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           Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Basic EPS calculations) (Details) (USD $) 
        In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified  | 
        3 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
| 
           Mar. 31, 2013 
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           Mar. 31, 2012 
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      |
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Allocation of undistributed earnings | $ 3,244 | $ 1,429 | 
| 
           Common Stock - Class A [Member] 
         | 
        ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Allocation of undistributed earnings | 2,996 | 1,321 | 
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 38,264 | 38,741 | 
| Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share | $ 0.08 | $ 0.03 | 
| 
           Common Stock - Class B [Member] 
         | 
        ||
| Class of Stock [Line Items] | ||
| Allocation of undistributed earnings | $ 248 | $ 108 | 
| Weighted average common shares outstanding | 3,167 | 3,171 | 
| Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share | $ 0.08 | $ 0.03 | 
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- Details 
          
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- Definition 
          The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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- Definition 
          Net income after adjustments for dividends on preferred stock (declared in the period) and/or cumulative preferred stock (accumulated for the period). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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- Definition 
          Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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