Lee Enterprises (LEE) 10-K/A 11 Oct 13 2012 FY Annual report (amended) Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	58361
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-12
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	51,791,241
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$57,507,000

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$13,920,000	$23,555,000
Accounts receivable, net	68,190,000	69,307,000
Income taxes receivable	7,887,000	1,335,000
Inventories	7,454,000	7,060,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	789,000	967,000
Deferred income taxes		967,000
Other	6,261,000	16,102,000
Assets of discontinued operations	9,171,000	17,415,000
Total current assets	113,672,000	135,741,000
Investments:
Associated companies	42,201,000	44,057,000
Restricted cash and investments	0	4,972,000
Other	10,033,000	9,199,000
Total investments	52,234,000	58,228,000
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	24,535,000	24,547,000
Buildings and improvements	188,743,000	187,039,000
Equipment	299,905,000	301,281,000
Construction in process	2,567,000	2,852,000
Property, plant and equipment, gross	515,750,000	515,719,000
Less accumulated depreciation	330,531,000	313,678,000
Property and equipment, net	185,219,000	202,041,000
Goodwill	247,271,000	247,271,000
Other intangible assets, net	451,292,000	493,589,000
Postretirement assets, net	7,551,000	14,934,000
Other	3,897,000	6,444,000
Total assets	1,061,136,000	1,158,248,000
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	11,982,000	994,550,000
Accounts payable	22,978,000	26,796,000
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	38,559,000	33,991,000
Unearned revenue	35,078,000	35,365,000
Liabilities of discontinued operations	1,714,000	3,537,000
Total current liabilities	110,311,000	1,094,239,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	914,244,000	0
Pension obligations	68,636,000	73,518,000
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	7,160,000	6,104,000
Deferred income taxes	60,140,000	66,204,000
Income taxes payable	6,062,000	8,588,000
Other	8,639,000	10,489,000
Total liabilities	1,175,192,000	1,259,142,000
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	241,039,000	140,887,000
Accumulated deficit	-342,760,000	-326,062,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-13,435,000	-6,086,000
Total stockholders' deficit	-114,056,000	-100,894,000
Non-controlling interests	577,000	452,000
Total deficit	-114,633,000	-101,346,000
Total liabilities and deficit	1,061,136,000	1,158,248,000
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	523,000	89,915,000
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	$0	$0

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parentheticals (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$4,890	$5,387
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0	$0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Common Class A [Member]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$2
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	51,791,000	44,958,000
Common Class B [Member]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$2	$2
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Operating revenue:
Advertising	$495,872,000	$517,348,000	$537,223,000
Circulation	174,747,000	172,245,000	171,155,000
Other	39,867,000	37,726,000	40,066,000
Total operating revenue	710,486,000	727,319,000	748,444,000
Operating expenses:
Compensation	276,379,000	283,527,000	298,873,000
Newsprint and ink	52,003,000	56,191,000	51,707,000
Other operating expenses	214,570,000	220,656,000	227,603,000
Depreciation	23,620,000	25,833,000	26,716,000
Amortization of intangible assets	42,297,000	44,473,000	45,208,000
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	1,388,000	204,439,000	899,000
Workforce adjustments	4,640,000	3,922,000	1,199,000
Total operating expenses	614,897,000	839,041,000	652,205,000
Curtailment gains	0	16,137,000	45,012,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	7,231,000	6,151,000	7,746,000
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	0	11,900,000	0
Operating income (loss)	102,820,000	-101,334,000	148,997,000
Non-operating income (expense):
Financial income	236,000	296,000	411,000
Financial expense	-83,078,000	-52,696,000	-63,117,000
Debt financing costs	-2,823,000	-12,612,000	-8,514,000
Other, net	-2,533,000	595,000	-1,172,000
Total non-operating expense, net	-88,198,000	-64,417,000	-72,392,000
Income (loss) before reorganization costs and income taxes	14,622,000	-165,751,000	76,605,000
Reorganization costs	37,765,000	0	0
Loss before income taxes	-23,143,000	-165,751,000	76,605,000
Income tax benefit	-9,371,000	-20,316,000	29,308,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-13,772,000	-145,435,000	47,297,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-2,527,000	-1,246,000	-1,119,000
Net loss	-16,299,000	-146,681,000	46,178,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	-399,000	-187,000	-73,000
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	-16,698,000	-146,868,000	46,105,000
Other comprehensive income, net	-7,348,000	-12,737,000	-14,704,000
Comprehensive loss	-24,046,000	-159,605,000	31,401,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent	($14,171,000)	($145,622,000)	$47,224,000
Loss per common share:
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.06
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.03)
Basic	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.05
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.02)
Diluted	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03

Statement_of_Cash_Flows

Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	($13,772,000)	($145,435,000)	$47,297,000
Cash provided by (required for) operating activities:
Net loss	-16,299,000	-146,681,000	46,178,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-2,527,000	-1,246,000	-1,119,000
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	65,917,000	70,306,000	71,924,000
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	1,388,000	204,439,000	899,000
Curtailment gains	0	-16,137,000	-45,012,000
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	0	11,900,000	0
Amortization (accretion) of debt present value adjustment	3,919,000	-547,000	-621,000
Stock compensation expense	1,080,000	1,287,000	1,974,000
Distributions greater than current earnings of MNI	700,000	347,000	334,000
Deferred income tax benefit	-779,000	-25,910,000	18,943,000
Debt financing costs	2,857,000	12,612,000	8,480,000
Reorganization costs	37,765,000	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables	1,117,000	5,984,000	7,798,000
Decrease in inventories and other	1,981,000	4,583,000	3,190,000
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and unearned revenue	423,000	-6,752,000	-6,553,000
Decrease in pension, postretirement and post employment benefits	-8,898,000	-5,690,000	-3,261,000
Change in income taxes receivable or payable	-9,078,000	-5,748,000	162,000
Other, net	-4,100,000	-3,697,000	-1,454,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations	80,520,000	101,542,000	104,100,000
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-8,040,000	-7,479,000	-8,835,000
Decrease in restricted cash	4,972,000	4,651,000	-862,000
Proceeds from sales of assets	1,353,000	1,811,000	2,324,000
Distributions greater than current earnings of TNI	1,156,000	1,818,000	-383,000
Other, net	-422,000	104,000	118,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations	-981,000	905,000	-7,638,000
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	1,004,795,000	50,000,000	83,800,000
Payments on long-term debt	-1,065,455,000	-137,330,000	-170,545,000
Debt financing and reorganization costs paid	-32,408,000	-11,601,000	-453,000
Common stock transactions net	0	-205,000	-166,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-9,635,000	4,133,000	11,517,000
Cash and cash equivalents:
End of period	13,920,000	23,555,000	19,422,000
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations	-93,068,000	-99,136,000	-87,364,000
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations	178,000	1,062,000	3,034,000
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations	$3,716,000	($240,000)	($615,000)

Statement_of_Stockholders_Equi

Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 27, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 27, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012
						Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Common Class B [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning balance			($101,346,000)	$56,823,000										$89,915,000	$78,554,000	$78,278,000	$523,000	$0	$11,352,000	$11,552,000	$0	$140,887,000	$139,460,000	$137,713,000	$241,039,000	($326,062,000)	($179,194,000)	($225,299,000)	($342,760,000)	($6,086,000)	$6,651,000	$21,354,000	($13,435,000)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	52,291	44,958	52,291	44,958	44,953	52,291	44,958	39,277	39,139	0	0	5,676	5,776
Par Value Change- Common Stock Shares						0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities														0	11,352,000	200,000
Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted																		0	-11,352,000	-200,000
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted										0	-5,676	-100
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax																														0	0	2,334,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax																														-12,455,000	-21,518,000	-26,179,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax																														5,106,000	8,781,000	9,142,000
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-3,027,000	-8,733,000	-16,299,000	-146,681,000	46,178,000																					-16,299,000		46,178,000
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			399,000	187,000	73,000																					-399,000	-187,000	-73,000
Change In Par Value														-89,466,000	0	0						89,466,000	0	0
Share-based Compensation																						1,080,000	1,502,000	1,911,000
Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued						0	5,676	100
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues														74,000	209,000	190,000						9,606,000	-75,000	-164,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues						7,333	105	95
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value														$0	($200,000)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares						0	-100	-57

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinues Operations [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In October 2012, we sold the North County Times in Escondido, CA for $11,950,000, before income taxes. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $2,000,000, after income taxes, which was recorded in October 2012. Operating results of the North County Times have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
	Results of discontinued operations consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Operating revenue	27,852		28,785		32,203
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(4,076	)	(2,011	)	(1,805	)
	Income tax benefit	(1,549	)	(765	)	(686	)
	Net loss	(2,527	)	(1,246	)	(1,119	)

Investments_in_Associated_Comp

Investments in Associated Companies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
	TNI Partners
	In Tucson, Arizona, TNI, acting as agent for our subsidiary, Star Publishing Company (“Star Publishing”), and Citizen Publishing Company (“Citizen”), a subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc., is responsible for printing, delivery, advertising and circulation of the Arizona Daily Star as well as the related digital platforms and specialty publications. TNI collects all receipts and income and pays substantially all operating expenses incident to the partnership's operations and publication of the newspaper and other media.
	Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen.
	Summarized financial information of TNI is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	ASSETS
	Current assets	8,029		7,857
	Investments and other assets	13		32
	Total assets	8,042		7,889
	LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities	5,601		6,136
	Members' equity	2,441		1,753
	Total liabilities and members' equity	8,042		7,889
	Summarized results of TNI are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011	2010
	Operating revenue	59,043		62,452	64,379
	Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	49,568		52,882	52,923
	Workforce adjustments	(31	)	1,190	784
	Operating income	9,506		8,380	10,672
	Company's 50% share	4,753		4,190	5,336
	Less amortization of intangible assets	723		1,092	1,156
	Equity in earnings of TNI	4,030		3,098	4,180
	Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses associated with its share of the operation and administration of TNI are reported as operating expenses (benefit) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). These amounts totaled $(522,000), $76,000, and $291,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fees for editorial services provided to TNI by Star Publishing totaled $5,994,000, $7,043,000, and $7,510,000 in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
	Our impairment analysis resulted in pretax reductions in the carrying value of TNI totaling $11,900,000 in 2011. See Note 4.
	At September 30, 2012, the carrying value of the Company's 50% investment in TNI is $19,450,000. The difference between our carrying value and our 50% share of the members' equity of TNI relates principally to goodwill of$12,366,000 and other identified intangible assets of $6,430,000, certain of which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives through 2020. See Note 4.
	Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $620,000 in 2013 and $418,000 in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
	Madison Newspapers, Inc.
	We have a 50% ownership interest in MNI, which publishes daily and Sunday newspapers, and other publications in Madison, Wisconsin, and other Wisconsin locations, and operates their related digital sites. Net income or loss of MNI (after income taxes) is allocated equally to us and The Capital Times Company (“TCT”). MNI conducts its business under the trade name Capital Newspapers.
	Summarized financial information of MNI is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	ASSETS
	Current assets	24,613		22,287
	Investments and other assets	29,986		30,484
	Property and equipment, net	7,707		8,519
	Total assets	62,306		61,290
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities	10,015		8,428
	Other liabilities	6,720		5,960
	Stockholders' equity	45,571		46,902
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	62,306		61,290
	Summarized results of MNI are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011	2010
	Operating revenue	70,158		73,011	75,137
	Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	57,981		60,982	61,467
	Workforce adjustments	546		530	296
	Depreciation and amortization	1,689		2,227	2,372
	Operating income	9,942		9,272	11,002
	Net income	6,469		6,106	7,132
	Equity in earnings of MNI	3,201		3,053	3,566
	Fees for editorial services provided to MNI by us are included in other revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) and totaled $8,098,000, $8,201,000 and $8,318,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Goodwill_and_other_Intangible_

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011
	Goodwill, gross amount	1,536,000		1,536,000
	Accumulated impairment losses	(1,288,729	)	(1,102,448	)
	Goodwill, beginning of year	247,271		433,552
	Impairment	—		(186,281	)
	Goodwill, end of year	247,271		247,271
	Identified intangible assets related to continuing operations consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Nonamortized intangible assets:
	Mastheads	28,875		28,875
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	864,184		864,184
	Less accumulated amortization	441,772		399,477
		422,412		464,707
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524		28,524
	Less accumulated amortization	28,519		28,517
		5		7
		451,292		493,589
	Due primarily to the difference between our stock price and the per share carrying value of our net assets, we analyzed the carrying value of our net assets in 2011. Continued deterioration in our revenue and the weak economic environment were also factors in the timing of the analyses. We concluded the fair value of our business did not exceed the carrying value of our net assets in 2011.
	As a result, we recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of goodwill, nonamortized and amortizable intangible assets in 2011. Additional pretax, non-cash charges were recorded to reduce the carrying value of TNI. We also recorded pretax, non-cash charges to reduce the carrying value of property and equipment in 2010, 2011 and 2012. We recorded deferred income tax benefits related to these charges.
	A summary of impairment charges is included in the table below:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Continuing operations:
	Goodwill	—		186,281		—
	Nonamortized intangible assets	—		13,259		—
	Amortizable intangible assets	—		4,199		—
	Property and equipment	1,388		700		899
		1,388		204,439		899
	Reduction in investment in TNI	—		11,900		—
		1,388		216,339		899
	Discontinued operations	3,606		700		2,391
	Future decreases in our market value, or significant differences in revenue, expenses or cash flows from estimates used to determine fair value, could result in additional impairment charges in the future.
	Annual amortization of intangible assets for the five years ending September 2017 is estimated to be $38,716,000, $38,564,000, $38,131,000, $36,979,000, and $35,898,000, respectively.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	DEBT
	As discussed more fully below (and certain capitalized terms used below defined), in January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of the Plan, we refinanced all of our debt. The Plan refinanced our then-existing credit agreement and extended the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt with the existing lenders. We also amended the Pulitzer Notes, and extended the April 2012 maturity with the existing Noteholders.
	1st Lien Agreement
	In January 2012, we entered into a credit agreement (the “1st Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “1st Lien Lenders”). The 1st Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $689,510,000, and a new $40,000,000 revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility also supports issuance of letters of credit.
	Interest Payments
	Debt under the 1st Lien Agreement bears interest, at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”), plus an applicable margin. The base rate for the facility is the greater of (a) the prime lending rate of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas at such time; (b) 0.5% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate at such time; or (c) 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%. LIBOR loans are subject to a minimum rate of 1.25%. The applicable margin for term loan base rate loans is 5.25%, and 6.25% for LIBOR loans. The applicable margin for revolving credit facility base rate loans is 4.5%, and is 5.5% for LIBOR loans. At September 30, 2012, all borrowing under the 1st Lien Agreement is based on LIBOR at a total rate of 7.5%.
	Principal Payments
	At September 30, 2012, the balance outstanding under the term loan is $661,850,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1st Lien Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.
	We are required to repay principal amounts, on a quarterly basis until maturity, under the 1st Lien Agreement. Principal payments are required quarterly beginning in June 2012, and total $11,000,000 in 2013, $12,750,000 in 2014, $13,500,000 in 2015 and $3,375,000 in 2016, prior to the final maturity.
	In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the 1st Lien Agreement under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The 1st Lien Agreement also requires us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other 1st Lien Agreement payments prior to the December 2015 maturity.
	2012 payments made under the 1st Lien Agreement are summarized as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)			2012
	Mandatory			5,000
	Voluntary			19,450
	Asset sales			3,210
	Excess cash flow			—
				27,660
	There were no net principal payments made in 2012 under the previous credit agreement. Since September 30, 2012, principal payments under the 1st Lien Agreement total $17,750,000.
	Security
	The 1st Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of our existing and future, direct and indirect subsidiaries in which we hold a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% (the “Credit Parties”); provided however, that our wholly-owned subsidiary Pulitzer Inc. (“Pulitzer”) and its subsidiaries are not Credit Parties. The 1st Lien Agreement is secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Credit Parties in their respective subsidiaries.
	The Credit Parties have also granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted mortgages covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 1st Lien Agreement. Assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, TNI, our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI and certain employee benefit plan assets are excluded. However, assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, excluding TNI, become subject to a first priority security interest of the Credit Parties upon repayment in full of the Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below.
	The revolving credit facility has a super-priority security interest over all of the collateral securing the term loan under the 1st Lien Agreement, superior to that of the term loan lenders.
	Covenants and Other Matters
	The 1st Lien Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for financing of its type. These financial covenants include a maximum total leverage ratio, as defined. The total leverage ratio is designed to assess the leverage of the Company, excluding Pulitzer, and does not reflect our overall leverage position due to the lower leverage of Pulitzer. It is based primarily on the sum of the principal amount of debt under the 1st Lien Agreement, plus debt under the 2nd Lien Agreement, as discussed more fully below, which totals $836,850,000 at September 30, 2012, plus letters of credit and certain other factors, divided by a measure of trailing 12 month operating results, which includes distributions from MNI and other elements, but excludes the operating results of Pulitzer.
	Our actual total leverage ratio at September 30, 2012 under the 1st Lien Agreement was 6.7:1 Our maximum total leverage ratio covenant will decrease, in stages, from 10.0:1 at September 30, 2012 to 9.1:1 in December 2015. On a consolidated basis, using the definitions in the 1st Lien Agreement, our leverage ratio is 5.7:1 at September 30, 2012.  This consolidated measure is not the subject of a covenant in any of our debt agreements.
	The 1st Lien Agreement also includes a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, as defined, which is based on the sum of interest expense, as defined, incurred under the 1st Lien Agreement and 2nd Lien Agreement, divided by the same measure of trailing 12 month operating results discussed above. The interest expense coverage ratio is similarly designed to assess the interest coverage of the Company, excluding Pulitzer, and does not reflect our overall interest coverage position. Our actual interest expense coverage ratio at September 30, 2012 was 1.93:1. Our minimum interest expense coverage ratio covenant will decrease, in stages, from 1.25:1 at September 30, 2012 to 1.1:1 in December 2015.
	The 1st Lien Agreement requires us to suspend stockholder dividends and share repurchases through December 2015. The 1st Lien Agreement also limits capital expenditures to $20,000,000 per year, with a provision for carryover of unused amounts from the prior year. Further, the 1st Lien Agreement restricts our ability to make additional investments, acquisitions, dispositions and mergers without the consent of the 1st Lien Lenders and limits our ability to incur additional debt. Such covenants require that substantially all of our future cash flows are required to be directed toward debt reduction or accumulation of cash collateral and that the cash flows of the Credit Parties are largely segregated from those of Pulitzer.
	2nd Lien Agreement
	In January 2012, we entered into a second lien term loan (the “2nd Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “2nd Lien Lenders”). The 2nd Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $175,000,000.
	The 2nd Lien Agreement bears interest at 15.0%, payable quarterly.
	Principal Payments and Redemption
	The 2nd Lien Agreement requires no principal amortization, except in March 2017 if required for income tax purposes.
	The 2nd Lien Agreement may not be redeemed prior to January 30, 2013. From that date until January 30, 2014, the 2nd Lien Agreement may be redeemed at 102% of the principal amount, at 101% thereafter until January 30, 2015 and at 100% thereafter until the April 2017 final maturity. Terms of the 1st Lien Agreement also restrict principal payments under the 2nd Lien Agreement.
	Security
	The 2nd Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Credit Parties and by Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, other than TNI (collectively, the "2nd Lien Credit Parties"). The 2nd Lien Agreement is secured by second priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the 2nd Lien Credit Parties.
	The 2nd Lien Credit Parties have also granted a second priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted second lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2nd Lien Agreement. Assets of TNI, our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI and certain employee benefit plan assets are excluded.
	Covenants and Other Matters
	The 2nd Lien Agreement has no affirmative financial covenants. Restrictions on capital expenditures, permitted investments, indebtedness and other provisions are similar to, but generally less restrictive than, those provisions under the 1st Lien Agreement.
	2nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock valued at $9,576,000, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012. 2nd Lien Lenders also received $8,750,000 in the form of non-cash fees, which were added to and included in the principal amount of the second lien term loan.
	Pulitzer Notes
	In conjunction with its formation in 2000, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC ("PD LLC") borrowed $306,000,000 (the “Pulitzer Notes”) from a group of institutional lenders (the “Noteholders”). The Pulitzer Notes were guaranteed by Pulitzer pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement with the Noteholders. The aggregate principal amount of the Pulitzer Notes was payable in April 2009.
	In February 2009, the Pulitzer Notes and the Guaranty Agreement were amended (the “Notes Amendment”). Under the Notes Amendment, PD LLC repaid $120,000,000 of the principal amount of the debt obligation. The remaining debt balance of $186,000,000 was refinanced by the Noteholders until April 2012.
	In January 2012, in connection with the Plan, we entered into an amended Note Agreement and Guaranty Agreement, which amended the Pulitzer Notes and extended the maturity with the Noteholders. After consideration of unscheduled principal payments totaling $15,145,000 ($10,145,000 in December 2011 and $5,000,000 in January 2012), offset by $3,500,000 of non-cash fees paid to the Noteholders in the form of additional Pulitzer Notes debt, the amended Pulitzer Notes had a balance of $126,355,000 in January 2012.
	The Pulitzer Notes bear interest at 10.55%, increasing 0.75% in January 2013 and in January of each year thereafter. Due to the increasing interest rate, interest on the Pulitzer Notes is charged to expense using a calculated effective interest rate during the period. This method increased 2012 financial expense $871,000 from the amount actually payable to the Noteholders during this period.
	Principal Payments
	At September 30, 2012, the balance of the Pulitzer Notes is $109,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding under the Pulitzer Notes at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice, and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. The Pulitzer Notes provide for mandatory scheduled annual prepayments totaling $1,400,000 in 2012 and $6,400,000 annually thereafter.
	In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the Pulitzer Notes under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The Pulitzer Notes also require us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other Pulitzer Notes payments prior to the final maturity in December 2015.
	2012 payments made under the Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)			2012
	Prior to refinancing			500
	Pursuant to the Plan, net			11,645
	Mandatory			1,400
	Voluntary			15,955
	Asset sales			—
	Excess cash flow			—
				29,500
	Since September 30, 2012, principal payments under the Pulitzer Notes total $9,000,000.
	Security
	The Guaranty Agreement provides that obligations under the Pulitzer Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Pulitzer's existing and future subsidiaries other than TNI. The Pulitzer Notes are also secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by Pulitzer in its subsidiaries other than TNI. Also, Pulitzer and each of its subsidiaries granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of its tangible and intangible assets, and granted first lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the Pulitzer Notes. Our ownership interest in TNI and certain employee benefit plan assets are excluded. However, assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, excluding TNI, become subject to a first priority security interest of the Credit Parties upon repayment in full of the Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below.
	Covenants and Other Matters
	The Pulitzer Notes contain certain covenants and conditions including the maintenance, by Pulitzer, of minimum trailing 12 month EBITDA (minimum of $25,600,000 at September 30, 2012), as defined in the Guaranty Agreement, and limitations on capital expenditures and the incurrence of other debt.
	Further, the Pulitzer Notes have limitations or restrictions on distributions, loans, advances, investments, acquisitions, dispositions and mergers. Such covenants require that substantially all future cash flows of Pulitzer are required to be directed first toward repayment of the Pulitzer Notes or accumulation of cash collateral and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.
	Intercreditor Agreements
	The 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement and Pulitzer Notes contain cross-default provisions tied to each of the various agreements. Intercreditor agreements and an intercompany subordination agreement are in effect.
Other
Cash payments to the Lenders, Noteholders and legal and professional fees related to the Plan totaled $38,628,000, of which $6,273,000 was paid in 2011, and the remainder of which was paid in 2012.  $721,000 of such costs were charged to expense in 2011. In addition, previously capitalized financing costs of $4,514,000 at September 25, 2011 were charged to expense in 2012 as debt financing costs prior to consummation of the Plan, with the remainder classified as reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) upon consummation of the Plan.
Debt under the Plan was considered compromised. As a result, the 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement and Pulitzer Notes were recorded at their respective present values, which resulted in a discount to the stated principal amount totaling $23,709,000. This amount is being amortized as a non-cash component of financial expense over the terms of the related debt. Such amounts totaled $4,085,000 in 2012 and are estimated to total $5,418,000 in 2013, $5,359,000 in 2014, $5,293,000 in 2015, $2,429,000 in 2016 and $1,125,000 in 2017.
Debt is summarized as follows:
	Amount			Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep		September 25	September 30
	2012		2011	2012
1st Lien Agreement	661,850		—	7.5
2nd Lien Agreement	175,000		—	15
Previous credit agreement:
Term loan	—		569,335
Revolving credit facility	—		286,425
Pulitzer Notes	109,000		138,500	10.55
Unaccreted (unamortized) present value adjustment	(19,624	)	290
	926,226		994,550
Less current maturities of debt	17,400		994,550
Current amount of present value adjustment	(5,418	)	—
Total long term debt	914,244		—
At September 30, 2012, our weighted average cost of debt is 9.2%.
Aggregate maturities of debt total $17,400,000 in 2013, $19,150,000 in 2014, $19,900,000 in 2015, $714,400,000 in 2016 and $175,000,000 in 2017.
Liquidity
At September 30, 2012, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $29,942,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at September 30, 2012 totals $43,862,000. This liquidity amount excludes any future cash flows. We expect all interest and principal payments due in the next twelve months will be satisfied by our continuing cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity.
There are numerous potential consequences under the 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement, and the Note and Guaranty Agreements related to the Pulitzer Notes, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the 1st Lien Lenders, 2nd Lien Lenders and/or the Noteholders, to exercise their remedies under the 1st Lien Agreement, 2nd Lien Agreement, and the Note and Guaranty Agreements, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.
Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at September 30, 2012.
At December 14, 2012, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $919,100,000. This amount is already less than the $938,700,000 amount projected in the Plan in September 2013. Lower cash balances and asset sales have contributed to the improvement in debt repayment compared to the Plan.
In 2010, we filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement ("Shelf") with the SEC, which has been declared effective. The Shelf gives us the flexibility to issue and publicly distribute various types of securities, including preferred stock, common stock, secured or unsecured debt securities, purchase contracts and units consisting of any combination of such securities, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to an aggregate amount of $750,000,000. In July 2011, the SEC announced changes to the issuer eligibility rules which will require us to have a public float of at least $75,000,000 in order to use the Shelf. Subject to maintenance of the minimum level of equity market float and the conditions of our existing debt agreements, the Shelf may enable us to sell securities quickly and efficiently when market conditions are favorable or financing needs arise. Net proceeds from the sale of any securities must be used generally to reduce debt.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES
	Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Current:
	Federal	(8,244	)	4,604		8,673
	State	(2,210	)	(55	)	833
	Deferred	(466	)	(25,630	)	19,116
		(10,920	)	(21,081	)	28,622
	Continuing operations	(9,371	)	(20,316	)	29,308
	Discontinued operations	(1,549	)	(765	)	(686	)
		(10,920	)	(21,081	)	28,622
	Income tax expense (benefit) related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:
	(Percent of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes)	2012		2011		2010
	Computed “expected” income tax expense (benefit)	(35.0	)	(35.0	)	35
	State income taxes (benefit), net of federal tax expense (benefit)	(1.9	)	(2.3	)	4.3
	Net income of associated companies taxed at dividend rates	(6.2	)	(0.5	)	(1.4	)
	Domestic production deduction	2.1		(0.5	)	(0.8	)
	Resolution of tax matters	(3.9	)	0.5		(3.5	)
	Impairment of goodwill and other assets	—		23.9		—
	Valuation allowance	1.8		1		(0.1	)
	Tax law change	—		—		4.1
	Non deductible costs of Chapter 11 Proceedings	9.3		—		—
	Changes in tax basis	(5.6	)	—		—
	Other	(1.1	)	0.6		0.6
		(40.5	)	(12.3	)	38.2
	Net deferred income tax liabilities consist of the following components:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	(40,684	)	(29,170	)
	Investments	(11,651	)	(6,576	)
	Identified intangible assets	(50,472	)	(45,472	)
	Long-term debt and interest rate exchange agreements	—		(997	)
	Other	(1,155	)	—
		(103,962	)	(82,215	)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Long-term debt	33,682		—
	Accrued compensation	5,540		7,067
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and losses on loans	817		1,570
	Pension and postretirement benefits	5,569		5,305
	State operating loss carryforwards	24,613		23,515
	Accrued expenses	2,508		5,024
	Other	—		2,063
		72,729		44,544
	Valuation allowance	(28,118	)	(27,566	)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	(59,351	)	(65,237	)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities are classified as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Current assets	789		967
	Non-current liabilities	(60,140	)	(66,204	)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	(59,351	)	(65,237	)
	A reconciliation of 2012 changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012
	Balance, beginning of year	6,752
	Decreases in tax positions for prior years	(163	)
	Decreases in tax positions for the current year	(360	)
	Lapse in statute of limitations	(1,312	)
	Balance, end of year	4,917
	The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate was $3,264,000 at September 30, 2012. We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The amount of accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits was, net of tax, $710,000 at September 30, 2012 and $1,139,000 at September 25, 2011. There were no amounts provided for penalties at September 30, 2012 or September 25, 2011.
	At September 30, 2012, we had approximately $796,814,000 of net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) for state tax purposes that expire between 2014 and 2032. Such NOLs result in a deferred income tax asset of $24,613,000 at September 30, 2012, substantially all of which is offset by a valuation allowance. The valuation allowance not related to NOLs is $ 3,613,000 at September 30, 2012 and $4,068,000 at September 25, 2011.
	In connection with the refinancing of debt under the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we realized substantial cancellation of debt income (“CODI”) for income tax purposes. However, this income was not immediately taxable for U.S. income tax purposes because the CODI resulted from our reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. For U.S. income tax reporting purposes, we are required to reduce certain tax attributes, including any net operating loss carryforwards, capital losses, certain tax credit carryforwards, and the tax basis in certain assets and liabilities, including debt, in a total amount equal to the tax gain on the extinguishment of debt.  As a result, in February 2012 we began recognizing additional interest expense deductions for income tax purposes.  The reduction in the basis of certain assets will result in reduced  depreciation and amortization expense for income tax purposes beginning in 2013.

Earnings_per_Common_Share

Earnings per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Loss Per Common Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
	(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Common Share Data)	2012		2011		2010
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
	Continuing operations	(14,171	)	(145,622	)	47,224
	Discontinued operations	(2,527	)	(1,246	)	(1,119	)
		(16,698	)	(146,868	)	46,105
	Weighted average Common Shares	49,357		44,912		44,902
	Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	(96	)	(65	)	(347	)
	Basic average Common Shares	49,261		44,847		44,555
	Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	—		—		400
	Diluted average Common Shares	49,261		44,847		44,955
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	(0.29	)	(3.25	)	1.06
	Discontinued operations	(0.05	)	(0.03	)	(0.03	)
		(0.34	)	(3.27	)	1.03
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	(0.29	)	(3.25	)	1.05
	Discontinued operations	(0.05	)	(0.03	)	(0.02	)
		(0.34	)	(3.27	)	1.03
	For 2012, 2011 and 2010, we had 2,334,000, 1,944,000, and 942,000 weighted average shares, respectively, subject to issuance under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans that have no intrinsic value. No stock options were considered in the computation of loss per common share in 2012 or 2011.

Stock_Ownership_Plans

Stock Ownership Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Ownership Plans [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS
	Total non-cash stock compensation expense is $1,080,000, $1,287,000 and $1,974,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
	At September 30, 2012, we have reserved 4,539,716 shares of Common Stock for issuance to employees under an incentive and nonstatutory stock option and restricted stock plan approved by stockholders. At September 30, 2012, 1,437,270 shares are available for granting of non-qualified stock options or issuance of restricted Common Stock.
	Stock Options
	Options are granted at a price equal to the fair market value on the date of the grant and are exercisable, upon vesting, over a ten-year period.
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
	(Thousands of Shares)	2012			2011		2010
	Under option, beginning of year	1,812			940		1,009
	Granted	1,520			1,105		—
	Exercised	—			(15	)	—
	Canceled	(230	)		(218	)	(69	)
	Under option, end of year	3,102			1,812		940
	Exercisable, end of year	1,298			552		423
	Weighted average prices of stock options are as follows:
	(Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Granted	1.16			2.57		—
	Under option, end of year	3.18			5.07		8.77
	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of 2012 and 2011 option awards:
		2012			2011
	Volatility (Percent)	122			111
	Risk-free interest rate (Percent)	0.76			1.01
	Expected term (Years)	4.7			4.7
	Estimated fair value (Dollars)	0.95			2
	A summary of stock options outstanding at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
	(Dollars)	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of	Number		Weighted Average		Weighted		Number	Weighted
	Exercise	Outstanding		Remaining Contractual		Average		Exercisable	Average
	Prices			Life (Years)		Exercise Price			Exercise Price
	1 - 5	2,971,125		8.5		1.79		1,166,890	2.31
	May-50	131,321		2.9		34.59		131,321	34.59
		3,102,446		8.2		3.18		1,298,211	5.58
	Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options at September 30, 2012 is $1,990,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at September 30, 2012 is $457,000.
	Restricted Common Stock
	A summary of restricted Common Stock activity follows:
	(Thousands of Shares)	2012			2011		2010
	Outstanding, beginning of year	—			299		453
	Granted	500			—		—
	Vested	—			(297	)	(143	)
	Forfeited	—			(2	)	(11	)
	Outstanding, end of year	500			—		299
	Weighted average grant date fair values of restricted Common Stock are as follows:
	(Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Outstanding, beginning of year	—			15.02		19.35
	Granted	1.31			—		—
	Vested	—			15.02		28.73
	Forfeited	—			15.02		15.02
	Outstanding, end of year	1.31			—		15.02
	The fair value of restricted Common Stock vested in 2011 and 2010, is $723,000 and $554,000, respectively.
	Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at September 30, 2012 is $613,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.
	Stock Purchase Plans
	We have 270,000 shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. We also have 8,700 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under our Supplemental Employee Stock Purchase Plan. There has been no activity under these plans in 2012, 2011 or 2010.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The carrying value of other investments, consisting of debt and equity securities in a deferred compensation trust, is carried at fair value based upon quoted market prices. Investments totaling $8,640,000, consisting primarily of our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. The fair value of floating rate debt cannot be determined as an active market for such debt does not exist. Our fixed rate debt consists of the 2nd Lien Agreement and Pulitzer Notes, which are not traded on an active market and are held by small groups of investors. We are unable, as of September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011, to determine the fair value of such debt. The value, if determined, may be less than the carrying amount. The determination of the amount of the Herald Value, as discussed more fully in Note 16, is based on an estimate of fair value using both market and income-based approaches.
	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep	25-Sep
		2012	2011
	Level 1	—	—
	Level 2	—	—
	Level 3 - Herald Value - liability	300	300
	In 2011, we reduced the Herald Value from $2,300,000 as of September 26, 2010 to $300,000 based on the most recent estimate of fair value. There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses, purchases, sales, or transfers related to the Herald Value in 2012 or 2010.
	In 2012, 2011 and 2010, we reduced the carrying value of equipment no longer in use by $1,388,000, $700,000 and $899,000, respectively, based on estimates of the related fair value in the current market. Based on age, condition and marketability we estimated the equipment had no value.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	Operating Leases
	We have operating lease commitments for certain of our office, production and distribution facilities. Management expects that in the normal course of business, existing leases will be renewed or replaced. Minimum lease payments during the five years ending September 2017 and thereafter are $3,534,000, $1,897,000, $1,647,000, $1,557,000, $1,246,000 and $4,302,000, respectively. Total operating lease expense is $4,135,000, $4,527,000 and $4,549,000, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
	Capital Expenditures
	At September 30, 2012, we had construction and equipment purchase commitments totaling approximately $900,000.
	Redemption of PD LLC Minority Interest
	In 2000, Pulitzer and The Herald Company Inc. (“Herald Inc.”) completed the transfer of their respective interests in the assets and operations of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and certain related businesses to a new joint venture, known as PD LLC. Pulitzer is the managing member of PD LLC. Under the terms of the related PD LLC Operating Agreement (the "Operating Agreement"), Pulitzer and another subsidiary held a 95% interest in the results of operations of PD LLC and The Herald Publishing Company, LLC (“Herald”), as successor to Herald Inc., held a 5% interest. Until February 2009, Herald's 5% interest was reported as minority interest in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) at historical cost, plus accumulated earnings since the acquisition of Pulitzer.
	The Operating Agreement provided Herald a one-time right to require PD LLC to redeem its interest in PD LLC, together with its interest, if any, in STL Distribution Services LLC ("DS LLC") (the “2010 Redemption”). We recorded the present value of the remaining amount of this potential liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in 2008, with the offset primarily to goodwill in the amount of $55,594,000, and the remainder recorded as a reduction of retained earnings. The present value of the 2010 Redemption in February 2009 was approximately $73,602,000.
	In February 2009, in conjunction with the Notes Amendment, PD LLC redeemed the 5% interest in PD LLC and DS LLC owned by Herald pursuant to a Redemption Agreement and adopted conforming amendments to the Operating Agreement. As a result, the value of Herald's former interest (the “Herald Value”) will be settled, at a date determined by Herald between April 2013 and April 2015, based on a calculation of 10% of the fair market value of PD LLC and DS LLC at the time of settlement, less the balance, as adjusted, of the Pulitzer Notes or the equivalent successor debt, if any. We recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in 2009 as an estimate of the amount of the Herald Value to be disbursed. In 2011, we reduced the liability related to the Herald Value to $300,000 based on the current estimate of fair value. The actual amount of the Herald Value will depend on such variables as future cash flows and indebtedness of PD LLC and DS LLC, market valuations of newspaper properties and the timing of the request for redemption. Cash settlement of the Herald Value is limited by the terms of our debt agreements.
	The Redemption Agreement also terminated Herald's right to exercise its rights under the 2010 Redemption. As a result, we reversed substantially all of our liability for the 2010 Redemption in 2009. The reversal reduced liabilities by $71,302,000 and increased comprehensive income by $58,521,000 and stockholders' equity by $68,824,000.
	The redemption of Herald's interest in PD LLC and DS LLC may generate significant tax benefits to us as a consequence of the resulting increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by PD LLC and DS LLC and the related depreciation and amortization deductions. The increase in basis to be amortized for income tax purposes over a 15 year period beginning in February 2009 is approximately $258,000,000.
	Pursuant to an Indemnity Agreement dated May 1, 2000 (the “Indemnity Agreement”) between Herald Inc. and Pulitzer, Herald agreed to indemnify Pulitzer for any payments that Pulitzer may make under the Guaranty Agreement. The Indemnity Agreement and related obligations of Herald to indemnify Pulitzer were also terminated pursuant to the Redemption Agreement.
	Income Taxes
	Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 11.
	We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies, and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows.
	We have various income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2007.
	Legal Proceedings
	In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs seek relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In July 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, we filed a motion to reverse the class certification ruling. This motion is currently pending before the trial court. The Company denies the allegations of employee status, consistent with our past practices and industry standards, and will continue to vigorously contest the action, which is not covered by insurance. At this time we are unable to predict whether the ultimate economic outcome, if any, could have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.
	We are involved in a variety of other legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these other matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

Common_Stock_and_Class_B_Commo

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Common Stock And Class B Common Stock [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Text Block]	COMMON STOCK, CLASS B COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED SHARE PURCHASE RIGHTS
	Common Stock
	Under the Plan, the par value of our Common Stock was changed from $2.00 per share to $0.01 per share effective January 30, 2012. 2nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012.
	As of July 1, 2011, our Common Stock traded at an average 30-day closing market price of less than $1 per share. Under the NYSE listing standards, if our Common Stock fails to maintain an adequate per share price and total market capitalization of less than $50,000,000, our Common Stock could be removed from the NYSE and traded in the over the counter market. In July 2011, the NYSE first notified us that our Common Stock did not meet the NYSE continued listing standards due to the failure to maintain an adequate share price. Under the NYSE rules, our Common Stock is allowed to continue to be listed during a cure period. In February 2012, the NYSE notified the Company that it was again in compliance with the minimum closing price standard. At September 30, 2012, our average market capitalization also exceeds the $50,000,000 minimum required by the NYSE. However, the NYSE has not yet notified us that the Company has returned to compliance with the market capitalization standard. Continued listing is subject to ongoing reassessment by the NYSE. We are currently operating under an NYSE-approved plan and expect any issues to be successfully addressed within the time frames required under the NYSE rules.
	Class B Common Stock
	In 1986, one share of Class B Common Stock was issued as a dividend for each share of Common Stock held by stockholders of record at the time. The transfer of Class B Common Stock was restricted. As originally anticipated, the number of outstanding Class B shares has decreased over time through trading and reached the sunset level of 5,600,000 shares in March 2011. In March 2011, in accordance with the sunset provisions established in 1986, we effected conversion of all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock to Common Stock. As a result, all stockholders have one vote per share on all future matters. Class B shares formerly had ten votes per share.
	Preferred Share Purchase Rights
	In 1998, the Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”). Under the Rights Plan, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (“Right”) for each outstanding share of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (collectively “Common Shares”) of the Company. Rights are attached to, and automatically trade with, the Company's Common Shares. In 2008, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to the Rights Plan. The amendment increased the beneficial ownership threshold to 25% from 20% for stockholders purchasing Common Stock for passive investment only and decreased the threshold to 15% for all other investors. In addition, the amendment extended the expiration of the Rights Plan to May 31, 2018 from May 31, 2008.
	Rights become exercisable only in the event that any person or group of affiliated persons other than a passive investor becomes a holder of 15% or more of our outstanding Common Shares, or commences a tender or exchange offer which, if consummated, would result in that person or group of affiliated persons owning at least 15% of our outstanding Common Shares. Once the Rights become exercisable, they entitle all other stockholders to purchase, by payment of a $150 exercise price, one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment, with a value of twice the exercise price. In addition, at any time after a 15% position is acquired and prior to the acquisition of a 50% position, the Board of Directors may require, in whole or in part, each outstanding Right (other than Rights held by the acquiring person or group of affiliated persons) to be exchanged for one share of Common Stock or one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock. The Rights may be redeemed at a price of $0.001 per Right at any time prior to their expiration.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”) and 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“INN”).
	Fiscal Year
	All of our enterprises use period accounting with the fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. Due to our fiscal calendar, 2012 includes 53 weeks of business operations. 2011 and 2010 include 52 weeks.
	Subsequent Events
	We have evaluated subsequent events through December 14, 2012. No events have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2012 that require disclosure or recognition in these financial statements, except as included herein.
	Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying
	values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	Principles of Consolidation
	All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
	Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit are included in accounts payable and are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Accounts Receivable
	We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on historical credit experience, payment trends and other economic factors. Delinquency is determined based on timing of payments in relation to billing dates. Accounts considered to be uncollectible are written off.
	Inventories
	Newsprint inventories are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out or last-in, first-out methods. Newsprint inventories at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011 are less than replacement cost by $3,556,000 and $3,895,000, respectively.
	The components of newsprint inventory by cost method are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30 2012	September 25 2011
	First-in, first-out	2,848	2,595
	Last-in, first-out	2,723	2,719
		5,571	5,314
	Other inventories consisting of ink, plates and film are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method.
	Other Investments
	Other investments primarily consist of marketable securities held in trust under a deferred compensation arrangement and investments for which no established market exists. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities and carried at fair value with gains and losses reported in earnings. Non-marketable securities are carried at cost.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment, except for printing presses and preprint insertion equipment, is depreciated primarily by declining-balance methods. The straight-line method is used for all other assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 54
	Printing presses and insertion equipment	3 - 28
	Other	3 - 20
	We capitalize interest as a component of the cost of constructing major facilities. At September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011, capitalized interest was not significant.
	We recognize the fair value of a liability for a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity when such activity is a condition of a future event and the fair value of the liability can be estimated.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets include covenants not to compete, consulting agreements, customer lists, newspaper subscriber lists and mastheads. Intangible assets subject to amortization are being amortized using the straight-line method as follows:
		Years
	Customer lists	23-Jul
	Newspaper subscriber lists	7 - 33
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	15
	In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets, we annually assess qualitative factors affecting our business to determine if the probability of a goodwill impairment is more likely than not. Our assessment includes reviewing internal and external factors affecting our business such as cash flow projections, stock price and other industry or market considerations. This assessment is normally made in the last fiscal quarter of each year.
	We analyze goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets for impairment more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Such indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate and operating or cash flow losses related to such assets.
	Should we determine that a goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we make a determination of the fair value of our business. Fair value is determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon future revenue, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies in the publishing industry. A non-cash impairment charge will generally be recognized when the carrying amount of the net assets of the business exceeds its estimated fair value.
	Should we determine that a nonamortized intangible asset impairment is more likely than not, we make a determination of the individual asset's fair value. Fair value is determined using the relief from royalty method, which estimates fair value based upon appropriate royalties of future revenue discounted to their present value. The impairment amount, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of such asset.
	The required valuation methodology and underlying financial information that are used to determine fair value require significant judgments to be made by us. These judgments include, but are not limited to, long term projections of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.
	We review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. We assess recoverability of these assets by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or asset group with their carrying amount. The impairment amount, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.
	We also periodically evaluate the useful lives of amortizable intangible assets. Any resulting changes in the useful lives of such intangible assets will not impact our cash flows. However, a decrease in the useful lives of such intangible assets would increase future amortization expense and decrease future reported operating results and earnings per common share. See Note 4.
	Minority Interest
	Minority interest in earnings of INN is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
	Revenue Recognition
	Advertising revenue is recorded when advertisements are placed in the publication or on the related digital product. Circulation revenue is recorded over the print or digital product subscription term or as such newspapers are individually sold. Other revenue is recognized when the related product or service has been delivered. Unearned revenue arises in the ordinary course of business from advance subscription payments for print or digital products or advance payments for advertising.
	Advertising Costs
	A substantial amount of our advertising and promotion expense consists of ads placed in our own publications and digital products using available space. The incremental cost of such advertising is not significant and is not measured separately by us. External advertising costs are not significant and are expensed as incurred.
	Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans
	We evaluate our liabilities for pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit plans based upon computations made by consulting actuaries, incorporating estimates and actuarial assumptions of future plan service costs, future interest costs on projected benefit obligations, rates of compensation increases, employee turnover rates, anticipated mortality rates, expected investment returns on plan assets, asset allocation assumptions of plan assets and other factors. If we used different estimates and assumptions regarding these plans, the funded status of the plans could vary significantly, resulting in recognition of different amounts of expense over future periods.
	We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all our pension and postretirement obligations in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 715, Retirement Plans.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability method, whereby deferred income tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and loss carryforwards and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the difference between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax basis. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in our opinion, it is more likely than not some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
	We recognize the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to measure and report fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable, which consists of the following levels:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
Valuation methodologies used for pension and postretirement assets measured at fair value are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents consist of short term deposits valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Such investments are classified as Level 1.
Equity securities are valued based on the closing market price in an active market and are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.
Debt securities consist of corporate bonds and government securities that are valued based upon quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.
Stock Compensation
We have four stock-based compensation plans. We account for grants under those plans under the fair value expense recognition provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. We determine the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. Key inputs to this formula include expected term, expected volatility and the risk-free interest rate.
The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding, and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The volatility factor is calculated using historical market data for our Common Stock. The time frame used is equal to the expected term. We base the risk-free interest rate on the yield to maturity at the time of the stock option grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining term equal to the option's expected term. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behavior as well as actual option forfeitures.
We amortize as compensation expense the value of stock options and restricted Common Stock using the straight-line method over the vesting or restriction period, which is generally one to three years.
Uninsured Risks
We are self-insured for health care, workers compensation and certain long-term disability costs of our employees, subject to stop loss insurance, which limits exposure to large claims. We accrue our estimated health care costs in the period in which such costs are incurred, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Other risks are insured and carry deductible losses of varying amounts. Letters of credit and performance bonds totaling $6,256,000 at September 30, 2012 are outstanding in support of our insurance program.
Our accrued reserves for health care and workers compensation claims are based upon estimates of the remaining liability for retained losses made by consulting actuaries. The amount of workers compensation reserve has been determined based upon historical patterns of incurred and paid loss development factors from the insurance industry.
Discontinued Operations
In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Land and Equipment, the operations and related losses on businesses sold, or identified as held for sale, have been presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all years presented. Gains are recognized when realized.

Pensions

Pensions	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Disclosure [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	PENSION PLANS
	We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees. Benefits under the plans were generally based on salary and years of service. Effective in 2012 all benefits are frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, and cash.
	The net periodic cost components of our pension plans are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Service cost for benefits earned during the year	30			169		792
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	7,975			8,354		8,888
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,891	)		(9,733	)	(9,568	)
	Amortization of net loss	2,370			812		453
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(136	)		(137	)	(136	)
	Curtailment gains	—			—		(2,004	)
	Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	1,348			(535	)	(1,575	)
	Net periodic pension benefit of $56,000, $56,000 and $122,000 is allocated to TNI in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
	Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	186,826			178,179
	Service cost	30			169
	Interest cost	7,975			8,354
	Actuarial loss	17,268			12,299
	Benefits paid	(10,880	)		(11,584	)
	Curtailment gain	—			(591	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year	201,219			186,826
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year:	115,596			125,464
	Actual return on plan assets	24,849			1,007
	Benefits paid	(10,880	)		(11,584	)
	Administrative expenses paid	(1,472	)		(1,428	)
	Employer contributions	6,807			2,137
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	134,900			115,596
	Funded status - benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	66,319			71,230
	Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Pension obligations	66,319			71,230
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (before income taxes)	(50,945	)		(50,396	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(51,871	)		(51,459	)
	Unrecognized prior service benefit	926			1,063
		(50,945	)		(50,396	)
	We expect to recognize $2,287,000 and $137,000 of unrecognized net actuarial loss and unrecognized prior service benefit, respectively, in net periodic pension cost in 2013.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the plans total $201,219,000 at September 30, 2012 and $186,672,000 at September 25, 2011. The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets are $201,219,000, $201,219,000, and $134,900,000, respectively, at September 30, 2012.
	Assumptions
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Discount rate	3.85		4.4
	Rate of compensation increase	NA		3.5
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
	(Percent)	2012			2011		2010
	Discount rate	4.4			4.8		5.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.9			8		8
	Rate of compensation increase	NA			3.5		3.5
	For 2013, the expected long-term return on plan assets is 7.5%. The assumptions related to the expected long-term return on plan assets are developed through an analysis of historical market returns and current market conditions.
	Plan Assets
	The primary objective of our investment strategy is to satisfy our pension obligations at a reasonable cost. Assets are actively invested to balance real growth of capital through appreciation and reinvestment of dividend and interest income and safety of invested funds.
	An investment policy outlines the governance structure for decision making, sets investment objectives and restrictions and establishes criteria for selecting and evaluating investment managers. The use of derivatives is strictly prohibited, except on a case-by-case basis where the manager has a proven capability, and only to hedge quantifiable risks such as exposure to foreign currencies. An investment committee, consisting of certain of our executives and supported by independent consultants, is responsible for monitoring compliance with the investment policy. Assets are periodically redistributed to maintain the appropriate policy allocation.
	The weighted-average asset allocation of our pension assets is as follows:
	(Percent)			Actual Allocation
	Asset Class	Current Policy Allocation		September 30	September 25
				2012	2011
	Equity securities	50-75		63	66
	Debt securities	25-35		29	33
	Private equity investments	0-12		—	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	—		2	1
Receivables, net	—		6	—
Plan assets include no Company securities. Assets include cash and cash equivalents and receivables from time to time due to the need to reallocate assets within policy guidelines. At September 30, 2012, certain plan assets were in process of reallocation. These assets were invested in equity securities in October 2012. In 2012, the policy allocation was amended to allow private equity investments.
New collective bargaining agreements in 2011 and 2010 resulted in the freezing of certain defined pension benefits in 2011 and 2010 and non-cash curtailment gains in 2010.  See Note 7.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy of pension assets at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents	2,029		—		—
Receivables, net	8,117		—		—
Domestic equity securities	27,499		47,714		—
International equity securities	—		9,613		—
Debt securities	32,169		7,759		—
There were no purchases, sales or transfer of assets classified as Level 3 in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Cash Flows
Based on our forecast at September 30, 2012, we expect to make contributions totaling $2,733,000 to our pension trust in 2013.
We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid from the pension trust as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)
2013	11,421
2014	11,263
2015	11,277
2016	11,356
2017	11,430
2018-2022	57,603
Other Plans
We are obligated under an unfunded plan to provide fixed retirement payments to certain former employees. The plan is frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. The accrued liability under the plan is $2,595,000 and $2,654,000 at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011, respectively, of which $279,000 is included in compensation and other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2012.
Certain of our current and former employees participate in multi-employer retirement plans sponsored by their respective bargaining units. The amount charged to operating expense, representing our required contributions to these plans, is $398,000 in 2012, $488,000 in 2011 and $497,000 in 2010. At September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011, we have accrued multi-employer plan withdrawal liabilities of $1,426,000 and $1,319,000, respectively.

Postretirement_Obligations

Postretirement Obligations (Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
	We provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. The level and adjustment of participant contributions vary depending on the specific plan. In addition, PD LLC provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid. In 2011 the trust was amended to allow benefits for certain active employees to be paid from plan assets.
	The net periodic postretirement benefit cost components for our postretirement plans are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Service cost for benefits earned during the year	728			927		361
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,109			1,600		2,971
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,129	)		(2,248	)	(2,274	)
	Amortization of net actuarial gain	(2,451	)		(2,467	)	(2,447	)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(1,459	)		(1,455	)	(1,994	)
	Curtailment gains	—			(16,137	)	(43,008	)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit	(4,202	)		(19,780	)	(46,391	)
	Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	26,472			50,482
	Service cost	728			927
	Interest cost	1,109			1,600
	Actuarial (gain) loss	5,269			(2,311	)
	Benefits paid, net of premiums received	(2,965	)		(2,922	)
	Changes in plan provisions	—			(5,931	)
	Curtailment gains	—			(15,535	)
	Medicare Part D subsidies	115			162
	Benefit obligation, end of year	30,728			26,472
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	38,529			41,447
	Actual return on plan assets	2,127			19
	Employer contributions (reimbursements)	(690	)		1,347
	Benefits paid, net of premiums and Medicare Part D subsidies received	(2,851	)		(2,760	)
	Benefits paid for active employees	(2,852	)		(1,524	)
	Fair value of plan assets at measurement date	34,263			38,529
	Funded status - benefit obligation less than plan assets	(3,535	)		(12,057	)
	The accumulated benefit obligation for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets was $4,016,000 at September 30, 2012. There are no plan assets related to this plan.
	Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Noncurrent assets	7,551			14,934
	Postretirement benefit obligations	4,016			2,877
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (before income tax benefit)	30,344			42,379
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Unrecognized net actuarial gain	16,570			27,145
	Unrecognized prior service benefit	13,774			15,234
		30,344			42,379
	We expect to recognize $1,324,000 and $1,459,000 of unrecognized net actuarial gain and unrecognized prior service benefit, respectively, in net periodic postretirement benefit cost in 2013.
	Assumptions
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Discount rate	3.85		4.4
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	4.5		5.75
	The assumptions related to the expected long-term return on plan assets are developed through an analysis of historical market returns and current market conditions.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
	(Percent)	2012			2011		2010
	Discount rate	4.4			4.8		5.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.75			5.75		5.75
	Assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Health care cost trend rates	9		9
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the “Ultimate Trend Rate”)	5		5
	Year in which the rate reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate	2020		2019
	Administrative costs related to indemnity plans are assumed to increase at the health care cost trend rates noted above.
	Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement plans. A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following annualized effects on reported amounts for 2012:
		One Percentage Point
	(Thousands of Dollars)	Increase			Decrease
Effect on net periodic postretirement benefit	53			(48	)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,452			(1,306	)
Plan Assets
The primary objective of our investment strategy is to satisfy our postretirement obligations at a reasonable cost. Assets are actively invested to balance real growth of capital through appreciation and reinvestment of dividend and interest income and safety of invested funds.
An investment policy outlines the governance structure for decision making, sets investment objectives and restrictions, and establishes criteria for selecting and evaluating investment managers. The use of derivatives is strictly prohibited, except on a case-by-case basis where the manager has a proven capability, and only to hedge quantifiable risks such as exposure to foreign currencies. An investment committee, consisting of certain of our executives and supported by independent consultants, is responsible for monitoring compliance with the investment policy. Assets are periodically redistributed to maintain the appropriate policy allocation.
The weighted-average asset allocation of our postretirement assets is as follows:
(Percent)			Actual Allocation
Asset Class	Current Policy Allocation		September 30	September 25
			2012	2011
Equity securities	30-Oct		21	8
Debt securities	70-90		75	85
Cash and cash equivalents	—		2	7
Receivables, net	—		2	—
Plan assets include no Company securities. Assets include cash and cash equivalents and receivables from time to time due to the need to reallocate assets within policy guidelines.
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy of postretirement assets at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Cash and cash equivalents	692		—		—
Receivables, net	803		—		—
Domestic equity securities	4,385		2,069		—
International equity securities	—		671		—
Debt securities	—		25,643		—
There were no purchases, sales or transfers of assets classified as Level 3 in 2012, 2011 or 2010.
Cash Flows
Based on our forecast at September 30, 2012, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans in 2013.
In December 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Modernization Act”) was signed into law. The Modernization Act introduced a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (“Medicare Part D”) and a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans (“Subsidy”) that provide a benefit at least actuarially equivalent (as that term is defined in the Act) to Medicare Part D. We concluded we qualify for the Subsidy under the Modernization Act since the prescription drug benefits provided under our postretirement health care plans generally require lower premiums from covered retirees and have lower deductibles than the benefits provided in Medicare Part D and, accordingly, are actuarially equivalent to or better than, the benefits provided under the Modernization Act.
We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid either with future contributions to the plan or directly from plan assets, as follows:
(Thousands of Dollars)	Gross			Less		Net
	Payments			Medicare		Payments
				Part D
				Subsidy
2013	3,280			(220	)	3,060
2014	3,080			(230	)	2,850
2015	2,980			(230	)	2,750
2016	2,960			(230	)	2,730
2017	2,900			(230	)	2,670
2018-2022	13,280			(1,100	)	12,180
2011 Changes to Plans
In May 2011, a new bargaining unit contract eliminated postretirement medical coverage for affected active employees and froze defined pension benefits. The elimination of postretirement medical coverage resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $3,974,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011, reduced 2011 net periodic postretirement medical expense by $82,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at June 26, 2011 by $3,371,000. The freeze of defined pension benefits reduced 2011 net periodic pension expenses by $188,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 26, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at June 26, 2011 by $592,000.
In March 2011, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $1,991,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 27, 2011 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 27, 2011 by $3,030,000.
In November 2010, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $10,172,000 which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended December 26, 2010, reduced 2011 net periodic postretirement medical cost by $769,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended December 26, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at December 26, 2010 by $15,065,000.
2010 Changes to Plans
In March 2010, members of the United Media Guild voted to approve a new 5.5 year contract, effective in April 2010. The new contract eliminated postretirement medical coverage for active employees and defined pension benefits were frozen. The elimination of postretirement medical coverage resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $11,878,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010 and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 28, 2010 by $6,576,000. The freeze of defined pension benefits resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $2,004,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010, reduced 2010 net periodic pension expenses by $668,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at March 28, 2010 by $2,004,000.
In December 2009, we notified certain participants in our postretirement medical plans of changes to be made to the plans, including increases in participant premium cost-sharing and elimination of coverage for certain participants. The changes resulted in non-cash curtailment gains of $31,130,000, which were recognized in the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2009, reduced 2010 net periodic postretirement medical cost by $1,460,000 beginning in the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2010, and reduced the benefit obligation liability at December 27, 2009 by $28,750,000.
Litigation
Several of the plan changes noted above were the subject of litigation, or arbitration claims, under the terms of the respective collective bargaining agreements. In 2012, we settled all such claims with payments to plan participants totaling $2,802,000. These payments are classified as other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Postemployment Plan
Our postemployment benefit obligation, representing certain disability benefits, is $3,143,000 at September 30, 2012 and $3,227,000 at September 25, 2011.

Other_Retirement_Plans

Other Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Retirement Plans [Text Block]	OTHER RETIREMENT PLANS
	Substantially all of our employees are eligible to participate in a qualified defined contribution retirement plan. We also have other retirement and compensation plans for executives and others. Company contributions under such plans were substantially reduced or eliminated in 2010. In 2011 certain of those contributions were reinstated.
	Retirement and compensation plan costs, including interest on deferred compensation costs, charged to continuing operations are $3,533,000 in 2012, $2,666,000 in 2011 and $1,894,000 in 2010.

Allowance_For_Doubtful_Account

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
	Valuation and qualifying account information related to the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable related to continuing operations is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Balance, beginning of year	5,387		5,262		5,853
	Additions charged to expense	1,448		2,497		2,903
	Deductions from reserves	(1,945	)	(2,372	)	(3,494	)
	Balance, end of year	4,890		5,387		5,262

Other_Information

Other Information	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Information [Text Block]	OTHER INFORMATION
	Compensation and other accrued liabilities consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep	25-Sep
		2012	2011
	Compensation	12,556	10,207
	Retirement plans	4,215	4,442
	Interest	10,507	4,352
	Other	11,281	14,990
		38,559	33,991
	Cash payments are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012	2011	2010
	Interest	72,131	53,133	65,791
	Debt financing and reorganization costs	32,408	11,601	453
	Income taxes, net of refunds	1,140	10,462	3,753
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of deferred income taxes at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011 is related to pension and postretirement benefits.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
		Quarter Ended
	(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)	December	March		June		September
	2012
	Operating revenue	192,042	165,461		172,640		180,343
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	14,406	(26,373	)	(1,045	)	(761	)
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	218	(169	)	(309	)	(2,266	)
	Net income (loss)	14,624	(26,542	)	(1,354	)	(3,027	)
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	14,554	(26,625	)	(1,473	)	(3,154	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	0.32	(0.53	)	(0.02	)	(0.02	)
	Discontinued operations	—	—		(0.01	)	(0.04	)
		0.32	(0.53	)	(0.03	)	(0.06	)
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	0.32	(0.53	)	(0.02	)	(0.02	)
	Discontinued operations	—	—		(0.01	)	(0.04	)
		0.32	(0.54	)	(0.03	)	(0.06	)
	2011
	Operating revenue	199,485	171,562		180,457		175,815
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	18,747	(1,106	)	(155,067	)	(8,009	)
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	230	(343	)	(409	)	(724	)
	Net income (loss)	18,977	(1,449	)	(155,476	)	(8,733	)
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	18,941	(1,472	)	(155,553	)	(8,784	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	0.42	(0.02	)	(3.45	)	(0.18	)
	Discontinued operations	0.01	(0.01	)	(0.01	)	(0.02	)
		0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	0.42	(0.02	)	(3.45	)	(0.18	)
	Discontinued operations	0.01	(0.01	)	(0.01	)	(0.02	)
		0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)
	Results of operations for the December and March quarters of 2012 include reorganization costs of $1,241,000 and $36,626,000, respectively. Results of operations for the December, March and June quarters of 2011 include non-cash curtailment gains of $10,172,000, $1,991,000 and $3,974,000, respectively. Results of operations, including discontinued operations, for the September quarter of 2012 include non-cash impairment charges of $4,994,000. Results of operations, including discontinued operations, for the June and September quarters of 2011 include non-cash impairment charges, net of deferred income tax benefit, of $199,325,000 and $17,714,000, respectively.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”) and 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. (“INN”).
Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fiscal Year
	All of our enterprises use period accounting with the fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in September. Due to our fiscal calendar, 2012 includes 53 weeks of business operations. 2011 and 2010 include 52 weeks.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Subsequent Events
	We have evaluated subsequent events through December 14, 2012. No events have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2012 that require disclosure or recognition in these financial statements, except as included herein.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying
	values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation
	All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at date of acquisition to be cash equivalents.
	Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit are included in accounts payable and are classified as financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable
	We evaluate our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable based on historical credit experience, payment trends and other economic factors. Delinquency is determined based on timing of payments in relation to billing dates. Accounts considered to be uncollectible are written off.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories
	Newsprint inventories are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out or last-in, first-out methods. Newsprint inventories at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011 are less than replacement cost by $3,556,000 and $3,895,000, respectively.
	The components of newsprint inventory by cost method are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30 2012	September 25 2011
	First-in, first-out	2,848	2,595
	Last-in, first-out	2,723	2,719
		5,571	5,314
	Other inventories consisting of ink, plates and film are priced at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined by the first-in, first-out method.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Investments
	Other investments primarily consist of marketable securities held in trust under a deferred compensation arrangement and investments for which no established market exists. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities and carried at fair value with gains and losses reported in earnings. Non-marketable securities are carried at cost.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost. Equipment, except for printing presses and preprint insertion equipment, is depreciated primarily by declining-balance methods. The straight-line method is used for all other assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 54
	Printing presses and insertion equipment	3 - 28
	Other	3 - 20
	We capitalize interest as a component of the cost of constructing major facilities. At September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011, capitalized interest was not significant.
	We recognize the fair value of a liability for a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity when such activity is a condition of a future event and the fair value of the liability can be estimated.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets include covenants not to compete, consulting agreements, customer lists, newspaper subscriber lists and mastheads. Intangible assets subject to amortization are being amortized using the straight-line method as follows:
		Years
	Customer lists	23-Jul
	Newspaper subscriber lists	7 - 33
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	15
	In assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets, we annually assess qualitative factors affecting our business to determine if the probability of a goodwill impairment is more likely than not. Our assessment includes reviewing internal and external factors affecting our business such as cash flow projections, stock price and other industry or market considerations. This assessment is normally made in the last fiscal quarter of each year.
	We analyze goodwill and other nonamortized intangible assets for impairment more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Such indicators of impairment include, but are not limited to, changes in business climate and operating or cash flow losses related to such assets.
	Should we determine that a goodwill impairment is more likely than not, we make a determination of the fair value of our business. Fair value is determined using a combination of an income approach, which estimates fair value based upon future revenue, expenses and cash flows discounted to their present value, and a market approach, which estimates fair value using market multiples of various financial measures compared to a set of comparable public companies in the publishing industry. A non-cash impairment charge will generally be recognized when the carrying amount of the net assets of the business exceeds its estimated fair value.
	Should we determine that a nonamortized intangible asset impairment is more likely than not, we make a determination of the individual asset's fair value. Fair value is determined using the relief from royalty method, which estimates fair value based upon appropriate royalties of future revenue discounted to their present value. The impairment amount, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of such asset.
	The required valuation methodology and underlying financial information that are used to determine fair value require significant judgments to be made by us. These judgments include, but are not limited to, long term projections of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates used to determine the present value of future cash flows. Changes in such estimates or the application of alternative assumptions could produce significantly different results.
	We review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when indicators of impairment are present. We assess recoverability of these assets by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or asset group with their carrying amount. The impairment amount, if any, is calculated based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of those assets.
	We also periodically evaluate the useful lives of amortizable intangible assets. Any resulting changes in the useful lives of such intangible assets will not impact our cash flows. However, a decrease in the useful lives of such intangible assets would increase future amortization expense and decrease future reported operating results and earnings per common share. See Note 4.
Minority Interest Policy [Policy Text Block]	Minority Interest
	Minority interest in earnings of INN is recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition
	Advertising revenue is recorded when advertisements are placed in the publication or on the related digital product. Circulation revenue is recorded over the print or digital product subscription term or as such newspapers are individually sold. Other revenue is recognized when the related product or service has been delivered. Unearned revenue arises in the ordinary course of business from advance subscription payments for print or digital products or advance payments for advertising.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs
	A substantial amount of our advertising and promotion expense consists of ads placed in our own publications and digital products using available space. The incremental cost of such advertising is not significant and is not measured separately by us. External advertising costs are not significant and are expensed as incurred.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to measure and report fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable, which consists of the following levels:
	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
	Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.
	Valuation methodologies used for pension and postretirement assets measured at fair value are as follows:
	Cash and cash equivalents consist of short term deposits valued based on quoted prices in active markets. Such investments are classified as Level 1.
	Equity securities are valued based on the closing market price in an active market and are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.
	Debt securities consist of corporate bonds and government securities that are valued based upon quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 1. Certain investments in commingled funds are valued at the net asset value of units held at the end of the period based upon the value of the underlying investments as determined by quoted market prices. Such investments are classified as Level 2.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock Compensation
	We have four stock-based compensation plans. We account for grants under those plans under the fair value expense recognition provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation. We determine the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. Key inputs to this formula include expected term, expected volatility and the risk-free interest rate.
	The expected term represents the period that our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding, and is determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to contractual terms of the awards, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The volatility factor is calculated using historical market data for our Common Stock. The time frame used is equal to the expected term. We base the risk-free interest rate on the yield to maturity at the time of the stock option grant on zero-coupon U.S. government bonds having a remaining term equal to the option's expected term. When estimating forfeitures, we consider voluntary termination behavior as well as actual option forfeitures.
	We amortize as compensation expense the value of stock options and restricted Common Stock using the straight-line method over the vesting or restriction period, which is generally one to three years.
Uninsured Risks Policy [Policy Text Block]	Uninsured Risks
	We are self-insured for health care, workers compensation and certain long-term disability costs of our employees, subject to stop loss insurance, which limits exposure to large claims. We accrue our estimated health care costs in the period in which such costs are incurred, including an estimate of incurred but not reported claims. Other risks are insured and carry deductible losses of varying amounts. Letters of credit and performance bonds totaling $6,256,000 at September 30, 2012 are outstanding in support of our insurance program.
	Our accrued reserves for health care and workers compensation claims are based upon estimates of the remaining liability for retained losses made by consulting actuaries. The amount of workers compensation reserve has been determined based upon historical patterns of incurred and paid loss development factors from the insurance industry.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Discontinued Operations
	In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Land and Equipment, the operations and related losses on businesses sold, or identified as held for sale, have been presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for all years presented. Gains are recognized when realized.

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Discontinues Operations [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Results of discontinued operations consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Operating revenue	27,852		28,785		32,203
	Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(4,076	)	(2,011	)	(1,805	)
	Income tax benefit	(1,549	)	(765	)	(686	)
	Net loss	(2,527	)	(1,246	)	(1,119	)

Investments_in_Associated_Comp1

Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information of TNI is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	ASSETS
	Current assets	8,029		7,857
	Investments and other assets	13		32
	Total assets	8,042		7,889
	LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities	5,601		6,136
	Members' equity	2,441		1,753
	Total liabilities and members' equity	8,042		7,889
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Summarized results of TNI are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011	2010
	Operating revenue	59,043		62,452	64,379
	Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	49,568		52,882	52,923
	Workforce adjustments	(31	)	1,190	784
	Operating income	9,506		8,380	10,672
	Company's 50% share	4,753		4,190	5,336
	Less amortization of intangible assets	723		1,092	1,156
	Equity in earnings of TNI	4,030		3,098	4,180
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Summarized financial information of MNI is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	ASSETS
	Current assets	24,613		22,287
	Investments and other assets	29,986		30,484
	Property and equipment, net	7,707		8,519
	Total assets	62,306		61,290
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities	10,015		8,428
	Other liabilities	6,720		5,960
	Stockholders' equity	45,571		46,902
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	62,306		61,290
Equity Method Investments, Summarized Income Statement [Table Text Block]	Summarized results of MNI are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011	2010
	Operating revenue	70,158		73,011	75,137
	Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	57,981		60,982	61,467
	Workforce adjustments	546		530	296
	Depreciation and amortization	1,689		2,227	2,372
	Operating income	9,942		9,272	11,002
	Net income	6,469		6,106	7,132
	Equity in earnings of MNI	3,201		3,053	3,566

Goodwill_and_other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to continuing operations are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011
	Goodwill, gross amount	1,536,000		1,536,000
	Accumulated impairment losses	(1,288,729	)	(1,102,448	)
	Goodwill, beginning of year	247,271		433,552
	Impairment	—		(186,281	)
	Goodwill, end of year	247,271		247,271
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Identified intangible assets related to continuing operations consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Nonamortized intangible assets:
	Mastheads	28,875		28,875
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	864,184		864,184
	Less accumulated amortization	441,772		399,477
		422,412		464,707
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524		28,524
	Less accumulated amortization	28,519		28,517
		5		7
		451,292		493,589
Asset Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	A summary of impairment charges is included in the table below:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Continuing operations:
	Goodwill	—		186,281		—
	Nonamortized intangible assets	—		13,259		—
	Amortizable intangible assets	—		4,199		—
	Property and equipment	1,388		700		899
		1,388		204,439		899
	Reduction in investment in TNI	—		11,900		—
		1,388		216,339		899
	Discontinued operations	3,606		700		2,391

Debt_Schedule_Of_Debt_Payments

Debt Schedule Of Debt Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Payments [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Debt is summarized as follows:
		Amount			Interest Rates (%)
	(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep		September 25	September 30
		2012		2011	2012
	1st Lien Agreement	661,850		—	7.5
	2nd Lien Agreement	175,000		—	15
	Previous credit agreement:
	Term loan	—		569,335
	Revolving credit facility	—		286,425
	Pulitzer Notes	109,000		138,500	10.55
	Unaccreted (unamortized) present value adjustment	(19,624	)	290
		926,226		994,550
	Less current maturities of debt	17,400		994,550
	Current amount of present value adjustment	(5,418	)	—
	Total long term debt	914,244		—
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule of Payments [Line Items]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]	2012 payments made under the 1st Lien Agreement are summarized as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)			2012
	Mandatory			5,000
	Voluntary			19,450
	Asset sales			3,210
	Excess cash flow			—
				27,660
Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule of Payments [Line Items]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]	2012 payments made under the Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)			2012
	Prior to refinancing			500
	Pursuant to the Plan, net			11,645
	Mandatory			1,400
	Voluntary			15,955
	Asset sales			—
	Excess cash flow			—
				29,500

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Current:
	Federal	(8,244	)	4,604		8,673
	State	(2,210	)	(55	)	833
	Deferred	(466	)	(25,630	)	19,116
		(10,920	)	(21,081	)	28,622
	Continuing operations	(9,371	)	(20,316	)	29,308
	Discontinued operations	(1,549	)	(765	)	(686	)
		(10,920	)	(21,081	)	28,622
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The reasons for these differences are as follows:
	(Percent of Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes)	2012		2011		2010
	Computed “expected” income tax expense (benefit)	(35.0	)	(35.0	)	35
	State income taxes (benefit), net of federal tax expense (benefit)	(1.9	)	(2.3	)	4.3
	Net income of associated companies taxed at dividend rates	(6.2	)	(0.5	)	(1.4	)
	Domestic production deduction	2.1		(0.5	)	(0.8	)
	Resolution of tax matters	(3.9	)	0.5		(3.5	)
	Impairment of goodwill and other assets	—		23.9		—
	Valuation allowance	1.8		1		(0.1	)
	Tax law change	—		—		4.1
	Non deductible costs of Chapter 11 Proceedings	9.3		—		—
	Changes in tax basis	(5.6	)	—		—
	Other	(1.1	)	0.6		0.6
		(40.5	)	(12.3	)	38.2
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Net deferred income tax liabilities consist of the following components:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Property and equipment	(40,684	)	(29,170	)
	Investments	(11,651	)	(6,576	)
	Identified intangible assets	(50,472	)	(45,472	)
	Long-term debt and interest rate exchange agreements	—		(997	)
	Other	(1,155	)	—
		(103,962	)	(82,215	)
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Long-term debt	33,682		—
	Accrued compensation	5,540		7,067
	Allowance for doubtful accounts and losses on loans	817		1,570
	Pension and postretirement benefits	5,569		5,305
	State operating loss carryforwards	24,613		23,515
	Accrued expenses	2,508		5,024
	Other	—		2,063
		72,729		44,544
	Valuation allowance	(28,118	)	(27,566	)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	(59,351	)	(65,237	)
Deferred Tax Asset/Liability Classification [Table Text Block]	Net deferred income tax liabilities are classified as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Current assets	789		967
	Non-current liabilities	(60,140	)	(66,204	)
	Net deferred income tax liabilities	(59,351	)	(65,237	)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of 2012 changes in gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012
	Balance, beginning of year	6,752
	Decreases in tax positions for prior years	(163	)
	Decreases in tax positions for the current year	(360	)
	Lapse in statute of limitations	(1,312	)
	Balance, end of year	4,917

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
	(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Common Share Data)	2012		2011		2010
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
	Continuing operations	(14,171	)	(145,622	)	47,224
	Discontinued operations	(2,527	)	(1,246	)	(1,119	)
		(16,698	)	(146,868	)	46,105
	Weighted average Common Shares	49,357		44,912		44,902
	Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	(96	)	(65	)	(347	)
	Basic average Common Shares	49,261		44,847		44,555
	Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	—		—		400
	Diluted average Common Shares	49,261		44,847		44,955
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	(0.29	)	(3.25	)	1.06
	Discontinued operations	(0.05	)	(0.03	)	(0.03	)
		(0.34	)	(3.27	)	1.03
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	(0.29	)	(3.25	)	1.05
	Discontinued operations	(0.05	)	(0.03	)	(0.02	)
		(0.34	)	(3.27	)	1.03

Stock_Ownership_Plans_Tables

Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
	(Thousands of Shares)	2012			2011		2010
	Under option, beginning of year	1,812			940		1,009
	Granted	1,520			1,105		—
	Exercised	—			(15	)	—
	Canceled	(230	)		(218	)	(69	)
	Under option, end of year	3,102			1,812		940
	Exercisable, end of year	1,298			552		423
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Weighted average prices of stock options are as follows:
	(Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Granted	1.16			2.57		—
	Under option, end of year	3.18			5.07		8.77
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of 2012 and 2011 option awards:
		2012			2011
	Volatility (Percent)	122			111
	Risk-free interest rate (Percent)	0.76			1.01
	Expected term (Years)	4.7			4.7
	Estimated fair value (Dollars)	0.95			2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock options outstanding at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
	(Dollars)	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of	Number		Weighted Average		Weighted		Number	Weighted
	Exercise	Outstanding		Remaining Contractual		Average		Exercisable	Average
	Prices			Life (Years)		Exercise Price			Exercise Price
	1 - 5	2,971,125		8.5		1.79		1,166,890	2.31
	May-50	131,321		2.9		34.59		131,321	34.59
		3,102,446		8.2		3.18		1,298,211	5.58
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of restricted Common Stock activity follows:
	(Thousands of Shares)	2012			2011		2010
	Outstanding, beginning of year	—			299		453
	Granted	500			—		—
	Vested	—			(297	)	(143	)
	Forfeited	—			(2	)	(11	)
	Outstanding, end of year	500			—		299
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]	Weighted average grant date fair values of restricted Common Stock are as follows:
	(Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Outstanding, beginning of year	—			15.02		19.35
	Granted	1.31			—		—
	Vested	—			15.02		28.73
	Forfeited	—			15.02		15.02
	Outstanding, end of year	1.31			—		15.02

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the financial instruments measured at fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements at September 30, 2012 and September 25, 2011:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep	25-Sep
		2012	2011
	Level 1	—	—
	Level 2	—	—
	Level 3 - Herald Value - liability	300	300

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	The components of newsprint inventory by cost method are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30 2012	September 25 2011
	First-in, first-out	2,848	2,595
	Last-in, first-out	2,723	2,719
		5,571	5,314
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The estimated useful lives are as follows:
		Years
	Buildings and improvements	5 - 54
	Printing presses and insertion equipment	3 - 28
	Other	3 - 20
Intangible Asset Useful Life Table [Table Text Block]	Intangible assets subject to amortization are being amortized using the straight-line method as follows:
		Years
	Customer lists	23-Jul
	Newspaper subscriber lists	7 - 33
	Noncompete and consulting agreements	15

Pensions_Tables

Pensions (Tables) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid from the pension trust as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)
	2013	11,421
	2014	11,263
	2015	11,277
	2016	11,356
	2017	11,430
	2018-2022	57,603
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average asset allocation of our pension assets is as follows:
	(Percent)			Actual Allocation
	Asset Class	Current Policy Allocation		September 30	September 25
				2012	2011
	Equity securities	50-75		63	66
	Debt securities	25-35		29	33
	Private equity investments	0-12		—	—
	Cash and cash equivalents	—		2	1
	Receivables, net	—		6	—
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Discount rate	3.85		4.4
	Rate of compensation increase	NA		3.5
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
	(Percent)	2012			2011		2010
	Discount rate	4.4			4.8		5.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	7.9			8		8
	Rate of compensation increase	NA			3.5		3.5
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The net periodic cost components of our pension plans are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Service cost for benefits earned during the year	30			169		792
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	7,975			8,354		8,888
	Expected return on plan assets	(8,891	)		(9,733	)	(9,568	)
	Amortization of net loss	2,370			812		453
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(136	)		(137	)	(136	)
	Curtailment gains	—			—		(2,004	)
	Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	1,348			(535	)	(1,575	)
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	186,826			178,179
	Service cost	30			169
	Interest cost	7,975			8,354
	Actuarial loss	17,268			12,299
	Benefits paid	(10,880	)		(11,584	)
	Curtailment gain	—			(591	)
	Benefit obligation, end of year	201,219			186,826
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year:	115,596			125,464
	Actual return on plan assets	24,849			1,007
	Benefits paid	(10,880	)		(11,584	)
	Administrative expenses paid	(1,472	)		(1,428	)
	Employer contributions	6,807			2,137
	Fair value of plan assets, end of year	134,900			115,596
	Funded status - benefit obligation in excess of plan assets	66,319			71,230
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Pension obligations	66,319			71,230
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss (before income taxes)	(50,945	)		(50,396	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	(51,871	)		(51,459	)
	Unrecognized prior service benefit	926			1,063
		(50,945	)		(50,396	)
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The fair value hierarchy of pension assets at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents	2,029		—		—
	Receivables, net	8,117		—		—
	Domestic equity securities	27,499		47,714		—
	International equity securities	—		9,613		—
	Debt securities	32,169		7,759		—

Postretirement_Obligations_Tab

Postretirement Obligations (Tables) (Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The net periodic postretirement benefit cost components for our postretirement plans are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011		2010
	Service cost for benefits earned during the year	728			927		361
	Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,109			1,600		2,971
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,129	)		(2,248	)	(2,274	)
	Amortization of net actuarial gain	(2,451	)		(2,467	)	(2,447	)
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(1,459	)		(1,455	)	(1,994	)
	Curtailment gains	—			(16,137	)	(43,008	)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit	(4,202	)		(19,780	)	(46,391	)
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Changes in benefit obligations and plan assets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012			2011
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	26,472			50,482
	Service cost	728			927
	Interest cost	1,109			1,600
	Actuarial (gain) loss	5,269			(2,311	)
	Benefits paid, net of premiums received	(2,965	)		(2,922	)
	Changes in plan provisions	—			(5,931	)
	Curtailment gains	—			(15,535	)
	Medicare Part D subsidies	115			162
	Benefit obligation, end of year	30,728			26,472
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	38,529			41,447
	Actual return on plan assets	2,127			19
	Employer contributions (reimbursements)	(690	)		1,347
	Benefits paid, net of premiums and Medicare Part D subsidies received	(2,851	)		(2,760	)
	Benefits paid for active employees	(2,852	)		(1,524	)
	Fair value of plan assets at measurement date	34,263			38,529
	Funded status - benefit obligation less than plan assets	(3,535	)		(12,057	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Disaggregated amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Noncurrent assets	7,551			14,934
	Postretirement benefit obligations	4,016			2,877
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (before income tax benefit)	30,344			42,379
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30			September 25
		2012			2011
	Unrecognized net actuarial gain	16,570			27,145
	Unrecognized prior service benefit	13,774			15,234
		30,344			42,379
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Discount rate	3.85		4.4
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	4.5		5.75
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
	(Percent)	2012			2011		2010
	Discount rate	4.4			4.8		5.5
	Expected long-term return on plan assets	5.75			5.75		5.75
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	Assumed health care cost trend rates are as follows:
	(Percent)	September 30		September 25
		2012		2011
	Health care cost trend rates	9		9
	Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the “Ultimate Trend Rate”)	5		5
	Year in which the rate reaches the Ultimate Trend Rate	2020		2019
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block]	A one percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following annualized effects on reported amounts for 2012:
		One Percentage Point
	(Thousands of Dollars)	Increase			Decrease
	Effect on net periodic postretirement benefit	53			(48	)
	Effect on postretirement benefit obligation	1,452			(1,306	)
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average asset allocation of our postretirement assets is as follows:
	(Percent)			Actual Allocation
	Asset Class	Current Policy Allocation		September 30	September 25
				2012	2011
	Equity securities	30-Oct		21	8
	Debt securities	70-90		75	85
	Cash and cash equivalents	—		2	7
	Receivables, net	—		2	—
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	The fair value hierarchy of postretirement assets at September 30, 2012 is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Cash and cash equivalents	692		—		—
	Receivables, net	803		—		—
	Domestic equity securities	4,385		2,069		—
	International equity securities	—		671		—
	Debt securities	—		25,643		—
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	We anticipate future benefit payments to be paid either with future contributions to the plan or directly from plan assets, as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	Gross			Less		Net
		Payments			Medicare		Payments
					Part D
					Subsidy
	2013	3,280			(220	)	3,060
	2014	3,080			(230	)	2,850
	2015	2,980			(230	)	2,750
	2016	2,960			(230	)	2,730
	2017	2,900			(230	)	2,670
	2018-2022	13,280			(1,100	)	12,180

Allowance_For_Doubtful_Account1

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	Valuation and qualifying account information related to the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable related to continuing operations is as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012		2011		2010
	Balance, beginning of year	5,387		5,262		5,853
	Additions charged to expense	1,448		2,497		2,903
	Deductions from reserves	(1,945	)	(2,372	)	(3,494	)
	Balance, end of year	4,890		5,387		5,262

Other_Information_Tables

Other Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Compensation and other accrued liabilities consist of the following:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	30-Sep	25-Sep
		2012	2011
	Compensation	12,556	10,207
	Retirement plans	4,215	4,442
	Interest	10,507	4,352
	Other	11,281	14,990
		38,559	33,991
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Cash payments are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012	2011	2010
	Interest	72,131	53,133	65,791
	Debt financing and reorganization costs	32,408	11,601	453
	Income taxes, net of refunds	1,140	10,462	3,753
	Cash payments are as follows:
	(Thousands of Dollars)	2012	2011	2010
	Interest	72,131	53,133	65,791
	Debt financing and reorganization costs	32,408	11,601	453
	Income taxes, net of refunds	1,140	10,462	3,753

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
		Quarter Ended
	(Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Common Share Data)	December	March		June		September
	2012
	Operating revenue	192,042	165,461		172,640		180,343
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	14,406	(26,373	)	(1,045	)	(761	)
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	218	(169	)	(309	)	(2,266	)
	Net income (loss)	14,624	(26,542	)	(1,354	)	(3,027	)
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	14,554	(26,625	)	(1,473	)	(3,154	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	0.32	(0.53	)	(0.02	)	(0.02	)
	Discontinued operations	—	—		(0.01	)	(0.04	)
		0.32	(0.53	)	(0.03	)	(0.06	)
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	0.32	(0.53	)	(0.02	)	(0.02	)
	Discontinued operations	—	—		(0.01	)	(0.04	)
		0.32	(0.54	)	(0.03	)	(0.06	)
	2011
	Operating revenue	199,485	171,562		180,457		175,815
	Net income (loss) from continuing operations	18,747	(1,106	)	(155,067	)	(8,009	)
	Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	230	(343	)	(409	)	(724	)
	Net income (loss)	18,977	(1,449	)	(155,476	)	(8,733	)
	Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	18,941	(1,472	)	(155,553	)	(8,784	)
	Earnings (loss) per common share:
	Basic:
	Continuing operations	0.42	(0.02	)	(3.45	)	(0.18	)
	Discontinued operations	0.01	(0.01	)	(0.01	)	(0.02	)
		0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)
	Diluted:
	Continuing operations	0.42	(0.02	)	(3.45	)	(0.18	)
	Discontinued operations	0.01	(0.01	)	(0.01	)	(0.02	)
		0.42	(0.03	)	(3.46	)	(0.20	)

Basis_of_Presentation_Schedule

Basis of Presentation Schedule of Less than 100% Subsidiaries (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
INN Partners [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	83.00%

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Oct. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue		$27,852,000	$28,785,000	$32,203,000
Contract Price Of Disposal Group					11,950,000
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax		-4,076,000	-2,011,000	-1,805,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation		-1,549,000	-765,000	-686,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		-2,527,000	-1,246,000	-1,119,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	$2,000,000

Investments_in_Associated_Comp2

Investments in Associated Companies Summarized Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$7,231,000	$6,151,000	$7,746,000
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	0	11,900,000	0
Associated companies	42,201,000	44,057,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets	8,029	7,857
Share of TNI Operating Expenses	-522,000	76,000	291,000
Editorial Fees	5,994,000	7,043,000	7,510,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	59,043,000	62,452,000	64,379,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	49,568,000	52,882,000	52,923,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	-31,000	1,190,000	784,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	9,506,000	8,380,000	10,672,000
Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Before Amortization	4,753,000	4,190,000	5,336,000
Amortization Of Intangible Assets- TNI	723,000	1,092,000	1,156,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	4,030,000	3,098,000	4,180,000
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	0	11,900,000	0
Associated companies	19,450,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	620,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	418,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets	13	32
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	8,042	7,889
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities	5,601	6,136
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity	2,441	1,753
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	8,042	7,889
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets	25,000	22,000
Editorial Fees	8,098,000	8,201,000	8,318,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	70,158,000	73,011,000	75,137,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	57,981,000	60,982,000	61,467,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	546,000	530,000	296,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation And Amortization	1,689,000	2,227,000	2,372,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	9,942,000	9,272,000	11,002,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	6,469,000	6,106,000	7,132,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	3,201,000	3,053,000	3,566,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets	30,000	30,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, PPE	8,000	9,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets	62,000	61,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities	10,015,000	8,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities	6,720,000	6,000
Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information, Equity	45,571,000	47,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities and Equity	62,306,000	61,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
Goodwill [Member] | Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	12,366,000
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] | Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity	$6,430,000

Goodwill_and_other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$1,536,000	$1,536,000
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	-1,288,729	-1,102,448
Goodwill	247,271	433,552
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	-186,281	0
Goodwill	$247,271	$247,271	$433,552

Goodwill_and_other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mastheads	$28,875,000	$28,875,000
Other intangible assets, net	451,292,000	493,589,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	38,716,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	38,564,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	38,131,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	36,979,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	35,898,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	864,184,000	864,184,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	441,772,000	399,477,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	422,412,000	464,707,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	28,524,000	28,524,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	28,519,000	28,517,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$5,000	$7,000

Goodwill_and_other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$0	$186,281	$0
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Impairment Losses	0	13,259	0
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	0	4,199	0
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	1,388	700	899
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	1,388	204,439	899
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	0	11,900	0
Impairment Of Goodwill And Other Assets (Including Equity Method Investments)	1,388	216,339	899
Asset Impairments- Discontinued Operations	3,606	700	2,391
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Asset Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Reduction of investment in TNI Partners	$0	$11,900	$0

Debt_Schedule_of_LongTerm_Debt

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 14, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Jan. 30, 2012	Feb. 18, 2009	Dec. 25, 2011	Jan. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	1-May-00	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
					1st Lien Agreement [Member]	1st Lien Agreement [Member]	1st Lien Agreement [Member]	Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]	Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]	2nd Lien Agreement [Member]	2nd Lien Agreement [Member]	2nd Lien Agreement [Member]	Previous Credit Agreement- Term Loan [Member]	Previous Credit Agreement- Term Loan [Member]	Previous Credit Agreement- Revolver [Member]	Previous Credit Agreement- Revolver [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Pulitzer Notes [Member]	Federal Funds Rate [Member]	Federal Funds Rate [Member]	Prime Lending Rate [Member]	Prime Lending Rate [Member]	30 Day LIBOR [Member]	30 Day LIBOR [Member]	January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member]	Lee Legacy [Member]
																								1st Lien Agreement [Member]	Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]	1st Lien Agreement [Member]	Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]	1st Lien Agreement [Member]	Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]	2nd Lien Agreement [Member]	1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio																															6.7
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate			9.20%
Common Stock, Shares, Issued in Refinancing											6,743,640
Fair Value Of Stock Issued In Refinancing											$9,576,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						689,510,000			40,000,000		175,000,000							186,000,000					306,000,000
Long Term Debt, Principal Payments																	5,000,000	120,000,000	10,145,000	15,145,000
Base Interest Rate																								0.50%	0.50%	0.00%		1.00%	1.00%
Base Interest Rate- Minimum 30 Day LIBOR																												1.25%
Interest Rate Margin																								5.25%	4.50%	5.25%	6.25%	6.25%	5.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End					7.50%
Description of Collateral, Subsidiary Ownership Percentage					50.00%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			926,226,000	995,000	661,850,000		0			175,000,000		0	0	569,000	0	286,000	126,355,000			126,355,000	109,000,000	139,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two			17,400,000		11,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three			19,150,000		12,750,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four			19,900,000		13,500,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five			714,400,000		3,375,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.50%					15.00%	15.00%						10.55%			10.55%	10.55%
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums			-19,624,000	0
Long Term Debt, Annual Interest Rate Increase																	0.75%			0.75%
Effective Rate Interest Expense																					871,000
Debt Instrument, Payment Terms										0
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage																														101.00%
Common Stock Issued In Refinancing, Percent of Total On A Pro Forma Basis											13.00%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount											8,750,000						3,500,000			3,500,000
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities			17,400,000	995,000
Unamortized Present Value Discount- Current Portion			-5,418,000	0
Long-term Debt			914,244,000	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five			175,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity								29,942,000
Liquidity			43,862,000
Debt, Principal Amount		919,100,000
Planned Principal Amount Of Debt	$939,000,000

Debt_Schedule_of_Payments_Deta

Debt Schedule of Payments (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 25, 2011

Sep. 26, 2010

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jan. 30, 2012

Jan. 30, 2012

Previous Pulitzer Notes [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Previous Credit Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

Debt Payments Under Reorganization Plan [Member]

Mandatory Payment [Member]

Mandatory Payment [Member]

Voluntary Payment [Member]

Voluntary Payment [Member]

Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member]

Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member]

Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member]

Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member]

January 30, 2013 to January 29, 2014 [Member]

January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member]

January 30, 2015 to April 2017 [Member]

2012 Member [Member]

After 2012 [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

2nd Lien Agreement [Member]

2nd Lien Agreement [Member]

2nd Lien Agreement [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

Pulitzer Notes [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment

$1,400,000

$6,400,000

Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage

102.00%

101.00%

100.00%

Repayments of Long-term Debt

$1,065,455,000

$137,330,000

$170,545,000

$1,000

$17,750,000

$27,660,000

$0

$9,000,000

$30,000

$12,000

$5,000,000

$1,000

$19,450,000

$16,000

$3,210,000

$0

$0

$0

Debt_Schedule_of_Debt_Covenant

Debt Schedule of Debt Covenants (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 30, 2012
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Debt Covenants, Maximum Capital Expenditures		20,000,000
Lee Legacy [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Debt Covenants, Total Debt		836,850,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member] | Lee Legacy [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio		6.7
Covenant Limitation, Leverage Ratio	9.1	10
Consolidated Leverage Ratio		5.7
Interest Coverage Ratio		1.93
Covenant Limitation, Interest Coverage Ratio	1.1	1.25
Pulitzer Notes [Member] | Pulitzer [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Minimum EBITDA Covenant Limitation		25,600,000
January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member] | 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage		101.00%

Debt_Schedule_Of_Financing_Fee

Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Jan. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Estimated Costs To Refinance	$38,628,000
Payments of Financing Costs	32,408,000	11,601,000	453,000
Chapter 11 Expenses	721,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		4,514,000
Present Value Discount				23,709,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Current Fiscal Year	4,085,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Next Fiscal Year	5,418,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 3	5,359,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 4	5,293,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 5	2,429,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 6	1,125,000
2011 Refinancing [Member]
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Payments of Financing Costs		$6,273,000

Debt_S3_Filing_Details

Debt S-3 Filing (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
S-3 Filing [Line Items]
Registration Statement- Maximum Amount	$750,000,000
Registration Statement- Minimum Public Float	$75,000,000

Pension_Postretirement_and_Pos

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Mar. 28, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Curtailment gains		$3,974,000	$1,991,000	$10,172,000			$0	$16,137,000	$45,012,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Curtailment gains					2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment and Curtailment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost		188,000			668,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment or Curtailment on the Accumulated Benefit Obligation		592,000			2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	-30,000						30,000	169,000	792,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	7,975,000						-7,975,000	8,354,000	8,888,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets							8,891,000	9,733,000	9,568,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	201,219,000						-2,370,000	812,000	453,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)							136,000	137,000	136,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments							0	0	2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost							1,348,000	-535,000	-1,575,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Curtailment gains		3,974,000	1,991,000	10,172,000	11,878,000	31,130,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment and Curtailment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost		82,000		769,000		1,460,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment or Curtailment on the Accumulated Benefit Obligation		3,371,000	3,030,000	15,065,000	6,576,000	28,750,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	-728,000						728,000	927,000	361,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,109,000						-1,109,000	1,600,000	2,971,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets							2,129,000	2,248,000	2,274,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)							2,451,000	-2,467,000	-2,447,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)							1,459,000	1,455,000	1,994,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments							0	16,137,000	43,008,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost							($4,202,000)	($19,780,000)	($46,391,000)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$3,264,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	4,917,000	6,752,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	-163,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	-360,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	-1,312,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	789,000	967,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	-40,684,000	-29,170,000
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)	-8,244,000	4,604,000	8,673,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	-35.00%	-35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	-1.90%	-2.30%	4.30%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses	0.00%	23.90%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	1.80%	1.00%	-0.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	-1.10%	0.60%	0.60%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	-40.50%	-12.30%	38.20%
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)	-2,210,000	-55,000	833,000
Deferred Tax Expense, Continuing and Discontinued Operations	-466,000	-25,630,000	19,116,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Including Continuing and Discontinued Operations	-10,920,000	-21,081,000	28,622,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations	-9,371,000	-20,316,000	29,308,000
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	-1,549,000	-765,000	-686,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Unconsolidated Subsidiary	-6.20%	-0.50%	-1.40%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deductions, Qualified Production Activities	2.10%	-0.50%	-0.80%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlements	-3.90%	0.50%	-3.50%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	0.00%	0.00%	4.10%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Chapter 11 Proceedings	9.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments	-11,651,000	-6,576,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	-50,472,000	-45,472,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Debt	0	-997,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	-1,155,000	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	-103,962,000	-82,215,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Debt	33,682,000	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation	5,540,000	7,067,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	817,000	1,570,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	5,569,000	5,305,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	24,613,000	23,515,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other	2,508,000	5,024,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	0	2,063,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	72,729,000	44,544,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-28,118,000	-27,566,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	-59,351,000	-65,237,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	-60,140,000	-66,204,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	710,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	796,814,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	24,613,000
Valuation Allowance Not Related To Operating Loss Carryforwards	$3,613,000	$4,068,000

Earnings_per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 24, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011	Sep. 25, 2011	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent									($14,171,000)	($145,622,000)	$47,224,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-2,266,000	-309,000	-169,000	218,000	-724,000	-409,000	-343,000	230,000	-2,527,000	-1,246,000	-1,119,000
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	($3,154,000)	($1,473,000)	($26,625,000)	$14,554,000	($8,784,000)	($155,553,000)	($1,472,000)	$18,941,000	($16,698,000)	($146,868,000)	$46,105,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted Average Common Shares									49,357,000	44,912,000	44,902,000
Less non-vested restricted Common Stock									-96,000	-65,000	-347,000
Basic average common shares									49,261,000	44,847,000	44,555,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment									0	0	400,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									49,261,000	44,847,000	44,955,000
Basic	($0.06)	($0.03)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.20)	($3.46)	($0.03)	$0.42	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03
Diluted	($0.06)	($0.03)	($0.54)	$0.32	($0.20)	($3.46)	($0.03)	$0.42	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount									2,334,000	1,944,000	942,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.18)	($3.45)	($0.02)	$0.42	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.06
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	($0.04)	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.01	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.03)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.18)	($3.45)	($0.02)	$0.42	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.05
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	($0.04)	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.01	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.02)

Stock_Ownership_Plans_Details

Stock Ownership Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009	Sep. 27, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense	$1,080,000	$1,287,000	$1,974,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	4,539,716
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,437,270
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1,310	$0	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	0	-2,000	-11,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	500,000	0	299,000		453,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	500,000	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0	-297,000	-143,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$15,020		$19,350
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1,310	$0	$15,020	$19,350
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	723,000,000	554,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	613,000,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Share Increase (Decrease) in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$15,020	$28,730
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$0	$15,020	$15,020
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.16	$2.57	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period	-230,000	-218,000	-69,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,102,000	1,812,000	940,000		1,009,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	1,520,000	1,105,000	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0	-15,000	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	1,298,000	552,000	423,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.07	$8.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$3.18	$5.07	$8.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$5.58
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	457,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$1,990,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.95	$2
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares in ESOP	270,000
Supplemental Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Shares in ESOP	8,700
Exercise Price Range 1-5 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	2,971,125
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	1,167,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$2.31
Exercise Price Range- 5-50 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	131,321
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	131,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$34.59
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$34.59

Stock_Ownership_Plans_Stock_Op

Stock Ownership Plans Stock Option Valuation Assumption (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.00%	0.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.95	$2
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 3 months 18 days
Exercise Price Range 1-5 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$1
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	8 years 6 months 0 days
Exercise Price Range- 5-50 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$50
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 10 months 24 days

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Feb. 18, 2009
				Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Investments	$8,640,000
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure				0	0	0	0	300,000	300,000	2,300,000	2,300,000
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$1,388,000	$700,000	$899,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V1

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Not Practicable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Investments	$8,640,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	926,226,000		995,000
Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$109,000,000	$126,355,000	$139,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Feb. 18, 2009	Sep. 28, 2008	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010	Feb. 18, 2009
					Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage				95.00%
Noncontrolling Interest Redeemed PDLLC, Percent Redeemed	5.00%
Goodwill- Herald Value				$55,594,000
Herald Value- Present Value				73,602,000
Heral Value Liability- Liability Input		10.00%
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure					300,000	300,000	2,300,000	2,300,000
Herald Value Redemption- Liability Effect			71,302,000
Redemption Agreement- Comprehensive Income Effect			58,521,000
Redemption Agreement- Equity Effect			68,824,000
Hearld Value- Increase in Amortizable Tax Basis			$258,000,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Operating Lease (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$4,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	1,897,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	1,647,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,557,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	1,246,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	4,000,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	4,135,000	4,527,000	4,549,000
Contractual Obligation	$900,000

Common_Stock_and_Class_B_Commo1

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 30, 2012
Before January 30, 2012 Refinancing [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$2
After January 30, 2012 Refinancing [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued in Refinancing	6,743,640
Common Stock Issued In Refinancing, Percent of Total On A Pro Forma Basis	13.00%

Common_Stock_and_Class_B_Commo2

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock NYSE Requirements (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 24, 2012
NYSE Listing Requirements [Line Items]
Price Per Share- NYSE Listing Requirement	$1
Minimum Market Capitalization- NYSE Listing	$50,000,000

Common_Stock_and_Class_B_Commo3

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock Preferred Share Purchase Rights (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Preferred Share Purchase Rights- Exercise Price	$150
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share	$0.00
2008 And After [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Beneficial OwnershipThreshold	25.00%
Beneficial Ownership Threshold	15.00%
Beneficial Ownership Percentage- Upper Limit	50.00%
Prior To 2008 [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Beneficial OwnershipThreshold	20.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
INN Partners [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	83.00%
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 29, 2009	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date		14-Dec-12
Inventory, LIFO Reserve		$3,556,000	$3,895,000
FIFO Inventory Amount		2,848,000	2,595,000
LIFO Inventory Amount		2,723,000	2,719,000
Newsprint Inventory		$5,571,000	$5,314,000
Buildings Useful Life- Low End of Range		5 years 0 months 0 days
Building Useful Life- High End of Range		54 years 0 months 0 days
Press Equipment Useful Life- Low End of Range		3 years 0 months 0 days
Press Equipment Useful Life- High End of Range		28 years 0 months 0 days
Other PPE Useful Life- Low End Of Range		3 years 0 months 0 days
Other PPE Useful Life- High End Of Range		20 years 0 months 0 days
Noncontrolling Interest Redeemed PDLLC, Percent Redeemed	5.00%
Heral Value Liability- Liability Input		10.00%
Customer Lists [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life- Low End Of Range		7 years 0 months 0 days
Finite Lived Intagible Asset Useful Life- High End Of Range		23 years 0 months 0 days
Subscriber Lists [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life- Low End Of Range		7 years 0 months 0 days
Finite Lived Intagible Asset Useful Life- High End Of Range		33 years 0 months 0 days
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life		15 years 0 months 0 days

Pensions_Details

Pensions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions			$398,000	$488,000	$497,000
Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation	1,426,000		1,426,000	1,319,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	11,000		11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate			4.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax		2,287,000	-51,871,000	-51,459,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	66,319,000		66,319,000	71,230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	201,219,000		201,219,000	186,826,000	178,179,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation				186,672,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	-30,000		30,000	169,000	792,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	7,975,000		-7,975,000	8,354,000	8,888,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			17,268,000	12,299,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid			-10,880,000	-11,584,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Administration Expenses			-1,472,000	-1,428,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer		2,733,000	6,807,000	2,137,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments			0	-591,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets			-8,891,000	-9,733,000	-9,568,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	201,219,000		-2,370,000	812,000	453,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)			-136,000	-137,000	-136,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments			0	0	-2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost			1,348,000	-535,000	-1,575,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	134,900,000		134,900,000	115,596,000	125,464,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets			24,849,000	1,007,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	66,319,000		66,319,000	71,230,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-50,945,000		-50,945,000	-50,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost, before Tax		-137,000	926,000	1,063,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax			-50,945,000	-50,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase				4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets		0.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase				4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	11,000		11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	11,000		11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	11,000		11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	11,000		11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	58,000		58,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum			50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum			75.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	63.00%		63.00%	66.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum			25.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum			35.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	29.00%		29.00%	33.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	32,169,494		32,169,494
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,759,444		7,759,444
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum			0.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum			12.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	0.00%		0.00%	0.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%		2.00%	1.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,028,505		2,028,505
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	6.00%		6.00%	0.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,117,459		8,117,459
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	3,280,000		3,280,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate		4.00%		5.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.00%		4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax			16,570,000	27,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,016,000		4,016,000	3,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	30,728,000		30,728,000	26,472,000	50,482,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	-728,000		728,000	927,000	361,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,109,000		-1,109,000	1,600,000	2,971,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)			5,269,000	-2,311,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid			-2,965,000	-2,922,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			-690,000	1,347,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments			0	-15,535,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets			-2,129,000	-2,248,000	-2,274,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)			2,451,000	-2,467,000	-2,447,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)			-1,459,000	-1,455,000	-1,994,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments			0	-16,137,000	-43,008,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost			-4,202,000	-19,780,000	-46,391,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	34,263,000		34,263,000	38,529,000	41,447,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets			2,127,000	19,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-3,535,000		-3,535,000	-12,057,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	30,344,000		30,344,000	42,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost, before Tax			13,774,000	15,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax			30,344,000	42,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets		6.00%		6.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	3,080,000		3,080,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	2,980,000		2,980,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	2,960,000		2,960,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	2,900,000		2,900,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	13,280,000		13,280,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum			10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum			30.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	21.00%		21.00%	8.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum			70.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum			90.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	75.00%		75.00%	85.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	25,642,660		25,642,660
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%		2.00%	7.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	691,905		691,905
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%		2.00%	0.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	802,801		802,801
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Other Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	2,595,000		2,595,000	2,654,000
Funded Status of Other Plans Recognized In Other Liabilities	279,000		279,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost			56,000	56,000	122,000
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	27,499,395		27,499,395
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	47,713,917		47,713,917
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,384,746		4,384,746
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,068,890		2,068,890
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,612,986		9,612,986
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0		0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	671,069		671,069
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0		$0

Postretirement_Obligations_Det

Postretirement Obligations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Mar. 28, 2010	Dec. 27, 2009	Sep. 29, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gains		$3,974,000	$1,991,000	$10,172,000				$0	$16,137,000	$45,012,000
Postretirement assets, net	7,551,000							7,551,000	14,934,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gains		3,974,000	1,991,000	10,172,000	11,878,000	31,130,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment and Curtailment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost		82,000		769,000		1,460,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	3,280,000							3,280,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Next Twelve Months	-220,000							-220,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, Next Twelve Months	3,060,000							3,060,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components								53,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year								9.00%	9.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate							4.00%		5.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.00%							4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax								16,570,000	27,000
Postretirement assets, net	7,551,000							7,551,000	15,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	4,016,000							4,016,000	3,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	30,728,000							30,728,000	26,472,000	50,482,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	728,000							-728,000	-927,000	-361,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	-1,109,000							1,109,000	-1,600,000	-2,971,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets								-2,129,000	-2,248,000	-2,274,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)								-2,451,000	2,467,000	2,447,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)								-1,459,000	-1,455,000	-1,994,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments								0	-16,137,000	-43,008,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost								-4,202,000	-19,780,000	-46,391,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)								5,269,000	-2,311,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid								-2,965,000	-2,922,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid For Non-Participants								-2,852,000	-1,524,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments								0	-5,931,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments								0	-15,535,000
Prescription Drug Benefit, Effect of Subsidy on Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost								115,000	162,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	34,263,000							34,263,000	38,529,000	41,447,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets								2,127,000	19,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer								-690,000	1,347,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Net Of Subsidy								-2,851,000	-2,760,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	-3,535,000							-3,535,000	-12,057,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	30,344,000							30,344,000	42,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost, before Tax								13,774,000	15,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax								30,344,000	42,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	4.50%							4.50%	5.75%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets							6.00%		6.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate								5.00%	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate	2020							2020	2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components								-48,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation								1,452,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation								-1,306,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	3,080,000							3,080,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Two	-230,000							-230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, Year 2	2,850,000							2,850,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	2,980,000							2,980,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Three	-230,000							-230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, Year 3	2,750,000							2,750,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	2,960,000							2,960,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Four	-230,000							-230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, Year 4	2,730,000							2,730,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	2,900,000							2,900,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, Year Five	-230,000							-230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, Year 5	2,670,000							2,670,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	13,280,000							13,280,000
Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts, after Year Five	-1,100,000							-1,100,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Net of Subsidy, After Year 5	12,180,000							12,180,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment or Curtailment on the Accumulated Benefit Obligation		3,371,000	3,030,000	15,065,000	6,576,000	28,750,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Litigation Settlement								3,000,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	21.00%							21.00%	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum								10.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum								30.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	75.00%							75.00%	85.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum								70.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum								90.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	25,642,660							25,642,660
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%							2.00%	7.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	691,905							691,905
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%							2.00%	0.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	802,801							802,801
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Curtailment gains					2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment and Curtailment on Net Periodic Benefit Cost		188,000			668,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months	11,000							11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate								4.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.00%							4.00%	4.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gain (Loss), before Tax							2,287,000	-51,871,000	-51,459,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent	66,319,000							66,319,000	71,230,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	201,219,000							201,219,000	186,826,000	178,179,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	30,000							-30,000	-169,000	-792,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	-7,975,000							7,975,000	-8,354,000	-8,888,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets								-8,891,000	-9,733,000	-9,568,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	-201,219,000							2,370,000	-812,000	-453,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)								-136,000	-137,000	-136,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailments								0	0	-2,004,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost								1,348,000	-535,000	-1,575,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)								17,268,000	12,299,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid								-10,880,000	-11,584,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments								0	-591,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	134,900,000							134,900,000	115,596,000	125,464,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets								24,849,000	1,007,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer							2,733,000	6,807,000	2,137,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	66,319,000							66,319,000	71,230,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-50,945,000							-50,945,000	-50,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost, before Tax							-137,000	926,000	1,063,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax								-50,945,000	-50,396,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets							0.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two	11,000							11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three	11,000							11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four	11,000							11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five	11,000							11,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter	58,000							58,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Plan Amendment or Curtailment on the Accumulated Benefit Obligation		592,000			2,004,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	63.00%							63.00%	66.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum								50.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum								75.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	29.00%							29.00%	33.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum								25.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum								35.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	32,169,494							32,169,494
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,759,444							7,759,444
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%							2.00%	1.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,028,505							2,028,505
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	6.00%							6.00%	0.00%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,117,459							8,117,459
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Plan Assets- Receivables, net [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
LTD Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan	3,143,000							3,143,000	3,227,000
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,384,746							4,384,746
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,068,890							2,068,890
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	27,499,395							27,499,395
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	47,713,917							47,713,917
Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	671,069							671,069
International Equity Securities [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0							0
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	9,612,986							9,612,986
International Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0							$0

Other_Retirement_Plans_Details

Other Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Other Retirement Plans [Line Items]
Cost Related to Other Retirement Plans	$3,533,000	$2,666,000	$1,894,000

Allowance_For_Doubtful_Account2

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$5,387	$5,262	$5,853
Provision for Doubtful Accounts	1,448	2,497	2,903
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries	-1,945	-2,372	-3,494
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$4,890	$5,387	$5,262

Other_Information_Details

Other Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Salaries, Current	$12,556	$10,207
Accrued Employee Benefits, Current	4,215	4,442
Interest Payable, Current	10,507	4,352
Other Liabilities	11,281	14,990
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	$38,559	$33,991

Other_Information_Supplemental

Other Information Supplemental Cash Payment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest Paid	$72,131	$53,133	$65,791
Debt Financing and Reorganization Costs Paid	32,408	11,601	453
Income Taxes Paid, Net	$1,140	$10,462	$3,753

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 24, 2012	Mar. 25, 2012	Dec. 25, 2011	Sep. 25, 2011	Jun. 26, 2011	Mar. 27, 2011	Dec. 26, 2010	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 26, 2010
Quarterly Financial Data [Line Items]
Reorganization costs			$36,626,000	$1,241,000					$37,765,000	$0	$0
Curtailment gains						3,974,000	1,991,000	10,172,000	0	16,137,000	45,012,000
Asset Impairment Charges, Net Of Tax Benefit	4,994,000				17,714,000	199,325,000
Revenues	180,343,000	172,640,000	165,461,000	192,042,000	175,815,000	180,457,000	171,562,000	199,485,000	710,486,000	727,319,000	748,444,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-761,000	-1,045,000	-26,373,000	14,406,000	-8,009,000	-155,067,000	-1,106,000	18,747,000	-13,772,000	-145,435,000	47,297,000
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	-2,266,000	-309,000	-169,000	218,000	-724,000	-409,000	-343,000	230,000	-2,527,000	-1,246,000	-1,119,000
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-3,027,000	-1,354,000	-26,542,000	14,624,000	-8,733,000	-155,476,000	-1,449,000	18,977,000	-16,299,000	-146,681,000	46,178,000
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	($3,154,000)	($1,473,000)	($26,625,000)	$14,554,000	($8,784,000)	($155,553,000)	($1,472,000)	$18,941,000	($16,698,000)	($146,868,000)	$46,105,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.18)	($3.45)	($0.02)	$0.42	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.06
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	($0.04)	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.01	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.03)
Basic	($0.06)	($0.03)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.20)	($3.46)	($0.03)	$0.42	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share	($0.02)	($0.02)	($0.53)	$0.32	($0.18)	($3.45)	($0.02)	$0.42	($0.29)	($3.25)	$1.05
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share	($0.04)	($0.01)	$0	$0	($0.02)	($0.01)	($0.01)	$0.01	($0.05)	($0.03)	($0.02)
Diluted	($0.06)	($0.03)	($0.54)	$0.32	($0.20)	($3.46)	($0.03)	$0.42	($0.34)	($3.27)	$1.03