v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Oct. 26, 2017
Entity Registrant Name A. H. Belo Corp  
Entity Central Index Key 0001413898  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Trading Symbol ahc  
Series A [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   19,281,011
Series B [Member]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   2,472,155