Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

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

v2.4.0.6
Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Balance Sheets Immaterial Error Correction) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Property and equipment in service net of depreciation $ 838,247 $ 849,121    
Net property and equipment 932,665 892,039    
Total assets 1,506,522 1,446,320    
Deferred income taxes 123,661 114,234    
Total liabilities 1,317,086 1,272,673    
Retained earnings 107,584 97,911 92,200 83,589
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity 157,178 157,339    
Total stockholders' equity 189,436 173,647 199,099 265,255
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity 1,506,522 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 93,607 84,651
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity   158,861    
Total stockholders' equity   175,169 200,506 266,317
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) (1,407) (1,062)
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity   (1,522)    
Total stockholders' equity   (1,522) (1,407) (1,062)
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ (2,584)