Lee Enterprises (LEE) 10-Q 5 Feb 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Mar. 29, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	58,361
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-25
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 27, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		55,530,574
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 156,747,000

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,813	$ 11,134
Accounts receivable, net	66,580	58,899
Income taxes receivable	62	413
Inventory	3,956	3,914
Other	6,131	8,304
Total current assets	88,542	82,664
Investments:
Associated companies	34,640	35,069
Other	9,363	9,083
Total investments	44,003	44,152
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	22,252	22,257
Buildings and improvements	179,766	179,731
Equipment	286,857	290,127
Construction in process	1,630	997
Property, plant and equipment, gross	490,505	493,112
Less accumulated depreciation	349,660	349,343
Property and equipment, net	140,845	143,769
Goodwill	243,729	243,729
Other intangible assets, net	179,346	185,962
Postretirement assets, net	13,915	13,421
Debt financing costs and other	33,024	34,128
Total assets	743,404	747,825
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	26,135	25,000
Accounts payable	18,013	20,113
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	20,721	27,055
Accrued Interest	13,436	4,184
Unearned revenue	28,824	28,929
Total current liabilities	107,129	105,281
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	677,861	700,872
Pension obligations	51,152	52,522
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	10,689	11,060
Deferred income taxes	28,679	22,137
Income taxes payable	5,093	4,856
Warrants and other	9,594	9,680
Total liabilities	890,197	906,408
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued	0	0
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Additional paid-in capital	247,862	247,302
Accumulated deficit	(379,729)	(390,966)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(16,319)	(16,276)
Total stockholders' deficit	(147,631)	(159,393)
Non-controlling interests	838	810
Total deficit	(146,793)	(158,583)
Total liabilities and deficit	743,404	747,825
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	555	547
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheet Pare

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parentheticals (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
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	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	120,000,000	120,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	55,499,000	54,679,000
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 Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Operating revenue:
Advertising and marketing services	$ 105,637,000	$ 115,830,000
Subscription	50,430,000	50,399,000
Other	12,338,000	10,981,000
Total operating revenue	168,405,000	177,210,000
Operating expenses:
Compensation	58,665,000	61,937,000
Newsprint and ink	6,685,000	8,846,000
Other operating expenses	58,869,000	60,237,000
Depreciation	4,327,000	4,616,000
Amortization of intangible assets	6,616,000	6,880,000
Gain on sales of assets, net	(971,000)	(257,000)
Workforce adjustments	604,000	211,000
Total operating expenses	134,795,000	142,470,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	2,799,000	2,757,000
Operating income	36,409,000	37,497,000
Non-operating income (expense):
Financial income	76,000	78,000
Financial expense	(17,142,000)	(18,790,000)
Debt financing costs and amortization	(1,333,000)	(1,102,000)
Other, net	645,000	(1,178,000)
Total non-operating expense, net	(17,754,000)	(20,992,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes	18,655,000	16,505,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	7,147,000	6,498,000
Net income (loss)	11,508,000	10,007,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(271,000)	(254,000)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	11,237,000	9,753,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(43,000)	(192,000)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 11,194,000	$ 9,561,000
Basic:
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.21	$ 0.19
Diluted:
Diluted	$ 0.21	$ 0.18

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Net income (loss)	$ 11,508,000	$ 10,007,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	10,943,000	11,496,000
Gain on sales of assets, net	(971,000)	(257,000)
Stock compensation expense	570,000	443,000
Distributions greater than earnings of MNI	567,000	638,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	6,572,000	6,289,000
Debt financing costs	1,333,000	1,102,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	(525,000)	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables	(7,681,000)	(9,616,000)
Decrease (increase) in inventories and other	(291,000)	1,473,000
Increase in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue	162,000	485,000
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	(2,309,000)	(1,115,000)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable	588,000	206,000
Other, net	603,000	1,139,000
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	21,069,000	22,290,000
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
Purchases of property and equipment	(1,470,000)	(3,547,000)
Decrease in restricted cash	0	441,000
Proceeds from sales of assets	2,614,000	315,000
Distributions greater (less) than current earnings of TNI	(137,000)	(451,000)
Other, net	0	410,000
Net Ccsh provided by investing activities of continuing operations	1,007,000	(2,832,000)
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,000,000	3,000,000
Payments on long-term debt	(26,351,000)	(23,250,000)
Debt financing and reorganization costs paid	(44,000)	(17,000)
Common stock transactions net	(2,000)	48,000
Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations	(21,397,000)	(20,219,000)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	679,000	(761,000)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	11,134,000	16,704,000
End of period	$ 11,813,000	$ 15,943,000

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 27, 2015 and their results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2016”, “2015” and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September. 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. ("TownNews"). 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. Subsequent Events On January 15, 2016, we received payment of $30,645,628 from our insurer for our share of a subrogation recovery arising from the settlement of claims for damages suffered as a result of a 2009 loss at one of our Lee Legacy production facilities. We expect to record a gain on the transaction in the quarter ended March 27, 2016. Of the total proceeds received by the Company, in January 2016, $20,000,000 was used to reduce outstanding debt under our 1 st Lien Term Loan (as defined below) and, to the extent permissible and available at a discount, we intend to use some portion of the remaining proceeds to repurchase outstanding Notes (as defined below) in the quarter ending March 27, 2016.

Investments in Associated Compa

Investments in Associated Companies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Investments In Associated Companies [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments 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 subscription activities 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 newspapers and other media. Income or loss of TNI (before income taxes) is allocated equally to Star Publishing and Citizen. Summarized results of TNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Operating revenue 14,782 15,600 Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization 11,341 12,102 Workforce adjustments — — Operating income 3,441 3,498 Company's 50% share of operating income 1,721 1,749 Less amortization of intangible assets 105 105 Equity in earnings of TNI 1,616 1,644 TNI makes weekly distributions of its earnings and for the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 we received $1,479,000 and $1,194,000 in distributions, respectively. Star Publishing's 50% share of TNI depreciation and certain general and administrative expenses (income) 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. These amoun ts totaled $ (119,000) and $ (68,000) in the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , respectively. Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $418,000 for the periods ending December 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and $105,000 in 2020. 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 platforms. 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 results of MNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Operating revenue 17,789 18,657 Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization 13,612 14,631 Workforce adjustments — 11 Depreciation and amortization 410 464 Operating income 3,767 3,551 Net income 2,358 2,224 Equity in earnings of MNI 1,183 1,112 MNI makes quarterly distributions of its earnings and in each of the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014, we received dividends of $1,750,000 .

Goodwill and other Intangible A

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
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 are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 Goodwill, gross amount 1,532,458 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, beginning of period 243,729 Goodwill, end of period 243,729 Identified intangible assets consist of the following: (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 September 27 Nonamortized intangible assets: Mastheads 25,102 25,102 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 687,182 687,182 Less accumulated amortization 532,938 526,322 154,244 160,860 Noncompete and consulting agreements 28,524 28,524 Less accumulated amortization 28,524 28,524 — — Other intangible assets, net 179,346 185,962 Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 week periods ending December 2016, December 2017, the 53 week period ending December 2018 and the 52 week periods ending December 2019 and December 2020 is estimated to be $25,745,000 , $22,908,000 , $16,653,000 , $15,624,000 and $15,163,000 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	DEBT On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our debt (the"2014 Refinancing"), which included the following: • $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”). • $250,000,000 first lien term loan (the "1 st Lien Term Loan") and $40,000,000 revolving facility (the "Revolving Facility") under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (together the “1 st Lien Credit Facility”). • $150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2 nd Lien Term Loan”). Notes The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. At December 27, 2015 , the principal balance of the Notes totaled $395,000,000 . Interest The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at a fixed annual rate of 9.5% . Redemption We may redeem some, or all, of the principal amount of the Notes at any time on or after March 15, 2018, as follows: Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 15, 2018 104.75 March 15, 2019 102.38 March 15, 2020 100.00 We may redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to March 15, 2017 at 109.5% of the principal amount using the proceeds of certain future equity offerings. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must, subject to certain exceptions, offer to purchase the Notes at 101% of the principal amount. Any redemption of the Notes must also satisfy any accrued and unpaid interest thereon. In the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015, we purchased $5,000,000 principal amount of Notes in a privately negotiated transaction. The transaction resulted in a $525,000 gain on extinguishment of debt, which is recorded in Other, net non-operating in income (expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Covenants and Other Matters The Indenture and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants as discussed more fully below. However, certain of these covenants will cease to apply if the Notes are rated investment grade by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture. 1 st Lien Credit Facility The 1 st Lien Credit Facility consists of the $250,000,000 1 st Lien Term Loan that matures in March 2019 and the $40,000,000 Revolving Facility that matures in December 2018. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of the 1 st Lien Term Loan and the Revolving Facility. The Revolving Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit). At December 27, 2015 , after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,935,000 available for future use under the Revolving Facility. Interest Interest on the 1 st Lien Term Loan, which has a principal balance of $169,622,000 at December 27, 2015 , accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 6.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) or (B) 5.25% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% , or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0% (with a floor of 2.0% ). Interest is payable quarterly. The 1 st Lien Term Loan was funded with an original issue discount of 2.0%, or $5,000,000 , which is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the 1 st Lien Term Loan. Interest on the Revolving Facility, which has a principal balance of zero at December 27, 2015 , accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 5.5% , or (B) 4.5% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% , or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%. Principal Payments Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required under the 1 st Lien Term Loan, with other payments made based on 90% of excess cash flow of Lee Legacy ("Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow"), as defined, or from proceeds of asset sales, as defined, from our subsidiaries other than Pulitzer Inc. ("Pulitzer") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Pulitzer Subsidiaries"). We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1 st Lien Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. Quarterly, the Company is required to prepare a Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow calculation, which is generally determined as the cash earnings of our subsidiaries other than the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and is adjusted for changes in working capital, capital spending, debt principal payments and income tax payments or refunds. Any excess cash flow as calculated is required to be paid to the 1 st Lien lender 45 days after the end of the quarter. 2016 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1 st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows: 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ending (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 March 27 June 26 September 25 Mandatory 6,250 6,250 6,250 6,250 Voluntary 5,000 — — — Asset sales — — — — Excess cash flow — 1,135 — — 11,250 7,385 6,250 6,250 As discussed in Note 1, in January 2016, we used $20,000,000 of an insurance settlement to reduce outstanding debt under our 1 st Lien Term Loan. To the extent permissible and available at a discount, we intend to use some portion of the remaining $10,645,628 to repurchase outstanding Notes in the quarter ending March 27, 2016 or make voluntary payments on the 1 st Lien Term Loan. Covenants and Other Matters The 1 st Lien Credit Facility requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including a maximum total leverage ratio, which is only applicable to the Revolving Facility. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock. This restriction no longer applies if Lee Legacy leverage is below 3.25x before and after such payments. Further, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility restricts or limits, among other things, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: (i) incur indebtedness, (ii) enter into mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (iii) incur or create liens and (iv) enter into transactions with certain affiliates. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 1 st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture and 2 nd Lien Term Loan. 2 nd Lien Term Loan The 2 nd Lien Term Loan, which has a balance of $139,374,000 at December 27, 2015 , bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 12.0% , payable quarterly, and matures in December 2022. Principal Payments There are no scheduled mandatory amortization payments required under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. Quarterly, we are required to prepare a calculation of excess cash flow of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries ("Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow"). Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is generally determined as the cash earnings of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries adjusted for changes in working capital, capital spending, debt principal payments and income tax payments. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow also includes a deduction for interest costs incurred under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. Changes to settlement of certain intercompany costs between the Company and Pulitzer have been affected, with the net result being a reduction in the excess cash flows of Pulitzer from historically reported levels. Under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, subject to certain other conditions, Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow must be used, (a) prior to March 31, 2017, to make an offer to the 2 nd Lien Lenders to prepay amounts under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan at par (which offer the 2 nd Lien Lenders may accept or reject; if rejected we may use the Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow to prepay amounts under the 1 st Lien Credit Facility or repurchase Notes in the open market), and (b) after March 31, 2017, to pay such amounts under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan at par. In November 2015, $3,326,000 of the September 2015 excess cash flow payment was not rejected and according to the 2 nd Lien Term Loan was prepaid at par. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow for the December 2015 quarter totaled $2,864,000 and was offered to the 2 nd Lien lenders in February 2016. Subject to certain other conditions in the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, the balance of the 2 nd Lien Term Loan will be repaid at par from proceeds from asset sales by Pulitzer Inc and its subsidiaries that are not reinvested. In 2015, we repaid $5,000,000 of the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, at par, due to the sale of real estate at one of our Pulitzer properties. For the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015, we repaid $2,300,000 on the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, at par, with net proceeds from the sale of Pulitzer assets. Voluntary payments under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan are subject to call premiums as follows: Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 31, 2014 112 March 31, 2017 106 March 31, 2018 103 March 31, 2019 100 Covenants and Other Matters The 2 nd Lien Term Loan requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including the negative covenants under the 1 st Lien Credit Facility discussed above. The 2 nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 2 nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture and 1 st Lien Credit Facility. In connection with the 2 nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”). Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the 2 nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions (the “Warrants”). The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share. The Warrant Agreement contains a cash settlement provision in the event of a change of control prior to March 31, 2018 as well as other provisions requiring the Warrants to be measured at fair value and included in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We remeasure the fair value of the liability each reporting period, with changes reported in other, net non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $ 16,930,000 . See Note 9. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement related to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants. Security The Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by each of the Company's material domestic subsidiaries, excluding MNI, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and TNI (the "Lee Legacy Assignors"), pursuant to a first lien guarantee and collateral agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the "1 st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement"). The Notes, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations, by perfected security interests in all property and assets, including certain real estate, of the Lee Legacy Assignors, other than the capital stock of MNI and any property and assets of MNI (the “Lee Legacy Collateral”), on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Lee Legacy Assignors' existing and future obligations. The Lee Legacy Collateral includes, among other things, equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, depository accounts, intellectual property and certain of their other tangible and intangible assets. Also, the Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by first-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests owned by, the Lee Legacy Assignors (excluding the capital stock of MNI). The Notes and 1 st Lien Credit Facility are subject to a Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated March 31, 2014. The Notes, the 1 st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are also secured, subject to permitted liens, by a second-priority security interest in the property and assets of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that become subsidiary guarantors (the "Pulitzer Assignors") other than assets of or used in the operations or business of TNI (collectively, the “Pulitzer Collateral”). In June 2015 the Pulitzer Assignors became a party to the 1 st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement on a second lien basis. Also, the Notes and the 1 st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities, and limitations in the various agreements, by second-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests in, the Pulitzer Assignors and Star Publishing’s interest in TNI. The 2 nd Lien Term Loan is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by the Pulitzer Assignors, pursuant to a Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the Pulitzer Assignors and the 2 nd Lien collateral agent. Under the 2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Pulitzer Assignors have granted (i) first-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Pulitzer Collateral and (ii) have granted first-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. Also, under the 2 nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Lee Legacy Assignors have granted (i) second-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Lee Legacy Collateral, and (ii) have granted second-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. Assets of, or used in the operations or business of, MNI are excluded. The rights of each of the collateral agents with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral and the Pulitzer Collateral are subject to customary intercreditor and intercompany agreements. Other We incurred $30,931,000 of fees and expenses related to the 2014 Refinancing, including a $1,750,000 premium (1% of the principal amount) related to the redemption of the previous 2 nd lien agreement and $5,000,000 original issue discount on the 1 st Lien Term Loan. We recognized an original issue discount of $16,930,000 on the 2 nd Lien Term Loan related to the Warrants. Certain of the unamortized present value adjustments, the new fees and expenses and a portion of the value of the Warrants were charged to expense upon completion of the 2014 Refinancing while the remainder of such costs have been capitalized and are being amortized over the lives of the respective debt agreements. Amortization of debt financing costs totaled $1,064,000 in the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 . Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $4,220,000 in 2016, $4,364,000 in 2017, $4,476,000 in 2018, $4,235,000 in 2019 and $4,171,000 in 2020. At December 27, 2015 we have $30,557,000 of unamortized debt financing costs in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Debt is summarized as follows: Interest Rates (%) (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 September 27 December 27 Revolving Facility — — 5.65 1 st Lien Term Loan 169,622 180,872 7.25 Notes 395,000 400,000 9.50 2 nd Lien Term Loan 139,374 145,000 12.00 703,996 725,872 Less current maturities of long-term debt 26,135 25,000 Total long-term debt 677,861 700,872 At December 27, 2015 , our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs, is 9.5% . Aggregate minimum required maturities of debt excluding amounts required to be paid from excess cash flow requirements at December 27, 2015 total $ 19,885,000 for the remainder of 2016, $ 25,000,000 in 2017, $ 25,000,000 in 2018, $ 99,737,000 in 2019, $0 in 2020 and $ 534,374,000 thereafter. Liquidity At December 27, 2015 , after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $32,935,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility. Including cash, our liquidity at December 27, 2015 totals $44,748,000 . 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 cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000 subject to a reduction for any amounts the Company may elect to use to repay our 1 st Lien Term Loan and/or the Notes. The 2014 Refinancing significantly improved our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates from December 2018 through December 2022. As a result, we believe refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years. There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan, 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 applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan, 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 repay, refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due. The Notes, 1st Lien Credit Facility and 2nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at December 27, 2015 .

Pension, Postretirement, and Po

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Pension Postretirement And Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT 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, substantially all benefits are frozen and only a small amount of additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of 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, hedge fund investments and cash. In addition, 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, one of our Pulitzer Subsidiaries, St. Louis Post-Dispatch 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. Postretirement medical plan assets may also be used to fund current medical costs of certain active employees. We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement medical plan obligations. The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows: PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 49 226 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,515 1,859 Expected return on plan assets (2,174 ) (2,466 ) Amortization of net loss 599 420 Amortization of prior service benefit (34 ) (34 ) Pension expense (benefit) (45 ) 5 POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 16 39 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 156 211 Expected return on plan assets (331 ) (361 ) Amortization of net gain (273 ) (347 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (365 ) (365 ) Postretirement medical benefit (797 ) (823 ) Amortization of net gains (losses) and prior service benefits are recorded as compensation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Operations. In the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 we contributed $744,000 to our pension plans. Based on our forecast at December 27, 2015 , we expect to contribute $5,037,000 to our pension plans for the remainder of 2016. Based on our forecast at December 27, 2015 , we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement medical plans for the remainder of 2016.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES We recorded income tax expense of $7,147,000 related to income before taxes of $18,655,000 for the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 . For the 13 weeks ended December 28, 2014 , we recorded $6,498,000 in income tax expense related to income taxes before taxes of $16,505,000 . The effective income tax rates for the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 were 38.3% and 39.4% , respectively. The primary differences between these rates and the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% are due to the effect of state taxes, non-deductible expenses, adjustments to reserves for uncertain tax positions, including any related interest, and mark-to-market adjustments to value the Warrants. We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 state and local jurisdictions. We have various income tax examinations ongoing which are at different stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009. See Note 10 for a discussion of our tax audits. Due to our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and based on historical levels of performance, we do not expect any significant income tax payments in the current year.

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Earnings Loss Per Common Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) December 27 December 28 Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: 11,237 9,753 Weighted average common shares 54,856 53,913 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (1,716 ) (1,442 ) Basic average common shares 53,140 52,471 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 718 1,483 Diluted average common shares 53,858 53,954 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.21 0.19 Diluted 0.21 0.18 For the 13 weeks December 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 , 7,684,000 and 6,254,000 weighted average shares, respectively, were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.

Stock Ownership Plans

Stock Ownership Plans	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Stock Ownership Plans [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS A summary of stock option activity during the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 follows: (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, September 27, 2015 1,871 2.71 Exercised (3 ) 1.13 Cancelled (27 ) 23.17 Outstanding, December 27, 2015 1,841 2.41 5.1 455 Exercisable, December 27, 2015 1,814 2.42 5.1 445 Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options as of December 27, 2015 is $12,000 , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.4 years. Restricted Common Stock The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 . (Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, September 27, 2015 1,546 3.62 Vested (8 ) 3.62 Granted 868 1.53 Cancelled (47 ) 3.63 Outstanding, December 27, 2015 2,359 2.84 Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at December 27, 2015 is $3,762,000 , which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS 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. 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. Investments totaling $6,359,000 , including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. As of September 27, 2015, the most recent data available, the approximate fair value of our private equity investment is $7,100,000, which is a level 3 fair value measurement. The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1 st Lien Term Loan, is $167,000,000 , based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $395,000,000 principal amount of the Notes and $139,374,000 principal amount under the 2 nd Lien Term Loan. At December 27, 2015 , based on private market price quotations the fair values were $358,000,000 and $144,000,000 for the Notes and 2nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. These represent level 2 fair value measurements. As discussed more fully in Note 4, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value. We remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $ 16,930,000 . The fair value of Warrants at September 27, 2015 and December 27, 2015 is $4,240,000 and $4,167,000 , respectively. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 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 6. We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service 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 2009. Legal Proceedings 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. Multiemployer Pension Plans One of our enterprise's bargaining units withdrew from representation, and as a result we are subject to a future claim from the multiemployer pension plan for a withdrawal liability. The amount and timing of such liability will be dependent on actions taken, or not taken, by the Company and the pension plan, as well as the future investment performance and funding status of the pension plan. Any withdrawal liability determined to be due under this plan will be funded over a period of 20 years.

New Accounting Pronouncements (

New Accounting Pronouncements (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an amendment to Accounting Standards Codification Standard 740: Income Taxes related to the classification of net deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. To simplify the presentation of deferred income taxes, the amendment requires that deferred income tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We elected to early adopt this standard in the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 and have applied this standard retrospectively. As a result, we have reclassified $15,659,000 of current assets to a reduction of the long-term deferred tax liability in the September 27, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Investments in Associated Com17

Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized results of TNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Operating revenue 14,782 15,600 Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization 11,341 12,102 Workforce adjustments — — Operating income 3,441 3,498 Company's 50% share of operating income 1,721 1,749 Less amortization of intangible assets 105 105 Equity in earnings of TNI 1,616 1,644
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Summarized results of MNI are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Operating revenue 17,789 18,657 Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization 13,612 14,631 Workforce adjustments — 11 Depreciation and amortization 410 464 Operating income 3,767 3,551 Net income 2,358 2,224 Equity in earnings of MNI 1,183 1,112

Goodwill and other Intangible18

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 Goodwill, gross amount 1,532,458 Accumulated impairment losses (1,288,729 ) Goodwill, beginning of period 243,729 Goodwill, end of period 243,729
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Identified intangible assets consist of the following: (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 September 27 Nonamortized intangible assets: Mastheads 25,102 25,102 Amortizable intangible assets: Customer and newspaper subscriber lists 687,182 687,182 Less accumulated amortization 532,938 526,322 154,244 160,860 Noncompete and consulting agreements 28,524 28,524 Less accumulated amortization 28,524 28,524 — — Other intangible assets, net 179,346 185,962

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule of Payments [Line Items]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]	2016 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1 st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows: 13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ending (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 March 27 June 26 September 25 Mandatory 6,250 6,250 6,250 6,250 Voluntary 5,000 — — — Asset sales — — — — Excess cash flow — 1,135 — — 11,250 7,385 6,250 6,250

Debt Schedule Of Debt Outstandi

Debt Schedule Of Debt Outstanding (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	Debt is summarized as follows: Interest Rates (%) (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 September 27 December 27 Revolving Facility — — 5.65 1 st Lien Term Loan 169,622 180,872 7.25 Notes 395,000 400,000 9.50 2 nd Lien Term Loan 139,374 145,000 12.00 703,996 725,872 Less current maturities of long-term debt 26,135 25,000 Total long-term debt 677,861 700,872

Debt Schedule of Debt Provision

Debt Schedule of Debt Provisions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
New Second Lien Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 31, 2014 112 March 31, 2017 106 March 31, 2018 103 March 31, 2019 100
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]	Period Beginning Percentage of Principal Amount March 15, 2018 104.75 March 15, 2019 102.38 March 15, 2020 100.00

Pension, Postretirement, and 22

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Pension Postretirement And Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]	The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows: PENSION PLANS 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 49 226 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 1,515 1,859 Expected return on plan assets (2,174 ) (2,466 ) Amortization of net loss 599 420 Amortization of prior service benefit (34 ) (34 ) Pension expense (benefit) (45 ) 5 POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars) December 27 December 28 Service cost for benefits earned during the period 16 39 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 156 211 Expected return on plan assets (331 ) (361 ) Amortization of net gain (273 ) (347 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (365 ) (365 ) Postretirement medical benefit (797 ) (823 )

Earnings per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
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 per common share: 13 Weeks Ended (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) December 27 December 28 Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: 11,237 9,753 Weighted average common shares 54,856 53,913 Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (1,716 ) (1,442 ) Basic average common shares 53,140 52,471 Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock 718 1,483 Diluted average common shares 53,858 53,954 Earnings per common share: Basic 0.21 0.19 Diluted 0.21 0.18

Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)

Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 . (Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding, September 27, 2015 1,546 3.62 Vested (8 ) 3.62 Granted 868 1.53 Cancelled (47 ) 3.63 Outstanding, December 27, 2015 2,359 2.84
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity during the 13 weeks ended December 27, 2015 follows: (Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data) Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding, September 27, 2015 1,871 2.71 Exercised (3 ) 1.13 Cancelled (27 ) 23.17 Outstanding, December 27, 2015 1,841 2.41 5.1 455 Exercisable, December 27, 2015 1,814 2.42 5.1 445

Basis of Presentation Schedule

Basis of Presentation Schedule of Less than 100% Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt				$ 26,351,000		$ 23,250,000
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				82.50%
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,250,000	$ 6,250,000	$ 7,385,000	$ 11,250,000
Subsequent Event, Debt Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt					$ 20,000,000

Basis of Presentation Subsequen

Basis of Presentation Subsequent Events (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 27, 2016USD ($)
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds	$ 30,645,628

Investments in Associated Com27

Investments in Associated Companies Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 2,799,000	$ 2,757,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	1,479,000	1,194,000
Share of TNI Operating Expenses	(119,000)	(68,000)
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue		15,600,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Advertising Revenue	14,782,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments		12,102,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Operating Expenses	11,341,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	0	0
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	3,441,000	3,498,000
Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Before Amortization	1,721,000	1,749,000
Amortization Of Intangible Assets- TNI	105,000	105,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,616,000	1,644,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	418,000
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	105,000
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	1,750,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	17,789,000	18,657,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments		14,631,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Other Operating Expenses	13,612,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	0	11,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation And Amortization	410,000	464,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	3,767,000	3,551,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	2,358,000	2,224,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 1,183,000	$ 1,112,000

Goodwill and other Intangible28

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,532,458
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 1,288,729

Goodwill and other Intangible29

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mastheads	$ 25,102,000	$ 25,102,000
Other intangible assets, net	179,346,000	185,962,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	25,745,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	22,908,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	16,653,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	15,624,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	15,163,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	687,182,000	687,182,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	532,938,000	526,322,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	154,244,000	160,860,000
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	28,524,000	28,524,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 0	$ 0

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 30,557,000
Amortization of Financing Costs	1,064,000
Warrant liability fair value	$ 4,167,000	$ 16,930,000	$ 4,240,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	9.50%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 703,996,000		725,872,000
Debt Financing and Reorganization Costs Paid		$ 30,931,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	19,885,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	25,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	25,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	99,737,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	534,374,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ 5,000,000
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	26,135,000		25,000,000
Long-term Debt	677,861,000		700,872,000
Liquidity	44,748,000
Future Liquidity- Warrant Exercise Proceeds	25,140,000
Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 0		0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.65%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 32,935,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	40,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	9.50%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 395,000,000		400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.50%
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 250,000,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 169,622,000		180,872,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.25%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ 5,000,000
New Second Lien Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End	12.00%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 139,374,000		$ 145,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	12.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin	4.50%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate	0.50%
Interest Rate Margin	5.25%
Prime Lending Rate [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate	2.00%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] | Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin	5.50%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate	0.50%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate	1.00%
Interest Rate Margin	6.25%
Until March 31, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	112.00%
Prior to March 15, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	109.50%
March 16, 2018 through March 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	104.75%
March 15, 2019 through March 14, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	102.38%
After March 15, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	100.00%
March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	0.00%
March 31, 2018 through March 31, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	103.00%
After March 31, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed	0.00%
Mandatory Payment [Member] | 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,250,000

Debt Schedule of Payments (Deta

Debt Schedule of Payments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 26, 2016	Mar. 27, 2016	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 29, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount				$ 703,996,000	$ 725,872,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt				26,351,000			$ 23,250,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt				525,000			0
Senior Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount				395,000,000	400,000,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt							$ 5,000,000
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount				169,622,000	180,872,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,250,000	$ 6,250,000	$ 7,385,000	11,250,000
Mandatory Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	6,250,000	6,250,000	6,250,000	6,250,000
Voluntary Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	0	5,000,000
Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] | 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt			2,864,000	3,326,000
Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	1,135,000	0
Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member] | 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt				2,300,000	$ 5,000,000
Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Subsequent Event, Debt Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt						$ 20,000,000

Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees

Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Refinancing fee, Prepayment Penalty			$ 1,750,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding	6,000,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 30,557,000
Debt Financing and Reorganization Costs Paid			30,931,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Current Fiscal Year	4,220,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Next Fiscal Year	4,364,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 3	4,476,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 4	4,235,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 5	$ 4,171,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount					$ 5,000,000
Investment Warrants, Exercise Price	$ 4.19
Warrant liability fair value	$ 4,167,000		$ 16,930,000	$ 4,240,000
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	$ (525,000)	$ 0
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount					$ 5,000,000

Pension, Postretirement, and 33

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Pension Contributions	$ 744,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	5,037,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	49,000	$ 226,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,515,000	1,859,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(2,174,000)	(2,466,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	599,000	420,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	34,000	34,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(45,000)	5,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	16,000	39,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	156,000	211,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(331,000)	(361,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	(273,000)	(347,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	365,000	(365,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ (797,000)	$ (823,000)

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 7,147,000	$ 6,498,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 18,655,000	$ 16,505,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	38.30%	39.40%

Earnings per Common Share (Deta

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015	Dec. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 11,237	$ 9,753
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted Average Common Shares	54,856,000	53,913,000
Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	(1,716,000)	(1,442,000)
Basic average common shares	53,140,000	52,471,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	718,000	1,483,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	53,858,000	53,954,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.21	$ 0.19
Diluted	$ 0.21	$ 0.18
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	7,684,000	6,254,000

Stock Ownership Plans (Details)

Stock Ownership Plans (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross | shares	868
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 1.53
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares	1,546
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period | shares	(47)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 3.63
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares	2,359
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 3.62
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 2.84
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options | $	$ 3,762,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period | shares	(8)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Share Increase (Decrease) in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 0
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, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares	1,871
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period | shares	(27)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number | shares	1,841
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number | shares	1,814
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 2.71
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	23.17
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	2.41
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 2.42
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value | $	$ 455,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value | $	445,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options | $	$ 12,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period | shares	3
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 1.13

Fair Value Measurements Fair Va

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 703,996,000	$ 725,872,000
Warrant liability fair value	4,167,000	4,240,000	$ 16,930,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	167,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	358,000,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	395,000,000	$ 400,000,000
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 144,000,000

Fair Value Measurements Fair 38

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Not Practicable (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2015	Sep. 27, 2015
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Investments	$ 6,359,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 703,996,000	$ 725,872,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 28, 2009
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Pulitzer Step Up Tax Benefit- Amortization Period	15 years

New Accounting Pronouncements40

New Accounting Pronouncements (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 27, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$ 15,659,000