Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Balance Sheets Immaterial Error Correction) (Details)

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Balance Sheets Immaterial Error Correction) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation $ 817,798 $ 849,121    
Net property and equipment 910,398 892,039    
Total assets 1,499,845 1,446,320    
Deferred income taxes 124,619 114,234    
Total liabilities 1,324,302 1,272,673    
Retained earnings 107,022 97,911 98,794 92,200
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity 159,766 157,339    
Total stockholders' equity 175,543 173,647 188,065 199,099
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 1,499,845 1,446,320    
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member]
        
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation   851,705    
Net property and equipment   894,623    
Total assets   1,448,904    
Deferred income taxes   115,296    
Total liabilities   1,273,735    
Retained earnings   99,433 100,345 93,607
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity   158,861    
Total stockholders' equity   175,169 189,616 200,506
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   1,448,904    
Adjustment [Member]
        
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation   (2,584)    
Net property and equipment   (2,584)    
Total assets   (2,584)    
Deferred income taxes   (1,062)    
Total liabilities   (1,062)    
Retained earnings   (1,522) (1,551) (1,407)
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity   (1,522)    
Total stockholders' equity   (1,522) (1,551) (1,407)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ (2,584)