Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 13, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	A. H. Belo Corp
Entity Central Index Key	0001413898
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 104,562,051
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Trading Symbol	ahc
Series A [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		19,299,823
Series B [Member]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,469,635

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Operating Revenue:
Advertising and marketing services	$ 143,247	$ 150,315	$ 156,790
Circulation	76,884	79,619	83,581
Printing, distribution and other	28,495	30,050	31,737
Total net operating revenue	248,626	259,984	272,108
Operating Costs and Expense:
Employee compensation and benefits	105,966	104,009	120,818
Other production, distribution and operating costs	114,594	119,830	125,829
Newsprint, ink and other supplies	23,561	25,590	30,892
Depreciation	10,415	10,713	11,515
Amortization	799	906	1,349
Asset impairments	3,344	22,682
Total operating costs and expense	258,679	283,730	290,403
Operating loss	(10,053)	(23,746)	(18,295)
Other Income (Expense):
Loss from equity method investments, net			(1,065)
Other income (expense), net	13,954	2,294	(404)
Total other income (expense), net	13,954	2,294	(1,469)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	3,901	(21,452)	(19,764)
Income tax benefit	(6,260)	(2,272)	(1,570)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	10,161	(19,180)	(18,194)
Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations			(63)
Net Income (Loss)	10,161	(19,180)	(18,257)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		130	(415)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ 10,161	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)
Per Share Basis
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation, Basic and diluted	$ 0.46	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)
Number of common shares used in the per share calculation:
Basic	21,721,497	21,620,539	21,408,940
Diluted	21,723,002	21,620,539	21,408,940

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 10,161	$ (19,180)	$ (18,257)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Actuarial gains (losses)	8,151	(810)	2,742
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses	6,225	(56)	16,183
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	14,376	(866)	18,925
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	24,537	(20,046)	668
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		130	(415)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ 24,537	$ (20,176)	$ 1,083

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,660	$ 80,071
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $1,055 and $1,115 at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively)	26,740	29,114
Inventories	3,171	3,386
Prepaids and other current assets	13,734	9,553
Assets held for sale	1,089
Total current assets	102,394	122,124
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	418,730	445,874
Less accumulated depreciation	(387,024)	(402,115)
Property, plant and equipment, net	31,706	43,759
Intangible assets, net	4,073	4,872
Goodwill	13,973	14,201
Deferred income taxes, net	5,355
Other assets	5,347	7,775
Total assets	162,848	192,731
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	10,303	9,036
Accrued compensation and benefits	8,243	8,657
Other accrued expense	4,275	6,318
Advance subscription payments	11,670	13,243
Total current liabilities	34,491	37,254
Long-term pension liabilities	23,038	54,843
Other post-employment benefits	2,052	2,329
Other liabilities	5,568	6,483
Total liabilities	65,149	100,909
Noncontrolling interest - redeemable		2,670
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued
Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 1,430,961 and 1,416,881 shares held at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	(11,302)	(11,233)
Additional paid-in capital	494,989	499,552
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(24,932)	(39,308)
Accumulated deficit	(361,288)	(361,324)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	97,699	87,918
Noncontrolling interests		1,234
Total shareholders’ equity	97,699	89,152
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	162,848	192,731
Series A [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	208	207
Series B [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	$ 24	$ 24

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 1,055	$ 1,115
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	125,000,000	125,000,000
Series A [Member]
Common stock, shares, issued	20,700,292	20,620,461
Series B [Member]
Common stock, shares, issued	2,469,755	2,472,680
Treasury Stock [Member] \| Series A [Member]
Treasury stock Series A, shares held	1,430,961	1,416,881

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)	Common Stock [Member] Series A [Member]	Common Stock [Member] Series B [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member] Series A [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014			$ 227,000	$ 499,320,000		$ (8,087,000)	$ (57,367,000)	$ (308,330,000)	$ 256,000	$ 126,019,000
Beginning Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2014	20,341,501	2,388,237
Beginning Balance, Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2014					(944,636)
Net income (loss)								(17,842,000)	(415,000)	(18,257,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							18,925,000			18,925,000
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests									1,210,000	1,210,000
Treasury stock purchases, shares					(472,245)
Treasury stock purchases						(3,146,000)				(3,146,000)
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	162,274
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			2,000	(2,000)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	18,000
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises				71,000						71,000
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation				557,000						557,000
Share-based compensation				605,000						605,000
Redeemable non-controlling interests				(102,000)					18,000	(84,000)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	728	(728)
Dividends								(7,050,000)		(7,050,000)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015			229,000	500,449,000		(11,233,000)	(38,442,000)	(333,222,000)	1,069,000	118,850,000
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2015	20,522,503	2,387,509
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2015					(1,416,881)
Net income (loss)								(19,310,000)	77,000	(19,233,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(866,000)			(866,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests									(308,000)	(308,000)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests				(396,000)					396,000
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	97,203
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			1,000	(1,000)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises		$ 85,926	1,000	155,000						156,000
Share-based compensation				640,000						640,000
Redeemable non-controlling interests				(1,295,000)						(1,295,000)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	755	(755)
Dividends								(8,792,000)		(8,792,000)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016			231,000	499,552,000		(11,233,000)	(39,308,000)	(361,324,000)	1,234,000	89,152,000
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2016	20,620,461	2,472,680
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2016					(1,416,881)
Net income (loss)								10,161,000		10,161,000
Other comprehensive income (loss)							14,376,000			14,376,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests									(118,000)	(118,000)
Treasury stock purchases, shares					(14,080)
Treasury stock purchases						(69,000)				(69,000)
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	76,906
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			1,000	(1,000)
Share-based compensation				944,000						944,000
Purchases of noncontrolling interests				(5,506,000)					$ (1,116,000)	(6,622,000)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	2,925	(2,925)
Dividends								(10,125,000)		(10,125,000)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017			$ 232,000	$ 494,989,000		$ (11,302,000)	$ (24,932,000)	$ (361,288,000)		$ 97,699,000
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2017	20,700,292	2,469,755
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2017					(1,430,961)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 10,161	$ (19,180)	$ (18,257)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations			63
Depreciation and amortization	11,214	11,619	12,864
Net periodic (benefit) expense and contributions related to employee benefit plans	(17,519)	(3,538)	10,423
Equity method investment loss in excess of dividends			1,440
Share-based compensation	944	640	605
Deferred income taxes	(5,355)	(1,046)	(1,572)
(Gain) loss on investment related activity	250	200	(1,045)
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets	(14,477)	(1,950)	478
Asset impairments	3,344	22,682
Other operating activities			405
Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	2,374	2,388	2,894
Inventories, prepaids and other current assets	(3,966)	528	(144)
Other assets	2,196	(2,592)	(363)
Accounts payable	1,267	(3,700)	85
Compensation and benefit obligations	(155)	1,777	(2,133)
Other accrued expenses	(614)	1,060	(9,052)
Advanced subscription payments	(1,573)	(1,181)	(1,470)
Other post-employment benefits	(186)	(91)
Net cash provided by (used for) continuing operations	(12,095)	7,616	(4,779)
Net cash used for discontinued operations			(24)
Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities	(12,095)	7,616	(4,803)
Investing Activities
Acquisition costs, net of cash acquired			(14,110)
Purchases of assets	(12,005)	(6,597)	(7,572)
Sales of assets	21,300	5,636	5,866
Other investment related proceeds			1,046
Purchases of investments	(18)	(250)	(500)
Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities	9,277	(1,211)	(15,270)
Financing Activities
Purchases of noncontrolling interests	(9,231)
Dividends paid	(10,114)	(7,029)	(57,200)
Proceeds from other financing activities		2,566
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(179)	(407)
Purchases of treasury stock	(69)		(3,146)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		156	71
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation			557
Net cash used for financing activities	(19,593)	(4,714)	(59,718)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(22,411)	1,691	(79,791)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	80,071	78,380	158,171
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 57,660	$ 80,071	$ 78,380

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Note 1: Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Description of Business. A. H. Belo Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively herein as “A. H. Belo” or the “Company.” The Company, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading local news and information publishing company with commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as expertise in emerging media and digital marketing. With a continued focus on extending the Company’s media platform, A. H. Belo delivers news and information in innovative ways to a broad spectrum of audiences with diverse interests and lifestyles. The Company publishes The Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com), Texas’ leading newspaper and winner of nine Pulitzer Prizes, and various niche publications targeting specific audiences. In December 2017, the Company completed the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle and the Company no longer owns newspaper operations in Denton, Texas.

A. H. Belo also offers digital marketing solutions through DMV Digital Holdings Company (“DMV Holdings”) and Your Speakeasy, LLC (“Speakeasy”), and provides event activation, promotion and marketing services through DMN CrowdSource LLC (“CrowdSource”).

Basis of Presentation. The consolidated financial statements included herein include adjustments of a normal recurring nature, which in the Company’s opinion, are necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial information as of and for the periods indicated. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All dollar amounts presented herein, except share and per share amounts, are in thousands, unless the context indicates otherwise.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and (iii) the reported amount of net operating revenues and expenses recognized during the periods presented. Adjustments made with respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable. Accounts receivable are reported net of a valuation reserve that represents an estimate of amounts considered uncollectible. The Company estimates the allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical write-off experience and the Company’s knowledge of the customers’ ability to pay amounts due. Accounts are written-off after all collection efforts fail; generally, after one year has expired. Expense for such uncollectible amounts is included in other production, distribution and operating costs. Bad debt expense for 2017 and 2016 was $2,109 and $1,712, respectively. Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments for 2017 and 2016 were $2,169 and $2,039, respectively.

Risk Concentration. A significant portion of the Company’s customer base is concentrated within the North Texas geographical area. The Company generally extends credit to customers, and the ultimate collection of accounts receivable could be affected by the national and local economy. Management continually performs credit evaluations of its customers and may require cash in advance or other special arrangements from certain customers. The Company maintains an allowance for losses based upon the collectability of accounts receivable. Management does not believe significant credit risk exists that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, ink and other supplies used in printing newspapers, are recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the weighted average purchase price of the inventory acquired.

Property, Plant and Equipment. The Company records property, plant and equipment at cost or its fair value if acquired through a business acquisition or non-monetary exchange. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets and depreciable assets are reviewed to ensure the remaining useful life of the assets continues to be appropriate. An adjustment resulting from a change in the estimated useful life of an asset is recorded to depreciation expense on a prospective basis.

The table below sets forth property, plant and equipment by type.



	December 31,				Estimated
	2017		2016		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,220	$	11,384
Buildings and improvements		110,409		133,441	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		216,199		217,221	3 - 20 years
Other		88,177		81,724	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,725		2,104
Total		418,730		445,874
Less accumulated depreciation		(387,024)		(402,115)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	31,706	$	43,759

Goodwill. Goodwill is recorded at the reporting unit level based on the excess fair value of prior business acquisitions over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired. Reporting units of the Company are based on its internal reporting structure and represent a reporting level below an operating segment. Unless qualitative factors allow the Company to conclude it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is tested for impairment by estimating the fair value of the reporting unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the fair value for the reporting unit’s underlying assets and liabilities is determined and goodwill is adjusted accordingly. In determining the fair value for a reporting unit, the Company considers recent stock and sales transaction prices of peer group companies as well as the present value of expected future cash flows of the reporting unit. Significant assumptions include sales and expense growth rates, discount rates, capital expenditures and the impact of current market conditions. These estimates could be materially impacted by changes in market conditions. The Company performs the goodwill impairment test as of December 31 each fiscal year or when changes in circumstances indicate an impairment event may have occurred. Impairment charges represent noncash charges and do not affect the Company’s liquidity, cash flows from operating activities or have any effect on future operations.

The Company conducted the annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2017. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach, combined with the market approach, is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair value of the business. Upon completion of the annual test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 93 percent. Accordingly, no impairment was warranted.

Long-Lived Assets. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, using the lowest level of cash flows associated with the assets, which are grouped based on the Company’s intended use of these assets. This evaluation is performed whenever a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable. If the analysis of undiscounted future cash flows indicates the carrying value of the long-lived assets cannot be recovered, the assets are adjusted to the lower of its carrying value or fair value.

Investments. The Company owns certain equity securities in companies in which it does not exercise control. These investments are recorded under the cost method and the Company recognizes income or loss upon the receipt of dividends or distributions, or upon liquidation of the investment. The Company evaluates its ability to recover the carrying value of cost method investments based upon the financial strength of the investee. If the Company determines the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference between the fair value of the investment and the carrying value. For those investments where the Company is able to exercise significant influence over the investee as defined under ASC 323 – Equity Method and Joint Ventures, the Company accounts for the investment under the equity method of accounting, recognizing its share of the investee’s income or loss as a component of earnings.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company’s ownership interest in Wanderful Media, LLC (“Wanderful”) decreased to less than 20 percent of the outstanding membership interests of Wanderful and the Company no longer exerted significant influence over Wanderful. Accordingly, the Company discontinued the use of the equity method of accounting for the investment in Wanderful, and began accounting for the investment under the cost method. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company abandoned its remaining ownership interest in Wanderful.

Pension. The Company follows accounting guidance for single-employer defined benefit plans. Plan assets and the projected benefits obligation are measured each December 31, and the Company records as an asset or liability the net funded position of the plans. Certain changes in actuarial valuations related to returns on plan assets and projected benefit obligations are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and are amortized to net periodic pension expense over the weighted average remaining life of plan participants, to the extent the cumulative balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) exceeds 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. Net periodic pension expense is recognized each period by accruing interest expense on the projected benefit obligation and accruing a return on assets associated with the plan assets. Participation in and accrual of new benefits to participants has been frozen since 2007 and, accordingly, on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic pension expense. From time to time, the Company-sponsored plans may settle pension obligations with certain plan participants through the plans’ master trust as part of its de-risking strategies. The gains or losses associated with settlements of plan obligations to participants are recognized to earnings if such settlements exceed the interest component of net periodic pension cost for the year. Otherwise, such amounts are included in actuarial gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Re-measurement of plan assets and liabilities upon a significant settlement or curtailment event is performed based on the values of the month-end closest to the event.

Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Company sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which it issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and cash awards to directors and certain employees of the Company. The fair value of awards issued under the Plan is recognized to expense over the requisite service period. The fair value of RSUs is established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. The Company records a liability for the portion of the outstanding RSUs to be redeemed in cash, which is adjusted to its fair value each period, based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock.

Under the long-term incentive plan, options can be issued to directors and employees of the Company. All outstanding options issued against the Company’s stock were fully vested and recognized to earnings as of December 31, 2017.

Due to the expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2018, A. H. Belo implemented, and shareholders approved, a new long-term incentive plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which an additional 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Like its predecessor plan, awards under the 2017 Plan may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. No grants were made under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2017.

Shareholders’ Equity. The Company authorized the issuance of shares of Series A and Series B common stock. Series A common stock has one vote per share and Series B common stock has 10 votes per share. Shares of Series B common stock are convertible at any time on a share-for-share basis into shares of Series A common stock, but not vice versa.

The Company is authorized to grant stock option and RSU awards to employees and directors of the Company. Upon vesting of RSUs, shares of Series A common stock are issued. Upon the exercise of stock options, Series A common stock is issued if the holder of the stock options executes a simultaneous exercise and sale. If the holder of the stock option chooses not to sell the shares, Series B common stock is issued.

In 2012, the Company’s board of directors authorized the purchase of the A. H. Belo Series A or Series B common stock, for use other than retirement, through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. In December 2015, the Company discontinued share repurchases. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company resumed open market stock repurchases under its prior board-authorized repurchase authority. Treasury stock acquired under the repurchase program is recorded at cost, reducing shareholders’ equity. The acquired shares are available for sale on the open market or for settlement of obligations related to its share-based awards.

Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (the “Pension Plans”) and other post-employment benefit (the “OPEB”) plans. The cumulative balances are amortized to earnings over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the participants to the extent such balances exceed 10 percent of the greater of the respective plan’s (a) projected benefit obligation or (b) the market-related value of the plan’s assets. The Company discloses amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) in Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity.

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are the advertising space in published issues of its newspapers and on the Company’s and third-party websites, the sale of newspapers to distributors and individual subscribers, as well as amounts charged to customers for commercial printing, distribution and direct mail. Advertising revenue is recorded net of agency commission at the time the advertisements are published in the newspaper and ratably over the period of time the advertisement is placed on the websites. Marketing Services revenue is recognized at the time the services are rendered. Proceeds from subscriptions are deferred and included in revenue ratably over the term of the subscriptions. Subscription revenue under buy-sell arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the net amount received from the distributor, whereas subscription revenue under fee-based delivery arrangements with distributors is recorded based on the amount received from the subscriber. Commercial printing and direct mail revenue is recorded when the product is distributed or shipped.

Income Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes and recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets include reversal of future deferred tax liabilities, available tax planning strategies, future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years.

The Company evaluates any uncertain tax positions each reporting period by tax jurisdiction to determine if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will not be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements for such positions are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. If a net operating loss or other tax credit carry forward exists, the Company records the unrecognized tax benefits for such tax positions as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. Otherwise, the unrecognized tax benefits are recorded as a liability. The Company records a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Any change in judgment related to the expected ultimate resolution of uncertain tax positions is recognized in earnings in the period in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in interest expense.

Use of Estimates. Company management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts and disclosures reported in its financial statements and include valuation allowances for doubtful accounts, uncertain tax positions and deferred tax assets, fair value measurements related to assets held for sale, pension plan assets and equity based compensation, actuarial liabilities related to self-insured risks, pension plan obligations and assumptions related to impairment and recovery of goodwill and long-lived assets. Estimates are based on past experience and other considerations reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Segments. The Company operates under two reportable segments. The Publishing segment includes the operating activities associated with the Company’s core print and digital operations associated with its newspapers, niche publications and related websites and apps. The Marketing Services segment includes the operations of DMV Holdings, Speakeasy and digital advertising through Connect (programmatic advertising). This segment primarily includes sales of advertising delivered outside the Company’s news platforms, social media management services, and other marketing services designed to provide integrated solutions for optimizing businesses marketing challenges and opportunities.

Fair Value Measurements. The Company’s financial instruments, including cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, interest receivable, accounts payable and amounts due to customers are carried at cost, which approximates its fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill and eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company early adopted this standard in the third quarter of 2017. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements. The FASB issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This guidance prescribes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in the accounting of revenue arising from contracts with customers. The core principle contemplated by this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount reflecting the consideration 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. Since May 2014, the FASB 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. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing revenue guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2017. There are two transition options available to entities, the full retrospective approach, in which the Company would restate prior periods, or the modified retrospective approach. The Company currently anticipates adopting ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018. This approach consists of recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings.

The Company coordinated a team of key stakeholders to develop a bottom-up approach to analyze the impact of the new standard on its portfolio of contracts. The Company completed its assessment and the expected impact is a reduction in revenue of approximately $15,600 to $18,500 annually, primarily related to digital advertising revenue placed on third-party websites where the Company is acting as an agent under the new standard. Currently, such revenue is generally recorded gross, but under the new standard will be recorded net. There is no impact to opening retained earnings. All other lines of revenue were not materially impacted as a majority of revenue transactions are recognized when the product is delivered.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842). This update requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of its leases. The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will generally be based on the liability. For income statement purposes, operating leases will result in straight-line expense and finance leases will result in expenses similar to current capital leases. The guidance also requires additional disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years and will be applied using the modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-06 – Plan Accounting – Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962) and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting. This update clarifies the presentation requirements for a plan’s interest in a master trust and requires more detailed disclosures of the plan’s interest in the master trust. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update and has not yet determined its impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This update clarifies the presentation and classification of the components of net periodic benefit cost in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Specifically, this standard requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be recorded in the same income statement line as other employee compensation costs and all other components of net periodic benefit cost must be presented as non-operating items. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently anticipates adopting this standard retrospectively as of January 1, 2018. The Company’s defined benefit plans have been frozen, so the Company is no longer incurring service costs related to the plans. Therefore, after adoption, the entire net periodic benefit cost will be presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in non-operating income (expense).

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Note 2: Segment Reporting

In the first quarter of 2017, in conjunction with the promotion of Grant Moise from Senior Vice President Business Development / Niche Products to General Manager of The Dallas Morning News and Executive Vice President of A. H. Belo, the Company reorganized its two reportable segments based on changes in reporting structure and the go-to-market for the Company’s service and product offerings. The two reportable segments are Publishing and Marketing Services.

The Publishing segment includes the Company’s core print and digital operations associated with its newspapers, niche publications and related websites and apps. These operations generate revenue from sales of advertising within its newspaper and digital platforms, subscription and retail sales of its newspapers, sponsorship advertising for events, commercial printing and distribution services, primarily related to national and regional newspapers, and preprint advertisers. Businesses within the Publishing segment leverage the production facilities, subscriber and advertiser base, and digital news platforms to provide additional contribution margin. The Company evaluates Publishing operations based on operating profit and cash flows from operating activities.

The Marketing Services segment includes the operations of DMV Holdings, Speakeasy and digital advertising through Connect (programmatic advertising). The Company operates the portfolio of assets within its Marketing Services segment as separate businesses that sell digital marketing and advertising through different channels, including programmatic advertising and content marketing within the social media environment.

Based on the organization of the Company’s structure and organizational chart, we believe the Company’s chief operating decision makers (the “CODMs”) are its Chief Executive Officer, Jim Moroney, and Grant Moise, the General Manager of The Dallas Morning News and Executive Vice President of A. H. Belo Corporation. The CODMs allocate resources and capital to the Publishing and Marketing Services segments at the segment level.

The tables below set forth summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments. Due to the first quarter 2017 reorganization of the Company’s two reportable segments, the prior year periods financial information by segment were recast for comparative purposes.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
			(Recast)			(Recast)
Revenue
Publishing	$	217,347	$	231,372	$	254,047
Marketing Services		31,279		28,612		18,061
Total	$	248,626	$	259,984	$	272,108

Operating Income (Loss)
Publishing	$	(13,146)	$	(26,592)	$	(19,890)
Marketing Services		3,093		2,846		1,595
Total	$	(10,053)	$	(23,746)	$	(18,295)

Noncash Expenses
Publishing
Depreciation	$	10,300	$	10,637	$	11,401
Amortization		—		104		552
Asset impairments		3,344		22,682		—
Pension settlement		5,911		—		14,964
Total	$	19,555	$	33,423	$	26,917

Marketing Services
Depreciation	$	115	$	76	$	114
Amortization		799		802		797
Total	$	914	$	878	$	911



	December 31,
	2017		2016
			(Recast)
Total Assets
Publishing	$	137,409	$	170,820
Marketing Services		25,439		21,911
Total	$	162,848	$	192,731

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Note 3: Acquisitions

On February 16, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 30 percent voting interest in Speakeasy for a cash purchase price of $2,111, and on March 2, 2017, the Company acquired the remaining 20 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings for a cash purchase price of $7,120.

The initial purchase of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings occurred in January 2015 for a cash purchase price of $14,110. DMV Digital Holdings Company holds all outstanding ownership interests of three Dallas-based businesses, Distribion, Inc., Vertical Nerve, Inc. and CDFX, LLC. These businesses specialize in local marketing automation, search engine marketing, and direct mail and promotional products, respectively. Transaction costs related to the initial purchase are a component of other production, distribution and operating costs and totaled $1,288. The estimated fair value of the acquired DMV Holdings businesses totaled $17,829, of which $2,548 was attributed to noncontrolling interests.

The allocation of the purchase price for the initial purchase of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings was completed in the fourth quarter of 2015 and is summarized as follows:



		Estimated Fair Value
Working capital, net of acquired cash	$	(80)
Property, plant and equipment		57
Other intangible assets		6,470
Goodwill		12,301
Deferred tax liability		(2,090)
	$	16,658

Operating results of the businesses acquired have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from the acquisition date forward. Revenue from marketing services is recognized at the time services are delivered and upfront fees, if any, are recognized over the life of the contractual arrangement. Operating results for 2015, related to the acquired DMV Holdings businesses, included $10,138 of operating revenue, which included $1,137 of intercompany sales and a pretax income of $95 before adjusting for noncontrolling interests. Pro forma results of the Company, assuming the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would not be materially different from the results reported.

These acquisitions complement the product and service offerings currently available to A. H. Belo clients, thereby strengthening the Company’s diversified product portfolio and allowing for greater penetration in a competitive advertising market.

Pro-rata distributions. In connection with the 2015 acquisition of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the shareholder agreement provided for a pro-rata distribution of 50 percent and 100 percent of DMV Holdings’ free cash flow for fiscal years 2016 and 2015, respectively. Free cash flow is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less capital expenditures, debt amortization and interest expense, as applicable. In 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded pro-rata distributions to noncontrolling interests of $163 and $264, respectively, in connection with this agreement based on 2016 and 2015 free cash flow as defined, respectively.

Redeemable noncontrolling interest. Also, in connection with the 2015 acquisition of 80 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the Company entered into a shareholder agreement, which provided for a put option to a noncontrolling shareholder. The put option provided the shareholder with the right to require the Company to purchase up to 25 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the second and third anniversaries of the agreement and up to 50 percent of the noncontrolling ownership interest in DMV Holdings between the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the agreement.

Redeemable noncontrolling interest was recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and the carrying value was adjusted each period for its share of the earnings related to DMV Holdings and for any distributions. The carrying value was also adjusted for the change in fair value, which was based on the estimated redemption value as of December 31, 2016. Adjustments were recorded to retained earnings or additional paid in capital, as applicable, and have no effect to earnings of the Company. In 2017 and 2016, redeemable noncontrolling interest was decreased by $61 and $99, respectively, for distributions related to the 2016 and 2015 free cash flow, respectively, as required under the shareholder agreement. Additionally, in 2016, redeemable noncontrolling interest was increased by $53 for its share of the DMV Holdings’ earnings and increased by $1,295 for the 2016 change in fair value.

The exercisability of the noncontrolling interest put option was outside the control of the Company. As such, the redeemable noncontrolling interest of $2,670 was reported in the mezzanine equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016. As a result of the purchase of the remaining 20 percent voting interest in DMV Holdings, the shareholder agreement was terminated and the redeemable noncontrolling interest was eliminated as of March 31, 2017.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Note 4: Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The table below sets forth goodwill and other intangible assets by reportable segment as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Due to the first quarter 2017 reorganization of the Company’s two reportable segments, the prior year period financial information by segment was recast for comparative purposes; see Note 2 – Segment Reporting. The Company’s Publishing and Marketing Services segments each operate as a single reporting unit.



	December 31,
	2017		2016
			(Recast)
Goodwill
Publishing	$	—	$	228
Marketing Services		13,973		13,973
Total	$	13,973	$	14,201

Intangible Assets
Publishing
Cost	$	—	$	240
Accumulated Amortization		—		(240)
Net Carrying Value	$	—	$	—
Marketing Services
Cost	$	6,470	$	6,470
Accumulated Amortization		(2,397)		(1,598)
Net Carrying Value	$	4,073	$	4,872

In 2017, the Publishing segment’s fully amortized intangible assets of $240 of customer relationships were written-off and had no remaining useful life. Intangible assets consist of $4,950 of customer relationships with estimated useful lives of 10 years and $1,520 of developed technology with an estimated useful life of five years. Aggregate amortization expense was $799 and $906 for 2017 and 2016, respectively. Annual amortization expense for the next five years is expected to approximate $799 in 2018 and 2019, and $495 thereafter.

As a result of the first quarter 2017 segment reorganization, certain goodwill and intangible assets previously reported in the Marketing Services segment were moved to the Publishing segment, which was fully impaired as of December 31, 2016. Therefore, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $228 in the first quarter of 2017. In 2016, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682, fully impairing the Publishing reporting unit’s goodwill.

The Company tested the Marketing Services segment’s goodwill for impairment as of December 31, 2017, using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based, risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital, combined with a market approach using peer-based earnings multiples. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach, combined with the market approach, is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair value of the business. Upon completion of the annual test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s fair value exceeded its carrying value by approximately 93 percent. Accordingly, no impairment was warranted.

- 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

Long-term Incentive Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]

Long-term Incentive Plan

Note 5: Long-term Incentive Plan

A. H. Belo sponsors a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Awards may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. In addition, stock options may be accompanied by full and limited stock appreciation rights. Rights and limited stock appreciation rights may also be issued without accompanying stock options. Awards under the Plan were also granted to holders of stock options issued by A. H. Belo’s former parent company in connection with the Company’s separation from its former parent in 2008. Due to the expiration of the Plan on February 8, 2018, A. H. Belo implemented, and shareholders approved, a new long-term incentive plan (the “2017 Plan”) under which an additional 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized for equity-based awards. Like its predecessor plan, awards under the 2017 Plan may be granted to A. H. Belo employees and outside directors in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, restricted share awards, RSUs, performance shares, performance units or stock appreciation rights. No grants were made under the 2017 Plan as of December 31, 2017.

Stock Options. Stock options granted under the Plan are fully vested and exercisable. No options have been granted since 2009, and all compensation expense associated with stock options has been fully recognized as of December 31, 2017.

The table below sets forth a summary of stock option activity under the Plan.



	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	114,979	$	8.21
Canceled	(14,635)		20.16
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	100,344		6.46

As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options was $8 and the weighted average remaining contractual life of the Company’s stock options was less than one year. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2016 and 2015 was $300 and $100, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units. The Company’s RSUs have service and/or performance conditions and, subject to retirement eligibility, vest over a period of up to three years. Vested RSUs are redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years. As of December 31, 2017, the liability for the portion of the awards to be redeemed in cash was $1,028.

The table below sets forth a summary of RSU activity under the Plan.



	Total RSUs	Issuance of Common Stock	RSUs Redeemed in Cash	Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock		Weighted Average Price on Date of Grant
Non-vested at December 31, 2016	121,131					$	5.65
Granted	284,868						6.11
Vested and outstanding	(159,212)						5.71
Vested and issued	(22,734)	13,634	9,100	$	57		6.90
Non-vested at December 31, 2017	224,053						6.07

In 2017, the Company issued 63,272 shares of Series A common stock and 42,189 shares were redeemed in cash for RSUs that were previously vested as of December 31, 2016. In addition, there were 290,825 and 237,074 RSUs that were vested and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The fair value of RSU grants is determined using the closing trading price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized compensation expense related to the non-vested RSUs totaled $831, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

Compensation Expense. A. H. Belo recognizes compensation expense for awards granted under the Plan over the vesting period of the award. Compensation expense related to RSUs granted under the Plan is set forth in the table below.



Years Ended December 31,	RSUs Redeemable in Stock		RSUs Redeemable in Cash		Total RSU Awards Expense
2017	$	944	$	654	$	1,598
2016		640		580		1,220
2015		605		(349)		256

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 6: Income Taxes

The table below sets forth the income tax benefit related to continuing operations.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Current
Federal	$	(2,018)	$	(2,431)	$	(1,726)
State		1,113		1,205		1,729
Total current		(905)		(1,226)		3
Deferred
Federal		8,723		1,514		(3,988)
State		(7)		(26)		(389)
Total deferred		8,716		1,488		(4,377)
Valuation Allowance		(14,071)		(2,534)		2,804
Income Tax Benefit	$	(6,260)	$	(2,272)	$	(1,570)

The table below reconciles the income tax benefit for continuing operations computed by applying the applicable United States federal income tax rate to the tax benefit computed at the effective income tax rate.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$	1,362	$	(7,312)	$	(6,917)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)		698		757		780
Valuation allowance		(14,071)		(2,534)		2,804
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		3,570		—		—
Goodwill impairment		63		6,266		—
Nondeductible expenses		(3,454)		249		493
Uncertain tax position reserve		2,555		(7)		244
Noncontrolling interests		(5)		(40)		133
Other		3,022		349		893
Income tax benefit	$	(6,260)	$	(2,272)	$	(1,570)
Effective income tax rate		(160.5)%		10.6%		7.9%

A tax benefit of $6,260 was recorded in 2017. The benefit was primarily due to deductions associated with the voluntary pension contribution of $20,000, partial release of the valuation allowance and a capital loss on the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle, of which a portion will be carried back to 2014 for federal income tax purposes. These deductions offset taxable income that resulted from the sale of the Company’s three properties in downtown Dallas, Texas.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The 2017 Tax Act also provides for the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017 as well as prospective changes beginning in 2018, including repeal of the domestic manufacturing deduction, acceleration of tax revenue recognition, capitalization of research and development expenditures, additional limitations on executive compensation and limitations on the deductibility of interest.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company has completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, which is reflected in the Company’s 2017 consolidated financial statements. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. Accordingly, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were remeasured to reflect the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, resulting in a $3,570 decrease in income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2017.

A tax benefit of $2,272 was recorded in 2016. The benefit was primarily due to deductions associated with capital losses on the sale of certain investments, which were carried back to 2014 for federal income tax purposes.

A tax benefit of $1,570 was recorded in 2015. The benefit was primarily derived from $2,090 of deferred tax liabilities assumed in the acquisition of DMV Holdings, which reduced the amount of valuation allowance that would have otherwise been required. A receivable was recorded in prepaid and other assets as of December 31, 2015, for federal net operating losses of $3,066 generated in 2015.

The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $583 and $(906) in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Federal tax benefit recognized in 2017 of $4,073 was recorded within current assets on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017. This tax benefit is the result of the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle in the fourth quarter of 2017. Tax benefits recognized in 2016 were carried back against taxes paid in 2014 for a refund of $3,210 to be received in 2018, which is the result of a tax benefit from the abandonment of the Company's ownership interest in Wanderful and the sale of the Company's equity investment in Homesnap, Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2016. Tax benefits recognized in 2015 were carried back against taxes paid in 2014 for a refund of $2,930 received in 2016.

In accordance with realization requirements of ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation, the tax liability and additional paid in capital were reduced in 2015 by $557, for the value of equity compensation in excess of the compensation expense recognized. These deductions were not available to the Company prior to 2014 due to the net operating loss assets.

The table below sets forth the significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets.



	December 31,
	2017		2016
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)
Defined benefit plans	$	4,838	$	19,195
Investments		210		659
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation		1,576		4,171
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued		644		805
Deferred compensation and benefits		553		756
Tax amortization in excess of book amortization		(368)		(848)
State taxes		68		106
Federal net operating loss carryforward		4,260		—
Other		482		739
Total		12,263		25,583
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(6,908)		(25,583)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	5,355	$	—

The presentation of net deferred tax assets and liabilities for each jurisdiction are presented as noncurrent within the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred income tax balances reflect the effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases and are stated at enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the taxes are actually paid or recovered. The Company recognizes a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more-likely-than-not that these assets will not be realized. In making this determination, all positive and negative evidence is considered, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, tax planning strategies, future taxable income and taxable income in prior carryback years. In 2017, it was determined the net operating loss carryforward of $4,260, generated in 2017, was realizable and the Company recorded a deferred tax asset. Additionally in 2017, a reduction of $1,095 was recorded to the valuation allowance to account for other deferred tax assets that were determined to be realizable.

Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and a liability is recognized for the tax benefit associated with uncertain positions only if it is more-likely-than-not that the positions will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the positions. The Company assesses its filing positions in all significant jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns for all open tax years. The Company’s federal income tax returns for the years subsequent to December 31, 2014, remain subject to examination, and income tax returns in major state income tax jurisdictions where the Company operates remain subject to examination for various periods subsequent to December 31, 2013. Additionally, the December 2014 return was amended in 2016, extending the statute of limitations associated with the 2014 filing. The Company has recorded a reserve for the tax benefit related to uncertain state tax positions existing as of December 31, 2017.

The table below sets forth a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefit.



	2017
Balance at January 1	$	237
Decrease related to zero change audit		(24)
Increase related to prior year tax positions		4
Decrease related to settlement		(35)
Increase related to current year tax positions		2,575
Balance at December 31	$	2,757

Pension and Other Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Other Retirement Plans

Note 7: Pension and Other Retirement Plans

Defined Benefit Plans. The Company sponsors the A. H. Belo Pension Plans (the “Pension Plans”), which provide benefits to approximately 1,500 current and former employees of the Company. A. H. Belo Pension Plan I provides benefits to certain current and former employees primarily employed with The Dallas Morning News or the A. H. Belo corporate offices. A. H. Belo Pension Plan II provides benefits to certain former employees of The Providence Journal Company. This obligation was retained by the Company upon the sale of the newspaper operations of The Providence Journal. No additional benefits are accruing under the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, as future benefits were frozen.

The Company was not required to make contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2017, 2016 and 2015 under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding. In 2017, the Company made a voluntary contribution of $20,000 to the Pension Plans and using the contribution, in addition to liquidating $23,391 of plan assets, transferred $43,391 of pension liabilities to an insurance company. As a result of this de-risking action, the Company reduced the number of participants in the Pension Plans by 796, or 36 percent. A charge to pension expense of $5,911 in 2017, was recorded to reflect the amortization of losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with this transaction. In addition, the projected benefit obligation was remeasured as of September 30, 2017, which resulted in an actuarial gain of $3,648 that was recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in 2017; see Note 8 – Shareholders’ Equity. This transaction occurred on September 20, 2017, but the Company elected to use the measurement date practical expedient, allowing the Company to use September 30, 2017, as the alternative measurement date. No material transactions or changes in market conditions occurred between the transaction date and the alternative measurement date.

In 2015, the Company implemented a de-risking strategy whereby voluntary and mandatory lump-sum payments to participants may be made to decrease future benefit obligations. As part of this strategy, payments of $100,877 were made in 2015 to approximately 1,000 participants. The lump-sum payments resulted in a favorable settlement of the projected benefit obligations of approximately $5,000 in 2015. A charge to pension expense for $14,964 in 2015 was recorded to reflect the amortization of losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with these settlements. The obligations were funded through the Pension Plans’ master trust account and are a component of benefit payments.

The Company will continue to evaluate the feasibility of additional de-risking strategies based on the economic benefits to the Company.

Actuarial gains (losses) of $8,005, $(884) and $2,540 were recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively; see Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity for information on amounts recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss.

The table below sets forth summarized financial information about the A. H. Belo Pension Plans.



	2017		2016
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	259,025	$	262,027
Interest cost		9,051		10,098
Actuarial (gain) loss		9,214		1,368
Benefit payments		(14,264)		(14,468)
Annuity purchase		(43,391)		—
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		219,635		259,025
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		204,182		204,581
Return on plan assets		30,070		14,069
Employer contributions		20,000		—
Benefit payments		(14,264)		(14,468)
Annuity purchase		(43,391)		—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		196,597		204,182
Funded Status	$	(23,038)	$	(54,843)
Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	$	23,038	$	54,843
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	219,635	$	259,025

Net Periodic Pension Expense (Benefit)

The projected benefit obligations of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are estimated using the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve, which is based upon a portfolio of high quality corporate debt securities with maturities that correlate to the timing of benefit payments to the Pension Plans’ participants. Future benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve discount rate to determine the projected benefit obligation outstanding at each year end. The yield curve discount rates as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, were 3.4 percent and 3.8 percent, respectively.

Interest expense included in net periodic pension expense (benefit) is based on the Citigroup Pension Yield Curve established at the beginning of the fiscal year. The beginning of year yield curve discount rate for 2017 was 3.8 percent. Due to the 2017 de-risking action, a settlement charge was triggered as of September 30, 2017. Net periodic benefit cost for the fourth quarter of 2017 and the settlement charge were determined using a yield curve discount rate of 3.5 percent. Interest expense for 2016 and 2015 was determined using beginning of year yield curve discount rate of 4.0 percent.

The Company assumed a 6.5 percent long-term return on the Pension Plans’ assets in 2017, 2016 and 2015. This return is based upon historical returns of similar investment pools having asset allocations consistent with the expected allocations of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans. Investment strategies for the Pension Plans’ assets are based upon factors such as the remaining life expectancy of participants and market risks.

The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension expense (benefit) for 2017, 2016 and 2015.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Interest cost	$	9,051	$	10,098	$	14,161
Expected return on plans' assets		(12,851)		(13,585)		(20,033)
Amortization of actuarial loss		387		45		1,252
Recognized settlement loss		5,911		—		14,964
Net periodic pension expense (benefit)	$	2,498	$	(3,442)	$	10,344

Plan Assets

The Company is responsible for directing the investment strategies of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans’ assets. The investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term investment return and risks. The long-term targeted allocation of the Pension Plans’ assets invested in equity securities and fixed income securities is 50.0 percent and 50.0 percent, respectively. These targets are determined by matching the actuarial projections of the Pension Plans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with the expected long-term rates of return on assets and expected market risks. Investment risk is continuously monitored and Pension Plans’ assets are rebalanced to target allocations to meet the Company’s strategy and the Pension Plans’ liquidity needs. At December 31, 2017, the Pension Plans’ investments in equity securities and fixed income securities accounted for 47.7 percent and 52.3 percent of the total noncash holdings, respectively.

The table below sets forth the A. H. Belo Pension Plans’ assets at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, with inputs used to develop fair value measurements.



	Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total				Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level I)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level II)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level III)
Description	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Cash and Money Market Funds	$	2,215	$	1,865	$	2,215	$	1,865	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Funds
U.S. equity securities		57,819		58,645		—		—		57,819		58,645		—		—
International equity securities		34,988		32,079		10,559		10,824		24,429		21,255		—		—
Fixed Income Funds
Domestic corporate and government debt securities		49,480		52,136		—		—		49,480		52,136		—		—
Domestic corporate debt securities		44,305		51,768		—		—		44,305		51,768		—		—
International corporate and government debt securities		7,790		7,689		—		—		7,790		7,689		—		—
Total	$	196,597	$	204,182	$	12,774	$	12,689	$	183,823	$	191,493	$	—	$	—

Inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of Pension Plans’ assets vary according to the type of asset being valued. Cash and money market funds, as well as exchange traded funds, are designated as Level I. Remaining equity securities and fixed income securities represent units of commingled pooled funds and fair values are based on net asset value (“NAV”) of the units of the fund determined by the fund manager. Commingled pooled funds are similar in nature to retail mutual funds, but are typically more efficient for institutional investors than retail mutual funds. As commingled pooled funds are typically only accessible by institutional investors, the NAV is not readily observable by non-institutional investors. Equity securities held through units in these funds are monitored as to issuer and industry. As of December 31, 2017, there were no significant concentrations of equity or debt securities in any single issuer or industry.

Other

The table below sets forth the Company’s expected future benefit payments as of December 31, 2017.



Payment year	Expected Benefit Payments
2018	$	12,985
2019		13,121
2020		13,142
2021		13,178
2022		13,281
2023-2027		65,533

The Company expects to make no required contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2018.

Other defined benefit plans A. H. Belo also sponsors other post-employment benefit (the “OPEB”) plans, which provide health and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees. These plans were frozen subsequent to the separation from the Company’s former parent company and no future benefits accrue. The Company recorded a liability of $1,185 and $1,342 related to the OPEB plans as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A net periodic cost (benefit) of $(37), $(43) and $13 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, was recorded to employee compensation and benefits. The net benefit primarily represents amortization of actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs, offset by interest expense associated with the actuarial liability. Actuarial gains of $146, $74 and $202 were recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively; see Note 8 - Shareholders' Equity.

Defined Contribution Plans. The A. H. Belo Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”), a defined contribution 401(k) plan, covers substantially all employees of A. H. Belo. Participants may elect to contribute a portion of their pretax compensation as provided by the Savings Plan and the Internal Revenue Code. Employees can contribute up to 100 percent of their annual eligible compensation less required withholdings and deductions up to statutory limits. The Company provides an ongoing dollar-for-dollar match of eligible employee contributions, up to 1.5 percent of the employees’ compensation on a per-pay-period basis. The Company recorded expense of $871, $977 and $1,013 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for matching contributions to the Savings Plan.

Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

Note 8: Shareholders’ Equity

Dividends. On October 27, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared a special, one-time cash dividend of $0.14 per share to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on November 9, 2017, which was paid on December 1, 2017, returning $3,106 to shareholders and holders of RSUs. On December 7, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared an $0.08 per share dividend to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs as of the close of business on February 9, 2018, payable on March 2, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $1,774 to accrue for dividends declared but not yet paid. Dividends paid in 2015 included a special dividend of $2.25 per share, declared and recorded in 2014, returning $50,148 to shareholders and holders of RSUs.

On March 1, 2018, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share, payable on June 1, 2018, to shareholders of record and holders of RSUs at the close of business on May 11, 2018.

Treasury Stock. The Company repurchased shares of its common stock pursuant to a publicly announced share repurchase program authorized by the Company’s board of directors. A total of 2,500,000 shares were authorized under the program. In December 2015, the Company discontinued share repurchases. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company resumed open market stock repurchases under its prior board-authorized repurchase authority and purchased 14,080 shares of its Series A common stock at a total cost of $69. In 2015, the Company purchased 472,245 shares of its Series A common stock at a total cost of $3,146 under its share repurchase program.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of actuarial gains and losses attributable to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans, gains and losses resulting from Pension Plans’ amendments and other actuarial experience attributable to OPEB plans. The Company records amortization of the components of accumulated other comprehensive loss in employee compensation and benefits in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses associated with the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the Pension Plans’ participants. Gains and losses associated with the Company’s OPEB plans are amortized over the average remaining service period of active OPEB plans’ participants. In 2018, the Company anticipates amortizing $631 of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to its defined benefit Pension Plans and OPEB plans. Deferred tax assets related to amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss in 2017 and 2016 are fully reserved; see Note 6 - Income Taxes.

The table below sets forth the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, as presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



	2017						2016
	Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans		Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans
Balance, beginning of period	$	(39,308)	$	(39,737)	$	429	$	(38,442)	$	(38,898)	$	456
Actuarial gains (losses)		8,151		8,005		146		(810)		(884)		74
Amortization		6,225		6,298		(73)		(56)		45		(101)
Balance, end of period	$	(24,932)	$	(25,434)	$	502	$	(39,308)	$	(39,737)	$	429

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 9: Earnings Per Share

The table below sets forth the reconciliations for net income (loss) and weighted average shares used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”). The Company’s Series A and Series B common stock equally share in the distributed and undistributed earnings.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Earnings (Numerator)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$	10,161	$	(19,310)	$	(17,842)
Less: Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations		—		—		(63)
Less: Dividends to participating securities		120		140		115
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations	$	10,041	$	(19,450)	$	(17,894)

Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)		21,721,497		21,620,539		21,408,940
Effect of dilutive securities		1,505		—		—
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)		21,723,002		21,620,539		21,408,940

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic and diluted	$	0.46	$	(0.90)	$	(0.84)

Holders of service-based RSUs participate in A. H. Belo dividends on a one-for-one share basis. Distributed and undistributed income associated with participating securities is included in the calculation of EPS under the two-class method as prescribed under ASC 260 – Earnings Per Share.

The Company considers outstanding stock options and RSUs in the calculation of earnings per share. A total of 612,222, 473,184 and 576,577 options and RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, were excluded from the calculation because the effect was anti-dilutive.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had contractual obligations for capital expenditures and operating leases, primarily for office space and other distribution centers.

The table below sets forth the summarized commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2017.



		Total		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter
Operating lease commitments	$	42,995	$	3,190	$	4,421	$	3,589	$	3,436	$	3,342	$	25,017
Capital commitments		155		155		—		—		—		—		—
Total commitments	$	43,150	$	3,345	$	4,421	$	3,589	$	3,436	$	3,342	$	25,017

In December 2017, AHC Dallas Properties, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, assumed a 12-year lease agreement for office space that serves as the headquarters of the Denton Record-Chronicle. In connection with the sale of Denton Publishing Company, owner of the Denton Record-Chronicle, to Denton Media Company, Inc., the Company entered into a sublease with Denton Publishing Company for a term ending on July 30, 2023; see Note 12 – Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions.

In December 2016, the Dallas Morning News, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a 16-year lease agreement for office space for the Company’s new corporate headquarters. The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis. Per the amended lease agreement, rent payments will begin in November 2018.

Total lease expense for property and equipment was $3,085, $1,988 and $1,856 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company funds the A. H. Belo Pension Plans to meet or exceed statutory requirements and currently expects to make no required contributions to these plans in 2018; see Note 7 - Pension and Other Retirement Plans.

From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of claims, lawsuits and other disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. Management routinely assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as the ranges of probable losses to the extent losses are reasonably estimable. Accruals for contingencies are recorded when, in the judgment of management, adverse judgments or outcomes are probable and the financial impact, should an adverse outcome occur, is reasonably estimable. The determinations of likely outcomes of litigation matters relates to factors that include, but are not limited to, past experience and other evidence, interpretation of relevant laws or regulations and the specifics and status of each matter. Predicting the outcome of claims and litigation and estimating related costs and financial exposure involves substantial uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from estimates and accruals. In the opinion of management, liabilities, if any, arising from other currently existing claims against the Company would not have a material adverse effect on A. H. Belo’s results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Supplemental Cash Flow Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Data

Note 11: Supplemental Cash Flow Data

The table below sets forth supplemental disclosures related to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Income tax paid, net (refund)	$	583	$	(906)	$	11,613
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable		1,140		1,203		—
Dividends payable		1,774		1,763		—
Receivable for asset sales proceeds		—		1,000		—
Noncash contributions from noncontrolling interests		—		—		1,210

Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions	12 Months Ended
Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions	Dec. 31, 2017
Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions [Abstract]
Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions	Note 12: Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions Sales of Assets. Assets held for sale include long-lived assets being actively marketed for which a sale is considered probable within the next 12 months. These assets are recorded at the lower of their fair value less costs to sell or their carrying value at the time they are classified as assets held for sale. In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company determined real estate assets in downtown Dallas, Texas, previously used as the corporate headquarters, will be made available for sale. In addition, it was determined some of the assets on the property will not remain and will not be included in the sale. These assets, with a total carrying value of $3,116, were impaired as of December 31, 2017, as they are no longer in use. Assets on the property that will remain and be part of the sale, with a total carrying value of $1,089, are reported as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2017. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company announced that three parcels of land located in downtown Dallas, Texas were available for sale. On September 22, 2017, the Company completed the sale of one parcel of land and received net cash proceeds of $8,252, generating a gain of approximately $5,000, included in other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On October 19, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the remaining two parcels of land and received net cash proceeds of $13,048, generating a gain of approximately $7,500, included in other income (expense), net. In December 2016, the Company completed the sale of land, in Providence, Rhode Island and received net cash proceeds of $921 and a $1,000 three-year note receivable upon closing of the transaction, generating a loss of $216. Additionally, the Company completed the sale of a parking lot located in downtown Dallas, Texas. The Company received net cash proceeds of $4,458, generating a gain of $1,842. In 2015, the Company completed the sale of land and a building, which served as the headquarters of The Providence Journal. The Company received net proceeds of $6,119 upon closing of the transaction, generating a loss of $265, which was offset by $328 of returned escrow received in 2016. The Company demolished existing structures on an additional property in Providence, Rhode Island, at a cost of $251. Other Dispositions. On December 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of the outstanding capital stock of the Denton Publishing Company, owner of the Denton Record-Chronicle, to Denton Media Company, Inc. (the “purchaser”). The business did not meet the requirements of a discontinued operation; therefore, all financial results are included in continuing operations. Prior to the disposition, the Denton Record-Chronicle was included in the Publishing segment results. The Company recorded a loss of $260, included in other income (expense), net. The Company entered into multi-year agreements with the purchaser, effective January 1, 2018, including an advertising services reseller agreement, printing, distribution and content services agreements. The Company also entered into an agreement to provide transition services to the purchaser through June 30, 2018. In connection with the sale, the Company entered into a sublease with Denton Publishing Company for a term ending on July 30, 2023. Since the Company is no longer the tenant, the Company recorded a loss of $589, included in other income (expense), net, for the Company’s remaining obligation after the term of the sublease ends.

Quarterly Results of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]

Quarterly Results of Operations

Note 13: Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The table below sets forth a summary of the unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations for 2017 and 2016.



	1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Net operating revenue	$	60,901	$	62,483	$	63,089	$	66,626	$	60,559	$	64,780	$	64,077	$	66,095
Operating income (loss)		(4,135)		(1,781)		(419)		2,659		(5,049)		(489)		(450)		(24,135)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(4,430)		(593)		(805)		674		2,580		(452)		12,816		(18,809)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation		(4,430)		(632)		(805)		693		2,580		(497)		12,816		(18,874)

Per Share Basis
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation
Basic and diluted	$	(0.21)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.04)	$	0.03	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	0.58	$	(0.87)

The following are significant activities in 2017:

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge to pension expense of $5,911 related to the Company’s de-risking efforts and a gain of approximately $5,000 on the sale of real estate; see Note 7 – Pension and Other Retirement Plans and Note 12 – Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions.

During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $6,521 a gain of approximately $7,500 on the sale of real estate and $3,116 of asset impairments; see Note 6 – Income Taxes and Note 12 – Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions.

The following are significant activities in 2016:

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $22,682 related to the Company’s Publishing reporting unit; see Note 4 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

Per share amounts are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. The sum of the quarters may not equal the total year amount due to the impact of changes in average quarterly shares outstanding.

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Description of Business, Policy

Basis of Presentation, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable, Policy

Risk Concentration, Policy

Inventories, Policy

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

The table below sets forth property, plant and equipment by type.



	December 31,				Estimated
	2017		2016		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,220	$	11,384
Buildings and improvements		110,409		133,441	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		216,199		217,221	3 - 20 years
Other		88,177		81,724	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,725		2,104
Total		418,730		445,874
Less accumulated depreciation		(387,024)		(402,115)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	31,706	$	43,759

Goodwill, Policy

Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Investments, Policy

Pension, Policy

Long-Term Incentive Plan, Policy

Shareholders' Equity, Policy

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Income Taxes, Policy

Use of Estimates, Policy

Segments, Policy

Fair Value Measurements, Policy

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements. The FASB issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance which may be applicable to the Company but have not yet become effective.

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment by Type



	December 31,				Estimated
	2017		2016		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,220	$	11,384
Buildings and improvements		110,409		133,441	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		216,199		217,221	3 - 20 years
Other		88,177		81,724	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,725		2,104
Total		418,730		445,874
Less accumulated depreciation		(387,024)		(402,115)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	31,706	$	43,759

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reportable Segment Information



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
			(Recast)			(Recast)
Revenue
Publishing	$	217,347	$	231,372	$	254,047
Marketing Services		31,279		28,612		18,061
Total	$	248,626	$	259,984	$	272,108

Operating Income (Loss)
Publishing	$	(13,146)	$	(26,592)	$	(19,890)
Marketing Services		3,093		2,846		1,595
Total	$	(10,053)	$	(23,746)	$	(18,295)

Noncash Expenses
Publishing
Depreciation	$	10,300	$	10,637	$	11,401
Amortization		—		104		552
Asset impairments		3,344		22,682		—
Pension settlement		5,911		—		14,964
Total	$	19,555	$	33,423	$	26,917

Marketing Services
Depreciation	$	115	$	76	$	114
Amortization		799		802		797
Total	$	914	$	878	$	911



	December 31,
	2017		2016
			(Recast)
Total Assets
Publishing	$	137,409	$	170,820
Marketing Services		25,439		21,911
Total	$	162,848	$	192,731

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Purchase price allocation, preliminary



		Estimated Fair Value
Working capital, net of acquired cash	$	(80)
Property, plant and equipment		57
Other intangible assets		6,470
Goodwill		12,301
Deferred tax liability		(2,090)
	$	16,658

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets



	December 31,
	2017		2016
			(Recast)
Goodwill
Publishing	$	—	$	228
Marketing Services		13,973		13,973
Total	$	13,973	$	14,201

Intangible Assets
Publishing
Cost	$	—	$	240
Accumulated Amortization		—		(240)
Net Carrying Value	$	—	$	—
Marketing Services
Cost	$	6,470	$	6,470
Accumulated Amortization		(2,397)		(1,598)
Net Carrying Value	$	4,073	$	4,872

Long-term Incentive Plan (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]

Schedule of stock options outstanding activity



	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	114,979	$	8.21
Canceled	(14,635)		20.16
Outstanding at December 31, 2017	100,344		6.46

Schedule of RSU activity



	Total RSUs	Issuance of Common Stock	RSUs Redeemed in Cash	Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock		Weighted Average Price on Date of Grant
Non-vested at December 31, 2016	121,131					$	5.65
Granted	284,868						6.11
Vested and outstanding	(159,212)						5.71
Vested and issued	(22,734)	13,634	9,100	$	57		6.90
Non-vested at December 31, 2017	224,053						6.07

Schedule of compensation expense related to stock awards



Years Ended December 31,	RSUs Redeemable in Stock		RSUs Redeemable in Cash		Total RSU Awards Expense
2017	$	944	$	654	$	1,598
2016		640		580		1,220
2015		605		(349)		256

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Current
Federal	$	(2,018)	$	(2,431)	$	(1,726)
State		1,113		1,205		1,729
Total current		(905)		(1,226)		3
Deferred
Federal		8,723		1,514		(3,988)
State		(7)		(26)		(389)
Total deferred		8,716		1,488		(4,377)
Valuation Allowance		(14,071)		(2,534)		2,804
Income Tax Benefit	$	(6,260)	$	(2,272)	$	(1,570)

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$	1,362	$	(7,312)	$	(6,917)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)		698		757		780
Valuation allowance		(14,071)		(2,534)		2,804
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		3,570		—		—
Goodwill impairment		63		6,266		—
Nondeductible expenses		(3,454)		249		493
Uncertain tax position reserve		2,555		(7)		244
Noncontrolling interests		(5)		(40)		133
Other		3,022		349		893
Income tax benefit	$	(6,260)	$	(2,272)	$	(1,570)
Effective income tax rate		(160.5)%		10.6%		7.9%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities



	December 31,
	2017		2016
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)
Defined benefit plans	$	4,838	$	19,195
Investments		210		659
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation		1,576		4,171
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued		644		805
Deferred compensation and benefits		553		756
Tax amortization in excess of book amortization		(368)		(848)
State taxes		68		106
Federal net operating loss carryforward		4,260		—
Other		482		739
Total		12,263		25,583
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(6,908)		(25,583)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	5,355	$	—

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Positions



	2017
Balance at January 1	$	237
Decrease related to zero change audit		(24)
Increase related to prior year tax positions		4
Decrease related to settlement		(35)
Increase related to current year tax positions		2,575
Balance at December 31	$	2,757

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures



	2017		2016
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	259,025	$	262,027
Interest cost		9,051		10,098
Actuarial (gain) loss		9,214		1,368
Benefit payments		(14,264)		(14,468)
Annuity purchase		(43,391)		—
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		219,635		259,025
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		204,182		204,581
Return on plan assets		30,070		14,069
Employer contributions		20,000		—
Benefit payments		(14,264)		(14,468)
Annuity purchase		(43,391)		—
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		196,597		204,182
Funded Status	$	(23,038)	$	(54,843)
Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	$	23,038	$	54,843
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	219,635	$	259,025

Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Expense



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Interest cost	$	9,051	$	10,098	$	14,161
Expected return on plans' assets		(12,851)		(13,585)		(20,033)
Amortization of actuarial loss		387		45		1,252
Recognized settlement loss		5,911		—		14,964
Net periodic pension expense (benefit)	$	2,498	$	(3,442)	$	10,344

Schedule of Fair Value and Allocation of Plan Assets



	Fair Value Measurements Using
	Total				Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level I)				Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level II)				Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level III)
Description	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Cash and Money Market Funds	$	2,215	$	1,865	$	2,215	$	1,865	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Funds
U.S. equity securities		57,819		58,645		—		—		57,819		58,645		—		—
International equity securities		34,988		32,079		10,559		10,824		24,429		21,255		—		—
Fixed Income Funds
Domestic corporate and government debt securities		49,480		52,136		—		—		49,480		52,136		—		—
Domestic corporate debt securities		44,305		51,768		—		—		44,305		51,768		—		—
International corporate and government debt securities		7,790		7,689		—		—		7,790		7,689		—		—
Total	$	196,597	$	204,182	$	12,774	$	12,689	$	183,823	$	191,493	$	—	$	—

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments



Payment year	Expected Benefit Payments
2018	$	12,985
2019		13,121
2020		13,142
2021		13,178
2022		13,281
2023-2027		65,533

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss



	2017						2016
	Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans		Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans
Balance, beginning of period	$	(39,308)	$	(39,737)	$	429	$	(38,442)	$	(38,898)	$	456
Actuarial gains (losses)		8,151		8,005		146		(810)		(884)		74
Amortization		6,225		6,298		(73)		(56)		45		(101)
Balance, end of period	$	(24,932)	$	(25,434)	$	502	$	(39,308)	$	(39,737)	$	429

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Earnings (Numerator)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$	10,161	$	(19,310)	$	(17,842)
Less: Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations		—		—		(63)
Less: Dividends to participating securities		120		140		115
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations	$	10,041	$	(19,450)	$	(17,894)

Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)		21,721,497		21,620,539		21,408,940
Effect of dilutive securities		1,505		—		—
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)		21,723,002		21,620,539		21,408,940

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic and diluted	$	0.46	$	(0.90)	$	(0.84)

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Operating lease and capital commitment obligations



		Total		2018		2019		2020		2021		2022		Thereafter
Operating lease commitments	$	42,995	$	3,190	$	4,421	$	3,589	$	3,436	$	3,342	$	25,017
Capital commitments		155		155		—		—		—		—		—
Total commitments	$	43,150	$	3,345	$	4,421	$	3,589	$	3,436	$	3,342	$	25,017

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows



	Years Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Income tax paid, net (refund)	$	583	$	(906)	$	11,613
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable		1,140		1,203		—
Dividends payable		1,774		1,763		—
Receivable for asset sales proceeds		—		1,000		—
Noncash contributions from noncontrolling interests		—		—		1,210

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information



	1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016		2017		2016
Net operating revenue	$	60,901	$	62,483	$	63,089	$	66,626	$	60,559	$	64,780	$	64,077	$	66,095
Operating income (loss)		(4,135)		(1,781)		(419)		2,659		(5,049)		(489)		(450)		(24,135)
Income (loss) from continuing operations		(4,430)		(593)		(805)		674		2,580		(452)		12,816		(18,809)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation		(4,430)		(632)		(805)		693		2,580		(497)		12,816		(18,874)

Per Share Basis
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation
Basic and diluted	$	(0.21)	$	(0.03)	$	(0.04)	$	0.03	$	0.12	$	(0.02)	$	0.58	$	(0.87)

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) segment item shares	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Bad debt expense		$ 2,109	$ 1,712
Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments		$ 2,169	$ 2,039
Goodwill impairment	$ 228
Additional shares authorized \| shares		8,000,000
Number of options granted \| shares		0
Amortization threshold percentage		10.00%
Number of operating segments \| segment		2
Minimum [Member] \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Expected impact from new standard		$ 15,600
Maximum [Member] \| Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Expected impact from new standard		$ 18,500
Series A [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes \| item		1
Series B [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes \| item		10
RSUs [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Vested RSUs are redemption percentage of common stock		60.00%
Vested RSUs are redemption percentage of cash		40.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
RSUs [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Wanderful [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Cost method A. H. Belo ownership				20.00%
Marketing Services [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Percent of fair value of reporting unit excess of carrying value		93.00%
Goodwill impairment		$ 0

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Property, Plant and Equipment by Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 418,730	$ 445,874
Less accumulated depreciation	(387,024)	(402,115)
Property, plant and equipment, net	31,706	43,759
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	2,220	11,384
Buildings And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 110,409	133,441
Buildings And Improvements [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Buildings And Improvements [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Publishing Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 216,199	217,221
Publishing Equipment [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Publishing Equipment [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	20 years
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 88,177	81,724
Other [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Other [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years
Construction In Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 1,725	$ 2,104

Segment Reporting (Reportable Segment Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 64,077	$ 60,559	$ 63,089	$ 60,901	$ 66,095	$ 64,780	$ 66,626	$ 62,483	$ 248,626	$ 259,984	$ 272,108
Operating Income (Loss)	(450)	(5,049)	$ (419)	$ (4,135)	(24,135)	$ (489)	$ 2,659	$ (1,781)	(10,053)	(23,746)	(18,295)
Depreciation									10,415	10,713	11,515
Amortization									799	906	1,349
Asset impairments	3,116								3,344	22,682
Pension settlement											14,964
Total Assets	162,848				192,731				162,848	192,731
Operating Segments [Member] \| Publishing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									217,347	231,372	254,047
Operating Income (Loss)									(13,146)	(26,592)	(19,890)
Depreciation									10,300	10,637	11,401
Amortization										104	552
Asset impairments									3,344	22,682
Pension settlement		$ 5,911							5,911		14,964
Total									19,555	33,423	26,917
Total Assets	137,409				170,820				137,409	170,820
Operating Segments [Member] \| Marketing Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue									31,279	28,612	18,061
Operating Income (Loss)									3,093	2,846	1,595
Depreciation									115	76	114
Amortization									799	802	797
Total									914	878	$ 911
Total Assets	$ 25,439				$ 21,911				$ 25,439	$ 21,911

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Distributions to non-controlling interests			$ 179	$ 407
Noncontrolling interest - redeemable				2,670
DMV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Jan. 02, 2015
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	80.00%
Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred	$ 14,110
Distributions to non-controlling interests			$ 163	264
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest				1,295
Business Acquisition, Cumulative Transaction Costs		$ 1,288
Business Acquisition, Fair Value Of Business					$ 17,829
Business Acquisition, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value					2,548
Business Acquisition, Current Revenues of Acquiree					10,138
Business Acquisition, Current Net Loss before Income Taxes					95
DMV [Member] \| Intercompany [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Current Revenues of Acquiree					$ 1,137
Purchase Of Remaining Percent [Member] \| DMV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Mar. 02, 2017
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired			20.00%
Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred			$ 7,120
Purchase Of Remaining Percent [Member] \| Speakeasy [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Effective Date of Acquisition			Feb. 16, 2017
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired			30.00%
Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred			$ 2,111
Fiscal Year 2015 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro-rata distributions, percentage of free-cash-flow			100.00%
Fiscal Year 2016 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro-rata distributions, percentage of free-cash-flow			50.00%
Redeemable Between 2nd And 3rd Anniversaries [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)			25.00%
Redeemable Between 4th And 5th Anniversaries [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners (percent)			50.00%
Distributions Related To Free Cash Flow [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest			$ (61)	(99)
Distributions Related To Earnings [Member] \| DMV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in redeemable non-controlling interest				$ 53

Acquisitions (Purchase price allocation, preliminary) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 13,973	$ 14,201
DMV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working capital, net of acquired cash			$ (80)
Property, plant, and equipment			57
Other intangible assets			6,470
Goodwill			12,301
Deferred tax liability			(2,090)
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, net			$ 16,658

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| segment		2
Amortization expense		$ 799	$ 906	$ 1,349
Expected amortization expense, 2018		799
Expected amortization expense, 2019		799
Expected amortization expense, thereafter		495
Goodwill impairment	$ 228
Publishing [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset amount amortized		$ 240
Goodwill impairment			$ 22,682
Marketing Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Percent of fair value of reporting unit excess of carrying value		93.00%
Goodwill impairment		$ 0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangibles		$ 4,950
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life		10 years
Developed Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangibles		$ 1,520
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life		5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of identifiable intangible assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 13,973	$ 14,201
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Net Carrying Value	4,073	4,872
Publishing [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(240)
Operating Segments [Member] \| Publishing [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill		228
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Cost		240
Accumulated Amortization		(240)
Operating Segments [Member] \| Marketing Services [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	13,973	13,973
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Cost	6,470	6,470
Accumulated Amortization	(2,397)	(1,598)
Net Carrying Value	$ 4,073	$ 4,872

Long-term Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based compensation expense
Number of shares authorized	8,000,000
Number of options granted	0
Number of shares issued	63,272
Number of shares previously vested redeemed in cash	42,189
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
Options, exercises in period, intrinsic Value		$ 300	$ 100
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value	$ 8
Number of options granted	0
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period	1 year
RSUs [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
RSUs Vested and outstanding	290,825	237,074
RSUs Redeemed in cash, liability	$ 1,028
RSUs, award vesting period	3 years
RSUs, percentage of redemption in common stock	60.00%
RSUs, percentage of redemption in cash	40.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 831
Unrecognized compensation cost, weighted-average period	1 year 4 months 24 days
RSUs [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
RSUs, award vesting period	3 years

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of stock options outstanding activity) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 $ / shares shares
Stock option activity rollforward
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning Balance \| shares	114,979
Number of Options Canceled \| shares	(14,635)
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending Balance \| shares	100,344
Weighted average price per share
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 8.21
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Canceled \| $ / shares	20.16
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 6.46

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of RSU activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares shares
RSU non-vested rollforward
Number of RSUs, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	121,131
Number of RSUs Granted	284,868
Number of RSUs Vested and outstanding	(159,212)
Number of RSUs Vested and issued	(22,734)
Number of RSUs, Outstanding, Ending Balance	224,053
Vested RSUs redeemed for stock, cash, and related payments
Issuance of Common Stock	13,634
RSUs Redeemed in Cash	9,100
Cash Payments at Closing Price of Stock \| $	$ 57
Weighted-Average Price on Date of Grant
Beginning balance - Weighted average price \| $ / shares	$ 5.65
Granted \| $ / shares	6.11
Vested and outstanding \| $ / shares	5.71
Vested and issued \| $ / shares	6.90
Ending balance - Weighted average price \| $ / shares	$ 6.07

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of compensation expense related to stock awards) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
RSUs Redeemable in Stocks [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 944	$ 640	$ 605
RSUs Redeemable in Cash [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	654	580	(349)
RSUs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 1,598	$ 1,220	$ 256

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income tax benefit (provision)	$ 6,521		$ 6,260	$ 2,272	$ 1,570
Tax deductions related to equity compensation in excess of recognized compensation expense					557
Net refund resulting from carryback				2,930
Income taxes paid, net of refunds			583	(906)	11,613
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax benefit			6,260
Employer contributions			$ 20,000
U.S. corporate income tax rate			35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Change in Tax Rate, Deferred tax asset, income tax expense			$ 3,570
Income taxes receivable	4,073		4,073	$ 3,210
Federal net operating loss carryforward	$ 4,260		4,260
Other Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Changes in valuation allowance			$ 1,095
DMV [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income tax benefit (provision)					1,570
Changes in valuation allowance					2,090
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
U.S. corporate income tax rate		21.00%
Federal [Member] \| DMV [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss					$ 3,066

Income Taxes (Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current
Federal		$ (2,018)	$ (2,431)	$ (1,726)
State		1,113	1,205	1,729
Total current		(905)	(1,226)	3
Deferred
Federal		8,723	1,514	(3,988)
State		(7)	(26)	(389)
Total deferred		8,716	1,488	(4,377)
Valuation Allowance		(14,071)	(2,534)	2,804
Income Tax Benefit	$ (6,521)	$ (6,260)	$ (2,272)	$ (1,570)

Income Taxes (Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)		$ 1,362	$ (7,312)	$ (6,917)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)		698	757	780
Valuation allowance		(14,071)	(2,534)	2,804
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		3,570
Goodwill impairment		63	6,266
Nondeductible expenses		(3,454)	249	493
Uncertain tax position reserve		2,555	(7)	244
Noncontrolling interest		(5)	(40)	133
Other		3,022	349	893
Income Tax Benefit	$ (6,521)	$ (6,260)	$ (2,272)	$ (1,570)
Effective income tax rate		(160.50%)	10.60%	7.90%

Income Taxes (Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$ 4,838	$ 19,195
Investments	210	659
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation	1,576	4,171
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued	644	805
Deferred compensation and benefits	553	756
Tax amortization in excess of book amortization	(368)	(848)
State taxes	68	106
Federal net operating loss carryforward	4,260
Other	482	739
Total	12,263	25,583
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(6,908)	(25,583)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 5,355

Income Taxes (Schedule of unrecognized tax positions) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$ 237
Decrease related to zero change audit	(24)
Increase related to prior year tax positions	4
Decrease related to settlement	(35)
Increase related to current year tax positions	2,575
Balance at December 31	$ 2,757

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) employee
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Employer contributions				$ 20,000
Pension settlement						$ 14,964
Plan Settlements
Actuarial gains (losses)				$ 8,151	$ (810)	2,742
401(K) Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plans
Maximum pretax contribution per employee				100.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent				1.50%
Expense recognized				$ 871	977	1,013
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Net periodic cost (benefit)				(37)	(43)	13
Actuarial gains (losses)				146	74	$ 202
Recorded liabilities			$ 1,185	1,185	1,342
Plan Settlements
Actuarial gains (losses)				$ 146	$ 74
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Discount rate of projected benefit obligation			3.40%	3.40%	3.80%
Discount rate, net periodic pension expense (benefit)		3.80%	3.50%		4.00%	4.00%
Expected long-term return on plan assets				6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Employer contributions				$ 20,000
Net periodic cost (benefit)				2,498	$ (3,442)	$ 10,344
Actuarial gains (losses)				8,005	(884)	$ 2,540
Pension settlement				5,911
Plan Settlements
Defined benefit plan, total participants accepting pay-out \| employee						1,000
Defined benefit plan, liquidated amount				$ 23,391
Defined benefit plan, reduction of participants \| employee				796
Defined benefit plan, reduction of participants, percent				36.00%
Defined benefit plan, transfer of plan assets				$ 43,391
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets				43,391		$ 100,877
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation				43,391		$ 5,000
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ 3,648			8,005	$ (884)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions
Estimated future employer contributions in 2017			$ 0	$ 0
Defined Contribution Plans
Number Of Employees Covered By Employer Sponsored Pension Plans \| employee				1,500
Pension Plan [Member] \| Voluntary Contributions [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Employer contributions				$ 20,000
Pension Plan [Member] \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocation of plans' assets			50.00%	50.00%
Allocation of plans' assets			47.70%	47.70%
Pension Plan [Member] \| Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations
Target allocation of plans' assets			50.00%	50.00%
Allocation of plans' assets			52.30%	52.30%

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of defined benefit plans disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Employer contributions	$ 20,000
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	23,038	$ 54,843
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	259,025	262,027
Interest cost	9,051	10,098	$ 14,161
Actuarial (gain) loss	9,214	1,368
Benefit payments	(14,264)	(14,468)
Annuity purchase	(43,391)		(5,000)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	219,635	259,025	262,027
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	204,182	204,581
Return on plan assets	30,070	14,069
Employer contributions	20,000
Benefit payments	(14,264)	(14,468)
Annuity purchase	(43,391)		(100,877)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	196,597	204,182	$ 204,581
Funded status	(23,038)	(54,843)
Noncurrent liability - Accrued benefit cost	23,038	54,843
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 219,635	$ 259,025

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of net periodic pension benefit expense) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Interest cost	$ 9,051	$ 10,098	$ 14,161
Expected return on plans' assets	(12,851)	(13,585)	(20,033)
Amortization of actuarial loss	387	45	1,252
Recognized settlement loss	5,911		14,964
Net periodic pension expense (benefit)	$ 2,498	$ (3,442)	$ 10,344

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of fair value and allocation of plan assets) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 196,597	$ 204,182	$ 204,581
Cash And Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	2,215	1,865
U.S. Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	57,819	58,645
International Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	34,988	32,079
Domestic Corporate And Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	49,480	52,136
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	44,305	51,768
International Corporate And Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	7,790	7,689
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	12,774	12,689
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| Cash And Money Market Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	2,215	1,865
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| International Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	10,559	10,824
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	183,823	191,493
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| U.S. Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	57,819	58,645
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| International Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	24,429	21,255
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| Domestic Corporate And Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	49,480	52,136
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	44,305	51,768
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| International Corporate And Government Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 7,790	$ 7,689

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of expected benefit payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]
2018	$ 12,985
2019	13,121
2020	13,142
2021	13,178
2022	13,281
2023-2027	$ 65,533

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 01, 2018	Dec. 07, 2017	Oct. 27, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared			Dec. 07, 2017
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share						$ 0.08	$ 0.14
Dividends Payable, Date of Record			Feb. 09, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid			Mar. 02, 2018
Dividends Payable, Current		$ 1,774	$ 1,774
Dividends	$ 3,106
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		2,500,000	2,500,000
Treasury stock purchases, shares		14,080
Total cost of share purchased		$ 69
Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year		$ 631	$ 631
Special Dividend Declared October 27, 2017 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared			Oct. 27, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date of Record			Nov. 09, 2017
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid			Dec. 01, 2017
Special Dividend Declared December 11 2014 [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends				$ 50,148
Dividend paid, per share				$ 2.25
Subsequent Year [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Date Declared			Mar. 01, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date of Record			May 11, 2018
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid			Jun. 01, 2018
Subsequent Event [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share					$ 0.08
Common Stock [Member] \| Series A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Total cost of share purchased				$ 3,146
Treasury Stock [Member] \| Series A [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Treasury stock purchases, shares			14,080	472,245

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period		$ (39,308)	$ (38,442)
Actuarial gains (losses)		8,151	(810)	$ 2,742
Amortization		6,225	(56)
Balance, end of period		(24,932)	(39,308)	(38,442)
Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period		(39,737)	(38,898)
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ 3,648	8,005	(884)
Amortization		6,298	45
Balance, end of period		(25,434)	(39,737)	(38,898)
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period		429	456
Actuarial gains (losses)		146	74
Amortization		(73)	(101)
Balance, end of period		$ 502	$ 429	$ 456

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of earnings per share reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ 12,816	$ 2,580	$ (805)	$ (4,430)	$ (18,874)	$ (497)	$ 693	$ (632)	$ 10,161	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)
Less: Loss from divestiture of discontinued operations											(63)
Less: Dividends to participating securities									120	140	115
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders from continuing operations									$ 10,041	$ (19,450)	$ (17,894)
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)									21,721,497	21,620,539	21,408,940
Effect of dilutive securities									1,505
Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding (diluted)									21,723,002	21,620,539	21,408,940
Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic and diluted	$ 0.58	$ 0.12	$ (0.04)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ 0.46	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Lease expense for property and equipment	$ 3,085	$ 1,988	$ 1,856
AHC Dallas Properties, LLC [Member]
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Lease term	12 years
Dallas Morning News, Inc [Member]
Pro-Rata Distributions [Line Items]
Lease term	16 years

Commitments and Contingencies (Operating lease and capital commitment obligations) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating leases commitments, Total	$ 42,995
2018	3,190
2019	4,421
2020	3,589
2021	3,436
2022	3,342
Thereafter	25,017
Capital lease commitments
Capital commitments, Total	155
2018	155
2019
2020
2021
2022
Thereafter
Total commitments
Total commitments	43,150
2018	3,345
2019	4,421
2020	3,589
2021	3,436
2022	3,342
Thereafter	$ 25,017

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net (refund)	$ 583	$ (906)	$ 11,613
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable	1,140	1,203
Dividends payable	$ 1,774	1,763
Receivable for asset sales proceeds		$ 1,000
Noncash contributions from noncontrolling interests			$ 1,210

Sales of Assets and Other Dispositions (Details) $ in Thousands						3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 21, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 19, 2017 USD ($) item	Sep. 22, 2017 USD ($) item	Dec. 27, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 item	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of parcels of land available for sale \| item								3
Number of parcels sold \| item		2	1
Assets held for sale						$ 1,089			$ 1,089
Net proceeds from sale of land and building		$ 13,048	$ 8,252						21,300	$ 5,636	$ 5,866
Gain on sale of assets									$ 14,477	1,950	(478)
Gain on sale of parcel		$ 7,500	$ 5,000			7,500	$ 5,000
(Loss) on disposal of business	$ (260)
Providence, Rhode Island
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building					$ 921
Gain on sale of assets					(216)
Note receivable					$ 1,000
Notes Receivable Term									3 years
Dallas, Texas [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Carrying value of impaired assets, no longer in use						3,116			$ 3,116
Assets held for sale						$ 1,089			1,089
Net proceeds from sale of land and building				$ 4,458
Gain on sale of assets				$ 1,842
Land and Building Sale [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of land and building											6,119
Gain on sale of assets											(265)
Escrow deposit returned										$ 328
Building Demolition [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on sale of assets											$ (251)
Denton Publishing [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
(Loss) on disposal of business									$ (589)

Quarterly Results of Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Oct. 19, 2017	Sep. 22, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension settlement									$ 14,964
Gain on sale of parcel	$ 7,500	$ 5,000	$ 7,500	$ 5,000
Income tax benefit			6,521				$ 6,260	$ 2,272	1,570
Asset impairments			$ 3,116				3,344	22,682
Goodwill, Impairment Loss					$ 228
Publishing [Member]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss								22,682
Publishing [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Pension settlement				$ 5,911			5,911		$ 14,964
Asset impairments							$ 3,344	$ 22,682
Goodwill, Impairment Loss						$ 22,682

Quarterly Results of Operations (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information ) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Operating Revenue:
Net operating revenues	$ 64,077	$ 60,559	$ 63,089	$ 60,901	$ 66,095	$ 64,780	$ 66,626	$ 62,483	$ 248,626	$ 259,984	$ 272,108
Operating income (loss)	(450)	(5,049)	(419)	(4,135)	(24,135)	(489)	2,659	(1,781)	(10,053)	(23,746)	(18,295)
Income (Loss) from continuing operations	12,816	2,580	(805)	(4,430)	(18,809)	(452)	674	(593)	10,161	(19,180)	(18,194)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation	$ 12,816	$ 2,580	$ (805)	$ (4,430)	$ (18,874)	$ (497)	$ 693	$ (632)	$ 10,161	$ (19,310)	$ (17,842)
Net income (loss) attributable to A. H. Belo Corporation
Basic and diluted	$ 0.58	$ 0.12	$ (0.04)	$ (0.21)	$ (0.87)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.03	$ (0.03)	$ 0.46	$ (0.90)	$ (0.84)

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	612,222	473,184	576,577