Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 7,943	$ 17,631	$ 12,457	$ (17,265)
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	7,266	16,213	11,422	(15,838)
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	(386)	(920)	(588)	0
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	$ 6,880	$ 15,293	$ 10,834	$ (15,838)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	32,033	34,031	33,008	35,037
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.21	$ 0.45	$ 0.33	$ (0.45)
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
Numerator [Abstract]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 677	$ 1,418	$ 1,035	$ (1,427)
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities	0	0	0	0
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders	$ 677	$ 1,418	$ 1,035	$ (1,427)
Denominator [Abstract]
Weighted average common shares outstanding	3,154	3,155	3,154	3,158
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ 0.21	$ 0.45	$ 0.33	$ (0.45)