View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000058361
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-28
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,596,041
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 62,832,000

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 14,878	$ 17,562
Accounts receivable, net		61,319	63,215
Income taxes receivable		0	6,634
Inventories		7,428	6,409
Deferred income taxes		2,017	2,017
Other		7,898	8,488
Total current assets		93,540	104,325
Investments:
Associated companies		38,692	39,489
Other		10,978	10,558
Total investments		49,670	50,047
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements		23,568	23,626
Buildings and improvements		184,843	184,838
Equipment		296,344	299,828
Construction in process		3,618	2,868
Property, plant and equipment, gross		508,373	511,160
Less accumulated depreciation		345,164	342,247
Property and equipment, net		163,209	168,913
Goodwill	$ 243,729	243,729	243,729
Other intangible assets, net	$ 228,375	228,375	242,184
Postretirement assets, net		15,403	14,956
Other		3,356	3,551
Total assets		797,282	827,705
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt		11,112	14,371
Accounts payable		20,599	22,448
Compensation and other accrued liabilities		24,373	28,493
Interest Payable, Current		1,773	9,074
Income taxes payable		1,607	0
Unearned revenue		33,268	32,605
Total current liabilities		92,732	106,991
Long-term debt, net of current maturities		791,339	820,187
Pension obligations		29,025	30,583
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations		7,549	7,253
Deferred income taxes		20,672	21,224
Income taxes payable		5,727	5,257
Other		5,818	5,900
Total liabilities		952,862	997,395
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		244,083	242,537
Accumulated deficit		(407,699)	(421,077)
Accumulated other comprehensive income		6,783	7,666
Total stockholders' deficit		(156,297)	(170,350)
Non-controlling interests		717	660
Total deficit		(155,580)	(169,690)
Total liabilities and deficit		797,282	827,705
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock		536	524
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock		$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parentheticals (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Mar. 30, 2014	Sep. 29, 2013
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	53,596,000	52,434,000
Common Class B [Member]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 2.00	$ 2.00
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	0	0

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenue:
Advertising and marketing services	$ 102,719	$ 107,382	$ 225,110	$ 236,281
Subscription	42,098	43,970	87,648	90,026
Other	9,276	9,251	18,720	18,951
Total operating revenue	154,093	160,603	331,478	345,258
Operating expenses:
Compensation	59,071	64,209	121,212	130,165
Newsprint and ink	9,334	10,712	19,895	22,886
Other operating expenses	52,712	53,259	107,870	107,470
Depreciation	5,135	5,294	10,411	10,796
Amortization of intangible assets	6,916	9,539	13,809	19,093
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	(1,501)	150	(1,635)	135
Workforce adjustments	299	512	506	1,315
Total operating expenses	131,966	143,675	272,068	291,860
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,593	1,733	4,512	4,778
Operating income	23,720	18,661	63,922	58,176
Non-operating income (expense):
Financial income	101	5	221	85
Financial expense	(20,552)	(22,933)	(41,379)	(46,399)
Debt financing costs	(99)	(42)	(203)	(89)
Other, net	27	(61)	121	6,946
Total non-operating expense, net	(20,523)	(23,031)	(41,240)	(39,457)
Income (loss) before income taxes	3,197	(4,370)	22,682	18,719
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,492	(808)	8,875	8,640
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,705	(3,562)	13,807	10,079
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	(2,293)	0	(1,247)
Net income (loss)	1,705	(5,855)	13,807	8,832
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(219)	(140)	(429)	(257)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	1,486	(5,995)	13,378	8,575
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	(442)	(93)	(883)	(187)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	1,044	(6,088)	12,495	8,388
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 1,486	$ (3,702)	$ 13,378	$ 9,822
Basic:
Continuing operations	$ 0.03	$ (0.07)	$ 0.26	$ 0.19
Discontinued operations	0.00	(0.04)	0.00	(0.02)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	0.03	(0.12)	0.26	0.17
Diluted:
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07)	0.25	0.19
Discontinued operations	0.00	(0.04)	0.00	(0.02)
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ (0.12)	$ 0.25	$ 0.17

Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	$ (1,635,000)	$ 135,000
Net income (loss)	13,807,000	8,832,000
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	(1,247,000)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,807,000	10,079,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	24,220,000	29,889,000
Amortization (accretion) of debt present value adjustment	2,394,000	2,715,000
Loss (gain) on Sale of Investments	0	(7,093,000)
Stock compensation expense	684,000	732,000
Distributions greater than earnings of MNI	1,309,000	369,000
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	62,000	(3,515,000)
Debt financing costs	175,000	73,000
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables	1,896,000	6,180,000
Decrease in inventories and other	(559,000)	1,523,000
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, compensation and other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue	(12,607,000)	(4,752,000)
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	(3,205,000)	(1,632,000)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable	8,711,000	11,822,000
Other, net	(507,000)	(1,237,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	34,745,000	45,288,000
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,895,000)	(4,699,000)
Proceeds from sales of assets	2,170,000	7,231,000
Distributions greater (less) than current earnings of TNI	(511,000)	(362,000)
Other, net	0	(125,000)
Net Ccsh provided by investing activities of continuing operations	(3,236,000)	2,045,000
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
Payments on long-term debt	(34,500,000)	(52,850,000)
Debt financing and reorganization costs paid	(268,000)	(100,000)
Common stock transactions net	575,000	6,000
Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations	(34,193,000)	(52,944,000)
Net cash provided by (required for) discontinued operations
Operating activities	0	(552,000)
Investing activities	0	14,689,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,684,000)	$ 8,526,000
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	$ 17,562,000

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The Consolidated Financial Statements included herein are unaudited. 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 March 30, 2014 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 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain amounts as previously reported have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. See Note 2. References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2014”, “2013” 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. On December 12, 2011, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary, prepackaged petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the "Bankruptcy Court") for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (the "U.S. Bankruptcy Code") (collectively, the "Chapter 11 Proceedings"). Our interests in TNI and MNI were not included in the filings. During the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we, and certain of our subsidiaries, continued to operate as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In general, as debtors-in-possession, we were authorized under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but were not to engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the prior approval of the Bankruptcy Court. On January 23, 2012, the Bankruptcy Court approved our Second Amended Joint Prepackaged Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and on January 30, 2012 (the "Effective Date") the Company emerged from the Chapter 11 Proceedings. On the Effective Date, the Plan became effective and the transactions contemplated by the Plan were consummated. Implementation of the Plan resulted primarily in a comprehensive refinancing of our debt. The Chapter 11 Proceedings did not adversely affect employees, vendors, contractors, customers or any aspect of Company operations. Stockholders retained their interest in the Company, subject to modest dilution. As a result, “fresh start” accounting was not utilized. In May 2013, we refinanced a portion of our debt, extending the maturity to April 2017. On March 31, 2014, we refinanced all of our remaining debt, extending the related maturity dates to March 2019, March 2022 or December 2022. See Notes 5 and 12.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 852
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122150

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28200181&loc=SL6228881-111685

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668296&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755

+ Details

Discontinued Operations

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In March 2013, we sold The Garden Island newspaper and digital operations in Lihue, HI for $2,000,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a loss of $2,170,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. Operating results of The Garden Island have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Assets and liabilities of the The Garden Island at February 28, 2013 are summarized as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	February 28 2013

Current assets	433
Property and equipment, net	770
Goodwill	500
Other intangible assets, net	4,025
Current liabilities	(271	)
Assets, net	5,457

In October 2012, we sold the North County Times in Escondido, CA for $11,950,000 in cash, plus an adjustment for working capital. The transaction resulted in a gain of $1,167,000, after income taxes, and was recorded in discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2012. Operating results of the North County Times have been classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Assets and liabilities of the North County Times at September 30, 2012 are summarized as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30 2012

Current assets	2,093
Property and equipment, net	5,158
Goodwill	3,042
Other intangible assets, net	1,920
Current liabilities	(1,714	)
Assets, net	10,499

Results of discontinued operations consist of the following:



	13 Weeks Ended		26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 31 2013		March 31 2013

Operating revenue	517		1,321
Costs and expenses	(698	)	(1,697	)
Gain on sale of the North County Times	—		1,800
Loss on sale of The Garden Island	(3,340	)	(3,340	)
Gain from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(3,521	)	(1,916	)
Income tax expense	(1,228	)	(669	)
Net loss	(2,293	)	(1,247	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1510-107760

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1020-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8077374&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

+ Details

Investments in Associated Companies

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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		26 Weeks Ended		27 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013	March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Operating revenue	15,065	15,922	31,137		33,466
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	12,297	13,114	24,667		26,751
Workforce adjustments	—	—	(87	)	—
Operating income	2,768	2,808	6,557		6,715
Company's 50% share of operating income	1,384	1,404	3,279		3,358
Less amortization of intangible assets	104	181	209		361
Equity in earnings of TNI	1,280	1,223	3,070		2,997

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 (Loss). These amounts totaled $(41,000) and $(108,000) in the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014 and March 31, 2013, respectively, $(34,000) in the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014, and $(276,000) in the 27 weeks ended March 31, 2013.

Annual amortization of intangible assets is estimated to be $418,000 in each of the 52 week periods ending March 2015, March 2016, March 2017, the 53 week period ending March 2018 and in the 52 week period ending March 2019.

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			26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013		March 30 2014	March 31 2013

Operating revenue	16,119	15,474		33,432	34,038
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	14,597	13,628		27,856	27,677
Workforce adjustments	229	(11	)	229	(11	)
Depreciation and amortization	398	381		794	764
Operating income	895	1,476		4,553	5,608
Net income	625	952		2,885	3,495
Equity in earnings of MNI	313	510		1,442	1,781

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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:



	26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014

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)	March 30 2014	September 29 2013

Nonamortized intangible assets:
Mastheads	27,038	27,038
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	686,732	686,732
Less accumulated amortization	485,397	471,589
	201,335	215,143
Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524	28,524
Less accumulated amortization	28,522	28,521
	2	3
	228,375	242,184

Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 week periods ending March 2015, March 2016, March 2017, the 53 week period ending March 2018 and the 52 week period ending March 2019, is estimated to be $27,543,000, $26,625,000, $25,428,000, $20,788,000 and $16,546,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Debt

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Debt [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]


	DEBT

As discussed more fully below (and certain capitalized terms used below defined), in January 2012, in conjunction with the effectiveness of the Plan, we refinanced all of our debt. The Plan refinanced our then-existing credit agreement and extended the April 2012 maturity in a structure of first and second lien debt with the existing lenders ("Lenders"). We also amended the Pulitzer Notes, and extended the April 2012 maturity with the existing Noteholders. In May 2013, we again refinanced the remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes. On March 31, 2014, subsequent to the end of the quarter, we refinanced all of our other debt. The following description of the 1^st Lien Agreement and the 2^nd Lien Agreement is related to such debt as it existed at the end of the quarter, prior to the refinancing.

1^st Lien Agreement

In January 2012, we entered into a credit agreement (the “1^st Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “1^st Lien Lenders”). The 1^st Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $689,510,000, and a new $40,000,000 revolving credit facility under which we have not drawn. The revolving credit facility also supports issuance of letters of credit.

Interest Payments

Debt under the 1^stLien Agreement bears interest, at our option, at either a base rate or an adjusted Eurodollar rate (“LIBOR”), plus an applicable margin. The base rate for the facility is the greater of (a) the prime lending rate of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas at such time; (b) 0.5% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate at such time; or (c) 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%. LIBOR loans are subject to a minimum rate of 1.25%. The applicable margin for term loan base rate loans is 5.25%, and 6.25% for LIBOR loans. The applicable margin for revolving credit facility base rate loans is 4.5%, and is 5.5% for LIBOR loans. At March 30, 2014, all borrowing under the 1^st Lien Agreement is based on LIBOR at a total rate of 7.5%.

Principal Payments

At March 30, 2014, the balance outstanding under the term loan is $593,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1^st Lien Agreement at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.

We are required to repay principal amounts, on a quarterly basis until maturity, under the 1^st Lien Agreement. Principal payments are required quarterly beginning in June 2012, and total $12,750,000 in 2014, $13,500,000 in 2015 and $3,375,000 in 2016, prior to the final maturity.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the 1^st Lien Agreement under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The 1^st Lien Agreement also requires us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other 1^st Lien Agreement payments prior to the December 2015 maturity.

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1^st Lien Agreement, are summarized as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended		13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 29 2013	March 30 2014	June 29 2014	September 28 2014

Mandatory	3,000	3,000	3,375	3,375
Voluntary	3,350	5,500	—	—
Asset sales	150	—	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	1,500	—	—
	6,500	10,000	3,375	3,375

2013 payments made under the 1^stLien Agreement are summarized as follows:



				13 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 30 2012	March 31 2013	June 30 2013	September 29 2013

Mandatory	2,500	2,500	3,000	3,000
Voluntary	9,750	15,350	2,260	6,000
Asset sales	7,750	—	240	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	20,000	17,850	5,500	9,000

Security

The 1^st Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of our existing and future, direct and indirect subsidiaries in which we hold a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% (the “Credit Parties”); provided however, that our wholly-owned subsidiary Pulitzer Inc. (“Pulitzer”) and its subsidiaries are not Credit Parties. The 1^st Lien Agreement is secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Credit Parties in their respective subsidiaries.

The Credit Parties have also granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted mortgages covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 1^st Lien Agreement. Assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded.

The revolving credit facility has a super-priority security interest over all of the collateral securing the term loan under the 1^stLien Agreement, superior to that of the term loan lenders.

Covenants and Other Matters

The 1^st Lien Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for financing of its type. Due to the refinancing on March 31, 2014, compliance with such covenants was not required for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2014.

2^nd Lien Agreement

In January 2012, we entered into a second lien term loan (the “2^nd Lien Agreement”) with a syndicate of lenders (the “2^nd Lien Lenders”). The 2^nd Lien Agreement consists of a term loan of $175,000,000.

The 2^nd Lien Agreement bears interest at 15.0% per annum, payable quarterly.

Principal Payments and Redemption

The 2^nd Lien Agreement requires no principal amortization, except in March 2017 if required for income tax purposes.

From January 30, 2013 until January 30, 2014, the 2^nd Lien Agreement could have been redeemed at 102% of the principal amount, at 101% thereafter until January 30, 2015 and at 100% thereafter until the April 2017 final maturity. Terms of the 1^st Lien Agreement also restrict principal payments under the 2^nd Lien Agreement.

Security

The 2^nd Lien Agreement is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Credit Parties and by Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, other than TNI (collectively, the "2^nd Lien Credit Parties"). The 2^nd Lien Agreement is secured by second priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the 2^nd Lien Credit Parties.

The 2^ndLien Credit Parties have also granted a second priority security interest on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, and granted second lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2^nd Lien Agreement. Assets of TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded. However, assets of Pulitzer and its subsidiaries, excluding TNI, become subject to a first priority security interest of the 2^nd Lien Lenders upon repayment in full of the Pulitzer Notes and any successor debt.

The 2^nd Lien Lenders were granted a second priority security interest in our ownership interest in TNI under the New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below.

Covenants and Other Matters

The 2^nd Lien Agreement has no affirmative financial covenants. Restrictions on capital expenditures, permitted investments, indebtedness and other provisions are similar to, but generally less restrictive than, those provisions under the 1st Lien Agreement.

2^nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock valued at $9,576,000 based on the closing stock price of $1.42 on the date of issuance, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012. 2^nd Lien Lenders also received $8,750,000 in the form of non-cash fees, which were added to and included in the principal amount of the second lien term loan.

Debt Refinancing as of March 31, 2014 - Subsequent Event

On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our debt, which includes the following:


•	$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, certain subsidiaries party thereto from time to time (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Collateral Agent;


•	$250,000,000 first lien term loan and $40,000,000 revolving facility under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “New 1^st Lien Credit Facility”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “New 1^st Lien Lenders”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent; and


•	$150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “New 2^nd Lien Term Loan”) among the Company, the lenders party thereto from time to time (the “New 2^nd Lien Lenders”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.

The Notes, New 1^st Lien Credit Facility and New 2^nd Lien Term Loan enabled us to repay in full all amounts outstanding under, including accrued interest, and terminate, on March 31, 2014: (i) the remaining principal balance of $593,000,000 under the 1^st Lien Agreement, and related subsidiary guaranty, security and pledge agreements, intercompany subordination and intercreditor agreements; and (ii) the remaining principal balance of $175,000,000 under the 2^ndLien Agreement, and related subsidiary guaranty, security and pledge agreements and intercreditor agreement. We also used the proceeds of the refinancing to pay fees and expenses related to the refinancing.

Notes

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at an annual rate of 9.5%. Interest on the Notes accrues from March 31, 2014 and the first interest payment date is due September 15, 2014. The Notes were sold pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time on or after March 15, 2018 at the redemption prices described in the Indenture. We may also redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to March 15, 2017 using the proceeds of certain future equity offerings. The Notes have customary call protection provisions, as set forth in the Indenture. 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.

The Notes are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of our material domestic subsidiaries in which the Company holds a direct or indirect interest of more than 50% and which guaranty indebtedness for borrowed money, including the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2014, material domestic subsidiaries of the Company that are excluded from such subsidiary guarantee obligations under the Notes are (a) MNI, (b) except as noted below, Pulitzer and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Pulitzer Subsidiaries”), and (c) TNI.

At such time as the New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully below, are satisfied, including any successor debt (the “Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date”), the Notes will also be guaranteed by Pulitzer and each Pulitzer Subsidiary that guarantees the indebtedness under the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility or other borrowings incurred by the Company or any subsidiary guarantor.

The Notes and the subsidiary guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by a lien on all property and assets of the Company and each subsidiary guarantor, other than any property and assets of MNI, Pulitzer, each Pulitzer Subsidiary and TNI (the “Lee Legacy Collateral”), on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility, pursuant to a Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Notes Security Agreement”) among the Company and the subsidiary guarantors (collectively, the “Notes Assignors”) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas.

Certain of the Notes Assignors, separately, will grant first lien mortgages or deeds of trust, covering their material real estate and improvements for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.

Also, the Notes are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by the Notes Assignors pursuant to the Notes Security Agreement.

Prior to the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, none of the property and assets of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries (collectively, the “Pulitzer Collateral”) will be pledged to secure the Notes or the subsidiary guarantees. After the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, the Notes and the subsidiary guarantees will be secured, subject to permitted liens, by a lien on the Pulitzer Collateral owned by each of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that become subsidiary guarantors on a second-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility and certain other indebtedness for borrowed money incurred by the Company or any subsidiary guarantor.

The Indenture contains certain of the restrictive covenants in the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility described below and limitations on our use of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries’ cash flows. However, many of these covenants will cease to apply if the Notes are rated investment grade from either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture.

The rights of the Notes Assignors with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral are subject to:


•	A Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement”) among the Company, the other Grantors party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., U.S. Bank National Association and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas; and


•	A Junior Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Junior Intercreditor Agreement”) among the Company, the other Grantors party hereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., U.S. Bank National Association, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

New 1^st Lien Credit Facility

The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility consists of a $250,000,000 term loan facility (the “Term Loan”) and a $40,000,000 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of both the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan. The Revolving Facility, which was not drawn on the Closing Date, may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit).

The Term Loan has an original issue discount of 2.0%. Interest on the Term Loan accrues at either (at our option) LIBOR plus 6.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) or at a base rate equal to highest of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 5.25% (with a base rate floor of 2.0%), and is payable quarterly, beginning in June 2014. Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required, with other payments made either voluntarily, based on excess cash flow or proceeds from asset sales. The Term Loan matures in March 2019. Concurrently with the issuance of the Term Loan, we also entered into the Revolving Facility that matures in December 2018. Interest on the Revolving Facility, when used, accrues at either (at our option) LIBOR plus 5.5%, or at a base rate equal to highest of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, and (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus 4.5%. The Company may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the New 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.

The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including maintenance of a maximum total leverage ratio, which only applies to the Revolving Facility. The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock, and generally restricts us from repurchasing Common Stock, unless in each case no default shall have occurred and we have satisfied certain financial measurements. Further, the New 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 New 1^st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture, New 2^nd Lien Term Loan and New Pulitzer Notes.

The New 1^st Lien Credit Facility is secured, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by perfected security interests in substantially all the assets of the Company and guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors (together with the Company, the “1^st Lien Assignors”), pursuant to a First Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “1^st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Company’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ existing and future obligations under the Notes. The 1^st Lien Assignors’ pledged assets include, among other things, equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, depository accounts, intellectual property and certain of their other tangible and intangible assets (excluding the assets of Pulitzer, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, TNI and MNI).

Under the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility, certain of the 1^st Lien Assignors, separately, will grant first lien mortgages or deeds of trust, covering certain real estate and improvements, to the 1^st Lien Lenders (excluding the real estate of Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries, TNI and MNI).

Also, the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of interests in all of the stock and other equity interests owned by the 1^st Lien Assignors (excluding the capital stock and equity interests of or held by Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, as well as the capital stock and equity interest of MNI and TNI, respectively).

The rights of the 1^st Lien Assignors with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral are subject to:


•	The Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement;


•	The Junior Intercreditor Agreement; and


•	An Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “1^st Lien Intercompany Subordination Agreement”) among the Company, Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

New 2^nd Lien Term Loan

The $150,000,000 New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, bears interest at 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures on December 15, 2022. There are no scheduled mandatory amortization payments required.

Under the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, cash flows of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries must be used, (i) first, to reduce the outstanding amount of the New Pulitzer Notes to zero and (ii) second, (a) at any time after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date but prior to March 31, 2017, to make an offer to the New 2^nd Lien Lenders (which offer the New 2^nd Lien Lenders may accept or reject), to pay amounts under the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan at par and (b) at any time after the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date and on or after March 31, 2017, to pay amounts under the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan at par. After the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date, subject to certain conditions in the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, the balance of the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan can, or will be, reduced at par from proceeds from asset sales by Pulitzer or the Pulitzer Subsidiaries. Voluntary payments under the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan otherwise will be subject to call premiums that step down to zero over a five-year period.

The New 2^nd Lien Term Loan is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Company, Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries (collectively, the “2^nd Lien Assignors”), other than MNI and TNI, 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 2^nd Lien Assignors and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

Under the 2^nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the 2^nd Lien Assignors have granted (i) second priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, on substantially all of their tangible and intangible assets, including the stock and other equity interests owned by the 2^nd Lien Assignors, and (ii) will grant second lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan. Assets of, or used in the operations or business of, TNI and our ownership interest in, and assets of, MNI are excluded.

Assets of Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, excluding assets of or assets used in the operations or business of, TNI, will become subject to (i) a first priority security interest in favor of the New 2^nd Lien Lenders; and (ii) a second priority security interest in favor of the secured parties under the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility, as applicable, upon the Pulitzer Debt Satisfaction Date.

The New 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 New 1^st Lien Credit Facility described above. The New 2^nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The New 2^nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture, New 1^st Lien Loan Credit Facility and the New Pulitzer Notes.

The 2^nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement is subject to:


•	The Junior Intercreditor Agreement;

•

An Intercreditor Agreement dated as of January 30, 2012 among The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., Wilmington Trust, National Association, Pulitzer and the Pulitzer Subsidiaries, as amended by the First Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement dated May 1, 2013, and as further amended by the Second Amendment to Intercreditor Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Second Amendment to Pulitzer Intercreditor Agreement”); and


•	An Intercompany Subordination Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Pulitzer Intercompany Subordination Agreement”) among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors, Pulitzer, Pulitzer Subsidiaries and Wilmington Trust, National Association.

In connection with the New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”) between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the New 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.

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 file and maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants.

We incurred approximately $32,000,000 of fees and expenses related to the refinancing, including a $1,750,000 premium (1% of the principal amount) related to the redemption of the 2^nd Lien Agreement and $5,000,000 original issue discount on the New 1^st Lien Credit Facility. In addition, at March 30, 2014 we have $10,549,000 of unamortized present value adjustments related to the 1^st Lien Agreement and 2^nd Lien Agreement. Certain of the unamortized present value adjustments, the new fees and expenses and a portion of the value of the Warrants will be charged to expense in the 13 weeks ending June 29, 2014 while the remainder of such costs will be capitalized and amortized into interest expense over the lives of the respective agreements.

New Pulitzer Notes

In conjunction with its formation in 2000, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC ("PD LLC") borrowed $306,000,000 (the “Pulitzer Notes”) from a group of institutional lenders (the “Noteholders”). The Pulitzer Notes were guaranteed by Pulitzer pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement with the Noteholders. The aggregate principal amount of the Pulitzer Notes was payable in April 2009.

In February 2009, the Pulitzer Notes and the Guaranty Agreement were amended (the “Notes Amendment”). Under the Notes Amendment, PD LLC repaid $120,000,000 of the principal amount of the debt obligation. The remaining debt balance of $186,000,000 was refinanced by the Noteholders until April 2012.

In January 2012, in connection with the Plan, we entered into an amended Note Agreement and Guaranty Agreement, which amended the Pulitzer Notes and extended the maturity with the Noteholders. After consideration of unscheduled principal payments totaling $15,145,000 ($10,145,000 in December 2011 and $5,000,000 in January 2012), offset by $3,500,000 of non-cash fees paid to the Noteholders in the form of additional Pulitzer Notes debt, the amended Pulitzer Notes had a balance of $126,355,000 in January 2012.

The Pulitzer Notes carried an interest rate at 10.55%, which increased 0.75% to 11.3% in January 2013 and was to increase in January of each year thereafter. Due to the increasing interest rate, interest on the Pulitzer Notes was charged to expense using a calculated effective interest rate during the period.

In May 2013, we refinanced the $94,000,000 remaining balance of the Pulitzer Notes (the “New Pulitzer Notes”) with BH Finance LLC ("Berkshire") a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The New Pulitzer Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 9.0%, payable quarterly. Pulitzer is a co-borrower under the the New Pulitzer Notes, which eliminates the former Guaranty Agreement made by Pulitzer under the Pulitzer Notes.

Principal Payments

At March 30, 2014, the balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is $45,000,000. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding under the New Pulitzer Notes at any time, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty (except as noted below), upon proper notice, and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments. The New Pulitzer Notes provide for mandatory scheduled prepayments totaling $6,400,000 annually, beginning in 2014.

In addition to the scheduled payments, we are required to make mandatory prepayments under the New Pulitzer Notes under certain other conditions, such as from the net proceeds from asset sales. The New Pulitzer Notes also require us to accelerate future payments in the amount of our quarterly excess cash flow, as defined. The acceleration of such payments due to future asset sales or excess cash flow does not change the due dates of other New Pulitzer Notes payments prior to the final maturity in April 2017.

The New Pulitzer Notes are subject to a 5% redemption premium if 100% of the remaining balance of the New Pulitzer Notes is again refinanced by lenders, the majority of which are not holders of the New Pulitzer Notes at the time of such refinancing. This redemption premium is not otherwise applicable to any of the types of payments noted above.

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the New Pulitzer Notes are summarized below.



	13 Weeks Ended		13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 29 2013	March 30 2014	June 29 2014	September 28 2014

Mandatory	6,400	—	—	—
Voluntary	1,600	10,000	—	—
Asset sales	—	—	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	8,000	10,000	—	—

2013 payments made under the New Pulitzer Notes or Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:



				13 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 30 2012	March 31 2013	June 30 2013	September 29 2013

Mandatory	3,800	2,600	—	—
Voluntary	—	1,500	14,000	17,000
Asset sales	5,200	1,900	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	9,000	6,000	14,000	17,000

Security

Obligations under the New Pulitzer Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by Pulitzer's existing and future subsidiaries other than PD LLC and TNI. The New Pulitzer Notes are also secured by first priority security interests in the stock and other equity interests owned by Pulitzer's subsidiaries including the 50% ownership interest in TNI. Also, Pulitzer, certain of its subsidiaries and PD LLC granted a first priority security interest on substantially all of its tangible and intangible assets, excluding the assets of Star Publishing leased to, or used in the operations or business of, TNI and granted deeds of trust covering certain real estate in the St. Louis area, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the New Pulitzer Notes.

Covenants and Other Matters

The New Pulitzer Notes contain certain covenants and conditions including the maintenance, by Pulitzer, of minimum trailing 12 month EBITDA (minimum of $24,700,000 beginning March 30, 2014), as defined in the New Pulitzer Notes agreement, and limitations on capital expenditures and the incurrence of other debt. Our actual trailing 12 month EBITDA at March 30, 2014 is $45,250,000. The determination of this amount is not the same as the comparable amount under the 1^st Lien Agreement.

Further, the New Pulitzer Notes have limitations or restrictions on distributions, loans, advances, investments, acquisitions, dispositions and mergers. Such covenants require that substantially all future cash flows of Pulitzer are required to be directed first toward repayment of the New Pulitzer Notes, interest due under the 2^nd Lien Agreement, or accumulation of cash collateral and that cash flows of Pulitzer are largely segregated from those of the Credit Parties.

Intercreditor Agreements

The 1^st Lien Agreement, 2^nd Lien Agreement and New Pulitzer Notes contain cross-default provisions tied to each of the various agreements. Intercreditor agreements and an intercompany subordination agreement are also in effect.

Other

Cash payments to the Lenders, Noteholders and legal and professional fees related to the Plan totaled $38,628,000, of which $6,273,000 was paid in 2011, and the remainder of which was paid in 2012. $720,000 of such costs were charged to expense in 2011. In addition, previously capitalized financing costs of $4,514,000 at September 25, 2011 were charged to expense in 2012 as debt financing costs prior to consummation of the Plan, with the remainder classified as reorganization costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) upon consummation of the Plan.

Debt under the Plan was considered compromised. As a result, the 1^st Lien Agreement, 2^nd Lien Agreement and Pulitzer Notes were recorded at their respective present values, which resulted in a discount to the stated principal amount totaling $23,709,000. We used the effective rates of the respective debt agreements to discount the debt to its present value. In determining the effective rates, we considered all cash outflows of the respective debt agreements including: mandatory principal payments, interest payments, fees paid to lenders in connection with the refinancing as well as, in the case of the 2^nd Lien Agreement, Common Stock issued. The present value is being amortized as a non-cash component of interest expense over the terms of the related debt.

The refinancing of the Pulitzer Notes with the New Pulitzer Notes resulted in the acceleration of $1,565,000 of the present value adjustment discussed above, which was partially offset by eliminating deferred interest expense of $1,189,000, and the net amount of which was recognized in the 13 weeks ended June 30, 2013. Expenses related to the issuance of the New Pulitzer Notes are capitalized as debt issuance costs and will be amortized until April 2017.

Amortization of the present value adjustment and other costs totaled $6,681,000 in 2013. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $4,779,000 in 2014, $4,742,000 in 2015, $2,297,000 in 2016 and $1,125,000 in 2017 before accounting for the New 2^nd Lien Agreement.

As a result of the Plan, we recognized $37,765,000 of reorganization costs in the 2012 Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). The components of reorganization costs are summarized as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)

Fees paid in cash to lenders, attorneys and others	38,628
Unamortized loan fees from previous debt agreements	1,740
Fair value of stock granted to 2^nd Lien Lenders	9,576
Noncash fees paid in the form of additional debt	12,250
Present value adjustment	(23,709	)
	38,485
Charged to expense in 2012	37,765
Charged to expense in 2011 as other non-operating expense	720

Debt is summarized as follows:



					Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		September 29 2013		March 30 2014

Revolving credit facility	—		—		6.75
1^st Lien Agreement	593,000		609,500		7.50
2^ndLien Agreement	175,000		175,000		15.00
New Pulitzer Notes	45,000		63,000		9.00
Pulitzer Notes	—		—
Unamortized present value adjustment	(10,549	)	(12,942	)
	802,451		834,558
Less current maturities of long-term debt	15,900		19,150
Current amount of present value adjustment	(4,788	)	(4,779	)
Total long-term debt	791,339		820,187

Liquidity

At March 30, 2014, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $29,942,000 available for future use under our revolving credit facility. Including cash, our liquidity at March 30, 2014 totals $44,821,000. 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.

At March 31, 2014, subsequent to the refinancing, the principal amount of our outstanding debt totals $845,000,000.

The comprehensive refinancing of our debt on March 31, 2014 significantly enhances our debt maturity profile. Final maturities of our debt have been extended to dates extending from March 2019 through December 2022. As a result, refinancing risk has been substantially reduced for the next several years.

There are numerous potential consequences under the Notes, New 1^st Lien Credit Facility, New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, if an event of default, as defined, occurs and is not remedied. Many of those consequences are beyond our control. The occurrence of one or more events of default would give rise to the right of the applicable lender(s) to exercise their remedies under the Notes, New 1^st Lien Credit Facility, New 2^nd Lien Term Loan, and the New Pulitzer Notes, respectively, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate all outstanding debt and take actions authorized in such circumstances under applicable collateral security documents.

Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due, or earlier if available liquidity is consumed. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at March 30, 2014. The Notes, New 1^st Lien Credit Facility and New 2^nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance.

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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. All benefits are frozen and no additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations and income tax laws. 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, PD LLC provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid. Plan assets may also be used to fund 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 cost (benefit) components of our pension and postretirement medical plans are as follows:



PENSION PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	39		54		78		108
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,999		1,882		3,998		3,764
Expected return on plan assets	(2,483	)	(2,459	)	(4,966	)	(4,918	)
Amortization of net loss	106		572		212		1,144
Amortization of prior service benefit	(34	)	(34	)	(68	)	(68	)
	(373	)	15		(746	)	30

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	149		182		298		364
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	228		281		456		562
Expected return on plan assets	(371	)	(368	)	(742	)	(736	)
Amortization of net gain	(455	)	(331	)	(910	)	(662	)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(365	)	(365	)	(730	)	(730	)
	(814	)	(601	)	(1,628	)	(1,202	)

Amortization of net gains (losses) and prior service benefits are recorded as Compensation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Based on our forecast at March 30, 2014, we expect to contribute $700,000 to our pension plans for the remainder of 2014. Based on our forecast at March 30, 2014, we do not expect to contribute to our postretirement plans for the remainder of 2014.

Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes includes deferred taxes and is based upon estimated annual effective tax rates in the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. Such annualization of effective tax rates can cause distortion in quarterly tax rates.

Income tax expense related to continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to income before income taxes. The reasons for these differences are as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Percent of Income Before Income Taxes)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Computed “expected” income tax expense	35.0		(35.0	)	35.0		35.0
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	3.4		(3.4	)	3.4		3.4
Dividends received deductions and credits	(6.8	)	5.0		(3.2	)	(5.2	)
Valuation allowance	(70.2	)	—		(5.6	)	5.9
Domestic production reduction	—		14.5		—		3.4
Resolution of tax matters	11.7		1.9		3.3		2.0
Deferred income tax rate adjustments	71.0		—		4.9		—
Other	2.6		(1.5	)	1.3		1.7
	46.7		(18.5	)	39.1		46.2

In connection with the refinancing of debt under the Chapter 11 Proceedings, we realized substantial cancellation of debt income (“CODI”) for income tax purposes. However, this income was not immediately taxable for U.S. income tax purposes because the CODI resulted from our reorganization under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. For U.S. income tax reporting purposes, we are required to reduce certain tax attributes, including any net operating loss carryforwards, capital losses, tax credit carryforwards, and the tax basis in other assets in a total amount equal to the tax gain on the extinguishment of debt. As a result, in February 2012 we began recognizing additional interest expense deductions for income tax purposes. The reduction in the basis of certain assets also resulted in reduced depreciation and amortization expense for income tax purposes, beginning in 2013.

Earnings per Common Share

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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 (loss) per common share:



	13 Weeks Ended			26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013		March 30 2014	March 31 2013

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
Continuing operations	1,486	(3,702	)	13,378	9,822
Discontinued operations	—	(2,293	)	—	(1,247	)
	1,486	(5,995	)	13,378	8,575
Weighted average common shares	53,519	52,296		53,199	52,295
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock	1,296	500		1,048	500
Basic average common shares	52,223	51,796		52,151	51,795
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	1,575	—		1,390	71
Diluted average common shares	53,798	51,796		53,541	51,866
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07	)	0.26	0.19
Discontinued operations	—	(0.04	)	—	(0.02	)
	0.03	(0.12	)	0.26	0.17
Diluted:
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07	)	0.25	0.19
Discontinued operations	—	(0.04	)	—	(0.02	)
	0.03	(0.12	)	0.25	0.17

For the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014, we had 98,000 and 100,000 weighted average shares, respectively, not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the stock option exercise price was in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. No stock options were considered in the computation of loss per common share in the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2013. For the 26 weeks ended March 31, 2013, we had 2,985,000 weighted average shares not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the stock option exercise price was in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.

Stock Ownership Plans

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 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 29, 2013	2,769		2.94
Granted	15		2.99
Exercised	(273	)	2.11
Cancelled	(73	)	10.46
Outstanding, March 30, 2014	2,438		2.81	7.1	6,434

Exercisable, March 30, 2014	1,496		3.82	6.4	3,351

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested stock options as of March 30, 2014 is $559,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

Restricted Common Stock

The table summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014.



(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Outstanding, September 29, 2013	500		1.31
Granted	801		3.61
Cancelled	(11	)	3.61
Outstanding, March 30, 2014	1,290		2.72

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at March 30, 2014 is $2,805,000, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification ("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; and 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 $8,774,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT, are carried at cost. The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1^st Lien Agreement, is $593,000,000, the amount at which it was redeemed when refinanced on March 31, 2014. Our fixed rate debt at March 30, 2014 consists of the $175,000,000 principal amount under the 2^nd Lien Agreement and $45,000,000 principal amount of New Pulitzer Notes, as discussed more fully in Note 5, which are not traded on an active market and are held by a small group of investors and Berkshire, respectively. At March 30, 2014, we estimate the fair value of debt under the 2^nd Lien Agreement to be approximately $176,750,000, the amount at which it was redeemed when refinanced on March 31, 2014. We are unable, as of March 30, 2014, to determine the fair value of the New Pulitzer Notes. The value, if determined, may be more or less than the carrying amount.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 30, 2014
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Redemption of PD LLC Minority Interest In February 2009, in conjunction with the Notes Amendment, PD LLC redeemed the 5% interest in PD LLC and STL Distribution Services LLC ("DS LLC") owned by The Herald Publishing Company, LLC ("Herald") pursuant to a Redemption Agreement and adopted conforming amendments to the Operating Agreement. As a result, the value of Herald's former interest (the “Herald Value”) was to be settled, based on a calculation of 10% of the fair market value of PD LLC and DS LLC at the time of settlement, less the balance, as adjusted, of the Pulitzer Notes or the equivalent successor debt, if any. We recorded a liability of $2,300,000 in 2009 as an estimate of the amount of the Herald Value to be disbursed. In 2011, we reduced the liability related to the Herald Value to $300,000 based on the current estimate of fair value. In October 2013, we issued 100,000 shares of Common Stock in full satisfaction of the Herald Value. Such shares had a fair value of $298,000 on the date of issuance. The redemption of Herald's interest in PD LLC and DS LLC may generate significant tax benefits to us as a consequence of the resulting increase in the tax basis of the assets owned by PD LLC and DS LLC and the related depreciation and amortization deductions. The increase in basis to be amortized for income tax purposes over a 15 year period beginning in February 2009 is approximately $258,000,000. Income Taxes We file income tax returns with the IRS and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows. We have various income tax examinations ongoing which are at different stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009. Legal Proceedings In 2008, a group of newspaper carriers filed suit against us in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, claiming to be our employees and not independent contractors. The plaintiffs seek relief related to alleged violations of various employment-based statutes, and request punitive damages and attorneys' fees. In 2010, the trial court granted the plaintiffs' petition for class certification. We filed an interlocutory appeal which was denied. After concluding discovery, a motion to decertify the class was filed, which was granted as to plaintiffs' minimum wage, overtime, unreimbursed meal, and unreimbursed rest period claims. The Company denies the allegations of employee status, consistent with our past practices and industry standards, and will continue to vigorously contest the remaining claims in the action, which are not covered by insurance. At this time we are unable to predict whether the ultimate economic outcome, if any, could have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole. We are involved in a variety of other legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these other matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these other legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole.

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	6 Months Ended
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	Mar. 30, 2014
Common Stock And Class B Common Stock [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Text Block]	COMMON STOCK Under the Plan, the par value of our Common Stock was changed from $2.00 per share to $0.01 per share effective January 30, 2012. 2^nd Lien Lenders shared in the issuance of 6,743,640 shares of our Common Stock, an amount equal to 13% of outstanding shares on a pro forma basis as of January 30, 2012. In connection with the New 2nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into the Warrant Agreement. Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the New 2nd 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 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. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into the Registration Rights Agreement. The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to file and maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Warrants.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011957&loc=d3e177068-122764

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6403732&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29
-Article 5

+ Details

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Mar. 30, 2014
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued an amendment to an existing accounting standard, which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of AOCI by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified in its entirety in the same reporting period. For amounts that are not required to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional details about those amounts. This guidance does not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements and is effective beginning in 2014. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27015980&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28359718&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e725-108305

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

Results of discontinued operations consist of the following:



	13 Weeks Ended		26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 31 2013		March 31 2013

Operating revenue	517		1,321
Costs and expenses	(698	)	(1,697	)
Gain on sale of the North County Times	—		1,800
Loss on sale of The Garden Island	(3,340	)	(3,340	)
Gain from discontinued operations, before income taxes	(3,521	)	(1,916	)
Income tax expense	(1,228	)	(669	)
Net loss	(2,293	)	(1,247	)

The Garden Island [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

Assets and liabilities of the The Garden Island at February 28, 2013 are summarized as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	February 28 2013

Current assets	433
Property and equipment, net	770
Goodwill	500
Other intangible assets, net	4,025
Current liabilities	(271	)
Assets, net	5,457

North County Times [Member]

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

Assets and liabilities of the North County Times at September 30, 2012 are summarized as follows:



(Thousands of Dollars)	September 30 2012

Current assets	2,093
Property and equipment, net	5,158
Goodwill	3,042
Other intangible assets, net	1,920
Current liabilities	(1,714	)
Assets, net	10,499

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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		26 Weeks Ended		27 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013	March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Operating revenue	15,065	15,922	31,137		33,466
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	12,297	13,114	24,667		26,751
Workforce adjustments	—	—	(87	)	—
Operating income	2,768	2,808	6,557		6,715
Company's 50% share of operating income	1,384	1,404	3,279		3,358
Less amortization of intangible assets	104	181	209		361
Equity in earnings of TNI	1,280	1,223	3,070		2,997

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			26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013		March 30 2014	March 31 2013

Operating revenue	16,119	15,474		33,432	34,038
Operating expenses, excluding workforce adjustments, depreciation and amortization	14,597	13,628		27,856	27,677
Workforce adjustments	229	(11	)	229	(11	)
Depreciation and amortization	398	381		794	764
Operating income	895	1,476		4,553	5,608
Net income	625	952		2,885	3,495
Equity in earnings of MNI	313	510		1,442	1,781

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Goodwill [Line Items]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:



	26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014

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)	March 30 2014	September 29 2013

Nonamortized intangible assets:
Mastheads	27,038	27,038
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	686,732	686,732
Less accumulated amortization	485,397	471,589
	201,335	215,143
Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524	28,524
Less accumulated amortization	28,522	28,521
	2	3
	228,375	242,184

Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

New Pulitzer Notes [Member]

Schedule of Payments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the New Pulitzer Notes are summarized below.



	13 Weeks Ended		13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 29 2013	March 30 2014	June 29 2014	September 28 2014

Mandatory	6,400	—	—	—
Voluntary	1,600	10,000	—	—
Asset sales	—	—	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	8,000	10,000	—	—

2013 payments made under the New Pulitzer Notes or Pulitzer Notes are summarized as follows:



				13 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 30 2012	March 31 2013	June 30 2013	September 29 2013

Mandatory	3,800	2,600	—	—
Voluntary	—	1,500	14,000	17,000
Asset sales	5,200	1,900	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	9,000	6,000	14,000	17,000

1st Lien Agreement [Member]

Schedule of Payments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]

2013 payments made under the 1^stLien Agreement are summarized as follows:



				13 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 30 2012	March 31 2013	June 30 2013	September 29 2013

Mandatory	2,500	2,500	3,000	3,000
Voluntary	9,750	15,350	2,260	6,000
Asset sales	7,750	—	240	—
Excess cash flow	—	—	—	—
	20,000	17,850	5,500	9,000

2014 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1^st Lien Agreement, are summarized as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended		13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 29 2013	March 30 2014	June 29 2014	September 28 2014

Mandatory	3,000	3,000	3,375	3,375
Voluntary	3,350	5,500	—	—
Asset sales	150	—	—	—
Excess cash flow	—	1,500	—	—
	6,500	10,000	3,375	3,375

Debt Schedule Of Debt Outstanding (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]

Debt is summarized as follows:



					Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		September 29 2013		March 30 2014

Revolving credit facility	—		—		6.75
1^st Lien Agreement	593,000		609,500		7.50
2^ndLien Agreement	175,000		175,000		15.00
New Pulitzer Notes	45,000		63,000		9.00
Pulitzer Notes	—		—
Unamortized present value adjustment	(10,549	)	(12,942	)
	802,451		834,558
Less current maturities of long-term debt	15,900		19,150
Current amount of present value adjustment	(4,788	)	(4,779	)
Total long-term debt	791,339		820,187

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Debt Reorganization Cost (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Reorganization Costs [Table Text Block]



(Thousands of Dollars)

Fees paid in cash to lenders, attorneys and others	38,628
Unamortized loan fees from previous debt agreements	1,740
Fair value of stock granted to 2^nd Lien Lenders	9,576
Noncash fees paid in the form of additional debt	12,250
Present value adjustment	(23,709	)
	38,485
Charged to expense in 2012	37,765
Charged to expense in 2011 as other non-operating expense	720

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Pension Postretirement And Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The net periodic cost (benefit) components of our pension and postretirement medical plans are as follows:



PENSION PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	39		54		78		108
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,999		1,882		3,998		3,764
Expected return on plan assets	(2,483	)	(2,459	)	(4,966	)	(4,918	)
Amortization of net loss	106		572		212		1,144
Amortization of prior service benefit	(34	)	(34	)	(68	)	(68	)
	(373	)	15		(746	)	30

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	149		182		298		364
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	228		281		456		562
Expected return on plan assets	(371	)	(368	)	(742	)	(736	)
Amortization of net gain	(455	)	(331	)	(910	)	(662	)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(365	)	(365	)	(730	)	(730	)
	(814	)	(601	)	(1,628	)	(1,202	)

Income Taxes (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]



	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(Percent of Income Before Income Taxes)	March 30 2014		March 31 2013		March 30 2014		March 31 2013

Computed “expected” income tax expense	35.0		(35.0	)	35.0		35.0
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	3.4		(3.4	)	3.4		3.4
Dividends received deductions and credits	(6.8	)	5.0		(3.2	)	(5.2	)
Valuation allowance	(70.2	)	—		(5.6	)	5.9
Domestic production reduction	—		14.5		—		3.4
Resolution of tax matters	11.7		1.9		3.3		2.0
Deferred income tax rate adjustments	71.0		—		4.9		—
Other	2.6		(1.5	)	1.3		1.7
	46.7		(18.5	)	39.1		46.2

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:



	13 Weeks Ended			26 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)	March 30 2014	March 31 2013		March 30 2014	March 31 2013

Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:
Continuing operations	1,486	(3,702	)	13,378	9,822
Discontinued operations	—	(2,293	)	—	(1,247	)
	1,486	(5,995	)	13,378	8,575
Weighted average common shares	53,519	52,296		53,199	52,295
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock	1,296	500		1,048	500
Basic average common shares	52,223	51,796		52,151	51,795
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	1,575	—		1,390	71
Diluted average common shares	53,798	51,796		53,541	51,866
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic:
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07	)	0.26	0.19
Discontinued operations	—	(0.04	)	—	(0.02	)
	0.03	(0.12	)	0.26	0.17
Diluted:
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07	)	0.25	0.19
Discontinued operations	—	(0.04	)	—	(0.02	)
	0.03	(0.12	)	0.25	0.17

Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Mar. 30, 2014

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 summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014.



(Thousands of Shares, Except Per Share Data)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Outstanding, September 29, 2013	500		1.31
Granted	801		3.61
Cancelled	(11	)	3.61
Outstanding, March 30, 2014	1,290		2.72

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 26 weeks ended March 30, 2014 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 29, 2013	2,769		2.94
Granted	15		2.99
Exercised	(273	)	2.11
Cancelled	(73	)	10.46
Outstanding, March 30, 2014	2,438		2.81	7.1	6,434

Exercisable, March 30, 2014	1,496		3.82	6.4	3,351

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

Basis of Presentation Schedule of Less than 100% Subsidiaries (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014
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%

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Oct. 02, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue	$ 517,000		$ 1,321,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Expense	698,000		(1,697,000)
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	(3,521,000)		(1,916,000)
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	(1,228,000)		(669,000)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(2,293,000)		(1,247,000)
North County Times [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contract Price Of Disposal Group					$ 11,950,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax		$ 1,167,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	0		1,800,000
Disposal Group, Inicluding Discontinued Operation, Current Assets						$ 2,093,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net						5,158,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill						3,042,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net						1,920,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Current Liabilities						(1,714,000)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets						$ 10,499,000
The Garden Island [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Contract Price Of Disposal Group				$ 2,000,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	2,170,000
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ (3,340,000)		$ (3,340,000)
Disposal Group, Inicluding Discontinued Operation, Current Assets				433,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net				770,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill				500,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Net				4,025,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Current Liabilities				(271,000)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Net Assets				$ 5,457,000

Investments in Associated Companies Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 1,593,000	$ 1,733,000	$ 4,512,000	$ 4,778,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Share of TNI Operating Expenses	(41,000,000)	(108,000,000)	(34,000,000)	(276,000,000)
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	15,065,000	15,922,000	31,137,000	33,466,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	12,297,000	13,114,000	24,667,000	26,751,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	0	0	(87,000)	0
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	2,768,000	2,808,000	6,557,000	6,715,000
Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Before Amortization	1,384,000	1,404,000	3,279,000	3,358,000
Amortization Of Intangible Assets- TNI	104,000	181,000	209,000	361,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,280,000	1,223,000	3,070,000	2,997,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	418,000		418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	418,000		418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	418,000		418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	418,000		418,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	418,000		418,000
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	16,119,000	15,474,000	33,432,000	34,038,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	14,597,000	13,628,000	27,856,000	27,677,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	229,000	(11,000)	229,000	(11,000)
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation And Amortization	398,000	381,000	794,000	764,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	895,000	1,476,000	4,553,000	5,608,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	625,000	952,000	2,885,000	3,495,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 313,000	$ 510,000	$ 1,442,000	$ 1,781,000

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,532,458
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ (1,288,729)

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mastheads	$ 27,038,000		$ 27,038,000
Other intangible assets, net	228,375,000	$ 228,375,000	242,184,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	27,543,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	26,625,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	25,428,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	20,788,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	16,546,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	686,732,000		686,732,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	485,397,000		471,589,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	201,335,000		215,143,000
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	28,522,000		28,521,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 2,000		$ 3,000

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								4 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2012	Feb. 18, 2009	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Jan. 30, 2012	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014	May 01, 2013	Jan. 01, 2013	May 01, 2000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Present Value Discount	$ 23,709,000										$ 23,709,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount					$ 802,451,000		$ 834,558,000					$ 802,451,000
Unamortized Loan Commitment and Origination Fees and Unamortized Discounts or Premiums					(10,549,000)		(12,942,000)					(10,549,000)
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	12,250,000										12,250,000
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities					15,900,000		19,150,000					15,900,000
Unamortized Present Value Discount- Current Portion					(4,788,000)		(4,779,000)					(4,788,000)
Long-term Debt					791,339,000		820,187,000					791,339,000
Liquidity					$ 44,821,000							44,821,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt												$ 34,500,000	$ 52,850,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	689,510,000										689,510,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End					8.00%							8.00%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount					$ 593,000,000		609,500,000					$ 593,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three					12,750,000							12,750,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four					13,500,000							13,500,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five					$ 3,375,000							$ 3,375,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage					7.50%							7.50%
Repayments of Long-term Debt			$ 3,375,000	$ 3,375,000	$ 10,000,000	$ 6,500,000	9,000,000	$ 5,500,000	$ 17,850,000	$ 20,000,000
Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	40,000,000										40,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity					29,942,000							$ 29,942,000
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 175,000,000										$ 175,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued in Refinancing	6,743,640										6,743,640
Fair Value Of Stock Issued In Refinancing	$ 9,576,000										$ 9,576,000
Refinancing Cost, Common Stock Value, Per Share	$ 1.42										$ 1.42
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount					$ 175,000,000		175,000,000					$ 175,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	15.00%				15.00%						15.00%	15.00%
Common Stock Issued In Refinancing, Percent of Total On A Pro Forma Basis	13.00%										13.00%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 8,750,000										$ 8,750,000
Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 186,000,000															$ 306,000,000
Long Term Debt, Principal Payments	5,000,000	$ 120,000,000								10,145,000	15,145,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 126,355,000				$ 0		0				$ 126,355,000	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	10.55%										10.55%					11.30%
Long Term Debt, Annual Interest Rate Increase	0.75%										0.75%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 3,500,000										$ 3,500,000
New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount															$ 94,000,000
Present Value Discount					(1,565,000)							(1,565,000)
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount					$ 45,000,000		63,000,000					$ 45,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%				9.00%						9.00%	9.00%
Repayments of Long-term Debt			0	0	$ 10,000,000	8,000,000	17,000,000	14,000,000	6,000,000	9,000,000
Accrued Deferred Interest					$ (1,189,000)							$ (1,189,000)
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin					5.25%							5.25%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate					0.50%							0.50%
Interest Rate Margin					4.50%							4.50%
Prime Lending Rate [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate					0.00%							0.00%
Interest Rate Margin					5.25%							5.25%
Prime Lending Rate [Member] \| Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin					6.25%							6.25%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate					1.00%							1.00%
Base Interest Rate- Minimum 30 Day LIBOR					1.00%							1.00%
Interest Rate Margin					6.25%							6.25%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] \| Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate					1.00%							1.00%
Interest Rate Margin					5.50%							5.50%
January 30, 2013 to January 29, 2014 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage					102.00%							102.00%
January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage					100.00%							100.00%
January 30, 2015 to April 2017 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage					100.00%							100.00%
Mandatory Payment [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt			3,375,000	3,375,000	$ 3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000	2,500,000	2,500,000
Mandatory Payment [Member] \| New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt			$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 6,400,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,600,000	$ 3,800,000
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Available-for-sale Securities														$ 6,400,000

Debt Schedule of Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended
	Sep. 28, 2014	Jun. 29, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt									$ 34,500	$ 52,850
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 3,375	$ 3,375	$ 10,000	$ 6,500	$ 9,000	$ 5,500	$ 17,850	$ 20,000
New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	10,000	8,000	17,000	14,000	6,000	9,000
Mandatory Payment [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	3,375	3,375	3,000	3,000	3,000	3,000	2,500	2,500
Mandatory Payment [Member] \| New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	0	6,400	0	0	2,600	3,800
Voluntary Payment [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	5,500	3,350	6,000	2,260	15,350	9,750
Voluntary Payment [Member] \| New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	10,000	1,600	17,000	14,000	1,500	0
Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	0	150	0	240	0	7,750
Payment Due To Asset Sale [Member] \| New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	0	0	0	0	1,900	5,200
Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	0	0	1,500	0	0	0	0	0
Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] \| New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
January 30, 2013 to January 29, 2014 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage			102.00%						102.00%
January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage			100.00%						100.00%
January 30, 2015 to April 2017 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage			100.00%						100.00%

Debt Schedule of Debt Covenants (Details)	Mar. 30, 2014 USD ($)
Pulitzer Notes [Member] \| Pulitzer [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Minimum EBITDA Covenant Limitation	$ 24,700,000
January 30, 2014 to January 29, 2015 [Member] \| 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Debt Covenants [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Repayments Of Principal, Redemption Percentage	100.00%

Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		15 Months Ended	24 Months Ended
Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 25, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 29, 2013	Jan. 30, 2012
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Payments of Financing Costs			$ 268,000	$ 100,000			$ 38,628,000	$ 38,628,000
Financing Costs Paid Pursuant to a Plan						$ 6,273,000
Amortization of Debt Issue Costs- Refinance	$ 4,514,000						$ 1,740,000
Chapter 11 Expenses						$ 720,000
Present Value Discount										$ (23,709,000)
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Current Fiscal Year			6,681,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Next Fiscal Year									$ 4,779,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 3			4,742,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 4			2,297,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 5			1,125,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount										$ 12,250,000
Reorganization costs	$ 37,765,000	$ 720,000			$ 37,765,000
New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Covenant EBITDA			45,250,000
Present Value Discount			1,565,000
Accrued Deferred Interest			$ (1,189,000)
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Refinancing Cost, Common Stock Value, Per Share										$ 1.42
Fair Value Of Stock Issued In Refinancing										$ 9,576,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount										$ 8,750,000

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year					$ 700,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 39,000	$ 54,000	$ 78,000	$ 108,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,999,000	1,882,000	3,998,000	3,764,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	2,483,000	2,459,000	(4,966,000)	(4,918,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	106,000	572,000	212,000	1,144,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	34,000	34,000	(68,000)	(68,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	(373,000)	15,000	(746,000)	30,000
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	149,000	182,000	298,000	364,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	228,000	281,000	456,000	562,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets	(371,000)	(368,000)	(742,000)	(736,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses)	(455,000)	(331,000)	(910,000)	(662,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(365,000)	(365,000)	(730,000)	(730,000)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ (814,000)	$ (601,000)	$ (1,628,000)	$ (1,202,000)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	35.00%	(35.00%)	35.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	3.40%	(3.40%)	3.40%	3.40%
Income Tax Reconciliation, Deductions, Dividends	$ 0.068	$ (0.050)	$ 0.032	$ 0.052
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	(70.20%)	0.00%	(5.60%)	5.90%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Percent	0.00%	14.50%	0.00%	3.40%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlements, Domestic	11.70%	1.90%	3.30%	2.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deductions, Other	71.00%	0.00%	4.90%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	2.60%	(1.50%)	1.30%	1.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	46.70%	(18.50%)	39.10%	46.20%

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 1,486	$ (3,702)	$ 13,378	$ 9,822
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	(2,293)	0	(1,247)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 1,486	$ (5,995)	$ 13,378	$ 8,575
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted Average Common Shares	53,519,000	52,296,000	53,199,000	52,295,000
Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	1,296,000	500,000	1,048,000	500,000
Basic average common shares	52,223,000	51,796,000	52,151,000	51,795,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	1,575,000	0	1,390,000	71,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	53,798,000	51,796,000	53,541,000	51,866,000
Continuing operations	$ 0.03	$ (0.07)	$ 0.26	$ 0.19
Discontinued operations	0.00	(0.04)	0.00	(0.02)
Earnings Per Share, Basic	0.03	(0.12)	0.26	0.17
Continuing operations	0.03	(0.07)	0.25	0.19
Discontinued operations	0.00	(0.04)	0.00	(0.02)
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ (0.12)	$ 0.25	$ 0.17
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	98,000		100,000	2,985,000

Stock Ownership Plans (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares
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	801
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 3,610.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number \| shares	500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period \| shares	(11)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 4,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number \| shares	1,290
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 1,310
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 2,720
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options \| $	$ 2,805,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 2 months 12 days
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	7 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	6 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross \| shares	15
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 2.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number \| shares	2,769
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period \| shares	(73)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number \| shares	2,438
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number \| shares	1,496
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 2.94
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	10.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	2.81
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 3.82
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value \| $	$ 6,434,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value \| $	3,351,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Stock Options \| $	$ 559,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period \| shares	273
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price \| $ / shares	$ 2.11

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Dec. 30, 2012	Feb. 18, 2009
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 802,451,000			$ 834,558,000
Loss (gain) on Sale of Investments	0	$ 7,093,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure					$ 300,000	$ 2,300,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	593,000,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount			$ 45,000,000
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 176,750,000

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Not Practicable (Details) - USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2014	Dec. 29, 2013	Sep. 29, 2013	Jan. 30, 2012
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Investments	$ 8,774,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	802,451,000		$ 834,558,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount		$ 45,000,000
New Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	45,000,000		63,000,000
Pulitzer Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 0		$ 0	$ 126,355,000

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2012	Jun. 28, 2009	Feb. 18, 2009
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Pulitzer Step Up Tax Benefit- Amortization Period		15 years
Noncontrolling Interest Redeemed PDLLC, Percent Redeemed		5.00%
Heral Value Liability- Liability Input		10.00%
Hearld Value- Increase in Amortizable Tax Basis			$ 258,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 300,000		$ 2,300,000
Herald Value Settlement- Shares	100,000
Herald Value Settlement	$ 298,000

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (Details)	Jan. 30, 2012 $ / shares shares
Before January 30, 2012 Refinancing [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 2.00
After January 30, 2012 Refinancing [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Common Stock, Effect of Plan of Reorganization [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares, Issued in Refinancing \| shares	6,743,640
Common Stock Issued In Refinancing, Percent of Total On A Pro Forma Basis	13.00%