leverage ratio. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by a majority of our wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries. All obligations of Gannett and each subsidiary guarantor under the Credit Facility are or will be secured by first priority security interests in our equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, fixtures, general intangibles and other personal property, mortgages on certain material real property and pledges of the capital stock of each subsidiary guarantor. Pursuant to the Credit Facility, on or after Sept. 30, 2015 we are obligated to not permit our consolidated interest coverage ratio to be less than 3.00 :1.00 and our total leverage ratio to exceed 3.00 :1.00, in each case as of the last day of the test period consisting of four consecutive fiscal quarters. We were in compliance with these financial covenants as of Dec. 27, 2015. The Credit Facility also contains a number of covenants that, among other things, limit or restrict our ability, subject to certain exceptions described in the Credit Facility, to (i) permit certain liens on current or future assets; (ii) enter into certain corporate transactions; (iii) incur additional indebtedness; (iv) make certain payments or declare certain dividends or distributions; (v) dispose of certain property; (vi) make certain investments; (vii) prepay or amend the terms of other indebtedness; or (viii) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates. As of Dec. 27, 2015, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. Up to $50 million of the Credit Facility is available for issuance of letters of credit. As of Dec. 27, 2015, we had $16.4 million of letters of credit outstanding and $483.6 million of availability remaining.

Retirement plans

Retirement plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans We, along with our subsidiaries, have various defined benefit retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. A number of our current and former employees also participated in pension plans sponsored by our former parent. Retirement benefits obligations pursuant to the former parent-sponsored retirement plans related to our current and former employees were transferred to us at the separation date and, accordingly, were allocated to us in our consolidated and combined financial statements for all periods prior to the spin-off. This allocation was done by estimating the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability was transferred to us at the separation. Subsequent to the spin-off, no further costs were allocated to us. Our principal retirement plan is the Gannett Retirement Plan (GRP). The disclosure tables below include the assets and obligations of the GRP, the Gannett 2015 Supplemental Retirement Plan (SERP), the Newsquest Pension Scheme in the U.K. (Newsquest Plan), and the Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan. We use a Dec. 31 measurement date convention for our retirement plans. Our pension costs, which include costs for our qualified and non-qualified plans, are presented in the following table: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 7,993 $ 4,498 $ 6,487 Interest cost on benefit obligation 131,149 145,433 131,270 Expected return on plan assets (196,774 ) (206,164 ) (188,462 ) Amortization of prior service costs 6,893 6,967 6,967 Amortization of actuarial loss 56,722 41,728 56,813 Pension cost (benefit) for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans 5,983 (7,538 ) 13,075 Settlement charge 1,254 — 1,721 Expense (credit) for retirement plans $ 7,237 $ (7,538 ) $ 14,796 The following table provides a reconciliation of pension benefit obligations (on a projected benefit obligation measurement basis), plan assets and funded status of former parent-sponsored retirement plans, along with the related amounts that are recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,433,581 $ 3,170,182 Service cost 7,993 4,498 Interest cost 131,149 145,433 Plan participants’ contributions 8 4 Actuarial (gain) loss (106,778 ) 370,700 Foreign currency translation (40,679 ) (57,779 ) Gross benefits paid (218,998 ) (199,457 ) Acquisitions 26,308 — Settlements (4,354 ) — Transfer from separation (43,435 ) — Benefit obligations at end of year $ 3,184,795 $ 3,433,581 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 2,654,889 $ 2,668,093 Transfers 1,006 — Actual return on plan assets 38,853 154,462 Plan participants’ contributions 8 4 Employer contributions 128,179 74,442 Gross benefits paid (218,998 ) (199,457 ) Acquisitions 26,179 — Settlements (4,354 ) — Foreign currency translation (30,411 ) (42,655 ) Transfer from separation (36,724 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889 Funded status at end of year $ (626,168 ) $ (778,692 ) Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Noncurrent assets $ 2,166 $ — Accrued benefit cost—current $ (15,891 ) $ (8,651 ) Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent $ (612,443 ) $ (770,041 ) The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans at Dec. 27, 2015, is as follows: In thousands of dollars Fair Value of Plan Assets Benefit Obligation Funded Status GRP $ 1,755,432 $ 2,015,000 $ (259,568 ) SERP (a) — 123,624 (123,624 ) Newsquest 714,010 946,329 (232,319 ) Newspaper Guild of Detroit 89,185 99,842 (10,657 ) Total $ 2,558,627 $ 3,184,795 $ (626,168 ) (a) The SERP is an unfunded, unsecured liability The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 3,179,094 $ 3,420,669 Fair value of plan assets $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889 The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 3,184,795 $ 3,433,581 Fair value of plan assets $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889 The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” that are currently unrecognized as a component of pension expense for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans as of the dates presented (pre-tax). Amounts included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” related to former parent-sponsored plans have been allocated to us in proportion to the projected benefit obligation allocated to us. In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Net actuarial losses $ (1,613,939 ) $ (1,663,647 ) Prior service cost (35,451 ) (43,257 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,649,390 ) $ (1,706,904 ) The actuarial loss amounts expected to be amortized from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $60.1 million . The prior service cost amounts expected to be amortized from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $6.7 million . The increased reduction to accumulated other comprehensive income was driven by lower rates used to discount our pension obligations as well as updates to assumed life expectancies of the plan’s participants. Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in “Other comprehensive loss” consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current year actuarial loss $ (50,137 ) Actuarial gain due to settlement 1,254 Amortization of actuarial loss 56,722 Amortization of prior service costs 6,893 Foreign currency gain 18,598 Transfer from separation 24,180 Total $ 57,510 Pension costs: The following assumptions were used to determine net pension costs: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.17% 4.74% 4.10% Expected return on plan assets 7.63% 7.91% 7.93% Rate of compensation increase 2.95% 2.96% 2.96% The expected return on plan assets assumption was determined based on plan asset allocations, a review of historic capital market performance, historical plan asset performance and a forecast of expected future plan asset returns. Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligations: Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Discount rate 4.24% 3.94% Rate of compensation increase 2.96% 2.96% During 2015 , we made contributions of $ 11.6 million to the Newsquest Plan. In 2016, we expect to contribute $ 17.5 million to the Newsquest Plan. During 2015, former parent made contributions of $ 104.7 million to the GRP and $ 3.0 million to the SERP. After our separation from our former parent, we contributed $ 0.6 million to the GRP and $ 7.4 million to the SERP. Beginning in 2016, in addition to any other contributions that may be required, we will make additional contributions of $ 25.0 million in each of the next five fiscal years ending in 2020 and $15.0 million in 2021 for the GRP. Our expected 2016 contribution for the SERP is $ 15.9 million . Plan assets: The asset allocation of our plans at the end of 2015 and 2014 , and target allocations for 2016, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2016 2015 2014 Equity securities 59 % 53 % 60 % Debt securities 19 24 17 Alternative investments* 22 23 23 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % * Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds. The primary objective of company-sponsored retirement plans is to provide eligible employees with scheduled pension benefits; the “prudent man” guideline is followed with regard to the investment management of retirement plan assets. Consistent with prudent standards for preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity, the goal is to earn the highest possible total rate of return while minimizing risk. The principal means of reducing volatility and exercising prudent investment judgment is diversification by asset class and by investment manager; consequently, portfolios are constructed to attain prudent diversification in the total portfolio, each asset class, and within each individual investment manager’s portfolio. Investment diversification is consistent with the intent to minimize the risk of large losses. All objectives are based upon an investment horizon spanning five years so that interim market fluctuations can be viewed with the appropriate perspective. The target asset allocation represents the long-term perspective. Retirement plan assets will be rebalanced periodically to align them with the target asset allocations. Risk characteristics are measured and compared with an appropriate benchmark quarterly; periodic reviews are made of the investment objectives and the investment managers. Our actual investment return on our Gannett Retirement Plan assets was 1.9% for 2015 , 5.2% for 2014 and 16.4% for 2013 . Retirement plan assets include approximately 0.6 million shares of our common stock valued at approximately $10.1 million at the end of 2015 . The plan received dividends of approximately $1.0 million on these shares in 2015 . Cash flows: We estimate the following benefit payments will be made from retirement plan assets, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans. In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 228,979 2017 $ 201,919 2018 $ 200,073 2019 $ 199,106 2020 $ 197,063 2021-2025 $ 942,375 401(k) savings plan Substantially all our employees (other than those covered by a collective bargaining agreement) who are scheduled to work at least 1,000 hours during each year of employment are eligible to participate in our principal defined contribution plan, The Gannett Co., Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan. Employees can elect to save up to 50% of compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain limits. For most participants, the plan’s matching formula is 100% of the first 5% of employee contributions. We also make additional employer contributions on behalf of certain long-term employees. Compensation expense related to 401(k) contributions was $25.8 million in 2015, $30.4 million in 2014, and $34.0 million in 2013. We settled the 401(k) employee match obligation payable in company stock by buying our stock in the open market and depositing it in the participants’ accounts. Multi-employer plans that provide pension benefits: We contribute to a number of multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements (CBA) that cover our union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: • We play no part in the management of plan investments or any other aspect of plan administration. • Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. • If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by the remaining participating employers. • If we choose to stop participating in some of our multi-employer plans, we may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the unfunded status of the plan, referred to as withdrawal liability. Our participation in these plans for the annual period ended Dec. 27, 2015, is outlined in the table below. The “EIN/Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employee Identification Number (EIN) and the three-digit plan number. Unless otherwise noted, the two most recent Pension Protection Act (PPA) zone statuses available are for the plan’s year-end at Dec. 27, 2015 and Dec. 28, 2014. The zone status is based on information that we received from the plan and is certified by the plan’s actuary. Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65% funded; plans in the orange zone are both a) less than 80% funded and b) have an accumulated/expected funding deficiency in any of the next six plan years, net of any amortization extensions; plans in the yellow zone meet either one of the criteria mentioned in the orange zone; and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a financial improvement plan (FIP) or a rehabilitation plan (RP) is either pending or has been implemented. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are subject. We make all required contributions to these plans as determined under the respective CBAs. For each of the plans listed below, our contribution represented less than 5% of total contributions to the plan except for one plan where we contributed approximately 7% of the total contributions to the Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan. This calculation is based on the plan financial statements issued at the end of Dec. 31, 2014. At the date we issue our financial statements, Forms 5500 were unavailable for the plan years ending after Dec. 31, 2014. We incurred expenses for multi-employer withdrawal liabilities of $6.1 million in 2015 and $8.2 million in 2014. Other noncurrent liabilities on the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet include $43.5 million as of Dec. 27, 2015, and $41.2 million as of Dec. 28, 2014, for such withdrawal liabilities. Multi-employer Pension Plans EIN Number/ Zone Status FIP/RP Status Contributions (in thousands) Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of CBAs Pension Plan Name Plan Number 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan 13-6212879/001 Red Red Implemented $ 411 $ 433 $ 242 No 2/2/2017 GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a), (b) 91-6024903/001 Red Red Implemented 43 71 216 No N/A The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a) 52-1082662/001 Red Red Implemented 226 244 279 No 2/23/2016 IAM National Pension Plan (a) 51-6031295/002 Green Green NA 352 403 736 NA 4/30/2016 Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a) 23-1511735/001 Yellow Yellow Implemented 1,452 1,298 1,355 NA N/A Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a) 36-6052390/001 Green Green NA 99 153 160 NA 4/30/2016 Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (b) 36-6044243/001 Red Red Implemented — — 40 No N/A Total $ 2,583 $ 2,602 $ 3,028 (a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. (b) We have no ongoing participation in these plans.

Postretirement benefits other t

Postretirement benefits other than pensions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	Postretirement benefits other than pensions We provide health care and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees who meet age and service requirements. Most of our retirees contribute to the cost of these benefits and retiree contributions are increased as actual benefit costs increase. Certain of our employees also participated in postretirement benefit plans sponsored by our former parent. Health care and life insurance benefit obligations pursuant to the former parent-sponsored postretirement plans related to our current and former employees were transferred to us at the separation date and, accordingly, have been allocated to us in our consolidated and combined financial statements for periods prior to the separation date by determining the projected benefit obligation of participants for which the liability was transferred to us at the separation. Subsequent to the separation, no further costs were allocated to us. The cost of providing retiree health care and life insurance benefits is actuarially determined. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims and premiums are paid. In March 2014, our former parent adopted changes to the retiree medical plan that were effective July 1, 2014. Beginning on that date, a stipend is paid to certain Medicare-eligible Gannett retirees. As a result of this change, our former parent remeasured the related postretirement benefit obligation during the first quarter of 2014 and recorded a reduction to the liability of $ 33.9 million , of which our allocated portion was $ 32.9 million (with a corresponding adjustment to “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”). We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for these plans. Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance included the following components: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 301 $ 365 $ 523 Interest cost on net benefit obligation 4,019 4,610 5,526 Amortization of prior service credit (9,615 ) (11,421 ) (9,006 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,426 718 1,127 Net periodic postretirement benefit credit $ (3,869 ) $ (5,728 ) $ (1,830 ) The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of our postretirement benefit plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored postretirement plans: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in benefit obligations Net benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 103,528 $ 141,447 Service cost 301 365 Interest cost 4,019 4,610 Plan participants’ contributions 3,839 5,018 Plan amendments — (36,873 ) Actuarial loss 3,898 6,590 Gross benefits paid (13,935 ) (18,294 ) Federal subsidy on benefits paid — 665 Transfer from separation (4,142 ) — Net benefit obligations at end of year $ 97,508 $ 103,528 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 10,096 13,276 Plan participants’ contributions 3,839 5,018 Gross benefits paid (13,935 ) (18,294 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (97,508 ) $ (103,528 ) Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Accrued benefit cost—current $ (9,914 ) $ (10,054 ) Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent $ (87,594 ) $ (93,474 ) The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” that are currently unrecognized as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit credit as of the dates presented (pre-tax): In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Net actuarial losses $ (12,611 ) $ (12,044 ) Prior service credit 29,515 41,454 Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 16,904 $ 29,410 The actuarial loss and prior service credit estimated to be amortized from “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 are $0.9 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in “Other comprehensive loss” consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current year actuarial loss $ (4,005 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,426 Amortization of prior service credit (9,615 ) Other adjustments (311 ) Total $ (12,505 ) Postretirement benefit costs: The following assumptions were used to determine postretirement benefit cost: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.11 % 4.50 % 3.80 % Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.18 % 6.26 % 7.17 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that ultimate trend rate is reached 2018 2018 2017 Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligation: Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Discount rate 4.35 % 4.00 % Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.18 % 6.26 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that ultimate trend rate is reached 2018 2018 Assumed health care cost trend rates have an effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate would result in a change of approximately $0.2 million in the 2015 postretirement benefit obligation and no measurable change in the aggregate service and interest components of the 2015 expense. Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans. In thousands of dollars Benefit Payments 2016 $ 9,914 2017 $ 8,877 2018 $ 8,720 2019 $ 8,136 2020 $ 7,415 2021-2025 $ 31,302 The amounts above exclude the participants’ share of the benefit cost. Our policy is to fund benefits as claims, stipends and premiums are paid. We expect no subsidy benefits for 2016 and beyond.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current Deferred Total Federal $ (5,383 ) $ 36,489 $ 31,106 State and other (560 ) 4,046 3,486 Foreign 6,447 6,845 13,292 Total $ 504 $ 47,380 $ 47,884 In thousands of dollars 2014 Current Deferred Total Federal $ 39,740 $ 18,282 $ 58,022 State and other (21,123 ) 27,731 6,608 Foreign — 2,930 2,930 Total $ 18,617 $ 48,943 $ 67,560 In thousands of dollars 2013 Current Deferred Total Federal $ 21,933 $ 64,317 $ 86,250 State and other (17,252 ) (2,944 ) (20,196 ) Foreign — 5,248 5,248 Total $ 4,681 $ 66,621 $ 71,302 The components of net income before income taxes consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 128,316 $ 192,741 $ 260,937 Foreign 65,659 85,524 84,826 Total $ 193,975 $ 278,265 $ 345,763 The provision for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences: 2015 2014 2013 U.S. statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: State/other income taxes net of federal income tax 2.4 2.5 2.6 Statutory rate differential and permanent differences in earnings in foreign jurisdictions (6.3 ) (13.4 ) (11.0 ) Impact of rate change in foreign tax jurisdiction 1.9 — — Valuation allowance — 4.4 2.9 Lapse of statutes of limitations net of federal income tax (1.1 ) (0.9 ) (8.6 ) Impact of accounting method change (3.4 ) — — Domestic manufacturing deduction (1.4 ) (1.9 ) (1.1 ) Other, net (2.4 ) (1.4 ) 0.8 Effective tax rate 24.7 % 24.3 % 20.6 % Deferred income taxes reflect temporary differences in the recognition of revenue and expense for tax reporting and financial statement purposes. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are adjusted for enacted changes in tax laws or tax rates of the various tax jurisdictions. The amount of such adjustments for 2015 was $3.8 million due to reductions in U.K. tax rates. The amount of such adjustments for 2014 and 2013 were not significant. Deferred tax liabilities and assets were composed of the following at the end of 2015 and 2014: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Liabilities Accelerated depreciation $ (165,457 ) $ (186,222 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (165,457 ) (186,222 ) Assets Accrued compensation costs 41,321 20,587 Pension and postretirement benefits 257,764 346,792 Basis difference and amortization of intangibles 164,485 56,082 Federal tax benefits of uncertain state tax positions 7,506 3,846 Partnership investments including impairments 5,353 9,894 Loss carryforwards 34,312 52,759 Other 38,600 18,773 Total deferred tax assets 549,341 508,733 Valuation allowance (181,893 ) (59,392 ) Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 201,991 $ 263,119 Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Current deferred tax assets $ — $ 1,797 Noncurrent deferred tax assets $ 201,991 $ 261,322 As of Dec. 27, 2015 we had approximately $15.2 million of foreign tax credits, $1.8 million of state credits, $93.8 million of apportioned state net operating loss carryforwards, $127.8 million of foreign net operating loss carry forwards and $34.3 million of foreign capital loss carryforwards. The foreign tax credits, the state tax credits, and the state net operating loss carryovers expire in various amounts beginning in 2016 through 2034. The foreign net operating loss carryovers and the foreign capital losses can be carried forward indefinitely. Included in total deferred tax assets are valuation allowances of approximately $181.9 million in 2015 and $59.4 million in 2014, primarily related to unamortizable intangible assets, foreign tax credits and foreign losses available for carry forward to future years. The increase in the valuation allowance from 2014 to 2015 is related to unamortizable intangible assets that arose from the spin-off. The valuation allowance is based on an analysis of future sources of taxable income and other sources of positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that the foreign credits and losses will not be utilized before their expiration. The following table summarizes the activity related to our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets: In thousands of dollars Balance at beginning of period Additions/(reductions) charged to cost and expenses Additions/(reductions) for acquisitions/dispositions (Deductions from)/additions to reserves Balance at end of period $ 59,392 $ (2,316 ) $ — $ 124,817 $ 181,893 Realization of deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income. We expect to realize the benefit of these deferred tax assets through future reversals of our deferred tax liabilities, through the recognition of taxable income in the allowable carryback and carryforward periods, and through implementation of future tax planning strategies. Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets for which valuation allowances have not been established will be realized. The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in unrecognized tax benefits Balance at beginning of year $ 10,919 $ 13,875 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,021 1,768 Additions for tax positions of prior years 6,713 545 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (2,398 ) Settlements — (36 ) Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations (2,621 ) (2,835 ) Balance at end of year $ 17,032 $ 10,919 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $11.3 million as of Dec. 27, 2015, $7.5 million as of Dec. 28, 2014, and $9.2 million as of Dec. 29, 2013. This amount includes the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. We also recognize interest income attributable to overpayment of income taxes and from the reversal of interest expense previously recorded for uncertain tax positions which are subsequently released as a component of income tax expense. We recognized income from interest and the release of penalty reserves of $0.6 million in 2015, $1.2 million in 2014, and $12.2 million in 2013. The amount of accrued interest and payables related to unrecognized tax benefits was $3.4 million as of Dec. 27, 2015, $1.1 million as of Dec. 28, 2014 and $2.3 million as of Dec. 29, 2013. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of settlement of ongoing audits, lapses of statutes of limitations or other regulatory developments. At this time, we estimate the amount of our gross unrecognized tax positions may decrease by up to approximately $2.0 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions. In connection with the spin-off, we entered into a tax matters agreement with our former parent which states each company’s rights and responsibilities with respect to payment of taxes, tax return filings and control of tax examinations. We are generally responsible for taxes allocable to periods (or portions of periods) beginning after the spin-off. Although any changes with regards to additional income tax liabilities which relate to periods prior to the spin-off may impact our effective tax rate in the future, we may be entitled to seek indemnification for these items from our former parent under the tax matters agreement.

Shareholders' equity

Shareholders' equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Shareholders' equity	Shareholders’ equity Capital stock and earnings per share On June 29, 2015, our former parent distributed 98.5% of our total shares and retained the remaining 1.5% . The total shares outstanding at that date was approximately 115 million . The total number of shares outstanding at that date was used for the calculation of both basic and diluted earnings per share for years prior to 2015. Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 146,091 $ 210,705 $ 274,461 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 115,165 114,959 114,959 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 728 — — Performance shares 582 — — Stock options 220 — — Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (diluted) 116,695 114,959 114,959 Earnings per share (basic) $ 1.27 $ 1.83 $ 2.39 Earnings per share (diluted) $ 1.25 $ 1.83 $ 2.39 The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately 0.1 million RSUs outstanding for 2015 as their inclusion would be antidilutive. Share repurchase program In July 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing us to repurchase shares with an aggregate value of up to $150 million over a three -year period. Shares may be repurchased at management’s discretion, either in the open market or in privately negotiated block transactions. Management’s decision to repurchase shares will depend on share price and other corporate liquidity requirements. We expect that share repurchases may occur from time to time over the three years. As of Dec. 27, 2015, no shares have been repurchased under this program. Equity-based awards We established the Gannett Co. Inc. 2015 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) for the purpose of granting equity-based and cash-based awards to Gannett employees and directors. The Plan permits the grant of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units, and cash-based awards. Awards may be granted to our employees and members of the Board of Directors. The Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the plan and initially reserved 11.0 million shares of our common stock for issuance. The Plan provides that shares of common stock subject to awards granted become available again for issuance if such awards are canceled or forfeited. We currently issue stock-based compensation to employees in the form of performance shares and RSUs. We currently issue stock-based compensation to members of our Board of Directors in the form of RSUs. Award grants to our employees are generally made on Jan. 1 and grants to members of our Board of Directors generally will be made in connection with the date of our annual meetings or commencement of service for a new member. Prior to the spin-off, Gannett employees were eligible to participate in our former parent’s 2001 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan (the “former parent plan”). In connection with the spin-off, 4.4 million former parent options, 8.3 million former parent RSUs and 3.0 million former parent performance shares were converted to 1.1 million Gannett options, 3.0 million Gannett RSUs and 1.0 million Gannett performance shares, respectively, with terms that were substantially similar to the terms of the awards under the former parent plan. These awards were modified under the mandatory anti-dilution provision of the grants and an incremental cost of $3.1 million will be recorded over the remaining vesting periods of these awards. Performance share awards generally have a three -year vesting period with the number of shares earned ( 0% to 200% of the target award) determined based upon how our total shareholder return (TSR) compares to the TSR of a peer group of media companies during the three -year period. Performance shares generally vest on a pro rata basis if an employee terminates before the end of the performance period due to death, disability or retirement. Non-vested performance shares are generally forfeited upon termination for any other reason. The fair value and compensation expense of each performance share is determined on date of grant by using a Monte Carlo valuation model. Each performance share is equal to and paid in one share of our common stock, but carries no voting or dividend rights. RSU awards generally have a four -year incentive period and grant one share of common stock for each RSU granted. Subject to special vesting rules that apply to terminations due to death, disability or retirement, RSUs vest at the end of the incentive period; provided that commencing for awards made after 2014, RSUs generally vest 25% per year over the four -year incentive period. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the incentive period based on the grant date fair value. Members of our Board of Directors receive grants of RSUs as well as cash compensation. Director RSUs generally vest in quarterly installments over one year. Expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value. The Executive Compensation Committee may grant other types of awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to or that are otherwise based on fair market value of our common stock or other criteria established by the Executive Compensation Committee including the achievement of performance goals. The maximum aggregate grant of performance shares and RSU awards that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed 500,000 shares of common stock. The maximum aggregate amount of cash-based awards that may be awarded to any participant in any fiscal year shall not exceed $10 million . Determining fair value Valuation and amortization method – We determined the fair value of performance shares using the Monte Carlo valuation model. This model projects probable future stock prices for us and our peer group companies subject to certain price caps at the conclusion of the three-year incentive period. Key inputs into the Monte Carlo valuation model include expected term, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the risk-free rate. Each assumption is discussed below. Expected term – The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. The expected term for performance share awards is based on the incentive period of three years. Expected volatility – The fair value of stock-based awards reflects volatility factors calculated using historical market data for our common stock and the common stock of our peer group when the Monte Carlo method is used. The time frame used is equal to the expected term. Expected dividend – The dividend assumption is based on our expectations about our dividend policy on the date of grant. Risk-free interest rate – The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield to maturity at the time of the award grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining life equal to the award’s expected term. Estimated forfeitures – When estimating forfeitures, voluntary termination behavior as well as analysis of actual forfeitures was considered. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of performance share awards that were granted prior to the separation date: Performance Shares Granted During 2015 2014 2013 Expected term 3 yrs. 3 yrs. 3 yrs. Expected volatility 32% 39.32% 40.8% Risk-free interest rate 1.1% 0.78% 0.36% Expected dividend yield 2.51% 2.70% 4.44% Stock-based Compensation Expense: Stock-based compensation expense for Gannett employee participants in both plans have been included within selling, general, and administrative expense within the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. Prior to the distribution date, stock-based compensation expense for Gannett participants in the former parent plan was allocated to us. The following table shows the stock-based compensation related amounts recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for equity awards: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock and RSUs $ 12,235 $ 9,150 $ 10,040 Performance shares 9,478 7,333 4,931 Stock options 29 616 1,230 Total stock-based compensation $ 21,742 $ 17,099 $ 16,201 Restricted Stock and RSUs: As of Dec. 27, 2015, there was $20.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and RSUs. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. The tax benefit realized in 2015 was $8.0 million . A summary of restricted stock and RSU awards is presented below for the period after the date of separation from our former parent: 2015 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity Shares Weighted average fair value Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 2,885,994 $ 10.86 Granted 203,061 11.31 Settled (136,658 ) 10.35 Canceled (174,190 ) 10.98 Outstanding and unvested at Dec. 27, 2015 2,778,207 $ 10.91 Performance Shares: As of Dec. 27, 2015, there was $4.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested Performance Shares. This amount will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures and recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. A summary of the performance shares awards is presented below for the period after the date of separation from our former parent: 2015 Performance Shares Activity Target number of shares Weighted average fair value Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 926,138 $ 15.48 Vested (31,158 ) 15.51 Canceled (101,306 ) 15.21 Outstanding and unvested at Dec. 27, 2015 793,674 $ 15.52 Stock Options: As of Dec. 27, 2015, all stock options were fully vested. Options were exercised with an intrinsic value of approximately $ 4.7 million in 2015. A summary of our stock option awards is presented below: 2015 Stock Option Activity Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at June 29, 2015 1,078,289 $ 6.80 2.5 $ 7,901,831 Exercised (662,304 ) 7.53 Canceled (4,102 ) 12.61 Outstanding and exercisable at Dec. 27, 2015 411,883 $ 5.58 2.6 $ 4,378,900 Accumulated other comprehensive loss The elements of our “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” consisted of pension, retiree medical and life insurance liabilities and foreign currency translation. The following tables summarize the components of, and changes in, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”: In thousands of dollars 2015 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (1,082,312 ) $ 404,200 $ (678,112 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,010 ) (19,390 ) (31,400 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 36,088 — 36,088 Balance at end of year $ (1,058,234 ) $ 384,810 $ (673,424 ) In thousands of dollars 2014 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614 $ (441,981 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (232,740 ) (27,414 ) (260,154 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 24,023 — 24,023 Balance at end of year $ (1,082,312 ) $ 404,200 $ (678,112 ) In thousands of dollars 2013 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (1,049,171 ) $ 424,098 $ (625,073 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 139,670 7,516 147,186 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 35,906 — 35,906 Balance at end of year $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614 $ (441,981 ) “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” components are included in the computation of net periodic postretirement costs (see Notes 8 and 9 for more detail). Reclassifications out of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” related to these postretirement plans include the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 Amortization of prior service credit $ (2,722 ) $ (4,454 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 58,148 42,446 Total reclassifications, before tax 55,426 37,992 Income tax effect (19,338 ) (13,969 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 36,088 $ 24,023

Commitments, contingent liabili

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters	Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) litigation: On Jan. 2, 2014, a class action lawsuit was filed against Gannett in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Casagrand et al v. Gannett Co., Inc., et al). The suit claims various violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) arising from allegedly improper telemarketing calls made to consumers by one of our vendors. The plaintiffs seek to certify a class that would include all telemarketing calls made by the vendor or us. The TCPA provides for statutory damages of $500 per violation ( $1,500 for willful violations). The ultimate outcome of this proceeding is uncertain, but may be material to our results of operations and cash flows. We are vigorously defending the case and have asserted cross-claims against the vendor. Environmental contingency: In March 2011, the Advertiser Company, a subsidiary that publishes the Montgomery Advertiser, was notified by the U.S. EPA that it had been identified as a potentially responsible party (“PRP”) for the investigation and remediation of groundwater contamination in downtown Montgomery, AL. The Advertiser is a member of the Downtown Environmental Alliance, which has agreed to jointly fund and conduct all required investigation and remediation. The U.S. EPA has approved the work plan for the investigation and remediation, and has transferred responsibility for oversight of this work to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. The investigation and remediation are underway. In the third quarter of 2015, the Advertiser and other members of the Downtown Environmental Alliance also reached a settlement with the U.S. EPA regarding the costs that U.S. EPA spent to investigate the site. The Advertiser’s final costs cannot be determined until the cleanup work is completed and contributions from other PRPs are finalized. Other litigation: We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. We believe that any liability that exists as a result of these matters is immaterial. Leases: Future minimum lease commitments for non-cancelable operating leases (primarily real-estate) are as follows: In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 44,995 2017 41,090 2018 38,259 2019 34,442 2020 29,304 Later years 193,159 Total $ 381,249 Expected future sublease income on these lease commitments are expected to be approximately $2.5 million . Total rent expense was $39.7 million in 2015 , $34.1 million in 2014 and $34.7 million in 2013 . The lease for our corporate headquarters in McLean, VA provides for an initial term of 15 years with two five -year renewal options. Lease payments will begin at approximately $ 6.6 million per year with an additional $ 2.2 million in lease payments beginning in 2018. The lease agreement is subject to 2.5% annual rent escalations. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. Purchase obligations: We have future expected purchase obligations of $65.5 million related to wire services, interactive marketing agreements, professional services, paper distribution agreements, printing contracts and other legally binding commitments. Amounts which we are liable for under purchase orders outstanding at Dec. 27, 2015, are reflected in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets as “Trade accounts payable” and “Accrued liabilities” and are excluded from the $65.5 million . Self-insurance: We are self-insured for most of our employee medical coverage and for our casualty, general liability and libel coverage (subject to a cap above which third party insurance was in place). The liabilities are established on an actuarial basis, with the advice of consulting actuaries, and totaled $75.5 million at the end of 2015 and $69.1 million at the end of 2014 . Other matters: In 2014, we shut down one of our businesses and incurred $21.0 million of shutdown costs associated with future contractual promotional payments. These costs were recorded on our Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet and approximately $4.1 million remain as of Dec. 27, 2015, the majority of which will be paid in 2016. These costs are also included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation” in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income.

Fair value measurement

Fair value measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement We measure and record certain assets and liabilities at fair value in the accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and our own assumptions (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy consists of three levels: Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 – Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3 – Unobservable inputs developed using our own estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use. The financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets consist of the following: The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair values of our pension plans assets relating to the Newsquest Plan and the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan as well as the fair values of the pension plan assets related to the GRP: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2015 (a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Fixed income: Corporate bonds $ — $ 1,275 $ — $ 1,275 Corporate stock 769,597 — — 769,597 Real estate — — 126,049 126,049 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities — 549,159 — 549,159 Fixed income 2,478 491,183 — 493,661 Interest in reg. invest. companies 100,711 38,080 — 138,791 Partnership/joint venture interests — 27,412 104,251 131,663 Hedge funds — 20,454 310,590 331,044 Derivative contracts — 117 40 157 Total $ 872,786 $ 1,127,680 $ 540,930 $ 2,541,396 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ (615 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (2,623 ) Total $ — $ (615 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (2,623 ) Cash and other 14,938 4,916 — 19,854 Total net fair value of plan assets $ 887,724 $ 1,131,981 $ 538,922 $ 2,558,627 (a) We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014 (a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Fixed income: U.S. government-related securities $ — $ 3,744 $ — $ 3,744 Mortgage backed securities — 3,735 89 3,824 Other government bonds — 4,266 — 4,266 Corporate bonds — 23,027 357 23,384 Corporate stock 866,418 — — 866,418 Real estate (b) — — 118,936 118,936 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities — 693,277 — 693,277 Fixed income 6,593 216,728 — 223,321 Interest in reg. invest. companies 144,160 44,406 — 188,566 Interest in 103-12 investments — 22,776 — 22,776 Partnership/joint venture interests (b) — 34,144 128,314 162,458 Hedge funds — 20,166 314,084 334,250 Derivative contracts — 2,831 116 2,947 Total $ 1,017,171 $ 1,069,100 $ 561,896 $ 2,648,167 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (4 ) $ (2,387 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (4,268 ) Total $ (4 ) $ (2,387 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (4,268 ) Cash and other 8,546 2,444 — 10,990 Total net fair value of plan assets $ 1,025,713 $ 1,069,157 $ 560,019 $ 2,654,889 (a) We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. (b) We corrected a classification of $9.8 million dollars of real estate that had previously been classified as a partnership/joint venture. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2014 financial statements nor the total plan assets previously reported, rather just the presentation of the components of the total plan assets in the table above. Items included in “Cash and other” in the table above primarily consist of amounts categorized as cash and cash equivalents and pending purchases and sales of securities. Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value are as follows: U.S. government-related securities are treasury bonds, bills and notes that are primarily obligations to the U.S. Treasury. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or quotes for identical or similar securities. Mortgage-backed securities are typically not actively quoted. Values are obtained from industry vendors who use various pricing models or use quotes for identical or similar securities. Other government and corporate bonds are mainly valued based on institutional bid evaluations using proprietary models, using discounted cash flow models or models that derive prices based on similar securities. Corporate bonds categorized in Level 3 are primarily from distressed issuers for whom the values represent an estimate of recovery in a potential or actual bankruptcy situation. Corporate stock is valued primarily at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. Investments in direct real estate have been valued by an independent qualified valuation professional in the U.K. using a valuation approach that capitalizes any current or future income streams at an appropriate multiplier. Investments in real estate funds are mainly valued utilizing the net asset valuations provided by the underlying private investment companies. Interest in common/collective trusts and interest in 103-12 investments are equity and fixed income investments categorized as Level 2 and are valued using the net asset value as provided monthly by the fund family or fund company. Shares in the common/collective trusts are generally redeemable upon request. Interest in registered investment companies is valued using the published net asset values as quoted through publicly available pricing sources. The investments in Level 2 are proprietary funds of the individual fund managers and are not publicly quoted. Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified in Level 3 are valued based on an assessment of each underlying investment, considering items such as expected cash flows, changes in market outlook and subsequent rounds of financing. These investments are included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because exit prices tend to be unobservable and reliance is placed on the above methods. Most of the partnerships are general leveraged buyout funds, others include a venture capital fund, a fund formed to invest in special credit opportunities, an infrastructure fund and a real estate fund. Interest in partnership investments could be sold on the secondary market but cannot be redeemed. Instead, distributions are received as the underlying assets of the funds are liquidated. There are $12.2 million in unfunded commitments related to partnership/joint venture interests. Investments in partnerships and joint venture interests classified as Level 2 represents a limited partnership commingled fund valued using the net asset value as reported by the fund manager. Investments in hedge funds are valued at the net asset value as reported by the fund managers. Within this category is a fund of hedge funds whose objective is to produce a return that is uncorrelated with market movements. Other funds categorized as hedge funds were formed to invest in mortgage and credit trading opportunities. Shares in the hedge funds are generally redeemable twice a year or on the last business day of each quarter with at least 60 days written notice subject to potential 5% holdback. As of Dec. 27, 2015, the Newsquest Pension Scheme plan assets included a hedge fund with a fair value of $ 41.8 million , classified as a Level 3 investment. This hedge fund began returning liquidation proceeds to investors as of Jan. 4, 2016. The fair value of the fund as of Dec. 27, 2015 is the value of the proceeds to be received by the plan. To date, the Newsquest Pension Scheme has received $ 31.7 million which represents 75.9% of the fair value as of Dec. 27, 2015. Final cash payments are expected to be received in the second quarter of 2016. Derivatives primarily consist of forward and swap contracts. Forward contracts are valued at the spot rate, plus or minus forward points between the valuation date and maturity date. Swaps are valued at the mid-evaluation price using discounted cash flow models. Items in Level 3 are valued based on the market values of other securities for which they represent a synthetic combination. We review appraised valued, audited financial statements and additional information to evaluate fair value estimates from our investment managers or fund administrator. The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities, categorized as Level 3, for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands of dollars For the year ended Dec. 27, 2015 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at beginning of year Relating to assets still held at report date Relating to assets sold during the period Purchases, sales, and settlements Transfer from parent Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1) Balance at end of year Assets: Fixed income: Mortgage-backed securities $ 89 $ — $ 1 $ (90 ) $ — $ — $ — Corporate bonds 357 — (8 ) (349 ) — — Real estate 118,936 4,346 — 2,765 2 — 126,049 Partnership/joint venture interests 128,314 (4,937 ) 17,213 (30,947 ) (5,392 ) — 104,251 Hedge funds 314,084 2,028 565 (2,788 ) (3,299 ) — 310,590 Derivative contracts 116 (79 ) — — 3 — 40 Total $ 561,896 $ 1,358 $ 17,771 $ (31,409 ) $ (8,686 ) $ — $ 540,930 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (1,877 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (131 ) $ — $ (2,008 ) (1) Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities (continued) In thousands of dollars For the year ended Dec. 28, 2014 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at beginning of year Relating to assets still held at report date Relating to assets sold during the period Purchases, sales, and settlements Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1) Balance at end of year Assets: Fixed income: Mortgage backed securities $ 372 $ — $ 1 $ (284 ) $ — $ 89 Corporate bonds 800 109 (117 ) (435 ) — 357 Real estate 105,875 3,148 — 9,913 — 118,936 Partnership/joint venture interests 131,868 (401 ) 20,368 (23,521 ) — 128,314 Hedge funds 239,004 9,787 840 64,453 — 314,084 Derivative contracts 153 — 15 (52 ) — 116 Total $ 478,072 $ 12,643 $ 21,107 $ 50,074 $ — $ 561,896 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (1,877 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (1,877 ) (1) Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. (2) As stated above, we corrected a classification of $9.8 million dollars of real estate that had previously been classified as a partnership/joint venture. This resulted in an increase of $1.1 million dollars in return on plan assets still held at report date for real estate and a decrease of the same amount for partnerships/joint ventures. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2014 financial statements nor the total plan assets previously reported, rather just the presentation of the components of the total plan assets in the table above. Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Our assets that are measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets held for sale (Level 3), which are evaluated by using executed purchase agreements or third party valuation experts when certain circumstances arise. The following tables summarize the non-financial assets measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis in the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet as of Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014: Non-Financial Assets In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset held for sale - Quarter 4 $ — $ — $ 12,288 $ 12,288 Non-Financial Assets In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset held for sale - Quarter 4 $ — $ — $ 18,434 $ 18,434

Relationship with our former pa

Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Transactions with Former Parent [Abstract]
Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off	Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off Transition services agreement: In connection with the spin-off, we entered into a transition services agreement with our former parent, pursuant to which we and our former parent will provide to each other certain specified services on a transitional basis, including various information technology, financial and administrative services. The charges for the transition services generally are expected to allow the providing entity to fully recover all out-of-pocket costs and expenses it actually incurs in connection with providing the service plus, in some cases, the allocated indirect costs of providing the services, generally without profit. Subsequent to separation, we provided certain IT, payroll and other services to our former parent in the amount of $5.9 million for the year ended Dec. 27, 2015. Our former parent provided certain services to us in the amount of $3.7 million for the year ended Dec. 27, 2015. The transition services agreement will terminate on the expiration of the term of the last service provided under it, not later than 24 months following the distribution date. The recipient for a particular service generally can terminate that service prior to the scheduled expiration date, subject generally to a minimum service period of 90 days and minimum notice period of 30 days . Due to the interdependencies between some services, certain services may be extended or terminated early only if other services are coterminous. Employee matters agreement: In connection with the spin-off, we entered into an employee matters agreement with our former parent prior to the separation to allocate liabilities and responsibilities relating to employment matters, employee compensation and benefit plans and programs and other related matters. The employee matters agreement governs certain compensation and employee benefit obligations with respect to the current and former employees and non-employee directors of each company. See Note 8 — Retirement plans and Note 9 — Postretirement benefits other than pension for more detail. Revenue and other transactions entered into in the ordinary course of business: Certain of our revenue arrangements relate to contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business with our former parent and its affiliates, principally Cars.com, G/O Digital and CareerBuilder. Relationship with our former parent prior to the spin-off The following is a discussion of our relationship with our former parent prior to the spin-off, including the services provided by both parties and how transactions with our former parent and its affiliates through June 28, 2015 were accounted for in the combined financial statements. Equity: Equity in the Combined Balance Sheets includes the accumulated balance of transactions between us and our former parent, our paid-in-capital and our former parent’s interest in our cumulative retained earnings, which are presented within “Former parent’s investment, net” and combined with “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” as the two components of equity. The amounts comprising the accumulated balance of transactions between us, our former parent and its affiliates include (i) the cumulative net assets attributed to us by our former parent and its affiliates, (ii) the cumulative net advances to former parent representing our cumulative funds swept (net of funding provided by our former parent and its affiliates to us) as part of the centralized cash management program described further below and (iii) the cumulative charges (net of credits) allocated by our former parent and its affiliates to us for certain support services received by us. Centralized cash management: Prior to the spin-off, our former parent utilized a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations, providing funds to its entities as needed. These transactions were recorded in “Former parent’s investment, net” when advanced. Accordingly, none of our former parent’s cash and cash equivalents were assigned to us in the combined financial statements. “Cash and cash equivalents” in our Combined Balance Sheet represent cash held by us. Included in “Cash and cash equivalents” as of Dec. 28, 2014 were investments in commercial paper of former parent totaling $63.9 million . These investments matured prior to the spin-off and are now cash held by us as of Dec. 27, 2015. Interest income recorded on these investments, recorded within “Other non-operating items, net,” was $0.4 million and $1.8 million for the years ended Dec. 27, 2015 and Dec. 28, 2014, respectively. Support services provided and other amounts with our former parent and former parent’s affiliates: Prior to the spin-off, we received allocated charges from our former parent and its affiliates for certain corporate support services, which are recorded within “Selling, general and administrative expense” in our Combined Statements of Income, net of cost recoveries reflecting services provided by us and allocated to our former parent. Management believes that the bases used for the allocations are reasonable and reflect the portion of such costs, net of cost recoveries, attributable to our operations; however, the amounts may not be representative of the costs necessary for us to operate as a separate stand-alone company. These allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, are summarized in the following table: In thousands of dollars 2015 (a) 2014 2013 Corporate allocations (b) $ 25,832 $ 60,628 $ 65,718 Occupancy (c) 2,884 5,642 6,678 Depreciation (d) 4,067 7,960 9,275 Other support costs (e) 6,249 15,743 19,019 Cost recoveries (f) (6,055 ) (9,501 ) (4,643 ) Total $ 32,977 $ 80,472 $ 96,047 (a) Costs were allocated from our former parent to us up to the spin date. No costs were allocated to us by our former parent after the spin-off. (b) The corporate allocations related to support we received from our former parent and its affiliates for certain corporate activities include: (i) corporate general and administrative expenses, (ii) marketing services, (iii) investor relations, (iv) legal, (v) human resources, (vi) internal audit, (vii) financial reporting, (viii) tax, (ix) treasury, (x) information technology, (xi) production services, (xii) travel services and (xiii) other former parent corporate and infrastructure costs. For these services, we recorded an allocation of a management fee based on actual costs incurred by our former parent and its affiliates. This was allocated to us based upon our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue in each fiscal period. (c) Occupancy costs relate to certain facilities owned and/or leased by our former parent and its affiliates that were utilized by our employees and principally relate to shared corporate office space. These costs were charged to us primarily based on actual square footage utilized or our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue in each fiscal period. Occupancy costs include facility rent, repairs and maintenance, security and other occupancy related costs incurred to manage the properties. (d) Depreciation expense was allocated by former parent and its affiliates for certain assets. These assets primarily relate to facilities and IT equipment that are utilized by former parent and us to operate our businesses. These assets have not been included in our Combined Balance Sheets. Depreciation expense was allocated primarily based on our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue or our utilization of these assets. (e) Other support costs related to charges to us from former parent and its affiliates include certain insurance costs and our allocated portions of share-based compensation costs and net periodic pension costs relating to the Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan for employees of our former parent. Such costs were allocated based on actual costs incurred or our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue. (f) Cost recoveries reflect costs recovered from our former parent and our former parent’s affiliates for functions provided by us such as functions that serve our former parent’s digital and broadcasting platforms for content optimization and financial transaction processing at shared service centers. Such costs were primarily allocated based on our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue or based upon transactional volume in each fiscal year.

Summary of significant accoun23

Summary of significant accounting policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation: The consolidated and combined financial statements include our accounts and those over which we have control after elimination of all intercompany transactions and profits.
Use of estimates	Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated and combined financial statements and footnotes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include amounts for income taxes, pension and other post-employment benefits and valuation of long-lived and intangible assets.
Segment presentation	Segment presentation: All of our operating segments meet the criteria under the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting , to be aggregated into one reportable segment.
Business combinations	Business combinations: We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing certain identifiable assets include but are not limited to expected long-term revenues; future expected operating expenses; cost of capital and appropriate discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and investments with maturities of three months or less.
Accounts receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts	Accounts receivables and allowances for doubtful accounts: Accounts receivables are recorded at invoiced amounts and generally do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects our estimate of credit exposure, determined principally on the basis of our collection experience, aging of our receivables and significant individual account credit risk.
Inventories	Inventories: Inventories, consisting principally of newsprint, printing ink and plate material for our publishing operations, are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
Assets held for sale	Assets held for sale: In accordance with the guidance on the disposal of long-lived assets under ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (ASC Topic 360), we reported assets held for sale at Dec. 27, 2015 of $12.3 million and at Dec. 28, 2014, of $18.4 million
Valuation of long-lived assets	Valuation of long-lived assets: In accordance with the requirements included within ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (ASC Topic 350) and ASC Topic 360, we evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets (mostly property, plant and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets) to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying value of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired when the projected undiscounted future cash flows are less than their carrying value. We measure impairment based on the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the projected future cash flows, discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Losses on long-lived assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner, except that fair values are reduced for the cost to dispose.
Property and depreciation	Property and depreciation: Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost, and depreciation is provided generally on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The principal estimated useful lives are 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 30 years for machinery, equipment and fixtures. Changes in the estimated useful life of an asset, which, for example, could happen as a result of facility consolidations, can affect depreciation expense and net income. Major renewals and improvements and interest incurred during the construction period of major additions are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are charged to expense as incurred.
Leases	Leases: Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. At lease inception, we determine the lease term by excluding renewal options that are not reasonably assured. The lease term is used to determine whether a lease is capital or operating and is used to calculate straight-line rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term.
Goodwill and other intangible assets	Goodwill and other intangible assets: Goodwill represents the excess of acquisition cost over the fair value of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, net of liabilities assumed. In accordance with the impairment testing provisions included in ASC Topic 350, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis (first day of fourth quarter) or between annual tests if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Before performing the annual two-step goodwill impairment test, we are first permitted to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the two-step quantitative test must be completed. The qualitative assessment considers events and circumstances such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market conditions, cost factors and overall financial performance, as well as company and specific reporting unit specifications. If after performing this assessment, we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we are required to perform a two-step quantitative test. Otherwise, the two-step test is not required. In the first step of the quantitative test, we are required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using various techniques, including multiple of earnings and discounted cash flow valuation techniques. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, we perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be impaired. In the second step of the impairment test, we determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then an impairment of goodwill has occurred and we must recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the implied fair value of goodwill. In determining the reporting units, we consider the way we manage our businesses and the nature of those businesses. These reporting units therefore consist principally of U.S. Community Publishing, the USA TODAY group, and the U.K. group. We perform an impairment test annually, or more often if circumstances dictate, of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over those useful lives and are evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350 as described above.
Investments and other assets	Investments and other assets: Investments in entities for which we do not have control, but we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Our share of net earnings and losses from these ventures is included in “Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net” in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income. See Note 6 for additional information.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition: Our revenues include amounts charged to customers for space purchased in our newspapers, digital ads placed on our digital platforms, advertising and marketing service fees, online subscription advertising products and commercial printing. • Publishing revenues also include circulation revenues for newspapers, both print and digital, purchased by readers or distributors, reduced by the amount of any discounts taken. • Advertising revenues are recognized, net of agency commissions, in the period when advertising is printed or placed on digital platforms. • Marketing services revenues are generally recognized when advertisements or services are delivered. • Online subscriptions are recognized over the subscription period. • Commercial printing revenues are recognized when the product is delivered to the customer. • Circulation revenues are recognized when purchased newspapers are distributed or made available on our digital platforms. We have various advertising and circulation agreements which have both print and digital deliverables. Revenue from sales agreements that contain multiple deliverable elements is allocated to each element based on the relative best estimate of selling price. Elements are treated as separate units of accounting if there is standalone value upon delivery. Amounts received from customers in advance of revenue recognition are deferred as liabilities.
Retirement plans	Retirement plans: Pension and other postretirement benefit costs under our defined benefit retirement plans are actuarially determined. We recognize the cost of postretirement benefits including pension, medical and life insurance benefits on an accrual basis over the average life expectancy of employees expected to receive such benefits for plans that have had their benefits frozen. For active plans, costs are recognized over the estimated average future service period.
Stock-based employee compensation	Stock-based employee compensation: We grant restricted stock units as well as performance shares to our employees as a form of compensation. The expense for such awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the four -year incentive period for restricted stock units and the three -year incentive period for performance shares. Expense for performance share awards for participants meeting certain retirement eligible criteria as defined in the plan is recognized using the accelerated attribution method. See Note 11 for further discussion.
Income taxes	Income taxes: Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. See Note 10 for further discussion. We also evaluate any uncertain tax positions and recognizes a liability for the tax benefit associated with an uncertain tax position 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 from such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We record 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.
Foreign currency translation	Foreign currency translation: The statements of income of foreign operations have been translated to U.S. dollars using the average currency exchange rates in effect during the relevant period. The balance sheets have been translated using the currency exchange rate as of the end of the accounting period. The impact of currency exchange rate changes on the translation of the balance sheets are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income and are classified as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets and Statements of Equity.
Loss contingencies	Loss contingencies: We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and regulatory matters, the outcomes of which are subject to significant uncertainty. We determine whether to disclose or accrue for loss contingencies based on an assessment of whether the risk of loss is remote, reasonably possible or probable, and whether it can be reasonably estimated. We accrue for loss contingencies when such amounts are probable and reasonably estimable. If a contingent liability is only reasonably possible, we will disclose the potential range of the loss, if material and estimable.
Concentration of risk	Concentration of risk: Due to the distributed nature of our operations, we are not subject to significant concentrations of risk relating to customers, products, or geographic locations. Generally, credit is extended based upon an evaluation of the customer’s financial position, and advance payment is not required. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements and have been within management’s expectations.
New accounting pronouncement	New accounting pronouncements: In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-07 Fair Value Measurement (“Topic 820”): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). ASU 2015-07 removes the requirement to include investments in the fair value hierarchy for which the fair value is measured at NAV using the practical expedient under Topic 820. ASU 2015-07 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period, and is required to be applied retrospectively to all periods presented beginning in the year of adoption. As ASU 2015-07 will impact our disclosures only, adoption will not affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) delayed the effective date for ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”). The core principle contemplated by ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which 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. We are required to adopt the standard in the first quarter of 2018 and retroactively apply it to our 2016 and 2017 financial results at the time of adoption. Under the new rules, we are permitted to adopt the new standard in 2017. We can also choose to apply the standard using either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach, which recognizes a cumulative catch up adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We are currently assessing the impact and timing of adopting this pronouncement and the transition method we will use. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11 Inventory (“Topic 330”): “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” which requires entities using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) inventory costing method to subsequently value inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Topic 330 defines net realizable value as the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Topic 330 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of Topic 330 and assessing the impact on our consolidated financial results. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16 Business Combinations (“Topic 805”): “Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments,” which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Under Topic 805, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments in the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the provisions of Topic 805 and assessing the impact, if any, on our consolidated financial results. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 Income Taxes (“Topic 740”): “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes,” which requires companies to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet instead of separating deferred taxes into current and noncurrent amounts. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We have early adopted and this presentation is included in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets.

Summary of significant accoun24

Summary of significant accounting policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	A breakout of property, plant and equipment by type is presented below: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Land $ 84,059 $ 92,470 Buildings and Improvements 752,849 775,078 Machinery, equipment and fixtures 1,687,875 1,712,028 Construction in progress 17,786 10,583 Total 2,542,569 2,590,159 Accumulated depreciation (1,645,984 ) (1,655,676 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 896,585 $ 934,483
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	A breakout of accounts payable and accrued expenses by type is presented below: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Compensation $ 115,602 $ 77,606 Taxes 23,644 26,195 Other 108,775 89,096 Total accrued liabilities 248,021 192,897 Accounts payable 145,005 125,888 Total accrued liabilities and accounts payable $ 393,026 $ 318,785
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Supplementary cash flow information, including non-cash investing and financing activities, are as follows: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Accrued capital expenditures $ 3,251 Dividends payable $ 18,501 Parent, net investment activity subsequent to separation $ 31,762 Fair value of noncontrolling equity interests in TNP and CNP $ 60,954 Pre-acquisition carrying value of TNP $ 39,155

Acquisitions and dispositions (

Acquisitions and dispositions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	At the acquisition date, the purchase price assigned to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities is summarized as follows: In thousands of dollars Current assets $ 12,310 Plant, property and equipment 20,792 Intangible assets 28,440 Goodwill 28,250 Total assets acquired 89,792 Current liabilities 10,860 Noncurrent liabilities 11,878 Total liabilities assumed 22,738 Net assets acquired $ 67,054

Severance-related expenses (Tab

Severance-related expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	A summary of our USA TODAY 2015 EROP is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ — Payments (4,464 ) Expense 7,801 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 3,337 A summary of our August 2015 EROP is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ — Payments (6,127 ) Expense 34,280 Adjustments 240 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 28,393 A summary of the related severance liability for our various other one-time actions is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 14,886 Payments (21,289 ) Expense 13,074 Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 6,671 Payments (19,679 ) Expense 22,826 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 9,818 We also have an ongoing severance plan to terminated employees in the normal course of business. A summary of the related liability is as follows: In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 5,824 Payments (7,696 ) Expense 6,723 Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 4,851 Payments (8,175 ) Expense 7,359 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 4,035
Summary of Facility Consolidation and Asset Impairment Charges	A summary of these charges by year is presented below: In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2015 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 19,437 $ 13,131 $ 0.11 Property, plant and equipment 10,061 6,167 0.05 Other 4,780 2,930 0.03 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations 34,278 22,228 0.19 Non-operating charges: Equity method investments 658 404 — Total charges $ 34,936 $ 22,632 $ 0.19 In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2014 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 1,701 $ 1,000 $ 0.01 Property, plant and equipment 19,467 13,467 0.12 Other 14,048 8,449 0.07 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations $ 35,216 $ 22,916 $ 0.20 In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts 2013 Pre-Tax Amount After-Tax Amount Per Share Amount Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Intangible assets $ 2,401 $ 1,500 $ 0.01 Property, plant and equipment 14,756 9,156 0.08 Other 9,454 5,854 0.05 Total facility consolidation and asset impairment charges against operations 26,611 16,510 0.14 Non-operating charges: Other non-operating items 2,693 1,593 0.01 Total charges $ 29,304 $ 18,103 $ 0.15

Goodwill and other intangible27

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, and Amortizable Intangible Assets	The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014. In thousands of dollars Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Dec. 27, 2015 Goodwill $ 575,685 $ — $ 575,685 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Mastheads and trade names 31,521 — 31,521 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 68,005 (39,813 ) 28,192 Other 11,478 (11,478 ) — Total $ 686,689 $ (51,291 ) $ 635,398 Dec. 28, 2014 Goodwill $ 544,345 $ — $ 544,345 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Mastheads and trade names 13,469 — 13,469 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 173,822 (140,720 ) 33,102 Other 14,279 (10,735 ) 3,544 Total $ 745,915 $ (151,455 ) $ 594,460
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	The following table shows the projected annual amortization expense, as of Dec. 27, 2015, related to amortizable intangibles assuming no acquisitions or dispositions: In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 5,081 2017 $ 4,980 2018 $ 4,930 2019 $ 4,340 2020 $ 3,948
Summary of the Change in Net Goodwill	The following table shows the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2015 and 2014. In thousands of dollars Balance at Dec. 29, 2013: Goodwill $ 7,501,584 Accumulated impairment losses (6,946,105 ) Net balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 555,479 Activity during the year: Acquisitions & adjustments 2 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (11,136 ) Total $ (11,134 ) Balance at Dec. 28, 2014: Goodwill 7,358,420 Accumulated impairment losses (6,814,075 ) Net balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 544,345 Activity during the year: Acquisitions & adjustments 39,484 Foreign currency exchange rate changes (8,144 ) Total $ 31,340 Balance at Dec. 27, 2015: Goodwill 7,297,752 Accumulated impairment losses (6,722,067 ) Net balance at Dec. 27, 2015 $ 575,685

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Company's Investments Owned	Our investments include several that are accounted for under the equity method. Principal among these are the following: % Owned Dec. 27, 2015 Ponderay Newsprint Company 13.50% Homefinder.com 33.33% Timerazor 7.09% TNI Partners 50.00%

Retirement plans (Tables)

Retirement plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer Pension Plans Table	Multi-employer Pension Plans EIN Number/ Zone Status FIP/RP Status Contributions (in thousands) Surcharge Imposed Expiration Dates of CBAs Pension Plan Name Plan Number 2015 2014 2015 2014 2013 CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan 13-6212879/001 Red Red Implemented $ 411 $ 433 $ 242 No 2/2/2017 GCIU—Employer Retirement Benefit Plan (a), (b) 91-6024903/001 Red Red Implemented 43 71 216 No N/A The Newspaper Guild International Pension Plan (a) 52-1082662/001 Red Red Implemented 226 244 279 No 2/23/2016 IAM National Pension Plan (a) 51-6031295/002 Green Green NA 352 403 736 NA 4/30/2016 Teamsters Pension Trust Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity (a) 23-1511735/001 Yellow Yellow Implemented 1,452 1,298 1,355 NA N/A Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers (a) 36-6052390/001 Green Green NA 99 153 160 NA 4/30/2016 Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund (b) 36-6044243/001 Red Red Implemented — — 40 No N/A Total $ 2,583 $ 2,602 $ 3,028 (a) This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. (b) We have no ongoing participation in these plans.
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	Our pension costs, which include costs for our qualified and non-qualified plans, are presented in the following table: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Service cost—benefits earned during the period $ 7,993 $ 4,498 $ 6,487 Interest cost on benefit obligation 131,149 145,433 131,270 Expected return on plan assets (196,774 ) (206,164 ) (188,462 ) Amortization of prior service costs 6,893 6,967 6,967 Amortization of actuarial loss 56,722 41,728 56,813 Pension cost (benefit) for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans 5,983 (7,538 ) 13,075 Settlement charge 1,254 — 1,721 Expense (credit) for retirement plans $ 7,237 $ (7,538 ) $ 14,796
Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations	The following table provides a reconciliation of pension benefit obligations (on a projected benefit obligation measurement basis), plan assets and funded status of former parent-sponsored retirement plans, along with the related amounts that are recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets. In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 3,433,581 $ 3,170,182 Service cost 7,993 4,498 Interest cost 131,149 145,433 Plan participants’ contributions 8 4 Actuarial (gain) loss (106,778 ) 370,700 Foreign currency translation (40,679 ) (57,779 ) Gross benefits paid (218,998 ) (199,457 ) Acquisitions 26,308 — Settlements (4,354 ) — Transfer from separation (43,435 ) — Benefit obligations at end of year $ 3,184,795 $ 3,433,581 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 2,654,889 $ 2,668,093 Transfers 1,006 — Actual return on plan assets 38,853 154,462 Plan participants’ contributions 8 4 Employer contributions 128,179 74,442 Gross benefits paid (218,998 ) (199,457 ) Acquisitions 26,179 — Settlements (4,354 ) — Foreign currency translation (30,411 ) (42,655 ) Transfer from separation (36,724 ) — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889 Funded status at end of year $ (626,168 ) $ (778,692 ) Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Noncurrent assets $ 2,166 $ — Accrued benefit cost—current $ (15,891 ) $ (8,651 ) Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent $ (612,443 ) $ (770,041 )
Schedule of Net Funded Status	The funded status (on a projected benefit obligation basis) of our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans at Dec. 27, 2015, is as follows: In thousands of dollars Fair Value of Plan Assets Benefit Obligation Funded Status GRP $ 1,755,432 $ 2,015,000 $ (259,568 ) SERP (a) — 123,624 (123,624 ) Newsquest 714,010 946,329 (232,319 ) Newspaper Guild of Detroit 89,185 99,842 (10,657 ) Total $ 2,558,627 $ 3,184,795 $ (626,168 ) (a) The SERP is an unfunded, unsecured liability
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans for which accumulated benefits exceed assets: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 3,179,094 $ 3,420,669 Fair value of plan assets $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table presents information for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans for which projected benefit obligations exceed assets: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 3,184,795 $ 3,433,581 Fair value of plan assets $ 2,558,627 $ 2,654,889
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” that are currently unrecognized as a component of pension expense for our retirement plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans as of the dates presented (pre-tax). Amounts included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” related to former parent-sponsored plans have been allocated to us in proportion to the projected benefit obligation allocated to us. In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Net actuarial losses $ (1,613,939 ) $ (1,663,647 ) Prior service cost (35,451 ) (43,257 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,649,390 ) $ (1,706,904 )
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in “Other comprehensive loss” consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current year actuarial loss $ (50,137 ) Actuarial gain due to settlement 1,254 Amortization of actuarial loss 56,722 Amortization of prior service costs 6,893 Foreign currency gain 18,598 Transfer from separation 24,180 Total $ 57,510
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Pension costs: The following assumptions were used to determine net pension costs: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.17% 4.74% 4.10% Expected return on plan assets 7.63% 7.91% 7.93% Rate of compensation increase 2.95% 2.96% 2.96%
Schedule Of Assumptions Used In Calculating Pension Benefit Obligations Table	Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligations: Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Discount rate 4.24% 3.94% Rate of compensation increase 2.96% 2.96%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	The asset allocation of our plans at the end of 2015 and 2014 , and target allocations for 2016, by asset category, are presented in the table below: Target Allocation Allocation of Plan Assets 2016 2015 2014 Equity securities 59 % 53 % 60 % Debt securities 19 24 17 Alternative investments* 22 23 23 Total 100 % 100 % 100 % * Alternative investments include real estate, private equity and hedge funds.
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	We estimate the following benefit payments will be made from retirement plan assets, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans. In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 228,979 2017 $ 201,919 2018 $ 200,073 2019 $ 199,106 2020 $ 197,063 2021-2025 $ 942,375

Postretirement benefits other30

Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Tables) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit Costs	Postretirement benefit cost for health care and life insurance included the following components: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Service cost – benefits earned during the period $ 301 $ 365 $ 523 Interest cost on net benefit obligation 4,019 4,610 5,526 Amortization of prior service credit (9,615 ) (11,421 ) (9,006 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,426 718 1,127 Net periodic postretirement benefit credit $ (3,869 ) $ (5,728 ) $ (1,830 )
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Company-Sponsored Benefit Plans	The table below provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations and funded status of our postretirement benefit plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored postretirement plans: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in benefit obligations Net benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 103,528 $ 141,447 Service cost 301 365 Interest cost 4,019 4,610 Plan participants’ contributions 3,839 5,018 Plan amendments — (36,873 ) Actuarial loss 3,898 6,590 Gross benefits paid (13,935 ) (18,294 ) Federal subsidy on benefits paid — 665 Transfer from separation (4,142 ) — Net benefit obligations at end of year $ 97,508 $ 103,528 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 10,096 13,276 Plan participants’ contributions 3,839 5,018 Gross benefits paid (13,935 ) (18,294 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Benefit obligation at end of year $ (97,508 ) $ (103,528 ) Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Accrued benefit cost—current $ (9,914 ) $ (10,054 ) Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent $ (87,594 ) $ (93,474 )
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized	The following table summarizes the amounts recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” that are currently unrecognized as a component of net periodic postretirement benefit credit as of the dates presented (pre-tax): In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Net actuarial losses $ (12,611 ) $ (12,044 ) Prior service credit 29,515 41,454 Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 16,904 $ 29,410
Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in “Other comprehensive loss” consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current year actuarial loss $ (4,005 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,426 Amortization of prior service credit (9,615 ) Other adjustments (311 ) Total $ (12,505 )
Assumptions Used to Determine Defined Benefit Plans Costs	Postretirement benefit costs: The following assumptions were used to determine postretirement benefit cost: 2015 2014 2013 Discount rate 4.11 % 4.50 % 3.80 % Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.18 % 6.26 % 7.17 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that ultimate trend rate is reached 2018 2018 2017
Health Care Cost Trend Rates Assumptions Disclosure	Benefit obligations and funded status: The following assumptions were used to determine the year-end benefit obligation: Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Discount rate 4.35 % 4.00 % Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 6.18 % 6.26 % Ultimate trend rate 5.00 % 5.00 % Year that ultimate trend rate is reached 2018 2018
Estimated Benefit Payments	Cash flows: We expect to make the following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service. The amounts below represent the benefit payments for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans. In thousands of dollars Benefit Payments 2016 $ 9,914 2017 $ 8,877 2018 $ 8,720 2019 $ 8,136 2020 $ 7,415 2021-2025 $ 31,302

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations	The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 Current Deferred Total Federal $ (5,383 ) $ 36,489 $ 31,106 State and other (560 ) 4,046 3,486 Foreign 6,447 6,845 13,292 Total $ 504 $ 47,380 $ 47,884 In thousands of dollars 2014 Current Deferred Total Federal $ 39,740 $ 18,282 $ 58,022 State and other (21,123 ) 27,731 6,608 Foreign — 2,930 2,930 Total $ 18,617 $ 48,943 $ 67,560 In thousands of dollars 2013 Current Deferred Total Federal $ 21,933 $ 64,317 $ 86,250 State and other (17,252 ) (2,944 ) (20,196 ) Foreign — 5,248 5,248 Total $ 4,681 $ 66,621 $ 71,302
Components of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. Before Income Taxes	The components of net income before income taxes consist of the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 128,316 $ 192,741 $ 260,937 Foreign 65,659 85,524 84,826 Total $ 193,975 $ 278,265 $ 345,763
Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate	The provision for income taxes varies from the U.S. federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following differences: 2015 2014 2013 U.S. statutory tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: State/other income taxes net of federal income tax 2.4 2.5 2.6 Statutory rate differential and permanent differences in earnings in foreign jurisdictions (6.3 ) (13.4 ) (11.0 ) Impact of rate change in foreign tax jurisdiction 1.9 — — Valuation allowance — 4.4 2.9 Lapse of statutes of limitations net of federal income tax (1.1 ) (0.9 ) (8.6 ) Impact of accounting method change (3.4 ) — — Domestic manufacturing deduction (1.4 ) (1.9 ) (1.1 ) Other, net (2.4 ) (1.4 ) 0.8 Effective tax rate 24.7 % 24.3 % 20.6 %
Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets	Deferred tax liabilities and assets were composed of the following at the end of 2015 and 2014: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Liabilities Accelerated depreciation $ (165,457 ) $ (186,222 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (165,457 ) (186,222 ) Assets Accrued compensation costs 41,321 20,587 Pension and postretirement benefits 257,764 346,792 Basis difference and amortization of intangibles 164,485 56,082 Federal tax benefits of uncertain state tax positions 7,506 3,846 Partnership investments including impairments 5,353 9,894 Loss carryforwards 34,312 52,759 Other 38,600 18,773 Total deferred tax assets 549,341 508,733 Valuation allowance (181,893 ) (59,392 ) Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 201,991 $ 263,119 Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets Current deferred tax assets $ — $ 1,797 Noncurrent deferred tax assets $ 201,991 $ 261,322
Summary of Valuation Allowance	The following table summarizes the activity related to our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets: In thousands of dollars Balance at beginning of period Additions/(reductions) charged to cost and expenses Additions/(reductions) for acquisitions/dispositions (Deductions from)/additions to reserves Balance at end of period $ 59,392 $ (2,316 ) $ — $ 124,817 $ 181,893
Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Federal Tax Benefit of State Tax Deductions	The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits, excluding the federal tax benefit of state tax deductions: In thousands of dollars Dec. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Change in unrecognized tax benefits Balance at beginning of year $ 10,919 $ 13,875 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 2,021 1,768 Additions for tax positions of prior years 6,713 545 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (2,398 ) Settlements — (36 ) Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations (2,621 ) (2,835 ) Balance at end of year $ 17,032 $ 10,919

Shareholders' equity (Tables)

Shareholders' equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Basic and Diluted)	Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented below: 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 146,091 $ 210,705 $ 274,461 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic) 115,165 114,959 114,959 Effect of dilutive securities Restricted stock units 728 — — Performance shares 582 — — Stock options 220 — — Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (diluted) 116,695 114,959 114,959 Earnings per share (basic) $ 1.27 $ 1.83 $ 2.39 Earnings per share (diluted) $ 1.25 $ 1.83 $ 2.39
Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Option Awards	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of performance share awards that were granted prior to the separation date: Performance Shares Granted During 2015 2014 2013 Expected term 3 yrs. 3 yrs. 3 yrs. Expected volatility 32% 39.32% 40.8% Risk-free interest rate 1.1% 0.78% 0.36% Expected dividend yield 2.51% 2.70% 4.44%
Stock-Based Compensation Related Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for Equity Awards	The following table shows the stock-based compensation related amounts recognized in the Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income for equity awards: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Restricted stock and RSUs $ 12,235 $ 9,150 $ 10,040 Performance shares 9,478 7,333 4,931 Stock options 29 616 1,230 Total stock-based compensation $ 21,742 $ 17,099 $ 16,201
Summary of Restricted Stock and RSU Awards	A summary of restricted stock and RSU awards is presented below for the period after the date of separation from our former parent: 2015 Restricted Stock and RSU Activity Shares Weighted average fair value Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 2,885,994 $ 10.86 Granted 203,061 11.31 Settled (136,658 ) 10.35 Canceled (174,190 ) 10.98 Outstanding and unvested at Dec. 27, 2015 2,778,207 $ 10.91
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity	A summary of the performance shares awards is presented below for the period after the date of separation from our former parent: 2015 Performance Shares Activity Target number of shares Weighted average fair value Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 926,138 $ 15.48 Vested (31,158 ) 15.51 Canceled (101,306 ) 15.21 Outstanding and unvested at Dec. 27, 2015 793,674 $ 15.52
Summary of Stock Option Awards	A summary of our stock option awards is presented below: 2015 Stock Option Activity Shares Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding at June 29, 2015 1,078,289 $ 6.80 2.5 $ 7,901,831 Exercised (662,304 ) 7.53 Canceled (4,102 ) 12.61 Outstanding and exercisable at Dec. 27, 2015 411,883 $ 5.58 2.6 $ 4,378,900
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables summarize the components of, and changes in, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”: In thousands of dollars 2015 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (1,082,312 ) $ 404,200 $ (678,112 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (12,010 ) (19,390 ) (31,400 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 36,088 — 36,088 Balance at end of year $ (1,058,234 ) $ 384,810 $ (673,424 ) In thousands of dollars 2014 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614 $ (441,981 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (232,740 ) (27,414 ) (260,154 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 24,023 — 24,023 Balance at end of year $ (1,082,312 ) $ 404,200 $ (678,112 ) In thousands of dollars 2013 Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Total Balance at beginning of year $ (1,049,171 ) $ 424,098 $ (625,073 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 139,670 7,516 147,186 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 35,906 — 35,906 Balance at end of year $ (873,595 ) $ 431,614 $ (441,981 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” related to these postretirement plans include the following: In thousands of dollars 2015 2014 Amortization of prior service credit $ (2,722 ) $ (4,454 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 58,148 42,446 Total reclassifications, before tax 55,426 37,992 Income tax effect (19,338 ) (13,969 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 36,088 $ 24,023

Commitments, contingent liabi33

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Annual Rentals Payable Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	Leases: Future minimum lease commitments for non-cancelable operating leases (primarily real-estate) are as follows: In thousands of dollars 2016 $ 44,995 2017 41,090 2018 38,259 2019 34,442 2020 29,304 Later years 193,159 Total $ 381,249

Fair value measurement (Tables)

Fair value measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the fair values of our pension plans assets relating to the Newsquest Plan and the Detroit Free Press, Inc. Newspaper Guild of Detroit Pension Plan as well as the fair values of the pension plan assets related to the GRP: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2015 (a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Fixed income: Corporate bonds $ — $ 1,275 $ — $ 1,275 Corporate stock 769,597 — — 769,597 Real estate — — 126,049 126,049 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities — 549,159 — 549,159 Fixed income 2,478 491,183 — 493,661 Interest in reg. invest. companies 100,711 38,080 — 138,791 Partnership/joint venture interests — 27,412 104,251 131,663 Hedge funds — 20,454 310,590 331,044 Derivative contracts — 117 40 157 Total $ 872,786 $ 1,127,680 $ 540,930 $ 2,541,396 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ — $ (615 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (2,623 ) Total $ — $ (615 ) $ (2,008 ) $ (2,623 ) Cash and other 14,938 4,916 — 19,854 Total net fair value of plan assets $ 887,724 $ 1,131,981 $ 538,922 $ 2,558,627 (a) We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014 (a) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Fixed income: U.S. government-related securities $ — $ 3,744 $ — $ 3,744 Mortgage backed securities — 3,735 89 3,824 Other government bonds — 4,266 — 4,266 Corporate bonds — 23,027 357 23,384 Corporate stock 866,418 — — 866,418 Real estate (b) — — 118,936 118,936 Interest in common/collective trusts: Equities — 693,277 — 693,277 Fixed income 6,593 216,728 — 223,321 Interest in reg. invest. companies 144,160 44,406 — 188,566 Interest in 103-12 investments — 22,776 — 22,776 Partnership/joint venture interests (b) — 34,144 128,314 162,458 Hedge funds — 20,166 314,084 334,250 Derivative contracts — 2,831 116 2,947 Total $ 1,017,171 $ 1,069,100 $ 561,896 $ 2,648,167 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (4 ) $ (2,387 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (4,268 ) Total $ (4 ) $ (2,387 ) $ (1,877 ) $ (4,268 ) Cash and other 8,546 2,444 — 10,990 Total net fair value of plan assets $ 1,025,713 $ 1,069,157 $ 560,019 $ 2,654,889 (a) We use a Dec. 31 measurement date for our retirement plans. (b) We corrected a classification of $9.8 million dollars of real estate that had previously been classified as a partnership/joint venture. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2014 financial statements nor the total plan assets previously reported, rather just the presentation of the components of the total plan assets in the table above.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities, Categorized as Level 3	The tables below set forth a summary of changes in the fair value of our pension plan assets and liabilities, categorized as Level 3, for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014: Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities In thousands of dollars For the year ended Dec. 27, 2015 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at beginning of year Relating to assets still held at report date Relating to assets sold during the period Purchases, sales, and settlements Transfer from parent Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1) Balance at end of year Assets: Fixed income: Mortgage-backed securities $ 89 $ — $ 1 $ (90 ) $ — $ — $ — Corporate bonds 357 — (8 ) (349 ) — — Real estate 118,936 4,346 — 2,765 2 — 126,049 Partnership/joint venture interests 128,314 (4,937 ) 17,213 (30,947 ) (5,392 ) — 104,251 Hedge funds 314,084 2,028 565 (2,788 ) (3,299 ) — 310,590 Derivative contracts 116 (79 ) — — 3 — 40 Total $ 561,896 $ 1,358 $ 17,771 $ (31,409 ) $ (8,686 ) $ — $ 540,930 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (1,877 ) $ — $ — $ — $ (131 ) $ — $ (2,008 ) (1) Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. Pension Plan Assets/Liabilities (continued) In thousands of dollars For the year ended Dec. 28, 2014 Actual Return on Plan Assets Balance at beginning of year Relating to assets still held at report date Relating to assets sold during the period Purchases, sales, and settlements Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1) Balance at end of year Assets: Fixed income: Mortgage backed securities $ 372 $ — $ 1 $ (284 ) $ — $ 89 Corporate bonds 800 109 (117 ) (435 ) — 357 Real estate 105,875 3,148 — 9,913 — 118,936 Partnership/joint venture interests 131,868 (401 ) 20,368 (23,521 ) — 128,314 Hedge funds 239,004 9,787 840 64,453 — 314,084 Derivative contracts 153 — 15 (52 ) — 116 Total $ 478,072 $ 12,643 $ 21,107 $ 50,074 $ — $ 561,896 Liabilities: Derivative liabilities $ (1,877 ) $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (1,877 ) (1) Our policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period. (2) As stated above, we corrected a classification of $9.8 million dollars of real estate that had previously been classified as a partnership/joint venture. This resulted in an increase of $1.1 million dollars in return on plan assets still held at report date for real estate and a decrease of the same amount for partnerships/joint ventures. This reclassification is not material as the changes do not impact the 2014 financial statements nor the total plan assets previously reported, rather just the presentation of the components of the total plan assets in the table above.
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The following tables summarize the non-financial assets measured at fair value on nonrecurring basis in the accompanying Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheet as of Dec. 27, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2014: Non-Financial Assets In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset held for sale - Quarter 4 $ — $ — $ 12,288 $ 12,288 Non-Financial Assets In thousands of dollars Fair value measurement as of Dec. 28, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Asset held for sale - Quarter 4 $ — $ — $ 18,434 $ 18,434

Relationship with our former 35

Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Transactions with Former Parent [Abstract]
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent	These allocated costs, net of cost recoveries, are summarized in the following table: In thousands of dollars 2015 (a) 2014 2013 Corporate allocations (b) $ 25,832 $ 60,628 $ 65,718 Occupancy (c) 2,884 5,642 6,678 Depreciation (d) 4,067 7,960 9,275 Other support costs (e) 6,249 15,743 19,019 Cost recoveries (f) (6,055 ) (9,501 ) (4,643 ) Total $ 32,977 $ 80,472 $ 96,047 (a) Costs were allocated from our former parent to us up to the spin date. No costs were allocated to us by our former parent after the spin-off. (b) The corporate allocations related to support we received from our former parent and its affiliates for certain corporate activities include: (i) corporate general and administrative expenses, (ii) marketing services, (iii) investor relations, (iv) legal, (v) human resources, (vi) internal audit, (vii) financial reporting, (viii) tax, (ix) treasury, (x) information technology, (xi) production services, (xii) travel services and (xiii) other former parent corporate and infrastructure costs. For these services, we recorded an allocation of a management fee based on actual costs incurred by our former parent and its affiliates. This was allocated to us based upon our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue in each fiscal period. (c) Occupancy costs relate to certain facilities owned and/or leased by our former parent and its affiliates that were utilized by our employees and principally relate to shared corporate office space. These costs were charged to us primarily based on actual square footage utilized or our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue in each fiscal period. Occupancy costs include facility rent, repairs and maintenance, security and other occupancy related costs incurred to manage the properties. (d) Depreciation expense was allocated by former parent and its affiliates for certain assets. These assets primarily relate to facilities and IT equipment that are utilized by former parent and us to operate our businesses. These assets have not been included in our Combined Balance Sheets. Depreciation expense was allocated primarily based on our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue or our utilization of these assets. (e) Other support costs related to charges to us from former parent and its affiliates include certain insurance costs and our allocated portions of share-based compensation costs and net periodic pension costs relating to the Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan for employees of our former parent. Such costs were allocated based on actual costs incurred or our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue. (f) Cost recoveries reflect costs recovered from our former parent and our former parent’s affiliates for functions provided by us such as functions that serve our former parent’s digital and broadcasting platforms for content optimization and financial transaction processing at shared service centers. Such costs were primarily allocated based on our revenue as a percentage of total former parent revenue or based upon transactional volume in each fiscal year.

Basis of presentation - Narrati

Basis of presentation - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015publication
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Pro rata distribution to Former Parents' stockholders' (as a percent)	98.50%
Conversion ratio for every share of parent company common stock owned by stockholders	0.5
Shares held by Former Parent after Distribution (as a percent)	1.50%
Former Parent to own shares for period, not to exceed	5 years
U.S. and U.K.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of daily publications		112
U.S.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of daily publications		93
Number of non-daily publications, more than		400
U.K.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of non-daily publications, more than		150

Summary of significant accoun37

Summary of significant accounting policies - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Fiscal period duration	364 days	364 days	364 days
Assets held for sale	$ 12,288	$ 18,434
Revenues	$ 2,885,012	3,171,878	$ 3,324,939
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	40 years
Machinery and Equipment | Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Machinery and Equipment | Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	30 years
Restricted stock units
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Requisite service period	4 years
Performance shares
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Requisite service period	3 years
U.K.
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 417,400	461,300	452,000
Long-lived assets	$ 330,000	$ 336,700	$ 384,300

Summary of significant accoun38

Summary of significant accounting policies - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 2,542,569	$ 2,590,159
Accumulated depreciation	(1,645,984)	(1,655,676)
Net property, plant and equipment	896,585	934,483
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	84,059	92,470
Buildings and Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	752,849	775,078
Machinery, equipment and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	1,687,875	1,712,028
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property, plant and equipment	$ 17,786	$ 10,583

Summary of significant accoun39

Summary of significant accounting policies - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Compensation	$ 115,602	$ 77,606
Taxes	23,644	26,195
Other	108,775	89,096
Total accrued liabilities	248,021	192,897
Accounts payable	145,005	125,888
Total accrued liabilities and accounts payable	$ 393,026	$ 318,785

Summary of significant accoun40

Summary of significant accounting policies - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 01, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pre-acquisition carrying value of TNP		$ 7,900	$ 54,500
Accrued capital expenditures		3,251
Dividends payable		18,501	$ 0
Parent, net investment activity subsequent to separation		31,762
Fair value of noncontrolling equity interests in TNP and CNP		60,954
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership (TNP)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pre-acquisition carrying value of TNP		$ 39,155
Fair value of noncontrolling equity interests in TNP and CNP	$ 26,600

Acquisitions and dispositions -

Acquisitions and dispositions - Narrative (Detail)	Oct. 07, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2015USD ($)	May. 26, 2015USD ($)publication	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired						$ 28,668,000	$ 113,000	$ 922,000
Fair value of interests on acquisition date						60,954,000
Net gain recognized on acquisition						$ 21,799,000	$ 0	$ 0
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership (TNP)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest acquired (as a percent)		59.40%
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 5,200,000
Ownership interest in acquired company (as a percent)		100.00%
Ownership interests held prior to acquisition date (as a percent)		40.60%
Fair value of interests on acquisition date		$ 26,600,000
Net gain recognized on acquisition		21,800,000
Acquisition related costs		$ 700,000
Impact of acquisition on earnings, revenue				$ 46,600,000
California Newspapers Partnership (CNP)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assignment of interest for acquisition (as a percent)		19.50%
Fair value of ownership interest assigned		$ 34,400,000
Romanes Media Group (RMG)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs			$ 500,000
Number of daily publications | publication			1
Number of non daily publications | publication			28
Journal Media Group, Inc. (JMG)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of Journal Media Group, Inc.	$ 280,000,000
Newsquest | Romanes Media Group (RMG)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest acquired (as a percent)			100.00%
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 23,400,000
Impact of acquisition on earnings, revenue					$ 15,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity									$ 500,000,000

Acquisitions and dispositions42

Acquisitions and dispositions - Acquired Assets and Liabilities Assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 575,685		$ 544,345	$ 555,479
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership (TNP)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		$ 12,310
Plant, property and equipment		20,792
Intangible assets		28,440
Goodwill		28,250
Total assets acquired		89,792
Current liabilities		10,860
Noncurrent liabilities		11,878
Total liabilities assumed		22,738
Net assets acquired		$ 67,054

Severance-related expenses - Na

Severance-related expenses - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of finite-lived intangible assets	$ 18,500
Asset impairment charges, net of tax	34,936		$ 29,304
Non-EROP
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	30,200	$ 19,800
USA Today Early Retirement Opportunity Program (EROP)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	7,801
Early Retirement Opportunity Program (EROP) August 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	34,280
Cost of Sales and Operating Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	59,300	15,500
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	12,900	4,200
Non-Operating Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges, net of tax	658		2,693
Mastheads
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 900	$ 1,700	$ 2,400

Severance-related expenses - Re

Severance-related expenses - Restructuring Reserve (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
One-time Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Severance liability, beginning of period	$ 6,671	$ 14,886
Payments	(19,679)	(21,289)
Expense	22,826	13,074
Severance liability, end of period	9,818	6,671
USA Today Early Retirement Opportunity Program (EROP)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Severance liability, beginning of period	0
Payments	(4,464)
Expense	7,801
Severance liability, end of period	3,337	0
Early Retirement Opportunity Program (EROP) August 2015
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Severance liability, beginning of period	0
Payments	(6,127)
Expense	34,280
Adjustments	240
Severance liability, end of period	28,393	0
Ongoing Severance Plan
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Severance liability, beginning of period	4,851	5,824
Payments	(8,175)	(7,696)
Expense	7,359	6,723
Severance liability, end of period	$ 4,035	$ 4,851

Severance-related expenses - Su

Severance-related expenses - Summary of Charges (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 34,936		$ 29,304
After-Tax Amount	$ 22,632		$ 18,103
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19		$ 0.15
Operations
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 34,278	$ 35,216	$ 26,611
After-Tax Amount	$ 22,228	$ 22,916	$ 16,510
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.19	$ 0.20	$ 0.14
Operations | Intangible assets
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 19,437	$ 1,701	$ 2,401
After-Tax Amount	$ 13,131	$ 1,000	$ 1,500
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Operations | Property, plant and equipment
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 10,061	$ 19,467	$ 14,756
After-Tax Amount	$ 6,167	$ 13,467	$ 9,156
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.12	$ 0.08
Operations | Other
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 4,780	$ 14,048	$ 9,454
After-Tax Amount	$ 2,930	$ 8,449	$ 5,854
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.03	$ 0.07	$ 0.05
Non-Operating Charges
Unusual or Infrequent Item [Line Items]
Pre-Tax Amount	$ 658		$ 2,693
After-Tax Amount	$ 404		$ 1,593
Per Share Amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0		$ 0.01

Goodwill and other intangible46

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Narrative (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)asset	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ 11,636,000	$ 13,885,000	$ 14,119,000
Number of fully amortized assets | asset	4
Goodwill impairments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Customer Relationships | Weighted Average
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average useful life	6 years

Goodwill and other intangible47

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 575,685	$ 544,345	$ 555,479
Total, Gross	686,689	745,915
Total, Accumulated Amortization	(51,291)	(151,455)
Total, Net	635,398	594,460
Customer Relationships
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross	68,005	173,822
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(39,813)	(140,720)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net	28,192	33,102
Other
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross	11,478	14,279
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(11,478)	(10,735)
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net	0	3,544
Mastheads and trade names
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	$ 31,521	$ 13,469

Goodwill and other intangible48

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Future Annual Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 5,081
2,017	4,980
2,018	4,930
2,019	4,340
2,020	$ 3,948

Goodwill and other intangible49

Goodwill and other intangible assets - Change in Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	$ 7,358,420	$ 7,501,584
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(6,814,075)	(6,946,105)
Beginning Balance	544,345	555,479
Acquisitions & adjustments	39,484	2
Foreign currency exchange rate changes	(8,144)	(11,136)
Total	31,340	(11,134)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	7,297,752	7,358,420
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance	(6,722,067)	(6,814,075)
Ending Balance	$ 575,685	$ 544,345

Investments - Equity Method Inv

Investments - Equity Method Investments (Detail)	Dec. 27, 2015
Ponderay Newsprint Company
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interests (as a percent)	13.50%
Homefinder.com
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interests (as a percent)	33.33%
Timerazor
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interests (as a percent)	7.09%
TNI Partners
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership interests (as a percent)	50.00%

Investments - Narrative (Detail

Investments - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying value of equity investments	$ 7.9	$ 54.5

Revolving Credit Facility - Nar

Revolving Credit Facility - Narrative (Detail) - Line of Credit	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding amount		$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility term	5 years
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500,000,000
Consolidated interest coverage ratio, not less than	3
Total leverage ratio, not to exceed	3
Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.30%
Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee on undrawn commitments (as a percent)	0.40%
Revolving Credit Facility | Federal Funds Rate | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Revolving Credit Facility | ABR | Minimum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Revolving Credit Facility | ABR | Maximum | Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.50%
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		50,000,000
Outstanding amount		16,400,000
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 483,600,000

Retirement plans - Narrative (D

Retirement plans - Narrative (Detail) $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)hourshares	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Minimum number of employee working hours required to be eligible to participate in the 401(k) Savings Plan (in hours) | hour	1,000
401(k) employee maximum contribution (as a percent)	50.00%
401(k) employer matching contribution (as a percent)	100.00%
Contributions per employee subject to employer match (as a percent)	5.00%
Compensation expense related to 401(k) contributions	$ 25,800	$ 30,400	$ 34,000
Plans in red zone | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Multi-employer plans funded percentage (less than 65% of red zone, less than 80% of orange zone, and at least 80% of green zone plans in 2012)	Less than 65 percent
Plans in yellow zone | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Multi-employer plans funded percentage (less than 65% of red zone, less than 80% of orange zone, and at least 80% of green zone plans in 2012)	At least 80 percent
Plans in yellow zone | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Multi-employer plans funded percentage (less than 65% of red zone, less than 80% of orange zone, and at least 80% of green zone plans in 2012)	Between 65 and less than 80 percent
SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contribution	$ 7,400
Expected future employer contributions in next fiscal year	15,900
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actuarial loss estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost	60,100
Prior service cost (credit) estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost	6,700
Employer contribution	$ 128,179	$ 74,442
Plan assets, shares of common stock (in shares) | shares	0.6
Plan assets, value of common stock	$ 10,100
Plan assets, dividends received	1,000
Gannett Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contribution	600
Gannett Retirement Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expected future employer contributions in next fiscal year	25,000
Expected future employer contributions in 2017	25,000
Expected future employer contributions in 2018	25,000
Expected future employer contributions in 2019	25,000
Expected future employer contributions in 2020	25,000
Expected future employer contributions in 2021	$ 15,000
Actual rate of return on plan assets (as a percent)	1.90%	5.20%	16.40%
Newsquest
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contribution	$ 11,600
Newsquest | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expected future employer contributions in next fiscal year	17,500
Newspaper Guild of Detroit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer's contributions to multi-employer plans as a percent of total contribution		7.00%
All Plans Excluding Newspaper Guild of Detroit | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer's contributions to multi-employer plans as a percent of total contribution		5.00%
Multiemployer Plans, Pension
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expenses incurred for multi-employer withdrawal liabilities	6,100	$ 8,200
Other long-term liabilities, withdrawal liabilities for multi-employer pension plans	43,500	$ 41,200
Former Parent | SERP
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contribution	3,000
Former Parent | Gannett Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Employer contribution	$ 104,700

Retirement plans - Pension Cost

Retirement plans - Pension Costs (Detail) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost—benefits earned during the period	$ 7,993	$ 4,498	$ 6,487
Interest cost on benefit obligation	131,149	145,433	131,270
Expected return on plan assets	(196,774)	(206,164)	(188,462)
Amortization of prior service costs	6,893	6,967	6,967
Amortization of actuarial loss	56,722	41,728	56,813
Pension cost (benefit) for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans	5,983	(7,538)	13,075
Settlement charge	1,254	0	1,721
Expense (credit) for retirement plans	$ 7,237	$ (7,538)	$ 14,796

Retirement plans - Reconciliati

Retirement plans - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at end of year	$ 3,184,795
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,654,889
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,558,627	$ 2,654,889
Funded status at end of year	(626,168)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent	(612,443)	(770,041)
Retirement Plans
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	3,433,581	3,170,182
Service cost	7,993	4,498	$ 6,487
Interest cost	131,149	145,433	131,270
Plan participants’ contributions	8	4
Actuarial (gain) loss	(106,778)	370,700
Foreign currency translation	(40,679)	(57,779)
Gross benefits paid	(218,998)	(199,457)
Acquisitions	26,308	0
Settlements	(4,354)	0
Transfer from separation	(43,435)	0
Benefit obligations at end of year	3,184,795	3,433,581	3,170,182
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,654,889	2,668,093
Transfers	1,006	0
Actual return on plan assets	38,853	154,462
Plan participants’ contributions	8	4
Employer contributions	128,179	74,442
Gross benefits paid	(218,998)	(199,457)
Acquisitions	26,179	0
Settlements	(4,354)	0
Foreign currency translation	(30,411)	(42,655)
Transfer from separation	(36,724)	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,558,627	2,654,889	$ 2,668,093
Funded status at end of year	(626,168)	(778,692)
Amounts recognized in Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets
Noncurrent assets	2,166	0
Accrued benefit cost—current	(15,891)	(8,651)
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent	$ (612,443)	$ (770,041)

Retirement plans - Funded Statu

Retirement plans - Funded Status of Principal Retirement Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,558,627	$ 2,654,889
Benefit Obligation	3,184,795
Funded status at end of year	(626,168)
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,558,627	2,654,889	$ 2,668,093
Benefit Obligation	3,184,795	3,433,581	$ 3,170,182
Funded status at end of year	(626,168)	$ (778,692)
Gannett Supplemental Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	0
Benefit Obligation	123,624
Funded status at end of year	(123,624)
Gannett Retirement Plan | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,755,432
Benefit Obligation	2,015,000
Funded status at end of year	(259,568)
Newsquest | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	714,010
Benefit Obligation	946,329
Funded status at end of year	(232,319)
Newspaper Guild of Detroit | Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair Value of Plan Assets	89,185
Benefit Obligation	99,842
Funded status at end of year	$ (10,657)

Retirement plans - Benefit Obli

Retirement plans - Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 3,184,795
Fair value of plan assets	2,558,627	$ 2,654,889
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	3,179,094	3,420,669
Projected benefit obligation	3,184,795	3,433,581	$ 3,170,182
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,558,627	$ 2,654,889	$ 2,668,093

Retirement plans - Amounts incl

Retirement plans - Amounts included in AOCI (Details) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net actuarial losses	$ (1,613,939)	$ (1,663,647)
Prior service cost	(35,451)	(43,257)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (1,649,390)	$ (1,706,904)

Retirement plans - Other Change

Retirement plans - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	$ (54,142)	$ (429,402)	$ 258,220
Actuarial gain due to settlement	1,254	0	1,721
Amortization of actuarial loss	58,148	42,446	57,940
Amortization of prior service costs	(2,722)	(4,454)	(2,039)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	42,262	$ (330,903)	$ 306,697
Retirement Plans
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	(50,137)
Actuarial gain due to settlement	1,254
Amortization of actuarial loss	56,722
Amortization of prior service costs	6,893
Foreign currency gain	18,598
Transfer from separation	24,180
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	$ 57,510

Retirement plans - Assumptions

Retirement plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Defined Benefit Plans Costs (Detail) - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.17%	4.74%	4.10%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	7.63%	7.91%	7.93%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	2.95%	2.96%	2.96%

Retirement plans - Assumption61

Retirement plans - Assumptions Used to Determine Pension Year-End Benefit Obligations (Detail) - Retirement Plans	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.24%	3.94%
Rate of compensation increase (as a percent)	2.96%	2.96%

Retirement plans - Asset Alloca

Retirement plans - Asset Allocation and Target Allocations by Asset Category (Detail) - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target allocation (as a percent)	100.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets (as a percent)	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target allocation (as a percent)	59.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets (as a percent)	53.00%	60.00%
Debt securities
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target allocation (as a percent)	19.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets (as a percent)	24.00%	17.00%
Alternative investments
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Target allocation (as a percent)	22.00%
Allocation of Plan Assets (as a percent)	23.00%	23.00%

Retirement plans - Estimated Be

Retirement plans - Estimated Benefit Payments (Detail) - Retirement Plans $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2,016	$ 228,979
2,017	201,919
2,018	200,073
2,019	199,106
2,020	197,063
2021-2025	$ 942,375

Retirement plans - Multi-Employ

Retirement plans - Multi-Employer Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contributions	$ 2,583	$ 2,602	$ 3,028
CWA/ITU Negotiated Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	136,212,879
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Implemented
Contributions	$ 411	$ 433	242
Surcharge Imposed	No
GCIU - Employer Retirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	916,024,903
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Implemented
Contributions	$ 43	$ 71	216
Surcharge Imposed	No
Newspaper Guild of Detroit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	521,082,662
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Implemented
Contributions	$ 226	$ 244	279
Surcharge Imposed	No
International Association Of Machinists
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	516,031,295
Multiemployer Plan Number	2
Zone Status	Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	NA
Contributions	$ 352	$ 403	736
Surcharge Imposed	NA
Teamster Pension Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	231,511,735
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Yellow	Yellow
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Implemented
Contributions	$ 1,452	$ 1,298	1,355
Surcharge Imposed	NA
Central Pension Fund of the International Union of Operating Engineers and Participating Employers
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	366,052,390
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Green	Green
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	NA
Contributions	$ 99	$ 153	160
Surcharge Imposed	NA
Central States Southeast and Southwest Areas Pension Fund
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
EIN Number	366,044,243
Multiemployer Plan Number	1
Zone Status	Red	Red
FIP/RP Status Pending/Implemented	Implemented
Contributions	$ 0	$ 0	$ 40
Surcharge Imposed	No

Postretirement benefits other65

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Narrative (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reduction of postretirement benefits liability due to remeasurement	$ 33,900
Allocated remeasurement of post-retirement benefits liability	$ 32,900
Net actuarial losses		$ (12,611)	$ (12,044)
Prior service credit		29,515	41,454
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss		16,904	$ 29,410
Actuarial loss estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost		900
Prior service cost (credit) estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost		$ 5,000
Percentage of change in the health care cost trend rate		1.00%
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation of a 1% change in the health care cost trend rate		$ 200

Postretirement benefits other66

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Health Care and Life Insurance (Details) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 301	$ 365	$ 523
Interest cost on benefit obligation	4,019	4,610	5,526
Amortization of prior service credit	(9,615)	(11,421)	(9,006)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,426	718	1,127
Pension cost (benefit) for our plans and our allocated portions of former parent-sponsored retirement plans	$ (3,869)	$ (5,728)	$ (1,830)

Postretirement benefits other67

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations and Funded Status (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at end of year	$ 3,184,795
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,654,889
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,558,627	$ 2,654,889
Benefit obligations at end of year	(3,184,795)
Accrued postretirement benefit cost:
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent	(87,594)	(93,474)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year	103,528	141,447
Service cost	301	365	$ 523
Interest cost	4,019	4,610	5,526
Plan participants’ contributions	3,839	5,018
Plan amendments	0	(36,873)
Actuarial loss	3,898	6,590
Gross benefits paid	(13,935)	(18,294)
Federal subsidy on benefits paid	0	665
Transfer from separation	(4,142)	0
Benefit obligations at end of year	97,508	103,528	141,447
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0	0
Employer contributions	10,096	13,276
Plan participants’ contributions	3,839	5,018
Gross benefits paid	(13,935)	(18,294)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0	0
Benefit obligations at end of year	(97,508)	(103,528)	$ (141,447)
Accrued postretirement benefit cost:
Accrued benefit cost—current	(9,914)	(10,054)
Accrued benefit cost—noncurrent	$ (87,594)	$ (93,474)

Postretirement benefits other68

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	$ (54,142)	$ (429,402)	$ 258,220
Amortization of actuarial loss	58,148	42,446	57,940
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,722)	(4,454)	(2,039)
Other adjustments	15,544	23,634	(9,448)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	42,262	$ (330,903)	$ 306,697
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit
Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Current year actuarial loss	(4,005)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,426
Amortization of prior service credit	(9,615)
Other adjustments	(311)
Pension and other postretirement benefit items	$ (12,505)

Postretirement benefits other69

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Assumptions Used to Determine Postretirement Cost (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.11%	4.50%	3.80%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	6.18%	6.26%	7.17%
Ultimate trend rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached	2,018	2,018	2,017

Postretirement benefits other70

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Assumptions Used to Determine Year-End Benefit Obligations (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate (as a percent)	4.35%	4.00%
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year (as a percent)	6.18%	6.26%
Ultimate trend rate (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Year that ultimate trend rate is reached	2,018	2,018	2,017

Postretirement benefits other71

Postretirement benefits other than pensions - Expected Benefit Payments and Subsidy Benefits (Detail) - Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Benefit Payments
2,016	$ 9,914
2,017	8,877
2,018	8,720
2,019	8,136
2,020	7,415
2021-2025	$ 31,302

Income taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income taxes - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Adjustment to deferred tax liabilities and assets for enacted changes in UK tax rate	$ 3,800
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	181,893	$ 59,392
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	11,300	7,500	$ 9,200
Recognized income (expense) from interest and the release of penalty reserves	600	1,200	12,200
Accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits	3,400	$ 1,100	$ 2,300
Estimated decrease in gross unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months, maximum	2,000
Foreign
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	15,200
Net operating loss carryforwards	127,800
Capital loss carryforwards	34,300
State
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforwards	1,800
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 93,800

Income taxes - Provision (Benef

Income taxes - Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Current
Federal	$ (5,383)	$ 39,740	$ 21,933
State and other	(560)	(21,123)	(17,252)
Foreign	6,447	0	0
Total	504	18,617	4,681
Deferred
Federal	36,489	18,282	64,317
State and other	4,046	27,731	(2,944)
Foreign	6,845	2,930	5,248
Total	47,380	48,943	66,621
Total
Federal	31,106	58,022	86,250
State and other	3,486	6,608	(20,196)
Foreign	13,292	2,930	5,248
Total	$ 47,884	$ 67,560	$ 71,302

Income taxes - Components of In

Income taxes - Components of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Gannett Co., Inc. Before Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 128,316	$ 192,741	$ 260,937
Foreign	65,659	85,524	84,826
Total	$ 193,975	$ 278,265	$ 345,763

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State/other income taxes net of federal income tax	2.40%	2.50%	2.60%
Statutory rate differential and permanent differences in earnings in foreign jurisdictions	(6.30%)	(13.40%)	(11.00%)
Impact of rate change in foreign tax jurisdiction	1.90%	0.00%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	0.00%	4.40%	2.90%
Lapse of statutes of limitations net of federal income tax	(1.10%)	(0.90%)	(8.60%)
Impact of accounting method change	(3.40%)	0.00%	0.00%
Domestic manufacturing deduction	(1.40%)	(1.90%)	(1.10%)
Other, net	(2.40%)	(1.40%)	0.80%
Effective tax rate	24.70%	24.30%	20.60%

Income taxes - Deferred Tax Lia

Income taxes - Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Liabilities
Accelerated depreciation	$ (165,457)	$ (186,222)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(165,457)	(186,222)
Assets
Accrued compensation costs	41,321	20,587
Pension and postretirement benefits	257,764	346,792
Basis difference and amortization of intangibles	164,485	56,082
Federal tax benefits of uncertain state tax positions	7,506	3,846
Partnership investments including impairments	5,353	9,894
Loss carryforwards	34,312	52,759
Other	38,600	18,773
Total deferred tax assets	549,341	508,733
Valuation allowance	(181,893)	(59,392)
Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	201,991	263,119
Current deferred tax assets	0	1,797
Noncurrent deferred tax assets	$ 201,991	$ 261,322

Income taxes - Summary of Valua

Income taxes - Summary of Valuation Allowance (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 59,392
Additions/(reductions) charged to cost and expenses	(2,316)
Additions/(reductions) for acquisitions/dispositions	0
(Deductions from)/additions to reserves	124,817
Balance at end of period	$ 181,893

Income taxes - Summary of Activ

Income taxes - Summary of Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Federal Tax Benefit of State Tax Deductions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 10,919	$ 13,875
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,021	1,768
Additions for tax positions of prior years	6,713	545
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	(2,398)
Settlements	0	(36)
Reductions due to lapse of statutes of limitations	(2,621)	(2,835)
Balance at end of year	$ 17,032	$ 10,919

Shareholders' equity - Narrativ

Shareholders' equity - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2015	Dec. 27, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Pro rata distribution to Former Parents' stockholders' (as a percent)	98.50%
Shares held by Former Parent after Distribution (as a percent)	1.50%
Common stock,, outstanding (in shares)	115,000,000
RSUs outstanding excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)		100,000
Shares approved to be repurchased under share repurchase program, amount			$ 150,000,000
Stock repurchase program, period in force	3 years
Incremental cost recognized for awards modified	$ 3,100,000
Maximum number of awards that can be granted to any participant in any fiscal year (in shares)		500,000
Minimum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of units ultimately paid for performance share awards of target (as a percent)		0.00%
Maximum
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of units ultimately paid for performance share awards of target (as a percent)		200.00%
Employee
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Shares reserved for issuance (in shares)	11,000,000
Stock options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Gannett awards issued for former parent company awards converted (in shares)	1,100,000
Aggregate intrinsic value		$ 4,700,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Gannett awards issued for former parent company awards converted (in shares)	3,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Employee
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of shares of common stock received for each RSU granted (in shares)		1
Performance shares
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Gannett awards issued for former parent company awards converted (in shares)	1,000,000
Award vesting period		3 years
Shares of common stock paid per performance share		1
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation, recognition period		1 year 8 months 12 days
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation		$ 4,600,000
Restricted stock units
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Award vesting period		4 years
Award vesting percentage		25.00%
Performance units and cash based awards
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate amount of performance units that may be awarded to a participant annually		$ 10,000,000
Restricted stock and RSUs
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs		$ 20,200,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation, recognition period		2 years 4 months 24 days
Income tax benefit from exercise of award		$ 8,000,000
Former Parent | Stock options
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of former parent awards converted to Gannett awards (in shares)	4,400,000
Former Parent | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of former parent awards converted to Gannett awards (in shares)	8,300,000
Former Parent | Performance shares
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]
Number of former parent awards converted to Gannett awards (in shares)	3,000,000

Shareholders' equity - Earnings

Shareholders' equity - Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Basic and Diluted) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 146,091	$ 210,705	$ 274,461
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (basic)	115,165	114,959	114,959
Effect of dilutive securities
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding (diluted)	116,695	114,959	114,959
Earnings per share (basic) (in dollars per share)	$ 1.27	$ 1.83	$ 2.39
Earnings per share (diluted) (in dollars per share)	$ 1.25	$ 1.83	$ 2.39
Restricted stock units
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	728	0	0
Performance shares
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	582	0	0
Stock options
Effect of dilutive securities
Effect of dilutive securities (in shares)	220	0	0

Shareholders' equity - Assumpti

Shareholders' equity - Assumptions Used to Estimate Fair Value of Option Awards (Detail) - Performance shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility (as a percent)	32.00%	39.32%	40.80%
Risk free interest rate (as a percent)	1.10%	0.78%	0.36%
Expected dividend yield (as a percent)	2.51%	2.70%	4.44%

Shareholders' equity - Stock-Ba

Shareholders' equity - Stock-Based Compensation Related Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for Equity Awards (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 21,742	$ 17,099	$ 16,201
Restricted stock and RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	12,235	9,150	10,040
Performance shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	9,478	7,333	4,931
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 29	$ 616	$ 1,230

Shareholders' equity - Summary

Shareholders' equity - Summary of Restricted Stock and RSU Awards (Detail) - Restricted stock and RSUs	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
Shares
Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 (in shares) | shares	2,885,994
Granted (in shares) | shares	203,061
Settled (in shares) | shares	(136,658)
Canceled (in shares) | shares	(174,190)
Outstanding and unvested at end of year (in shares) | shares	2,778,207
Weighted average fair value
Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares	$ 10.86
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	11.31
Settled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	10.35
Canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	10.98
Outstanding and unvested at end of year (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares	$ 10.91

Shareholders' equity - Summar84

Shareholders' equity - Summary of Performance Shares (Details) - Performance shares	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015$ / sharesshares
Shares
Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 (in shares) | shares	926,138
Vested (in shares) | shares	(31,158)
Canceled (in shares) | shares	(101,306)
Outstanding and unvested at end of year (in shares) | shares	793,674
Weighted average fair value
Outstanding and unvested at June 29, 2015 (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares	$ 15.48
Vested (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares	15.51
Canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	15.21
Outstanding and unvested at end of year (in dollars per shares) | $ / shares	$ 15.52

Shareholders' equity - Summar85

Shareholders' equity - Summary of Stock-Option Awards (Detail) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Jun. 28, 2015
Shares
Outstanding at June 29, 2015 (in shares)	1,078,289
Exercised (in shares)	(662,304)
Canceled (in shares)	(4,102)
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year (in shares)	411,883	1,078,289
Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at June 29, 2015 (in dollars per shares)	$ 6.80
Exercised (in dollars per shares)	7.53
Canceled (in dollars per share)	12.61
Outstanding and exercisable at end of year (in dollars per shares)	$ 5.58	$ 6.80
Weighted average remaining contractual term
Weighted average remaining contractual term (in years)	2 years 7 months 6 days	2 years 6 months
Aggregate intrinsic value
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 4,378,900	$ 7,901,831

Shareholders' equity - Accumula

Shareholders' equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ (678,112)	$ (441,981)	$ (625,073)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(31,400)	(260,154)	147,186
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	36,088	24,023	35,906
Balance at end of year	(673,424)	(678,112)	(441,981)
Retirement Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	(1,082,312)	(873,595)	(1,049,171)
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(12,010)	(232,740)	139,670
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	36,088	24,023	35,906
Balance at end of year	(1,058,234)	(1,082,312)	(873,595)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	404,200	431,614	424,098
Other comprehensive (loss) gain before reclassifications	(19,390)	(27,414)	7,516
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0
Balance at end of year	$ 384,810	$ 404,200	$ 431,614

Shareholders' equity - Reclassi

Shareholders' equity - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	$ (2,722)	$ (4,454)	$ (2,039)
Amortization of actuarial loss	58,148	42,446	57,940
Total reclassifications, net of tax	(36,088)	(24,023)	(35,906)
Retirement Plans
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total reclassifications, net of tax	(36,088)	(24,023)	$ (35,906)
Retirement Plans | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,722)	(4,454)
Amortization of actuarial loss	58,148	42,446
Total reclassifications, before tax	55,426	37,992
Income tax effect	$ (19,338)	$ (13,969)

Commitments, contingent liabi88

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters - Additional Information (Detail)	Jan. 02, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)option	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2013USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Future minimum sublease rentals		$ 2,500,000
Total rental costs reflected in continuing operations		$ 39,700,000	$ 34,100,000	$ 34,700,000
Initial lease term		15 years
Number of renewal options | option		2
Renewal lease term		5 years
Annual lease payment		$ 6,600,000
Additional lease payments beginning in 2018		$ 2,200,000
Annual rent escalations (as a percent)		2.50%
Self insurance liabilities		$ 75,500,000	69,100,000
Printing contracts and Others
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Purchase commitments under contract		65,500,000
Contractual Promotional Payments
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Business exit costs			$ 21,000,000
Minimum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Statutory penalty per incident	$ 500
Maximum
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Statutory penalty per incident	$ 1,500
Facility Consolidation
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Accrued business exit costs		$ 4,100,000

Commitments, contingent liabi89

Commitments, contingent liabilities and other matters - Future Minimum Annual Rentals Payable Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 44,995
2,017	41,090
2,018	38,259
2,019	34,442
2,020	29,304
Later years	193,159
Total	$ 381,249

Fair value measurement - Narrat

Fair value measurement - Narrative (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,541,396	$ 2,648,167
Hedge funds redemption period	60 days
Hedge funds redemption potential holdback percentage	5.00%
Real estate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 126,049	118,936
Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	131,663	162,458
Reclassification Adjustment | Real estate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		9,800
Reclassification Adjustment | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		(9,800)
Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,127,680	1,069,100
Unfunded commitments related to partnership/joint venture interests	12,200
Level 2 | Real estate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 2 | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	27,412	34,144
Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	540,930	561,896	$ 478,072
Increase in return on plan assets due to reclassification adjustment		1,100
Level 3 | Real estate
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	126,049	118,936	105,875
Level 3 | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	104,251	$ 128,314	$ 131,868
Newsquest | Hedge funds
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Proceeds from liquidation proceeds from hedge fund	$ 31,700
Proceeds from liquidation proceeds from hedge fund (as a percent of total fair value)	75.90%
Newsquest | Hedge funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Plan assets held in hedge fund, fair value	$ 41,800

Fair value measurement - Fair V

Fair value measurement - Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets by Level within Fair Value Hierarchy (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,541,396	$ 2,648,167
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	(2,623)	(4,268)
Cash and other	19,854	10,990
Total net fair value of plan assets	2,558,627	2,654,889
U.S. government-related securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,744
Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,824
Other government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		4,266
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,275	23,384
Corporate stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	769,597	866,418
Real estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	126,049	118,936
Equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	549,159	693,277
Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	493,661	223,321
Interest in reg. invest. companies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	138,791	188,566
Interest in 103-12 investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		22,776
Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	131,663	162,458
Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	331,044	334,250
Derivative contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	157	2,947
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	(2,623)	(4,268)
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	872,786	1,017,171
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	0	(4)
Cash and other	14,938	8,546
Total net fair value of plan assets	887,724	1,025,713
Level 1 | U.S. government-related securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 1 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 1 | Other government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 1 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Corporate stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	769,597	866,418
Level 1 | Real estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,478	6,593
Level 1 | Interest in reg. invest. companies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	100,711	144,160
Level 1 | Interest in 103-12 investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 1 | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Derivative contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 1 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	0	(4)
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,127,680	1,069,100
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	(615)	(2,387)
Cash and other	4,916	2,444
Total net fair value of plan assets	1,131,981	1,069,157
Level 2 | U.S. government-related securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,744
Level 2 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		3,735
Level 2 | Other government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		4,266
Level 2 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,275	23,027
Level 2 | Corporate stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 2 | Real estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 2 | Equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	549,159	693,277
Level 2 | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	491,183	216,728
Level 2 | Interest in reg. invest. companies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	38,080	44,406
Level 2 | Interest in 103-12 investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		22,776
Level 2 | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	27,412	34,144
Level 2 | Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	20,454	20,166
Level 2 | Derivative contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	117	2,831
Level 2 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	(615)	(2,387)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	540,930	561,896	$ 478,072
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	(2,008)	(1,877)
Cash and other	0	0
Total net fair value of plan assets	538,922	560,019
Level 3 | U.S. government-related securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 3 | Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	89	372
Level 3 | Other government bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 3 | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	357	800
Level 3 | Corporate stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 3 | Real estate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	126,049	118,936	105,875
Level 3 | Equities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 3 | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 3 | Interest in reg. invest. companies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Level 3 | Interest in 103-12 investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets		0
Level 3 | Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	104,251	128,314	131,868
Level 3 | Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	310,590	314,084	239,004
Level 3 | Derivative contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	40	116	153
Level 3 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan liabilities	$ (2,008)	$ (1,877)	$ (1,877)

Fair value measurement - Summar

Fair value measurement - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets and Liabilities Categorized as Level 3 (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,648,167
Liabilities, Balance at beginning of year	(4,268)
Assets, Balance at end of year	2,541,396	$ 2,648,167
Liabilities, Balance at end of year	(2,623)	(4,268)
Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Liabilities, Balance at beginning of year	(4,268)
Liabilities, Balance at end of year	(2,623)	(4,268)
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	561,896	478,072
Liabilities, Balance at beginning of year	(1,877)
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	1,358	12,643
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	17,771	21,107
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(31,409)	50,074
Transfer from parent	(8,686)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	540,930	561,896
Liabilities, Balance at end of year	(2,008)	(1,877)
Level 3 | Derivative liabilities
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Liabilities, Balance at beginning of year	(1,877)	(1,877)
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	0	0
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, sales, and settlements	0	0
Transfer from parent	(131)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Liabilities, Balance at end of year	(2,008)	(1,877)
Mortgage-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	3,824
Assets, Balance at end of year		3,824
Mortgage-backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	89	372
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	0	0
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	1	1
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(90)	(284)
Transfer from parent	0
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	0	89
Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	23,384
Assets, Balance at end of year	1,275	23,384
Corporate bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	357	800
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	0	109
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	(8)	(117)
Purchases, sales, and settlements	$ (349)	(435)
Transfer from parent
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	$ 0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	0	357
Real estate
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	118,936
Assets, Balance at end of year	126,049	118,936
Real estate | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	118,936	105,875
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	4,346	3,148
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	0	0
Purchases, sales, and settlements	2,765	9,913
Transfer from parent	2
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	126,049	118,936
Partnership/joint venture interests
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	162,458
Assets, Balance at end of year	131,663	162,458
Partnership/joint venture interests | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	128,314	131,868
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	(4,937)	(401)
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	17,213	20,368
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(30,947)	(23,521)
Transfer from parent	(5,392)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	104,251	128,314
Hedge funds
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	334,250
Assets, Balance at end of year	331,044	334,250
Hedge funds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	314,084	239,004
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	2,028	9,787
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	565	840
Purchases, sales, and settlements	(2,788)	64,453
Transfer from parent	(3,299)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	310,590	314,084
Derivative contracts
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	2,947
Assets, Balance at end of year	157	2,947
Derivative contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets (Liabilities) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Assets, Balance at beginning of year	116	153
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets still held at report date	(79)	0
Actual return on plan assets relating to assets sold during the period	0	15
Purchases, sales, and settlements	0	(52)
Transfer from parent	3
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 (1)	0	0
Assets, Balance at end of year	$ 40	$ 116

Fair value measurement - Summ93

Fair value measurement - Summary of the Non-Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4	$ 12,288	$ 18,434
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4	0	0
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4	0	0
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset held for sale - Quarter 4	$ 12,288	$ 18,434

Relationship with our former 94

Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off - Allocated Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent [Line Items]
Corporate allocations	$ 707,022	$ 765,465	$ 773,409
Depreciation	95,916	97,178	95,979
Former Parent
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent [Line Items]
Corporate allocations	25,832	60,628	65,718
Occupancy	2,884	5,642	6,678
Depreciation	4,067	7,960	9,275
Other support costs	6,249	15,743	19,019
Cost recoveries	(6,055)	(9,501)	(4,643)
Total	$ 32,977	$ 80,472	$ 96,047

Relationship with our former 95

Relationship with our former parent subsequent to the spin-off - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent [Line Items]
Transfer services agreement, term	24 months
Transition services agreement, minimum service period	90 days
Transition services agreement, minimum notice period for termination	30 days
Former Parent
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent [Line Items]
IT, payroll, and other services provided for former parent	$ 5.9
Services provided by former parent	3.7
Investment of commercial paper of Parent		$ 63.9
Commercial Paper | Former Parent
Schedule of Transactions with Former Parent [Line Items]
Interest income on related party investments	$ 0.4	$ 1.8