Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Statements of Operations Immaterial Error Correction) (Details)

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Statements of Operations Immaterial Error Correction) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense $ 33,350 $ 30,779 $ 65,730 $ 62,645
Operating income 24,633 22,299 44,318 42,561
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 7,773 (4,111) 10,174 (1,321)
Income tax expense (benefit) (3,968) 2,067 (5,117) 676
Net income (loss) 3,805 (2,044) 5,057 (645)
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ (0.04) $ 0.13 $ (0.02)
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ (0.04) $ 0.13 $ (0.02)
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member]
        
Depreciation and amortization expense   30,632   62,352
Operating income   22,446   42,854
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   (3,964)   (1,028)
Income tax expense (benefit)   (2,007)   (556)
Net income (loss)   (1,957)   (472)
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member] | Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)
Adjustment [Member]
        
Depreciation and amortization expense   147   293
Operating income   (147)   (293)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)   (147)   (293)
Income tax expense (benefit)   (60)   (120)
Net income (loss)   $ (87)   $ (173)
Adjustment [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)
Adjustment [Member] | Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)