Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (required for) provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Non-NEOs Non-NEOs [Member] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Defined benefit plan, plan assets, period increase (decrease) Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Period Increase (Decrease) Weighted average common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Issued, Basic Print advertising revenue Print [Member] Represents operating revenue from digital sources. Common Class A Common Class A [Member] Distributions to minority owners Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Associated companies Equity Method Investments Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Total intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Decrease in pension and other postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Rights Agreement Rights Agreement [Member] Rights Agreement Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Other Other revenue Product and Service, Other [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Unearned revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Service cost for benefits earned during the period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Other Other Assets, Noncurrent Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Customer and newspaper subscriber lists Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Table] Intangible Asset, Finite-Lived [Table] MNI MNI [Member] Information pertaining to Madison Newspapers, Inc. ("MNI"). Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Net cash (required for) provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Pension and postretirement medical benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Principal payments on long term borrowings Principal Payments On Long-Term Borrowings Principal Payments On Long-Term Borrowings Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Change in income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Shares redeemed Shares Issued (Redeemed) Equity impact of the value of stock issued (redeemed) during the period. Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Amount of loss contingency liability Loss Contingency Accrual Loss per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted EPS [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted EPS Expense related to cybersecurity incident Cybersecurity Incident Related Expenses Cybersecurity Incident Related Expenses Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Compensation and other accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Anti-dilutive shares excluded (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill, beginning of period Goodwill, end of period Goodwill Allowance for credit loss Balance, beginning of period Balance, end of period Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Comprehensive loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Pension Plan Pension Plan [Member] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Award Type Award Type [Axis] Loss per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Total liabilities Liabilities Non-controlling interests Equity, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Compensation Labor and Related Expense Cybersecurity insurance, deductible Cybersecurity Incident, Insurance Deductible, Amount Cybersecurity Incident, Insurance Deductible, Amount Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Weighted average amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Cash provided by investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Class of warrant or right, number of securities called by each warrant or right (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Current portion of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Total Shareholder Return Amount Total Shareholder Return Amount Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted [Flag] Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Property and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Diluted average common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Total Lee Enterprises, Inc. Stockholders' deficit Equity, Attributable to Parent Amortization of net (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Construction in process Construction in Progress, Gross Interest expense Interest Expense, Nonoperating Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Settlement gain Settlement gain Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Deductions from reserves Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Parent Cash and cash equivalents: Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect [Abstract] Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost Pension Adjustments Prior Service Cost [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Pension obligations Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Document Type Document Type Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Principal payments on long-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Less weighted average restricted Common Stock (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares, Restricted Stock Beginning of period End of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations Secured Term Loan Secured Term Loan [Member] Represents information related to secured term loan. Defined Benefit Plan [Table] Defined Benefit Plan [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Mastheads Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] Amortizable intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation, lump sum payment for settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Lump Sum Payment for Settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Lump Sum Payment for Settlement Operating revenue: Revenues [Abstract] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date PEO Name PEO Name Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Number of defined benefit plans Number Of Defined Benefit Plans Number Of Defined Benefit Plans Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Schedule of Allowance for Credit Losses Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Pension, Postretirement and Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans Retirement Benefits [Text Block] (Increase) decrease in inventories and other Increase (Decrease) in Inventories and Other Operating Assets Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Amortization of prior service benefit Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Schedule of Net Periodic Pension and Postretirement Cost (Benefit) Components Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Name Measure Name Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Preferred Share Purchase Rights Preferred Share Purchase Rights [Member] Preferred Share Purchase Rights (Increase) decrease in receivables Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Stock compensation expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Medical Plan Postretirement Medical Plans Postretirement Health Coverage [Member] Net loss Net (loss) income Net loss Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from sales of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Newsprint and ink Newsprint And Ink Newsprint and ink expense: expenses related to the consumption of newsprint and ink (both inventoried items) Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Non-operating (expense) income: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Long-term debt, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Common stock transactions, net Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Total non-operating expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Long-term debt, increase in outstanding balance Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation, period (years) Multiemployer Plans Withdrawal Obligation Period The period of time in which an obligation recognized by withdrawing from a pension or postretirement benefit plan will be paid. Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Net cash provided by investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Operating (loss) income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Total liabilities and deficit Liabilities and Equity Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Summarized Results of TNI and MNI Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital INN Partners, L.C. INN Partners, L.C. [Member] Information pertaining to INN Partners, L.C. ("TownNews.com"). Restructuring costs and other Restructuring costs Restructuring Charges Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Individual: Individual [Axis] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Inventories Inventory, Net Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Curtailment/Settlement gains Curtailment/Settlement gain Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Preferred share purchase rights, terms of exercisability, ownership percentage Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Terms Of Exercisability, Ownership Percentage Threshold Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Terms Of Exercisability, Ownership Percentage Threshold Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation, voluntary settlement, number of participants Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Voluntary Settlement, Number of Participants Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Voluntary Settlement, Number of Participants Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] BH Finance BH Finance [Member] Represents information related to BH finance. Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, No Par Value Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Represents information related to credit agreement. Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Advertising and marketing services Advertising and marketing services revenue Advertising and Marketing Services [Member] Represents the information pertaining to advertising and marketing services. Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Bad debt expense Additions charged to expense Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal) Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Loss Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' equity (deficit): Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Total investments Investments Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Deferred income taxes, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Material Terms of Trading Arrangement Material Terms of Trading Arrangement [Text Block] Long-term debt, term (years) Debt Instrument, Term All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] PEO PEO [Member] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term debt, fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Other intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Net income Operating Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Amount of operating income (loss) for proportionate share of equity method investee's income (loss). Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Equity in earnings of associated companies Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income before taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] TNI Partners TNI Partners [Member] Information pertaining to TNI Partners ("TNI"). Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Multiemployer plans, withdrawal obligation Multiemployer Plans, Withdrawal Obligation Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Earnings, net of distributions, deemed returns on investment of TNI and MNI Distributions Greater (Less) Than Earnings Of TNI And MNI Distributions which are greater (less) than the earnings of TNI Partners ("TNI")and Madison Newspapers, Inc.("MNI"). Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Total operating expenses Operating expenses Operating Expenses Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Equity Method Investment [Table] Equity Method Investment [Table] PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Measure: Measure [Axis] Investments: Investments [Abstract] Pension and OPEB related benefit and other, net Pension And OPEB Related Benefit (Cost) And Other, Net Pension And OPEB Related Benefit (Cost) And Other, Net Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Expense of Enforcement, Amount Customer and newspaper subscriber lists Customer and Newspaper Subscriber Lists [Member] Represents information related to customer and newspaper subscriber lists. Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Stock compensation APIC, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Non-amortized intangible assets: Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Subscription Subscription revenue Subscription and Circulation [Member] Common Class B Common Class B [Member] Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Other Other Long-Term Investments City Area Code City Area Code Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Digital advertising revenue Digital [Member] Represents operating revenue from digital sources. Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Total current assets Assets, Current Accounts receivable, excluding allowance for credit loss Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] VPPA Class Action VPPA Class Action [Member] VPPA Class Action Dividends declared, number of preferred share purchase rights Dividends Declared, Number Of Preferred Share Purchase Rights Per Common Share Dividends Declared, Number Of Preferred Share Purchase Rights Per Common Share Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Defined benefit plan, plan assets, contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Long-term debt, net of current maturities Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Number of state and local jurisdictions Number Of State And Local Jurisdictions Number Of State And Local Jurisdictions Non Core Operations Non-Core Operations [Member] Non Core Operations Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Equity: Equity [Abstract] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Net cash provided by (required for) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Preferred stock purchase rights, number of common shares issued in lieu of discount Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Number Of Common Shares Issued In Lieu Of Discount Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Number Of Common Shares Issued In Lieu Of Discount Assets loss (gain) on sales, impairments and other, net Assets (loss) gain on sales, impairments and other, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Cash (required for) provided by operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Pension and medical plan assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Long-term debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Revenue Disaggregated by Source Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Common stock Common Stock, Value, Issued Defined benefit plan, expected future employer contributions, next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Land and improvements Land Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Cash provided by (required for) financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Serial convertible preferred stock, no par value; authorized 500 shares; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Axis] Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Amortizable intangible assets: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Equipment Machinery and Equipment, Gross Total assets Assets Distribution from equity method investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Nonconsolidated Investee [Domain] Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Withdrawal liabilities and other Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Violation of Home Country Law, Amount Investments In Associated Companies Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of warrant or right, exercise price of warrants or rights (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Schedule of Goodwill and Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] The tabular disclosure of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with both finite and infinite lives by major class. Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated: Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Trading Arrangement: Trading Arrangement [Axis] Total operating revenue Operating revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Pay vs Performance Disclosure, Table Pay vs Performance [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Property and equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Non-Controlling Interests: Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations Postemployment Benefits Liability, Noncurrent Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Insider Trading Arrangements [Line Items] Buildings and improvements Buildings and Improvements, Gross Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Non-cash interest Non-Cash Interest Expense Non-Cash Interest Expense PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Mastheads Mastheads [Member] Represents information related to Mastheads. Contract liability revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Prepaid and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Net income attributable to non-controlling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Allocated to sold operations Allocated to sold operations Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Preferred share purchase rights, discount rate for purchase of additional shares, percentage Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Exercisable, Discount Rate For Purchase Of Additional Common Shares Warrants Or Rights Outstanding, Exercisable, Discount Rate For Purchase Of Additional Common Shares Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Equity method investments, ownership percentage Subsidiary, Ownership Percentage, Noncontrolling Owner Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Basic average common shares (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Total deficit Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name