| Document And Entity Information | Mar. 28, 2021 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | LEE ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Mar. 28, 2021 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity, File Number | 1-6227 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 42-0823980 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | 4600 E. 53rd Street |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Davenport |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | IA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 52807 |
| City Area Code | 563 |
| Local Phone Number | 383-2100 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | LEE |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0000058361 |
