CTC Media (CTCM) 10-Q 29 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 29, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CTC Media, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001354513	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	155,762,166
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 4)	$29,837	$30,574
Short-term investments (Note 4)	121,982	180,337
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts (December 31, 2013-$483; September 30, 2014-$565)	29,934	36,875
Taxes reclaimable	23,816	22,929
Prepayments	64,398	57,536
Programming rights, net (Note 5)	154,758	172,197
Deferred tax assets	22,048	30,400
Other current assets	6,110	4,373
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	452,883	535,221
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net	26,671	36,874
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net:	'	'
Broadcasting licenses	41,361	59,676
Cable network connections	17,160	20,422
Trade names	4,525	5,332
Other intangible assets	3,425	4,876
Net intangible assets	66,471	90,306
GOODWILL (Note 2)	112,427	135,276
PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, net (Note 5)	103,591	121,802
INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO INVESTEES	3,873	5,524
PREPAYMENTS	24,365	27,602
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS	13,107	18,371
OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Note 4)	24,776	'
TOTAL ASSETS	828,164	970,976
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	81,181	105,849
Accrued liabilities	43,151	20,449
Taxes payable	11,475	33,630
Deferred revenue	6,092	10,223
Deferred tax liabilities	58,663	49,770
Other current liabilities	2,780	3,390
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	203,342	223,311
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES	9,758	13,549
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 6):	'	'
Common stock ($0.01 par value; shares authorized 175,772,173; shares issued December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014-158,210,719)	1,582	1,582
Additional paid-in capital	496,056	494,122
Retained earnings	394,281	386,575
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-252,172	-124,339
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost (December 31, 2013-2,500,000; September 30, 2014-2,448,553 shares)	-29,115	-29,727
Non-controlling interest	4,432	5,903
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	615,064	734,116
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$828,164	$970,976

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$565	$483
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	175,772,173	175,772,173
Common stock, shares issued	158,210,719	158,210,719
Common stock held in treasury, at cost	2,448,553	2,500,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES:	'	'	'	'
Advertising	$156,022	$166,891	$523,080	$556,477
Sublicensing revenue and other revenues	2,545	4,193	6,046	15,909
Total operating revenues	158,567	171,084	529,126	572,386
EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Direct operating expenses (exclusive of programming expenses, shown below; exclusive of depreciation and amortization of $7,066 and $5,542 for the three months and $21,860 and $18,157 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively; and exclusive of stock-based compensation expense (benefit) of $(26) and $(11) for the three months and $1,417 and $(787) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	-10,131	-10,682	-34,743	-33,582
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation and amortization of $1,084 and $827 for the three months and $3,113 and $2,864 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively; and exclusive of stock-based compensation expense of $545 and $652 for the three months and $1,740 and $1,173 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	-33,816	-37,808	-114,376	-122,540
Stock-based compensation expense	-641	-519	-386	-3,157
Programming expenses	-63,350	-69,738	-227,581	-252,368
Depreciation and amortization	-6,369	-8,150	-21,021	-24,973
Total operating expenses	-114,307	-126,897	-398,107	-436,620
OPERATING INCOME	44,260	44,187	131,019	135,766
FOREIGN CURRENCY (LOSS) GAIN	1,159	-49	-3,546	1,187
INTEREST INCOME	2,356	2,233	8,698	8,203
INTEREST EXPENSE	-131	-178	-395	-577
OTHER NON-OPERATING LOSS, net	-179	-271	-771	-374
EQUITY IN (LOSS) INCOME OF INVESTEE COMPANIES	244	385	-425	840
Income before income tax	47,709	46,307	134,580	145,045
INCOME TAX (EXPENSE)/ BENEFIT (Note 8)	-14,724	1,785	-41,906	-33,696
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME	32,985	48,092	92,674	111,349
LESS: INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST	-1,390	-1,437	-3,202	-4,513
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO CTC MEDIA, INC. STOCKHOLDERS	$31,595	$46,655	$89,472	$106,836
Net income per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders-basic (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.30	$0.57	$0.68
Net income per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders-diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.30	$0.57	$0.68
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	155,762,166	155,986,822	155,742,190	157,286,789
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted (in shares)	156,125,495	156,099,208	155,970,240	157,339,072
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.16	$0.53	$0.47

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'	'	'	'
Direct operating expenses, depreciation and amortization	$5,542	$7,066	$18,157	$21,860
Direct operating expenses, stock-based compensation expense (benefit)	-11	-26	-787	1,417
Selling, general and administrative, depreciation and amortization	827	1,084	2,864	3,113
Selling, general and administrative, stock-based compensation expense	$652	$545	$1,173	$1,740

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Net income	$32,985	$48,092	$92,674	$111,349
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-105,750	8,563	-128,735	-47,922
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-105,750	8,563	-128,735	-47,922
Comprehensive income (loss)	-72,765	56,655	-36,061	63,427
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-1,172	-1,463	-2,300	-4,411
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	($73,937)	$55,192	($38,361)	$59,016

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Consolidated net income	$92,674	$111,349
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Deferred tax expense	11,631	1,378
Depreciation and amortization	21,021	24,973
Programming expenses	227,581	252,368
Stock based compensation expense	386	3,157
Equity in loss (income) of unconsolidated investees	425	-840
Foreign currency losses (gains)	3,546	-1,187
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	12,982	-7,903
Prepayments	-6,799	957
Other assets	-8,779	-5,819
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-9,178	-4,513
Deferred revenue	-1,190	-914
Other liabilities	-16,913	-26,721
Dividends received from equity investees	772	707
Acquisition of programming and sublicensing rights	-273,182	-282,487
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,977	64,505
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Acquisitions of property and equipment and intangible assets	-3,793	-3,548
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	'	-461
Receipts from deposits	36,936	26,219
Net cash provided by investing activities	33,143	22,210
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Repurchases of common stock	'	-29,727
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	454
Settlements of overdraft and loans	-628	-3,587
Increase in other non-current assets (Note 4)	-20,763	'
Dividends paid to stockholders	-61,003	-73,854
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	-4,591	-4,795
Net cash used in financing activities	-86,985	-111,509
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-1,872	-2,613
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-737	-27,407
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	30,574	55,181
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$29,837	$27,774

ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ORGANIZATION	'
ORGANIZATION	'
	1. ORGANIZATION
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CTC Media, Inc. and all consolidated subsidiaries (the "Company"). CTC Media, Inc., a Delaware corporation, operates the CTC, Domashny and Peretz television channels in Russia and Channel 31 in Kazakhstan. Each channel includes operating results of its network, which is responsible for broadcasting operations, including sales of its network's advertising, licensing and commissioning of programming, producing its programming schedule, managing its relationships with its independent affiliates, and the respective stations that distribute the network's signal. For financial reporting purposes the Company's other less significant operating segments are included along with the Company's headquarters' operations in the "All Other" category.
	The Company generates substantially all of its revenues from the sale of television advertising on both a national and regional basis. The Company also generates revenues from the sublicensing of programming rights.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 6, 2014. The Company's accounting policies are more fully described in the Annual Report. The preparation of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires the Company to make judgments in selecting appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates, which inherently contain some degree of uncertainty. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following discussion addresses the Company's most critical accounting policies, which require management's most difficult, subjective and complex judgments.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been recorded. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for the complete financial statements.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Principles of Consolidation
	Wholly owned subsidiaries and majority owned ventures where the Company has operating and financial control, as well as variable interest entities where the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary with power and ability to control, are consolidated. Those ventures where the Company exercises significant influence, but does not exercise operating and financial control, are accounted for under the equity method. The Company uses the purchase method of accounting for all business combinations. Results of subsidiaries acquired and accounted for under the purchase method are included in operations from the date of acquisition. Noncontrolling interests represent a noncontrolling shareholder's proportionate share of the equity in certain of the Company's consolidated entities. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. Disposals are reflected at the time risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
	The Company is the primary beneficiary of the Channel 31 Group, a variable interest entity consisting of a 20% participation interest in Teleradiokompaniya 31st Kanal LLP ("Channel 31"), and a 70% and 60% interest in Prim LLP and Advertising and Marketing LLP, respectively, which provide programming content and the advertising sales function to Channel 31 (together, the "Channel 31 Group"). These interests provide the Company with a right to 60% of the economic interest of the Channel 31 Group. The Company consolidates the Channel 31 Group. As of September 30, 2014, the Channel 31 Group had assets (excluding intercompany assets) totaling $19,784 and liabilities (excluding intercompany liabilities) totaling $5,191. These assets and liabilities primarily relate to broadcasting licenses, trade payables for programming rights, loans and related deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company finances the Channel 31 Group's operations in the ordinary course of business. Channel 31 Group's net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders excluding intercompany expenses totaled $519 and $129 for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	Seasonality
	The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in overall television viewership and advertising revenues. Overall television viewership is lower during the summer months and highest in the first and fourth quarters. Seasonal fluctuations in consumer patterns also affect television advertising expenditures. In 2013, approximately 31% of the Company's total advertising revenues were generated in the fourth quarter.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in the financial statements include, among others, the estimate of fair values in business combinations, estimates of the fair value of the Company's common stock in determining stock-based compensation, the amortization method and periods for programming rights, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, valuation of intangible assets and long-lived assets, estimates of contingencies, estimates of income taxes in relation to the Company's interpretation of current tax laws, in particular, in determination of foreign tax credits, determination of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. While the Company believes it has made, and continues to make, reasonable judgments in determining its tax filing positions in each jurisdiction in which it is subject to tax, views may differ as to the determination of its tax obligations. These judgments may ultimately be subjected to examination by the tax authorities and further revisions may be required in the Company's estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making changes in estimates from time to time, and evaluates the estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the customers' inability to make payments. The Company recognizes advertising revenues at the moment when the advertising is broadcast and net of Value Added Taxes ("VAT").
	The Company's own sales house serves as the exclusive advertising sales agent for substantially all advertising broadcast on all of its channels in Russia, and the advertising is placed with advertisers and their agencies under direct sales arrangements with them. The sales house is primarily responsible for all national and regional advertising sales, with the exception of advertising sales to local clients of a number of the Company's regional stations, which are made through Video International.
	The Company's cooperation model with Video International also provides for the licensing of specialized advertising software by Video International to the Company's sales house, together with the provision by Video International of related software maintenance and analytical support and consulting services. Compensation expenses payable to Video International for the use of advertising software, related maintenance and analytical support and consulting services are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of income.
	The Company recognizes its Russian advertising revenues, excluding regional advertising revenues from local clients, based on the gross amounts billed to the advertisers and their agencies under direct sales arrangements. Advertising sales to local clients under the agency agreements with Video International continue to be recognized net of agency commissions.
	Sublicensing revenues primarily represent revenues the Company earns from sublicensing its rights to programming and from licensing of internally-produced programming. Sublicensing revenue is recognized at such time as there is persuasive evidence that a sale or arrangement with a customer exists, the underlying programming is complete and has been transferred to the customer, the licensing period has commenced and the customer can begin to use, the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, and collection of the arrangement fee is reasonably assured. Given the recent uncertainties in Ukraine, in 2014 the Company commenced to use the instalment method for certain sublicensing arrangements.
	Payments received in advance for advertising and other revenue are recorded as deferred revenue until earned.
	Programming Rights
	Programming rights are stated at the lower of their unamortized cost or net realizable value. The Company reports an asset and liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred at the commencement of the licensing period when the cost of the programming is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted and the programming is available for airing.
	The Company's programming rights also include internally produced programming. The cost of such programming includes expenses related to the acquisition of format rights, direct costs associated with production and capitalized overhead. The Company capitalizes production costs, including costs of individuals or departments with exclusive or significant responsibility for the production of programming that can be allocated to such particular programming, as a component of programming costs. Internally-produced programming is reported at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value.
	Purchased program rights are classified as current or non-current assets based on anticipated usage and the licensing period. Internally produced and purchased programming with unlimited rights are classified as non-current.
	The Company amortizes programming based on expected revenue generation patterns, based on the proportion that current estimated revenues bear to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues. If the initial airing of content allowed by a license is expected to provide more value than subsequent airings, the Company applies an accelerated method of amortization. These accelerated methods of amortization depend on the estimated number of runs the content is expected to receive, and are determined based on a study of historical results for similar programming. For content that is expected to be aired only once, the entire cost is recognized as an expense on the first run. To the extent that the revenues the Company expects to earn from broadcasting a program are lower than the book value, the program rights are written down to their net realizable value by way of recording an additional amortization charge. Such write-downs establish a new cost basis for programming rights.
	Amortizable Long-Lived Assets
	Amortizable assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Definite-lived intangible assets primarily represent broadcast licenses and cable network connections. Cable network connections are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated period of future economic benefit, approximately until 2018.
	As a result of developments in the transition to digital broadcasting, the Company changed its estimate of the useful lives of its broadcasting licenses from indefinite to finite in the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company now amortizes the remaining balances of its broadcasting licenses on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful life, which is estimated until the end of 2018. The Company estimates that the amortization charge for its broadcasting licenses will be approximately $3.7 million for the remainder of 2014, $10.8 million for 2015, $9.7 million for 2016 and $8.6 million annually from 2017 through 2018 (at an exchange rate of RUR 39.39 to $1.00 as of September 30, 2014). The estimated useful lives of broadcasting licenses is subject to the availability of further information about the transition to digital broadcasting which could require the Company to revise amortization expense on a prospective basis. Amortizable assets, including property and equipment and finite-lived intangibles, are reviewed periodically to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Company bases its evaluation on such impairment indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows analysis of assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. If the carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, impairment is deemed to have occurred, and the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. See also—"Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests" below.
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows:
	Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	Level 2—Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including: (1) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (2) quoted prices for identical or similar assets in non-active markets; (3) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and (4) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management's estimates of market participant assumptions.
	There were no transfers between categories during the periods presented.
	The fair values of the Company's derivative assets of $1,946 and derivative liabilities of $228 have been classified as Level 2. The fair value of the Company's foreign exchange forward contracts is determined based on the present value of future cash flows using market-based observable inputs such as forward rates, discounts rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk did not have a material impact on derivative fair value estimates. The Company's derivative instruments are short-term in nature, primarily one month to one year in duration.
	The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests
	The Company assesses the carrying value of its goodwill on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. Other than its annual review, factors the Company considers important which could trigger an impairment review include under-performance of reporting units or changes in projected results, changes in the manner of utilization of the asset, a severe and sustained decline in the price of the Company's shares and negative market conditions or economic trends. For a discussion of methodology and major assumptions regarding the Company's impairment test refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014.
	Impairment reviews as of September 30, 2014
	In the annual impairment review performed as of December 31, 2013, the Company concluded that the fair values of its reporting units significantly exceeded their carrying values, reflecting the improved macroeconomic conditions from the downturn in the economy that started in 2008.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine created economic instability in Russia that has been characterized by a steep decline in the value of shares traded on Russia's stock exchanges, depreciation of the Russian ruble, and a forecasted decline in the growth of gross domestic product in 2014. Additionally, because Russia produces and exports large amounts of oil, its economy is particularly vulnerable to the price of oil on the world market. Recent decreases in international oil prices may continue to adversely affect its economy. Many of the largest advertisers in the Russian market, including many of the largest advertisers on CTC, Domashny and Peretz, are multinational companies that sell consumer products on a worldwide basis. If Russia experiences significant economic instability or uncertainty, these companies may choose to reduce their advertising spending in Russia. In addition, during the third quarter of 2014 and in October 2014, analysts downgraded their forecasts for growth in the TV advertising market in 2015 due to macroeconomic and political headwinds.
	Fair values of the Company's reporting units are highly sensitive to changes in the television advertising market assumptions. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying values of goodwill related to CTC, Domashny and Peretz totaled $42.8 million, $21.6 million and $47.9 million, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the Company had significant balances of amortizable broadcasting licenses totaling $41.4 million, including CTC licenses—$6.7 million; Domashny licenses—$8.7 million, and Peretz licenses—$21.3 million. Due to the significance of the negative factors described above, the Company performed an interim analysis for impairment. Although there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome of the Ukrainian crisis and its impact on the Russian economy, and, in particular, concerning the Russian advertising market in 2015 and thereafter, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that current economic conditions have impacted the fair value of its reporting units. As a result of the impairment review performed as of September 30, 2014, the Company concluded that fair values of the CTC, Domashny and Peretz reporting units exceeded their carrying values. However, due to the revision of assumptions in the TV advertising market for 2015 and in the medium-term, the excess of fair values over the carrying value of the Peretz reporting unit decreased from 48% to 7%, when compared with the fair values estimated during the annual 2013 impairment tests. The estimated fair values of the CTC and Domashny reporting units remained significantly in excess of their respective carrying amounts.
	Other than with respect to the Peretz reporting unit, hypothetical 10% and 15% decreases in the fair value of each reporting unit would not have resulted in impairment.
	In order to check the reasonableness of the fair values implied by cash flow estimates, the Company also calculates the value of its common stock implied by its cash flow forecasts and compares this to actual traded values. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's consolidated net book value (or shareholders' equity) amounted to $615,064. This compares to a market capitalization of the Company as of September 30, 2014 of approximately $1,035,818.
	In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations in its impairment analysis, the Company applied hypothetical 5, 10 and 15 percentage point decreases to the 2015 television advertising market growth forecast:
		Hypothetical Impairment charge that
		could be recorded if 2015 advertising
		market growth forecast is lower by:
		5 pp			10 pp			15 pp
	Peretz goodwill and broadcasting licenses	$	(15,572	)	$	(38,843	)	$	(62,113	)
	Also, the fair value estimates are highly sensitive to the cost of capital used by the Company in the discounting of expected cash flows attributable to its reporting units. The potential negative trends in the macroeconomic environment could increase risk to investors investing in Russian markets, which could increase the cost of capital, which in turn will decrease the fair value of the respective assets or reporting units. Additionally, changes in the financial markets, such as an increase in interest rates or an increase in the expected required return on equity by market participants within the industry, could increase the discount rate, thus decreasing the fair value of assets. The cost of capital used by the Company in its analysis was 13.0% as of December 31, 2013 and 13.8% as of September 30, 2014. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations in its impairment analysis, the Company applied a hypothetical 3 percentage points increase to the cost of capital used: if the cost of capital used by the Company were higher by 3 percentage points, the Company would have recognized impairment charge in respect of the Peretz reporting unit's goodwill and broadcasting license, of approximately $16.0 million.
	During 2014, the plans around TV broadcasting in Russia, in particular digital broadcasting, have continued to evolve. While the Company expects some of these developments to be beneficial to its businesses, other changes may increase the uncertainties and risks with respect to the business models the Company currently operates. As a result, the Company is required to consider a number of factors in determining the estimated fair values of its reporting units which could change rapidly or unpredictably. The planned transition to digital broadcasting could impact the Company's assumptions used in its economic models and its assessment of the fair value of its reporting units.
	The Company cannot guarantee that its Peretz channel may be able to compete effectively if it is not included in the third multiplex. With respect to the third multiplex, it is unclear what requirements the channels will be required to meet in order to be included in that multiplex as the terms for participation in the third digital multiplex have not been specified. The fair value of the Peretz reporting unit is particularly sensitive to changes in revenues and costs that may result depending on its distribution model. Currently, the terms for participation in the third digital multiplex have not been specified. In addition, current Russian legislation does not provide 'must carry' obligations for cable and satellite operators, and accordingly the Company may be unable to secure or maintain carriage of its signal over cable in certain regions, or at transmission rates that are consistent with its historical experience. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to negotiate mutually acceptable transmission agreements with cable providers in the future relating to the carriage of the Peretz signal. Depending on further information about the terms of the transition to digital broadcasting, terms of interaction with cable and satellite providers, and other future developments, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets.
	Also, given the terms and fees associated with participation in the second multiplex, the Company expects to encounter certain risks and uncertainties in the execution of each of CTC and Domashny channels' business models. It is difficult to predict accurately how the digitalization of broadcasting may affect the market. While digital broadcasting would increase CTC's and Domashny's overall technical penetration, the necessary investments for digital migration may not be fully monetized.
	There may be other risks and expenses that the Company encounters during and subsequent to the transition that the Company is unable to anticipate at this time that could be material to its future financial position and results of operations. While the models used in the Company's assessments of its reporting units in its impairment testing incorporate changes in assumptions of revenues and costs, as well as risks associated with those uncertainties, depending on further information about the terms of the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as other future developments, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets. Subject to the availability of further information from the government and market participants, and the Company's ability to make further assessments of the government's plans, impairments may be required in the foreseeable future.
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	The Company estimates the fair value of equity awards at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes pricing model was originally developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have different characteristics than the Company's employee equity awards. The model is also sensitive to changes in subjective assumptions, which can materially affect the fair value estimate. These subjective assumptions include expected volatility, the expected life of the awards, future employee turnover rates, and future employee award exercise behavior. The Company determines the fair value of its common stock by using closing prices as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Performance-based nonvested share awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving the set goals.
	Once the Company has estimated the fair value of the equity instruments, it recognizes this estimated cost as stock-based compensation expense over the service period. Equity-based incentive awards that meet liability accounting criteria are remeasured at each reporting date at their fair value until settlement. The fair value of such unsettled equity-based incentive awards is recognized in liabilities.
	Tax Provisions and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
	Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the bases as reported in the consolidated financial statements, as well as the tax benefits of net operating loss carry forwards which are expected to be realized. The Company records valuation allowances related to the tax effects of deductible temporary differences and loss carry forwards when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the respective tax assets will not be realized. Changes in the Company's assessment of the probability of realization of deferred tax assets may affect the Company's effective income tax rate.
	The Company records temporary differences related to investments in its Russian subsidiaries. These temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed earnings that the Company does not plan to permanently reinvest in operations outside the U.S.
	The level of sophistication and expertise with respect to complex tax laws is continually evolving both on the part of tax professionals and the taxing authorities. The Company is a US legal entity with substantially all of its operations outside the US, primarily in Russia. As a result, the Company's tax filing positions in the US are substantially impacted by the Company's interpretation of tax law and how the Company applies it in determining US taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities. While the Company believes it has made, and continues to make, reasonable judgments in determining its tax filing positions in each jurisdiction in which the Company is subject to tax, views may differ as to the determination of its tax obligations. These judgments may ultimately be subjected to examination by the tax authorities and further revisions may be required in the Company's estimates.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-05, Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU 2013-05"), Accounting Standards Update 2013-07, Liquidation Basis of Accounting ("ASU 2013- 07") and Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). The adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modified related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as: (i) a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results or (ii) an acquired business or nonprofit activity that is classified as held for sale on the date of acquisition. The standard states that a strategic shift could include a disposal of (i) a major geographical area of operations, (ii) a major line of business, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity. The adoption of this guidance, which is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new guidance (i) removes inconsistencies, and weaknesses in revenue requirements, (ii) provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, (iii) improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets, (iv) provides more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, and (v) simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company plans to apply the new standard beginning January 1, 2017 either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on its financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is the case when an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance ASC 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The adoption of this guidance, which is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt", (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of the consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The adoption of this guidance, which is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE

NET INCOME PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'
	3. NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Basic net income per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares are calculated using the "treasury stock" method and consist of shares underlying outstanding equity awards. The number of shares excluded from the diluted net income per common share computation because their effect was antidilutive was 2,544,140 and 2,096,112 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively, and 2,547,890 and 2,131,611 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
	The components of basic and diluted net income per share were as follows:
		Three months ended				Nine months ended September 30,
		September 30,
		2013		2014		2013		2014
	Net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$	46,655	$	31,595	$	106,836	$	89,472
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
	Common stock		155,986,822		155,762,166		157,286,789		155,742,190
	Dilutive effect of:
	Stock-based awards		112,386		363,329		52,283		228,050
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted		156,099,208		156,125,495		157,339,072		155,970,240
	Net income per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.3	$	0.2	$	0.68	$	0.57
	Diluted	$	0.3	$	0.2	$	0.68	$	0.57
	The numerator used to calculate diluted net income per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014 was net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders.

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS	'
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS	'
	4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS
	The Company's cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments comprise bank accounts and term deposits. Deposits with an original maturity ranging from 91 to 365 days are classified as short-term investments. Below are breakdowns of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments:
		December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Russian ruble bank accounts	$	16,616		$	11,779
	US dollar bank accounts		12,754			15,718
	Other		1,204			2,340
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	30,574		$	29,837
		December 31, 2013					September 30, 2014
		Annual interest rate		Amount			Annual interest rate	Amount
	Short-term investments:
	Ruble-denominated deposits	6.3 - 9.0%		$	178,937		7.0 - 9.0%	$	72,982
	US dollar-denominated deposits	0.27%		$	1,400		0.74 - 2.57%	$	49,000
	Total short-term investments			$	180,337			$	121,982
	Other non-current assets—On March 20, 2014, the United States imposed sanctions on Bank Rossiya, a Russian open joint stock company, and Bank Rossiya was placed on the Specially Designated Nationals ("SDN") and Blocked Persons List of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). On April 28, 2014, LLC IC Abros, a holding company related to Bank Rossiya, was also designated an SDN. More than 50% of the voting capital of Telcrest Investments Limited ("Telcrest"), one of the Company's principal stockholders, is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by Bank Rossiya and LLC IC Abros, and therefore Telcrest is also considered to be a target of sanctions.
	On March 5, 2014, April 29, 2014 and July 25, 2014, the Company's Board declared a dividend to stockholders. The Company paid the declared dividends on March 28, 2014, June 26, 2014 and September 25, 2014, however, dividends totaling $20,763 otherwise payable to Telcrest were blocked pursuant to the U.S. sanctions described above and paid into a separate interest-bearing bank account for the benefit of Telcrest, but to which Telcrest will not have access while either Bank Rossiya or LLC IC Abros remain an SDN.

PROGRAMMING_RIGHTS_NET

PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET	'
PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET	'
	5. PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET
	Programming rights as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014 comprise the following:
		December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Internally produced—TV broadcasting and theatrical:
	Released:
	Historical cost	$	167,182		$	143,712
	Accumulated amortization		(158,996	)		(137,506	)
	Released, net book value		8,186			6,206
	Completed and not released		7,318			2,941
	Total		15,504			9,147
	Acquired rights:
	Historical cost		777,719			710,153
	Accumulated amortization		(499,224	)		(460,951	)
	Net book value		278,495			249,202
	Total programming rights	$	293,999		$	258,349
	Current portion	$	172,197		$	154,758
	Non-current portion	$	121,802		$	103,591
	The Company expects to amortize approximately $2,384 of internally produced TV programming for its completed and released programs and completed but not yet released programs during the twelve months ending September 30, 2015. In addition, the Company expects to amortize all of its unamortized internally produced programming rights within the three years following September 30, 2014.

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	As of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, the Company's issued and outstanding share capital was as follows:
	Type	December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Common stock issued		158,210,719			158,210,719
	Less: Common stock held in treasury		(2,500,000	)		(2,448,553	)
	Common stock outstanding		155,710,719			155,762,166
	Stock Repurchase Program
	On March 4, 2013, the Board of Directors approved an open market stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company was authorized to repurchase up to 2.5 million shares of common stock in the market for use under the Company's 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). During the period ended December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased 2,500,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $11.89 per share for a total of $29,727. Treasury stock is accounted for under the cost method. In April 2014, the Company issued 51,447 treasury stocks upon RSUs exercise under the 2013 sub-tranche of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
	The Company's certificate of incorporation authorizes the Company to issue 175,772,173 shares of common stock. As of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, 155,710,719 and 155,762,166 shares were outstanding, respectively. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.
	Dividends
	In 2014, the following dividends were declared and paid:
	Declaration date	Per Share			Aggregate			Record Date		Payment Date
		Dividend			Dividend
	March 5, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,249		March 19, 2014		March 28, 2014
	April 29, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,258		June 16, 2014		June 26, 2014
	July 25, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,259		September 5, 2014		September 25, 2014
	Dividends payable to Telcrest of $20,763 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were blocked pursuant to the US sanctions imposed on Bank Rossyia and LLC IC Abros described above in Note 4. As of September 30, 2014, dividends payable to Telcrest were recorded in accrued liabilities in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company declared and paid dividends to MTG Russia AB of $31,505.
	The following table summarizes the changes in stockholders' equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2014:
		Total			CTC Media, Inc.			Noncontrolling
					stockholders			interest
	Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2012	$	762,926		$	758,323		$	4,603
	Net Income		111,349			106,836			4,513
	Other comprehensive loss		(47,922	)		(47,820	)		(102	)
	Comprehensive income	$	63,427		$	59,016		$	4,411
	Additional paid-in capital		3,326			3,326			—
	Less: Common stock held in treasury		(29,727	)		(29,727	)		—
	Dividends declared		(78,877	)		(73,854	)		(5,023	)
	Stockholders' equity, September 30, 2013	$	721,075		$	717,084		$	3,991
		Total			CTC Media, Inc.			Noncontrolling
					stockholders			interest
	Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2013	$	734,116		$	728,213		$	5,903
	Net income		92,674			89,472			3,202
	Other comprehensive loss		(128,735	)		(127,833	)		(902	)
	Comprehensive (loss) income		(36,061	)		(38,361	)		2,300
	Additional paid-in capital		1,934			1,934			—
	Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise		612			612			—
	Disposals of noncontrolling interests		820			—			820
	Dividends declared		(86,357	)		(81,766	)		(4,591	)
	Stockholders' equity, September 30, 2014	$	615,064		$	610,632		$	4,432

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has several stock-based compensation programs. See the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014—"Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 15, Stock-based compensation" for a discussion of these programs.
	In April 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved performance criteria for the 2014 sub-tranche under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan in respect of 742,100 RSUs with a weighted average per unit grant date fair value of $8.36.
	In 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved the grant of an additional 887,407 RSUs to the Company's employees, at no cost, upon the satisfaction of 2014, 2015 and 2016 performance-based vesting conditions, exercisable on a staggered basis over a period of four years from grant.
	The Company recognized $1.1 million and $2.6 million of expense attributable to RSUs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	The Company estimates that the total compensation expense related to awards approved under the 2013 Plan not yet recognized as of September 30, 2014 approximates $11.9 million, of which $3.7 million relates to RSUs granted in 2013 and 2014 and $8.2 million relates to RSUs for which performance criteria for 2015 and following years have not been set, which is expected to be expensed over a weighted average period of 2.9 years. The Company expects to settle employee RSU exercises out of treasury stock.

INCOME_TAX

INCOME TAX	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAX	'
INCOME TAX	'
	8. INCOME TAX
	The Company is subject to US, Russian and Kazakh income taxes, based on US legislation, Russian tax legislation, Kazakh legislation and the Double Tax Treaty of 1992 between the United States and Russia ("Treaty"). US taxable income or losses recorded are reported on CTC Media, Inc.'s US income tax return. CTC Media, Inc.'s taxable revenues consist predominantly of dividends paid by its owned-and-operated affiliate stations and networks and interest on deposits. Dividends distributed to CTC Media, Inc. are subject to a Russian withholding tax of 5% under the Treaty. Dividends distributed within Russia are subject to a withholding tax of 9% for Russian companies holding (1) less than 50% in a Russian distributing subsidiary or (2) more than 50% in a Russian distributing subsidiary for less than 365 days. The statutory income tax rate in Russia and Kazakhstan in 2013 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was 20%.
	In the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013, the Company's effective tax rate was impacted by the recognition in the third quarter of 2013 of tax benefits that the Company determined were available for offset against US taxes based on a comprehensive examination of certain positions taken in its historical US income tax filings. See the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014—"Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 13, Income taxes". Net of this effect, its effective tax rate for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 would have been 30% and 34%, respectively. In the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014, the Company's effective tax rate was approximately 31%.
	The tax years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 remain subject to examination by the Russian and US tax authorities. The tax years ended December 31, 2010 through 2013 remain subject to examination by the Kazakh tax authorities.
	The Company's Board of Directors and shareholders may pursue a restructuring of the Company's group to comply with the restrictions on non-Russian ownership of mass media entities under the Russian law On Mass Media (see Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies—Amendment to Mass Media law), that may result in the group being required to pay significant US taxes.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Operating Environment
	Amendment to Mass Media law—In September 2014, the State Duma approved an amendment to the Russian law "On Mass Media", which will reduce the permitted level of foreign ownership in Russian mass media companies, including television broadcasters, from 50% direct ownership to 20% beneficial ownership, direct or indirect. On October 14, 2014, this amendment was signed by the Russian President. The law does not provide for "grandfathering" of existing foreign ownership interests. The law will come into force on January 1, 2016. In the event of non-compliance by the stated deadline, the Russian government would have the authority, among other things, to revoke the mass media registration and broadcasting licenses of the Company's business. If the Company is unable to take steps to restructure its operations in such a way that achieves compliance with this law while retaining its current ownership structure, the Company may be required to an effect a sale of 80 percent or more of its Russian businesses.
	Economic environment—Significant uncertainty exists surrounding the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine. The United States, the European Union and other countries have imposed economic sanctions on certain Russian government officials, other individuals and certain Russian companies in connection with recent developments in Ukraine and Crimea. Neither the Company, nor any of its Russian subsidiaries or other operations or assets, are a target of current sanctions and the Company does not appear on the United States and European Union lists of sanctioned parties. However, there is significant uncertainty regarding the extent or timing of any potential further economic or trade sanctions, or the ultimate outcome of the Ukrainian crisis. The current situation in Ukraine has negatively affected the Company's sublicensing sales of certain programming in that country and has also had a broader impact on the macroeconomic environment of the region. These factors in conjunction with global macroeconomic weakness, may adversely affect the Company's business.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Russia has experienced economic instability that has been characterized by a steep decline in the value of shares traded on its stock exchanges, depreciation of its currency and a forecasted decline in the growth of gross domestic product in 2014. Additionally, because Russia produces and exports large amounts of oil, its economy is particularly vulnerable to the price of oil on the world market and recent decreases in international oil prices may continue to adversely affect its economy. As a result of the current global economic instability and any further potential deterioration in the Russian economy, total television advertising spending in Russia may be adversely affected which, in turn, would materially adversely affect the Company's operating results.
	Exchange Rate—Although the Company's reporting currency is the US dollar, it generates almost all of its revenues through the sale of advertising, which in Russia is sold primarily in rubles. The ruble is also the functional currency of the Company's principal operating subsidiaries. As a result, the Company's reported revenues and results of operations are impacted by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Russian ruble. In the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Russian ruble depreciated against the US dollar by 15%, but was on average 9% lower than the average value of the Russian ruble compared to the US dollar during the three months ended September 30, 2013. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Russian ruble depreciated against the US dollar by 17%, and was on average 11% lower than the average value of the Russian ruble compared to the US dollar during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the period from October 1, 2014 to October 27, 2014, the value of the Russian ruble depreciated further against the US dollar by approximately 6% to RUR 41.8 to $1.00.
	Additionally, given that substantially all of the Company's revenues are generated in Russian rubles, the Company faces exchange rate risk relating to payments that the Company must make in currencies other than the Russian ruble. The Company generally pays for non-Russian produced programming in US dollars. As of September 30, 2014 the Company had US dollar denominated contractual commitments for the acquisition of approximately $25.0 million in programming rights in 2014, $45.7 million in 2015 and $9.1 million in 2016. In addition, on October 27, 2014, the Company's Board declared a dividend of $0.175 per outstanding share of common stock, or approximately $27.3 million in total. The record date is December 1, 2014 and the payment date is on or about December 26, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, US dollar-denominated cash and cash deposits comprised approximately $65 million; in addition, as of September 30, 2014, the Company had an outstanding foreign exchange forward contract to purchase approximately $25 million at an exchange rate of RUR 37.2 to $1 in December 2014, to reduce a portion of its foreign exchange risk related to US-dollar denominated payments. The Company has not entered into any arrangements to reduce the foreign exchange risk with respect to the remaining future US dollar denominated payments.
	If the exchange rate between the Russian ruble and the US dollar remains at its current level or if the Russian ruble depreciates further, the Company's revenues and operating results for 2014, as reported in US dollars, will be materially adversely affected.
	Transition to Digital Broadcasting—The Company believes that the introduction of digitalization will not adversely affect its ability to broadcast in the medium term, as its channels will continue to broadcast in the analog format under existing analog licenses until the transition to the digital format is completed. However, there is currently great uncertainty regarding the effect of the implementation of digital broadcasting on the Company's business models, as it is difficult to predict accurately how the digitalization of broadcasting may affect the market. While digital broadcasting would increase CTC's and Domashny's overall technical penetration, the necessary investments for digital migration may not be fully monetized. In addition, under Roskomnadzor's terms of participation in the second multiplex, the Company expects to encounter certain risks and uncertainties in the execution of the CTC and Domashny business models, which could significantly impact the operations and fair value of its reporting units and related assets. Also, uncertainty exists about Peretz's technical penetration and its impact on advertising revenues. Subject to the availability of further information from the government and market participants, and the Company's ability to make further assessments of the government's plans, impairments may be required in the foreseeable future.
	On an ongoing basis, the Company meets key participants of the media industry and governmental representatives for discussion and analysis of the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as the development of current business and industry initiatives.
	Goodwill and Long-Lived assets
	The Company has assets recorded on its consolidated balance sheet, such as broadcasting licenses and goodwill, which represent a significant portion of the Company's total assets. If the Company determines that its estimate of the current value of a reporting unit is below the recorded value of that unit on its balance sheet, the Company may record an impairment loss for goodwill. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying values of goodwill related to CTC, Domashny and Peretz totaled $42.8 million, $21.6 million and $47.9 million, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the Company had significant balances of amortizable broadcasting licenses totaling $41.4 million, including CTC licenses—$6.7 million; Domashny licenses—$8.7 million, and Peretz licenses—$21.3 million.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine created economic instability in Russia. If Russia experiences significant economic instability or uncertainty, including continued or expanded international economic sanctions, advertisers may choose to reduce their advertising spending in Russia.
	The fair value of the Peretz reporting unit is highly sensitive to changes in the television advertising market assumptions. As a result of the impairment review performed as of September 30, 2014, due to the revision of assumptions in the TV advertising market for 2015 and in the medium-term, the excess of fair values over the carrying value of Peretz reporting unit decreased from 48% to 7%, when compared with the fair values estimated during the annual 2013 impairment tests. Depending on further developments of the Ukrainian crisis and related geopolitical situation in the region and its impact on macroeconomic environment of Russia and, specifically, on the Russian TV advertising market in 2015 and medium term, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets, and it would then record impairment charges. See also "Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests" for sensitivity discussion analysis.
	In addition, the Company's management also considers the developments in digital broadcasting and their potential impacts on revenues and costs. The fair value of the Peretz reporting unit is particularly sensitive to changes in revenues and costs that may result depending on its distribution model. Currently, the terms for participation in the third digital multiplex have not been specified. In addition, current Russian legislation does not provide 'must carry' obligations for cable and satellite operators, and accordingly the Company may be unable to secure or maintain carriage of its signal over cable in certain regions, or at transmission rates that are consistent with its historical experience. Depending on further information about the terms of the transition to digital broadcasting, terms of interaction with cable and satellite providers, as well as other future developments, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets, and the Company would then record impairment charges.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	As part of its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative financial instruments, primarily foreign exchange forward contracts, to mitigate its exposure to currency exchange risk related to US dollar denominated payments. The Company's objective is to offset gains and losses resulting from these exposures with losses and gains on the derivative contracts used to hedge them, thereby reducing volatility of earnings or protecting fair values of assets and liabilities. It is the Company's policy to enter into foreign currency derivative transactions only to the extent considered necessary to meet its objectives as stated above.
	The Company entered into certain foreign exchange forward contracts designated as fair value hedges to protect the value of its existing foreign currency liabilities and firm commitments. For derivative instruments with the notional amount of $56.6 million that were designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the Company recognized foreign currency gains on the derivative instruments of $2.2 million, as well as offsetting foreign currency losses on the hedged item in its condensed consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. For derivative instruments with the notional amount of $192.1 million that were designated and qualify as non-designated hedges related to US dollar denominated payments the Company recognized foreign currency gains of $4.1 million on derivative instruments in its condensed consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	Purchase Commitments
	The table below summarizes information with respect to the Company's commitments as of September 30, 2014:
		Total		Through		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
				2014
		(in thousands)
	Acquisition of programming rights	$	179,555	$	82,879	$	84,077	$	12,599	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Transmission and satellite fees		99,715		4,967		20,761		21,414		21,739		20,999		9,835
	Leasehold obligations		34,670		1,626		6,773		6,965		7,225		5,908		6,173
	Network affiliation agreements		14,066		678		2,868		3,025		3,183		3,344		968
	Payments for intellectual rights		11,322		464		1,964		2,072		2,180		2,284		2,358
	Other contractual obligations		22,582		1,113		4,279		4,311		4,093		4,291		4,495
	Total	$	361,910	$	91,727	$	120,722	$	50,386	$	38,420	$	36,826	$	23,829
	In addition, in connection with the planned digitalization in Russia and Kazakhstan, the Company will incur additional costs. In March 2013, the Company entered into 10-year transmission agreements with the Russian Television and Radio Network ("RTRS"). Under the terms of these agreements, RTRS will provide to CTC and Domashny all services required for the channels to broadcast their signals in digital format throughout Russia to approximately 141.6 million viewers. The agreements terminate on March 31, 2023. In July 2014, the Company amended the agreements to specify services fees for 2014 and cash payments for period from 2014 to 2018. The Company's digital transmission expense for 2014 related to broadcasting in the cities with populations more than 50,000 ("50+ coverage") will be approximately $5 million; the expense for 2015 and beyond will be calculated on an annual basis according to rates that RTRS will set by October 1st of the prior year. In addition, during the period 2015-2018, RTRS will construct the digital broadcasting infrastructure in smaller cities with populations less than 50,000 ("50- coverage"). It is expected that this infrastructure will be put into operation in 2019. According to the amended terms of agreements, in addition to the transmission services in the 50+ coverage cities described above, the Company expects to advance payments towards the construction of the digital infrastructure in the 50- coverage regions for CTC and Domashny channels. In aggregate we expect to advance approximately 390 million rubles in 2014, 644 million rubles in 2015, 271 million rubles in 2016, 68 million rubles in 2017 and 51 million rubles in 2018 resulting in total advances of approximately 1,424 million rubles or $36.2 million by the end of 2018 (at an exchange rate of RUR 39.4 to $1.00 as of September 30, 2014). Under the amended terms, these advances will be offset against service payments otherwise required for digital transmission services subsequent to 2018. In the nine months ended September 30, 2014, advance payments towards the construction of the digital infrastructure in the 50- coverage regions was approximately $3.3 million for CTC and Domashny channels in aggregate, which are presented as other non-current assets on the Company's balance sheets.
	In addition, the Company expects to continue incurring analog transmission costs during the analog-to-digital transition period. In 2013, the Company incurred approximately $24 million of such expenses, excluding payments to RTRS for transmission of digital signal, for all of its channels in aggregate.
	Legal and Tax Proceedings
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company may be party to various legal and tax proceedings, including tax audits, and subject to claims, certain of which relate to the developing markets and evolving fiscal and regulatory environments in which the Company operates. In the opinion of management, the Company's liability, if any, in all pending litigation, other legal proceedings or other matters, will not have a material effect upon the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	10. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company's three Russia-based television channels (CTC, Domashny and Peretz) and Channel 31 in Kazakhstan represent the Company's reportable segments. Each channel includes operating results of its network, which is responsible for broadcasting operations, including sales of its network's advertising, licensing and commissioning of programming, producing its programming schedule and managing its relationships with its independent affiliates, and the respective owned-and-operated stations that distribute the network's signal.
	The Company's other less significant operating segments are included along with headquarters' operations in the "All Other" category for financial reporting purposes. The Company evaluates performance based on the operating results of each segment, among other performance measures.
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	119,329	$	315		$	42,536		$	588,905		$	(2,211	)	$	(47,525	)
	Domashny Channel		26,099		29			3,636			108,173			(1,956	)		(12,289	)
	Peretz Channel		17,115		5			1,166			149,475			(2,863	)		(6,788	)
	Channel 31		6,409		—			1,167			25,014			(721	)		(3,118	)
	All Other		2,132		—			(4,318	)		96,921			(399	)		(18	)
	Business segment results	$	171,084	$	349		$	44,187		$	968,488		$	(8,150	)	$	(69,738	)
	Eliminations		—		(349	)		—			(43,425	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	171,084	$	—		$	44,187		$	925,063		$	(8,150	)	$	(69,738	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2014
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	109,140	$	333		$	38,930		$	538,891		$	(1,648	)	$	(43,247	)
	Domashny Channel		26,100		27			7,978			88,687			(1,269	)		(10,326	)
	Peretz Channel		15,108		2			125			117,436			(2,108	)		(7,394	)
	Channel 31		5,226		21			1,185			19,870			(620	)		(2,213	)
	All Other		2,993		21			(3,958	)		93,181			(724	)		(170	)
	Business segment results	$	158,567	$	404		$	44,260		$	858,065		$	(6,369	)	$	(63,350	)
	Eliminations		—		(404	)		—			(29,901	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	158,567	$	—		$	44,260		$	828,164		$	(6,369	)	$	(63,350	)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	403,794	$	883		$	130,486		$	588,905		$	(6,832	)	$	(178,906	)
	Domashny Channel		85,559		161			13,373			108,173			(5,870	)		(40,436	)
	Peretz Channel		59,018		9			2,856			149,475			(8,898	)		(23,981	)
	Channel 31		17,355		—			2,762			25,014			(2,198	)		(8,543	)
	All Other		6,660		161			(13,711	)		96,921			(1,175	)		(502	)
	Business segment results	$	572,386	$	1,214		$	135,766		$	968,488		$	(24,973	)	$	(252,368	)
	Eliminations		—		(1,214	)		—			(43,425	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	572,386	$	—		$	135,766		$	925,063		$	(24,973	)	$	(252,368	)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	374,257	$	991		$	117,177		$	538,891		$	(5,730	)	$	(163,415	)
	Domashny Channel		82,051		81			19,823			88,687			(4,569	)		(34,405	)
	Peretz Channel		50,966		6			2,479			117,436			(7,120	)		(22,670	)
	Channel 31		13,761		67			1,673			19,870			(1,898	)		(6,713	)
	All Other		8,091		66			(10,133	)		93,181			(1,704	)		(378	)
	Business segment results	$	529,126	$	1,211		$	131,019		$	858,065		$	(21,021	)	$	(227,581	)
	Eliminations		—		(1,211	)		—			(29,901	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	529,126	$	—		$	131,019		$	828,164		$	(21,021	)	$	(227,581	)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'
	11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On October 27, 2014, the Company's Board declared a dividend of $0.175 per outstanding share of common stock, or approximately $27.3 million in total, which will be paid on or about December 26, 2014 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2014; provided however, that any dividend payable to Telcrest will be blocked pursuant to OFAC regulations related to US sanctions described in Note 4, while either Bank Rossiya or LLC IC Abros remain an SDN.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM1

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been recorded. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for the complete financial statements.
	For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	Wholly owned subsidiaries and majority owned ventures where the Company has operating and financial control, as well as variable interest entities where the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary with power and ability to control, are consolidated. Those ventures where the Company exercises significant influence, but does not exercise operating and financial control, are accounted for under the equity method. The Company uses the purchase method of accounting for all business combinations. Results of subsidiaries acquired and accounted for under the purchase method are included in operations from the date of acquisition. Noncontrolling interests represent a noncontrolling shareholder's proportionate share of the equity in certain of the Company's consolidated entities. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated upon consolidation. Disposals are reflected at the time risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred.
	The Company is the primary beneficiary of the Channel 31 Group, a variable interest entity consisting of a 20% participation interest in Teleradiokompaniya 31st Kanal LLP ("Channel 31"), and a 70% and 60% interest in Prim LLP and Advertising and Marketing LLP, respectively, which provide programming content and the advertising sales function to Channel 31 (together, the "Channel 31 Group"). These interests provide the Company with a right to 60% of the economic interest of the Channel 31 Group. The Company consolidates the Channel 31 Group. As of September 30, 2014, the Channel 31 Group had assets (excluding intercompany assets) totaling $19,784 and liabilities (excluding intercompany liabilities) totaling $5,191. These assets and liabilities primarily relate to broadcasting licenses, trade payables for programming rights, loans and related deferred tax assets and liabilities. The Company finances the Channel 31 Group's operations in the ordinary course of business. Channel 31 Group's net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders excluding intercompany expenses totaled $519 and $129 for the three- and nine-months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates in the financial statements include, among others, the estimate of fair values in business combinations, estimates of the fair value of the Company's common stock in determining stock-based compensation, the amortization method and periods for programming rights, useful lives of tangible and intangible assets, impairment of goodwill, valuation of intangible assets and long-lived assets, estimates of contingencies, estimates of income taxes in relation to the Company's interpretation of current tax laws, in particular, in determination of foreign tax credits, determination of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, and possible outcomes of current and future audits conducted by foreign and domestic tax authorities. While the Company believes it has made, and continues to make, reasonable judgments in determining its tax filing positions in each jurisdiction in which it is subject to tax, views may differ as to the determination of its tax obligations. These judgments may ultimately be subjected to examination by the tax authorities and further revisions may be required in the Company's estimates. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making changes in estimates from time to time, and evaluates the estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, services have been rendered, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the customers' inability to make payments. The Company recognizes advertising revenues at the moment when the advertising is broadcast and net of Value Added Taxes ("VAT").
	The Company's own sales house serves as the exclusive advertising sales agent for substantially all advertising broadcast on all of its channels in Russia, and the advertising is placed with advertisers and their agencies under direct sales arrangements with them. The sales house is primarily responsible for all national and regional advertising sales, with the exception of advertising sales to local clients of a number of the Company's regional stations, which are made through Video International.
	The Company's cooperation model with Video International also provides for the licensing of specialized advertising software by Video International to the Company's sales house, together with the provision by Video International of related software maintenance and analytical support and consulting services. Compensation expenses payable to Video International for the use of advertising software, related maintenance and analytical support and consulting services are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's consolidated statement of income.
	The Company recognizes its Russian advertising revenues, excluding regional advertising revenues from local clients, based on the gross amounts billed to the advertisers and their agencies under direct sales arrangements. Advertising sales to local clients under the agency agreements with Video International continue to be recognized net of agency commissions.
	Sublicensing revenues primarily represent revenues the Company earns from sublicensing its rights to programming and from licensing of internally-produced programming. Sublicensing revenue is recognized at such time as there is persuasive evidence that a sale or arrangement with a customer exists, the underlying programming is complete and has been transferred to the customer, the licensing period has commenced and the customer can begin to use, the arrangement fee is fixed or determinable, and collection of the arrangement fee is reasonably assured. Given the recent uncertainties in Ukraine, in 2014 the Company commenced to use the instalment method for certain sublicensing arrangements.
	Payments received in advance for advertising and other revenue are recorded as deferred revenue until earned.
Programming Rights	'
	Programming Rights
	Programming rights are stated at the lower of their unamortized cost or net realizable value. The Company reports an asset and liability for the rights acquired and obligations incurred at the commencement of the licensing period when the cost of the programming is known or reasonably determinable, the program material has been accepted and the programming is available for airing.
	The Company's programming rights also include internally produced programming. The cost of such programming includes expenses related to the acquisition of format rights, direct costs associated with production and capitalized overhead. The Company capitalizes production costs, including costs of individuals or departments with exclusive or significant responsibility for the production of programming that can be allocated to such particular programming, as a component of programming costs. Internally-produced programming is reported at the lower of unamortized cost or fair value.
	Purchased program rights are classified as current or non-current assets based on anticipated usage and the licensing period. Internally produced and purchased programming with unlimited rights are classified as non-current.
	The Company amortizes programming based on expected revenue generation patterns, based on the proportion that current estimated revenues bear to the estimated remaining total lifetime revenues. If the initial airing of content allowed by a license is expected to provide more value than subsequent airings, the Company applies an accelerated method of amortization. These accelerated methods of amortization depend on the estimated number of runs the content is expected to receive, and are determined based on a study of historical results for similar programming. For content that is expected to be aired only once, the entire cost is recognized as an expense on the first run. To the extent that the revenues the Company expects to earn from broadcasting a program are lower than the book value, the program rights are written down to their net realizable value by way of recording an additional amortization charge. Such write-downs establish a new cost basis for programming rights.
Amortizable Long-Lived Assets	'
	Amortizable Long-Lived Assets
	Amortizable assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortization. Definite-lived intangible assets primarily represent broadcast licenses and cable network connections. Cable network connections are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated period of future economic benefit, approximately until 2018.
	As a result of developments in the transition to digital broadcasting, the Company changed its estimate of the useful lives of its broadcasting licenses from indefinite to finite in the fourth quarter of 2012. The Company now amortizes the remaining balances of its broadcasting licenses on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful life, which is estimated until the end of 2018. The Company estimates that the amortization charge for its broadcasting licenses will be approximately $3.7 million for the remainder of 2014, $10.8 million for 2015, $9.7 million for 2016 and $8.6 million annually from 2017 through 2018 (at an exchange rate of RUR 39.39 to $1.00 as of September 30, 2014). The estimated useful lives of broadcasting licenses is subject to the availability of further information about the transition to digital broadcasting which could require the Company to revise amortization expense on a prospective basis. Amortizable assets, including property and equipment and finite-lived intangibles, are reviewed periodically to determine whether an event or change in circumstances indicates that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Company bases its evaluation on such impairment indicators as the nature of the assets, the future economic benefit of the assets and any historical or future profitability measurements, as well as other external market conditions or factors that may be present. If such impairment indicators are present or other factors exist that indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company determines whether impairment has occurred through the use of an undiscounted cash flows analysis of assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows exist. If the carrying value of the asset or group of assets exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, impairment is deemed to have occurred, and the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset. The fair value of the asset is estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. See also—"Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests" below.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy contains three levels as follows:
	Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	Level 2—Other observable inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, either directly or indirectly, including: (1) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (2) quoted prices for identical or similar assets in non-active markets; (3) inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and (4) inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by other observable market data.
	Level 3—Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management's estimates of market participant assumptions.
	There were no transfers between categories during the periods presented.
	The fair values of the Company's derivative assets of $1,946 and derivative liabilities of $228 have been classified as Level 2. The fair value of the Company's foreign exchange forward contracts is determined based on the present value of future cash flows using market-based observable inputs such as forward rates, discounts rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Counterparty credit risk did not have a material impact on derivative fair value estimates. The Company's derivative instruments are short-term in nature, primarily one month to one year in duration.
	The carrying amounts of the Company's financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair value as of December 31, 2013 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'
	Goodwill and Long-Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests
	The Company assesses the carrying value of its goodwill on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying value may not be recoverable. Other than its annual review, factors the Company considers important which could trigger an impairment review include under-performance of reporting units or changes in projected results, changes in the manner of utilization of the asset, a severe and sustained decline in the price of the Company's shares and negative market conditions or economic trends. For a discussion of methodology and major assumptions regarding the Company's impairment test refer to the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 6, 2014.
	Impairment reviews as of September 30, 2014
	In the annual impairment review performed as of December 31, 2013, the Company concluded that the fair values of its reporting units significantly exceeded their carrying values, reflecting the improved macroeconomic conditions from the downturn in the economy that started in 2008.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the current geopolitical situation in Ukraine created economic instability in Russia that has been characterized by a steep decline in the value of shares traded on Russia's stock exchanges, depreciation of the Russian ruble, and a forecasted decline in the growth of gross domestic product in 2014. Additionally, because Russia produces and exports large amounts of oil, its economy is particularly vulnerable to the price of oil on the world market. Recent decreases in international oil prices may continue to adversely affect its economy. Many of the largest advertisers in the Russian market, including many of the largest advertisers on CTC, Domashny and Peretz, are multinational companies that sell consumer products on a worldwide basis. If Russia experiences significant economic instability or uncertainty, these companies may choose to reduce their advertising spending in Russia. In addition, during the third quarter of 2014 and in October 2014, analysts downgraded their forecasts for growth in the TV advertising market in 2015 due to macroeconomic and political headwinds.
	Fair values of the Company's reporting units are highly sensitive to changes in the television advertising market assumptions. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying values of goodwill related to CTC, Domashny and Peretz totaled $42.8 million, $21.6 million and $47.9 million, respectively. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the Company had significant balances of amortizable broadcasting licenses totaling $41.4 million, including CTC licenses—$6.7 million; Domashny licenses—$8.7 million, and Peretz licenses—$21.3 million. Due to the significance of the negative factors described above, the Company performed an interim analysis for impairment. Although there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate outcome of the Ukrainian crisis and its impact on the Russian economy, and, in particular, concerning the Russian advertising market in 2015 and thereafter, the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that current economic conditions have impacted the fair value of its reporting units. As a result of the impairment review performed as of September 30, 2014, the Company concluded that fair values of the CTC, Domashny and Peretz reporting units exceeded their carrying values. However, due to the revision of assumptions in the TV advertising market for 2015 and in the medium-term, the excess of fair values over the carrying value of the Peretz reporting unit decreased from 48% to 7%, when compared with the fair values estimated during the annual 2013 impairment tests. The estimated fair values of the CTC and Domashny reporting units remained significantly in excess of their respective carrying amounts.
	Other than with respect to the Peretz reporting unit, hypothetical 10% and 15% decreases in the fair value of each reporting unit would not have resulted in impairment.
	In order to check the reasonableness of the fair values implied by cash flow estimates, the Company also calculates the value of its common stock implied by its cash flow forecasts and compares this to actual traded values. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's consolidated net book value (or shareholders' equity) amounted to $615,064. This compares to a market capitalization of the Company as of September 30, 2014 of approximately $1,035,818.
	In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations in its impairment analysis, the Company applied hypothetical 5, 10 and 15 percentage point decreases to the 2015 television advertising market growth forecast:
		Hypothetical Impairment charge that
		could be recorded if 2015 advertising
		market growth forecast is lower by:
		5 pp			10 pp			15 pp
	Peretz goodwill and broadcasting licenses	$	(15,572	)	$	(38,843	)	$	(62,113	)
	Also, the fair value estimates are highly sensitive to the cost of capital used by the Company in the discounting of expected cash flows attributable to its reporting units. The potential negative trends in the macroeconomic environment could increase risk to investors investing in Russian markets, which could increase the cost of capital, which in turn will decrease the fair value of the respective assets or reporting units. Additionally, changes in the financial markets, such as an increase in interest rates or an increase in the expected required return on equity by market participants within the industry, could increase the discount rate, thus decreasing the fair value of assets. The cost of capital used by the Company in its analysis was 13.0% as of December 31, 2013 and 13.8% as of September 30, 2014. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations in its impairment analysis, the Company applied a hypothetical 3 percentage points increase to the cost of capital used: if the cost of capital used by the Company were higher by 3 percentage points, the Company would have recognized impairment charge in respect of the Peretz reporting unit's goodwill and broadcasting license, of approximately $16.0 million.
	During 2014, the plans around TV broadcasting in Russia, in particular digital broadcasting, have continued to evolve. While the Company expects some of these developments to be beneficial to its businesses, other changes may increase the uncertainties and risks with respect to the business models the Company currently operates. As a result, the Company is required to consider a number of factors in determining the estimated fair values of its reporting units which could change rapidly or unpredictably. The planned transition to digital broadcasting could impact the Company's assumptions used in its economic models and its assessment of the fair value of its reporting units.
	The Company cannot guarantee that its Peretz channel may be able to compete effectively if it is not included in the third multiplex. With respect to the third multiplex, it is unclear what requirements the channels will be required to meet in order to be included in that multiplex as the terms for participation in the third digital multiplex have not been specified. The fair value of the Peretz reporting unit is particularly sensitive to changes in revenues and costs that may result depending on its distribution model. Currently, the terms for participation in the third digital multiplex have not been specified. In addition, current Russian legislation does not provide 'must carry' obligations for cable and satellite operators, and accordingly the Company may be unable to secure or maintain carriage of its signal over cable in certain regions, or at transmission rates that are consistent with its historical experience. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to negotiate mutually acceptable transmission agreements with cable providers in the future relating to the carriage of the Peretz signal. Depending on further information about the terms of the transition to digital broadcasting, terms of interaction with cable and satellite providers, and other future developments, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets.
	Also, given the terms and fees associated with participation in the second multiplex, the Company expects to encounter certain risks and uncertainties in the execution of each of CTC and Domashny channels' business models. It is difficult to predict accurately how the digitalization of broadcasting may affect the market. While digital broadcasting would increase CTC's and Domashny's overall technical penetration, the necessary investments for digital migration may not be fully monetized.
	There may be other risks and expenses that the Company encounters during and subsequent to the transition that the Company is unable to anticipate at this time that could be material to its future financial position and results of operations. While the models used in the Company's assessments of its reporting units in its impairment testing incorporate changes in assumptions of revenues and costs, as well as risks associated with those uncertainties, depending on further information about the terms of the transition to digital broadcasting, as well as other future developments, the Company may need to further revise its projected cash flows, which could adversely impact the fair value of its reporting units and related assets. Subject to the availability of further information from the government and market participants, and the Company's ability to make further assessments of the government's plans, impairments may be required in the foreseeable future.
Stock-based Compensation Expense	'
	Stock-based Compensation Expense
	The Company estimates the fair value of equity awards at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes pricing model was originally developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options, which have different characteristics than the Company's employee equity awards. The model is also sensitive to changes in subjective assumptions, which can materially affect the fair value estimate. These subjective assumptions include expected volatility, the expected life of the awards, future employee turnover rates, and future employee award exercise behavior. The Company determines the fair value of its common stock by using closing prices as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Performance-based nonvested share awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving the set goals.
	Once the Company has estimated the fair value of the equity instruments, it recognizes this estimated cost as stock-based compensation expense over the service period. Equity-based incentive awards that meet liability accounting criteria are remeasured at each reporting date at their fair value until settlement. The fair value of such unsettled equity-based incentive awards is recognized in liabilities.
Tax Provisions and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets	'
	Tax Provisions and Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
	Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and the bases as reported in the consolidated financial statements, as well as the tax benefits of net operating loss carry forwards which are expected to be realized. The Company records valuation allowances related to the tax effects of deductible temporary differences and loss carry forwards when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the respective tax assets will not be realized. Changes in the Company's assessment of the probability of realization of deferred tax assets may affect the Company's effective income tax rate.
	The Company records temporary differences related to investments in its Russian subsidiaries. These temporary differences consist primarily of undistributed earnings that the Company does not plan to permanently reinvest in operations outside the U.S.
	The level of sophistication and expertise with respect to complex tax laws is continually evolving both on the part of tax professionals and the taxing authorities. The Company is a US legal entity with substantially all of its operations outside the US, primarily in Russia. As a result, the Company's tax filing positions in the US are substantially impacted by the Company's interpretation of tax law and how the Company applies it in determining US taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities. While the Company believes it has made, and continues to make, reasonable judgments in determining its tax filing positions in each jurisdiction in which the Company is subject to tax, views may differ as to the determination of its tax obligations. These judgments may ultimately be subjected to examination by the tax authorities and further revisions may be required in the Company's estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2013-05, Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU 2013-05"), Accounting Standards Update 2013-07, Liquidation Basis of Accounting ("ASU 2013- 07") and Accounting Standards Update 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"). The adoption of these amendments did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modified related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as: (i) a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results or (ii) an acquired business or nonprofit activity that is classified as held for sale on the date of acquisition. The standard states that a strategic shift could include a disposal of (i) a major geographical area of operations, (ii) a major line of business, (iii) a major equity method investment, or (iv) other major parts of an entity. The adoption of this guidance, which is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 will replace all current U.S. GAAP guidance on this topic and eliminate all industry-specific guidance. The new guidance (i) removes inconsistencies, and weaknesses in revenue requirements, (ii) provides a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, (iii) improves comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets, (iv) provides more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements, and (v) simplifies the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. The core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration for which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company plans to apply the new standard beginning January 1, 2017 either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting standard on its financial statements.
	In June 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period ("ASU 2014-12"). ASU 2014-12 applies to all reporting entities that grant their employees share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target that affects vesting could be achieved after the requisite service period. That is the case when an employee is eligible to retire or otherwise terminate employment before the end of the period in which a performance target could be achieved and still be eligible to vest in the award if and when the performance target is achieved. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period to be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance ASC 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant date fair value of the award. This update further clarifies that compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the periods for which the requisite service has already been rendered. The adoption of this guidance, which is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Specifically, the amendments (1) provide a definition of the term "substantial doubt", (2) require an evaluation every reporting period including interim periods, (3) provide principles for considering the mitigating effect of management's plans, (4) require certain disclosures when substantial doubt is alleviated as a result of the consideration of management's plans, (5) require an express statement and other disclosures when substantial doubt is not alleviated, and (6) require an assessment for a period of one year after the date that the financial statements are issued (or available to be issued). The adoption of this guidance, which is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter, is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet or results of operations.

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM2

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Schedule of sensitivity of the fair value calculations in impairment analysis, applied hypothetical 5, 10 and 15 percentage point decreases to the 2015 television advertising market growth forecast	'
		Hypothetical Impairment charge that
		could be recorded if 2015 advertising
		market growth forecast is lower by:
		5 pp			10 pp			15 pp
	Peretz goodwill and broadcasting licenses	$	(15,572	)	$	(38,843	)	$	(62,113	)

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Tables

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'
Components of basic and diluted net income per share	'
		Three months ended				Nine months ended September 30,
		September 30,
		2013		2014		2013		2014
	Net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$	46,655	$	31,595	$	106,836	$	89,472
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic
	Common stock		155,986,822		155,762,166		157,286,789		155,742,190
	Dilutive effect of:
	Stock-based awards		112,386		363,329		52,283		228,050
	Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted		156,099,208		156,125,495		157,339,072		155,970,240
	Net income per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.3	$	0.2	$	0.68	$	0.57
	Diluted	$	0.3	$	0.2	$	0.68	$	0.57

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_1

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS	'
Schedule of cash and cash equivalents	'
		December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Russian ruble bank accounts	$	16,616		$	11,779
	US dollar bank accounts		12,754			15,718
	Other		1,204			2,340
	Total cash and cash equivalents	$	30,574		$	29,837
Schedule of short-term investments	'
		December 31, 2013					September 30, 2014
		Annual interest rate		Amount			Annual interest rate	Amount
	Short-term investments:
	Ruble-denominated deposits	6.3 - 9.0%		$	178,937		7.0 - 9.0%	$	72,982
	US dollar-denominated deposits	0.27%		$	1,400		0.74 - 2.57%	$	49,000
	Total short-term investments			$	180,337			$	121,982

PROGRAMMING_RIGHTS_NET_Tables

PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET	'
Schedule of programming rights	'
		December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Internally produced—TV broadcasting and theatrical:
	Released:
	Historical cost	$	167,182		$	143,712
	Accumulated amortization		(158,996	)		(137,506	)
	Released, net book value		8,186			6,206
	Completed and not released		7,318			2,941
	Total		15,504			9,147
	Acquired rights:
	Historical cost		777,719			710,153
	Accumulated amortization		(499,224	)		(460,951	)
	Net book value		278,495			249,202
	Total programming rights	$	293,999		$	258,349
	Current portion	$	172,197		$	154,758
	Non-current portion	$	121,802		$	103,591

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Tables

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
Schedule of issued and outstanding share capital	'
	Type	December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2014
	Common stock issued		158,210,719			158,210,719
	Less: Common stock held in treasury		(2,500,000	)		(2,448,553	)
	Common stock outstanding		155,710,719			155,762,166
Schedule of dividends declared and paid	'
	Declaration date	Per Share			Aggregate			Record Date		Payment Date
		Dividend			Dividend
	March 5, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,249		March 19, 2014		March 28, 2014
	April 29, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,258		June 16, 2014		June 26, 2014
	July 25, 2014	$	0.175		$	27,259		September 5, 2014		September 25, 2014
Summary of changes in stockholders' equity	'
		Total			CTC Media, Inc.			Noncontrolling
					stockholders			interest
	Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2012	$	762,926		$	758,323		$	4,603
	Net Income		111,349			106,836			4,513
	Other comprehensive loss		(47,922	)		(47,820	)		(102	)
	Comprehensive income	$	63,427		$	59,016		$	4,411
	Additional paid-in capital		3,326			3,326			—
	Less: Common stock held in treasury		(29,727	)		(29,727	)		—
	Dividends declared		(78,877	)		(73,854	)		(5,023	)
	Stockholders' equity, September 30, 2013	$	721,075		$	717,084		$	3,991
		Total			CTC Media, Inc.			Noncontrolling
					stockholders			interest
	Stockholders' equity, December 31, 2013	$	734,116		$	728,213		$	5,903
	Net income		92,674			89,472			3,202
	Other comprehensive loss		(128,735	)		(127,833	)		(902	)
	Comprehensive (loss) income		(36,061	)		(38,361	)		2,300
	Additional paid-in capital		1,934			1,934			—
	Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise		612			612			—
	Disposals of noncontrolling interests		820			—			820
	Dividends declared		(86,357	)		(81,766	)		(4,591	)
	Stockholders' equity, September 30, 2014	$	615,064		$	610,632		$	4,432

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
Summary of commitments	'
		Total		Through		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
				2014
		(in thousands)
	Acquisition of programming rights	$	179,555	$	82,879	$	84,077	$	12,599	$	—	$	—	$	—
	Transmission and satellite fees		99,715		4,967		20,761		21,414		21,739		20,999		9,835
	Leasehold obligations		34,670		1,626		6,773		6,965		7,225		5,908		6,173
	Network affiliation agreements		14,066		678		2,868		3,025		3,183		3,344		968
	Payments for intellectual rights		11,322		464		1,964		2,072		2,180		2,284		2,358
	Other contractual obligations		22,582		1,113		4,279		4,311		4,093		4,291		4,495
	Total	$	361,910	$	91,727	$	120,722	$	50,386	$	38,420	$	36,826	$	23,829

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
Schedule of segment information	'
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	119,329	$	315		$	42,536		$	588,905		$	(2,211	)	$	(47,525	)
	Domashny Channel		26,099		29			3,636			108,173			(1,956	)		(12,289	)
	Peretz Channel		17,115		5			1,166			149,475			(2,863	)		(6,788	)
	Channel 31		6,409		—			1,167			25,014			(721	)		(3,118	)
	All Other		2,132		—			(4,318	)		96,921			(399	)		(18	)
	Business segment results	$	171,084	$	349		$	44,187		$	968,488		$	(8,150	)	$	(69,738	)
	Eliminations		—		(349	)		—			(43,425	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	171,084	$	—		$	44,187		$	925,063		$	(8,150	)	$	(69,738	)
		Three months ended September 30, 2014
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	109,140	$	333		$	38,930		$	538,891		$	(1,648	)	$	(43,247	)
	Domashny Channel		26,100		27			7,978			88,687			(1,269	)		(10,326	)
	Peretz Channel		15,108		2			125			117,436			(2,108	)		(7,394	)
	Channel 31		5,226		21			1,185			19,870			(620	)		(2,213	)
	All Other		2,993		21			(3,958	)		93,181			(724	)		(170	)
	Business segment results	$	158,567	$	404		$	44,260		$	858,065		$	(6,369	)	$	(63,350	)
	Eliminations		—		(404	)		—			(29,901	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	158,567	$	—		$	44,260		$	828,164		$	(6,369	)	$	(63,350	)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	403,794	$	883		$	130,486		$	588,905		$	(6,832	)	$	(178,906	)
	Domashny Channel		85,559		161			13,373			108,173			(5,870	)		(40,436	)
	Peretz Channel		59,018		9			2,856			149,475			(8,898	)		(23,981	)
	Channel 31		17,355		—			2,762			25,014			(2,198	)		(8,543	)
	All Other		6,660		161			(13,711	)		96,921			(1,175	)		(502	)
	Business segment results	$	572,386	$	1,214		$	135,766		$	968,488		$	(24,973	)	$	(252,368	)
	Eliminations		—		(1,214	)		—			(43,425	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	572,386	$	—		$	135,766		$	925,063		$	(24,973	)	$	(252,368	)
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014
		Operating		Intersegment			Operating			Identifiable			Depreciation			Programming
		revenue		revenue			income/			assets			and			expenses
		from					(loss)						amortization
		external
		customers
	CTC Channel	$	374,257	$	991		$	117,177		$	538,891		$	(5,730	)	$	(163,415	)
	Domashny Channel		82,051		81			19,823			88,687			(4,569	)		(34,405	)
	Peretz Channel		50,966		6			2,479			117,436			(7,120	)		(22,670	)
	Channel 31		13,761		67			1,673			19,870			(1,898	)		(6,713	)
	All Other		8,091		66			(10,133	)		93,181			(1,704	)		(378	)
	Business segment results	$	529,126	$	1,211		$	131,019		$	858,065		$	(21,021	)	$	(227,581	)
	Eliminations		—		(1,211	)		—			(29,901	)		—			—
	Consolidated results	$	529,126	$	—		$	131,019		$	828,164		$	(21,021	)	$	(227,581	)

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM3

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Principles of Consolidation	'	'	'	'	'
Net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders excluding intercompany expenses	$31,595	$46,655	$89,472	$106,836	'
Percentage of advertising revenue generated in fourth quarter	'	'	'	'	31.00%
Channel 31 Group	'	'	'	'	'
Principles of Consolidation	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of economic interest owned	'	'	60.00%	'	'
Assets (excluding intercompany assets)	19,784	'	19,784	'	'
Liabilities (excluding intercompany liabilities)	5,191	'	5,191	'	'
Net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders excluding intercompany expenses	$519	'	$129	'	'
Teleradiokompaniya 31st Kanal LLP (Channel 31)	'	'	'	'	'
Principles of Consolidation	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of participation interest owned	'	'	20.00%	'	'
Prim LLP	'	'	'	'	'
Principles of Consolidation	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of participation interest owned	'	'	70.00%	'	'
Advertising and Marketing LLP	'	'	'	'	'
Principles of Consolidation	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of participation interest owned	'	'	60.00%	'	'

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM4

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Estimated future amortization charge	'
Exchange rate (in ruble)	39.4
Broadcasting licenses	'
Estimated future amortization charge	'
Remainder of 2014	3.7
2015	10.8
2016	9.7
2017	8.6
2018	8.6
Exchange rate (in ruble)	39.39

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM5

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements	'
Transfers between levels of fair value hierarchy	$0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Minimum	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
Maturity period of short-term derivative instruments	'1 month
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Maximum	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
Maturity period of short-term derivative instruments	'1 year
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange forward contracts | Recurring Basis	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
Derivative assets	1,946
Derivative liabilities	$228

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_AND_SUMM6

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill	$112,427	$135,276	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	66,471	90,306	'	'
Shareholders' equity	615,064	734,116	721,075	762,926
Market capitalization	1,035,818	'	'	'
Cost of capital assumption used in the analysis of impairment tests (as a percent)	13.80%	13.00%	'	'
Broadcasting licenses	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	41,400	'	'	'
CTC	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill	42,800	'	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	6,700	'	'	'
Domashny	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill	21,600	'	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	8,700	'	'	'
Peretz Network	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of goodwill	47,900	'	'	'
Amortizable intangible assets	21,300	'	'	'
Percentage by which fair value exceeded carrying value of reporting unit	7.00%	48.00%	'	'
Goodwill and broadcasting licenses hypothetical impairment charge that could be recorded if 2015 advertising market growth forecast is lower by 5 pp	-15,572	'	'	'
Goodwill and broadcasting licenses hypothetical impairment charge that could be recorded if 2015 advertising market growth forecast is lower by 10 pp	-38,843	'	'	'
Goodwill and broadcasting licenses hypothetical impairment charge that could be recorded if 2015 advertising market growth forecast is lower by 15 pp	-62,113	'	'	'
Goodwill and broadcasting licenses impairment charge if cost of capital used were higher by 3pp	$16,000	'	'	'
Peretz Network | Minimum	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Hypothetical percentage decreases in fair value of reporting unit that would not have resulted in impairment	10.00%	'	'	'
Peretz Network | Maximum	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Long Lived Intangible Assets Impairment Tests	'	'	'	'
Hypothetical percentage decreases in fair value of reporting unit that would not have resulted in impairment	15.00%	'	'	'

NET_INCOME_PER_SHARE_Details

NET INCOME PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
NET INCOME PER SHARE	'	'	'	'
Shares excluded from the diluted net income per common share computation because their effect was antidilutive	2,096,112	2,544,140	2,131,611	2,547,890
Net income attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$31,595	$46,655	$89,472	$106,836
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	'	'	'	'
Common stock (in shares)	155,762,166	155,986,822	155,742,190	157,286,789
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'
Stock-based awards (in shares)	363,329	112,386	228,050	52,283
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	156,125,495	156,099,208	155,970,240	157,339,072
Net income per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.30	$0.57	$0.68
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.30	$0.57	$0.68

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_2

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Ruble-denominated deposits

Ruble-denominated deposits

US dollar-denominated deposits

US dollar-denominated deposits

Low end of range

Low end of range

Low end of range

Low end of range

High end of range

High end of range

High end of range

High end of range

Ruble-denominated deposits

Ruble-denominated deposits

US dollar-denominated deposits

Ruble-denominated deposits

Ruble-denominated deposits

US dollar-denominated deposits

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deposits in banks with original maturity period for classification as short-term investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'91 days

'

'

'

'365 days

'

'

'

Bank accounts

'

'

'

'

$11,779

$16,616

$12,754

$15,718

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other

2,340

1,204

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total cash and cash equivalents

29,837

30,574

27,774

55,181

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

$121,982

$180,337

'

'

$72,982

$178,937

$1,400

$49,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Annual interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.27%

'

'

7.00%

6.30%

0.74%

'

9.00%

9.00%

2.57%

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_AND_3

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS; OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 20, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		Telcrest Investments Limited	Telcrest Investments Limited
			Minimum
Other non-current assets	'	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	'	'	50.00%
Dividends payable to Telcrest	$20,763	$20,763	'

PROGRAMMING_RIGHTS_NET_Details

PROGRAMMING RIGHTS, NET (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Programming rights, net	'	'
Total programming rights	$258,349	$293,999
Current portion	154,758	172,197
Non-current portion	103,591	121,802
Internally produced-TV broadcasting and theatrical:	'	'
Programming rights, net	'	'
Historical cost	143,712	167,182
Accumulated amortization	-137,506	-158,996
Net book value	6,206	8,186
Completed and not released	2,941	7,318
Total programming rights	9,147	15,504
Expected amortization expense during the next twelve months	2,384	'
Remaining amortization period	'3 years	'
Acquired rights:	'	'
Programming rights, net	'	'
Historical cost	710,153	777,719
Accumulated amortization	-460,951	-499,224
Net book value	$249,202	$278,495

STOCKHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 25, 2014

Jul. 25, 2014

Jun. 26, 2014

Apr. 29, 2014

Mar. 28, 2014

Mar. 05, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 04, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

VotePerShare

2013 Equity Incentive Plan

MTG

CTC Media, Inc. stockholders

CTC Media, Inc. stockholders

CTC Media, Inc. stockholders

Noncontrolling interest

Noncontrolling interest

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock issued (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

158,210,719

'

158,210,719

'

158,210,719

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less: Common stock held in treasury (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,448,553

'

-2,448,553

'

-2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock outstanding (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

155,762,166

'

155,762,166

'

155,710,719

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Open-market stock repurchase program, shares authorized for purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares repurchase average price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,934

$3,326

$29,727

'

'

'

'

$1,934

$3,326

'

'

Number of shares of common stock authorized

'

'

'

'

'

'

175,772,173

'

175,772,173

'

175,772,173

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of votes per common share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared and paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)

'

$0.18

'

$0.18

'

$0.18

$0.18

$0.16

$0.53

$0.47

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)

'

$0.18

'

$0.18

'

$0.18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends payable to Telcrest

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,763

'

20,763

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Changes in stockholders' equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' equity balance at the beginning of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

734,116

762,926

762,926

'

'

'

'

728,213

758,323

5,903

4,603

Net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,985

48,092

92,674

111,349

'

'

'

'

'

89,472

106,836

3,202

4,513

Other comprehensive loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

-105,750

8,563

-128,735

-47,922

'

'

'

'

'

-127,833

-47,820

-902

-102

Comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,765

56,655

-36,061

63,427

'

'

'

'

'

-38,361

59,016

2,300

4,411

Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

51,447,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise

'

'

'

'

'

'

-29,115

-29,727

-29,115

-29,727

-29,727

'

'

'

'

'

-29,727

'

'

Treasury stock issued upon RSU exercise

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-612

-612

'

'

'

Disposals of noncontrolling interests

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

820

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

820

'

Dividends declared

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-86,357

-78,877

'

'

'

'

'

-81,766

-73,854

-4,591

-5,023

Stockholders' equity balance at the end of the period

'

'

'

'

'

'

615,064

721,075

615,064

721,075

734,116

'

'

'

610,632

610,632

717,084

4,432

3,991

Dividends declared

'

27,259

'

27,258

'

27,249

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31,505

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends paid

$27,259

'

$27,258

'

$27,249

'

'

'

$61,003

$73,854

'

'

'

$31,505

'

'

'

'

'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
					Restricted stock units	Restricted stock units	Restricted stock units	Restricted stock units	RSU granted in 2013 and 2014
							2013 Plan	2013 Plan
Stock-based compensation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares granted during the period with approved performance criteria for 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	742,100	'
Weighted average per unit grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$8.36	'
Stock-based compensation expense recognized	$641,000	$519,000	$386,000	$3,157,000	$1,100,000	$2,600,000	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	887,407	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years	'	'	'
Compensation cost related to unvested granted awards not yet recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,900,000	'	3,700,000
Compensation cost related to RSU for which performance criteria for 2015 and following years are not set	'	'	'	'	'	'	$8,200,000	'	'
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested awards	'	'	'	'	'	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'	'	'

INCOME_TAX_Details

INCOME TAX (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAX	'	'	'	'	'
Russian withholding tax under the Treaty, on dividends distributed to CTC Media, Inc. (as a percent)	'	'	5.00%	'	'
Russian withholding tax on dividends distributed within the country (as a percent)	'	'	9.00%	'	'
Maximum percentage of ownership interest in subsidiary which Russian companies are required to hold to qualify for withholding tax exemption	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Minimum percentage of ownership interest in subsidiary which Russian companies are required to hold to qualify for withholding tax exemption	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Maximum period for which Russian companies are required to hold ownership interest in subsidiary to qualify for withholding tax exemption	'	'	'365 days	'	'
Russian statutory income tax rate (as a percent)	'	'	20.00%	'	20.00%
Kazakh statutory income tax rate (as a percent)	'	'	20.00%	'	20.00%
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	31.00%	30.00%	31.00%	34.00%	'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 27, 2014

Oct. 27, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

CTC Network

Domashny Network

Peretz Network

Peretz Network

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Foreign exchange forward contracts

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Programming rights in 2014

Programming rights in 2015

Programming rights in 2016

Minimum

Nondesignated hedges

Nondesignated hedges

Designated hedges

Designated hedges

Dividend declared

Foreign currency

Foreign currency

Foreign currency exchange forward transactions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of Russian business required to sale if unable to restructure its operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

Exchange Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of appreciation or depreciation of Russian ruble against US dollar

15.00%

17.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.60%

'

'

'

'

'

Change in average percentage of the average value of the Russian Ruble against the US Dollar against corresponding prior period

9.00%

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average exchange rate (in ruble)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

37.2

'

'

'

'

41.8

'

'

'

'

'

US dollar-denominated contractual commitments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$25,000,000

$45,700,000

$9,100,000

'

Dividend declared (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.18

'

'

'

'

Dividend Payable Amount

20,763,000

20,763,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,300,000

'

'

'

'

US dollar-denominated cash and cash deposits

'

65,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivative liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of goodwill

112,427,000

112,427,000

135,276,000

42,800,000

21,600,000

47,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of broadcasting licenses

41,400,000

41,400,000

'

6,700,000

8,700,000

21,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying amount

'

'

'

'

'

7.00%

48.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Financial Instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency gains (losses) designated as hedging instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges on consolidated statement of income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

192,100,000

'

56,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of outstanding economic hedges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency gains not designated as hedging instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_2

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details 2)

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

USD ($)

Broadcasting licenses

Broadcasting licenses, indefinite lived

Broadcasting licenses, indefinite lived

Broadcasting licenses, indefinite lived

Broadcasting licenses, indefinite lived

Acquisition of programming rights

Transmission and satellite fees

Leasehold obligations

Network affiliation agreements

Payments for intellectual rights

Other contractual obligations

Advance towards construction of digital infrastructure

Advance towards construction of digital infrastructure

Broadcasting licenses

Broadcasting licenses

Broadcasting licenses

Broadcasting licenses

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

50- coverage

Broadcasting licenses, indefinite lived

item

item

USD ($)

50+ coverage

USD ($)

Broadcasting licenses

USD ($)

50- coverage

RUB

Purchase Commitments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Through 2014

$91,727,000

'

'

'

'

'

$82,879,000

$4,967,000

$1,626,000

$678,000

$464,000

$1,113,000

'

390,000,000

2015

120,722,000

'

'

'

'

'

84,077,000

20,761,000

6,773,000

2,868,000

1,964,000

4,279,000

'

644,000,000

2016

50,386,000

'

'

'

'

'

12,599,000

21,414,000

6,965,000

3,025,000

2,072,000

4,311,000

'

271,000,000

2017

38,420,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,739,000

7,225,000

3,183,000

2,180,000

4,093,000

'

68,000,000

2018

36,826,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,999,000

5,908,000

3,344,000

2,284,000

4,291,000

'

51,000,000

2019

23,829,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,835,000

6,173,000

968,000

2,358,000

4,495,000

'

'

Total

361,910,000

'

'

'

'

'

179,555,000

99,715,000

34,670,000

14,066,000

11,322,000

22,582,000

'

1,424,000,000

Period of transmission agreements with the Russian television and radio network (RTRS), a transmission provider

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of viewers in Russia

'

'

'

141,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Threshold population of cities for digital broadcasting

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Digital transmission expenses

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exchange rate (in ruble)

39.4

39.39

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Analog-to-digital transmission expenses

'

'

'

'

24,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other non-current assets

$24,776,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,300,000

'

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Details

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item		item
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Russian-based television channels	3	'	3	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	$158,567	$171,084	$529,126	$572,386	'
Operating income / (loss)	44,260	44,187	131,019	135,766	'
Identifiable assets	828,164	925,063	828,164	925,063	970,976
Depreciation and amortization	-6,369	-8,150	-21,021	-24,973	'
Programming expenses	-63,350	-69,738	-227,581	-252,368	'
Business segment results	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	158,567	171,084	529,126	572,386	'
Intersegment revenue	404	349	1,211	1,214	'
Operating income / (loss)	44,260	44,187	131,019	135,766	'
Identifiable assets	858,065	968,488	858,065	968,488	'
Depreciation and amortization	-6,369	-8,150	-21,021	-24,973	'
Programming expenses	-63,350	-69,738	-227,581	-252,368	'
Business segment results | CTC Channel	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	109,140	119,329	374,257	403,794	'
Intersegment revenue	333	315	991	883	'
Operating income / (loss)	38,930	42,536	117,177	130,486	'
Identifiable assets	538,891	588,905	538,891	588,905	'
Depreciation and amortization	-1,648	-2,211	-5,730	-6,832	'
Programming expenses	-43,247	-47,525	-163,415	-178,906	'
Business segment results | Domashny Channel	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	26,100	26,099	82,051	85,559	'
Intersegment revenue	27	29	81	161	'
Operating income / (loss)	7,978	3,636	19,823	13,373	'
Identifiable assets	88,687	108,173	88,687	108,173	'
Depreciation and amortization	-1,269	-1,956	-4,569	-5,870	'
Programming expenses	-10,326	-12,289	-34,405	-40,436	'
Business segment results | Peretz Channel	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	15,108	17,115	50,966	59,018	'
Intersegment revenue	2	5	6	9	'
Operating income / (loss)	125	1,166	2,479	2,856	'
Identifiable assets	117,436	149,475	117,436	149,475	'
Depreciation and amortization	-2,108	-2,863	-7,120	-8,898	'
Programming expenses	-7,394	-6,788	-22,670	-23,981	'
Business segment results | Channel 31	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	5,226	6,409	13,761	17,355	'
Intersegment revenue	21	'	67	'	'
Operating income / (loss)	1,185	1,167	1,673	2,762	'
Identifiable assets	19,870	25,014	19,870	25,014	'
Depreciation and amortization	-620	-721	-1,898	-2,198	'
Programming expenses	-2,213	-3,118	-6,713	-8,543	'
Business segment results | All Other	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Operating revenue from external customers	2,993	2,132	8,091	6,660	'
Intersegment revenue	21	'	66	161	'
Operating income / (loss)	-3,958	-4,318	-10,133	-13,711	'
Identifiable assets	93,181	96,921	93,181	96,921	'
Depreciation and amortization	-724	-399	-1,704	-1,175	'
Programming expenses	-170	-18	-378	-502	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'	'
Segment information	'	'	'	'	'
Intersegment revenue	-404	-349	-1,211	-1,214	'
Identifiable assets	($29,901)	($43,425)	($29,901)	($43,425)	'

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 27, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified		Subsequent Event
		Dividend declared
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	'	'
Dividend declared (in dollars per share)	'	$0.18
Dividend Payable Amount	$20,763	$27,300