Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 29, 2013
Jun. 28, 2013
Feb. 28, 2014
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Feb. 28, 2014
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Feb. 28, 2014
Class C Common Stock [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]          
Entity Registrant Name JOURNAL COMMUNICATIONS INC        
Entity Central Index Key 0001232241        
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-29        
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No        
Entity Voluntary Filers No        
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes        
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer        
Entity Public Float   $ 329,902,375      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     44,780,659 6,032,077 0
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013        
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY        
Document Type 10-K        
Amendment Flag false        
Document Period End Date Dec. 29, 2013