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Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Lee Enterprises, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000058361
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 24, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,079,578
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 136,159,000

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,029	$ 10,621
Accounts receivable, net	45,960	49,469
Income taxes receivable	246	0
Inventory	5,145	3,616
Other	5,608	4,132
Total current assets	72,988	67,838
Investments:
Associated companies	27,876	29,181
Other	10,757	9,949
Total investments	38,633	39,130
Property and equipment:
Land and improvements	19,503	20,424
Buildings and improvements	168,766	172,138
Equipment	276,159	278,880
Construction in process	2,864	752
Property, plant and equipment, gross	467,292	472,194
Less accumulated depreciation	362,680	357,998
Property and equipment, net	104,612	114,196
Goodwill	246,426	246,426
Other intangible assets, net	123,995	136,302
Medical plan assets, net	15,342	15,392
Other	2,814	1,566
Total assets	604,810	620,850
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	18,006	30,182
Accounts payable	17,757	17,027
Compensation and other accrued liabilities	19,030	22,423
Accrued Interest	10,736	1,512
Income taxes payable	0	183
Unearned revenue	26,860	26,881
Total current liabilities	92,389	98,208
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	463,505	496,379
Pension obligations	41,116	43,537
Postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	2,973	5,004
Deferred income taxes	35,546	53,397
Income taxes payable	6,540	5,497
Warrants and other	11,010	10,041
Total liabilities	653,079	712,063
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	252,963	251,790
Accumulated deficit	(286,824)	(328,524)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(16,050)	(16,068)
Total stockholders' deficit	(49,340)	(92,235)
Non-controlling interests	1,071	1,022
Total deficit	(48,269)	(91,213)
Total liabilities and deficit	604,810	620,850
Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	571	567
Common Class B [Member]
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheet Parentheticals (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
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	57,080,000	56,712,000
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 ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Operating revenue:
Advertising and marketing services	$ 73,538,000	$ 81,247,000	$ 229,751,000	$ 251,815,000
Subscription	48,165,000	47,410,000	142,405,000	141,306,000
Other	10,915,000	10,698,000	32,052,000	33,610,000
Total operating revenue	132,618,000	139,355,000	404,208,000	426,731,000
Operating expenses:
Compensation	47,862,000	51,577,000	147,428,000	159,047,000
Newsprint and ink	6,442,000	6,123,000	17,920,000	19,216,000
Other operating expenses	49,159,000	48,571,000	148,830,000	150,109,000
Depreciation	3,606,000	4,011,000	11,048,000	12,090,000
Amortization of intangible assets	4,298,000	6,285,000	12,925,000	18,903,000
Gain on sales of assets and other, net	101,000	(61,000)	(1,197,000)	(3,777,000)
Workforce adjustments and other	1,865,000	3,902,000	4,150,000	6,372,000
Total operating expenses	113,333,000	120,408,000	341,104,000	361,960,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	1,578,000	1,616,000	5,569,000	6,034,000
Operating income	20,863,000	20,563,000	68,673,000	70,805,000
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest expense	(12,913,000)	(14,331,000)	(39,837,000)	(43,919,000)
Debt financing costs and amortization	(1,747,000)	(1,438,000)	(4,061,000)	(3,463,000)
Other, net	519,000	3,336,000	1,045,000	10,935,000
Total non-operating expense, net	(14,141,000)	(12,433,000)	(42,853,000)	(36,447,000)
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,722,000	8,130,000	25,820,000	34,358,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,972,000	1,843,000	(16,791,000)	9,253,000
Net income	4,750,000	6,287,000	42,611,000	25,105,000
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	(292,000)	(292,000)	(911,000)	(809,000)
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	4,458,000	5,995,000	41,700,000	24,296,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes	27,000	55,000	18,000	1,004,000
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 4,485,000	$ 6,050,000	$ 41,718,000	$ 25,300,000
Basic:
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.08	$ 0.11	$ 0.76	$ 0.45
Diluted:
Diluted	$ 0.08	$ 0.11	$ 0.75	$ 0.44

Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Net income	$ 42,611	$ 25,105
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	23,973	30,989
Curtailment Gains	(2,031)	(3,741)
Stock compensation expense	1,441	1,564
Distributions greater than earnings of MNI	477	504
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(17,834)	8,056
Debt financing and administrative costs	4,060	3,463
Pension contributions	780	0
Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement	162	(801)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables	3,509	2,569
Decrease in inventories and other	(2,584)	253
Decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and unearned revenue	5,983	2,067
Decrease in pension, postretirement and postemployment benefit obligations	(1,590)	(2,691)
Change in income taxes receivable or payable	614	77
Other, including warrants	(978)	(7,981)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	57,033	59,433
Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations:
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,281)	(3,232)
Proceeds from sales of assets	3,117	1,830
Distributions greater (less) than current earnings of TNI	829	(156)
Other, net	(1,741)	(798)
Net Cash provided by (required for) investing activities of continuing operations	(2,076)	(2,356)
Cash provided by (required for) financing activities of continuing operations:
Payments on long-term debt	(48,573)	(48,687)
Debt financing and reorganization costs paid	(432)	(371)
Common stock transactions net	(544)	(31)
Net cash required for financing activities of continuing operations	(49,549)	(49,089)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	5,408	7,988
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	10,621	16,984
End of period	$ 16,029	$ 24,972

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Jun. 24, 2018
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited, interim, Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports. In the opinion of management, these financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Lee Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 24, 2018 and our 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 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Because of seasonal and other factors, the results of operations for the 13 weeks and 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. References to “we”, “our”, “us” and the like throughout the Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the Company. References to “2018”, “2017” and the like refer to the fiscal years ended the last Sunday in September. The Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, except for our 50% interest in TNI Partners (“TNI”), 50% interest in Madison Newspapers, Inc. (“MNI”) and 82.5% interest in INN Partners, L.C. ("TownNews.com"). Investments in TNI and MNI are accounted for using the equity method and are reported at cost, plus our share of undistributed earnings since acquisition less, for TNI, amortization of intangible assets. On June 30, 2017, in the Company's fourth fiscal quarter of 2017, we purchased the assets of the Dispatch-Argus serving Moline and Rock Island, Illinois for $7,150,000 plus an adjustment for working capital. The purchase included one daily newspaper, a weekly publication, two niche publications as well as the related digital platforms. The purchase was funded with cash on the balance sheet. Operating results of the Dispatch-Argus were consolidated beginning in the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017. On June 26, 2018, in the Company's fourth fiscal quarter, we entered into an agreement with BH Media Group, Inc. ("BH Media") to manage Berkshire Hathaway's newspaper and digital operations in 30 markets, beginning July 2, 2018 (the "Management Agreement"). The Company will operate BH Media consistent with how it manages its own newspaper and digital operations. Among other decisions, Berkshire Hathaway will be responsible for approving operating and capital budgets. The Management Agreement extends for a term of five years and may be extended thereafter for successive one-year terms on such terms as may be mutually agreed to by the Company and Berkshire Hathaway. The Management Agreement provides for the Company to be paid a fixed annual fee of $5 million, payable quarterly in arrears, and a variable fee based on the financial performance of BH Media. The variable fees are payable annually in arrears. Use of Estimates The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. New accounting pronouncements In February 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a new standard that gives entities the option to reclassify the tax effects related to items in accumulated other comprehensive income as a result of tax reform to retained earnings. The new standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. In March 2017, the FASB issued a new standard to improve the presentation of pension and postretirement benefit expense. The new standard requires that the service cost component of pension and postretirement benefits expense is recognized as compensation expense, while the remaining components of the expense (benefit) are presented outside of operating income. The current presentation includes all components of the expense (benefit) as Compensation in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the periods presented. The adoption of the new standard is required in fiscal 2019. If adopted in fiscal year 2018, compensation expense would have increased $2,776,000 on an annual basis. In August 2016, the FASB issued a new standard to conform the presentation in the statement of cash flows for certain transactions, including cash distribution from equity method investments, among others. The adoption of the new standard is required in fiscal year 2020. The adoption of this standard will reclassify certain cash receipts within the Consolidation Statements of Cash Flows. In March 2016, the FASB issued a new standard with improvements to the accounting for employee share-based payments. The new standard simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. We adopted this new standard in 2018, as required, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued a new standard for the accounting treatment of leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases with terms greater than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of income. We currently anticipate adopting the new lease standard in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020. To date we have made progress in our assessment of the new lease standard. We are currently evaluating the provisions of the updated guidance and assessing the impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued a new revenue recognition standard which prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under U.S. GAAP and is effective for our fiscal year 2019. The core principle contemplated by this new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. New disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers are also required. In April and May 2016, the FASB also issued clarifying updates to the new standard specifically to address certain core principles including the identification of performance obligations, licensing guidance, the assessment of the collectability criterion, the presentation of taxes collected from customers, noncash considerations, contract modifications, and completed contracts at transition. We currently anticipate adopting the new revenue recognition standard using the modified retrospective approach in the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect, if any, of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact that the new revenue recognition standard will have on our financial statements and related disclosures. As part of the implementation process, we are holding regular meetings with key stakeholders to discuss the impact of the standard across our organization. We are continuing to review our customer contracts, identifying contractual provisions that may result in a change in the timing or the amount of revenue recognized and assessing the enhanced disclosure requirements of the new guidance. We do expect material impacts to the content and structure of our financial statements in the form of additional disclosures. We expect to complete our assessment in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018. No other new accounting pronouncement issued or effective during the fiscal year had, or is expected to have, a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investments in Associated Companies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

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 newspaper 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		39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	June 25 2017	June 24 2018	June 25 2017

Operating revenue	11,013	11,330	36,094	37,151
Operating expenses	9,039	9,178	28,376	28,948
Operating income	1,974	2,152	7,718	8,203
Company's 50% share of operating income	987	1,076	3,860	4,102
Less amortization of intangible assets	105	105	314	314
Equity in earnings of TNI	882	971	3,546	3,788

TNI makes weekly distributions of its earnings and for the 13 weeks ended June 24, 2018 and June 25, 2017 we received $1,177,000 and $1,213,000 in distributions, respectively. In the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 and June 25, 2017 we received $4,375,000 and $3,633,000 in distributions, respectively.

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		39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	June 25 2017	June 24 2018	June 25 2017

Operating revenue	14,518	15,070	44,421	46,493
Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization	12,054	12,649	37,002	38,576
Restructuring costs	61	81	270	236
Depreciation and amortization	280	348	838	1,044
Operating income	2,123	1,992	6,311	6,637
Net income	1,391	1,291	4,047	4,492
Equity in earnings of MNI	696	645	2,023	2,246

MNI makes quarterly distributions of its earnings and in the 13 weeks ended June 24, 2018 and June 25, 2017 we received dividends of $500,000 in both years. In the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 and June 25, 2017 we received dividends of $2,500,000 and $2,750,000, respectively.

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

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:



	39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018

Goodwill, gross amount	1,535,155
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,288,729	)
Goodwill, beginning of period	246,426
Goodwill, end of period	246,426

Identified intangible assets consist of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	September 24 2017

Nonamortized intangible assets:
Mastheads	21,883	22,035
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	692,764	691,994
Less accumulated amortization	590,652	577,727
	102,112	114,267
Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524	28,524
Less accumulated amortization	28,524	28,524
	—	—
Other intangible assets, net	123,995	136,302

Annual amortization of intangible assets for the 52 weeks ended June 2019 to June 2023 is estimated to be $16,766,000, $15,695,000, $15,269,000, $12,379,000 and $11,898,000, 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

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Debt [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]


	DEBT

On March 31, 2014, we completed a comprehensive refinancing of our debt (the"2014 Refinancing"), which included the following:


•	$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 9.5% Senior Secured Notes (the “Notes”), pursuant to an Indenture dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Indenture”).


•	$250,000,000 first lien term loan (the "1^st Lien Term Loan") and $40,000,000 revolving facility (the "Revolving Facility") under a First Lien Credit Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (together the “1^st Lien Credit Facility”).


•	$150,000,000 second lien term loan under a Second Lien Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2^nd Lien Term Loan”).

Debt is summarized as follows:



					Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		September 24 2017		June 24 2018

Revolving Facility	—		—		6.13
1^stLien Term Loan	14,395		45,145		8.23
Notes	385,000		385,000		9.50
2^ndLien Term Loan	100,417		118,240		12.00
	499,812		548,385
Unamortized debt issue costs	(18,301	)	(21,824	)
Current maturities of long-term debt	18,006		30,182
Total long-term debt	463,505		496,379

Our weighted average cost of debt, excluding amortization of debt financing costs at June 24, 2018, is 10.0%.

At June 24, 2018, aggregate minimum required maturities of debt excluding amounts required to be paid from future excess cash flow computations total $11,703,000 for the remainder of 2018, $6,303,000 in 2019, zero in 2020, zero in 2021, $385,000,000 in 2022 and $96,806,000 thereafter.

Notes

The Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and mature on March 15, 2022. At June 24, 2018, the principal balance of the Notes totaled $385,000,000.

Interest

The Notes require payment of interest semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, at a fixed annual rate of 9.5%.

Redemption

We may redeem some, or all, of the principal amount of the Notes at any time. On or after March 15, 2018, we may redeem the Notes as follows:



Period Beginning	Percentage of Principal Amount

March 15, 2018	104.75
March 15, 2019	102.38
March 15, 2020	100.00

If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must, subject to certain exceptions, offer to purchase the Notes at 101% of the principal amount. Any redemption of the Notes must also satisfy any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

Covenants and Other Matters

The Indenture and the 1^st Lien Credit Facility contain restrictive covenants as discussed more fully below. However, certain of these covenants will cease to apply if the Notes are rated investment grade by either Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group and there is no default or event of default under the Indenture.

1^st Lien Credit Facility

The 1^st Lien Credit Facility consists of the $250,000,000 1^st Lien Term Loan that matures in March 31, 2019 and the $40,000,000 Revolving Facility that matures on December 28, 2018. The 1^st Lien Credit Facility documents the primary terms of the 1^st Lien Term Loan and the Revolving Facility. The Revolving Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes (including letters of credit). At June 24, 2018, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,835,000 available for future use under the Revolving Facility.

Interest

Interest on the 1^st Lien Term Loan, which has a principal balance of $14,395,000 at June 24, 2018, accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 6.25% (with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%) or (B) 5.25% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0% (with a floor of 2.0%). Interest is payable quarterly.

The 1^st Lien Term Loan was funded with an original issue discount of 2.0%, or $5,000,000, which is being amortized as debt financing and administration costs over the life of the 1^st Lien Term Loan.

Interest on the Revolving Facility, which has a principal balance of zero at June 24, 2018, accrues, at our option, at either (A) LIBOR plus 5.5%, or (B) 4.5% plus the higher of (i) the prime rate at the time, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or (iii) one month LIBOR plus 1.0%.

Principal Payments

Quarterly principal payments of $6,250,000 are required under the 1^st Lien Term Loan, with additional payments required to be made based on 90% of excess cash flow of Lee Legacy ("Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow"), as defined, or from proceeds of asset sales, which are not reinvested, as defined, from our subsidiaries other than Pulitzer Inc. ("Pulitzer") and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Pulitzer Subsidiaries"). For excess cash flow calculation purposes, Lee Legacy constitutes the business of the Company, including MNI, but excluding Pulitzer and TNI. We may voluntarily prepay principal amounts outstanding or reduce commitments under the 1^st Lien Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, upon proper notice and subject to certain limitations as to minimum amounts of prepayments.

Quarterly, the Company is required to prepare a Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow calculation, which is generally determined as the cash earnings of our subsidiaries other than the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and includes adjustments for changes in working capital, capital spending, pension contributions, debt principal payments and income tax payments or refunds. Any excess cash flow as calculated is required to be paid to the 1^st Lien lenders 45 days after the end of the quarter. For the 13 weeks ended June 24, 2018, the required Lee Legacy Excess Cash Flow payment was $1,842,000.

2018 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1^st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 24 2017	March 25 2018	June 24 2018	September 30 2018

Mandatory	6,250	6,250	6,250	6,250
Voluntary	5,000	3,000	4,000	—
Excess cash flow payment	—	—	—	1,842
	11,250	9,250	10,250	8,092

Covenants and Other Matters

The 1^st Lien Credit Facility requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including a maximum total leverage ratio, which is only applicable to the Revolving Facility.

The 1^st Lien Credit Facility restricts us from paying dividends on our Common Stock. This restriction no longer applies if Lee Legacy leverage is below 3.25x before and after such payments. Lee Legacy leverage as defined is 4.12x at March 25, 2018. Further, the 1^st Lien Credit Facility restricts or limits, among other things, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: (i) incur indebtedness, (ii) enter into mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (iii) incur or create liens and (iv) enter into transactions with certain affiliates. The 1^st Lien Credit Facility contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 1^st Lien Credit Facility also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of each of the Indenture and 2^nd Lien Term Loan.

2^nd Lien Term Loan

The 2^nd Lien Term Loan, which has a balance of $100,417,000 at June 24, 2018, bears interest at a fixed annual rate of 12.0%, payable quarterly, and matures in December 2022.

Principal Payments

There are no scheduled mandatory amortization payments required under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan.

Quarterly, we are required to prepare a calculation of excess cash flow of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries ("Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow"). Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is generally determined as the cash earnings of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries including adjustments for changes in working capital, capital spending, pension contributions, debt principal payments and income tax payments. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow also includes a deduction for interest costs incurred under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan.

Prior to March 31, 2017, we were required to offer the Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow to the 2nd Lien Lenders to prepay the 2nd Lien Term Loan at par, which payment the 2nd Lien Lenders could accept or reject. After March 31, 2017, Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow is used to prepay the 2nd Lien Term Loan, at par. Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow payments are required to be paid 45 days after the end of the quarter.

Payments will also be made on the 2^nd Lien Term Loan, at par, with proceeds from asset sales by the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that are not reinvested subject to certain other conditions.

During the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018, payments on the 2^nd Lien Term Loan totaled $6,259,000 and $17,823,000, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended June 24, 2018, Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow totaled $3,611,000, which will be used to make a payment on the 2^nd Lien Term Loan in August 2018, at par.

Voluntary payments under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan are subject to call premiums as follows:



Period Beginning	Percentage of Principal Amount

March 31, 2017	106
March 31, 2018	103
March 31, 2019	100

Covenants and Other Matters

The 2^nd Lien Term Loan requires that we comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants customary for financing of this nature, including the negative covenants under the 1^st Lien Credit Facility discussed above. The 2^nd Lien Term Loan contains various representations and warranties and may be terminated upon occurrence of certain events of default. The 2^nd Lien Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions tied to the terms of the Indenture and 1^st Lien Credit Facility.

In connection with the 2^nd Lien Term Loan, we entered into a Warrant Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Warrant Agreement”). Under the Warrant Agreement, certain affiliates or designees of the 2^nd Lien Lenders received on March 31, 2014 their pro rata share of warrants to purchase, in cash, an initial aggregate of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment pursuant to anti-dilution provisions (the “Warrants”). The Warrants represent, when fully exercised, approximately 10.1% of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 30, 2014 on a fully diluted basis. The exercise price of the Warrants is $4.19 per share.

The Warrant Agreement contains provisions requiring the Warrants to be measured at fair value and included in other liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We re-measure the fair value of the liability each reporting period, with changes reported in other, net non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. See Note 9.

In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). The Registration Rights Agreement requires, among other matters, that we use our commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness for certain specified periods of a shelf registration statement related to the shares of Common Stock to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants.

Security

The Notes and the 1^st Lien Credit Facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by each of the Company's material domestic subsidiaries, excluding MNI, the Pulitzer Subsidiaries and TNI (the "Lee Legacy Assignors"), pursuant to a first lien guarantee and collateral agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the "1^st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement").

The Notes, the 1^st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations, by perfected security interests in all property and assets, including certain real estate, of the Lee Legacy Assignors, other than the capital stock of MNI and any property and assets of MNI (the “Lee Legacy Collateral”), on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with all of the Lee Legacy Assignors' existing and future obligations. The Lee Legacy Collateral includes, among other things, equipment, inventory, accounts receivables, depository accounts, intellectual property and certain of their other tangible and intangible assets.

Also, the Notes and the 1^st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities and limitations in the various agreements, by first-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests owned by, the Lee Legacy Assignors (excluding the capital stock of MNI). The Notes and 1^st Lien Credit Facility are subject to a Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement dated March 31, 2014.

The Notes, the 1^st Lien Credit Facility and the subsidiary guarantees are also secured, subject to permitted liens, by a second-priority security interest in the property and assets of the Pulitzer Subsidiaries that become subsidiary guarantors (the "Pulitzer Assignors") other than assets of or used in the operations or business of TNI (collectively, the “Pulitzer Collateral”). In June 2015 the Pulitzer Assignors became a party to the 1^st Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement on a second lien basis.

Also, the Notes and the 1^st Lien Credit Facility are secured, subject to certain exceptions, priorities, and limitations in the various agreements, by second-priority security interests in the capital stock of, and other equity interests in, the Pulitzer Assignors and Star Publishing’s interest in TNI.

The 2^nd Lien Term Loan is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several first-priority basis by the Pulitzer Assignors, pursuant to a Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of March 31, 2014 (the “2^nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement”) among the Pulitzer Assignors and the 2^nd Lien collateral agent.

Under the 2^nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Pulitzer Assignors have granted (i) first-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Pulitzer Collateral and (ii) have granted first-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan.

Also, under the 2^nd Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, the Lee Legacy Assignors have granted (i) second-priority security interests, subject to certain priorities and limitations in the various agreements, in the Lee Legacy Collateral, and (ii) have granted second-priority lien mortgages or deeds of trust covering certain real estate, as collateral for the payment and performance of their obligations under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan. Assets of, or used in the operations or business of, MNI are excluded.

The rights of each of the collateral agents with respect to the Lee Legacy Collateral and the Pulitzer Collateral are subject to customary intercreditor and intercompany agreements.

Other

In connection with the 2014 Refinancing, we capitalized $37,819,000 of debt financing costs. Amortization of debt financing costs totaled $3,523,000 in the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018. Amortization of such costs is estimated to total $1,007,000 for the remainder of 2018, $3,869,000 in 2019, $3,947,000 in 2020, $4,103,000 in 2021, and $4,271,000 in 2022. At June 24, 2018, we have $18,301,000 of unamortized debt financing costs recorded as a reduction of Long-term debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Liquidity

At June 24, 2018, after consideration of letters of credit, we have approximately $33,835,000 available for future use under our Revolving Facility, which expires on December 28, 2018. Including cash, our liquidity at June 24, 2018 totals $49,864,000. 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 existing cash and our cash flows, which will allow us to maintain an adequate level of liquidity. The Warrants, if and when exercised, would provide additional liquidity in an amount up to $25,140,000 subject to a reduction for any amounts the Company may elect to use to repay our 1^st Lien Term Loan and/or the Notes.

Final maturities of our debt range from December 2018 through December 2022.

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

Our ability to operate as a going concern is dependent on our ability to remain in compliance with debt covenants and to repay, refinance or amend our debt agreements as they become due. The Notes, 1^st Lien Credit Facility and 2^nd Lien Term Loan have only limited affirmative covenants with which we are required to maintain compliance. We are in compliance with our debt covenants at June 24, 2018.

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Pension Postretirement And Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

PENSION, POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS

We have several noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that together cover selected employees. Benefits under the plans were generally based on salary and years of service. Effective in 2012, substantially all benefits are frozen and only a small amount of additional benefits are being accrued. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the plans are recorded over the service period of employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. Plan funding strategies are influenced by government regulations. Plan assets consist primarily of domestic and foreign corporate equity securities, government and corporate bonds, hedge fund investments and cash.

In addition, we provide retiree medical and life insurance benefits under postretirement plans at several of our operating locations. The level and adjustment of participant contributions vary depending on the specific plan. In addition, St. Louis Post-Dispatch LLC, provides postemployment disability benefits to certain employee groups prior to retirement. Our liability and related expense for benefits under the postretirement plans are recorded over the service period of active employees based upon annual actuarial calculations. We accrue postemployment disability benefits when it becomes probable that such benefits will be paid and when sufficient information exists to make reasonable estimates of the amounts to be paid.

We use a fiscal year end measurement date for all of our pension and postretirement medical plan obligations.

The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows:



PENSION PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	12		21		36		63
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,438		1,349		4,314		4,047
Expected return on plan assets	(1,983	)	(1,969	)	(5,949	)	(5,907	)
Amortization of net loss	506		736		1,518		2,208
Amortization of prior service benefit	(34	)	(34	)	(102	)	(102	)
Pension expense (benefit)	(61	)	103		(183	)	309

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	—		—		—		12
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	90		91		271		323
Expected return on plan assets	(270	)	(264	)	(810	)	(792	)
Amortization of net gain	(246	)	(254	)	(738	)	(734	)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(196	)	(365	)	(588	)	(1,095	)
Curtailment gains	—		—		(2,031	)	(3,741	)
Postretirement medical benefit	(622	)	(792	)	(3,896	)	(6,027	)

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

In the 13 weeks ended June 24,2018 we contributed $780,000 to our pension plans. Based on our forecast at June 24, 2018, we expect to make contributions of $4,170,000 to our pension trust during the remainder of fiscal 2018.

In March 2017, we notified certain participants in one of our post employment medical plans of changes to their plan and in December 2017, our fiscal second quarter, the plan was terminated. These changes resulted in a non-cash curtailment gain of $2,031,000 in the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 and $3,741,000 in the 39 weeks ended June 25, 2017. Curtailment gains are recorded in loss (gain) on sales of assets and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive income.

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jun. 24, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was signed into law. Among other provisions, the 2017 Tax Act reduces the federal statutory corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The reduction of the corporate tax rate caused us to re-measure our deferred tax assets and liabilities to the lower federal base rate of 21%. The discreet adjustment from revaluing our deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted in a provisional net decrease in income tax expense of $24,872,000 for the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018. The changes resulting from the 2017 Tax Act are complex and the final transitional impact of the 2017 Tax Act may differ from the above estimate, possibly materially, due to, among other things, changes in interpretations of the 2017 Tax Act, any legislative action to address questions that arise because of the 2017 Tax Act, changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the 2017 Tax Act and updates or changes to estimates the Company has used to calculate the transition impacts, including impacts from changes to current year earnings estimates and changes in the timing of reversals of deferred income tax assets and liabilities. The Securities Exchange Commission has issued rules that allow for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the 2017 Tax Act to finalize the recording of the related transitional impact. We did not make any adjustments to the provisional amount recorded and currently anticipate finalizing the transitional impact of the 2017 Tax Act in the fourth quarter of 2018. Including the transitional impact of revaluing deferred tax assets and liabilities, we recorded income tax expense of $1,972,000 and a tax benefit of $16,791,000 related to income before taxes of $6,722,000 and $25,820,000 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018, respectively. We recorded income tax expense of $1,843,000 and $9,253,000 related to income before taxes of $8,130,000 and $34,358,000 for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 25, 2017, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 was 29.3% and a negative 65.0%, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 25, 2017 was 22.7% and 26.9%, respectively. The majority of the differences between the effective tax rates and the statutory tax rates were due to the transitional adjustments from the 2017 Tax Act as well as the nontaxable income and nondeductible expenses related to the fair value adjustment of the warrants. We file a consolidated federal tax return, as well as combined and separate tax returns in approximately 27 state and local jurisdictions. We have various income tax examinations ongoing which are at different stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2012. See Note 10 for a discussion of our tax audits. At September 25, 2017, we had approximately $57,856,000 of state net operating loss tax benefits and a federal net operating loss carryforward of approximately $17,850,000.

Earnings per Common Share

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Earnings Loss Per Common Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

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



	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:	4,458		5,995		41,700		24,296
Weighted average common shares	57,064		56,668		56,971		56,401
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock	(2,286	)	(2,515	)	(2,373	)	(2,491	)
Basic average common shares	54,778		54,153		54,598		53,910
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	1,302		1,302		1,305		1,492
Diluted average common shares	56,080		55,455		55,903		55,402
Earnings per common share:
Basic	0.08		0.11		0.76		0.45
Diluted	0.08		0.11		0.75		0.44

For the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018, 6,484,300 and 6,701,300, weighted average shares, respectively, were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock. For the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 25, 2017, 7,327,000 and 6,617,000, weighted average shares were not considered in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the exercise prices of the related stock options and Warrants were in excess of the fair market value of our Common Stock.

Stock Ownership Plans

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

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 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 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 24, 2017	1,271		1.86
Exercised	(58	)	1.21
Cancelled	(40	)	2.49
Outstanding, June 24, 2018	1,173		1.87	2.8	1,154

Exercisable, June 24, 2018	1,173		1.87	2.8	1,154

Restricted Common Stock

The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018:



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

Outstanding, September 24, 2017	2,478		2.69
Vested	(851	)	3.40
Granted	572		2.32
Cancelled	(70	)	2.85
Outstanding, June 24, 2018	2,129		2.31

Total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted Common Stock at June 24, 2018 is $2,398,498, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years.

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Jun. 24, 2018
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS We utilize FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, to measure and report fair value. FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy of fair value measurements based on whether the inputs to those measurements are observable or unobservable, which consists of the following levels: Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable. The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate value. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. Investments totaling $6,318,000, including our 17% ownership of the nonvoting common stock of TCT and a private equity investment, are carried at cost. As of September 30, 2017, based on the most recent data available, the approximate fair value of the private equity investment is $9,182,000, which is a level 3 fair value measurement. Fair value of the remaining investments approximates book value. The fair value of floating rate debt, which consists of our 1^st Lien Term Loan, is $14,395,000, based on an average of private market price quotations. Our fixed rate debt consists of $385,000,000 principal amount of the Notes and $100,417,000 principal amount under the 2^nd Lien Term Loan. At June 24, 2018, based on private market price quotations, the fair values were $401,003,000 and $102,927,000 for the Notes and 2^nd Lien Term Loan, respectively. These represent level 2 fair value measurements. As discussed more fully in Note 4, we recorded a liability for the Warrants issued in connection with the Warrant Agreement. The liability was initially measured at its fair value and we remeasure the liability to fair value each reporting period, with changes reported in other non-operating income (expense). The initial fair value of the Warrants was $16,930,000. The fair value of Warrants at September 2017, March 2018 and June 2018 is $1,580,000, $1,456,000 and $1,051,000, respectively. Fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. These represent level 2 fair value measurements.

- 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	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Jun. 24, 2018
Commitments And Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES Income Taxes Commitments exclude unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate amount or timing of cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities for such matters. See Note 6. We file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and various state tax jurisdictions. From time to time, we are subject to routine audits by those agencies and those audits may result in proposed adjustments. We have considered the alternative interpretations that may be assumed by the various taxing agencies, believe our positions taken regarding our filings are valid, and that adequate tax liabilities have been recorded to resolve such matters. However, the actual outcome cannot be determined with certainty and the difference could be material, either positively or negatively, to the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in the periods in which such matters are ultimately determined. We do not believe the final resolution of such matters will be material to our consolidated financial position or cash flows. We have various income tax examinations ongoing and at various stages of completion, but generally our income tax returns have been audited or closed to audit through 2009. Legal Proceedings We are involved in a variety of legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. Insurance coverage mitigates potential loss for certain of these matters. While we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these legal actions, it is our opinion that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole. Multiemployer Pension Plans The Company contributes to three multiemployer pension plans. In June 2017, a union contract covering certain of our employees under a multiemployer pension plan expired resulting in a partial withdrawal from one of the multiemployer plans. In 2017, the Company recorded an estimate of the partial withdrawal liability totaling $2,600,000. Once the multiemployer pension plan's administrators finalize the partial withdrawal liability, it will be paid in equal installments over a twenty year period.

Investments in Associated Companies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

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		39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	June 25 2017	June 24 2018	June 25 2017

Operating revenue	11,013	11,330	36,094	37,151
Operating expenses	9,039	9,178	28,376	28,948
Operating income	1,974	2,152	7,718	8,203
Company's 50% share of operating income	987	1,076	3,860	4,102
Less amortization of intangible assets	105	105	314	314
Equity in earnings of TNI	882	971	3,546	3,788

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		39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	June 25 2017	June 24 2018	June 25 2017

Operating revenue	14,518	15,070	44,421	46,493
Operating expenses, excluding restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization	12,054	12,649	37,002	38,576
Restructuring costs	61	81	270	236
Depreciation and amortization	280	348	838	1,044
Operating income	2,123	1,992	6,311	6,637
Net income	1,391	1,291	4,047	4,492
Equity in earnings of MNI	696	645	2,023	2,246

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Goodwill [Line Items]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:



	39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018

Goodwill, gross amount	1,535,155
Accumulated impairment losses	(1,288,729	)
Goodwill, beginning of period	246,426
Goodwill, end of period	246,426

Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

Identified intangible assets consist of the following:



(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018	September 24 2017

Nonamortized intangible assets:
Mastheads	21,883	22,035
Amortizable intangible assets:
Customer and newspaper subscriber lists	692,764	691,994
Less accumulated amortization	590,652	577,727
	102,112	114,267
Noncompete and consulting agreements	28,524	28,524
Less accumulated amortization	28,524	28,524
	—	—
Other intangible assets, net	123,995	136,302

Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]

Schedule of Payments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]

2018 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1^st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 24 2017	March 25 2018	June 24 2018	September 30 2018

Mandatory	6,250	6,250	6,250	6,250
Voluntary	5,000	3,000	4,000	—
Excess cash flow payment	—	—	—	1,842
	11,250	9,250	10,250	8,092

Debt Schedule Of Debt Outstanding (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

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

Debt is summarized as follows:



					Interest Rates (%)
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		September 24 2017		June 24 2018

Revolving Facility	—		—		6.13
1^stLien Term Loan	14,395		45,145		8.23
Notes	385,000		385,000		9.50
2^ndLien Term Loan	100,417		118,240		12.00
	499,812		548,385
Unamortized debt issue costs	(18,301	)	(21,824	)
Current maturities of long-term debt	18,006		30,182
Total long-term debt	463,505		496,379

- 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=84159872&loc=d3e21475-112644

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+ Details

Debt Schedule of Debt Provisions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

New Second Lien Loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]



Period Beginning	Percentage of Principal Amount

March 31, 2017	106
March 31, 2018	103
March 31, 2019	100

Senior Notes [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block]



Period Beginning	Percentage of Principal Amount

March 15, 2018	104.75
March 15, 2019	102.38
March 15, 2020	100.00

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Pension Postretirement And Postemployment Defined Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The net periodic postretirement cost (benefit) components for our postretirement plans are as follows:



PENSION PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	12		21		36		63
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	1,438		1,349		4,314		4,047
Expected return on plan assets	(1,983	)	(1,969	)	(5,949	)	(5,907	)
Amortization of net loss	506		736		1,518		2,208
Amortization of prior service benefit	(34	)	(34	)	(102	)	(102	)
Pension expense (benefit)	(61	)	103		(183	)	309

POSTRETIREMENT MEDICAL PLANS	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Service cost for benefits earned during the period	—		—		—		12
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	90		91		271		323
Expected return on plan assets	(270	)	(264	)	(810	)	(792	)
Amortization of net gain	(246	)	(254	)	(738	)	(734	)
Amortization of prior service benefit	(196	)	(365	)	(588	)	(1,095	)
Curtailment gains	—		—		(2,031	)	(3,741	)
Postretirement medical benefit	(622	)	(792	)	(3,896	)	(6,027	)

Earnings per Common Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

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



	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
(Thousands of Dollars and Shares, Except Per Share Data)	June 24 2018		June 25 2017		June 24 2018		June 25 2017

Income attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:	4,458		5,995		41,700		24,296
Weighted average common shares	57,064		56,668		56,971		56,401
Less weighted average restricted Common Stock	(2,286	)	(2,515	)	(2,373	)	(2,491	)
Basic average common shares	54,778		54,153		54,598		53,910
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Stock	1,302		1,302		1,305		1,492
Diluted average common shares	56,080		55,455		55,903		55,402
Earnings per common share:
Basic	0.08		0.11		0.76		0.45
Diluted	0.08		0.11		0.75		0.44

Stock Ownership Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 24, 2018

Restricted Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]

The table below summarizes restricted Common Stock activity during the 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018:



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

Outstanding, September 24, 2017	2,478		2.69
Vested	(851	)	3.40
Granted	572		2.32
Cancelled	(70	)	2.85
Outstanding, June 24, 2018	2,129		2.31

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 39 weeks ended June 24, 2018 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 24, 2017	1,271		1.86
Exercised	(58	)	1.21
Cancelled	(40	)	2.49
Outstanding, June 24, 2018	1,173		1.87	2.8	1,154

Exercisable, June 24, 2018	1,173		1.87	2.8	1,154

Basis of Presentation Schedule of Less than 100% Subsidiaries (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2018 USD ($)
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Business acquisition; headline purchase price	$ 7,150,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	50.00%
INN Partners [Member]
Schedule Of Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries [Line Items]
Less Than 100% Owned Subsidiaries, Percentage Owned	82.50%

Investments in Associated Companies Summarized Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 1,578,000	$ 1,616,000	$ 5,569,000	$ 6,034,000
Equity Method Investee- TNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	1,177,000	1,213,000	4,375,000	3,633,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	11,013,000	11,330,000	36,094,000	37,151,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	9,039,000	9,178,000	28,376,000	28,948,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	1,974,000	2,152,000		8,203,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)			7,718,000
Income (Loss) From Equity Method Investments Before Amortization	987,000	1,076,000	3,860,000	4,102,000
Amortization Of Intangible Assets- TNI	105,000	105,000	314,000	314,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	882,000	971,000	3,546,000	3,788,000
Equity Method Investee- MNI [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution	500,000		2,500,000	2,750,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue	14,518,000	15,070,000	44,421,000	46,493,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Expenses Excluding Depreciation, Amortization And Workforce Adjustments	12,054,000	12,649,000	37,002,000	38,576,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Workforce Adjustments	61,000	81,000	270,000	236,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Depreciation And Amortization	280,000	348,000	838,000	1,044,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Operating Income	2,123,000	1,992,000	6,311,000	6,637,000
Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss)	1,391,000	1,291,000	4,047,000	4,492,000
Equity in earnings of associated companies	$ 696,000	$ 645,000	$ 2,023,000	$ 2,246,000

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 24, 2018 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross	$ 1,535,155
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 1,288,729

Goodwill and other Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Mastheads	$ 21,883,000	$ 22,035,000
Other intangible assets, net	123,995,000	136,302,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	16,766,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Rolling Year Two	15,695,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	15,269,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	12,379,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	11,898,000
Customer Lists [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	692,764,000	691,994,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	590,652,000	577,727,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	102,112,000	114,267,000
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	28,524,000	28,524,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	28,524,000	28,524,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 0	$ 0

Debt Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 24, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense		$ (18,301,000)
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs		3,523,000
Warrant liability fair value		$ 1,456,000	$ 1,051,000		$ 16,930,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		10.00%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 548,385,000	$ 499,812,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two		6,303,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three		0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four		0
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five		385,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five		96,806,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	30,182,000	18,006,000
Long-term Debt	496,379,000	463,505,000
Liquidity		49,864,000
Future Liquidity- Warrant Exercise Proceeds		25,140,000
Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	0	$ 0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		$ 33,835,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		40,000,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 400,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End		9.50%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	385,000,000	$ 385,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		10.00%
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 250,000,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	45,145,000	$ 14,395,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		8.00%
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ 5,000,000
New Second Lien Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 150,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End		12.00%
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	118,240,000	$ 100,417,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		12.00%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin		4.50%
Federal Funds Rate [Member] \| New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate		0.50%
Interest Rate Margin		5.25%
Prime Lending Rate [Member] \| New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate		2.00%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] \| Revolving Line Of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest Rate Margin		5.50%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate		0.50%
30 Day LIBOR [Member] \| New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Base Interest Rate		1.00%
Interest Rate Margin		6.25%
March 16, 2018 through March 15, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		104.80%
March 15, 2019 through March 14, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		102.40%
March 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		110.00%
March 31, 2018 through March 31, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		100.00%
After March 31, 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed		100.00%
Mandatory Payment [Member] \| 1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 6,250,000

Debt Schedule of Payments (Details) - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 24, 2018

Mar. 25, 2018

Dec. 24, 2017

Jun. 24, 2018

Jun. 25, 2017

Sep. 24, 2017

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

$ 3,523,000

Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount

$ 499,812,000

499,812,000

$ 548,385,000

Repayments of Long-term Debt

48,573,000

$ 48,687,000

Senior Notes [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount

385,000,000

$ 385,000,000

385,000,000

New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Table Text Block]

2018 payments made, or required to be made for the remainder of the year, under the 1^st Lien Term Loan are summarized as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended			13 Weeks Ending
(Thousands of Dollars)	December 24 2017	March 25 2018	June 24 2018	September 30 2018

Mandatory	6,250	6,250	6,250	6,250
Voluntary	5,000	3,000	4,000	—
Excess cash flow payment	—	—	—	1,842
	11,250	9,250	10,250	8,092

Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount

14,395,000

$ 14,395,000

$ 45,145,000

Repayments of Long-term Debt

$ 8,092,000

10,250,000

$ 9,250,000

$ 11,250,000

Mandatory Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Repayments of Long-term Debt

6,250,000

Voluntary Payment [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Repayments of Long-term Debt

4,000,000

3,000,000

5,000,000

Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] | 2nd Lien Agreement [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Pulitzer Excess Cash Flow

6,259,000

Excess Cash Flow Sweep [Member] | New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]

Schedule Of Debt Payments [Line Items]

Repayments of Long-term Debt

$ 1,842,000

$ 0

Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
Debt Schedule Of Financing Fees (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 30, 2014
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (18,301,000)	$ (21,824,000)
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 11,703,000
Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding	6,000,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 18,301,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Current Fiscal Year	1,007,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Next Fiscal Year	3,869,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 3	3,947,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 4	4,103,000
Amortization Of Present Value Discount- Year 5	$ 4,271,000
Investment Warrants, Exercise Price	$ 4.19
Warrant liability fair value	$ 1,456,000		$ 1,051,000		$ 16,930,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	$ 3,523,000
New 1st Lien Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Financing Fees [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ 5,000,000

Pension, Postretirement, and Postemployement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	780				4170
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	$ 12	$ 21	$ 36	$ 63
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,438	1,349	4,314	4,047
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	(1,983)	(1,969)	(5,949)	(5,907)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	506	736	1,518	2,208
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(34)	(34)	(102)	(102)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	(61)	103	(183)	309
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment	0	0	(2,031)	(3,741)
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost	0	0	0	12
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	90	91	271	323
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets	(270)	(264)	(810)	(792)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	(246)	(254)	(738)	(734)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)	(196)	(365)	(588)	(1,095)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	$ (622)	$ (792)	$ (3,896)	$ (6,027)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Sep. 25, 2016	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Sep. 24, 2017
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)				$ (17,834,000)	$ 8,056,000
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,972,000	$ 1,843,000		(16,791,000)	9,253,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 6,722,000	$ 8,130,000		$ 25,820,000	$ 34,358,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	29.30%	22.70%		(65.00%)	26.90%
Operating Loss Carryforwards						$ 57,856,000
Federal Net Operating Loss			$ 17,850,000
TaxLawChange [Member]
Income tax expense (benefit)				$ (24,872,000)

Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated	$ 4,458	$ 5,995	$ 41,700	$ 24,296
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Weighted Average Common Shares	57,064,000	56,668,000	56,971,000	56,401,000
Less non-vested restricted Common Stock	(2,286,000)	(2,515,000)	(2,373,000)	(2,491,000)
Basic average common shares	54,778,000	54,153,000	54,598,000	53,910,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment	1,302,000	1,302,000	1,305,000	1,492,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	56,080,000	55,455,000	55,903,000	55,402,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.08	$ 0.11	$ 0.76	$ 0.45
Diluted	$ 0.08	$ 0.11	$ 0.75	$ 0.44
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	6,484,300	7,327,000	6,701,300	6,617,000

Stock Ownership Plans (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Stock Ownership Plans (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017	Jun. 24, 2018	Jun. 25, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	6,484,300	7,327,000	6,701,300	6,617,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 2,398,498		$ 2,398,498
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			572,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 2.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number			2,478,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period			(70,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 2.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	2,129,000		2,129,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 2.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 2.31		$ 2.31
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition			1 year 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period			(851,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Other Share Increase (Decrease) in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 3.40
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			2 years 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term			2 years 9 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number			1,271,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period			(40,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,173,000		1,173,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	1,173,000		1,173,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 1.86
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			2.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.87		1.87
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 1.87		$ 1.87
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 1,154,000		$ 1,154,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$ 1,154,000		$ 1,154,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period			(58,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price			$ 1.21

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017	Mar. 26, 2017	Mar. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 499,812,000	$ 548,385,000
Warrant liability fair value	1,456,000		$ 1,051,000	$ 16,930,000
1st Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	14,395,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	401,003,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	385,000,000	385,000,000
New Second Lien Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	100,417,000	$ 118,240,000
2nd Lien Agreement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 102,927,000

Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Not Practicable (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 24, 2018	Sep. 24, 2017
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Estimate Not Practicable, Investments	$ 6,318,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	$ 499,812,000	$ 548,385,000