LOSS PER COMMON SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Sep. 29, 2024	Sep. 24, 2023	Sep. 25, 2022
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Loss attributable to Lee Enterprises, Incorporated:	$ (25,845)	$ (5,267)	$ (2,017)
Weighted average Common Shares (in shares)	6,145	6,037	5,946
Less non-vested restricted Common Shares (in shares)	(201)	(170)	(167)
Basic weighted average Common Shares (in shares)	5,944	5,867	5,779
Dilutive stock options and restricted Common Shares (in shares)	0	0	0
Diluted weighted average Common Shares (in shares)	5,944	5,867	5,779
Loss per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (4.35)	$ (0.90)	$ (0.35)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (4.35)	$ (0.90)	$ (0.35)

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method.

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The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

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The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

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