Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Stockholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details)

v3.6.0.2
Stockholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
USD ($)
vote
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Common Stock      
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 58,679 $ 53,774 $ 6,850
Share-Based Compensation      
Fair value assumptions, method used The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock.      
Share-based compensation expense $ 11,000 10,900 8,400
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense 12,500    
GCI 401(k) Plan      
Matching contributions $ 11,000 $ 9,800 $ 9,100
Class A Common Stock      
Common Stock      
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | vote 1    
Stock conversion ratio 1    
Class B Common Stock      
Common Stock      
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | vote 10    
Restricted Stock      
Share-Based Compensation      
Weighted average period for recognition of unvested shares 2 years    
Maximum | Restricted Stock      
Share-Based Compensation      
Vesting period 3 years    
Stock Option Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock      
Share-Based Compensation      
Number of shares authorized | shares 15,700,000.0    
Number of shares available for grant | shares 1,500,000    
Stock Option Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock      
Share-Based Compensation      
Granted (USD per share) | $ / shares $ 17.87 $ 15.06 $ 10.04
Fair value of awards vesting $ 13,500 $ 17,000 $ 8,500
Stock Buyback Program [Member]      
Common Stock      
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Per Quarter $ 5,000    
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares | shares 3,500,000 3,000,000 400,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount $ 60,300    
Stock Buyback Program [Member] | Class A Common Stock      
Common Stock      
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value $ 55,200 $ 47,400 $ 4,200