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, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 4,180	$ 3,982	$ 7,424	$ 5,411
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	3,862	3,679	6,855	5,001
Weighted average common shares outstanding	37,979	38,516	38,117	38,629
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.10	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ 0.13
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocation of undistributed earnings	$ 318	$ 303	$ 569	$ 410
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,132	3,171	3,167	3,171
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.10	$ 0.10	$ 0.18	$ 0.13