Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 3,415	$ (15,627)	$ 4,514	$ (34,896)
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	3,134	(14,330)	4,144	(32,048)
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	(167)	0	(210)	0
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	$ 2,967	$ (14,330)	$ 3,934	$ (32,048)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,308	34,887	33,502	35,548
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.09	$ (0.41)	$ 0.12	$ (0.90)
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 281	$ (1,297)	$ 370	$ (2,848)
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	0	0	0	0
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	$ 281	$ (1,297)	$ 370	$ (2,848)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,155	3,159	3,155	3,159
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.09	$ (0.41)	$ 0.12	$ (0.90)