TEGNA (TGNA) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	TEGNA INC
Entity Central Index Key	39,899
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 27, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	221,692,610
Trading Symbol	TGNA

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 117,799	$ 110,460
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts (2015 - $12,273; 2014 - $10,710)		557,338	554,481
Other receivables		59,566	56,341
Deferred income taxes		41,592	156,851
Assets held for sale		187,913	51,564
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		101,711	83,621
Current discontinued operation assets		0	467,147
Total current assets		1,065,919	1,480,465
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		999,987	1,311,710
Less accumulated depreciation		(549,745)	(636,978)
Net property, plant and equipment		450,242	674,732
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill		3,966,517	3,955,582
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization		3,107,582	3,189,478
Investments and other assets		284,483	249,483
Noncurrent discontinued operation assets		0	1,655,715
Total intangible and other assets		7,358,582	9,050,258
Total assets	[1]	8,874,743	11,205,455
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and current portion of film contracts payable		157,950	155,896
Accrued expenses		316,593	371,731
Dividends payable		31,845	45,309
Income taxes		29,382	11,267
Deferred income		178,973	139,971
Current portion of long-term debt		7,854	7,854
Current discontinued operation liabilities		0	395,908
Total current liabilities		722,597	1,127,936
Noncurrent liabilities
Income taxes		37,266	56,578
Deferred income taxes		898,588	848,047
Long-term debt		4,471,119	4,488,028
Pension liabilities		157,281	171,674
Other noncurrent liabilities		178,871	175,710
Noncurrent discontinued operation liabilities		0	827,739
Total noncurrent liabilities		5,743,125	6,567,776
Total liabilities	[1]	6,465,722	7,695,712
Redeemable noncontrolling interests		$ 25,002	$ 20,470
Commitments and contingent liabilities (See Note 13)
TEGNA Inc. shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock of $1 par value per share, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued		$ 0	$ 0
Common stock of $1 par value per share, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 324,418,632 shares issued		324,419	324,419
Additional paid-in capital		528,111	546,406
Retained earnings		6,983,654	8,602,369
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(118,800)	(778,769)
Stockholders' Equity before Treasury Stock, Total		7,717,384	8,694,425
Less treasury stock, at cost (2015 - 102,726,022 shares; 2014 - 97,679,541 shares)		(5,584,482)	(5,439,511)
Total TEGNA Inc. shareholders’ equity		2,132,902	3,254,914
Noncontrolling interests		251,117	234,359
Total equity		2,384,019	3,489,273
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		$ 8,874,743	$ 11,205,455
[1]	Our consolidated assets as of Sept. 27, 2015 include total assets of $59.2 million related to variable interest entities (VIEs) and our consolidated assets as of Dec. 28, 2014, include $60.0 million of such assets. These assets can only be used to settle the obligations of the VIEs. Consolidated liabilities as of Sept. 27, 2015 include total liabilities of $4.3 million related to VIEs and our consolidated liabilities as of Dec. 28, 2014 include $4.3 million of such liabilities. The VIEs’ creditors have no recourse to TEGNA regarding these liabilities. See further description in Note 1 - Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies.

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 12,273	$ 10,710
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, Issued shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, Authorized shares	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common stock, Issued shares	324,418,632	324,418,632
Treasury stock, shares	102,726,022	97,679,541
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 59,200	$ 60,000
Variable Interest Entity Consolidated Carrying Amount, Liabilities Subject to Recourse	$ 4,300	$ 4,300

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Net operating revenues:
Media	$ 406,445	$ 416,509	$ 1,219,911	$ 1,197,035
Digital	351,072	204,560	1,025,770	587,060
Other	49,569	59,916	155,556	185,332
Total	807,086	680,985	2,401,237	1,969,427
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation	256,941	276,833	792,950	816,436
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation	283,564	186,191	852,853	559,642
Depreciation	21,723	21,294	71,360	61,141
Amortization of intangible assets	28,501	11,433	86,155	36,659
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	0	1,230	23,190	25,802
Total	590,729	496,981	1,826,508	1,499,680
Operating income	216,357	184,004	574,729	469,747
Non-operating (expense) income:
Equity income (loss) in unconsolidated investees, net	(1,013)	(981)	(4,123)	156,792
Interest expense	(66,949)	(65,791)	(206,871)	(199,284)
Other non-operating items	(3,116)	(15,326)	(5,346)	(39,762)
Total	(71,078)	(82,098)	(216,340)	(82,254)
Income before income taxes	145,279	101,906	358,389	387,493
Provision for income taxes	37,178	29,782	119,157	145,731
Income from continuing operations	108,101	72,124	239,232	241,762
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2,359)	67,868	125,485	193,731
Net income	105,742	139,992	364,717	435,493
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(17,487)	(21,476)	(47,700)	(49,351)
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 88,255	$ 118,516	$ 317,017	$ 386,142
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.22	$ 0.85	$ 0.85
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.30	0.55	0.86
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	0.39	0.52	1.40	1.71
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.39	0.22	0.83	0.83
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.29	0.54	0.83
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.51	$ 1.37	$ 1.66
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	224,530	225,761	226,053	226,374
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	230,078	232,097	231,310	232,157
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 0.20	$ 0.54	$ 0.60

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 105,742	$ 139,992	$ 364,717	$ 435,493
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(310)	(359)	(1,595)	(2,209)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,033)	(28,412)	(4,639)	(10,951)
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items:
Amortization of prior service credit, net	76	(1,191)	(1,160)	(2,891)
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,742	11,668	35,150	34,901
Actuarial loss arising during period	(14,631)	0	(14,631)	0
Remeasurement of pension and other post-retirement benefits liabilities	79,184	0	79,184	33,907
Other	0	18,068	(4,397)	2,656
Pension and other post-retirement benefit items	68,371	28,545	94,146	68,573
Other	(518)	(4,912)	(518)	(3,851)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	62,820	(4,779)	88,989	53,771
Income tax effect related to components of other comprehensive income	(27,079)	(4,945)	(37,067)	(26,921)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	35,741	(9,724)	51,922	26,850
Comprehensive income	141,173	129,909	415,044	460,134
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests, net of tax	(14,806)	(16,205)	(41,529)	(43,291)
Comprehensive income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 126,367	$ 113,704	$ 373,515	$ 416,843

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 364,717	$ 435,493
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	214,066	183,403
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	33,179	51,210
Pension contributions, net of pension expense	(121,732)	(100,983)
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net	(6,683)	(166,787)
Stock-based compensation – equity awards	17,112	25,133
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	(21,426)	145,132
Net cash flow from operating activities	479,233	572,601
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(74,897)	(91,559)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(53,654)	(202,724)
Payments for investments	(30,293)	(5,318)
Proceeds from investments	12,402	166,251
Proceeds from sale of certain assets	110,524	303,539
Net cash flow from (used for) investing activities	(35,918)	170,189
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowings under revolving credit agreements	120,000	0
Proceeds from unsecured fixed rate notes	0	666,732
Proceeds from unsecured floating rate term loans	200,000	0
Payments of unsecured floating rate term loans	(29,590)	(27,627)
Payments of unsecured fixed rate notes	(316,568)	(250,000)
Payments of debt issuance and financing costs	(6,980)	(10,005)
Dividends paid	(136,163)	(136,059)
Cost of common shares repurchased	(200,569)	(75,815)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon settlement of stock awards	23,154	11,915
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(24,783)	(877)
Deferred payments for acquisitions	(9,136)	(15,687)
Cash transferred to the Gannett Co., Inc. business	(63,365)	0
Net cash flow from (used for) financing activities	(444,000)	162,577
Effect of currency exchange rate change on cash	0	(55)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(685)	905,312
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	118,484	469,203
Balance of cash and cash equivalents at end of period	117,799	1,374,515
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	59,394	112,802
Cash paid for interest	183,239	167,513
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Payment for acquisition (non-monetary exchange of investment)	(34,403)	0
Assets held for sale proceeds	0	146,428
Escrow deposit disbursement related to London Broadcasting Company television stations acquisition	0	(134,908)
Capital expenditures	$ 0	$ (11,520)

Basis of Presentation and Summa

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies	Basis of presentation and summary of significant accounting policies Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. On the first day of our fiscal third quarter, June 29, 2015, we completed the spin-off of our publishing businesses. The publishing businesses retained the name Gannett Co., Inc. and now trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol GCI. TEGNA Inc. trades on the NYSE under the symbol TGNA. The financial position and results of operations of the publishing businesses are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented through the date of the spin-off. The financial statements and footnotes have been revised accordingly. See Note 14, “Discontinued Operations”, for further details regarding the spin-off. Variable Interest Entities (VIE): A variable interest entity is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors lack a controlling interest in the entity through their equity investments. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we are obligated to absorb losses or the right to receive returns of the VIE. We have determined that the entities holding four of our television stations constitute VIEs. Accordingly, we evaluated the arrangements to determine whether we are considered the primary beneficiary, and, as a result of this evaluation, consolidated four stations in the Louisville, KY, Portland, OR, and Tucson, AZ, television markets since December 23, 2013. The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs mentioned above and included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Current assets $ 20,653 $ 20,541 Plant, property and equipment, net 9,743 10,084 Intangible and other assets 28,848 29,412 Total assets $ 59,244 $ 60,037 Current liabilities $ 11,745 $ 11,635 Noncurrent liabilities 20,091 26,028 Total liabilities $ 31,836 $ 37,663 Recent accounting standards: In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, Business combinations (Topic 805) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Recognizing the entire impact of a measurement period adjustment in a single reporting period may introduce earnings volatility and reduces comparability between periods when the adjustments are material. Past measurement period adjustments for us have not been material. In July 2015, the 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . Under the ASU, an entity presents their debt issuance cost on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of their debt liability, similar to their debt discounts, rather than as an asset as has been done previously. Amortization of the cost is reported as interest expense. We are required to adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016, with early adoption also being permitted. We are required to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each period presented is adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. At the end of the third quarter, we had $53.0 million of debt issuance costs recorded as assets, including $7 million related to our revolving credit agreement. The debt issuance costs amount to less than 1% of our total assets.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Acquisitions Investments and Dispositions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and dispositions	Acquisitions and dispositions Early in fiscal year 2015, we sold Gannett Healthcare Group (GHG) to OnCourse Learning, an online education and training provider. GHG is a leading provider of continuing education, certification test preparation, online recruitment, digital media, publications and related services for nurses and other healthcare professionals in the United States. In March 2015, CareerBuilder increased its controlling interest in Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI) by 11% from 74% to 85% . EMSI is an economic software firm that specializes in employment data and labor market analysis. EMSI collects and interprets large amounts of labor data, which is used in work force development and talent strategy. In May 2015, Newsquest Media Group, a subsidiary of our former publishing businesses that operates in the U.K, acquired Romanes Media Group, a local news publishing business operating in Scotland, Berkshire and Northern Ireland. In June 2015, our former publishing businesses completed the acquisition of the remaining 59.36% interest in the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership that it did not previously own from Digital First Media. The transaction was completed through the assignment of our 19.49% interest in the California Newspapers Partnership and additional cash consideration. As a result, our former publishing business now owns 100% of the Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership and no longer has any ownership interest in California Newspapers Partnership. In June 2015, we completed the spinoff of our publishing businesses and began trading as TEGNA on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TGNA. See Note 14 for further details regarding the spin-off. In July 2015, CareerBuilder acquired a majority stake in Textkernel, a leading-edge software company providing semantic recruitment technology to the global market. Textkernel is based in Amsterdam.

Facility Consolidation and Asse

Facility Consolidation and Asset Impairment Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges We evaluated the carrying values of property, plant and equipment at certain Media and Digital businesses as a result of our plans to implement technology changes and consolidate facilities which shortened the useful life of these assets. As a result, we revised the useful lives of certain assets to reflect the use of those assets over a shortened period. In the second quarter of 2015, we recognized related non-cash charges, the largest of which, $6.8 million , related to a Digital business. In 2015, we also recorded non-cash impairment charges to reduce the book value of goodwill and other intangible assets. The goodwill impairment and other intangible non-cash charges resulted from our application of the interim impairment testing provisions included within the goodwill subtopic ASC Topic 350. We are required to test goodwill and other indefinite lived assets for impairment annually. Our annual measurement date for testing is the first day of the fourth quarter. However, because of softening business conditions at one of our smaller "Other" Segment reporting units in 2015 and two similar units in 2014, we accelerated our testing of those reporting units. Our testing showed that the implied fair value of the goodwill was less than the recorded value. Therefore, we recognized a non-cash charge of $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $15.3 million in the second quarter of 2014 to reduce the carrying value of goodwill to the implied fair value. We recorded no pre-tax charges for facility consolidations and asset impairments in the third quarter and $23.2 million for the year-to-date period in 2015. For 2014, we recorded $1.2 million pre-tax charges for the third quarter and $25.8 million for the year-to-date period.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 3,966,517 $ — $ 3,955,582 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television station FCC licenses 1,191,950 — 1,191,950 — Mastheads and trade names 938,350 — 938,349 — Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 905,551 128,127 845,525 23,216 Other 269,490 69,632 253,435 16,565 Customer relationships include subscriber lists and advertiser relationships while other intangibles primarily include retransmission agreements, network affiliations, internally developed technology, patents and amortizable trade names. The following table summarizes the changes in our net goodwill balance through September 27, 2015: In thousands Media Digital Other Total Balance at Dec. 28, 2014: Goodwill $ 2,578,601 $ 1,503,140 $ 289,122 $ 4,370,863 Accumulated impairment losses — (166,971 ) (248,310 ) (415,281 ) Net balance at Dec. 28, 2014 2,578,601 1,336,169 40,812 3,955,582 Activity during the period: Acquisitions and adjustments 817 25,576 — 26,393 Impairment — — (5,940 ) (5,940 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — (9,517 ) — (9,517 ) Total 817 16,059 (5,940 ) 10,936 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015: Goodwill 2,579,418 1,519,199 289,120 4,387,737 Accumulated impairment losses — (166,971 ) (254,249 ) (421,220 ) Net balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ 2,579,418 $ 1,352,228 $ 34,871 $ 3,966,517 In July 2015, CareerBuilder acquired a majority stake in Textkernel. The initial purchase price allocation is preliminary, based upon all information available to us at the present time and is subject to change.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt Our long-term debt is summarized below: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018 $ 99,500 $ 123,200 VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018 27,489 33,379 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due June 2015 — 66,568 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due September 2015 — 250,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due April 2016 193,429 193,429 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020 760,000 640,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018 250,000 250,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 600,000 600,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 200,000 — Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Total principal long-term debt 4,495,418 4,521,576 Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts) (16,445 ) (25,694 ) Total long-term debt 4,478,973 4,495,882 Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans 7,854 7,854 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 4,471,119 $ 4,488,028 For the first nine months of 2015, our long-term debt decreased by $ 16.9 million , primarily reflecting debt payments of $ 346.2 million partially offset by additional borrowings as mentioned below, of $200.0 million and $120.0 million from a term loan and from the revolving credit facility, respectively, and debt discount amortization. On September 27, 2015, we had unused borrowing capacity of $604.3 million under our revolving credit agreement. On June 29, 2015, we entered into an agreement to amend and extend our existing revolving credit facility with one expiring on June 29, 2020 (the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement). As a result, the maximum total leverage ratio permitted by the new agreement is 5.0 x through June 30, 2017, after which, as amended, it is reduced to 4.75 x through June 30, 2018 and then to 4.50 x thereafter. Commitment fees on the revolving credit agreement are equal to 0.25 % - 0.40 % of the undrawn commitments, depending upon our leverage ratio, and are computed on the average daily undrawn balance under the revolving credit agreement and paid each quarter. Under the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, 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 leverage ratio but differs between LIBOR loans and ABR loans. For LIBOR-based borrowing, the margin varies from 1.75% to 2.50% . For ABR-based borrowing, the margin will vary from 0.75% to 1.50% . On September 23, 2015, we amended the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement to add an additional lender. Total commitments under the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement are $1.4 billion . At the start of the third quarter, we also borrowed $ 200.0 million under a new five -year term loan. The interest rate on the term loan is equal to the same interest rates as borrowings under the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement. Both the revolving credit agreement and the term loan are guaranteed by a majority of our wholly-owned material domestic subsidiaries.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Retirement plans	Retirement plans We, along with our subsidiaries, have various retirement plans, including plans established under collective bargaining agreements. In connection with the spin-off of our publishing businesses we entered into an employee matters agreement with Gannett which provides that employees of Gannett no longer participate in benefit plans sponsored or maintained by us as of the separation date. Upon separation, certain pension obligations were assumed by Gannett resulting in a decrease in sponsored pension plan obligations. The net pension obligation as of September 27, 2015 reflective of this change was $164.8 million . Our retirement plan costs include costs for qualified and nonqualified plans and are presented in the following table: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 97 $ 1,358 $ 2,771 $ 4,066 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,898 42,391 82,687 127,129 Expected return on plan assets (8,169 ) (58,902 ) (120,490 ) (176,650 ) Amortization of prior service cost 206 1,892 3,970 5,675 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,652 11,455 34,260 34,356 Expense (credit) for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 1,684 $ (1,806 ) $ 3,198 $ (5,424 ) We have no required contributions to our funded pension plans for the remainder of 2015 due to the current funding level. In the second quarter of 2015, we made a voluntary contribution of $100.0 million to the Gannett Retirement Plan prior to the spin-off transaction.

Post-retirement Benefits Other

Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Post-retirement benefits other than pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Post-retirement benefits other than pension	Post-retirement benefits other than pension 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. 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, we adopted changes to the retiree medical plan that were effective July 1, 2014. Beginning on that date, we pay a stipend to certain Medicare-eligible retirees. As a result of this change, we remeasured the related post-retirement benefit obligation during the first quarter of 2014, and recorded a reduction to the liability of $33.9 million (with a corresponding adjustment to “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”). In connection with the spin-off of our publishing businesses we entered into an employee matters agreement with Gannett. Under that agreement, Gannett assumed certain post-retirement obligations resulting in a decrease in our sponsored post-retirement plan obligations. The post-retirement benefit obligation as of September 27, 2015 reflective of this change was $8.6 million . Post-retirement benefit costs for health care and life insurance are presented in the following table: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Service cost (credit)-benefits earned during the period $ (58 ) $ 92 $ 154 $ 278 Interest cost on net benefit obligation 171 1,098 2,157 3,613 Amortization of prior service credit (130 ) (3,083 ) (5,130 ) (8,566 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 90 213 890 545 Net periodic post-retirement benefit credit $ 73 $ (1,680 ) $ (1,929 ) $ (4,130 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was approximately $12.7 million as of September 27, 2015 and $11.6 million as of December 28, 2014. The amount of accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits was $2.7 million as of September 27, 2015 and $2.0 million as of December 28, 2014. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized benefits 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, transactions subsequent to the spin-off or other regulatory developments. At this time, we estimate the amount of gross unrecognized tax positions may be reduced by up to approximately $25.8 million within the next 12 months primarily due to lapses of statutes of limitations and settlement of ongoing audits in various jurisdictions.

Supplemental Equity Information

Supplemental Equity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Supplemental equity information	Supplemental equity information The following table summarizes equity account activity for the thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014: In thousands TEGNA Inc. Shareholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 3,254,914 $ 234,359 $ 3,489,273 Comprehensive income: Net income 317,017 47,700 364,717 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (1,595 ) (1,595 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 56,498 (4,576 ) 51,922 Total comprehensive income 373,515 41,529 415,044 Dividends declared (122,480 ) — (122,480 ) Stock-based compensation 17,112 — 17,112 Treasury shares acquired (200,569 ) — (200,569 ) Spin-off of Publishing businesses (1,209,782 ) — (1,209,782 ) Other activity 20,192 (24,771 ) (4,579 ) Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ 2,132,902 $ 251,117 $ 2,384,019 Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 2,693,098 $ 201,695 $ 2,894,793 Comprehensive income: Net income 386,142 49,351 435,493 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (2,209 ) (2,209 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 30,701 (3,851 ) 26,850 Total comprehensive income 416,843 43,291 460,134 Dividends declared (135,513 ) — (135,513 ) Stock-based compensation 25,133 — 25,133 Treasury shares acquired (75,815 ) — (75,815 ) Other activity 11,621 (2,518 ) 9,103 Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ 2,935,367 $ 242,468 $ 3,177,835 In August 2012, our CareerBuilder subsidiary acquired 74% of Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. (EMSI), a software firm that specializes in employment data and labor market analytics. In March 2015, CareerBuilder purchased an additional 11% ownership interest in EMSI. Holders of the remaining 15% ownership interest in EMSI hold put rights that permit them to put their equity interest to CareerBuilder under certain terms and conditions. In July 2015, our CareerBuilder subsidiary acquired 60% of Textkernel B.V., a leading-edge software company providing semantic recruitment technology to the global market. Holders of the remaining 40% ownership interest in Textkernel hold put rights that permit them to put their equity interest to CareerBuilder. Since redemption of EMSI and Textkernel noncontrolling interests are outside of our control, the balance is presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets in the caption “Redeemable noncontrolling interests.” The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (net of tax and noncontrolling interests): In thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Other Total Thirteen Weeks: Balance at Jun. 28, 2015 $ (1,154,095 ) $ 393,712 $ — $ (760,383 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 38,984 (2,663 ) (518 ) 35,803 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 2,310 — — 2,310 Other comprehensive income (loss) 41,294 (2,663 ) (518 ) 38,113 Spin-off publishing businesses 1,012,745 (409,275 ) — 603,470 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ (100,056 ) $ (18,226 ) $ (518 ) $ (118,800 ) Balance at Jun. 29, 2014 $ (903,180 ) $ 444,638 $ — $ (458,542 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 16,783 (28,412 ) — (11,629 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 6,817 — — 6,817 Other comprehensive income (loss) 23,600 (28,412 ) — (4,812 ) Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ (879,580 ) $ 416,226 $ — $ (463,354 ) Thirty-nine Weeks: Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ (1,169,882 ) $ 391,113 $ — $ (778,769 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 35,466 (64 ) (518 ) 34,884 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 21,615 — — 21,615 Other comprehensive income (loss) 57,081 (64 ) (518 ) 56,499 Spin-off publishing businesses 1,012,745 (409,275 ) — 603,470 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ (100,056 ) $ (18,226 ) $ (518 ) $ (118,800 ) Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ (921,232 ) $ 427,177 $ — $ (494,055 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 20,845 (10,951 ) — 9,894 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 20,807 — — 20,807 Other comprehensive income (loss) 41,652 (10,951 ) — 30,701 Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ (879,580 ) $ 416,226 $ — $ (463,354 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in computing net periodic post-retirement costs (see Notes 6 and 7 for more detail). Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these post-retirement plans include the following: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Amortization of prior service credit $ 76 $ (1,191 ) $ (1,160 ) $ (2,891 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 3,742 11,668 35,150 34,901 Total reclassifications, before tax 3,818 10,477 33,990 32,010 Income tax effect (1,508 ) (3,660 ) (12,375 ) (11,203 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 2,310 $ 6,817 $ 21,615 $ 20,807

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurement	Fair value measurement We measure and record in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a hierarchy for those instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between 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 following table summarizes our assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014: In thousands Fair Value Measurements as of Sept. 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Employee compensation related investments $ 42,188 $ — $ — $ 42,188 Sundry investments 59,217 — — 59,217 Total assets $ 101,405 $ — $ — $ 101,405 Contingent consideration payable $ — $ — $ 533 $ 533 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 533 $ 533 In thousands Fair Value Measurements as of Dec. 28, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Employee compensation related investments $ 41,017 $ — $ — $ 41,017 Sundry investments 36,641 — — 36,641 Total assets $ 77,658 $ — $ — $ 77,658 Contingent consideration payable $ — $ — $ 9,912 $ 9,912 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 9,912 $ 9,912 Under certain acquisition agreements, we have agreed to pay the sellers earn-outs based on the future financial performance of the businesses. Contingent consideration payable in the table above represents the estimated fair value of future earn-outs payable under such agreements. The fair value of the contingent payments was measured based on the present value of the consideration expected to be transferred using a discounted cash flow analysis. The discount rate is a significant unobservable input in such present value computations. Discount rates ranged between 22% and 24% depending on the risk associated with the cash flows. Changes to the fair value of earn-outs are reflected in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, the contingent consideration decreased by $9.4 million as a result of payments and adjustments to fair value. The fair value of our total long-term debt, based on the bid and ask quotes for the related debt (Level 2), totaled $4.62 billion at September 27, 2015 and $4.65 billion at December 28, 2014.

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business segment information	Business segment information Our reportable segments based on our management and internal reporting structures are Media, Digital and Other. The Media Segment at the end of the third quarter includes our 46 owned and serviced television stations. The Digital Segment principally includes Cars.com, CareerBuilder, Shoplocal and PointRoll. The Other Segment includes Clipper Magazine and Sightline Media Group. In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Net Operating Revenues: Media $ 406,445 $ 416,509 $ 1,219,911 $ 1,197,035 Digital 351,072 204,560 1,025,770 587,060 Other 49,569 59,916 155,556 185,332 Total $ 807,086 $ 680,985 $ 2,401,237 $ 1,969,427 Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges): Media $ 158,595 $ 177,970 $ 513,557 $ 503,841 Digital 72,445 41,249 175,462 89,003 Other (1,744 ) 1,230 (11,000 ) (10,527 ) Corporate (12,939 ) (18,219 ) (50,817 ) (53,340 ) Unallocated — (18,226 ) (52,473 ) (59,230 ) Total $ 216,357 $ 184,004 $ 574,729 $ 469,747 Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Media $ 18,406 $ 20,307 $ 61,492 $ 68,122 Digital 31,073 10,529 106,050 29,667 Other 205 253 6,718 17,134 Corporate 540 2,868 6,445 8,679 Total $ 50,224 $ 33,957 $ 180,705 $ 123,602

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below: In thousands, except per share data Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 90,614 $ 50,648 $ 191,532 $ 192,411 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2,359 ) 67,868 125,485 193,731 Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 88,255 $ 118,516 $ 317,017 $ 386,142 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 224,530 225,761 226,053 226,374 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 2,694 2,900 2,436 2,809 Performance share units 1,819 2,424 1,907 1,958 Stock options 1,035 1,012 914 1,016 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 230,078 232,097 231,310 232,157 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.40 $ 0.22 $ 0.85 $ 0.85 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - basic $ (0.01 ) $ 0.30 $ 0.55 $ 0.86 Net income per share - basic $ 0.39 $ 0.52 $ 1.40 $ 1.71 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.39 $ 0.22 $ 0.83 $ 0.83 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - diluted $ (0.01 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.54 $ 0.83 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.38 $ 0.51 $ 1.37 $ 1.66 The diluted earnings per share amounts exclude the effects of approximately 0.3 million stock options outstanding for the third quarter and year-to-date of 2015 and 1.7 million stock options outstanding for the third quarter and year-to-date of 2014, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

Commitments, Contingencies and

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, contingencies and other matters	Commitments, contingencies and other matters We, along with a number of our subsidiaries, are defendants in judicial and administrative proceedings involving matters incidental to our business. Management believes any liability that exists as a result of these matters is immaterial.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations On June 29, 2015, we completed the previously announced spin-off of our publishing businesses, creating a new independent publicly traded company, Gannett Co., Inc., through the distribution of 98.5% of our interest in Gannett to holders of our common shares. On June 29, 2015 each of our shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date of June 28, 2015 received one share of Gannett common stock for every two shares of TEGNA common stock. Following the distribution, we own 1.5% of Gannett outstanding common shares. We will continue to own Gannett shares for a period of time not to exceed 5 years after distribution. In conjunction with the spin-off of the publishing businesses, we entered into a separation and distribution agreement with Gannett and also entered into various other agreements to effect the separation and provide a framework for a short term set of transition services as well as a tax matters agreement and an employee matters agreement. Separation and Distribution Agreement We entered into a separation and distribution agreement with Gannett which sets forth, among other things, the parties’ agreements regarding the principal transactions necessary to effect the separation. The separation agreement identified the assets transferred, the liabilities assumed and the contracts assigned to each of TEGNA and Gannett as part of the separation and also provides for the conditions under which and timing of transfers, assumptions and assignments occurred. Transition Services Agreement We entered into a transition services agreement with Gannett prior to the distribution pursuant to which TEGNA and its subsidiaries as well as Gannett and its subsidiaries will provide to each other a small number of services on an interim basis, not to exceed 24 months . These services include information technology, accounts payable, payroll, legal and other financial processing functions and administrative services. The agreed upon charges for such services are generally intended to allow the servicing party to recover all costs and expenses of providing such services. The transition services agreement will terminate on the expiration of the term of the last service provided under it, no 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 interdependencies between some services, certain services may be extended or terminated early only if other services are coterminous. Tax Matters Agreement Prior to the separation, we entered into a tax matters agreement with Gannett that states each company’s rights and responsibilities with respect to payment of taxes, tax return filings, control of tax examinations, assistance and cooperation. In general we are responsible for taxes allocable to periods ending prior to the distribution (or the portion of periods up through the distribution), and Gannett is generally responsible for taxes allocable to periods beginning after the distribution (or the portion of periods beginning after the distribution). If the distribution fails to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and this failure is attributable to Gannett’s actions or inactions, the resulting liability is to be borne by Gannett. Employee Matters Agreement Gannett and TEGNA entered into an employee matters agreement prior to the separation to allocate liabilities and responsibilities relating to employment matters, employee compensation and benefits 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. The employee matters agreement provides that, unless otherwise specified, TEGNA is responsible for liabilities associated with employees who are employed by TEGNA following the separation as well as former employees whose last employment was with the TEGNA businesses and certain specified current and former corporate employees. Gannett is responsible for liabilities associated with employees who are employed by Gannett following the separation, former employees whose last employment was with the Gannett businesses and certain specified current and former corporate employees. In addition, the employee matters agreement stipulates that Gannett make additional contributions of $25 million a year to the Gannett retirement plan in each of the 2016 through 2020 fiscal years and $15 million in 2021. Financial Statement Presentation The publishing businesses are presented as discontinued operations in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. In our consolidated statement of cash flows, the cash flows from discontinued operations are not separately classified. The carrying value of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 28, 2014 were as follows: In thousands Dec. 28, 2014 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,024 Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables 357,523 Other receivables 16,339 Inventories 38,944 Deferred income taxes 1,797 Assets held for sale 18,434 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26,086 Total current assets 467,147 Property, plant and equipment Cost 2,590,159 Less accumulated depreciation (1,655,676 ) Net property, plant and equipment 934,483 Intangible and other assets Goodwill 544,345 Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets less accumulated amortization 50,115 Deferred income taxes 63,647 Investments and other assets 63,125 Total intangible and other assets 721,232 Total noncurrent assets 1,655,715 Total assets $ 2,122,862 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 125,888 Compensation 77,606 Taxes 26,195 Other 89,096 Deferred income 77,123 Total current liabilities 395,908 Pension liabilities 770,041 Other noncurrent liabilities 57,698 Total noncurrent liabilities 827,739 Total liabilities $ 1,223,647 The financial results of discontinued operations through September 27, 2015 are presented as a profit (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents the financial results of discontinued operations: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Revenues $ — $ 762,152 $ 1,435,069 $ 2,337,780 Operating Expenses: Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 3,500 641,400 1,231,107 1,980,497 Depreciation — 25,387 49,542 75,154 Amortization of intangible assets — 3,461 7,008 10,449 Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges — 5,391 9,989 24,414 Total 3,500 675,639 1,297,646 2,090,514 Operating income (loss) (3,500 ) 86,513 137,423 247,266 Non-operating (expense) income: Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net — 2,737 10,807 9,995 Interest Expense — (140 ) (178 ) (443 ) Other non-operating items — (2,124 ) 21,168 (1,418 ) Total — 473 31,797 8,134 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes (3,500 ) 86,986 169,220 255,400 Provision for income taxes (1,141 ) 19,118 43,735 61,669 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (2,359 ) $ 67,868 $ 125,485 $ 193,731 The financial results reflected above may not represent Gannett’s stand-alone operating results, as the results reported within income from discontinued operations, net, include only certain costs that are directly attributable to Gannett and exclude corporate overhead costs that were previously allocated to Gannett for each period. The depreciation, amortization, capital expenditures and significant cash investing items of the discontinued operations were as follows: In thousands Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Depreciation 49,542 75,154 Amortization 7,008 10,449 Capital expenditures (20,617 ) (51,579 ) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (28,668 ) — Payments for investments (2,000 ) (1,500 ) Proceeds from investments 12,402 11,615

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent events On July 15, 2015, we announced a binding definitive agreement for the sale of our corporate headquarters in McLean, Virginia to Tamares Tysons Corner LLC, an affiliate of Tamares, for a purchase price of $270 million . The sale transaction closed on October 2, 2015. On October 20, 2015, our Board of Directors approved, as a result of the sale, a $75 million increase in the company’s share repurchase program, which will be used over the original three -year term ending June 2018. We intend to use the remaining proceeds in the fourth quarter to redeem up to $180 million of our 7.125% Senior Notes due 2018. Also, on November 5, 2015, we announced that we closed on the sale of Clipper Magazine, a direct mail advertising magazine business within of our Other Segment, to Valassis Direct Mail, Inc.

Basis of Presentation and Sum22

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation: Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and footnotes which are normally included in the Form 10-K and annual report to shareholders. In our opinion, the financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented.
Variable interest entities (VIE)	Variable Interest Entities (VIE): A variable interest entity is an entity that lacks equity investors or whose equity investors lack a controlling interest in the entity through their equity investments. We consolidate VIEs when we are the primary beneficiary. In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE for financial reporting purposes, we consider whether we have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and whether we are obligated to absorb losses or the right to receive returns of the VIE.
Recent accounting standards	Recent accounting standards: In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, Business combinations (Topic 805) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Recognizing the entire impact of a measurement period adjustment in a single reporting period may introduce earnings volatility and reduces comparability between periods when the adjustments are material. Past measurement period adjustments for us have not been material. In July 2015, the 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 April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . Under the ASU, an entity presents their debt issuance cost on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of their debt liability, similar to their debt discounts, rather than as an asset as has been done previously. Amortization of the cost is reported as interest expense. We are required to adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of 2016, with early adoption also being permitted. We are required to apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis, wherein the balance sheet of each period presented is adjusted to reflect the effects of applying the new guidance. At the end of the third quarter, we had $53.0 million of debt issuance costs recorded as assets, including $7 million related to our revolving credit agreement. The debt issuance costs amount to less than 1% of our total assets.

Basis of Presentation and Sum23

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs mentioned above and included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Current assets $ 20,653 $ 20,541 Plant, property and equipment, net 9,743 10,084 Intangible and other assets 28,848 29,412 Total assets $ 59,244 $ 60,037 Current liabilities $ 11,745 $ 11,635 Noncurrent liabilities 20,091 26,028 Total liabilities $ 31,836 $ 37,663

Goodwill and Other Intangible24

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	The following table displays goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and amortizable intangible assets at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Gross Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Amortization Goodwill $ 3,966,517 $ — $ 3,955,582 $ — Indefinite-lived intangibles: Television station FCC licenses 1,191,950 — 1,191,950 — Mastheads and trade names 938,350 — 938,349 — Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 905,551 128,127 845,525 23,216 Other 269,490 69,632 253,435 16,565
Changes in the Company's Net Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in our net goodwill balance through September 27, 2015: In thousands Media Digital Other Total Balance at Dec. 28, 2014: Goodwill $ 2,578,601 $ 1,503,140 $ 289,122 $ 4,370,863 Accumulated impairment losses — (166,971 ) (248,310 ) (415,281 ) Net balance at Dec. 28, 2014 2,578,601 1,336,169 40,812 3,955,582 Activity during the period: Acquisitions and adjustments 817 25,576 — 26,393 Impairment — — (5,940 ) (5,940 ) Foreign currency exchange rate changes — (9,517 ) — (9,517 ) Total 817 16,059 (5,940 ) 10,936 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015: Goodwill 2,579,418 1,519,199 289,120 4,387,737 Accumulated impairment losses — (166,971 ) (254,249 ) (421,220 ) Net balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ 2,579,418 $ 1,352,228 $ 34,871 $ 3,966,517

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary Long-term debt	Our long-term debt is summarized below: In thousands Sept. 27, 2015 Dec. 28, 2014 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018 $ 99,500 $ 123,200 VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018 27,489 33,379 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due June 2015 — 66,568 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due September 2015 — 250,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due April 2016 193,429 193,429 Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020 760,000 640,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018 250,000 250,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019 600,000 600,000 Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020 200,000 — Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020 600,000 600,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021 350,000 350,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023 650,000 650,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024 325,000 325,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027 200,000 200,000 Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027 240,000 240,000 Total principal long-term debt 4,495,418 4,521,576 Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts) (16,445 ) (25,694 ) Total long-term debt 4,478,973 4,495,882 Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans 7,854 7,854 Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 4,471,119 $ 4,488,028

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit costs	Our retirement plan costs include costs for qualified and nonqualified plans and are presented in the following table: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 97 $ 1,358 $ 2,771 $ 4,066 Interest cost on benefit obligation 5,898 42,391 82,687 127,129 Expected return on plan assets (8,169 ) (58,902 ) (120,490 ) (176,650 ) Amortization of prior service cost 206 1,892 3,970 5,675 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,652 11,455 34,260 34,356 Expense (credit) for company-sponsored retirement plans $ 1,684 $ (1,806 ) $ 3,198 $ (5,424 )

Post-retirement Benefits Othe27

Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Post-retirement benefits other than pension
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement benefit costs for health care and life insurance	Post-retirement benefit costs for health care and life insurance are presented in the following table: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Service cost (credit)-benefits earned during the period $ (58 ) $ 92 $ 154 $ 278 Interest cost on net benefit obligation 171 1,098 2,157 3,613 Amortization of prior service credit (130 ) (3,083 ) (5,130 ) (8,566 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 90 213 890 545 Net periodic post-retirement benefit credit $ 73 $ (1,680 ) $ (1,929 ) $ (4,130 )

Supplemental Equity Informati28

Supplemental Equity Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity	The following table summarizes equity account activity for the thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014: In thousands TEGNA Inc. Shareholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ 3,254,914 $ 234,359 $ 3,489,273 Comprehensive income: Net income 317,017 47,700 364,717 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (1,595 ) (1,595 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 56,498 (4,576 ) 51,922 Total comprehensive income 373,515 41,529 415,044 Dividends declared (122,480 ) — (122,480 ) Stock-based compensation 17,112 — 17,112 Treasury shares acquired (200,569 ) — (200,569 ) Spin-off of Publishing businesses (1,209,782 ) — (1,209,782 ) Other activity 20,192 (24,771 ) (4,579 ) Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ 2,132,902 $ 251,117 $ 2,384,019 Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ 2,693,098 $ 201,695 $ 2,894,793 Comprehensive income: Net income 386,142 49,351 435,493 Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders) — (2,209 ) (2,209 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 30,701 (3,851 ) 26,850 Total comprehensive income 416,843 43,291 460,134 Dividends declared (135,513 ) — (135,513 ) Stock-based compensation 25,133 — 25,133 Treasury shares acquired (75,815 ) — (75,815 ) Other activity 11,621 (2,518 ) 9,103 Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ 2,935,367 $ 242,468 $ 3,177,835
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the components of, and the changes in, “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (net of tax and noncontrolling interests): In thousands Retirement Plans Foreign Currency Translation Other Total Thirteen Weeks: Balance at Jun. 28, 2015 $ (1,154,095 ) $ 393,712 $ — $ (760,383 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 38,984 (2,663 ) (518 ) 35,803 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 2,310 — — 2,310 Other comprehensive income (loss) 41,294 (2,663 ) (518 ) 38,113 Spin-off publishing businesses 1,012,745 (409,275 ) — 603,470 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ (100,056 ) $ (18,226 ) $ (518 ) $ (118,800 ) Balance at Jun. 29, 2014 $ (903,180 ) $ 444,638 $ — $ (458,542 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 16,783 (28,412 ) — (11,629 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 6,817 — — 6,817 Other comprehensive income (loss) 23,600 (28,412 ) — (4,812 ) Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ (879,580 ) $ 416,226 $ — $ (463,354 ) Thirty-nine Weeks: Balance at Dec. 28, 2014 $ (1,169,882 ) $ 391,113 $ — $ (778,769 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 35,466 (64 ) (518 ) 34,884 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 21,615 — — 21,615 Other comprehensive income (loss) 57,081 (64 ) (518 ) 56,499 Spin-off publishing businesses 1,012,745 (409,275 ) — 603,470 Balance at Sept. 27, 2015 $ (100,056 ) $ (18,226 ) $ (518 ) $ (118,800 ) Balance at Dec. 29, 2013 $ (921,232 ) $ 427,177 $ — $ (494,055 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 20,845 (10,951 ) — 9,894 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 20,807 — — 20,807 Other comprehensive income (loss) 41,652 (10,951 ) — 30,701 Balance at Sept. 28, 2014 $ (879,580 ) $ 416,226 $ — $ (463,354 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to these post-retirement plans include the following: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Amortization of prior service credit $ 76 $ (1,191 ) $ (1,160 ) $ (2,891 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 3,742 11,668 35,150 34,901 Total reclassifications, before tax 3,818 10,477 33,990 32,010 Income tax effect (1,508 ) (3,660 ) (12,375 ) (11,203 ) Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 2,310 $ 6,817 $ 21,615 $ 20,807

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value	The following table summarizes our assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014: In thousands Fair Value Measurements as of Sept. 27, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Employee compensation related investments $ 42,188 $ — $ — $ 42,188 Sundry investments 59,217 — — 59,217 Total assets $ 101,405 $ — $ — $ 101,405 Contingent consideration payable $ — $ — $ 533 $ 533 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 533 $ 533 In thousands Fair Value Measurements as of Dec. 28, 2014 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Employee compensation related investments $ 41,017 $ — $ — $ 41,017 Sundry investments 36,641 — — 36,641 Total assets $ 77,658 $ — $ — $ 77,658 Contingent consideration payable $ — $ — $ 9,912 $ 9,912 Total liabilities $ — $ — $ 9,912 $ 9,912

Business Segment Information (T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Net Operating Revenues: Media $ 406,445 $ 416,509 $ 1,219,911 $ 1,197,035 Digital 351,072 204,560 1,025,770 587,060 Other 49,569 59,916 155,556 185,332 Total $ 807,086 $ 680,985 $ 2,401,237 $ 1,969,427 Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges): Media $ 158,595 $ 177,970 $ 513,557 $ 503,841 Digital 72,445 41,249 175,462 89,003 Other (1,744 ) 1,230 (11,000 ) (10,527 ) Corporate (12,939 ) (18,219 ) (50,817 ) (53,340 ) Unallocated — (18,226 ) (52,473 ) (59,230 ) Total $ 216,357 $ 184,004 $ 574,729 $ 469,747 Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation and asset impairment charges: Media $ 18,406 $ 20,307 $ 61,492 $ 68,122 Digital 31,073 10,529 106,050 29,667 Other 205 253 6,718 17,134 Corporate 540 2,868 6,445 8,679 Total $ 50,224 $ 33,957 $ 180,705 $ 123,602

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Our earnings per share (basic and diluted) are presented below: In thousands, except per share data Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 90,614 $ 50,648 $ 191,532 $ 192,411 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (2,359 ) 67,868 125,485 193,731 Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc. $ 88,255 $ 118,516 $ 317,017 $ 386,142 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic 224,530 225,761 226,053 226,374 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 2,694 2,900 2,436 2,809 Performance share units 1,819 2,424 1,907 1,958 Stock options 1,035 1,012 914 1,016 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted 230,078 232,097 231,310 232,157 Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic $ 0.40 $ 0.22 $ 0.85 $ 0.85 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - basic $ (0.01 ) $ 0.30 $ 0.55 $ 0.86 Net income per share - basic $ 0.39 $ 0.52 $ 1.40 $ 1.71 Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted $ 0.39 $ 0.22 $ 0.83 $ 0.83 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - diluted $ (0.01 ) $ 0.29 $ 0.54 $ 0.83 Net income per share - diluted $ 0.38 $ 0.51 $ 1.37 $ 1.66

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	The following table presents the financial results of discontinued operations: In thousands Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Revenues $ — $ 762,152 $ 1,435,069 $ 2,337,780 Operating Expenses: Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization 3,500 641,400 1,231,107 1,980,497 Depreciation — 25,387 49,542 75,154 Amortization of intangible assets — 3,461 7,008 10,449 Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges — 5,391 9,989 24,414 Total 3,500 675,639 1,297,646 2,090,514 Operating income (loss) (3,500 ) 86,513 137,423 247,266 Non-operating (expense) income: Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net — 2,737 10,807 9,995 Interest Expense — (140 ) (178 ) (443 ) Other non-operating items — (2,124 ) 21,168 (1,418 ) Total — 473 31,797 8,134 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes (3,500 ) 86,986 169,220 255,400 Provision for income taxes (1,141 ) 19,118 43,735 61,669 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (2,359 ) $ 67,868 $ 125,485 $ 193,731 The carrying value of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as of December 28, 2014 were as follows: In thousands Dec. 28, 2014 ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,024 Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables 357,523 Other receivables 16,339 Inventories 38,944 Deferred income taxes 1,797 Assets held for sale 18,434 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 26,086 Total current assets 467,147 Property, plant and equipment Cost 2,590,159 Less accumulated depreciation (1,655,676 ) Net property, plant and equipment 934,483 Intangible and other assets Goodwill 544,345 Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets less accumulated amortization 50,115 Deferred income taxes 63,647 Investments and other assets 63,125 Total intangible and other assets 721,232 Total noncurrent assets 1,655,715 Total assets $ 2,122,862 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable $ 125,888 Compensation 77,606 Taxes 26,195 Other 89,096 Deferred income 77,123 Total current liabilities 395,908 Pension liabilities 770,041 Other noncurrent liabilities 57,698 Total noncurrent liabilities 827,739 Total liabilities $ 1,223,647 The depreciation, amortization, capital expenditures and significant cash investing items of the discontinued operations were as follows: In thousands Thirty-nine Weeks Ended Sept. 27, 2015 Sept. 28, 2014 Depreciation 49,542 75,154 Amortization 7,008 10,449 Capital expenditures (20,617 ) (51,579 ) Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (28,668 ) — Payments for investments (2,000 ) (1,500 ) Proceeds from investments 12,402 11,615

Basis of Presentation and Sum33

Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)station	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of TV stations owned by VIE, total | station	4
Number of TV stations owned by VIE, consolidated | station	4
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost	$ 53,000
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Current assets	1,065,919	$ 1,480,465
Plant, property and equipment, net	450,242	674,732
Intangible and other assets	7,358,582	9,050,258
Total assets	59,200	60,000
Current liabilities	722,597	1,127,936
Noncurrent liabilities	$ 5,743,125	6,567,776
Debt issuance cost as percent of total assets, less than	1.00%
VIE Consolidated for Four Stations in Louisville, KY; Portland OR; and Tucson, AZ
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 20,653	20,541
Plant, property and equipment, net	9,743	10,084
Intangible and other assets	28,848	29,412
Total assets	59,244	60,037
Current liabilities	11,745	11,635
Noncurrent liabilities	20,091	26,028
Total liabilities	31,836	$ 37,663
Revolving line of credit facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issuance cost	$ 7,000

Acquisitions and Dispositions (

Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jun. 01, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2012
Economic Modeling
Acquisitions Investments and Disposals [Line Items]
Percentage change in ownership percentage	11.00%
Ownership percentage	85.00%			74.00%	74.00%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners		15.00%
Texas-New Mexico Newspapers Partnership
Acquisitions Investments and Disposals [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			100.00%
Ownership interest acquired (as a percent)			59.36%
California Newspapers Partnership
Acquisitions Investments and Disposals [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners			19.49%

Facility Consolidation and As35

Facility Consolidation and Asset Impairment Charges (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Facility and Asset Impairment Charges (Textual) [Abstract]
Asset impairment and other charges, pre-tax amount			$ 1.2		$ 23.2	$ 25.8
Digital
Facility and Asset Impairment Charges (Textual) [Abstract]
Asset impairment charges	$ 6.8
Other
Facility and Asset Impairment Charges (Textual) [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment loss		$ 5.9		$ 15.3

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 3,966,517	$ 3,955,582
Customer Relationships
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	905,551	845,525
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	128,127	23,216
Other
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	269,490	253,435
Amortizable intangible assets, accumulated amortization	69,632	16,565
Television Station FCC Licenses
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles	1,191,950	1,191,950
Indefinite-lived intangibles (including goodwill), accumulated amortization	0	0
Mastheads and Trade Names
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles	938,350	938,349
Indefinite-lived intangibles (including goodwill), accumulated amortization	0	0
Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Goodwill	3,966,517	3,955,582
Indefinite-lived intangibles (including goodwill), accumulated amortization	$ 0	$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible37

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2015	Jun. 29, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Ending balance	$ 3,955,582		$ 3,955,582
Activity during the period:
Ending balance			3,966,517
Other
Activity during the period:
Impairment	(5,900)	$ (15,300)
Operating Segments
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	4,370,863		4,370,863
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(415,281)		(415,281)
Ending balance	3,955,582		3,955,582
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions and adjustments			26,393
Impairment			(5,940)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(9,517)
Total			10,936
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance			4,387,737
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance			(421,220)
Ending balance			3,966,517
Operating Segments | Media
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	2,578,601		2,578,601
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	0		0
Ending balance	2,578,601		2,578,601
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions and adjustments			817
Impairment			0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes			0
Total			817
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance			2,579,418
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance			0
Ending balance			2,579,418
Operating Segments | Digital
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	1,503,140		1,503,140
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(166,971)		(166,971)
Ending balance	1,336,169		1,336,169
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions and adjustments			25,576
Impairment			0
Foreign currency exchange rate changes			(9,517)
Total			16,059
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance			1,519,199
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance			(166,971)
Ending balance			1,352,228
Operating Segments | Other
Changes in the Company's net goodwill
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	289,122		289,122
Accumulated impairment losses beginning balance	(248,310)		(248,310)
Ending balance	$ 40,812		40,812
Activity during the period:
Acquisitions and adjustments			0
Impairment			(5,940)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes			0
Total			(5,940)
Goodwill before accumulated impairment losses beginning balance			289,120
Accumulated impairment losses ending balance			(254,249)
Ending balance			$ 34,871

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total principal long-term debt	$ 4,495,418	$ 4,521,576
Other (fair market value adjustments and discounts)	(16,445)	(25,694)
Total long-term debt	4,478,973	4,495,882
Less current portion of long-term debt maturities of VIE loans	7,854	7,854
Long-term debt, net of current portion	4,471,119	4,488,028
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through August 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	99,500	123,200
VIE unsecured floating rate term loans due quarterly through December 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	27,489	33,379
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due June 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 0	66,568
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	10.00%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due September 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 0	250,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 10% due April 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 193,429	193,429
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	10.00%
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement expiring June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 760,000	640,000
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 250,000	250,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due October 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 600,000	600,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured floating rate term loan due quarterly through June 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 200,000	0
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.125% due July 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 600,000	600,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 4.875% due September 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 350,000	350,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	4.875%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 6.375% due October 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 650,000	650,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	6.375%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 5.50% due September 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 325,000	325,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.75% due June 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 200,000	200,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.75%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.25% due September 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal long-term debt	$ 240,000	$ 240,000
Stated interest rate (as a percent)	7.25%

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Details)	Jun. 29, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2014USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Decrease of long-term debt		$ 16,900,000
Repayments of long-term debt		346,200,000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		4,478,973,000	$ 4,495,882,000
Unused borrowing capacity		604,300,000
Revolving line of credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional borrowing from revolving line of credit		120,000,000
Line of Credit | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum total leverage ratio, for first 18 months	5
Maximum total leverage ratio, from 18th to the 30th month	4.75
Maximum total leverage ratio, thereafter	4.50
Total commitments under revolving credit agreement		$ 1,400,000,000
Line of Credit | Minimum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	25.00%
Line of Credit | Maximum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	40.00%
Line of Credit | Federal Funds Effective Rate | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.00%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Minimum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.75%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Maximum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	2.50%
Line of Credit | ABR | Minimum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.75%
Line of Credit | ABR | Maximum | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.50%
Term loan | Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 200,000,000
Debt term	5 years

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Company's pension costs
Service cost-benefits earned during the period	$ 97	$ 1,358	$ 2,771	$ 4,066
Interest cost on benefit obligation	5,898	42,391	82,687	127,129
Expected return on plan assets	(8,169)	(58,902)	(120,490)	(176,650)
Amortization of prior service cost	206	1,892	3,970	5,675
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,652	11,455	34,260	34,356
Total expense (credit)	$ 1,684	$ (1,806)	$ 3,198	$ (5,424)

Retirement Plans (Details Textu

Retirement Plans (Details Textual) - Retirement Plans - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net pension plan obligation		$ 164.8
Gannett Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Contribution to the defined benefit plans	$ 100

Post-retirement Benefits Othe42

Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (Details) - Post-retirement benefits other than pension - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Postretirement benefit costs for health care and life insurance
Service cost (credit)-benefits earned during the period	$ (58)	$ 92	$ 154	$ 278
Interest cost on net benefit obligation	171	1,098	2,157	3,613
Amortization of prior service credit	(130)	(3,083)	(5,130)	(8,566)
Amortization of actuarial loss	90	213	890	545
Total expense (credit)	$ 73	$ (1,680)	$ (1,929)	$ (4,130)

Post-retirement Benefits Othe43

Post-retirement Benefits Other Than Pension (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Remeasurement of pension and other post-retirement benefits liabilities	$ 79,184	$ 0		$ 79,184	$ 33,907
Post-retirement benefits other than pension
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Remeasurement of pension and other post-retirement benefits liabilities			$ 33,900
Net post-retirement plan obligation	$ 8,600			$ 8,600

Income Taxes (Details Textual)

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact effective tax rate	$ 12.7	$ 11.6
Accrued interest and penalties payable related to unrecognized tax benefits	2.7	$ 2
Estimated decrease in gross unrecognized tax positions within the next 12 months, maximum	$ 25.8

Supplemental Equity Informati45

Supplemental Equity Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$ 3,489,273	$ 2,894,793
Comprehensive income:
Net income	$ 105,742	$ 139,992	364,717	435,493
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)	(310)	(359)	(1,595)	(2,209)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	35,741	(9,724)	51,922	26,850
Comprehensive income	141,173	129,909	415,044	460,134
Dividends declared			(122,480)	(135,513)
Stock-based compensation			17,112	25,133
Treasury shares acquired			(200,569)	(75,815)
Spin-off of Publishing businesses			(1,209,782)
Other activity			(4,579)	9,103
Ending Balance	2,384,019	3,177,835	2,384,019	3,177,835
TEGNA Inc. Shareholders' Equity
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			3,254,914	2,693,098
Comprehensive income:
Net income			317,017	386,142
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)			56,498	30,701
Comprehensive income			373,515	416,843
Dividends declared			(122,480)	(135,513)
Stock-based compensation			17,112	25,133
Treasury shares acquired			(200,569)	(75,815)
Spin-off of Publishing businesses			(1,209,782)
Other activity			20,192	11,621
Ending Balance	2,132,902	2,935,367	2,132,902	2,935,367
Noncontrolling Interests
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			234,359	201,695
Comprehensive income:
Net income			47,700	49,351
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (income not available to shareholders)			(1,595)	(2,209)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(4,576)	(3,851)
Comprehensive income			41,529	43,291
Dividends declared			0	0
Stock-based compensation			0	0
Treasury shares acquired			0	0
Spin-off of Publishing businesses			0
Other activity			(24,771)	(2,518)
Ending Balance	$ 251,117	$ 242,468	$ 251,117	$ 242,468

Supplemental Equity Informati46

Supplemental Equity Information (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2012
Economic Modeling
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of acquired company	85.00%			74.00%	74.00%
Percentage change in ownership percentage	11.00%
Shareholders for remaining of ownership percentage		15.00%
Textkernel B.V.
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Shareholders for remaining of ownership percentage			40.00%
CareerBuilder | Textkernel B.V.
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of acquired company			60.00%

Supplemental Equity Informati47

Supplemental Equity Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (760,383)	$ (458,542)	$ (778,769)	$ (494,055)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	35,803	(11,629)	34,884	9,894
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,310	6,817	21,615	20,807
Other comprehensive income (loss)	38,113	(4,812)	56,499	30,701
Spin-off publishing businesses	603,470		603,470
Ending Balance	(118,800)	(463,354)	(118,800)	(463,354)
Retirement Plans
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(1,154,095)	(903,180)	(1,169,882)	(921,232)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	38,984	16,783	35,466	20,845
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,310	6,817	21,615	20,807
Other comprehensive income (loss)	41,294	23,600	57,081	41,652
Spin-off publishing businesses	1,012,745		1,012,745
Ending Balance	(100,056)	(879,580)	(100,056)	(879,580)
Foreign Currency Translation
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	393,712	444,638	391,113	427,177
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(2,663)	(28,412)	(64)	(10,951)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,663)	(28,412)	(64)	(10,951)
Spin-off publishing businesses	(409,275)		(409,275)
Ending Balance	(18,226)	416,226	(18,226)	416,226
Other
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(518)	0	(518)	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(518)	0	(518)	0
Spin-off publishing businesses	0		0
Ending Balance	$ (518)	$ 0	$ (518)	$ 0

Supplemental Equity Informati48

Supplemental Equity Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of actuarial loss	$ 3,742	$ 11,668	$ 35,150	$ 34,901
Income before income taxes	145,279	101,906	358,389	387,493
Income tax effect	(37,178)	(29,782)	(119,157)	(145,731)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,310	6,817	21,615	20,807
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	2,310	6,817	21,615	20,807
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of prior service credit	76	(1,191)	(1,160)	(2,891)
Amortization of actuarial loss	3,742	11,668	35,150	34,901
Income before income taxes	3,818	10,477	33,990	32,010
Income tax effect	$ (1,508)	$ (3,660)	$ (12,375)	$ (11,203)

Fair Value Measurement (Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Employee compensation related investments	$ 42,188	$ 41,017
Sundry investments	59,217	36,641
Total assets	101,405	77,658
Contingent consideration payable	533	9,912
Total liabilities	533	9,912
Level 1
assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Employee compensation related investments	42,188	41,017
Sundry investments	59,217	36,641
Total assets	101,405	77,658
Contingent consideration payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 2
assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Employee compensation related investments	0	0
Sundry investments	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Contingent consideration payable	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Level 3
assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Employee compensation related investments	0	0
Sundry investments	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Contingent consideration payable	533	9,912
Total liabilities	$ 533	$ 9,912

Fair Value Measurement (Detai50

Fair Value Measurement (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Decrease in contingent consideration	$ 9.4
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of total long-term debt	$ 4,620	$ 4,650
Minimum | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value inputs, discount rate	22.00%
Maximum | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value inputs, discount rate	24.00%

Business Segment Information (D

Business Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)station	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)station	Sep. 28, 2014USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues	$ 807,086	$ 680,985	$ 2,401,237	$ 1,969,427
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	216,357	184,004	574,729	469,747
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges	$ 50,224	33,957	$ 180,705	123,602
Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of television stations | station	46		46
Operating Segments | Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues	$ 406,445	416,509	$ 1,219,911	1,197,035
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	158,595	177,970	513,557	503,841
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges	18,406	20,307	61,492	68,122
Operating Segments | Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues	351,072	204,560	1,025,770	587,060
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	72,445	41,249	175,462	89,003
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges	31,073	10,529	106,050	29,667
Operating Segments | Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues	49,569	59,916	155,556	185,332
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	(1,744)	1,230	(11,000)	(10,527)
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges	205	253	6,718	17,134
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	(12,939)	(18,219)	(50,817)	(53,340)
Depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges	540	2,868	6,445	8,679
Unallocated
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (net of depreciation, amortization and facility consolidation charges and asset impairment charges)	$ 0	$ (18,226)	$ (52,473)	$ (59,230)

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income from continuing operations attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 90,614	$ 50,648	$ 191,532	$ 192,411
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	(2,359)	67,868	125,485	193,731
Net income attributable to TEGNA Inc.	$ 88,255	$ 118,516	$ 317,017	$ 386,142
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	224,530	225,761	226,053	226,374
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	230,078	232,097	231,310	232,157
Earnings from continuing operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.22	$ 0.85	$ 0.85
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - basic (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.30	0.55	0.86
Net income per share – basic (In dollars per share)	0.39	0.52	1.40	1.71
Earnings from continuing operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.39	0.22	0.83	0.83
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	(0.01)	0.29	0.54	0.83
Net income per share – diluted (In dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 0.51	$ 1.37	$ 1.66
Restricted Stock
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities	2,694	2,900	2,436	2,809
Performance Share Units
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities	1,819	2,424	1,907	1,958
Stock Options
Effect of dilutive securities:
Dilutive securities	1,035	1,012	914	1,016

Earnings Per Share (Details Tex

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Diluted earnings per share amounts excluded stock options outstanding	0.3	1.7	0.3	1.7

Discontinued Operations (Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details)	Jun. 29, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015USD ($)
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Pro rata distribution to stockholders (as a percent)	98.50%
Conversion ratio for every share of Tegna common stock owned by stockholders	0.5
Shares held by Tegna after distribution (as a percent)	1.50%
Tegna to own shares for period, not to exceed	5 years
Gannett
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Transition service period		24 months
Minimum transition service period		90 days
Termination notice period		30 days
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2015		$ 25,000,000
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2017		25,000,000
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2018		25,000,000
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2019		25,000,000
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2020		25,000,000
Additional contributions to be made by Gannett to retirement plan in 2021		$ 15,000,000

Discontinued Operations (Balanc

Discontinued Operations (Balance Sheet Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Current Assets
Total current assets	$ 0	$ 467,147
Intangible and other assets
Total noncurrent assets	0	1,655,715
Current liabilities
Total current liabilities	0	395,908
Total noncurrent liabilities	$ 0	827,739
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff | Publishing Businesses
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		8,024
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful receivables		357,523
Other receivables		16,339
Inventories		38,944
Deferred income taxes		1,797
Assets held for sale		18,434
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		26,086
Total current assets		467,147
Property, plant and equipment
Cost		2,590,159
Less accumulated depreciation		(1,655,676)
Net property, plant and equipment		934,483
Intangible and other assets
Goodwill		544,345
Indefinite-lived and amortizable intangible assets less accumulated amortization		50,115
Deferred income taxes		63,647
Investments and other assets		63,125
Total intangible and other assets		721,232
Total noncurrent assets		1,655,715
Total assets		2,122,862
Current liabilities
Accounts payable		125,888
Compensation		77,606
Taxes		26,195
Other		89,096
Deferred income		77,123
Total current liabilities		395,908
Pension liabilities		770,041
Other noncurrent liabilities		57,698
Total noncurrent liabilities		827,739
Total liabilities		$ 1,223,647

Discontinued Operations (Income

Discontinued Operations (Income Statement Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Non-operating (expense) income:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (2,359)	$ 67,868	$ 125,485	$ 193,731
Publishing Businesses
Operating Expenses:
Depreciation			49,542	75,154
Amortization of intangible assets			7,008	10,449
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Means Other than Sale, Spinoff | Publishing Businesses
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	0	762,152	1,435,069	2,337,780
Operating Expenses:
Operating expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization	3,500	641,400	1,231,107	1,980,497
Depreciation	0	25,387	49,542	75,154
Amortization of intangible assets	0	3,461	7,008	10,449
Facility consolidation and asset impairment charges	0	5,391	9,989	24,414
Total	3,500	675,639	1,297,646	2,090,514
Operating income (loss)	(3,500)	86,513	137,423	247,266
Non-operating (expense) income:
Equity income in unconsolidated investees, net	0	2,737	10,807	9,995
Interest Expense	0	(140)	(178)	(443)
Other non-operating items	0	(2,124)	21,168	(1,418)
Total	0	473	31,797	8,134
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(3,500)	86,986	169,220	255,400
Provision for income taxes	(1,141)	19,118	43,735	61,669
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (2,359)	$ 67,868	$ 125,485	$ 193,731

Discontinued Operations (Deprec

Discontinued Operations (Depreciation, Amortization and Capital Expenditures) (Details) - Publishing Businesses - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2015	Sep. 28, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 49,542	$ 75,154
Amortization	7,008	10,449
Capital expenditures	(20,617)	(51,579)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(28,668)	0
Payments for investments	(2,000)	(1,500)
Proceeds from investments	$ 12,402	$ 11,615

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 20, 2015	Oct. 02, 2015	Jul. 15, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Sale of corporate headquarters, purchase price			$ 270
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Increase in share repurchase program approved	$ 75
Share repurchase program, repurchase term	3 years
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Stated interest rate (as a percent)				7.125%
Unsecured notes bearing fixed rate interest at 7.125% due September 2018 | Senior Notes | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Redemption amount, up to		$ 180
Stated interest rate (as a percent)		7.125%