Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss)	$ 3,982	$ (2,044)	$ 5,411	$ (645)
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss)	3,679	(1,904)	5,001	(601)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	38,516	43,098	38,629	43,536
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common sstockholders per common share	$ 0.10	$ (0.04)	$ 0.13	$ (0.01)
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings (loss)	$ 303	$ (140)	$ 410	$ (44)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,171	3,178	3,171	3,178
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common sstockholders per common share	$ 0.10	$ (0.04)	$ 0.13	$ (0.01)