Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ (19,269)	$ 1,140
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	(17,723)	1,052
Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities	0	(53)
Undistributed income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	(17,723)	999
Weighted average common shares outstanding	36,217	36,081
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ (0.49)	$ 0.03
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	(1,546)	88
Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities	0	0
Undistributed income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	$ (1,546)	$ 88
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,159	3,163
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ (0.49)	$ 0.03