Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 3,700	$ 7,239	$ 9,111	$ 6,594
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	3,419	6,728	8,420	6,140
Weighted average common shares outstanding	38,600	41,768	38,614	42,940
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.09	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.14
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 281	$ 511	$ 691	$ 454
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,170	3,175	3,170	3,177
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.09	$ 0.16	$ 0.22	$ 0.14