Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2012
Mar. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]                      
Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 562 $ 3,700 $ 3,982 $ 1,429 $ (870) $ 7,239 $ (2,043) $ 1,399 $ 9,673 $ 5,724 $ 8,610
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ 0.01 $ 0.09 $ 0.10 $ 0.03 $ (0.02) $ 0.16 $ (0.04) $ 0.03      
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
                      
Class of Stock [Line Items]                      
Allocation of undistributed earnings                 8,938 5,323 8,095
Weighted average common shares outstanding                 38,560 42,175 50,076
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share                 $ 0.23 $ 0.13 $ 0.16
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
                      
Class of Stock [Line Items]                      
Allocation of undistributed earnings                 $ 735 $ 401 $ 515
Weighted average common shares outstanding                 3,170 3,175 3,183
Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share                 $ 0.23 $ 0.13 $ 0.16