Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share) (Details)

v3.7.0.1
Earnings (Loss) per Common Share (Basic Net Income (Loss) per Share) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator:    
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ (55,129) $ 1,099
Common Stock - Class A [Member]    
Numerator:    
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders (50,072) 1,009
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities 0 (48)
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders $ (50,072) $ 961
Denominator:    
Weighted average common shares outstanding 31,220 33,696
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share (USD per share) $ (1.60) $ 0.03
Common Stock - Class B [Member]    
Numerator:    
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ (5,057) $ 90
Less: Undistributed net income allocable to participating securities 0 0
Undistributed net income (loss) allocable to common stockholders $ (5,057) $ 90
Denominator:    
Weighted average common shares outstanding 3,153 3,155
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share (USD per share) $ (1.60) $ 0.03