Quarterly Results of Operations (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information ) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Jun. 30, 2016
Mar. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Sep. 30, 2015
Jun. 30, 2015
Mar. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Net Operating Revenue:                      
Net operating revenues $ 66,095 $ 64,780 $ 66,626 $ 62,483 $ 73,088 $ 66,908 $ 66,676 $ 65,436 $ 259,984 $ 272,108 $ 272,788
Operating income (loss) (24,135) (489) 2,659 (1,781) (9,552) (3,102) (535) (5,106) (23,746) (18,295) (7,686)
Income (Loss) from continuing operations (18,809) (452) 674 (593) (13,852) (3,967) (694) 319 (19,180) (18,194) 86,007
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations         (1) (52) 2 (12)   (63) 6,770
Net Income (Loss) (18,809) (452) 674 (593) (13,853) (4,019) (692) 307 (19,180) (18,257) 92,777
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation $ (18,874) $ (497) $ 693 $ (632) $ (13,657) $ (3,956) $ (592) $ 363 $ (19,310) $ (17,842) $ 92,929
Net income (loss) per share from continuing operations                      
Basic $ (0.87) $ (0.02) $ 0.03 $ (0.03) $ (0.64) $ (0.18) $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.84
Diluted $ (0.87) $ (0.02) $ 0.03 $ (0.03) $ (0.64) $ (0.18) $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ (0.90) $ (0.84) $ 3.82