Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

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

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Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Diluted EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 8,905 $ 3,700 $ 16,329 $ 9,111
Common Stock - Class A [Member]
        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation 8,211 3,419 15,070 8,420
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 694 281 1,259 691
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities 0 0 0 0
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares     (26) 0
Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares 8,905 3,700 16,303 9,111
Number of shares used in basic computation 37,434 38,600 37,887 38,614
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 3,166 3,170 3,167 3,170
Unexercised stock options 176 230 175 235
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares     90 158
Number of shares used in per share computation 40,776 42,000 41,319 42,177
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share) $ 0.22 $ 0.09 $ 0.39 $ 0.22
Common Stock - Class B [Member]
        
Class of Stock [Line Items]        
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation 694 281 1,259 691
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 0 0 0 0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities 6 (2) (10) (6)
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares     0 0
Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares $ 700 $ 279 $ 1,249 $ 685
Number of shares used in basic computation 3,166 3,170 3,167 3,170
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 0 0 0 0
Unexercised stock options 0 0 0 0
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares     0 0
Number of shares used in per share computation 3,166 3,170 3,167 3,170
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share) $ 0.22 $ 0.09 $ 0.39 $ 0.22