Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Income Statements Immaterial Error Correction) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2011
Depreciation and amortization expense $ 32,120 $ 30,653 $ 97,850 $ 93,298
Operating income 25,392 31,933 69,710 74,494
Income before income tax expense 8,793 15,218 18,967 13,897
Income tax expense (5,270) (7,979) (10,387) (7,303)
Net income 3,523 7,239 8,580 6,594
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ 0.16 $ 0.22 $ 0.14
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ 0.22 $ 0.13
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ 0.16 $ 0.22 $ 0.14
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share $ 0.09 $ 0.15 $ 0.22 $ 0.13
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member]
        
Depreciation and amortization expense   30,702   93,054
Operating income   31,884   74,738
Income before income tax expense   15,169   14,141
Income tax expense   7,959   7,403
Net income   7,210   6,738
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ 0.15
Scenario As Previously Reported [Member] | Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ 0.15
Adjustment [Member]
        
Depreciation and amortization expense   (49)   244
Operating income   49   (244)
Income before income tax expense   49   (244)
Income tax expense   20   (100)
Net income   $ 29   $ (144)
Adjustment [Member] | Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)
Adjustment [Member] | Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share       $ (0.01)