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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	May 01, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity File Number	1-33741
Entity Registrant Name	A. H. Belo Corp
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TX
Entity Tax Identification Number	38-3765318
Entity Address, Address Line One	P. O. Box 224866
Entity Address, City or Town	Dallas
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	75222-4866
City Area Code	214
Local Phone Number	977-7342
Title of 12(b) Security	Series A Common Stock, $.01 par value
Trading Symbol	AHC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 68,807,098
Entity Central Index Key	0001413898
Amendment Flag	false
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Selected designated portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement, relating to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on June 2, 2020, are incorporated by reference into Parts II and III of this Annual Report.
Series A
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,941,340
Series B
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,469,083

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Operating Revenue:
Total net operating revenue	$ 183,563	$ 202,287
Operating Costs and Expense:
Employee compensation and benefits	80,134	89,304
Other production, distribution and operating costs	90,673	90,167
Newsprint, ink and other supplies	16,570	22,026
Depreciation	8,983	9,902
Amortization	495	799
Gain on sale/disposal of assets, net	(24,540)
Asset impairments	1,709	16,921
Total operating costs and expense	174,024	229,119
Operating income (loss)	9,539	(26,832)
Other income, net	4,169	3,891
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	13,708	(22,941)
Income tax provision	4,416	2,280
Net Income (Loss)	$ 9,292	$ (25,221)
Per Share Basis
Net income (loss), basic and diluted	$ 0.43	$ (1.17)
Number of common shares used in the per share calculation:
Basic and diluted	21,546,257	21,747,633
Advertising And Marketing Services [Member]
Net Operating Revenue:
Total net operating revenue	$ 95,856	$ 105,428
Circulation [Member]
Net Operating Revenue:
Total net operating revenue	68,260	71,919
Printing, Distribution And Other [Member]
Net Operating Revenue:
Total net operating revenue	$ 19,447	$ 24,940

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 9,292	$ (25,221)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Amortization of actuarial losses	247	630
Actuarial gains (losses)	5,100	(13,339)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	5,347	(12,709)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 14,639	$ (37,930)

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 48,626	$ 55,313
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $671 and $581 at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively)	18,441	22,057
Inventories	2,573	3,912
Prepaids and other current assets	5,164	5,023
Assets held for sale		1,089
Total current assets	74,804	87,394
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	343,893	422,966
Less accumulated depreciation	(325,440)	(396,705)
Property, plant and equipment, net	18,453	26,261
Operating lease right-of-use assets	21,371
Intangible assets, net	319	304
Deferred income taxes, net	50	3,572
Long-term note receivable	22,400
Other assets	3,648	5,029
Total assets	141,045	122,560
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,103	6,334
Accrued compensation and benefits	7,407	8,294
Other accrued expense	5,930	5,586
Contract liabilities	12,098	11,449
Total current liabilities	31,538	31,663
Long-term pension liabilities	23,039	31,889
Long-term operating lease liabilities	23,120
Other post-employment benefits	1,347	1,165
Other liabilities	4,264	7,045
Total liabilities	83,308	71,762
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued
Treasury stock, Series A, at cost; 1,913,860 and 1,697,370 shares held at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	(13,443)	(12,601)
Additional paid-in capital	494,389	494,389
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(32,294)	(37,641)
Accumulated deficit	(391,148)	(393,582)
Total shareholders’ equity	57,737	50,798
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	141,045	122,560
Series A
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	209	209
Series B
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; Authorized 125,000,000 shares	$ 24	$ 24

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 671	$ 581
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
Common stock, shares, issued	20,854,975	20,854,728
Series B
Common stock, shares, issued	2,469,308	2,469,555
Treasury Stock \| Series A
Treasury stock Series A, shares held	1,913,860	1,697,370

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member] Series A	Common Stock [Member] Series B	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock Series A	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Series A	Total
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017			$ 232	$ 494,989		$ (11,302)	$ (24,932)	$ (361,288)		$ 97,699
Beginning Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2017	20,700,292	2,469,755
Beginning Balance, Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2017					(1,430,961)
Net income (loss)								(25,221)		(25,221)
Other comprehensive income (loss)							(12,709)			(12,709)
Shares repurchased, shares					(266,409)				(266,409)
Shares repurchased						(1,299)			$ (1,299)	(1,299)
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units, shares	151,236
Issuance of shares for restricted stock units			1	(1)
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises, shares	3,000
Issuance of shares for stock option exercises				6						6
Share-based compensation				(605)						(605)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	200	(200)
Dividends declared								(7,073)		(7,073)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018			233	494,389		(12,601)	(37,641)	(393,582)		50,798
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2018	20,854,728	2,469,555
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2018					(1,697,370)
Net income (loss)								9,292		9,292
Other comprehensive income (loss)							5,347			5,347
Shares repurchased, shares					(216,490)				(216,490)
Shares repurchased						(842)			$ (842)	(842)
Conversion of Series B to Series A, shares	247	(247)
Dividends declared								(6,858)		(6,858)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2019			$ 233	$ 494,389		$ (13,443)	$ (32,294)	$ (391,148)		$ 57,737
Ending Balance, Shares Common Stock at Dec. 31, 2019	20,854,975	2,469,308
Ending Balance, Shares Treasury Stock at Dec. 31, 2019					(1,913,860)

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.32	$ 0.32

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ 9,292	$ (25,221)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,478	10,701
Net periodic pension and other post-employment benefit	(3,259)	(3,818)
Share-based compensation		(605)
Bad debt expense	828	888
Deferred income taxes	3,522	1,783
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net	(24,540)	212
Asset impairments	1,709	16,921
Changes in working capital and other operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	3,525	3,795
Inventories, prepaids and other current assets	1,198	7,970
Other assets	1,381	318
Accounts payable	(693)	(3,969)
Compensation and benefit obligations	(2,682)	818
Other accrued expenses	859	3,074
Contract liabilities	649	(221)
Other post-employment benefits	(62)	(928)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,205	11,718
Investing Activities
Purchases of assets	(2,415)	(5,656)
Sales of assets	4,597
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,356)
Net cash used for investing activities	(174)	(5,656)
Financing Activities
Dividends paid	(6,876)	(7,116)
Shares repurchased	(842)	(1,299)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		6
Net cash used for financing activities	(7,718)	(8,409)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6,687)	(2,347)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	55,313	57,660
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 48,626	$ 55,313

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

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 the leading local news and information publishing company in Texas. The Company has commercial printing, distribution and direct mail capabilities, as well as a presence in emerging media and digital marketing. While focusing on extending the Company’s media platforms, A. H. Belo delivers news and information in innovative ways to a broad range 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. Its newspaper operations also provide commercial printing and distribution services to several large national newspapers. In addition, the Company has the capabilities of a full-service strategy, creative and media agency that focuses on strategic and digital marketing, and data intelligence that provide a measurable return on investment to its clients.

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 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. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and 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 2019 and 2018 was $828 and $888, respectively. Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments for 2019 and 2018 were $738 and $1,362, 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.

Notes Receivable. Notes receivable are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Notes receivable primarily relates to the financed portion of the sale of the Company’s former headquarters (see Note 15 – Disposal of Assets). Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. The Company puts notes receivable on non-accrual status and provides an allowance against accrued interest if it is determined the likelihood of collecting substantially all of the note and accrued interest is not probable. Notes are written-off against the allowance when all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.

Inventories. Inventories, consisting primarily of newsprint, ink and other supplies used in printing newspapers, are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable 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
	2019		2018		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,191	$	2,220
Buildings and improvements		85,316		111,411	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		174,019		216,891	3 - 20 years
Other		80,678		92,293	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,689		151
Total		343,893		422,966
Less accumulated depreciation		(325,440)		(396,705)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,453	$	26,261

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. The Company has two reporting units consisting of Marketing Services and Publishing, which includes circulation, printing and distribution. 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.

In the third quarter of 2019, the Company made a strategic change to move to a single-decision making reporting structure. With this reorganization, the Company revised its financial forecast for the remainder of the year, which resulted in a significant decrease in operating income for the Marketing Services reporting unit. The reorganization to one operating segment coupled with the significant decrease in the Marketing Services forecast was determined to be a triggering event that required an impairment review of goodwill and long-lived assets. In the third quarter of 2019, the Company tested the Marketing Services reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair value of the business. Upon completion of the test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $1,593 in the third quarter of 2019, fully impairing goodwill. See Note 6 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information.

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.

In connection with the goodwill impairment, the Company conducted a long-lived assets impairment test for Marketing Services. Upon completion of the test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s long-lived assets’ estimated fair values were equal to or exceeded the carrying value and accordingly, no impairment was warranted.

Investments. The Company owns certain equity securities in companies in which it does not exercise control. These investments are recorded under the cost method with a balance of $1,432 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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 operating results and 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. The Company had no material equity method investments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

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 (benefit) 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 (benefit) 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 (benefit). 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 sponsored a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which it issued restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and cash awards to directors and certain employees of the Company. 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 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized and remain available 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.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the board of directors approved the accelerated vesting and payout, and conversion to cash of all outstanding RSUs previously granted to the Company’s officers and directors under the Plan and the 2017 Plan. Prior to the amended award agreements, the fair value of awards issued under the long-term incentive plans was recognized to expense over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of RSUs was established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs were previously 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, 2019 and 2018, there were no stock based awards outstanding and all compensation expense has been fully recognized. See Note 8 – Long-term Incentive Plan for additional information.

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. 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 future stock based awards, if granted.

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 11 - Shareholders' Equity.

Revenue Recognition. The Company’s principal sources of revenue are sales of advertising within its newspaper and digital platforms, subscription and retail sales of its newspapers, commercial printing and distribution services, primarily related to national newspapers, and preprint advertising. In addition, revenue includes strategic marketing management, consulting, creative services, targeted and multi-channel (programmatic) advertising placed on third-party websites, social media management, search optimization, direct mail and the sale of promotional materials.

Advertising and marketing services revenue is primarily recognized at a point in time when the ad or service is complete and delivered, based on the customers’ contract price. Barter advertising transactions are recognized at estimated fair value based on the negotiated contract price and the range of prices for similar advertising from customers unrelated to the barter transaction. The Company expenses barter costs as incurred, which is independent from the timing of revenue recognition. In addition, certain digital advertising revenue related to website access is recognized over time, based on the customers’ monthly rate.

For ads placed on certain third-party websites, the Company must evaluate whether it is acting as the principal, where revenue is reported on a gross basis, or acting as the agent, where revenue is reported on a net basis. Generally, the Company reports advertising revenue for ads placed on third-party websites on a net basis, meaning the amount recorded to revenue is the amount billed to the customer net of amounts paid to the publisher of the third-party website. The Company is acting as the agent because the publisher controls the advertising inventory.

Circulation revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery and digital subscriptions, as well as single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on the days of actual delivery over the total subscription days and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired. Digital-only subscription revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on daily or monthly access to the content in the subscription period.

Printing, distribution and other revenue is primarily generated from printing and distribution of other newspapers, as well as production of preprinted advertisements for other newspapers. Printing, distribution and other revenue is recognized at a point in time when the product or service is delivered.

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 future reversal of 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 other income, net.

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. In the third quarter of 2019, in conjunction with a strategic change to move to a single decision-making reporting structure and based on how the Company’s chief operating decision-maker makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has one reportable segment. See Note 2 – Segment Reporting for additional information.

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 February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. Since February 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard that did not change the core principle of ASU 2016-02. The new guidance will supersede virtually all existing lease guidance under GAAP and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach; see Note 5 – Leases.

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 June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount. Since June 2016, the FASB issued clarifying updates to the new standard including changing the effective date for smaller reporting companies. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and 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 August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 – Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. This update modifies the annual disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing disclosures that are no longer considered cost beneficial, clarifying the specific requirements of disclosures and adding disclosure requirements identified as relevant. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the requirements of this update, but does not expect a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract. This update clarifies the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement, or hosting arrangement, that is a service contract. Costs for implementation activities incurred during the application development stage will be capitalized depending on the nature of the costs, while costs incurred during the preliminary project and post implementation stages will be expensed as the activities are performed. The capitalized implementation costs will be expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this standard prospectively as of January 1, 2020, and does not expect a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes specific exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 in order to reduce the complexity of its application. ASU 2019-12 also improves consistency and simplifies existing guidance by clarifying and amending certain specific areas of Topic 740. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and 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.

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Note 2: Segment Reporting Based on the Company’s structure and organizational chart, the Company’s chief operating decision-maker (the “CODM”) is its Chief Executive Officer, Robert W. Decherd. In the third quarter of 2019, in conjunction with a strategic change to move to a single decision-making reporting structure and based on how the Company’s CODM makes decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance, the Company determined it has one reportable segment. Prior to the third quarter, the Company had two reportable segments, Publishing and Marketing Services, that each operated as a single reporting unit with all corporate expenses included in Publishing. Historical financial information by segment has been recast and reported as one segment. See Note 4 – Revenue for disaggregated revenue by source.

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Note 3: Acquisitions

On April 1, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of Cubic, Inc. for a cash purchase price of $2,356, net of $213 cash acquired. Transaction costs related to the purchase were a component of other production, distribution and operating costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and totaled $92, of which $86 and $6 were incurred in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The new entity Cubic Creative, Inc. (“Cubic Creative”) is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and has approximately 25 employees. This acquisition adds creative strategy services, which complement service offerings currently available to A. H. Belo clients. The expected benefit from providing these additional services was attributed to goodwill, all of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. See Note 6 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets for information on the goodwill impairment test conducted in the third quarter of 2019.

The table below sets forth the finalized allocation of the purchase price.



		Estimated Fair Value
Working capital, net of acquired cash	$	228
Property, plant and equipment		25
Other intangible assets - customer relationships		510
Goodwill		1,593
Total	$	2,356

Operating results of the business acquired have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations from the acquisition date forward. Operating results for the year ended December 31, 2019, included Cubic Creative operating revenue of $2,464 and pretax income of $1,885. 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. The fair value of the assets acquired would be classified as Level III assets (unobservable inputs) in the fair value hierarchy.

Revenue

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue [Abstract]

Revenue

Note 4: Revenue

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied. This occurs when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, typically at contract price or determined by stand-alone selling price. The Company has an estimated allowance for credits, refunds and similar obligations. Sales tax collected concurrent with revenue-producing activities are excluded from revenue.

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. Credit terms are customary.

The table below sets forth revenue disaggregated by revenue source. Due to the third quarter 2019 change to a single decision-making reporting structure (see Note 2 – Segment Reporting), the Company determined that disaggregating revenue by print and digital products best aligned with the new Company structure. The 2018 amounts were recast for comparative purposes.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
			(Recast)
Advertising and Marketing Services
Print advertising	$	62,256	$	69,218
Digital advertising and marketing services		33,600		36,210
Total	$	95,856	$	105,428

Circulation
Print circulation	$	63,321	$	68,033
Digital circulation		4,939		3,886
Total	$	68,260	$	71,919

Printing, Distribution and Other	$	19,447	$	24,940

Total Revenue	$	183,563	$	202,287

Advertising and Marketing Services

Print advertising revenue represents sales of advertising space within the Company’s core and niche newspapers, as well as preprinted advertisements inserted into the Company’s core newspapers and niche publications or distributed to non-subscribers through the mail.

Digital advertising and marketing services revenue consists of strategic marketing management, consulting, creative services, targeted and multi-channel (programmatic) advertising placed on third-party websites, digital sales of banner, classified and native advertisements on the Company’s news and entertainment-related websites and mobile apps, social media management, search optimization, direct mail and the sale of promotional materials. The Company’s auto sales division offered targeted advertising to auto dealerships primarily in the North Texas region desiring to advertise their inventory on the cars.com platform through September 30, 2019.

Circulation

Print circulation revenue is generated primarily by selling home delivery subscriptions and from single copy sales to non-subscribers. Home delivery revenue is recognized over the subscription period based on the days of actual delivery over the total subscription days and single copy revenue is recognized at a point in time when the paper is purchased. Revenue is directly reduced for any non-payment for the grace period of home delivery subscriptions where the Company recorded revenue for newspapers delivered after a subscription expired.

Digital circulation revenue is generated by digital-only subscriptions and is recognized over the subscription period based on daily or monthly access to the content in the subscription period.

Payment of circulation fees is typically received in advance and deferred over the subscription period.

Printing, Distribution and Other

Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue is recorded when cash payments are received in advance of the Company’s performance, including amounts which are refundable. The Company’s primary sources of deferred revenue are from circulation subscriptions and advertising paid in advance of the service provided. These up-front payments are recorded upon receipt as contract liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the revenue is recognized when the Company’s obligations under the terms of the contract are satisfied. In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recognized $10,575 of revenue that was included in the contract liabilities balance as of December 31, 2018. The Company typically recognizes deferred revenue within 1 to 12 months.

Practical Expedients and Exemptions

The Company generally expenses sales commissions and circulation acquisition costs when incurred because the amortization period would have been one year or less. These costs are recorded within employee compensation and benefits expense and other production, distribution and operating costs expense, respectively.

The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less and contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount invoiced for services performed.

Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

Note 5: Leases

Adoption of ASU 2016-02 – Leases (Topic 842)

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 using the modified retrospective approach applied to all leases with a remaining lease term greater than one year. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2019, are presented in accordance with the new guidance under ASU 2016-02, while prior period amounts are not restated. The adoption of the new lease guidance resulted in the Company recognizing operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities based on the present value of remaining minimum lease payments. For the discount rate assumption, the implicit rate was not readily determinable in the Company’s lease agreements. Therefore, the Company used an estimated secured incremental borrowing rate, based on the Company’s credit rating, adjusted for the weighted average term of each lease in determining the present value of lease payments. There was no impact to opening retained earnings.

The Company elected the practical expedients available under ASU 2016-02 and applied them consistently to all applicable leases. The Company did not apply ASU 2016-02 to any leases with a remaining term of 12 months or less. For these leases, no asset or liability was recorded and lease expense continues to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As allowed by the practical expedients, the Company does not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, does not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and does not reassess initial direct costs for existing leases. Additionally, the Company does not separately identify lease and nonlease components, such as maintenance costs.

Lease Accounting

The Company has various operating leases primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of which include escalating lease payments and options to extend or terminate the lease. The Company determines if a contract is a lease at the inception of the arrangement. The exercise of lease renewal options are at the Company’s sole discretion and options are recognized when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the option. The recognized right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as calculated do not assume renewal options. The Company’s leases have remaining terms of less than 1 year to 14 years. The Company does not have lease agreements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants.

The Company has a sublease with Denton Publishing Company for a remaining term of approximately four years. Additionally, the Company has various subleases with distributors, for distribution center space, with varying remaining lease terms of less than one year to two years and are cancellable with notice by either party. Sublease income is included in printing, distribution and other revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As of December 31, 2019, sublease income is expected to approximate $526 in 2020, $314 in 2021, $223 in 2022, and $129 in 2023.

Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date of lease agreements greater than one year based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and variable lease costs are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2019, the Company entered into two additional operating leases with lease terms of three years, which will result in an additional right-of-use asset and liability of approximately $1,200 upon commencement in the first quarter of 2020.

The table below sets forth supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet information for the Company’s leases.



	Classification	December 31, 2019
Assets
Operating	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	21,371

Liabilities
Operating
Current	Other accrued expense	$	1,579
Noncurrent	Long-term operating lease liabilities		23,120
Total lease liabilities		$	24,699

Lease Term and Discount Rate
Operating leases
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)			11.7
Weighted average discount rate (%)			7.5

The table below sets forth components of lease cost and supplemental cash flow information for the Company’s leases.



	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	4,264
Short-term lease cost		135
Variable lease cost		576
Sublease income		(734)
Total lease cost	$	4,241

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities	$	4,115
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities		23,886

The table below sets forth the remaining maturities of the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019.



Years Ending December 31,	Operating Leases
2020	$	3,345
2021		3,661
2022		3,613
2023		3,139
2024		2,467
Thereafter		22,121
Total lease payments		38,346
Less: imputed interest		13,647
Total lease liabilities	$	24,699

The table below sets forth the future minimum obligations for operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2018, as determined prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02. Total operating lease expense was $4,688 for the year ended December 31, 2018.




		Total		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023		Thereafter
Operating lease commitments	$	41,837	$	4,403	$	3,588	$	3,575	$	3,467	$	3,533	$	23,271

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Note 6: Goodwill and Intangible Assets

In the third quarter of 2019, the Company reorganized all of its operations into a single decision-making reporting structure resulting in one reportable segment. Prior to the third quarter, the Company had two reportable segments, Publishing and Marketing Services, that each operated as a single reporting unit (see Note 2 – Segment Reporting). The table below sets forth intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.



	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Intangible Assets
Cost	$	2,030	$	6,470
Accumulated Amortization		(1,711)		(3,196)
Asset Impairments		—		(2,970)
Net Carrying Value	$	319	$	304

The intangible assets include $1,520 of developed technology with an estimated useful life of five years, fully amortized in 2019, and $510 of customer relationships with estimated useful lives of two years and net carrying value of $319. Aggregate amortization expense was $495 and $799 for 2019 and 2018, respectively. Annual amortization expense is expected to approximate $255 in 2020 and $64 in 2021.

In the second quarter of 2019, in connection with the Cubic Creative acquisition, the Company recorded $1,593 of goodwill and $510 of intangible assets. Cubic Creative is a component within the Marketing Services reporting unit. In the third quarter of 2019, the Company made a strategic change to move to a single-decision making reporting structure. With this reorganization, the Company revised its financial forecast for the remainder of the year, which resulted in a significant decrease in operating income for the Marketing Services reporting unit. The reorganization to one operating segment coupled with the significant decrease in the Marketing Services forecast was determined to be a triggering event that required an impairment review of goodwill and long-lived assets.

In the third quarter of 2019, the Company tested the Marketing Services reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment using a discounted cash flow methodology with a peer-based risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital. The Company believes the use of a discounted cash flow approach is the most reliable indicator of the estimated fair value of the business. Upon completion of the test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $1,593 in the third quarter of 2019, fully impairing goodwill. The resulting adjustment to the deferred tax asset of $318 was fully offset by an adjustment to the valuation allowance, recorded as a charge to the income tax provision.

In 2018, the Company conducted its annual goodwill impairment test as of December 31, 2018, for the Marketing Services reporting unit. The test indicated the Marketing Services reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $13,973 in the fourth quarter of 2018, fully impairing goodwill. In connection with the goodwill impairment, the Company conducted a long-lived assets impairment test for Marketing Services, resulting in an impairment charge of $2,970 in the fourth quarter of 2018, fully impairing intangible assets related to customer relationships.

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 7: Related Party Transactions In 2017, the Company extended a term note to eSite Analytics, Inc. (“eSite”) of $750. The note has a term of three years, matures February 8, 2020, and incurs interest at a rate of 5.5 percent. The note provides for quarterly interest and principal payments of approximately $60. In March 2019, the Company extended a line of credit of $200 to eSite. In November 2019, the $200 line of credit was rolled into the term note and the note was extended until September 30, 2022. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the note receivable was $573 and $650, respectively. On February 13, 2020, eSite paid off their loan, including interest. The Company also owns shares of eSite and accounted for its investment under the equity method of accounting.

Long-term Incentive Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]

Long-term Incentive Plan

Note 8: Long-term Incentive Plan

A. H. Belo sponsored a long-term incentive plan (the “Plan”) under which 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock were 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 8,000,000 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B common stock are authorized and remain available 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.

Stock Options. No options have been granted since 2009. The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised in 2018 was $7. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no outstanding options and all compensation expense associated with stock options has been fully recognized.

Restricted Stock Units. The Company issued RSUs under the Plan and the 2017 Plan to its officers and directors. The RSUs had service and/or performance conditions and, subject to retirement eligibility, vested over a period of up to three years. Vested RSUs were redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash. In 2018, the Company issued 151,236 shares of Series A common stock and 100,833 shares were redeemed in cash for vested RSUs.

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the board of directors approved the accelerated vesting and payout, and conversion to cash of all outstanding RSUs previously granted to the Company’s officers and directors under the Plan and the 2017 Plan. Award agreements for an aggregate of 607,553 outstanding RSUs held by officers and directors were amended to provide for accelerated vesting, to the extent not already vested, as of December 10, 2018, and for accelerated payment entirely in cash. Each RSU was valued at an amount equal to the closing market price of a share of Series A Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on December 10, 2018. The total aggregate value of the RSUs being accelerated was approximately $2,521. RSUs held by officers not subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A were paid on December 21, 2018, and officers and directors subject to Code Section 409A were paid on the earlier of (i) December 11, 2019 or (ii) applicable date established under the award agreement. The Company paid $1,795 and $726 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The liability, for the payments made in 2019, was included in other accrued expense in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018. There were no outstanding RSUs as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Compensation Expense. Prior to the amended award agreements, A. H. Belo recognized compensation expense for awards granted under the Company’s long-term incentive plans over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of RSU grants was determined using the closing trading price of the Company’s Series A common stock on the grant date. As a result of the amended award agreements, all compensation expense related to previously granted RSUs was fully recognized as of December 31, 2018. Additionally, the shareholders’ equity component of the compensation expense was reversed since the awards were converted to cash. Compensation expense related to granted RSUs is set forth in the table below.



Year Ended December 31,	RSUs Redeemable in Stock		RSUs Redeemable in Cash		Total RSU Awards Expense
2018	$	(605)	$	3,005	$	2,400

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note 9: Income Taxes

The table below sets forth the Company’s income tax provision.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Current
Federal	$	—	$	(136)
State		894		633
Total current		894		497
Deferred
Federal		3,029		(1,975)
State		(124)		(15)
Total deferred		2,905		(1,990)
Valuation Allowance		617		3,773
Income Tax Provision	$	4,416	$	2,280

The table below reconciles the income tax provision (benefit) computed by applying the applicable United States federal income tax rate to the income tax provision computed at the effective income tax rate.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$	2,879	$	(4,818)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)		583		679
Valuation allowance		617		3,773
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		—		(2)
Goodwill impairment		—		2,691
Nondeductible expenses		392		311
Uncertain tax position reserve		(15)		(165)
Other		(40)		(189)
Income tax provision	$	4,416	$	2,280
Effective income tax rate		32.2%		(9.9)%

A tax provision of $4,416 was recorded in 2019. The provision was primarily due to annual income before income taxes, primarily a result of income generated from the sale of the Company’s former headquarters (see Note 15 – Disposal of Assets), the Texas margin tax and an increase in the valuation allowance due to a change in judgement as to the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets.

A tax provision of $2,280 was recorded in 2018. The provision was primarily due to the Texas margin tax and an increase in the valuation allowance due to a change in judgment as to the realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets, the measurement of which was in part impacted by asset impairment charges recognized by the Company in 2018. The current state tax provision was partially reduced by a refund of the 2017 Texas margin tax and a partial release of the reserve for uncertain tax positions.

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act included a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impacted 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 provided for the acceleration of depreciation for certain assets placed into service after September 27, 2017, as well as prospective changes that began 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. No material adjustments were made to this accounting in 2018.

The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $901 and $(6,404) in 2019 and 2018, respectively. A refund of $4,095 was received in the third quarter of 2018, for a tax benefit recognized in 2017 related to a capital loss on the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle in the fourth quarter of 2017, of which a portion was carried back against taxes paid in 2014. Tax benefits recognized in 2016 were carried back against taxes paid in 2014 for a refund of $3,210 received in the second quarter of 2018, which is the result of a tax benefit from the abandonment of the Company's ownership interest in Wanderful Media, LLC and the sale of the Company's equity investment in Homesnap, Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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



	December 31,
	2019		2018
Gross Deferred Tax Assets:
Defined benefit plans	$	4,838	$	6,697
Investments		142		177
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation		1,378		2,058
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued		838		1,481
Lease liability		5,187		—
Deferred compensation and benefits		—		376
Book amortization in excess of tax amortization		1,037		649
State taxes		146		83
Net operating loss carryforward		3,662		5,462
Other		644		427
Total deferred tax assets		17,872		17,410
Valuation allowance		(12,783)		(13,329)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		5,089		4,081
Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Deferred compensation and benefits		(54)		—
Right-of-use asset		(4,488)		—
Other		(497)		(509)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(5,039)		(509)

Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	50	$	3,572

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 2019, the valuation allowance decreased $546, of which $1,163 is deferred tax assets related to amounts recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss that are fully reserved by a valuation allowance. At December 31, 2019, the Company had a federal net operating loss carryforward of $17,154, of which $11,373 expires in 2037 and $5,781 does not have an expiration. The annual utilization of the portion of the federal net operating loss, which does not have an expiration, is limited to 80 percent of taxable income in future years. The Company has a state net operating loss of $60, which will begin to expire in 2039.

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, 2014. 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, 2019, included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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



	2019		2018
Balance at January 1	$	2,592	$	2,757
Decrease related to statute of limitations expiring		(15)		(165)
Balance at December 31	$	2,577	$	2,592

The Company recorded interest expense of $253 and $4 for 2019 and 2018, respectively, included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $282 and $29, respectively, included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pension and Other Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Pension and Other Retirement Plans

Note 10: 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 1,400 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 is the sole sponsor of the Pension Plans and is required to meet certain pension funding requirements as established under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”). Instability in global and domestic capital markets may result in low returns on the assets contributed to the Pension Plans. Additionally, low yields on corporate bonds may decrease the discount rate, resulting in a higher funding obligation. Although legislation was enacted into law in 2012, which provided limited funding relief, market conditions could materially increase the funding requirements associated with the Pension Plans, with an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and financial condition. The Company was not required to make contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2019 and 2018 under ERISA. The Company will continue to evaluate the feasibility of de-risking strategies based on the economic benefits to the Company.

Actuarial gains (losses) of $5,282 and $(13,240) were recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in 2019 and 2018, respectively; see Note 11 - 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.



	2019		2018
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	203,424	$	219,635
Interest cost		7,896		7,185
Actuarial (gain) loss		20,202		(11,697)
Benefit payments		(12,078)		(11,699)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		219,444		203,424
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		171,535		196,597
Return on plan assets		36,948		(13,363)
Benefit payments		(12,078)		(11,699)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		196,405		171,535
Funded Status	$	(23,039)	$	(31,889)
Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	$	23,039	$	31,889
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	219,444	$	203,424

Net Periodic Pension Benefit

The projected benefit obligations of the A. H. Belo Pension Plans are estimated using the FTSE Pension Discount Curve, which is based upon a portfolio of high-quality corporate debt securities with maturities that correlate to the expected timing of estimated benefit payments to the Pension Plans’ participants. Future estimated benefit payments are discounted to their present value at the appropriate yield curve spot rate to determine the projected benefit obligation outstanding at each year end. The single equivalent discount rate as of December 31, 2019 was 2.9 percent and 4.0 percent for December 31, 2018.

Interest expense included in net periodic pension benefit is based on the FTSE Pension Discount Curve established at the beginning of the fiscal year. The discount rate for fiscal year 2019 and 2018 interest cost was 4.0 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively.

The Company assumed a 6.5 percent long-term return on the Pension Plans’ assets in 2019 and 2018. 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 effective duration of the actuarial liabilities and market risks.

The Company’s estimates of net periodic pension expense (benefit) are based on the expected return on plan assets, interest on the projected benefit obligations and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses that are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss. 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 (benefit). The table below sets forth components of net periodic pension benefit, which are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Interest cost	$	7,896	$	7,185
Expected return on plans' assets		(11,464)		(11,575)
Amortization of actuarial loss		278		671
Net periodic pension benefit	$	(3,290)	$	(3,719)

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 45.0 percent and 55.0 percent, respectively. These targets are determined based on the effective duration of the actuarial liabilities, the expected long-term rate 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, 2019, the Pension Plans’ investments in equity securities and fixed income securities accounted for 43.0 percent and 57.0 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, 2019 and 2018, 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	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Cash and Money Market Funds	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Funds
U.S. equity securities		54,258		46,346		—		—		54,258		46,346		—		—
International equity securities		29,519		22,783		—		—		29,519		22,783		—		—
Fixed Income Funds
Domestic corporate and government debt securities		60,743		52,179		—		—		60,743		52,179		—		—
Domestic corporate debt securities		46,115		38,814		—		—		46,115		38,814		—		—
International corporate and government debt securities		4,027		4,413		—		—		4,027		4,413		—		—
Total	$	196,405	$	171,535	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	194,662	$	164,535	$	—	$	—

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 are designated as Level I. Remaining investments are in commingled funds and fair values are determined by the fund manager primarily based upon closing market quotes of the assets. Equity securities held through units in these funds are monitored as to issuer and industry. As of December 31, 2019, 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, 2019.



Payment year	Expected Benefit Payments
2020	$	13,354
2021		13,364
2022		13,455
2023		13,300
2024		13,267
2025 - 2029		64,577

The Company currently does not expect to make contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2020 and no contributions are required to these plans in 2020 under ERISA.

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; therefore, no future benefits accrue and on-going service costs are not a component of net periodic benefit cost. The Company recorded a liability of $1,347 and $1,165 related to the OPEB plans as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. A net periodic benefit cost of $9 and $4 in 2019 and 2018, respectively, was recorded to other income, net. The net periodic benefit cost primarily represents amortization of actuarial gains (losses) and prior service costs, offset by interest expense associated with the actuarial liability. Actuarial losses of $(182) and $(99) were recorded to other comprehensive income (loss) in 2019 and 2018, respectively; see Note 11 - 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. The Company recorded expense of $702 and $855 in 2019 and 2018 respectively, for matching contributions to the Savings Plan.

Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

Note 11: Shareholders’ Equity

Dividends. Quarterly dividends of $0.08 per share returned $6,876 and $7,116 to shareholders in 2019 and 2018, respectively. On December 5, 2019, the Company’s board of directors declared an $0.08 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2020, paid on March 6, 2020.

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. During the fourth quarter of 2019 and 2018, the Company purchased 33,032 and 55,445 shares of its Series A common stock, respectively, through open market transactions for $123 and $ 243, respectively. However, the agreement to repurchase the Company’s stock expired in the fourth quarter of 2019 and was not renewed. In 2019 and 2018, the Company purchased 216,490 and 266,409 shares of its Series A common stock, respectively, through open market transactions for $842 and $1,299, respectively.

Outstanding Shares. The Company had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 18,941,115 and 2,469,308, respectively, net of treasury shares at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2018, the Company had Series A and Series B common stock outstanding of 19,157,358 and 2,469,555, respectively, net of treasury shares.

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 other income, net in its Consolidated Statements of Operations. Gains and losses are amortized over the weighted average remaining life expectancy of the OPEB and Pension plans’ participants. In 2020, the Company anticipates amortizing $876 of net losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to its defined benefit Pension Plans and OPEB plans.

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



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019						2018
	Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans		Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans
Balance, beginning of period	$	(37,641)	$	(38,003)	$	362	$	(24,932)	$	(25,434)	$	502
Amortization		247		278		(31)		630		671		(41)
Actuarial gains (losses)		5,100		5,282		(182)		(13,339)		(13,240)		(99)
Balance, end of period	$	(32,294)	$	(32,443)	$	149	$	(37,641)	$	(38,003)	$	362

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Note 12: Earnings Per Share

The table below sets forth the reconciliation 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,
	2019		2018
Earnings (Numerator)
Net income (loss)	$	9,292	$	(25,221)
Less: dividends to participating securities		—		142
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	9,292	$	(25,363)

Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)		21,546,257		21,747,633

Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted	$	0.43	$	(1.17)

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.

There were no options or RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 13: Commitments and Contingencies As of December 31, 2019, the Company had contractual obligations, in aggregate, of $16,225 for the next five years and $22,121 thereafter, for operating leases, primarily for office space and other distribution centers, some of which include escalating lease payments. See Note 5 – Leases for future lease payments by year. In addition, the Company had expected purchase obligations of $237 related to capital expenditures. 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. 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 began in November 2018. Total lease expense for property and equipment was $4,975 and $4,688 in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company funds the A. H. Belo Pension Plans to meet or exceed statutory requirements. The Company currently does not expect to make contributions to the A. H. Belo Pension Plans in 2020 and no contributions are required to these plans in 2020 under the applicable tax and labor laws governing pension plan funding; see Note 10 - 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, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]

Supplemental Cash Flow Data

Note 14: 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,
	2019		2018
Income tax paid, net (refund)	$	901	$	(6,404)
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable	$	237	$	131
Dividends payable		1,713		1,730
Long-term note receivable for asset sales		22,400		—

Disposal of Assets	12 Months Ended
Disposal of Assets	Dec. 31, 2019
Disposal of Assets [Abstract]
Disposal of Assets	Note 15: Disposal of Assets In the third quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a loss of $1,362 on the disposal of newspaper production assets and publishing software that was replaced by a new digital content platform. The loss is included in the gain on sale/disposal of assets, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The newspaper production assets were disposed as a result of the Company’s strategic decision, in the first quarter of 2019, to eliminate its brokered printing business and reduce the number of local and national commercial print customers it serves from more than 30 to 5. On May 17, 2019, the Company finalized a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Charter DMN Holdings, LP (the “Purchaser”) for the sale of the real estate assets in downtown Dallas, Texas, previously used as the Company’s headquarters for a sale price of $28,000. The sale price consisted of $4,597 cash received, after selling costs of approximately $1,000, and a two-year seller-financed promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) of $22,400, included in long-term note receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The sale provides the Company an additional $1,000 contingency payment if certain conditions are met; however, at this time the Company does not believe these conditions are probable. The Promissory Note is secured by a first lien deed of trust covering the property and bears interest payable in quarterly installments that began on July 1, 2019, continuing through its maturity on June 30, 2021, and includes a pre-payment feature. Interest will be accrued at 3.5 percent during the first year and at 4.5 percent during the second year. See Note 17 – Subsequent Events for additional information. In the second quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a pretax gain of $25,908, included in the gain on sale/disposal of assets, net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Due to the offset by existing net operating loss carryforwards, the Company did not record any current tax expense related to the sale transaction. These assets had a carrying value of $1,089, and were reported as assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2018.

Quarterly Results of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]

Quarterly Results of Operations

Note 16: Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The table below sets forth a summary of the unaudited consolidated quarterly results of operations for 2019 and 2018.



	1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Net operating revenue	$	46,589	$	49,453	$	47,115	$	51,169	$	43,057	$	49,052	$	46,802	$	52,613
Operating income (loss)		(3,928)		(6,217)		22,855		(1,367)		(6,974)		(1,302)		(2,414)		(17,946)
Net income (loss)		(2,135)		(4,014)		16,528		(534)		(4,005)		(1,036)		(1,096)		(19,637)

Net income (loss) per share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.10)	$	(0.19)	$	0.77	$	(0.03)	$	(0.19)	$	(0.05)	$	(0.05)	$	(0.91)

The following are significant activities in 2019:

 In the second quarter of 2019, the Company completed the sale of real estate previously used as the Company’s headquarters for $28,000, resulting in a pretax gain of $25,908; see Note 15 – Disposal of Assets.

 In the third quarter of 2019, in conjunction with a strategic change to a single decision-making reporting structure that resulted in one reportable segment and a significant decrease in the Marketing Services forecast, the Company completed a goodwill impairment test for the Marketing Services reporting unit. Upon completion of the test, it was determined the Marketing Services reporting unit’s carrying value exceeded its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $1,593, fully impairing goodwill; see Note 6 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets.

The following are significant activities in 2018:

 In the second quarter of 2018, the Company received an income tax refund of $3,210 for a tax benefit recognized in 2016 that was carried back against taxes paid in 2014 related to the abandonment of the Company's ownership interest in Wanderful Media, LLC and the sale of the Company's equity investment in Homesnap, Inc. in the fourth quarter of 2016; see Note 9 – Income Taxes.

 In the third quarter of 2018, the Company received an income tax refund of $4,095 for a tax benefit recognized in 2017 related to a capital loss on the sale of the Denton Record-Chronicle in the fourth quarter of 2017, of which a portion was carried back against taxes paid in 2014; see Note 9 – Income Taxes.

 In the fourth quarter of 2018, as a result of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test the Company recorded a noncash goodwill impairment charge of $13,973. In connection with the goodwill impairment, the Company conducted a long-lived assets impairment test, resulting in an intangible assets impairment charge of $2,970; see Note 6 – 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.

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 17: Subsequent Events The Company evaluates subsequent events at the date of the consolidated balance sheet as well as conditions that arise after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued. To the extent any events and conditions exist, disclosures are made regarding the nature of events and the estimated financial effects for those events and conditions. Currently, the rapid spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) globally has resulted in increased travel restrictions and disruption and shutdown of businesses. The Company has experienced, and may continue to experience, impacts from quarantines, market downturns and changes in customer behavior related to the pandemic and impacts on its workforce if the spread of the virus widens and becomes of longer duration. The Company has been following the recommendations of local government and health authorities to minimize exposure risk for employees, including the temporary closure of some of the Company’s offices and having employees work remotely. Employees, including financial reporting staff, have been working remotely since on or about March 10, 2020. If the virus were to affect a significant number of the workforce employed in printing operations, the Company may experience delays or be unable to produce, print and deliver its and third-party print publications on a timely basis. In addition, one or more printing customers, distribution partners, service providers or suppliers may experience financial distress, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business, or suffer disruptions in its business due to the coronavirus outbreak. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts the Company’s results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and will include emerging information concerning the severity and length of the coronavirus pandemic and the actions taken by governments and private businesses to contain the coronavirus. The coronavirus is likely to have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition at least for the near term. The full impact of COVID-19 is not yet known and is rapidly evolving. The outbreak and any preventative or protective actions that the Company has taken and may continue to take, or may be imposed on the Company by governmental intervention, in respect of this virus may result in a period of disruption to the Company’s financial reporting capabilities, its printing operations, and its operations generally. COVID-19 is impacting, and may continue to impact, the Company’s customers, distribution partners, advertisers, production facilities, and third parties, and could result in a loss of advertising revenue or supply chain disruption. Media has been designated an essential business, therefore the Company’s operations are continuing. The Company is experiencing an increase in digital subscriptions, which currently does not offset the loss of advertising revenue. On April 6, 2020, the Company announced that it is taking several actions in response to the financial impact of COVID-19. The Company will reduce operating and capital expenditures, and lower the quarterly dividend rate for future dividends declared, if any. In addition, employees’ base compensation will be reduced Company-wide, and the annual bonus tied to financial metrics for eligible employees may be reduced if financial results are adversely affected. Beginning with the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the board of directors’ compensation will be reduced and the board will be reduced in size by two. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its consolidated financial statements and has not yet quantified what material impacts to the financial statements may result from the actions taken by the Company and its customers in respect of this virus. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provides numerous tax provisions and other stimulus measures, including temporary changes regarding the prior and future utilization of net operating losses, temporary changes to the prior and future limitations on interest deductions, temporary suspension of certain payment requirements for the employer portion of Social Security taxes, technical corrections from prior tax legislation for tax depreciation of certain qualified improvement property, and the creation of certain refundable employee retention credits. This legislation was enacted before the date of filing this Form 10-K; however, the effective date is subsequent to December 31, 2019. The Company is continuing to assess the impacts the CARES Act may have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company presently estimates it will benefit from the temporary five-year net operating loss carryback provision and the technical correction for qualified leasehold improvements, which changes 39-year property to 15-year property, eligible for 100 percent tax bonus depreciation. Applying this correction to 2018 is estimated to result in reporting additional tax depreciation of $1,017 and increase the 2018 net operating loss to approximately $6,798. The loss is expected to be carried back to 2014 for an estimated cash refund of $2,335. These benefits will be reflected in the first quarter of 2020, when the law was enacted. On March 5, 2020, the Company’s board of directors declared an $0.08 per share dividend to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 15, 2020, which is payable on June 5, 2020. On April 6, 2020, in response to the financial impact of COVID-19, the Company announced its intent to reduce its cash dividend rate indefinitely following the second quarter 2020 dividend of $0.08 per share declared on March 5, 2020. Future dividends, if declared, are expected to be at the rate of $0.04 per share. The Purchaser of the Company’s former headquarters requested, and on April 3, 2020, the Company entered into a board approved amendment to the Promissory Note deferring the Purchaser’s interest payment of $195 that was due April 1, 2020, and adding it to a second promissory note (the “Second Promissory Note”). In addition, the Second Promissory Note includes a 2019 real property tax reconciliation payment due from the Purchaser under the Purchase and Sale Agreement in the amount of $180. The Second Promissory Note, in the principal amount of $375, is secured by a second lien deed of trust covering the property and due June 30, 2021.

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Description of Business, Policy

Basis of Presentation, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Accounts Receivable, Policy

Risk Concentration, Policy

Notes Receivable, Policy

Inventories, Policy

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

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



	December 31,				Estimated
	2019		2018		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,191	$	2,220
Buildings and improvements		85,316		111,411	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		174,019		216,891	3 - 20 years
Other		80,678		92,293	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,689		151
Total		343,893		422,966
Less accumulated depreciation		(325,440)		(396,705)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,453	$	26,261

Goodwill, Policy

Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Investments, Policy

Pension, Policy

Long-Term Incentive Plan, Policy

In the fourth quarter of 2018, the board of directors approved the accelerated vesting and payout, and conversion to cash of all outstanding RSUs previously granted to the Company’s officers and directors under the Plan and the 2017 Plan. Prior to the amended award agreements, the fair value of awards issued under the long-term incentive plans was recognized to expense over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of RSUs was established at the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Vested RSUs were previously redeemed 60 percent in A. H. Belo Series A common stock and 40 percent in cash over a period of up to three years.

Shareholders' Equity, Policy

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Income Taxes, Policy

Use of Estimates, Policy

Segments, Policy

Fair Value Measurements, Policy

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements, policy

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

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, 2019

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment by Type



	December 31,				Estimated
	2019		2018		Useful Lives
Land	$	2,191	$	2,220
Buildings and improvements		85,316		111,411	5 - 30 years
Publishing equipment		174,019		216,891	3 - 20 years
Other		80,678		92,293	3 - 10 years
Construction in process		1,689		151
Total		343,893		422,966
Less accumulated depreciation		(325,440)		(396,705)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	18,453	$	26,261

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Acquisitions [Abstract]

Finalized Allocation Of Purchase Price



		Estimated Fair Value
Working capital, net of acquired cash	$	228
Property, plant and equipment		25
Other intangible assets - customer relationships		510
Goodwill		1,593
Total	$	2,356

Revenue (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue [Abstract]

Disaggregated By Revenue Source



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
			(Recast)
Advertising and Marketing Services
Print advertising	$	62,256	$	69,218
Digital advertising and marketing services		33,600		36,210
Total	$	95,856	$	105,428

Circulation
Print circulation	$	63,321	$	68,033
Digital circulation		4,939		3,886
Total	$	68,260	$	71,919

Printing, Distribution and Other	$	19,447	$	24,940

Total Revenue	$	183,563	$	202,287

Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information for Leases



	Classification	December 31, 2019
Assets
Operating	Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	21,371

Liabilities
Operating
Current	Other accrued expense	$	1,579
Noncurrent	Long-term operating lease liabilities		23,120
Total lease liabilities		$	24,699

Lease Term and Discount Rate
Operating leases
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)			11.7
Weighted average discount rate (%)			7.5

Schedule of Components of Lease Cost and Supplemental Cash Flow Information for Leases



	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lease Cost
Operating lease cost	$	4,264
Short-term lease cost		135
Variable lease cost		576
Sublease income		(734)
Total lease cost	$	4,241

Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities	$	4,115
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities		23,886

Schedule of Remaining Maturities of Lease Liabilities



Years Ending December 31,	Operating Leases
2020	$	3,345
2021		3,661
2022		3,613
2023		3,139
2024		2,467
Thereafter		22,121
Total lease payments		38,346
Less: imputed interest		13,647
Total lease liabilities	$	24,699

Schedule of Future Minimum Obligations for Operating Leases as Determined Prior to Adoption of ASU 2016-02




		Total		2019		2020		2021		2022		2023		Thereafter
Operating lease commitments	$	41,837	$	4,403	$	3,588	$	3,575	$	3,467	$	3,533	$	23,271

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets



	December 31,		December 31,
	2019		2018
Intangible Assets
Cost	$	2,030	$	6,470
Accumulated Amortization		(1,711)		(3,196)
Asset Impairments		—		(2,970)
Net Carrying Value	$	319	$	304

Long-term Incentive Plan (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Long-term Incentive Plan [Abstract]

Schedule of Compensation Expense Related to Stock Awards



Year Ended December 31,	RSUs Redeemable in Stock		RSUs Redeemable in Cash		Total RSU Awards Expense
2018	$	(605)	$	3,005	$	2,400

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Current
Federal	$	—	$	(136)
State		894		633
Total current		894		497
Deferred
Federal		3,029		(1,975)
State		(124)		(15)
Total deferred		2,905		(1,990)
Valuation Allowance		617		3,773
Income Tax Provision	$	4,416	$	2,280

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$	2,879	$	(4,818)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)		583		679
Valuation allowance		617		3,773
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		—		(2)
Goodwill impairment		—		2,691
Nondeductible expenses		392		311
Uncertain tax position reserve		(15)		(165)
Other		(40)		(189)
Income tax provision	$	4,416	$	2,280
Effective income tax rate		32.2%		(9.9)%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities



	December 31,
	2019		2018
Gross Deferred Tax Assets:
Defined benefit plans	$	4,838	$	6,697
Investments		142		177
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation		1,378		2,058
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued		838		1,481
Lease liability		5,187		—
Deferred compensation and benefits		—		376
Book amortization in excess of tax amortization		1,037		649
State taxes		146		83
Net operating loss carryforward		3,662		5,462
Other		644		427
Total deferred tax assets		17,872		17,410
Valuation allowance		(12,783)		(13,329)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance		5,089		4,081
Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Deferred compensation and benefits		(54)		—
Right-of-use asset		(4,488)		—
Other		(497)		(509)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(5,039)		(509)

Net Deferred Tax Assets	$	50	$	3,572

Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Positions



	2019		2018
Balance at January 1	$	2,592	$	2,757
Decrease related to statute of limitations expiring		(15)		(165)
Balance at December 31	$	2,577	$	2,592

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]

Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures



	2019		2018
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	203,424	$	219,635
Interest cost		7,896		7,185
Actuarial (gain) loss		20,202		(11,697)
Benefit payments		(12,078)		(11,699)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		219,444		203,424
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		171,535		196,597
Return on plan assets		36,948		(13,363)
Benefit payments		(12,078)		(11,699)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		196,405		171,535
Funded Status	$	(23,039)	$	(31,889)
Amounts Recorded on the Balance Sheet
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	$	23,039	$	31,889
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	219,444	$	203,424

Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Benefit



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Interest cost	$	7,896	$	7,185
Expected return on plans' assets		(11,464)		(11,575)
Amortization of actuarial loss		278		671
Net periodic pension benefit	$	(3,290)	$	(3,719)

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	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Cash and Money Market Funds	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Equity Funds
U.S. equity securities		54,258		46,346		—		—		54,258		46,346		—		—
International equity securities		29,519		22,783		—		—		29,519		22,783		—		—
Fixed Income Funds
Domestic corporate and government debt securities		60,743		52,179		—		—		60,743		52,179		—		—
Domestic corporate debt securities		46,115		38,814		—		—		46,115		38,814		—		—
International corporate and government debt securities		4,027		4,413		—		—		4,027		4,413		—		—
Total	$	196,405	$	171,535	$	1,743	$	7,000	$	194,662	$	164,535	$	—	$	—

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments



Payment year	Expected Benefit Payments
2020	$	13,354
2021		13,364
2022		13,455
2023		13,300
2024		13,267
2025 - 2029		64,577

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019						2018
	Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans		Total		Defined benefit pension plans		Other post- employment benefit plans
Balance, beginning of period	$	(37,641)	$	(38,003)	$	362	$	(24,932)	$	(25,434)	$	502
Amortization		247		278		(31)		630		671		(41)
Actuarial gains (losses)		5,100		5,282		(182)		(13,339)		(13,240)		(99)
Balance, end of period	$	(32,294)	$	(32,443)	$	149	$	(37,641)	$	(38,003)	$	362

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Earnings (Numerator)
Net income (loss)	$	9,292	$	(25,221)
Less: dividends to participating securities		—		142
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$	9,292	$	(25,363)

Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)		21,546,257		21,747,633

Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted	$	0.43	$	(1.17)

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Income tax paid, net (refund)	$	901	$	(6,404)
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable	$	237	$	131
Dividends payable		1,713		1,730
Long-term note receivable for asset sales		22,400		—

Quarterly Results of Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information



	1st Quarter				2nd Quarter				3rd Quarter				4th Quarter
	2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018		2019		2018
Net operating revenue	$	46,589	$	49,453	$	47,115	$	51,169	$	43,057	$	49,052	$	46,802	$	52,613
Operating income (loss)		(3,928)		(6,217)		22,855		(1,367)		(6,974)		(1,302)		(2,414)		(17,946)
Net income (loss)		(2,135)		(4,014)		16,528		(534)		(4,005)		(1,036)		(1,096)		(19,637)

Net income (loss) per share
Basic and diluted	$	(0.10)	$	(0.19)	$	0.77	$	(0.03)	$	(0.19)	$	(0.05)	$	(0.05)	$	(0.91)

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Jun. 30, 2019 segment	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) item shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Bad debt expense				$ 828	$ 888
Write-offs, net of recoveries and other adjustments				738	1,362
Goodwill impairment		$ 13,973
Number of operating segments \| segment	1
Number of reportable segments \| segment	1		2
Cost method investments		$ 1,432		$ 1,432	$ 1,432
Series A
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes \| item				1
Series B
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes \| item				10
Employee Stock Option
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Number of options outstanding \| shares		0		0	0
RSUs [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
RSUs, percentage of redemption in common stock				60.00%
RSUs, percentage of redemption in cash				40.00%
Vesting period				3 years
Share-based payment award other than option outstanding \| shares		0		0	0
2017 Plan [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized \| shares				8,000,000
Marketing Services [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 1,593	$ 13,973

Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Property, Plant and Equipment by Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 343,893	$ 422,966
Less accumulated depreciation	(325,440)	(396,705)
Property, plant and equipment, net	18,453	26,261
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	2,191	2,220
Buildings and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 85,316	111,411
Buildings and improvements \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	5 years
Buildings and improvements \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	30 years
Publishing equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 174,019	216,891
Publishing equipment \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Publishing equipment \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	20 years
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 80,678	92,293
Other \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	3 years
Other \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated useful life	10 years
Construction In Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Total	$ 1,689	$ 151

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) - segment	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details) - segment	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	1	2

Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cash purchase price, net of cash acquired										$ 2,356
Net operating revenue		$ 46,802	$ 43,057	$ 47,115	$ 46,589	$ 52,613	$ 49,052	$ 51,169	$ 49,453	183,563	$ 202,287
Pretax income										13,708	(22,941)
Cubic Creative, Inc.[Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition cash purchase price, net of cash acquired	$ 2,356
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 213
Number of employees \| employee	25
Business combination, transaction costs	$ 92
Business combination, transaction costs incurred										86	$ 6
Net operating revenue										2,464
Pretax income										$ 1,885

Acquisitions (Finalized Allocation Of Purchase Price) (Details) - Cubic Creative, Inc.[Member] $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Working capital, net of acquired cash	$ 228
Property, plant, and equipment	25
Other intangible assets - customer relationships	510
Goodwill	1,593
Total	$ 2,356

Revenue (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Revenue (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized	$ 10,575
Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue remaining performance obligation expected timing of revenue recognition	1 month
Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue remaining performance obligation expected timing of revenue recognition	12 months

Revenue (Disaggregated by Revenue Source) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 46,802	$ 43,057	$ 47,115	$ 46,589	$ 52,613	$ 49,052	$ 51,169	$ 49,453	$ 183,563	$ 202,287
Print Advertising [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									62,256	69,218
Digital Advertising and Marketing Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									33,600	36,210
Advertising And Marketing Services [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									95,856	105,428
Print Circulation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									63,321	68,033
Digital Circulation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									4,939	3,886
Circulation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									68,260	71,919
Printing, Distribution And Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 19,447	$ 24,940

Leases (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Leases (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) contract	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Sublease income expected in 2020	$ 526
Sublease income expected in 2021	314
Sublease income expected in 2022	223
Sublease income expected in 2023	$ 129
Operating lease not yet commenced number of lease contract \| contract	2
Operating lease, lease not yet commenced, term of contract	3 years
Lessee, operating lease, not yet commenced, right-of-use asset and liability	$ 1,200
Operating lease expense		$ 4,688
Denton Publishing Company [Member] \| Sublease [Member]
Operating leases remaining terms	4 years
Minimum [Member]
Operating leases remaining terms	1 year
Operating lease term	1 year
Minimum [Member] \| Sublease [Member]
Operating leases remaining terms	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Operating leases remaining terms	14 years
Maximum [Member] \| Sublease [Member]
Operating leases remaining terms	2 years

Leases (Schedule of Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information for Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 21,371
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Operating lease liabilities current	$ 1,579
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities noncurrent	$ 23,120
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Total lease liabilities	$ 24,699
Operating leases weighted average remaining lease term (years)	11 years 8 months 12 days
Operating leases weighted average discount rate	7.50%

Leases (Schedule of Components of Lease Cost and Supplemental Cash Flow Information for Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Lease, Cost [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 4,264
Short-term lease cost	135
Variable lease cost	576
Sublease income	(734)
Total lease cost	4,241
Cash paid for operating leases included in operating activities	4,115
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$ 23,886

Leases (Schedule of Remaining Maturities of Lease Liabilities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020	$ 3,345
2021	3,661
2022	3,613
2023	3,139
2024	2,467
Thereafter	22,121
Total lease payments	38,346
Less: imputed interest	13,647
Total lease liabilities	$ 24,699

Leases (Schedule of Future Minimum Obligations for Operating Leases as Determined Prior to Adoption of ASU 2016-02) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Remaining Maturities of Lease Liabilities [Abstract]
2019	$ 4,403
2020	3,588
2021	3,575
2022	3,467
2023	3,533
Thereafter	23,271
Total	$ 41,837

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2019 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments \| segment	1		2
Net carrying value		$ 304		$ 319	$ 304
Amortization expense				495	799
Impairment of intangible assest					$ (2,970)
Goodwill impairment		13,973
Expected amortization expense, 2020				255
Expected amortization expense, 2021				64
Marketing Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assest		2,970
Goodwill impairment	$ 1,593	$ 13,973
Cubic Creative, Inc.[Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Adjustment to the deferred tax asset	318
Goodwill						$ 1,593
Cubic Creative, Inc.[Member] \| Marketing Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets excluding goodwill			$ 510
Goodwill			$ 1,593
Goodwill impairment	$ 1,593
Customer Relationships [Member] \| Marketing Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets excluding goodwill				$ 510
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life				2 years
Net carrying value				$ 319
Developed Technology [Member] \| Marketing Services [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets excluding goodwill				$ 1,520
Definite-lived intangibles, useful life				5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Intangible Assets
Cost	$ 6,470	$ 6,470	$ 2,030
Accumulated Amortization	(3,196)	(3,196)	(1,711)
Asset Impairments		(2,970)
Net Carrying Value	304	$ 304	$ 319
Marketing Services [Member]
Intangible Assets
Asset Impairments	$ 2,970

Related Party Transactions (Details) - eSite Analytics, Inc. [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Notes receivable non current	$ 200	$ 750	$ 573	$ 650
Related parties, notes receivable periodic payments		$ 60
Related parties, notes receivable term		3 years
Related party, interest rate on notes receivable		5.50%
Related parties, Notes Receivable maturity date	Sep. 30, 2022

Long-term Incentive Plan (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Plan [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
Number of shares authorized	8,000,000
2017 Plan [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
Number of shares authorized	8,000,000
Employee Stock Option
Share-based compensation expense
Options, outstanding, intrinsic value		$ 7
Number of options outstanding	0	0
Number of options granted	0
RSUs [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
Number of shares issued		151,236
Share-based payment award other than option outstanding	0	0
Number of shares previously vested redeemed in cash		100,833
RSUs redeemed in cash	$ 1,795	$ 726
RSUs, award vesting period	3 years
RSUs, percentage of redemption in common stock	60.00%
RSUs, percentage of redemption in cash	40.00%
RSUs [Member] \| Officers And Directors [Member]
Share-based compensation expense
Aggregate outstanding awards amended to provide for accelerated vesting		607,553
Aggregate value of the RSUs being accelerated		$ 2,521

Long-term Incentive Plan (Schedule of Compensation Expense Related to Stock Awards) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
RSUs Redeemable in Stock [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ (605)
RSUs Redeemable in Cash [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	3,005
RSUs [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense	$ 2,400

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income tax provision			$ 4,416	$ 2,280
U.S. corporate income tax rate				21.00%	35.00%
Income tax paid, net (refund)			901	$ (6,404)
Net refund resulting from carryback	$ 4,095	$ 3,210
Net operating loss carryforward			3,662	5,462
Changes in valuation allowance			546
Income tax, interest expense			253	4
Income tax, accrued interest			282	$ 29
Other Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Changes in valuation allowance			1,163
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforward			17,154
Federal [Member] \| Net Operating Loss Carryforward Expiring In 2037 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforward			11,373
Federal [Member] \| Net Operating Loss Carryforward With No Expiration [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Net operating loss carryforward			$ 5,781
Net operating loss maximum annual utilization of taxable income, percent			80.00%
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] \| Net Operating Loss Carryforward Expiring In 2039 [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards
State net operating loss carryforward			$ 60

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Provision (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current
Federal		$ (136)
State	$ 894	633
Total current	894	497
Deferred
Federal	3,029	(1,975)
State	(124)	(15)
Total deferred	2,905	(1,990)
Valuation Allowance	617	3,773
Income tax provision	$ 4,416	$ 2,280

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax provision (benefit)	$ 2,879	$ (4,818)
State income tax (net of federal benefit)	583	679
Valuation allowance	617	3,773
Federal tax reform - deferred rate change		(2)
Goodwill impairment		2,691
Nondeductible expenses	392	311
Uncertain tax position reserve	(15)	(165)
Other	(40)	(189)
Income tax provision	$ 4,416	$ 2,280
Effective income tax rate	32.20%	(9.90%)

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Defined benefit plans	$ 4,838	$ 6,697
Investments	142	177
Tax depreciation less than book depreciation	1,378	2,058
Expenses deductible for tax purposes in a year different from the year accrued	838	1,481
Lease liability	5,187
Deferred compensation and benefits		376
Book amortization in excess of tax amortization	1,037	649
State taxes	146	83
Net operating loss carryforward	3,662	5,462
Other	644	427
Total deferred tax assets	17,872	17,410
Valuation allowance	(12,783)	(13,329)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	5,089	4,081
Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Deferred compensation and benefits	(54)
Right-of-use asset	(4,488)
Other	(497)	(509)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(5,039)	(509)
Net Deferred Tax Assets	$ 50	$ 3,572

Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Positions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1	$ 2,592	$ 2,757
Decrease related to statute of limitations expiring	(15)	(165)
Balance at December 31	$ 2,577	$ 2,592

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) employee	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ 5,100	$ (13,339)
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$ (3,290)	(3,719)
401(K) plan
Defined Contribution Plans
Maximum pretax contribution per employee	100.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percent	1.50%
Expense recognized	$ 702	855
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Number of employee participants \| employee	1,400
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ 5,282	$ (13,240)
Discount rate of projected benefit obligation	2.90%	4.00%
Discount rate, net periodic pension expense (benefit)	4.00%	3.40%
Expected long-term return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%
Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Actuarial gains (losses)	$ (182)	$ (99)
Recorded liabilities	1,347	1,165
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$ 9	$ 4
Equity Securities \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Allocation of plans' assets	43.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plans' assets	45.00%
Fixed Income Securities \| Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure
Allocation of plans' assets	57.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Target allocation of plans' assets	55.00%

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll forward]
Interest cost	$ 7,896	$ 7,185
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	23,039	31,889
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll forward]
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	203,424	219,635
Interest cost	7,896	7,185
Actuarial (gain) loss	20,202	(11,697)
Benefit payments	(12,078)	(11,699)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	219,444	203,424
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	171,535	196,597
Return on plan assets	36,948	(13,363)
Benefit payments	(12,078)	(11,699)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	196,405	171,535
Funded status	(23,039)	(31,889)
Noncurrent liability - accrued benefit cost	23,039	31,889
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 219,444	$ 203,424

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 7,896	$ 7,185
Expected return on plans' assets	(11,464)	(11,575)
Amortization of actuarial loss	278	671
Net periodic pension benefit	$ (3,290)	$ (3,719)

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of Fair Value and Allocation of Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 196,405	$ 171,535	$ 196,597
Cash and money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	1,743	7,000
U.S. Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	54,258	46,346
International Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	29,519	22,783
Domestic Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	60,743	52,179
Domestic Corporate Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	46,115	38,814
International Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	4,027	4,413
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	1,743	7,000
Level I - Fair Value, Inputs \| Cash and money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	1,743	7,000
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	194,662	164,535
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| U.S. Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	54,258	46,346
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| International Equity Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	29,519	22,783
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| Domestic Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	60,743	52,179
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| Domestic Corporate Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	46,115	38,814
Level II - Fair Value, Inputs [Member] \| International Corporate and Government Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Fair value of plan assets	$ 4,027	$ 4,413

Pension and Other Retirement Plans (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Pension and Other Retirement Plans [Abstract]
2020	$ 13,354
2021	13,364
2022	13,455
2023	13,300
2024	13,267
2025-2029	$ 64,577

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 05, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 05, 2019
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends payable, amount per share						$ 0.08
Dividends paid				$ 6,876	$ 7,116
Dividends payable, date declared				Dec. 05, 2019
Dividends payable, date of record				Feb. 14, 2020
Dividends payable, date of payment				Mar. 06, 2020
Shares repurchased				$ 842	$ 1,299
Amount to be amortized from net losses in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to its defined benefit Pension Plans and OPEB plans		$ 876		$ 876
Subsequent Event [Member]
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Dividends payable, amount per share	$ 0.08
Dividends payable, date declared	Mar. 05, 2020
Dividends payable, date of record	May 15, 2020
Dividends payable, date of payment	Jun. 05, 2020
Series A
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased, shares		33,032	55,445	216,490	266,409
Shares repurchased		$ 123	$ 243	$ 842	$ 1,299
Common stock, shares, outstanding		18,941,115	19,157,358	18,941,115	19,157,358
Series B
Shareholders' Equity [Line Items]
Common stock, shares, outstanding		2,469,308	2,469,555	2,469,308	2,469,555

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (37,641)	$ (24,932)
Amortization	247	630
Actuarial gains (losses)	5,100	(13,339)
Balance, end of period	(32,294)	(37,641)
Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	(38,003)	(25,434)
Amortization	278	671
Actuarial gains (losses)	5,282	(13,240)
Balance, end of period	(32,443)	(38,003)
Other Post-Employment Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of period	362	502
Amortization	(31)	(41)
Actuarial gains (losses)	(182)	(99)
Balance, end of period	$ 149	$ 362

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Employee Stock Option
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	0	0
RSUs [Member]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	0	0

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (1,096)	$ (4,005)	$ 16,528	$ (2,135)	$ (19,637)	$ (1,036)	$ (534)	$ (4,014)	$ 9,292	$ (25,221)
Less: dividends to participating securities										142
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders									$ 9,292	$ (25,363)
Shares (Denominator)
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic and diluted)									21,546,257	21,747,633
Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted	$ (0.05)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.77	$ (0.10)	$ (0.91)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.43	$ (1.17)

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating leases, aggregate contractual obligations due in next five years	$ 16,225
Operating leases, contractual obligations due after fifth year	22,121
Purchase obligations related to capital expenditures	237
Lease expense for property and equipment		$ 4,688
AHC Dallas Properties, LLC [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease term			12 years
Dallas Morning News, Inc [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease term				16 years
Property and Equipment [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Lease expense for property and equipment	$ 4,975	$ 4,688
Minimum [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating lease term	1 year

Supplemental Cash Flow Data (Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Data [Abstract]
Income tax paid, net (refund)	$ 901	$ (6,404)
Investments in property, plant and equipment payable	237	131
Dividends Payable	1,713	$ 1,730
Long-term note receivable for asset sales	$ 22,400

Disposal of Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Disposal of Assets (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	May 17, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019 customer	Dec. 31, 2019 customer	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net						$ 24,540
Number of local and national commercial print customers \| customer				30	5
Proceeds from sale of real estate assets						$ 4,597
Assets held for sale							$ 1,089
Dallas, Texas [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net			$ (25,908)
Charter DMN Holdings, LP [Member] \| Dallas, Texas [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale of real estate assets, amount	$ 28,000		$ 28,000
Proceeds from sale of real estate assets	4,597
Real estate assets selling costs	1,000
Note receivable	$ 22,400
Notes receivable term	2 years
Additional contingency payment receivable if certain conditions are met	$ 1,000
Interest rate on promissory note during first year						3.50%
Interest rate on promissory note during second year						4.50%
Newspaper Production Assets and Publishing Software [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net		$ 1,362

Quarterly Results of Operations (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	May 17, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Net refund resulting from carryback					$ 4,095	$ 3,210
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net							$ 24,540
Goodwill impairment				$ 13,973
Intangible assets impairment charge				2,970
Dallas, Texas [Member]
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of assets, net			$ (25,908)
Charter DMN Holdings, LP [Member] \| Dallas, Texas [Member]
Sale of real estate assets, amount	$ 28,000		$ 28,000
Marketing Services [Member]
Goodwill impairment		$ 1,593		$ 13,973
Marketing Services [Member] \| Cubic Creative, Inc.[Member]
Goodwill impairment		$ 1,593

Quarterly Results of Operations (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information ) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Operating Revenue:
Net operating revenue	$ 46,802	$ 43,057	$ 47,115	$ 46,589	$ 52,613	$ 49,052	$ 51,169	$ 49,453	$ 183,563	$ 202,287
Operating income (loss)	(2,414)	(6,974)	22,855	(3,928)	(17,946)	(1,302)	(1,367)	(6,217)	9,539	(26,832)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (1,096)	$ (4,005)	$ 16,528	$ (2,135)	$ (19,637)	$ (1,036)	$ (534)	$ (4,014)	$ 9,292	$ (25,221)
Net income (loss) per share
Basic and diluted	$ (0.05)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.77	$ (0.10)	$ (0.91)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.19)	$ 0.43	$ (1.17)

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands						12 Months Ended
	Apr. 06, 2020 item $ / shares	Apr. 03, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 26, 2020	Mar. 05, 2020 $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 05, 2019 $ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared						Dec. 05, 2019
Dividends payable, amount per share \| $ / shares							$ 0.08
Dividends payable, date of record						Feb. 14, 2020
Dividends payable, date of payment						Mar. 06, 2020
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, date declared					Mar. 05, 2020
Dividends payable, amount per share \| $ / shares					$ 0.08
Dividends payable, date of record					May 15, 2020
Dividends payable, date of payment					Jun. 05, 2020
Subsequent Event [Member] \| The CARES Act [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Temporary net operating loss carry back term			5 years
Subsequent Event [Member] \| COVID-19 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Reduced size of board of directors \| item	2
Future expected dividend rate \| $ / shares	$ 0.04
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Correction Applied to 2018 [Member] \| The CARES Act [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Additional tax depreciation			$ 1,017
Net operating loss			6,798
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Loss Carried Back to 2014 [Member] \| The CARES Act [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated cash refund			$ 2,335
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Charter DMN Holdings, LP [Member] \| Second Promissory Note [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Note receivable		$ 375
Note receivable, due date		Jun. 30, 2021
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Charter DMN Holdings, LP [Member] \| Second Promissory Note [Member] \| Deferred Purchaser's Interest Payment [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Note receivable		$ 195
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Charter DMN Holdings, LP [Member] \| Second Promissory Note [Member] \| 2019 Real Property Tax Reconciliation Payment Due from Purchaser [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Note receivable		$ 180
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				39 years
Subsequent Event [Member] \| Leasehold Improvements [Member] \| The CARES Act [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Estimated useful life			15 years
Leasehold improvements, percentage of eligibility for tax bonus depreciation			100.00%