Grizzly Merger Sub 1 (GLIBP) 10-K 26 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
			Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Type	'10-K	'	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GENERAL COMMUNICATION INC	'	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000808461	'	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'	'
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	'	38,356,000	3,162,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	$103,420,000	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$44,971	$24,491
Receivables (including $28,000 from a related party at December 31, 2013)	228,372	150,436
Less allowance for doubtful receivables	2,346	3,215
Net receivables	226,026	147,221
Inventories	10,347	12,098
Deferred income taxes	39,753	12,897
Prepaid expenses	7,725	8,441
Other current assets	230	1,678
Total current assets	329,052	206,826
Property and equipment in service, net of depreciation	969,578	838,247
Construction in progress	87,476	94,418
Net property and equipment	1,057,054	932,665
Goodwill	219,041	77,294
Cable certificates	191,635	191,635
Wireless licenses	91,400	25,967
Other intangible assets, net of amortization	71,435	16,560
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, net of amortization of $6,545 and $4,554 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	12,129	11,189
Other assets	40,061	44,386
Total other assets	625,701	367,031
Total assets	2,011,807	1,506,522
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt and capital leases	9,301	7,923
Accounts payable (including $11,200 to a related party at December 31, 2013)	65,095	52,384
Accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	29,855	19,440
Deferred revenue	27,586	25,218
Accrued liabilities	14,359	15,242
Accrued interest	7,088	6,786
Subscriber deposits	1,326	1,366
Total current liabilities	154,610	128,359
Long-term debt, net	1,045,144	875,123
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities	66,261	72,725
Obligation under capital lease due to related party, excluding current maturity	1,880	1,892
Deferred income taxes	161,476	123,661
Long-term deferred revenue	88,259	89,815
Other liabilities	36,823	25,511
Total liabilities	1,554,453	1,317,086
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'
Paid-in capital	26,880	25,832
Retained earnings	116,990	107,584
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity	157,144	157,178
Non-controlling interests	300,210	32,258
Total stockholdersb equity	457,354	189,436
Total liabilities and stockholdersb equity	2,011,807	1,506,522
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'
Common stock (no par)	11,467	22,703
Less cost of 90 and 177 Class A common shares held in treasury at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-866	-1,617
Total stockholdersb equity	11,467	22,703
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Stockholdersb equity:	'	'
Common stock (no par)	2,673	2,676
Total stockholdersb equity	$2,673	$2,676

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable from related parties	$28,000	'
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, accumulated amortization	6,545	4,554
Accounts payable from related parties	$11,200	'
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Common stock, no par (USD per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,299,000	38,534,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	37,209,000	38,357,000
Treasury stock, shares	90,000	177,000
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'
Common stock, no par (USD per share)	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,165,000	3,169,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,165,000	3,169,000

CONSOLIDATED_INCOME_STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:	'	'	'
Non-related party	$782,971	$710,181	$679,381
Related party	28,677	0	0
Total revenues	811,648	710,181	679,381
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):	'	'	'
Non-related party	275,701	247,501	227,399
Related party	4,761	0	0
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):	280,462	247,501	227,399
Selling, general and administrative expenses	271,065	243,248	235,521
Depreciation and amortization expense	147,259	130,452	125,937
Operating income	112,862	88,980	90,524
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense (including amortization of deferred loan fees)	-69,725	-67,747	-68,258
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-103	0	-9,111
Other	-350	17	-264
Other expense, net	-70,178	-67,730	-77,633
Income before income tax expense	42,684	21,250	12,891
Income tax expense	-10,957	-12,088	-7,405
Net income	31,727	9,162	5,486
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	22,321	-511	-238
Net income attributable to General Communication, Inc.	9,406	9,673	5,724
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Net income attributable to General Communication, Inc.	8,678	8,938	5,323
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.13
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.12
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Net income attributable to General Communication, Inc.	$728	$735	$401
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'
Basic net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.13
Diluted net income attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$0.23	$0.23	$0.12

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_STO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Class A and B Shares Held in Treasury [Member]	Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Non-controlling Interests [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2010	$199,099	($2,249)	$37,075	$92,200	$0	$2,677	$69,396
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	5,486	'	'	5,724	-238	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-55,661	'	'	'	'	'	-55,685
Common stock repurchases and retirements	'	24	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock option plan	947	'	'	'	'	'	947
Issuance of restricted stock awards	0	'	-11,523	'	'	'	-11,523
Share-based compensation expense	7,243	'	7,243	'	'	'	'
Investment by non-controlling interests	16,546	'	'	'	16,546	'	'
Other	-13	0	'	-13	'	2	-2
Ending balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2011	173,647	-2,225	32,795	97,911	16,308	2,679	26,179
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	9,162	'	'	9,673	-511	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-17,611	'	'	'	'	'	-17,701
Common stock repurchases and retirements	'	90	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock option plan	2,118	'	'	'	'	'	2,118
Issuance of restricted stock awards	0	'	-12,104	'	'	'	-12,104
Share-based compensation expense	5,072	'	5,072	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury shares related to deferred compensation payment	580	511	69	'	'	'	'
Investment by non-controlling interests	16,461	'	'	'	16,461	'	'
Other	7	7	'	0	'	-3	3
Ending balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2012	189,436	-1,617	25,832	107,584	32,258	2,676	22,703
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	31,727	'	'	9,406	22,321	'	'
Common stock repurchases and retirements	-17,208	'	'	'	'	'	-17,338
Common stock repurchases and retirements	'	130	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under stock option plan	622	'	'	'	'	'	622
Issuance of restricted stock awards	0	'	-5,477	'	'	'	-5,477
Share-based compensation expense	6,525	'	6,525	'	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury shares related to deferred compensation payment	621	621	0	'	'	'	'
Investment by non-controlling interests	267,642	'	'	'	267,642	'	'
Distribution to non-controlling interests	-22,011	'	'	'	-22,011	'	'
Other	0	0	'	'	'	-3	3
Ending balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2013	$457,354	($866)	$26,880	$116,990	$300,210	$2,673	$11,467

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$31,727	$9,162	$5,486
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	147,259	130,452	125,937
Deferred income tax expense	10,957	12,088	7,405
Share-based compensation expense	6,638	5,040	6,620
Loss on extinguishment of debt	103	0	9,111
Other noncash income and expense items	5,128	6,651	8,555
Change in operating assets and liabilities	-42,178	-10,610	-28,680
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations	159,634	152,783	134,434
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-180,554	-146,038	-177,090
Purchase of businesses, net of cash received	-107,600	-1,874	-352
Restricted cash	23,997	-25,244	-16,621
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets	-6,027	-6,152	-5,423
Grant proceeds	2,405	10,403	35,060
Other	1,428	0	233
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations	-266,351	-168,905	-164,193
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility	261,000	70,000	142,000
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	-98,152	-64,540	-429,626
Distribution to non-controlling interest	-17,845	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock to be retired	-17,208	-17,611	-55,661
Payment of debt issuance costs	-2,990	0	-3,603
Borrowing of other long-term debt	1,770	4,729	35,201
Proceeds from stock option exercises	622	2,118	947
Investment by non-controlling interests	0	16,461	16,546
Issuance of Senior Notes	0	0	325,000
Payment of Senior Notes call premiums	0	0	-4,728
Other	0	69	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations	127,197	11,226	26,076
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	20,480	-4,896	-3,683
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,491	29,387	33,070
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$44,971	$24,491	$29,387

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

'

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

'

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles

In the following discussion, General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”) and its direct and indirect subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us” and “our.”

(a)

Business

GCI, an Alaska corporation, was incorporated in 1979. We offer the following services primarily in Alaska:

•

Postpaid and prepaid wireless telephone services and sale of wireless telephone handsets and accessories,

•

Video services,

•

Internet access services,

•

Wholesale wireless, including postpaid and prepaid wireless plans for resale by other carriers and roaming for certain wireless carriers,

•

Origination and termination of wireline traffic for certain common carriers,

•

Local and long-distance telephone service,

•

Data network services,

•

Broadband services, including our SchoolAccess® offering to rural school districts, our ConnectMD® offering to rural hospitals and health clinics, and managed video conferencing,

•

Managed services to certain commercial customers,

•

Sales and service of dedicated communications systems and related equipment, and

•

Lease, service arrangements and maintenance of capacity on our fiber optic cable systems used in the transmission of services within Alaska and between Alaska and the remaining United States and foreign countries.

(b)

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of GCI and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Alaska Wireless Network, LLC ("AWN") of which we own a two-third interest and four variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we are the primary beneficiary after providing certain loans and guarantees and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  These VIEs are Terra GCI Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF”), Terra GCI 2 Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 2”), Terra GCI 2-USB Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 2-USB”) and Terra GCI 3 Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 3”).  TIF became a VIE on August 30, 2011.  TIF 2 and TIF 2-USB became VIEs on October 3, 2012.  TIF 3 became a VIE on December 11, 2012.  We also include in our consolidated financial statements non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for which our ownership is less than 100 percent.  All significant intercompany transactions between non-regulated affiliates of our company are eliminated.   Intercompany transactions generated between regulated and non-regulated affiliates of our company are not eliminated in consolidation.

(c)

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling interests represent the equity ownership interests in consolidated subsidiaries not owned by us.  Non-controlling interests are adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest partners of the consolidated entities.  Income and loss is allocated to the non-controlling interests based on the respective partnership agreements.

(d)

Acquisitions

AWN

On July 22, 2013, we closed the transactions under the Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement (“Wireless Agreement”) and other related agreements entered into on June 4, 2012 by and among Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“ACS”), GCI, ACS Wireless, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ACS, GCI Wireless Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, and AWN, pursuant to which the parties agreed to contribute the respective wireless network assets of GCI, ACS and their affiliates to AWN. AWN provides wholesale services to GCI and ACS. GCI and ACS use the AWN network in order to continue to sell services to their respective retail customers. GCI and ACS continue to compete against each other and other wireless providers in the retail wireless market.

Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we contributed our wireless network assets and certain rights to use capacity to AWN. Additionally, ACS contributed its wireless network assets and certain rights to use capacity to AWN. As consideration for the contributed business assets and liabilities, ACS received $100.0 million in cash from GCI, a one-third ownership interest in AWN and entitlements to receive preferential cash distributions totaling $190.0 million over the first four years of AWN’s operations ("Preference Period") contingent on the future cash flows of AWN. The preferential cash distribution is cumulative and may be paid beyond the Preference Period until the entire $190.0 million is paid. We believe ACS's preferential cash distributions are expected to be higher than that which they would receive from their one-third interest. We received a two-third ownership interest in AWN, as well as entitlements to receive all remaining cash distributions after ACS’s preferential cash distributions during the Preference Period. The distributions to each member are subject to adjustment based on the number of ACS and GCI wireless subscribers, with the aggregate adjustment capped at $21.8 million for each member over the Preference Period. Following the Preference Period, we and ACS will receive distributions proportional to our ownership interests.

We accounted for the acquisition of AWN using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations with GCI treated as the acquiring entity. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities contributed by ACS were recorded at estimated fair values as of July 23, 2013, using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805, Business Combinations. We used a combination of the discounted cash flows and market method to value the wireless licenses. We used the cost approach to value the acquired fixed assets and rights to use capacity assets. We used a discounted cash flow method to determine the fair value of the non-controlling interest. The assets and liabilities contributed to AWN by GCI were measured at their carrying amount immediately prior to the contribution as GCI is maintaining control over the assets and liabilities.

We have not completed our analysis of the valuation, therefore, the amounts recorded and classifications used for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are provisional and subject to change. We will finalize the amounts recognized as we obtain the information necessary to complete our analysis. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and the estimated fair value of ACS’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, effective July 23, 2013 (amounts in thousands):

Purchase price:

Cash consideration paid

$

100,000

Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN

267,642

Total purchase price

$

367,642

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Acquired assets

Current assets

$

16,952

Property and equipment, including construction in progress

82,473

Goodwill

140,081

Wireless licenses

65,433

Rights to use capacity

52,636

Other assets

16,078

Fair value of liabilities assumed

(6,011

)

Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed

$

367,642

Goodwill in the amount of $140.1 million was recorded as a result of the acquisition and assigned to our Wireless segment. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the estimated future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. The goodwill is primarily the result of synergies expected from the combination. Other assets is primarily comprised of future capacity receivable.

The acquisition resulted in additional revenues of $50.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. It is impracticable for us to determine the amount of earnings of the acquired business included in our Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended December 31, 2013, due to the significant transfer of personnel, fixed assets and other expenses into and between newly created and historical cost centers that has occurred subsequent to the acquisition.

Unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of the actual results that would have occurred if the acquisition had actually been completed on January 1, 2012, nor is it necessarily indicative of the future revenue of the combined company. The following unaudited pro forma financial information is presented as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012 (amounts in thousands):

(unaudited)

Years Ended

December 31, 2013

2013

2012

Pro forma consolidated revenue

$

897,270

848,676

Supplemental pro forma earnings have not been provided as it would be impracticable due to the nature of GCI's and ACS's respective wireless operations prior to the business combination. GCI and ACS were unable to disaggregate the components of expenses related to their wireless operations contributed to AWN and thus the amounts would require estimates so significant that the resulting information would not be meaningful.

Transaction costs of $1.8 million and $2.9 million were recorded in selling, general and administrative expense in the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Denali Media Holdings

Effective November 1, 2013 we closed the transactions under the asset purchase agreements, pursuant to which Denali Media Holdings, Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Denali Media Anchorage, Corp. and Denali Media Southeast, Corp., agreed to purchase three Alaska broadcast stations: CBS affiliate KTVA-TV of Anchorage and NBC affiliates KATH-TV in Juneau and KSCT-TV of Sitka, for a total of $7.6 million (“Media Agreements”). We accounted for the acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations with GCI treated as the acquiring entity. We consider these business combinations to be immaterial to our consolidated financial statements.

(e)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

There were various updates recently issued which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries. None of the updates are expected to a have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

(f)

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-2, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” allows an entity to assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired and thus whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with GAAP.  The adoption of ASU 2012-2 on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

ASU 2012-4, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” includes amendments that cover a wide range of topics in the ASC. These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the ASC and conforming amendments related to fair value measurements.  The adoption of ASU 2012-4 on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.

(g)

Regulatory Accounting

We account for our regulated operations in accordance with the accounting principles for regulated enterprises.  This accounting recognizes the economic effects of rate regulation by recording cost and a return on investment as such amounts are recovered through rates authorized by regulatory authorities.  Accordingly, plant and equipment is depreciated over lives approved by regulators and certain costs and obligations are deferred based upon approvals received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in future years.  Our cost studies and depreciation rates for our regulated operations are subject to periodic audits that could result in a change to recorded revenues.

(h)

Earnings per Common Share

We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method.  Therefore, basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  The computation of the dilutive net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, while the dilutive net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. Additionally, in applying the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. Our restricted stock grants are entitled to dividends and meet the criteria of a participating security.

Undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.  In accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, if and when dividends are declared on our common stock in accordance with Alaska corporate law, equivalent dividends shall be paid with respect to the shares of Class A and Class B common stock. Both classes of common stock have identical dividend rights and would therefore share equally in our net assets in the event of liquidation. As such, we have allocated undistributed earnings on a proportionate basis.

Earnings per common share (“EPS”) and common shares used to calculate basic and diluted EPS consist of the following (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

Year Ended

31-Dec-13

Class A

Class B

Basic net income per share:

Numerator:

Allocation of undistributed earnings

$

8,678

728

Denominator:

Weighted average common shares outstanding

37,732

3,166

Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share

$

0.23

0.23

Diluted net income per share:

Numerator:

Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation

$

8,678

728

Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares

728

—

Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares

—

(3

)

Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings

$

9,406

725

Denominator:

Number of shares used in basic computation

37,732

3,166

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

3,166

—

Unexercised stock options

142

—

Number of shares used in per share computation

41,040

3,166

Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share

$

0.23

0.23

Years Ended December 31,

2012

2011

Class A

Class B

Class A

Class B

Basic net income per share:

Numerator:

Allocation of undistributed earnings

$

8,938

735

$

5,323

401

Denominator:

Weighted average common shares outstanding

38,560

3,170

42,175

3,175

Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share

$

0.23

0.23

$

0.13

0.13

Diluted net income per share:

Numerator:

Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation

$

8,938

735

$

5,323

401

Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares

735

—

401

—

Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities

—

(8

)

—

(30

)

Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares

(13

)

—

(367

)

—

Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares

$

9,660

727

$

5,357

371

Denominator:

Number of shares used in basic computation

38,560

3,170

42,175

3,175

Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding

3,170

—

3,175

—

Unexercised stock options

158

—

322

—

Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares

231

—

217

—

Number of shares used in per share computation

42,119

3,170

45,889

3,175

Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share

$

0.23

0.23

$

0.12

0.12

Weighted average shares associated with outstanding share awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS, because the effect of including these share awards would have been anti-dilutive, consist of the following (shares, in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Shares associated with anti-dilutive unexercised stock options

86

88

38

Share-based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares, the effect of which is anti-dilutive

90

—

—

Shares associated with contingent awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the contingencies of these awards have not been met at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, consist of the following (shares in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Shares associated with contingent awards

—

58

34

(i)

Common Stock

Following are the changes in issued common stock for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (shares, in thousands):

Class A

Class B

Balances at January 1, 2011

44,213

3,178

Class B shares converted to Class A

7

(7

)

Shares issued upon stock option exercises

163

—

Share awards issued

460

—

Shares retired

(5,244

)

—

Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements

(287

)

—

Other

(16

)

—

Balances at December 31, 2011

39,296

3,171

Class B shares converted to Class A

2

(2

)

Shares issued upon stock option exercises

320

—

Share awards issued

731

—

Shares retired

(1,469

)

—

Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements

(337

)

—

Other

(9

)

—

Balances at December 31, 2012

38,534

3,169

Class B shares converted to Class A

4

(4

)

Shares issued upon stock option exercises

87

—

Share awards issued

680

—

Shares retired

(1,859

)

—

Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements

(147

)

—

Balances at December 31, 2013

37,299

3,165

GCI’s Board of Directors has authorized a common stock buyback program for the repurchase of GCI’s Class A and Class B common stock in order to reduce the outstanding shares of Class A and Class B common stock.  Under the common stock buyback plan approved by GCI’s Board of Directors in 2010 we were authorized to repurchase up to $200.0 million worth of GCI common stock, to increase our repurchase limit $5.0 million per quarter indefinitely and to use stock option exercise proceeds to repurchase additional shares.  If stock repurchases are less than the total approved quarterly amount the difference may be carried forward and used to repurchase additional shares in future quarters.  The cost of the repurchased common stock reduced Common Stock on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 we repurchased 1.8 million, 1.5 million and 5.2 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $15.6 million, $14.0 million and $52.6 million, respectively.  Under this program we are currently authorized to make up to $106.0 million of repurchases as of December 31, 2013.  The repurchased stock was constructively retired as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

We expect to continue the repurchases for an indefinite period dependent on leverage, liquidity, company performance, and market conditions and subject to continued oversight by GCI’s Board of Directors.

(j)

Redeemable Preferred Stock

We have 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized with no shares issued and outstanding at years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(k)

Treasury Stock

We account for treasury stock purchased for general corporate purposes under the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of Stockholders’ Equity.  Treasury stock purchased with intent to retire (whether or not the retirement is actually accomplished) is charged to Class A or Class B Common Stock.

(l)

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of certificates of deposit which have an original maturity of three months or less at the date acquired and are readily convertible into cash.

(m)

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful receivables is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base our estimates on the aging of our accounts receivable balances, financial health of specific customers, regional economic data, changes in our collections process, regulatory requirements and our customers’ compliance with Universal Service Administrative Company rules. We review our allowance for doubtful receivables methodology at least annually.

Depending upon the type of account receivable our allowance is calculated using a pooled basis with an allowance for all accounts greater than 120 days past due or a specific identification method.  When a specific identification method is used, potentially uncollectible accounts due to bankruptcy or other issues are reviewed individually for collectability.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

(n)

Inventories

Wireless handset inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Cost is determined using the average cost method. Handset costs in excess of the revenues generated from handset sales, or handset subsidies, are expensed at the time of sale. We do not recognize the expected handset subsidies prior to the time of sale because the promotional discount decision is made at the point of sale and/or because we expect to recover the handset subsidies through service revenue.

Inventories of other merchandise for resale and parts are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the average cost method.

(o)

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Construction costs of facilities are capitalized. Equipment financed under capital leases is recorded at the lower of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments at inception of the lease. Construction in progress represents transmission equipment and support equipment and systems not placed in service on December 31, 2013, that management intends to place in service during 2014.

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term, if applicable, in the following ranges:

Asset Category

Asset Lives

Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities

5-20 years

Fiber optic cable systems

15-25 years

Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities

5-30 years

Support equipment and systems

3-20 years

Transportation equipment

5-13 years

Property and equipment under capital leases

12-20 years

Buildings

25 years

Customer premise equipment

2-20 years

Studio equipment

10-15 years

Amortization of property and equipment under capital leases is included in Depreciation and Amortization Expense on the Consolidated Income Statements.

Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Accumulated depreciation is removed and gains or losses are recognized at the time of sales or other dispositions of property and equipment.

(p)

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Goodwill, cable certificates (certificates of convenience and public necessity), wireless licenses and broadcast licenses are not amortized. Cable certificates represent certain perpetual operating rights to provide cable services. Wireless licenses represent the right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services.  Broadcast licenses represent the right to broadcast television stations in certain areas. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired in connection with a business acquisition.

All other amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over 2 to 20 year periods using the straight-line method.

(q)

Impairment of Intangibles, Goodwill, and Long-lived Assets

Cable certificates, wireless licenses and broadcast licenses are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  We are allowed to assess qualitative factors (“Step Zero”) in our annual test over our indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new accounting basis.  Impairment testing of our cable certificate and wireless license assets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, used a direct discounted cash flow method.  This approach requires us to make estimates and assumptions including projected cash flows and discount rates.  These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such impairment charge. We did not perform an impairment test on our broadcast license assets during 2013 since we acquired them in November 2013 when we acquired the television stations pursuant to the Media Agreement.

Our goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.  In our annual test of goodwill we are allowed to use Step Zero to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired.  We chose not to apply Step Zero and chose to test for goodwill impairment using the traditional quantitative two-step process.  The first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount.  To determine our reporting units, we evaluate the components one level below the segment level and we aggregate the components if they have similar economic characteristics. As a result of this assessment, our reporting units are the same as our two reportable segments. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination.  We use an income approach to determine the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of our goodwill impairment test.  In addition, a market-based approach is used where possible to corroborate the fair values determined by the income approach.  The income approach requires us to make estimates and assumptions including projected cash flows and discount rates.  These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such impairment charge.

We completed our annual review and no impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group.  If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group.

(r)

Amortization and Write-off of Loan Fees

Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method. If a refinancing or amendment of a debt instrument is a substantial modification, all or a portion of the applicable debt issuance costs are written off.  If a debt instrument is repaid prior to the maturity date we will write-off a proportional amount of debt issuance costs.

(s)

Other Assets

Other Assets primarily include future capacity receivable, broadcast licenses, restricted cash, long-term deposits, prepayments, and non-trade accounts receivable.

Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we acquired from ACS the rights to use additional network capacity which we may draw down in the future. The applicable portion of the future capacity receivable asset will be reclassified to the rights to use capacity asset when the capacity is placed in service and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining 20 year period.

(t)

Asset Retirement Obligations

We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, changes in the liability for an asset retirement obligation resulting from revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized.  Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.  Upon settlement of the liability, we either settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement.

The majority of our asset retirement obligations are the estimated cost to remove telephony transmission equipment and support equipment from leased property.  Following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of our liability for asset retirement obligations (amounts in thousands):

Balance at December 31, 2011

$

15,223

Liability incurred

660

Accretion expense

508

Liability settled

(111

)

Balance at December 31, 2012

16,280

Liability incurred

5,292

Additions upon the close of AWN

5,218

Accretion expense

77

Liability settled

(65

)

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

26,802

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded additional capitalized costs of $10.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in Property and Equipment in Service, Net of Depreciation.

Certain of our network facilities are on property that requires us to have a permit and the permit contains provisions requiring us to remove our network facilities in the event the permit is not renewed.  We expect to continually renew our permits and therefore cannot estimate any liabilities associated with such agreements.  A remote possibility exists that we would not be able to successfully renew a permit, which could result in us incurring significant expense in complying with restoration or removal provisions.

(u)

Revenue Recognition

All revenues are recognized when the earnings process is complete. Revenue recognition is as follows:

•

Revenues generated from long-distance service usage and plan fees, Internet service excess usage, and managed services are recognized when the services are provided,

•

We recognize unbilled revenues when the service is provided based upon minutes of use processed, and/or established rates, net of credits and adjustments,

•

Video service package fees, local access and Internet service plan fees, and data network revenues are billed in advance, recorded as Deferred Revenue on the balance sheet, and are recognized as the associated service is provided,

•

Certain of our wireless services offerings have been determined to be revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Revenues are recognized as each element is earned based on objective evidence regarding the relative fair value of each element and when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements. Revenues generated from wireless service usage and plan fees are recognized when the services are provided. Revenues generated from the sale of wireless handsets and accessories are recognized when title to the handset and accessories passes to the customer. As the non-refundable, up-front activation fee charged to the customer does not meet the criteria as a separate unit of accounting, we allocate the additional arrangement consideration received from the activation fee to the handset (the delivered item) to the extent that the aggregate handset and activation fee proceeds do not exceed the fair value of the handset. Any activation fees not allocated to the handset would be deferred upon activation and recognized as service revenue on a straight-line basis over the expected customer relationship period,

•

The majority of our equipment sale transactions involve the sale of communications equipment with no other services involved. Such equipment is subject to standard manufacturer warranties and we do not manufacture any of the equipment we sell. In such instances, the customer takes title to the equipment generally upon delivery. We recognize revenue for such transactions when title passes to the customer and the revenue is earned and realizable. On certain occasions we enter into agreements to sell and satisfactorily install or integrate telecommunications equipment for a fixed fee. Customers may have refund rights if the installed equipment does not meet certain performance criteria. We defer revenue recognition until we have received customer acceptance per the contract or agreement, and all other required revenue recognition elements have been achieved. Revenues from contracts with multiple element arrangements, such as those including installation and integration services, are recognized as each element is earned based on objective evidence regarding the relative fair value of each element and when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements,

•

Technical services revenues are derived primarily from maintenance contracts on equipment and are recognized on a prorated basis over the term of the contracts,

•

We account for fiber capacity Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRU") agreements as an operating lease or service arrangement and we defer the revenue and recognize it ratably over the life of the IRU or as service is rendered,

•

Access revenue is recognized when earned.  We participate in access revenue pools with other telephone companies.  Such pools are funded by toll revenue and/or access charges regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska ("RCA") within the intrastate jurisdiction and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) within the interstate jurisdiction. Much of the interstate access revenue is initially recorded based on estimates. These estimates are derived from interim financial information, available separation studies and the most recent information available about achieved rates of return. These estimates are subject to adjustment in future accounting periods as additional information becomes available. To the extent that a dispute arises over revenue settlements, our policy is to defer revenue recognition until the dispute is resolved,

•

We receive grant revenue for the purpose of building communication infrastructure in rural areas.  We defer the revenue and recognize it over the life of the asset that was constructed using grant funds.

•

We pay cash incentives to ACS when wireless handsets are sold to their retail wireless customers and this incentive is recorded as an offset to revenue, and

•

Other revenues are recognized when the service is provided.

In October 2013 and February 2014 two of our customers received notices of denial and funding changes from the Rural Health Care Division of USAC related to certain services we provided during 2013.  In 2013 one customer filed an appeal with the FCC and we expect the other customer to file an FCC appeal in 2014.  We recognized $5.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, and because we believe our customers are in compliance with program rules, we expect our customers will prevail in their appeals we have not reduced our revenue recognition during the year ended December 31, 2013.

As an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier ("ETC"), we receive support from the Universal Service Fund ("USF") to support the provision of wireline local access and wireless service in high cost areas. In November 2011, the FCC published a final rule to reform the methodology for distributing USF high cost support for voice and broadband services, as well as to the access charge regime for terminating traffic between carriers (“High Cost Order”). The High Cost Order segregated the support methodology for Remote areas in Alaska from the support methodology for other urban areas, including Alaska Urban locations. The High Cost Order was a significant program change that required a reassessment of our high cost support revenue recognition.

Prior to the High Cost Order program changes, we accrued Remote and Urban estimated program revenue quarterly based on current line counts, the most current rates paid to us, our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations, and our assessment of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue was subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and was subject to upward or downward adjustments in subsequent periods.

Remote High Cost Support

The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, the annual available Remote high cost support is based upon the 2011 support disbursed to Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“CETCs”) (“Statewide Support Cap”) providing supported services in Remote Alaska, except AT&T. On January 1, 2012, the per-line rates paid in the Remote areas were frozen by the USF and cannot exceed $250 per line per month on a study area basis. Line count growth that causes support to exceed the Statewide Support Cap triggers a pro rata support payment reduction to all subject Alaska CETCs until the support is reduced to the Statewide Support Cap amount.

In the Third Order on Reconsideration issued in May 2012 the FCC determined that Remote support will continue to be based on line counts until the later of June 30, 2014, or the last full month prior to the implementation of a successor funding mechanism. If a successor funding mechanism is operational on July 1, 2014, a 20% annual phase down will commence decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2018. If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will not begin and the subject CETCs will continue to receive per-line based support (subject to the Statewide Support Cap) until a successor funding mechanism is operational. A subject CETC may not receive both phase down support and support from a successor funding mechanism; one program or the other must be selected. At December 31, 2013, we believe implementation of a successor funding mechanism prior to January 2015 is unlikely.

As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated Remote by the FCC, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 we accrue estimated program revenue based on current line counts and the frozen per-line rates, reduced as needed by our estimate of the impact of the Statewide Support Cap. When determining the estimated program revenue accrual, we also consider our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations and of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue is subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and is subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.

Urban High Cost Support

The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, Urban high cost support payments are frozen at the monthly average of the subject CETC’s 2011 annual support. Urban high cost support is no longer dependent upon line counts. A 20% annual phase down commenced July 1, 2012, decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2016. If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will stop at 60% and the subject CETCs will continue to receive annual support payments at the 60% level until a successor funding mechanism is operational. At December 31, 2013, we believe implementation of a successor funding mechanism prior to January 2015 is unlikely.

As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated as Urban by the FCC, we apply the proportional performance revenue recognition method to account for the impact of the declining payments while our level of service provided and associated costs remain constant. Included in the calculation are the scheduled Urban high cost support payments from October 2011 through January 2017 net of our Urban accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2011. An equal amount of this result is recognized as Urban support revenue each period.

For both Remote and Urban high cost support revenue, our ability to collect our accrued USF support is contingent upon continuation of the USF program and upon our eligibility to participate in that program, which are subject to change by future regulatory, legislative or judicial actions. We adjust revenue and the account receivable in the period the FCC makes a program change or we assess the likelihood that such a change has increased or decreased revenue. We do not recognize revenue related to a particular service area until our ETC status has been approved by the RCA.

We recorded high cost support revenue under the USF program of $55.6 million, $42.8 million and $48.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  At December 31, 2013, we have $45.9 million and $0.5 million in Remote and Urban high cost accounts receivable, respectively.

(v)

Advertising Expense

We expense advertising costs in the period during which the first advertisement appears. Advertising expenses were $5.2 million, $4.9 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(w)

Leases

Scheduled operating lease rent increases are amortized over the expected lease term on a straight-line basis. Rent holidays are recognized on a straight-line basis over the operating lease term (including any rent holiday period).

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. We may amortize a leasehold improvement over a term that includes assumption of a lease renewal if the renewal is reasonably assured. Leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and are not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. Leasehold improvements made by us and funded by landlord incentives or allowances under an operating lease are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the lease term.

(x)

Interest Expense

Material interest costs incurred during the construction period of non-software capital projects are capitalized.  Interest costs incurred during the development period of a software capital project are capitalized.  Interest is capitalized in the period commencing with the first expenditure for a qualifying capital project and ending when the capital project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. We capitalized interest costs of $4.6 million, $2.8 million and $3.7 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

(y)

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for their future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable earnings in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.

(z)

Comprehensive Income

Total comprehensive income was equal to net income during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

(aa)

Share-based Payment Arrangements

Compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements for share-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Share-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term.

We are required to report the benefits associated with tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as a financing cash flow rather than as an operating cash flow.

(ab)

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us 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 items subject to estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful receivables, unbilled revenues, accrual of the USF high cost Remote area program support, share-based compensation, inventory at lower of cost or market, reserve for future customer credits, liability for incurred but not reported medical insurance claims, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, depreciable and amortizable lives of assets, the carrying value of long-lived assets including goodwill, cable certificates, wireless and broadcast licenses, our effective tax rate, purchase price allocations, deferred lease expense, asset retirement obligations, the accrual of Cost of Goods Sold, depreciation and the accrual of contingencies and litigation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accounting estimates related to revenues from the USF high cost Remote area program are dependent on various inputs including our estimate of the Statewide Support Cap, our assessment of the impact of new FCC regulations, and the potential outcome of FCC proceedings.  These inputs are subjective and based on our judgment regarding the outcome of certain variables and are subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.

(ac)

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Excess cash is invested in high quality short-term liquid money instruments. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in short-term liquid money instruments and the balances were in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits.

We do not have any major customers for the year ended December 31, 2013, see Note 10, “Industry Segment Data” of this Form 10-K.  Our customers are located primarily throughout Alaska. Because of this geographic concentration, our growth and operations depend upon economic conditions in Alaska.

(ad)

Software Capitalization Policy

Internally used software, whether purchased or developed, is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years. We capitalize certain costs associated with internally developed software such as payroll costs of employees devoting time to the projects and external direct costs for materials and services. Costs associated with internally developed software to be used internally are expensed until the point the project has reached the development stage. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The capitalization of software requires judgment in determining when a project has reached the development stage.

(ae)

Guarantees

Certain of our customers have guaranteed levels of service.  If an interruption in service occurs we do not recognize revenue for any portion of the monthly service fee that will be refunded to the customer or not billed to the customer due to these service level agreements.

Additionally, we have provided certain guarantees to U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (“US Bancorp”), our tax credit investor in our four VIEs.  We have guaranteed the delivery of $56.0 million of New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”) to US Bancorp, as well as certain loan and management fee payments between our subsidiaries and the VIEs, for which we are the primary beneficiary.  In the event that the tax credits are not delivered or certain payments not made, we are obligated to provide prompt and complete payment of these obligations.   Please refer to Note 12, Variable Interest Entities, of this Form 10-K, for more information about our NMTC transactions.

(af)

Classification of Taxes Collected from Customers

We report sales, use, excise, and value added taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between us and a customer on a net basis in our Consolidated Income Statements.  The following are certain surcharges reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Income Statements (amounts in thousands):

Years Ended December 31,

2013

2012

2011

Surcharges reported gross

$

4,644

5,401

5,408

(ag)

Reclassifications

Reclassifications have been made to the prior year's consolidated financial states to conform to classifications used in the current year.

Recovered_Sheet1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Supplemental Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures	'
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands):
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012		2011
	Increase in accounts receivable, net	$	(68,360	)	(9,386	)	(16,900	)
	(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	672			(350	)	(1,949	)
	(Increase) decrease in inventories	1,751			(4,576	)	(1,718	)
	Decrease in other current assets	1,448			1,953		309
	(Increase) decrease in other assets	(1,459		)	1,236		907
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	15,334			3,085		(1,373	)
	Increase in deferred revenues	2,368			3,215		4,707
	Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	10,263			(2,750	)	(102	)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	(883		)	3,043		(1,733	)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	302			106		(6,776	)
	Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits	(40		)	116		(21	)
	Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	(3,554		)	(5,001	)	(2,413	)
	Decrease in components of other long-term liabilities	(20		)	(1,301	)	(1,618	)
	Total change in operating assets and liabilities	$	(42,178	)	(10,610	)	(28,680	)
	The following items are for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
	Net cash paid or received:	2013			2012		2011
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	71,749		69,083		73,492
	The following items are non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012		2011
	Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment	$	17,230		9,010		7,233
	Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment	$	5,292		660		613
	Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares	$	621		511		—
	Net assets acquired with equity in AWN (see Note 1(d))	$	267,642		—		—

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables	'
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
	Receivables consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Trade	$	225,689	148,902
	Employee	1,037		703
	Other	1,646		831
	Total receivables	$	228,372	150,436
	As described in Note 1(u), Revenue Recognition, we receive support from each of the various USF programs: high cost, low income, rural health care, and schools and libraries.  This support was 19% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.  We had USF net receivables of $124.3 million and $70.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase is primarily due to ACS’s contribution of $14.2 million in USF receivables upon the close of the Wireless Agreement on July 22, 2013 and the receipt of $18.5 million in Rural Health payments from USF in January 2014.  The comparable 2012 Rural Health payment was received in 2012.
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful receivables during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):
				Additions			Deductions
	Description	Balance at beginning of year		Charged to costs and expenses	Charged to other accounts		Write-offs net of recoveries	Balance at end of year
	31-Dec-13	$	3,215	2,370	(446	)	2,793	2,346
	31-Dec-12	$	5,796	3,649	(2,261	)	3,969	3,215
	31-Dec-11	$	9,189	4,294	(29	)	7,658	5,796
	In 2012 we received notice that a 2010 appeal of a decision impacting our Rural Health Care Division support was successful and received payment of $1.6 million. The original reserve was recorded by reducing revenue therefore we recognized revenue and reduced our allowance upon winning the appeal and this amount is included in Additions - Charged to other accounts, during the year ended December 31, 2012.

Net_Property_and_Equipment_in_

Net Property and Equipment in Service	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Net Property and Equipment in Service	'
	Net Property and Equipment in Service
	Net property and equipment in service consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Land and buildings	$	69,984	60,928
	Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities	1,085,963		897,620
	Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities	177,410		155,122
	Studio equipment	12,680		—
	Support equipment and systems	245,301		217,637
	Transportation equipment	13,619		9,184
	Customer premise equipment	149,372		142,176
	Fiber optic cable systems	299,525		291,220
		2,053,854		1,773,887
	Less accumulated depreciation	1,042,724		901,398
	Less accumulated amortization	41,552		34,242
	Net property and equipment in service	$	969,578	838,247
	Property and equipment under capital leases	$	104,251	104,251

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	As of October 31, 2013, cable certificates, wireless licenses and goodwill were tested for impairment and the fair values were greater than the carrying amounts, therefore these intangible assets were determined not to be impaired at December 31, 2013.  The remaining useful lives of our cable certificates, wireless licenses, and goodwill were evaluated as of October 31, 2013, and events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life.  There are no indicators of impairment of our intangible assets subject to amortization as of December 31, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired $2.8 million in broadcast licenses from our acquisitions pursuant to the Media Agreements.
	Other Intangible Assets subject to amortization include the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Rights to use	$	55,407		—
	Software license fees	41,804			35,416
	Customer relationships	3,036			3,036
	Right-of-way	783			783
		101,030			39,235
	Less accumulated amortization	29,595			22,675
	Net other intangible assets	$	71,435		16,560
	Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we acquired from ACS rights to use capacity on its network and the associated maintenance on this network capacity for 20 years.
	Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Goodwill		Other Intangible Assets
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	74,883	15,835
	Contingent consideration to former shareholders of United Utilities, Inc.	2,411		—
	Asset additions	—		5,952
	Less amortization expense	—		5,227
	Balance at December 31, 2012	77,294		16,560
	Goodwill addition from AWN acquisition	140,080		—
	Goodwill addition from Denali Media acquisitions	1,667		—
	Asset additions	—		61,919
	Less amortization expense	—		7,044
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	219,041	71,435
	Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 follow (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Amortization expense	$	7,044		5,227	6,039
	Amortized intangible assets are definite-life assets, and as such, we record amortization expense based on a method that most appropriately reflects our expected cash flows from these assets. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives using the straight-line method, a weighted-average of 15.8 years.
	Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be (amounts in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,
	2014	$	8,196
	2015	6,670
	2016	5,006
	2017	3,880
	2018	3,054

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	2021 Notes (a)	$	325,000	325,000
	2019 Notes (b)	425,000		425,000
	Senior Credit Facility (c)	261,000		90,000
	Rural Utilities Service ("RUS") debt (d)	39,425		38,997
	CoBank Mortgage note payable	—		797
	Debt	1,050,425		879,794
	Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	2,445		2,743
	Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836		1,928
	Long-term debt, net	$	1,045,144	875,123
	(a)	We pay interest of 6.75% on notes that are due in 2021 ("2021 Notes"). The 2021 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2019 Notes, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.
	The 2021 Notes are not redeemable prior to June 1, 2016.  At any time on or after June 1, 2016, the 2021 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption:
	If redeemed during the twelve month period commencing June 1 of the year indicated:	Redemption Price
	2016	103.375	%
	2017	102.25	%
	2018	101.125	%
	2019 and thereafter	100	%
	The 2021 Notes mature on June 1, 2021.  Semi-annual interest payments are payable on June 1 and December 1.
	The 2021 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2011, between us and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee.
	We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2021 Notes.
	Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2021 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, except that no 2021 Note will be purchased in part if the remaining portion thereof would not be at least $2,000) of such holder’s 2021 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2021 Notes, if any.  If we or certain of our subsidiaries engage in asset sales, we must generally either invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in our business within a period of time, prepay debt under any outstanding credit facility, or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the 2021 Notes equal to the excess net cash proceeds, with the purchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
	The terms of the Indenture include customary affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the Indenture, the trustee or holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2021 Notes immediately due and payable.
	We paid closing costs totaling $3.6 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2021 Notes. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded a $9.1 million Loss on Extinguishment of Debt on our Consolidated Income Statement.  Included in the loss was $2.9 million in unamortized deferred loan costs, $1.5 million for the unamortized portion of the original issue discount and $4.7 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2014 Notes.
	We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2013.
	(b)	We pay interest of 8.63% on notes that are due in 2019 (“2019 Notes”).  The 2019 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with the existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2021 Notes described previously, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.  The 2019 Notes are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets net of the unamortized portion of the discount, which is being amortized to Interest Expense over the term of the 2019 Notes using the effective interest method and an effective interest rate of 9.09%.
	The 2019 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principle amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption:
	If redeemed during the twelve month period commencing November 15 of the year indicated:	Redemption Price
	2014	104.313	%
	2015	102.875	%
	2016	101.438	%
	2017 and thereafter	100	%
	The 2019 Notes mature on November 15, 2019.  Semi-annual interest payments are payable on May 15 and November 15 of each year.
	The 2019 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of November 3, 2009, between us and Union Bank, N.A., as trustee.
	We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2019 Notes.
	Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2019 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, except that no 2019 Note will be purchased in part if the remaining portion thereof would not be at least $2,000) of such holder’s 2019 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2019 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2019 Notes, if any.  If we or certain of our subsidiaries engage in asset sales, we must generally either invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in our business within a period of time, prepay debt under any outstanding credit facility, or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the 2019 Notes equal to the excess net cash proceeds, with the purchase price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.
	The terms of the Indenture include customary affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. At any time after the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under the Indenture, the trustee or holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2019 Notes immediately due and payable.
	We paid closing costs totaling $9.4 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2019 Notes.
	We were in compliance with all 2019 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2013.
	(c)	On April 30, 2013, GCI Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Amended Senior Credit Facility"). The Amended Senior Credit Facility provides up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Amended Senior Credit Facility replaced our then existing Senior Credit Facility.
	The interest rate on our Amended Senior Credit Facility is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below.
	Total Leverage Ratio (as defined)	Applicable Margin
	>=5	3.00%
	>=0 but <5.5	2.75%
	>=5 but <5.0	2.50%
	>=0 but <4.5	2.25%
	<4.0	2.00%
	Borrowings under the Amended Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness.  Our Amended Senior Credit Facility Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 6.5 to one through June 30, 2014 and shall not exceed 5.95 to one any time thereafter; the Senior Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 3.00 to one; and our Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined) must not be less than 2.50 to one at any time.
	The terms of the Amended Senior Credit Facility include customary representations and warranties, customary affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Amended Senior Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Amended Senior Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Amended Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the Amended Senior Credit Facility are secured by a security interest on substantially all of the assets of GCI Holdings, Inc. and the subsidiary guarantors, as defined in the Amended Senior Credit Facility, and on the stock of GCI Holdings, Inc.
	The Amended Senior Credit Facility was a partial substantial modification of our existing Senior Credit Facility resulting in a $0.1 million write-off of previously deferred loan fees on our Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended December 31, 2013.  Net deferred loan fees of $0.7 million associated with the portion of our previous Senior Credit Facility that was determined not to have been substantially modified are being amortized over the life of the Amended Senior Credit Facility.
	In connection with the Amended Senior Credit Facility, we paid loan fees and other expenses of $0.4 million that were expensed immediately on our Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $3.0 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Amended Senior Credit Facility.
	We have borrowed $229.0 million under the delayed draw term loan, $32.0 million under the revolving portion and have $4.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Amended Senior Credit Facility at December 31, 2013, which leaves $124.6 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2013.
	(d)	UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS.  The long-term debt is due in monthly installments of principal based on a fixed rate amortization schedule.  The interest rates on the various loans to which this debt relates range from 2.4% to 4.5%.  Substantially all of the assets of UUI are pledged as collateral for the amounts due to RUS.
	Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31,
	2014	$	2,836
	2015	1,528
	2016	1,573
	2017	1,620
	2018	262,668
	2019 and thereafter	780,200
		1,050,425
Less unamortized discount paid on 2019 Notes	2,445
Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836
	$	1,045,144

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Total income tax expense of $11.0 million, $12.1 million and $7.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, was allocated to income in each year. Income tax expense consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal taxes	$	9,267		10,318	6,264
	State taxes	1,690			1,770	1,141
		$	10,957		12,088	7,405
	Total income tax expense differed from the “expected” income tax expense determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	“Expected” statutory tax expense	$	14,939		7,437	4,500
	Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity	(7,977		)	—	—
	State income taxes, net of federal expense	1,690			1,770	1,141
	Income tax effect of nondeductible entertainment expenses	1,045			777	737
	Income tax effect of nondeductible lobbying expenses	369			298	327
	Income tax effect of nondeductible officer compensation	824			1,718	758
	Other, net	67			88	(58	)
		$	10,957		12,088	7,405
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax assets, net of current deferred tax liability:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	30,344		3,952
	Compensated absences, accrued for financial reporting purposes	2,956			2,605
	Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes	1,688			1,357
	Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables	1,154			1,319
	Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	104			32
	Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	2,673			2,734
	Other	834			898
	Total current deferred tax assets	$	39,753		12,897
	Long-term deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	90,589		116,034
	Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	35,506			36,316
	Alternative minimum tax credits	1,895			1,895
	Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	2,556			2,543
	Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	4,930			6,680
	Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	1,860			1,675
	Other	4,335			3,353
	Total long-term deferred tax assets	141,671			168,496
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities:
	Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	212,719			233,530
	Intangible assets	49,761			58,627
	Flow-through entity deferred tax items	40,667			—
	Total long-term deferred tax liabilities	303,147			292,157
	Net long-term deferred tax liabilities	$	161,476		123,661
	At December 31, 2013, we have tax net operating loss carryforwards of $294.5 million that will begin expiring in 2020 if not utilized, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1.9 million available to offset regular income taxes payable in future years.  Our utilization of remaining acquired net operating loss carryforwards is subject to annual limitations pursuant to Internal Revenue Code section 382 which could reduce or defer the utilization of these losses.
	Our tax net operating loss carryforwards are summarized below by year of expiration (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31,	Federal			State
	2020	$	39,969		38,954
	2021	29,614			28,987
	2022	14,081			13,788
	2023	3,968			3,903
	2024	722			—
	2025	737			—
	2026	150			—
	2027	1,010			—
	2028	39,879			39,715
	2029	48,370			47,558
	2031	110,933			109,376
	2033	5,031			4,927
	Total tax net operating loss carryforwards	$	294,464		287,208
	Tax benefits associated with recorded deferred tax assets are considered to be more likely than not realizable through taxable income earned in carryback years, future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable, however, could be reduced if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.
	We file federal income tax returns in the U.S. and in various state jurisdictions. We are not subject to U.S. or state tax examinations by tax authorities for years 2009 and earlier except that  certain U.S. federal income tax returns for years after 1998 are not closed by relevant statutes of limitations due to unused net operating losses reported on those income tax returns.
We recognize accrued interest on unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in selling, general and administrative expenses.  We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, and accordingly, we did not recognize any interest expense.  Additionally, we recorded no penalties during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
We did not record any excess tax benefit generated from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, since we are in a net operating loss carryforward position and the income tax deduction will not yet reduce income taxes payable.  The cumulative excess tax benefits generated for stock options exercised that have not been recognized is $3.4 million at December 31, 2013.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, net receivables, inventories, accounts payable, accrued payroll and payroll related obligations, accrued interest, accrued liabilities, and subscriber deposits approximate their carrying value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 follow (amounts in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
	Current and long-term debt	$	1,047,980	1,058,431	877,051	899,414
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair values:
	Current and long-term debt:  The fair values of the 2021 Notes and the 2019 Notes are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2). The fair value of our RUS debt is based on the current rates offered to us for the same remaining maturities (Level 3).  The fair value of our Amended Senior Credit Facility is estimated to approximate the carrying value because this instrument is subject to variable interest rates (Level 2).
	Fair Value Measurements
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2013 Assets	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$	2,183	—	—
	Total assets at fair value	$	2,183	—	—
	December 31, 2012 Assets
	Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$	1,758	—	—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,758	—	—
	The valuation of our mutual funds is determined using quoted market prices in active markets utilizing market observable inputs.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders Equity	'
	Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	GCI’s Class A and Class B common stock are identical in all respects, except that each share of Class A common stock has one vote per share and each share of Class B common stock has ten votes per share. Each share of Class B common stock outstanding is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Class A common stock.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we repurchased 1.8 million, 1.5 million and 5.2 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock at a cost of $15.6 million, $14.0 million and $52.6 million, respectively, pursuant to the Class A and Class B common stock repurchase program authorized by GCI’s Board of Directors.  During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we retired 2.0 million, 1.8 million and 5.2 million shares, respectively, of our Class A common stock.
	Shared-Based Compensation
	Our Amended and Restated 1986 Stock Option Plan ("Stock Option Plan"), provides for the grant of options and restricted stock awards (collectively "award") for a maximum of 15.7 million shares of GCI Class A common stock, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of stock dividends, stock splits, mergers, consolidations or certain other changes in corporate structure or capitalization. If an award expires or terminates, the shares subject to the award will be available for further grants of awards under the Stock Option Plan. The Compensation Committee of GCI’s Board of Directors administers the Stock Option Plan. Substantially all restricted stock awards granted vest over periods of up to three years. Substantially all options vest in equal installments over a period of five years and expire ten years from the date of grant. The requisite service period of our awards is generally the same as the vesting period.  Options granted pursuant to the Stock Option Plan are only exercisable if at the time of exercise the option holder is our employee, non-employee director, or a consultant or advisor working on our behalf.  New shares are issued when stock option agreements are exercised or restricted stock awards are granted.  We have 3.2 million shares available for grant under the Stock Option Plan at December 31, 2013.
	The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock.  We estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant and periodically revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We record share-based compensation expense only for those awards expected to vest using an estimated forfeiture rate based on our historical pre-vesting forfeiture data. We review our forfeiture estimates annually and adjust our share-based compensation expense in the period our estimate changes.
	A summary of option activity under the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
		Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	719		$	7.65
	Exercised	(87	)	$	7.16
	Expired	(12	)	$	6.61
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	620		$	7.74	2.8 years	$	2,153
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	601		$	7.78	2.7 years	$	2,060
	There were no options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.  The total fair value of options vesting during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $78,000, $560,000 and $379,000, respectively.  The total intrinsic values, determined as of the date of exercise, of options exercised in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, were $0.2 million, $1.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We received $0.6 million, $2.1 million and $0.9 million in cash from stock option exercises in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, follows (share amounts in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	1,127		$	9.59
	Granted	680		$	8.3
	Vested	(582	)	$	10.05
	Forfeited	(16	)	$	8.6
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,209		$	8.6
	The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, were $8.30, $9.23 and $12.08, respectively. We have recorded share-based compensation expense of $6.6 million, $5.0 million and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Share-based compensation expense is classified as Selling, General and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Income Statements.  Unrecognized share-based compensation expense was $6.2 million relating to 1.2 million restricted stock awards and $27,000 relating to 19,000 unvested stock options as of December 31, 2013.  We expect to recognize share-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 0.6 years for stock options and 2 years for restricted stock awards.
	GCI 401(k) Plan
	In 1986, we adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“GCI 401(k) Plan”) qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The GCI 401(k) Plan provides for acquisition of GCI’s Class A common stock at market value as well as various mutual funds. We may match a percentage of the employees' contributions up to certain limits, decided by GCI’s Board of Directors each year. Our matching contributions allocated to participant accounts totaled $8.2 million, $7.5 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  We used cash to fund all of our employer-matching contributions during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Industry_Segments_Data

Industry Segments Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Industry Segments Data	'
	Industry Segments Data
	Effective January 1, 2013, we refocused our business and now have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline.  The Wireless segment’s revenue is derived from wholesale wireless services.  The Wireline segment’s revenue includes all of our other revenue, specifically a full range of retail wireless, data, video and voice services to residential, local, national and global businesses, governmental entities and public and private educational institutions; wholesale data and voice services to common carrier customers; Internet, data network and managed services to rural schools and health organizations and regulated voice services to residential and commercial customers in rural communities primarily in Southwest Alaska.  This change reflects our plan to strategically focus on our wireless network and is how our chief operating decision maker now measures performance and makes resource allocation decisions.  Prior to 2013 we had operated our business under five reportable segments – Consumer, Network Access, Commercial, Managed Broadband and Regulated Operations.  The historical segment data has been reclassified to conform to the revised reportable segments.
	Wireless plan fee and usage revenues from external customers are allocated between our Wireless and Wireline segments.  The Wireless segment recorded subsidies to the Wireline segment related to wireless equipment sales based upon equipment sales and agreed-upon subsidy rates through the AWN transaction close on July 23, 2013. Subsequent to the transaction close and through December 31, 2013, although permitted, the Wireline segment was unable to meet the requirements in order to request a wireless equipment subsidy from the Wireless segment in accordance with the AWN agreements. These subsidies, which eliminate in consolidation, increase the Wireline segment earnings before depreciation and amortization expense, net interest expense, income taxes, share-based compensation expense, accretion expense, income or loss attributable to non-controlling interest and non-cash contribution adjustment (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and reduce the Wireless segment Adjusted EBITDA.  The wireless equipment subsidy was $13.0 million for the period January 1, 2013 to July 22, 2013 and $23.2 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses are charged to the Wireless segment based upon a shared services agreement.  The remaining selling, general and administrative expenses are charged to the Wireline segment. Intercompany transactions have been pushed down to the segment level.
	We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes that this measure is useful to investors and other users of our financial information in evaluating operating profitability as an analytical indicator of income generated to service debt and fund capital expenditures.  In addition, multiples of current or projected earnings before depreciation and amortization, net interest expense, and income taxes (“EBITDA”) are used to estimate current or prospective enterprise value.  The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1, “Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of this Form 10-K.  We have no intersegment sales.
	We earn all revenues through sales of services and products within the United States. All of our long-lived assets are located within the United States of America, except approximately 82% of our undersea fiber optic cable systems which transit international waters and all of our satellite transponders.
	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 follows (amounts in thousands):
		Wireless			Wireline		Total Reportable Segments
	2013
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	197,218		—		197,218
	Consumer	—			274,805		274,805
	Business Services	—			222,814		222,814
	Managed Broadband	—			116,811		116,811
	Total	197,218			614,430		811,648
	Cost of Goods Sold	68,086			212,376		280,462
	Contribution	129,132			402,054		531,186
	Less SG&A	20,030			251,035		271,065
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			6,638		6,638
	Plus (less) accretion expense	507			(430	)	77
	Other expense	—			447		447
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	109,609		157,674		267,283
	Capital expenditures	$	28,156		152,398		180,554
	Goodwill	$	155,445		63,596		219,041
	Total assets	$	624,740		1,387,067		2,011,807
		Wireless			Wireline		Total Reportable Segments
	2012
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	124,745		—		124,745
	Consumer	—			269,357		269,357
	Business Services	—			207,892		207,892
	Managed Broadband	—			108,187		108,187
	Total	124,745			585,436		710,181
	Cost of Good Sold	58,737			188,764		247,501
	Contribution	66,008			396,672		462,680
	Less SG&A	15,475			227,773		243,248
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			5,040		5,040
	Plus non-cash contribution expense	—			960		960
	Plus accretion expense	269			239		508
	Other expense	—			869		869
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	50,802		176,007		226,809
	2011
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	119,521		—		119,521
	Consumer	—			266,750		266,750
	Business Services	—			207,860		207,860
	Managed Broadband	—			85,250		85,250
	Total	119,521			559,860		679,381
	Cost of Good Sold	42,687			184,712		227,399
	Contribution	76,834			375,148		451,982
	Less SG&A	14,868			220,653		235,521
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			6,620		6,620
	Plus accretion expense	349			270		619
	Other expense	—			(59	)	(59	)
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	62,315		161,326		223,641
	Capital expenditures and total assets by segment for 2012 and 2011 are not reported as it is impracticable to allocate our historical balance sheets.
	A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years Ended December 31,	2013			2012		2011
	Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	267,283		226,809		223,641
	Less depreciation and amortization expense	(147,259		)	(130,452	)	(125,937	)
	Less share-based compensation expense	(6,638		)	(5,040	)	(6,620	)
	Less non-cash contribution expense	—			(960	)	—
	Less accretion expense	(77		)	(508	)	(619	)
	Other	(447		)	(869	)	59
Consolidated operating income	112,862			88,980		90,524
Less other expense, net	(70,178		)	(67,730	)	(77,633	)
Consolidated income before income tax expense	$	42,684		21,250		12,891
We did not have any major customers for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
		Related Party Transactions
	We entered into a long-term capital lease agreement in 1991 with the wife of GCI’s President and CEO for property occupied by us.  The leased asset was capitalized in 1991 at the owner’s cost of $900,000 and the related obligation was recorded.  The lease agreement was amended in April 2008 and our existing capital lease asset and liability increased by $1.3 million to record the extension of this capital lease.  The amended lease terminates on September 30, 2026.
	In January 2001 we entered into an aircraft operating lease agreement with a company owned by GCI’s President and CEO.  The lease was amended several times, most recently in May 2011.  The amended lease agreement added the lease of a second aircraft.  The lease term of the original aircraft could be terminated by us at any time upon 90 days written notice.  This notice was provided and as of January 1, 2013, the original aircraft lease, and its monthly rate of $45,000, ended.  The lease term of the second aircraft may be terminated at any time by us upon 12 months’ written notice.  The monthly lease rate of the second aircraft is $132,000.  In 2001, we paid a deposit of $1.5 million in connection with the lease.  The deposit will be repaid to us no later than six months after the agreement terminates.
	Upon closing of the AWN acquisition on July 22, 2013, ACS became a related party for financial statement reporting purposes. ACS provides us with local service lines and network capacity in locations where we do not have our own facilities. We provide wholesale services to ACS who uses our network to sell services to its respective retail customers and we receive ACS' high cost support from USF for its wireless customers. We have paid ACS $25.1 million and received $23.9 million in payments from ACS since the acquisition date. At December 31, 2013 we have $28.0 million in receivables from ACS and $11.2 million in payables to ACS. We also have long term capacity exchange agreements with ACS for which no money is exchanged.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities	'
		Variable Interest Entities
	We have entered into several arrangements under the NMTC program with US Bancorp to help fund a $59.3 million project to extend terrestrial broadband service for the first time to rural Northwestern Alaska communities via a high capacity hybrid fiber optic and microwave network.  When completed, the project, called TERRA-Northwest (“TERRA-NW”), will connect to the TERRA-Southwest (“TERRA-SW”) network and provide a high capacity backbone connection from the served communities to the Internet.  The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities.  The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”).  CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments.
	On August 30, 2011, we entered into the first arrangement (“NMTC #1”).  In connection with the NMTC #1 transaction we loaned $58.3 million to TIF, a special purpose entity created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1% interest due August 30, 2041.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $22.4 million in TIF.  TIF then contributed US Bancorp’s contribution and the loan proceeds to certain CDEs.  The CDEs, in turn, loaned the $76.8 million in funds less payment of placement fees, at interest rates varying from 1% to 3.96%, to Unicom, as partial financing for TERRA-NW.
	On October 3, 2012, we entered into the second arrangement (“NMTC #2”).  In connection with the NMTC #2 transaction we loaned $37.7 million to TIF 2 and TIF 2-USB, special purpose entities created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1% interest due October 2, 2042.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $17.5 million in TIF 2 and TIF 2-USB.  TIF 2 and TIF 2-USB then contributed US Bancorp’s contributions and the loan proceeds to certain CDEs.  The CDEs, in turn, loaned the$55.2 million in funds less payment of placement fees, at interest rates varying from 0.7099% to 0.7693%, to Unicom, as partial financing for TERRA-NW.
	On December 11, 2012, we entered into the third arrangement (“NMTC #3”).  In connection with the NMTC #3 transaction we loaned $8.2 million to TIF 3, a special purpose entity created to effect the financing arrangement, at 1% interest due December 10, 2042.  Simultaneously, US Bancorp invested $3.8 million in TIF 3.  TIF 3 then contributed US Bancorp’s contributions and the loan proceeds to a CDE.  The CDE, in turn, loaned the $12.0 million in funds less payment of placement fees, at an interest rate of 1.35%, to Unicom, as partial financing for TERRA-NW.
	US Bancorp is the sole investor in TIF, TIF 2, TIF 2-USB and TIF 3, and as such, is entitled to substantially all of the benefits derived from the NMTCs.  All of the loan proceeds to Unicom, net of syndication and arrangement fees, are restricted for use on TERRA-NW.  Restricted cash of $6.9 million and $30.9 million was held by Unicom at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  We began construction on TERRA-NW in 2012 and expect to complete all current phases of the project in 2014.  We began offering service on Phase 1 of this new facility on January 3, 2013.
	These transactions include put/call provisions whereby we may be obligated or entitled to repurchase US Bancorp’s interests in TIF, TIF 2, TIF 2-USB and/or TIF 3. We believe that US Bancorp will exercise the put options in August 2018, October 2019 and December 2019, at the end of the compliance periods for NMTC #1, NMTC #2 and NMTC #3, respectively.  The NMTCs are subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code.  We are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangements.  Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in projected tax benefits not being realized by US Bancorp.  We have agreed to indemnify US Bancorp for any loss or recapture of NMTCs until such time as our obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved.  There have been no credit recaptures as of December 31, 2013.  The value attributed to the put/calls is nominal.
	We have determined that TIF, TIF 2, TIF 2-USB and TIF 3 are VIEs.  The consolidated financial statements of TIF, TIF 2, TIF 2-USB and TIF 3 include the CDEs discussed above.  The ongoing activities of the VIEs – collecting and remitting interest and fees and NMTC compliance – were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the VIEs.  Management considered the contractual arrangements that obligate us to deliver tax benefits and provide various other guarantees to US Bancorp; US Bancorp’s lack of a material interest in the underlying economics of the project; and the fact that we are obligated to absorb losses of the VIEs.  We concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of each and consolidated the VIEs in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation.
	US Bancorp’s contributions, net of syndication fees and other direct costs incurred in structuring the NMTC arrangements, are included in Non-controlling Interests on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Incremental costs to maintain the structure during the compliance period are recognized as incurred to selling, general and administrative expense.
	The assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs were $140.9 million and $104.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	The assets of the VIEs serve as the sole source of repayment for the debt issued by these entities. US Bank does not have recourse to us or our other assets, with the exception of customary representations and indemnities we have provided. We are not required and do not currently intend to provide additional financial support to these VIEs. While these subsidiaries are included in our consolidated financial statements, these subsidiaries are separate legal entities and their assets are legally owned by them and not available to our creditors.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Operating Leases as Lessee
	We lease business offices, have entered into site lease agreements and use satellite transponder and fiber capacity and certain equipment pursuant to operating lease arrangements.  Many of our leases are for multiple years and contain renewal options.  Rental costs under such arrangements amounted to $46.5 million, $37.4 million and $36.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Capital Leases as Lessee
	We entered into a long-term capital lease agreement in 1991 with the wife of GCI’s President and CEO for property occupied by us as further described in Note 11, Related Party Transactions.
	We have a capital lease agreement for transponder capacity on Intelsat, Ltd.’s (“Intelsat”) Galaxy 18 spacecraft.  The Intelsat Galaxy 18 C-band and Ku-Band transponders are being leased over an expected term of 14 years.  At lease inception the present value of the lease payments, excluding telemetry, tracking and command services and back-up protection, was $98.6 million. We amended our transponder capacity lease agreement with Intelsat in October 2013 to lease additional transponder capacity on Intelsat's Galaxy 18 spacecraft. As a result, on January 1, 2014 we expect to increase our existing capital lease asset and liability by $9.4 million.
	A summary of future minimum lease payments follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31:	Operating		Capital
	2014	$	37,163	11,758
	2015	31,358		11,734
	2016	27,636		11,745
	2017	22,120		11,723
	2018	19,996		11,730
	2019 and thereafter	66,020		43,297
	Total minimum lease payments	$	204,293	101,987
	Less amount representing interest			27,381
	Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases			6,465
	Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturity			$	68,141
	The leases generally provide that we pay the taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses related to the leased assets.  Several of our leases include renewal options, escalation clauses and immaterial amounts of contingent rent expense.  We expect that in the normal course of business leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties.
	Guaranteed Service Levels
	Certain customers have guaranteed levels of service with varying terms. In the event we are unable to provide the minimum service levels we may incur penalties or issue credits to customers.
	Self-Insurance
	Through December 31, 2013, we were self-insured for losses and liabilities related primarily to health and welfare claims up to $500,000 per incident per year above which third party insurance applied. A reserve of $3.1 million and $2.7 million was recorded at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to cover estimated reported losses, estimated unreported losses based on past experience modified for current trends, and estimated expenses for settling claims.  We are self-insured for all losses and liabilities related to workers’ compensation claims in Alaska and have a workers compensation excess insurance policy to make claims for any losses in excess of $500,000 per incident.  A reserve of $3.7 million and $2.4 million was recorded at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to cover estimated reported losses and estimated expenses for open and active claims.  Actual losses will vary from the recorded reserves.  While we use what we believe are pertinent information and factors in determining the amount of reserves, future additions to the reserves may be necessary due to changes in the information and factors used.
	We are self-insured for damage or loss to certain of our transmission facilities, including our buried, undersea, and above-ground transmission lines. If we become subject to substantial uninsured liabilities due to damage or loss to such facilities, our financial position, results of operations or liquidity may be adversely affected.
	Litigation, Disputes, and Regulatory Matters
	We are involved in various lawsuits, billing disputes, legal proceedings, and regulatory matters that have arisen from time to time in the normal course of business.  Management believes there are no proceedings from asserted and unasserted claims which if determined adversely would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
	Universal Service
	As an ETC, we receive support from the USF to support the provision of wireline local access and wireless services in high cost areas.  On November 29, 2011, the FCC published the High Cost Order which segregated the support methodology for Remote areas in Alaska from the support methodology for all urban areas, including Alaska Urban locations. CETCs serving Urban areas that generally include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau will follow national reforms, had support per provider per service area capped as of January 1, 2012, and a five-step phase-down commenced on July 1, 2012.  In addition to broader reforms, the FCC tailored revisions specifically for CETCs serving Remote Alaska, intended to address the unique challenges for serving these areas.  Support to these locations is capped and is being distributed on a per-line basis until the later of June 30, 2014, or the last full month prior to the implementation of a successor funding mechanism.  A further rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway.  We cannot predict at this time the outcome of this proceeding or its effect on high cost support available to us, but our future revenue recognition for both Remote and Urban high cost support is dependent upon the functionality and timing of an operational successor funding mechanism. At December 31, 2013, we believe an implementation of an operational successor funding mechanism prior to January 2015 is unlikely. Our revenue for providing local and wireless services in these areas would be materially adversely affected by a substantial reduction of USF support.
	Cable Service Rate Reregulation
	Federal law permits regulation of basic cable programming services rates. However, Alaska law provides that cable television service is exempt from regulation by the RCA unless 25% of a system’s subscribers request such regulation by filing a petition with the RCA. At December 31, 2013, only the Juneau system is subject to RCA regulation of its basic service rates. No petition requesting regulation has been filed for any other system. The Juneau system serves 7% of our total basic service subscribers at December 31, 2013.
	TERRA-Northwest
	As a requirement of NMTC #1, NMTC #2 and NMTC #3, we have guaranteed completion of TERRA-NW by December 31, 2014.  We plan to fund an additional $10.0 million to complete TERRA-NW.  We began construction in 2012 and expect to complete all phases of the project in 2014.  We began offering service on Phase 1 of this new facility on January 3, 2013.
	AWN Member Distribution Adjustment
	As part of the AWN transaction, distributions to each member are subject to adjustment based on the number of ACS and GCI wireless subscribers, with the aggregate adjustment capped at $21.8 million for each member over the Preference Period. See Note 1(d), "Acquisition" of this Form 10-K for further discussion of the AWN transaction.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		First		Second	Third	Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	2013
	Total revenues	$	186,216	189,661	217,943	217,828
	Operating income	$	23,060	25,695	38,684	25,423
	Net income (loss) attributable to GCI	$	3,244	4,180	8,905	(6,923	)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.08	0.1	0.22	(0.17	)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.08	0.1	0.22	(0.17	)
	2012
	Total revenues	$	171,907	176,104	178,494	183,676
	Operating income	$	19,685	24,633	25,392	19,270
	Net income attributable to GCI	$	1,429	3,982	3,700	562
	Basic net income attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.03	0.1	0.09	0.01
	Diluted net income attributable to GCI per common share1	$	0.03	0.09	0.09	0.01
	1Due to rounding, the sum of quarterly diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share amounts does not agree to total year diluted net income attributable to GCI per common share.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On February 18, 2014, we invested $15.0 million for a 39% interest in Texas Energy Network LLC, a next generation carrier-class communication services firm that specializes in serving the energy exploration and production, oilfield service and midstream industries. We are evaluating the accounting treatment for this transaction.
	On February 28, 2014, the FCC announced our winning bids in the Tribal Mobility Fund I auction for a $41.4 million grant to partially fund expansion of our 3G wireless network, or better, to locations in Alaska where we would not otherwise be able to construct within our return-on-investment requirements. We must file a long-form application with the FCC by April 4, 2014, which must be reviewed for final approval, before the award can be issued.

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif1

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	Our consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of GCI and its wholly owned subsidiaries, The Alaska Wireless Network, LLC ("AWN") of which we own a two-third interest and four variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we are the primary beneficiary after providing certain loans and guarantees and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP").  These VIEs are Terra GCI Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF”), Terra GCI 2 Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 2”), Terra GCI 2-USB Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 2-USB”) and Terra GCI 3 Investment Fund, LLC (“TIF 3”).  TIF became a VIE on August 30, 2011.  TIF 2 and TIF 2-USB became VIEs on October 3, 2012.  TIF 3 became a VIE on December 11, 2012.  We also include in our consolidated financial statements non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries for which our ownership is less than 100 percent.  All significant intercompany transactions between non-regulated affiliates of our company are eliminated.   Intercompany transactions generated between regulated and non-regulated affiliates of our company are not eliminated in consolidation.
Non-controlling Interests	'
	Non-controlling Interests
	Non-controlling interests represent the equity ownership interests in consolidated subsidiaries not owned by us.  Non-controlling interests are adjusted for contributions, distributions, and earnings (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest partners of the consolidated entities.  Income and loss is allocated to the non-controlling interests based on the respective partnership agreements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	There were various updates recently issued which represented technical corrections to the accounting literature or application to specific industries. None of the updates are expected to a have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	(f)	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2012-2, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment” allows an entity to assess qualitative factors (such as changes in management, key personnel, strategy, key technology or customers) to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired and thus whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test in accordance with GAAP.  The adoption of ASU 2012-2 on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.
	ASU 2012-4, “Technical Corrections and Improvements” includes amendments that cover a wide range of topics in the ASC. These amendments include technical corrections and improvements to the ASC and conforming amendments related to fair value measurements.  The adoption of ASU 2012-4 on January 1, 2013 did not have a material impact on our income statements, financial position or cash flows.
Regulatory Accounting	'
	Regulatory Accounting
	We account for our regulated operations in accordance with the accounting principles for regulated enterprises.  This accounting recognizes the economic effects of rate regulation by recording cost and a return on investment as such amounts are recovered through rates authorized by regulatory authorities.  Accordingly, plant and equipment is depreciated over lives approved by regulators and certain costs and obligations are deferred based upon approvals received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in future years.  Our cost studies and depreciation rates for our regulated operations are subject to periodic audits that could result in a change to recorded revenues.
Earnings per Common Share	'
		Earnings per Common Share
	We compute net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method.  Therefore, basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period.  The computation of the dilutive net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock, while the dilutive net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. Additionally, in applying the “two-class” method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities. Our restricted stock grants are entitled to dividends and meet the criteria of a participating security.
	Undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of Class A and Class B common shares as if the earnings for the year had been distributed.  In accordance with our Articles of Incorporation, if and when dividends are declared on our common stock in accordance with Alaska corporate law, equivalent dividends shall be paid with respect to the shares of Class A and Class B common stock. Both classes of common stock have identical dividend rights and would therefore share equally in our net assets in the event of liquidation. As such, we have allocated undistributed earnings on a proportionate basis.
Treasury Stock	'
	Treasury Stock
	We account for treasury stock purchased for general corporate purposes under the cost method and include treasury stock as a component of Stockholders’ Equity.  Treasury stock purchased with intent to retire (whether or not the retirement is actually accomplished) is charged to Class A or Class B Common Stock.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of certificates of deposit which have an original maturity of three months or less at the date acquired and are readily convertible into cash.
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables	'
	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
	Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful receivables is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We base our estimates on the aging of our accounts receivable balances, financial health of specific customers, regional economic data, changes in our collections process, regulatory requirements and our customers’ compliance with Universal Service Administrative Company rules. We review our allowance for doubtful receivables methodology at least annually.
	Depending upon the type of account receivable our allowance is calculated using a pooled basis with an allowance for all accounts greater than 120 days past due or a specific identification method.  When a specific identification method is used, potentially uncollectible accounts due to bankruptcy or other issues are reviewed individually for collectability.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance when we feel it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Wireless handset inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Cost is determined using the average cost method. Handset costs in excess of the revenues generated from handset sales, or handset subsidies, are expensed at the time of sale. We do not recognize the expected handset subsidies prior to the time of sale because the promotional discount decision is made at the point of sale and/or because we expect to recover the handset subsidies through service revenue.
	Inventories of other merchandise for resale and parts are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the average cost method.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment is stated at cost. Construction costs of facilities are capitalized. Equipment financed under capital leases is recorded at the lower of fair market value or the present value of future minimum lease payments at inception of the lease. Construction in progress represents transmission equipment and support equipment and systems not placed in service on December 31, 2013, that management intends to place in service during 2014.
Depreciation	'
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term, if applicable
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	'
	Intangible Assets and Goodwill
	Goodwill, cable certificates (certificates of convenience and public necessity), wireless licenses and broadcast licenses are not amortized. Cable certificates represent certain perpetual operating rights to provide cable services. Wireless licenses represent the right to utilize certain radio frequency spectrum to provide wireless communications services.  Broadcast licenses represent the right to broadcast television stations in certain areas. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets acquired in connection with a business acquisition.
	All other amortizable intangible assets are being amortized over 2 to 20 year periods using the straight-line method.
Impairment of Intangibles, Goodwill, and Long-lived Assets	'
	Impairment of Intangibles, Goodwill, and Long-lived Assets
	Cable certificates, wireless licenses and broadcast licenses are treated as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  We are allowed to assess qualitative factors (“Step Zero”) in our annual test over our indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill. The impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  After an impairment loss is recognized, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new accounting basis.  Impairment testing of our cable certificate and wireless license assets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, used a direct discounted cash flow method.  This approach requires us to make estimates and assumptions including projected cash flows and discount rates.  These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such impairment charge. We did not perform an impairment test on our broadcast license assets during 2013 since we acquired them in November 2013 when we acquired the television stations pursuant to the Media Agreement.
	Our goodwill is tested annually for impairment, and is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired.  In our annual test of goodwill we are allowed to use Step Zero to determine whether it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired.  We chose not to apply Step Zero and chose to test for goodwill impairment using the traditional quantitative two-step process.  The first step of the quantitative goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount.  To determine our reporting units, we evaluate the components one level below the segment level and we aggregate the components if they have similar economic characteristics. As a result of this assessment, our reporting units are the same as our two reportable segments. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination.  We use an income approach to determine the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of our goodwill impairment test.  In addition, a market-based approach is used where possible to corroborate the fair values determined by the income approach.  The income approach requires us to make estimates and assumptions including projected cash flows and discount rates.  These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such impairment charge.
	We completed our annual review and no impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of an asset group to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group.  If the carrying amount of an asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group.
Amortization and Write-off of Loan Fees	'
	Amortization and Write-off of Loan Fees
	Debt issuance costs are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method. If a refinancing or amendment of a debt instrument is a substantial modification, all or a portion of the applicable debt issuance costs are written off.  If a debt instrument is repaid prior to the maturity date we will write-off a proportional amount of debt issuance costs.
Other Assets	'
	Other Assets
	Other Assets primarily include future capacity receivable, broadcast licenses, restricted cash, long-term deposits, prepayments, and non-trade accounts receivable.
	Under the terms of the Wireless Agreement, we acquired from ACS the rights to use additional network capacity which we may draw down in the future. The applicable portion of the future capacity receivable asset will be reclassified to the rights to use capacity asset when the capacity is placed in service and amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining 20 year period.
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Asset Retirement Obligations
	We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. When the liability is initially recorded, we capitalize a cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, changes in the liability for an asset retirement obligation resulting from revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows are recognized.  Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.  Upon settlement of the liability, we either settle the obligation for its recorded amount or incur a gain or loss upon settlement.
	The majority of our asset retirement obligations are the estimated cost to remove telephony transmission equipment and support equipment from leased property.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	All revenues are recognized when the earnings process is complete. Revenue recognition is as follows:
	•	Revenues generated from long-distance service usage and plan fees, Internet service excess usage, and managed services are recognized when the services are provided,
	•	We recognize unbilled revenues when the service is provided based upon minutes of use processed, and/or established rates, net of credits and adjustments,
	•	Video service package fees, local access and Internet service plan fees, and data network revenues are billed in advance, recorded as Deferred Revenue on the balance sheet, and are recognized as the associated service is provided,
	•	Certain of our wireless services offerings have been determined to be revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables. Revenues are recognized as each element is earned based on objective evidence regarding the relative fair value of each element and when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements. Revenues generated from wireless service usage and plan fees are recognized when the services are provided. Revenues generated from the sale of wireless handsets and accessories are recognized when title to the handset and accessories passes to the customer. As the non-refundable, up-front activation fee charged to the customer does not meet the criteria as a separate unit of accounting, we allocate the additional arrangement consideration received from the activation fee to the handset (the delivered item) to the extent that the aggregate handset and activation fee proceeds do not exceed the fair value of the handset. Any activation fees not allocated to the handset would be deferred upon activation and recognized as service revenue on a straight-line basis over the expected customer relationship period,
	•	The majority of our equipment sale transactions involve the sale of communications equipment with no other services involved. Such equipment is subject to standard manufacturer warranties and we do not manufacture any of the equipment we sell. In such instances, the customer takes title to the equipment generally upon delivery. We recognize revenue for such transactions when title passes to the customer and the revenue is earned and realizable. On certain occasions we enter into agreements to sell and satisfactorily install or integrate telecommunications equipment for a fixed fee. Customers may have refund rights if the installed equipment does not meet certain performance criteria. We defer revenue recognition until we have received customer acceptance per the contract or agreement, and all other required revenue recognition elements have been achieved. Revenues from contracts with multiple element arrangements, such as those including installation and integration services, are recognized as each element is earned based on objective evidence regarding the relative fair value of each element and when there are no undelivered elements that are essential to the functionality of the delivered elements,
	•	Technical services revenues are derived primarily from maintenance contracts on equipment and are recognized on a prorated basis over the term of the contracts,
	•	We account for fiber capacity Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRU") agreements as an operating lease or service arrangement and we defer the revenue and recognize it ratably over the life of the IRU or as service is rendered,
	•	Access revenue is recognized when earned.  We participate in access revenue pools with other telephone companies.  Such pools are funded by toll revenue and/or access charges regulated by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska ("RCA") within the intrastate jurisdiction and the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) within the interstate jurisdiction. Much of the interstate access revenue is initially recorded based on estimates. These estimates are derived from interim financial information, available separation studies and the most recent information available about achieved rates of return. These estimates are subject to adjustment in future accounting periods as additional information becomes available. To the extent that a dispute arises over revenue settlements, our policy is to defer revenue recognition until the dispute is resolved,
	•	We receive grant revenue for the purpose of building communication infrastructure in rural areas.  We defer the revenue and recognize it over the life of the asset that was constructed using grant funds.
	•	We pay cash incentives to ACS when wireless handsets are sold to their retail wireless customers and this incentive is recorded as an offset to revenue, and
	•	Other revenues are recognized when the service is provided.
	In October 2013 and February 2014 two of our customers received notices of denial and funding changes from the Rural Health Care Division of USAC related to certain services we provided during 2013.  In 2013 one customer filed an appeal with the FCC and we expect the other customer to file an FCC appeal in 2014.  We recognized $5.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013, and because we believe our customers are in compliance with program rules, we expect our customers will prevail in their appeals we have not reduced our revenue recognition during the year ended December 31, 2013.
	As an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier ("ETC"), we receive support from the Universal Service Fund ("USF") to support the provision of wireline local access and wireless service in high cost areas. In November 2011, the FCC published a final rule to reform the methodology for distributing USF high cost support for voice and broadband services, as well as to the access charge regime for terminating traffic between carriers (“High Cost Order”). The High Cost Order segregated the support methodology for Remote areas in Alaska from the support methodology for other urban areas, including Alaska Urban locations. The High Cost Order was a significant program change that required a reassessment of our high cost support revenue recognition.
	Prior to the High Cost Order program changes, we accrued Remote and Urban estimated program revenue quarterly based on current line counts, the most current rates paid to us, our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations, and our assessment of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue was subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and was subject to upward or downward adjustments in subsequent periods.
	Remote High Cost Support
	The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, the annual available Remote high cost support is based upon the 2011 support disbursed to Competitive Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (“CETCs”) (“Statewide Support Cap”) providing supported services in Remote Alaska, except AT&T. On January 1, 2012, the per-line rates paid in the Remote areas were frozen by the USF and cannot exceed $250 per line per month on a study area basis. Line count growth that causes support to exceed the Statewide Support Cap triggers a pro rata support payment reduction to all subject Alaska CETCs until the support is reduced to the Statewide Support Cap amount.
	In the Third Order on Reconsideration issued in May 2012 the FCC determined that Remote support will continue to be based on line counts until the later of June 30, 2014, or the last full month prior to the implementation of a successor funding mechanism. If a successor funding mechanism is operational on July 1, 2014, a 20% annual phase down will commence decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2018. If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will not begin and the subject CETCs will continue to receive per-line based support (subject to the Statewide Support Cap) until a successor funding mechanism is operational. A subject CETC may not receive both phase down support and support from a successor funding mechanism; one program or the other must be selected. At December 31, 2013, we believe implementation of a successor funding mechanism prior to January 2015 is unlikely.
	As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated Remote by the FCC, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 we accrue estimated program revenue based on current line counts and the frozen per-line rates, reduced as needed by our estimate of the impact of the Statewide Support Cap. When determining the estimated program revenue accrual, we also consider our assessment of the impact of current FCC regulations and of the potential outcome of FCC proceedings. Our estimated accrued revenue is subject to our judgment regarding the outcome of many variables and is subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.
	Urban High Cost Support
	The High Cost Order mandated that as of January 1, 2012, Urban high cost support payments are frozen at the monthly average of the subject CETC’s 2011 annual support. Urban high cost support is no longer dependent upon line counts. A 20% annual phase down commenced July 1, 2012, decreasing support 20% each annual period until no support is paid starting July 1, 2016. If a successor funding mechanism is not operational on July 1, 2014, the phase down will stop at 60% and the subject CETCs will continue to receive annual support payments at the 60% level until a successor funding mechanism is operational. At December 31, 2013, we believe implementation of a successor funding mechanism prior to January 2015 is unlikely.
	As a result of the High Cost Order program changes for the areas designated as Urban by the FCC, we apply the proportional performance revenue recognition method to account for the impact of the declining payments while our level of service provided and associated costs remain constant. Included in the calculation are the scheduled Urban high cost support payments from October 2011 through January 2017 net of our Urban accounts receivable balance at September 30, 2011. An equal amount of this result is recognized as Urban support revenue each period.
	For both Remote and Urban high cost support revenue, our ability to collect our accrued USF support is contingent upon continuation of the USF program and upon our eligibility to participate in that program, which are subject to change by future regulatory, legislative or judicial actions. We adjust revenue and the account receivable in the period the FCC makes a program change or we assess the likelihood that such a change has increased or decreased revenue. We do not recognize revenue related to a particular service area until our ETC status has been approved by the RCA.
Advertising Expense	'
	Advertising Expense
	We expense advertising costs in the period during which the first advertisement appears.
Leases	'
	Leases
	Scheduled operating lease rent increases are amortized over the expected lease term on a straight-line basis. Rent holidays are recognized on a straight-line basis over the operating lease term (including any rent holiday period).
	Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. We may amortize a leasehold improvement over a term that includes assumption of a lease renewal if the renewal is reasonably assured. Leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date of acquisition. Leasehold improvements that are placed in service significantly after and are not contemplated at or near the beginning of the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or a term that includes required lease periods and renewals that are deemed to be reasonably assured at the date the leasehold improvements are purchased. Leasehold improvements made by us and funded by landlord incentives or allowances under an operating lease are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense over the lease term.
Interest Expense	'
	Interest Expense
	Material interest costs incurred during the construction period of non-software capital projects are capitalized.  Interest costs incurred during the development period of a software capital project are capitalized.  Interest is capitalized in the period commencing with the first expenditure for a qualifying capital project and ending when the capital project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for their future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable earnings in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Share-based Payment Arrangements	'
	Share-based Payment Arrangements
	Compensation expense is recognized in the financial statements for share-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Share-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and is recognized over the requisite service periods of the awards on a straight-line basis, which is generally commensurate with the vesting term.
	We are required to report the benefits associated with tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost as a financing cash flow rather than as an operating cash flow.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us 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 items subject to estimates and assumptions include the allowance for doubtful receivables, unbilled revenues, accrual of the USF high cost Remote area program support, share-based compensation, inventory at lower of cost or market, reserve for future customer credits, liability for incurred but not reported medical insurance claims, valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, depreciable and amortizable lives of assets, the carrying value of long-lived assets including goodwill, cable certificates, wireless and broadcast licenses, our effective tax rate, purchase price allocations, deferred lease expense, asset retirement obligations, the accrual of Cost of Goods Sold, depreciation and the accrual of contingencies and litigation.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	The accounting estimates related to revenues from the USF high cost Remote area program are dependent on various inputs including our estimate of the Statewide Support Cap, our assessment of the impact of new FCC regulations, and the potential outcome of FCC proceedings.  These inputs are subjective and based on our judgment regarding the outcome of certain variables and are subject to upward or downward adjustment in subsequent periods.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Excess cash is invested in high quality short-term liquid money instruments. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were invested in short-term liquid money instruments and the balances were in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured limits.
	We do not have any major customers for the year ended December 31, 2013, see Note 10, “Industry Segment Data” of this Form 10-K.  Our customers are located primarily throughout Alaska. Because of this geographic concentration, our growth and operations depend upon economic conditions in Alaska.
Software Capitalization Policy	'
		Software Capitalization Policy
	Internally used software, whether purchased or developed, is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of five years. We capitalize certain costs associated with internally developed software such as payroll costs of employees devoting time to the projects and external direct costs for materials and services. Costs associated with internally developed software to be used internally are expensed until the point the project has reached the development stage. Subsequent additions, modifications or upgrades to internal-use software are capitalized only to the extent that they allow the software to perform a task it previously did not perform. Software maintenance and training costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. The capitalization of software requires judgment in determining when a project has reached the development stage.
Guarantees	'
	Guarantees
	Certain of our customers have guaranteed levels of service.  If an interruption in service occurs we do not recognize revenue for any portion of the monthly service fee that will be refunded to the customer or not billed to the customer due to these service level agreements.
	Additionally, we have provided certain guarantees to U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation (“US Bancorp”), our tax credit investor in our four VIEs.  We have guaranteed the delivery of $56.0 million of New Markets Tax Credits (“NMTC”) to US Bancorp, as well as certain loan and management fee payments between our subsidiaries and the VIEs, for which we are the primary beneficiary.  In the event that the tax credits are not delivered or certain payments not made, we are obligated to provide prompt and complete payment of these obligations.   Please refer to Note 12, Variable Interest Entities, of this Form 10-K, for more information about our NMTC transactions.
Classification of Taxes Collected from Customers	'
	Classification of Taxes Collected from Customers
	We report sales, use, excise, and value added taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between us and a customer on a net basis in our Consolidated Income Statements.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Reclassifications have been made to the prior year's consolidated financial states to conform to classifications used in the current year.

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif2

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price and the estimated fair value of ACS’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, effective July 23, 2013 (amounts in thousands):
	Purchase price:
	Cash consideration paid			$	100,000
	Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN			267,642
	Total purchase price			$	367,642
	Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
	Acquired assets
	Current assets			$	16,952
	Property and equipment, including construction in progress			82,473
	Goodwill			140,081
	Wireless licenses			65,433
	Rights to use capacity			52,636
	Other assets			16,078
	Fair value of liabilities assumed			(6,011		)
	Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed			$	367,642
Pro Forma Information	'
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information is presented as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		(unaudited)
		Years Ended
		December 31, 2013
		2013				2012
	Pro forma consolidated revenue	$	897,270			848,676
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per common share (“EPS”) and common shares used to calculate basic and diluted EPS consist of the following (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended
		31-Dec-13
		Class A				Class B
	Basic net income per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	8,678			728
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	37,732				3,166
	Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$	0.23			0.23
	Diluted net income per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation	$	8,678			728
	Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	728				—
	Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	—				(3	)
	Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings	$	9,406			725
	Denominator:
	Number of shares used in basic computation	37,732				3,166
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding	3,166				—
	Unexercised stock options	142				—
	Number of shares used in per share computation	41,040				3,166
	Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$	0.23			0.23
		Years Ended December 31,
		2012							2011
		Class A				Class B			Class A			Class B
	Basic net income per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings	$	8,938			735			$	5,323		401
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	38,560				3,170			42,175			3,175
	Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$	0.23			0.23			$	0.13		0.13
	Diluted net income per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation	$	8,938			735			$	5,323		401
	Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	735				—			401			—
	Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities	—				(8	)		—			(30	)
	Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	(13		)		—			(367		)	—
	Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	$	9,660			727			$	5,357		371
	Denominator:
	Number of shares used in basic computation	38,560				3,170			42,175			3,175
	Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding	3,170				—			3,175			—
	Unexercised stock options	158				—			322			—
	Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	231				—			217			—
	Number of shares used in per share computation	42,119				3,170			45,889			3,175
	Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$	0.23			0.23			$	0.12		0.12
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	Weighted average shares associated with outstanding share awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS, because the effect of including these share awards would have been anti-dilutive, consist of the following (shares, in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Shares associated with anti-dilutive unexercised stock options	86			88			38
	Share-based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares, the effect of which is anti-dilutive	90			—			—
Schedule of Contingent Awards	'
	Shares associated with contingent awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS because the contingencies of these awards have not been met at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, consist of the following (shares in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Shares associated with contingent awards	—			58			34
Schedule of Stock by Class	'
	Following are the changes in issued common stock for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (shares, in thousands):
		Class A			Class B
	Balances at January 1, 2011	44,213			3,178
	Class B shares converted to Class A	7			(7	)
	Shares issued upon stock option exercises	163			—
	Share awards issued	460			—
	Shares retired	(5,244	)		—
	Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	(287	)		—
	Other	(16	)		—
	Balances at December 31, 2011	39,296			3,171
	Class B shares converted to Class A	2			(2	)
	Shares issued upon stock option exercises	320			—
	Share awards issued	731			—
	Shares retired	(1,469	)		—
	Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	(337	)		—
	Other	(9	)		—
	Balances at December 31, 2012	38,534			3,169
	Class B shares converted to Class A	4			(4	)
	Shares issued upon stock option exercises	87			—
	Share awards issued	680			—
	Shares retired	(1,859	)		—
	Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	(147	)		—
	Balances at December 31, 2013	37,299			3,165
Property Plant and Equipment Useful Life	'
	Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term, if applicable, in the following ranges:
	Asset Category	Asset Lives
	Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities	5-20 years
	Fiber optic cable systems	15-25 years
	Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities	5-30 years
	Support equipment and systems	3-20 years
	Transportation equipment	5-13 years
	Property and equipment under capital leases	12-20 years
	Buildings	25 years
	Customer premise equipment	2-20 years
	Studio equipment	10-15 years
Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amounts of our liability for asset retirement obligations (amounts in thousands):
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	15,223
	Liability incurred	660
	Accretion expense	508
	Liability settled	(111		)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	16,280
	Liability incurred	5,292
	Additions upon the close of AWN	5,218
	Accretion expense	77
	Liability settled	(65		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	26,802
Excise and Sales Taxes	'
	We report sales, use, excise, and value added taxes assessed by a governmental authority that is directly imposed on a revenue-producing transaction between us and a customer on a net basis in our Consolidated Income Statements.  The following are certain surcharges reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Income Statements (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012			2011
	Surcharges reported gross	$	4,644			5,401			5,408

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Cash Flow, Operating Capital	'
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands):
	Year ended December 31,	2013			2012		2011
	Increase in accounts receivable, net	$	(68,360	)	(9,386	)	(16,900	)
	(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	672			(350	)	(1,949	)
	(Increase) decrease in inventories	1,751			(4,576	)	(1,718	)
	Decrease in other current assets	1,448			1,953		309
	(Increase) decrease in other assets	(1,459		)	1,236		907
	Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	15,334			3,085		(1,373	)
	Increase in deferred revenues	2,368			3,215		4,707
	Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	10,263			(2,750	)	(102	)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	(883		)	3,043		(1,733	)
	Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	302			106		(6,776	)
	Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits	(40		)	116		(21	)
	Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	(3,554		)	(5,001	)	(2,413	)
	Decrease in components of other long-term liabilities	(20		)	(1,301	)	(1,618	)
	Total change in operating assets and liabilities	$	(42,178	)	(10,610	)	(28,680	)
Cash Payments for Interest	'
	The following items are for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
	Net cash paid or received:	2013			2012		2011
	Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$	71,749		69,083		73,492
Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions	'
	The following items are non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012		2011
	Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment	$	17,230		9,010		7,233
	Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment	$	5,292		660		613
	Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares	$	621		511		—
	Net assets acquired with equity in AWN (see Note 1(d))	$	267,642		—		—

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_1

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	'
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful receivables during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):
				Additions			Deductions
	Description	Balance at beginning of year		Charged to costs and expenses	Charged to other accounts		Write-offs net of recoveries	Balance at end of year
	31-Dec-13	$	3,215	2,370	(446	)	2,793	2,346
	31-Dec-12	$	5,796	3,649	(2,261	)	3,969	3,215
	31-Dec-11	$	9,189	4,294	(29	)	7,658	5,796
	Receivables consist of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Trade	$	225,689	148,902
	Employee	1,037		703
	Other	1,646		831
	Total receivables	$	228,372	150,436

Net_Property_and_Equipment_in_1

Net Property and Equipment in Service (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Property and Equipment in Service	'
	Net property and equipment in service consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	Land and buildings	$	69,984	60,928
	Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities	1,085,963		897,620
	Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities	177,410		155,122
	Studio equipment	12,680		—
	Support equipment and systems	245,301		217,637
	Transportation equipment	13,619		9,184
	Customer premise equipment	149,372		142,176
	Fiber optic cable systems	299,525		291,220
		2,053,854		1,773,887
	Less accumulated depreciation	1,042,724		901,398
	Less accumulated amortization	41,552		34,242
	Net property and equipment in service	$	969,578	838,247
	Property and equipment under capital leases	$	104,251	104,251

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill1

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	Other Intangible Assets subject to amortization include the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Rights to use	$	55,407		—
	Software license fees	41,804			35,416
	Customer relationships	3,036			3,036
	Right-of-way	783			783
		101,030			39,235
	Less accumulated amortization	29,595			22,675
	Net other intangible assets	$	71,435		16,560
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Goodwill		Other Intangible Assets
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	74,883	15,835
	Contingent consideration to former shareholders of United Utilities, Inc.	2,411		—
	Asset additions	—		5,952
	Less amortization expense	—		5,227
	Balance at December 31, 2012	77,294		16,560
	Goodwill addition from AWN acquisition	140,080		—
	Goodwill addition from Denali Media acquisitions	1,667		—
	Asset additions	—		61,919
	Less amortization expense	—		7,044
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	219,041	71,435
Schedule of Amortization Expense	'
	Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 follow (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Amortization expense	$	7,044		5,227	6,039
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	'
	Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be (amounts in thousands):
	Years Ending December 31,
	2014	$	8,196
	2015	6,670
	2016	5,006
	2017	3,880
	2018	3,054

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		2013		2012
	2021 Notes (a)	$	325,000	325,000
	2019 Notes (b)	425,000		425,000
	Senior Credit Facility (c)	261,000		90,000
	Rural Utilities Service ("RUS") debt (d)	39,425		38,997
	CoBank Mortgage note payable	—		797
	Debt	1,050,425		879,794
	Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	2,445		2,743
	Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836		1,928
	Long-term debt, net	$	1,045,144	875,123
Debt Instrument Redemption	'
	If redeemed during the twelve month period commencing June 1 of the year indicated:	Redemption Price
	2016	103.375	%
	2017	102.25	%
	2018	101.125	%
	2019 and thereafter	100	%
	The 2019 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty days nor more than sixty days notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principle amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption:
	If redeemed during the twelve month period commencing November 15 of the year indicated:	Redemption Price
	2014	104.313	%
	2015	102.875	%
	2016	101.438	%
	2017 and thereafter	100	%
Interest Margin	'
	The interest rate on our Amended Senior Credit Facility is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below.
	Total Leverage Ratio (as defined)	Applicable Margin
	>=5	3.00%
	>=0 but <5.5	2.75%
	>=5 but <5.0	2.50%
	>=0 but <4.5	2.25%
	<4.0	2.00%
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2013 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31,
	2014	$	2,836
	2015	1,528
	2016	1,573
	2017	1,620
	2018	262,668
	2019 and thereafter	780,200
		1,050,425
	Less unamortized discount paid on 2019 Notes	2,445
	Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836
		$	1,045,144

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	Income tax expense consists of the following (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal taxes	$	9,267		10,318	6,264
	State taxes	1,690			1,770	1,141
		$	10,957		12,088	7,405
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	Total income tax expense differed from the “expected” income tax expense determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012	2011
	“Expected” statutory tax expense	$	14,939		7,437	4,500
	Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity	(7,977		)	—	—
	State income taxes, net of federal expense	1,690			1,770	1,141
	Income tax effect of nondeductible entertainment expenses	1,045			777	737
	Income tax effect of nondeductible lobbying expenses	369			298	327
	Income tax effect of nondeductible officer compensation	824			1,718	758
	Other, net	67			88	(58	)
		$	10,957		12,088	7,405
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Current deferred tax assets, net of current deferred tax liability:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	30,344		3,952
	Compensated absences, accrued for financial reporting purposes	2,956			2,605
	Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes	1,688			1,357
	Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables	1,154			1,319
	Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	104			32
	Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	2,673			2,734
	Other	834			898
	Total current deferred tax assets	$	39,753		12,897
	Long-term deferred tax assets:
	Net operating loss carryforwards	$	90,589		116,034
	Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	35,506			36,316
	Alternative minimum tax credits	1,895			1,895
	Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	2,556			2,543
	Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	4,930			6,680
	Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	1,860			1,675
	Other	4,335			3,353
	Total long-term deferred tax assets	141,671			168,496
	Long-term deferred tax liabilities:
	Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	212,719			233,530
	Intangible assets	49,761			58,627
	Flow-through entity deferred tax items	40,667			—
	Total long-term deferred tax liabilities	303,147			292,157
	Net long-term deferred tax liabilities	$	161,476		123,661
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	'
	Our tax net operating loss carryforwards are summarized below by year of expiration (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31,	Federal			State
	2020	$	39,969		38,954
	2021	29,614			28,987
	2022	14,081			13,788
	2023	3,968			3,903
	2024	722			—
	2025	737			—
	2026	150			—
	2027	1,010			—
	2028	39,879			39,715
	2029	48,370			47,558
	2031	110,933			109,376
	2033	5,031			4,927
	Total tax net operating loss carryforwards	$	294,464		287,208

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	The carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012 follow (amounts in thousands):
		December 31,			December 31,
		2013			2012
		Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
	Current and long-term debt	$	1,047,980	1,058,431	877,051	899,414
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using
	December 31, 2013 Assets	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$	2,183	—	—
	Total assets at fair value	$	2,183	—	—
	December 31, 2012 Assets
	Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$	1,758	—	—
	Total assets at fair value	$	1,758	—	—

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Option Activity	'
	A summary of option activity under the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2013 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:
		Shares (in thousands)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	719		$	7.65
	Exercised	(87	)	$	7.16
	Expired	(12	)	$	6.61
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	620		$	7.74	2.8 years	$	2,153
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	601		$	7.78	2.7 years	$	2,060
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	'
	A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2013, follows (share amounts in thousands):
		Shares		Weighted
				Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	1,127		$	9.59
	Granted	680		$	8.3
	Vested	(582	)	$	10.05
	Forfeited	(16	)	$	8.6
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,209		$	8.6

Industry_Segments_Data_Tables

Industry Segments Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 follows (amounts in thousands):
		Wireless			Wireline		Total Reportable Segments
	2013
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	197,218		—		197,218
	Consumer	—			274,805		274,805
	Business Services	—			222,814		222,814
	Managed Broadband	—			116,811		116,811
	Total	197,218			614,430		811,648
	Cost of Goods Sold	68,086			212,376		280,462
	Contribution	129,132			402,054		531,186
	Less SG&A	20,030			251,035		271,065
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			6,638		6,638
	Plus (less) accretion expense	507			(430	)	77
	Other expense	—			447		447
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	109,609		157,674		267,283
	Capital expenditures	$	28,156		152,398		180,554
	Goodwill	$	155,445		63,596		219,041
	Total assets	$	624,740		1,387,067		2,011,807
		Wireless			Wireline		Total Reportable Segments
	2012
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	124,745		—		124,745
	Consumer	—			269,357		269,357
	Business Services	—			207,892		207,892
	Managed Broadband	—			108,187		108,187
	Total	124,745			585,436		710,181
	Cost of Good Sold	58,737			188,764		247,501
	Contribution	66,008			396,672		462,680
	Less SG&A	15,475			227,773		243,248
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			5,040		5,040
	Plus non-cash contribution expense	—			960		960
	Plus accretion expense	269			239		508
	Other expense	—			869		869
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	50,802		176,007		226,809
	2011
	Revenues
	Wholesale	$	119,521		—		119,521
	Consumer	—			266,750		266,750
	Business Services	—			207,860		207,860
	Managed Broadband	—			85,250		85,250
	Total	119,521			559,860		679,381
	Cost of Good Sold	42,687			184,712		227,399
	Contribution	76,834			375,148		451,982
	Less SG&A	14,868			220,653		235,521
	Plus share-based compensation expense	—			6,620		6,620
	Plus accretion expense	349			270		619
	Other expense	—			(59	)	(59	)
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	62,315		161,326		223,641
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years Ended December 31,	2013			2012		2011
	Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA	$	267,283		226,809		223,641
	Less depreciation and amortization expense	(147,259		)	(130,452	)	(125,937	)
	Less share-based compensation expense	(6,638		)	(5,040	)	(6,620	)
	Less non-cash contribution expense	—			(960	)	—
	Less accretion expense	(77		)	(508	)	(619	)
	Other	(447		)	(869	)	59
	Consolidated operating income	112,862			88,980		90,524
	Less other expense, net	(70,178		)	(67,730	)	(77,633	)
	Consolidated income before income tax expense	$	42,684		21,250		12,891

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments	'
	A summary of future minimum lease payments follows (amounts in thousands):
	Years ending December 31:	Operating		Capital
	2014	$	37,163	11,758
	2015	31,358		11,734
	2016	27,636		11,745
	2017	22,120		11,723
	2018	19,996		11,730
	2019 and thereafter	66,020		43,297
	Total minimum lease payments	$	204,293	101,987
	Less amount representing interest			27,381
	Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases			6,465
	Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturity			$	68,141

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		First		Second	Third	Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter	Quarter	Quarter
	2013
	Total revenues	$	186,216	189,661	217,943	217,828
	Operating income	$	23,060	25,695	38,684	25,423
	Net income (loss) attributable to GCI	$	3,244	4,180	8,905	(6,923	)
	Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.08	0.1	0.22	(0.17	)
	Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.08	0.1	0.22	(0.17	)
	2012
	Total revenues	$	171,907	176,104	178,494	183,676
	Operating income	$	19,685	24,633	25,392	19,270
	Net income attributable to GCI	$	1,429	3,982	3,700	562
	Basic net income attributable to GCI per common share	$	0.03	0.1	0.09	0.01
	Diluted net income attributable to GCI per common share1	$	0.03	0.09	0.09	0.01
	1Due to rounding, the sum of quarterly diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share amounts does not agree to total year diluted net income attributable to GCI per common share.

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif3

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jul. 22, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Jul. 22, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Total High Cost Support Program [Member]

Total High Cost Support Program [Member]

Total High Cost Support Program [Member]

Remote High Cost Support Program [Member]

Remote High Cost Support Program [Member]

Urban High Cost Support Program [Member]

Urban High Cost Support Program [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

Class A Common Stock [Member]

ACS [Member]

ACS [Member]

ACS [Member]

Denali Media Holdings [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USF Program [Member]

station

ACS [Member]

ACS [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

Other Intangible Assets [Member]

customer

Business

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Year founded

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'1979

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Acquisition

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Purchase of business

$100,000,000

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$107,600,000

$1,874,000

$352,000

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$100,000,000

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$7,600,000

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Percentage of voting interests acquired

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33.30%

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Preferential cash distributions

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190,000,000

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Preference period

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'4 years

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Percent received from AWN

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66.60%

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Preferential adjustment maximum

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21,800,000

21,800,000

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Goodwill

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219,041,000

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77,294,000

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219,041,000

77,294,000

74,883,000

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140,081,000

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Additional revenue

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50,600,000

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Transaction costs

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'

'

1,800,000

2,900,000

'

'

'

'

Denali Media Holdings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of broadcast stations acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized amount, repurchase of stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized amount per quarter, repurchase of stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased during period, shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000

1,500,000

5,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchased during period, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,600,000

14,000,000

52,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock repurchase program, remaining value authorized to be repurchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

106,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redeemable Preferred Stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares authorized

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares outstanding

'

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Past due period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'120 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years 9 months 18 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'20 years

'2 years

'20 years

'

Asset Retirement Obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional capitalized costs

'

10,500,000

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

10,500,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue Recognition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of customers who received denial notice

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

Amount recognized from appeal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,700,000

Maximum cost per line, per month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage phase down, decrease in support payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage phase down, maximum decrease in support payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

60.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

217,828,000

217,943,000

189,661,000

186,216,000

183,676,000

178,494,000

176,104,000

171,907,000

811,648,000

710,181,000

679,381,000

'

55,600,000

42,800,000

48,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables

'

228,372,000

'

'

'

150,436,000

'

'

'

228,372,000

150,436,000

'

'

'

'

'

45,900,000

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Advertising expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,200,000

4,900,000

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest costs capitalized

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,600,000

2,800,000

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Guarantor obligations, value

'

$56,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$56,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif4

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Business Acquisition) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Purchase of business	$100,000	$107,600	$1,874	$352
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	'	219,041	77,294	74,883
ACS [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Purchase of business	100,000	'	'	'
Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN	267,642	'	'	'
Total purchase price	367,642	'	'	'
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'	'
Current assets	16,952	'	'	'
Property and equipment, including construction in progress	82,473	'	'	'
Goodwill	140,081	'	'	'
Other assets	16,078	'	'	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed	-6,011	'	'	'
Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	367,642	'	'	'
ACS [Member] | Wireless Licenses [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	65,433	'	'	'
ACS [Member] | Rights to Use Capacity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	$52,636	'	'	'

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif5

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Pro-Forma Information) (Details) (ACS [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ACS [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Pro forma consolidated revenue	$897,270	$848,676

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif6

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (EPS Calculations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	($6,923)	$8,905	$4,180	$3,244	$562	$3,700	$3,982	$1,429	$9,406	$9,673	$5,724
Basic earnings per share (USD per share)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.10	$0.08	$0.01	$0.09	$0.10	$0.03	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.10	$0.08	$0.01	$0.09	$0.09	$0.03	'	'	'
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,678	8,938	5,323
Number of shares used in basic computation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	37,732	38,560	42,175
Basic earnings per share (USD per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.23	$0.23	$0.13
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	728	735	401
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-13	-367
Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,406	9,660	5,357
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,166	3,170	3,175
Unexercised stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	142	158	322
Number of shares used in per share computations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,040	42,119	45,889
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.23	$0.23	$0.12
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	231	217
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Allocation of undistributed earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	728	735	401
Number of shares used in basic computation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,166	3,170	3,175
Basic earnings per share (USD per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.23	$0.23	$0.13
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8	-30
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3	0	0
Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$725	$727	$371
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Unexercised stock options	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Number of shares used in per share computations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,166	3,170	3,175
Diluted earnings per share (USD per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.23	$0.23	$0.12
Effect of share based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif7

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Weighted Average Shares Outstanding Which Are Anti-Dilutive) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity Option [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	86	88	38
Contingent Shares [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	90	0	0

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif8

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Shares Outstanding Which Are Contingent) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares associated with contingent awards	0	58	34

Business_and_Summary_of_Signif9

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Changes in Issued Common Stock) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Common Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Shares issued upon stock option exercises	87	'	'
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Common Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	38,534	39,296	44,213
Class B shares converted to Class A	4	2	7
Shares issued upon stock option exercises	87	320	163
Share awards issued	680	731	460
Shares retired	-1,859	-1,469	-5,244
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	-147	-337	-287
Other	'	-9	-16
Balance, Ending	37,299	38,534	39,296
Class B Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Common Stock [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, Beginning	3,169	3,171	3,178
Class B shares converted to Class A	4	2	7
Shares issued upon stock option exercises	0	0	0
Share awards issued	0	0	0
Shares retired	0	0	0
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements	0	0	0
Other	'	0	0
Balance, Ending	3,165	3,169	3,171

Recovered_Sheet2

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Depreciation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Technology Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years
Technology Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'20 years
Fiber optic cable systems [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'15 years
Fiber optic cable systems [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'25 years
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'30 years
Support equipment and systems [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'3 years
Support equipment and systems [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'20 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years
Transportation Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'13 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'12 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'20 years
Building [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'25 years
Customer premise equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'2 years
Customer premise equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'20 years
Studio equipment | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'10 years
Studio equipment | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'15 years

Recovered_Sheet3

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Asset Retirement Obligation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning	$16,280	$15,223	'
Liability incurred	5,292	660	613
Additions upon the close of AWN	5,218	'	'
Accretion expense	77	508	619
Liability settled	-65	-111	'
Balance, ending	$26,802	$16,280	$15,223

Recovered_Sheet4

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Surcharges Reported Gross) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Taxes, Miscellaneous [Abstract]	'	'	'
Surcharges reported gross	$4,644	$5,401	$5,408

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures ( Changes in operating assets and liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Increase in accounts receivable, net	($68,360)	($9,386)	($16,900)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	672	-350	-1,949
(Increase) decrease in inventories	1,751	-4,576	-1,718
Decrease in other current assets	1,448	1,953	309
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-1,459	1,236	907
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	15,334	3,085	-1,373
Increase in deferred revenues	2,368	3,215	4,707
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	10,263	-2,750	-102
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	-883	3,043	-1,733
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	302	106	-6,776
Increase (decrease) in subscriber deposits	-40	116	-21
Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	-3,554	-5,001	-2,413
Decrease in components of other long-term liabilities	-20	-1,301	-1,618
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	($42,178)	($10,610)	($28,680)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash1

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures (Net cash paid or received) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$71,749	$69,083	$73,492

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash2

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures ( Non-cash investing and financing activities) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment	$17,230	$9,010	$7,233
Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment	5,292	660	613
Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares	621	511	0
Net assets acquired with equity in AWN	$267,642	$0	$0

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_2

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	USF Program [Member]	USF Program [Member]	USF Program [Member]	USF Program [Member]	Rural Health Care Division [Member]	Subsequent Event [Member]
						USF Program [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue support from regulatory agency, percentage	'	'	19.00%	19.00%	'	'
Receivables net current	$124.30	'	$70.10	'	'	'
Contribution receivables	'	14.2	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from regulatory agency	'	'	'	'	$1.60	$18.50

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_3

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Receivables by Type) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables (including $28,000 from a related party at December 31, 2013)	$228,372	$150,436
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables (including $28,000 from a related party at December 31, 2013)	225,689	148,902
Employee Receivable [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables (including $28,000 from a related party at December 31, 2013)	1,037	703
Other Receivable [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables (including $28,000 from a related party at December 31, 2013)	$1,646	$831

Allowance_for_Doubtful_Receiva

Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Allowance for Doubtful Receivables Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$3,215	$5,796	$9,189
Charged to costs and expenses	2,370	3,649	4,294
Charged to other accounts	-446	-2,261	-29
Write-offs net of recoveries	2,793	3,969	7,658
Balance at end of year	$2,346	$3,215	$5,796

Net_Property_and_Equipment_in_2

Net Property and Equipment in Service (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$2,053,854	$1,773,887
Less accumulated depreciation	1,042,724	901,398
Less accumulated amortization	41,552	34,242
Net property and equipment in service	969,578	838,247
Property and equipment under capital leases	104,251	104,251
Land and buildings	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	69,984	60,928
Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,085,963	897,620
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	177,410	155,122
Studio equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	12,680	0
Support equipment and systems	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	245,301	217,637
Transportation equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	13,619	9,184
Customer premise equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	149,372	142,176
Fiber optic cable systems	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$299,525	$291,220

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill2

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets acquired	$61,919	$5,952
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'15 years 9 months 18 days	'
Broadcast License [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Assets acquired	$2,800	'
Rights to Use [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	'20 years	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill3

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Finite Lived) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$101,030	$39,235	'
Less accumulated amortization	29,595	22,675	'
Net other intangible assets	71,435	16,560	15,835
Rights to Use [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	55,407	0	'
Software License Fee [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	41,804	35,416	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	3,036	3,036	'
Right Of Way [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$783	$783	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill4

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				ACS [Member]	ACS [Member]	Denali Media Holdings [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill beginning balance	$77,294	$74,883	'	'	$140,081	'
Contingent consideration to former shareholders of United Utilities, Inc.	'	2,411	'	'	'	'
Goodwill acquired during period	'	'	'	140,080	'	1,667
Goodwill ending balance	219,041	77,294	74,883	'	140,081	'
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	16,560	15,835	'	'	'	'
Asset additions	61,919	5,952	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	7,044	5,227	6,039	'	'	'
Ending Balance	$71,435	$16,560	$15,835	'	'	'

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill5

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Amortization expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$7,044	$5,227	$6,039

Intangible_Assets_and_Goodwill6

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (5 year Future Amortization ) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	$8,196
2015	6,670
2016	5,006
2017	3,880
2018	$3,054

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Lon

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	$1,050,425		$879,794		'
Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	2,445		'		'
Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836		1,928		'
Long-term debt, net	1,045,144		875,123		'
2021 Notes [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	325,000	[1]	325,000	[1]	'
Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	'		'		1,500
2019 Notes [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	2,445		2,743		'
2019 Notes [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	425,000	[2]	425,000	[2]	'
Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	261,000	[3]	90,000	[3]	'
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) debt [Member] | Notes Payable to Banks [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	39,425	[4]	38,997	[4]	'
CoBank Mortgage note payable [Member] | Mortgages [Member]	'		'		'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'		'		'
Long-term debt, gross	$0		$797		'
[1]	We pay interest of 6.75% on notes that are due in 2021 ("2021 Notes"). The 2021 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2019 Notes, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.
[2]	We pay interest of 8.63% on notes that are due in 2019 (b2019 Notesb). The 2019 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with the existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2021 Notes described previously, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The 2019 Notes are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets net of the unamortized portion of the discount, which is being amortized to Interest Expense over the term of the 2019 Notes using the effective interest method and an effective interest rate of 9.09%.
[3]	On April 30, 2013, GCI Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI, entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Amended Senior Credit Facility"). The Amended Senior Credit Facility provides up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Amended Senior Credit Facility replaced our then existing Senior Credit Facility.
[4]	UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. The long-term debt is due in monthly installments of principal based on a fixed rate amortization schedule. The interest rates on the various loans to which this debt relates range from 2.4% to 4.5%. Substantially all of the assets of UUI are pledged as collateral for the amounts due to RUS.

Long_Term_Debt_Narratives_Deta

Long Term Debt (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Senior Credit Facility [Member]

UUI and Unicom [Member]

UUI and Unicom [Member]

2021 Notes [Member]

2021 Notes [Member]

2021 Notes [Member]

2021 Notes [Member]

2021 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

2019 Notes [Member]

Notes Payable to Banks [Member]

Notes Payable to Banks [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

After June 30, 2014 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Earliest call date

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

1-Jun-21

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Nov-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Frequency of periodic payment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annual interest payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Semi-annual interest payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount eligible for purchase

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

$2,000

'

'

'

'

$1,000

$2,000

'

'

'

'

Percentage of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

101.00%

'

'

'

'

100.00%

101.00%

'

'

'

'

Percentage of principal amount if default

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Closing costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

-103,000

0

-9,111,000

'

'

'

'

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized deferred loan costs

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

2,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes

2,445,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

2,445,000

2,743,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Call premium payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

240,000,000

'

150,000,000

'

Total leverage ratio

6.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.95

Senior leverage ratio

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest coverage ratio

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred finance costs

'

'

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loan fees and other expenses

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of financing costs

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, gross

1,050,425,000

879,794,000

'

'

'

'

325,000,000

[1]

'

325,000,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

425,000,000

[2]

425,000,000

[2]

'

'

'

229,000,000

'

'

Amount outstanding

32,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding

4,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining borrowing capacity

$124,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt percentage

'

'

'

'

2.40%

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9.09%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

We pay interest of 6.75% on notes that are due in 2021 ("2021 Notes"). The 2021 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2019 Notes, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.

[2]

We pay interest of 8.63% on notes that are due in 2019 (b2019 Notesb). The 2019 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with the existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 2021 Notes described previously, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The 2019 Notes are carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheets net of the unamortized portion of the discount, which is being amortized to Interest Expense over the term of the 2019 Notes using the effective interest method and an effective interest rate of 9.09%.

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Red

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Redemption Prices) (Details) (Line of Credit [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2021 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	103.38%
2021 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	102.25%
2021 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	101.13%
2021 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
2019 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	104.31%
2019 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	102.88%
2019 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	101.44%
2019 Notes [Member] | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Lon1

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt Applicable Margin) (Details) (London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Greater than or equal to 5.5	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	3.00%
Greater than or equal to 5.0 but less than or equal to 5.5	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Greater than or equal to 4.5 but less than or equal to 5.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Greater than or equal to 4.0 but less than or equal to 4.5	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.25%
Less than 4.0	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%

Long_Term_Debt_Schedule_of_Lon2

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$2,836	'
2015	1,528	'
2016	1,573	'
2017	1,620	'
2018	262,668	'
2019 and thereafter	780,200	'
Long-term debt, gross	1,050,425	879,794
Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes	2,445	'
Less current portion of long-term debt	2,836	1,928
Long-term debt, net	$1,045,144	$875,123

Income_Taxes_Narratives_Detail

Income Taxes (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$10,957,000	$12,088,000	$7,405,000
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	'	'
Alternative minimum tax credits	1,895,000	1,895,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0	0
Income tax penalties expense	0	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefits resulting in net operating loss carryforward	3,400,000	'	'
Federal	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$294,464,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income tax expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred tax expense:	'	'	'
Federal taxes	$9,267	$10,318	$6,264
State taxes	1,690	1,770	1,141
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$10,957	$12,088	$7,405

Income_Taxes_Statutory_tax_rat

Income Taxes (Statutory tax rate impact on Income tax expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected statutory tax expense	$14,939	$7,437	$4,500
Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity	-7,977	0	0
State income taxes, net of federal expense	1,690	1,770	1,141
Income tax effect of nondeductible entertainment expenses	1,045	777	737
Income tax effect of nondeductible lobbying expenses	369	298	327
Income tax effect of nondeductible officer compensation	824	1,718	758
Other, net	67	88	-58
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$10,957	$12,088	$7,405

Income_Taxes_Tax_effects_of_te

Income Taxes (Tax effects of temporary differences) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current deferred tax assets, net of current deferred tax liability:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$30,344	$3,952
Compensated absences, accrued for financial reporting purposes	2,956	2,605
Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes	1,688	1,357
Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables	1,154	1,319
Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	104	32
Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	2,673	2,734
Other	834	898
Total current deferred tax assets	39,753	12,897
Long-term deferred tax assets:	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	90,589	116,034
Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	35,506	36,316
Alternative minimum tax credits	1,895	1,895
Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	2,556	2,543
Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	4,930	6,680
Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	1,860	1,675
Other	4,335	3,353
Total long-term deferred tax assets	141,671	168,496
Long-term deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	212,719	233,530
Intangible assets	49,761	58,627
Flow-through entity deferred tax items	40,667	0
Total long-term deferred tax liabilities	303,147	292,157
Net long-term deferred tax liabilities	$161,476	$123,661

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_tax_ne

Income Taxes (Summary of tax net operating loss carryforwards) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Federal	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$294,464
Federal | 2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	39,969
Federal | 2021	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	29,614
Federal | 2022	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	14,081
Federal | 2023	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	3,968
Federal | 2024	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	722
Federal | 2025	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	737
Federal | 2026	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	150
Federal | 2027	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,010
Federal | 2028	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	39,879
Federal | 2029	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	48,370
Federal | 2031	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	110,933
Federal | 2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,031
State	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	287,208
State | 2020	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	38,954
State | 2021	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	28,987
State | 2022	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	13,788
State | 2023	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	3,903
State | 2024	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State | 2025	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State | 2026	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State | 2027	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	0
State | 2028	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	39,715
State | 2029	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	47,558
State | 2031	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	109,376
State | 2033	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$4,927

Financial_Instruments_Carrying

Financial Instruments (Carrying amounts and fair value of the financial instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Current and long-term debt	$1,047,980	$877,051
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Current and long-term debt	$1,058,431	$899,414

Financial_Instruments_Assets_m

Financial Instruments (Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basics) (Details) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$2,183	$1,758
Total assets at fair value	$2,183	$1,758

Stockholders_Equity_Narratives

Stockholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'
Number of shares available for grant	3,200,000	'	'
Fair value assumptions, method used	'The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock.B B	'	'
Fair value of options vested	$78,000	$560,000	$379,000
Intrinsic value of options exercised	200,000	1,300,000	300,000
Cash received from exercise of stock options	600,000	2,100,000	900,000
Weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted	$8.30	$9.23	$12.08
Share-based compensation expense	6,600,000	5,000,000	6,600,000
Unvested stock options	1,209,000	1,127,000	'
GCI 401(k) Plan	'	'	'
Matching contributions	8,200,000	7,500,000	7,100,000
Class A Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Common Stock	'	'	'
Stock repurchased during period, shares	1,800,000	1,500,000	5,200,000
Stock repurchased during period, value	15,600,000	14,000,000	52,600,000
Shares retired	2,000,000	1,800,000	5,200,000
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized	15,700,000	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'	'
Expiration period	'10 years	'	'
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	27,000	'	'
Unvested stock options	19,000	'	'
Weighted average period for recognition of unvested shares	'7 months 6 days	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'	'
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	$6,200,000	'	'
Unvested restricted stock awards	1,200,000	'	'
Weighted average period for recognition of unvested shares	'2 years	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Option activity under the Stock Option Plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares:	'
Outstanding, beginning	719
Exercised	-87
Expired	-12
Outstanding, ending	620
Exercisable	601
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Oustanding, beginning (USD per share)	$7.65
Exercised (USD per share)	$7.16
Expired (USD per share)	$6.61
Oustanding, ending (USD per share)	$7.74
Exercisable (USD per share)	$7.78
Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Term	'2 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable, Weighted Average Contractual Term	'2 years 8 months 12 days
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$2,153
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$2,060

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of1

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Nonvested, Beginning	1,127
Granted	680
Vested	-582
Forfeited	-16
Nonvested, Ending	1,209
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Nonvested, Beginning (USD per share)	$9.59
Granted (USD per share)	$8.30
Vested (USD per share)	$10.05
Forfeited (USD per share)	$8.60
Nonvested, Ending (USD per share)	$8.60

Industry_Segments_Data_Narrati

Industry Segments Data (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	segment	Wireless [Member]	Wireless [Member]	Wireless [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	2	'	'	'
Equipment subsidy	'	$13	$23.20	$16.50
Percentage of long-lived assets not in US	82.00%	'	'	'

Industry_Segments_Data_Reporta

Industry Segments Data (Reportable segment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$811,648	$710,181	$679,381
Cost of Goods Sold	280,462	247,501	227,399
Contribution	531,186	462,680	451,982
Less SG&A	271,065	243,248	235,521
Plus share-based compensation expense	6,638	5,040	6,620
Plus non-cash contribution expense	0	960	0
Plus (less) accretion expense	77	508	619
Other expense	447	869	-59
Adjusted EBITDA	267,283	226,809	223,641
Capital expenditures	180,554	'	'
Goodwill	219,041	77,294	74,883
Total assets	2,011,807	1,506,522	'
Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	197,218	124,745	119,521
Consumer [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	274,805	269,357	266,750
Business Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	222,814	207,892	207,860
Managed Broadband [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	116,811	108,187	85,250
Wireless [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	'	124,745	119,521
Cost of Goods Sold	68,086	58,737	42,687
Contribution	129,132	66,008	76,834
Less SG&A	20,030	15,475	14,868
Plus share-based compensation expense	0	0	0
Plus non-cash contribution expense	'	0	'
Plus (less) accretion expense	507	269	349
Other expense	0	0	0
Adjusted EBITDA	109,609	50,802	62,315
Capital expenditures	28,156	'	'
Goodwill	155,445	'	'
Total assets	624,740	'	'
Wireless [Member] | Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	197,218	124,745	119,521
Wireless [Member] | Consumer [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	0	0	0
Wireless [Member] | Business Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	0	0	0
Wireless [Member] | Managed Broadband [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	0	0	0
Wireline [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	614,430	585,436	559,860
Cost of Goods Sold	212,376	188,764	184,712
Contribution	402,054	396,672	375,148
Less SG&A	251,035	227,773	220,653
Plus share-based compensation expense	6,638	5,040	6,620
Plus non-cash contribution expense	'	960	'
Plus (less) accretion expense	-430	239	270
Other expense	447	869	-59
Adjusted EBITDA	157,674	176,007	161,326
Capital expenditures	152,398	'	'
Goodwill	63,596	'	'
Total assets	1,387,067	'	'
Wireline [Member] | Wholesale [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	0	0	0
Wireline [Member] | Consumer [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	274,805	269,357	266,750
Wireline [Member] | Business Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	222,814	207,892	207,860
Wireline [Member] | Managed Broadband [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total	$116,811	$108,187	$85,250

Industry_Segments_Data_Reconci

Industry Segments Data (Reconciliation of reportable segment adjusted EBITDA) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$267,283	$226,809	$223,641
Less depreciation and amortization expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-147,259	-130,452	-125,937
Less share-based compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,638	-5,040	-6,620
Less non-cash contribution expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-960	0
Less accretion expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-77	-508	-619
Other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-447	-869	59
Operating income	25,423	38,684	25,695	23,060	19,270	25,392	24,633	19,685	112,862	88,980	90,524
Less other expense, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-70,178	-67,730	-77,633
Consolidated income before income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$42,684	$21,250	$12,891

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital lease obligations	$98,600,000	'	'
Deposit termination period	'6 months	'	'
Amount received from related party	28,677,000	0	0
Property [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital lease obligations	900,000	'	'
Capital Lease Obligation Addition [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Capital lease obligations	1,300,000	'	'
Original Aircraft [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Termination period on lease	'90 days	'	'
Monthly lease payment	'	45,000	'
Second Aircraft [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Termination period on lease	'12 months	'	'
Monthly lease payment	132,000	'	'
Capital lease deposit	'	1,500,000	'
ACS [Member]	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments to related party	25,100,000	'	'
Amount received from related party	23,900,000	'	'
Receivables	28,000,000	'	'
Payables	$11,200,000	'	'

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (Primary Beneficiary [Member], USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 30, 2011

Aug. 30, 2011

Aug. 30, 2011

Aug. 30, 2011

Aug. 30, 2011

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Dec. 11, 2011

Dec. 11, 2011

Dec. 11, 2011

Dec. 11, 2011

NMTC 1 [Member]

NMTC 1 [Member]

NMTC 1 [Member]

NMTC 1 [Member]

NMTC 1 [Member]

NMTC 2 [Member]

NMTC 2 [Member]

NMTC 2 [Member]

NMTC 2 [Member]

NMTC 2 [Member]

NMTC 3 [Member]

NMTC 3 [Member]

NMTC 3 [Member]

NMTC 3 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

US Bancorp [Member]

CDE's [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

US Bancorp [Member]

CDE's [Member]

Maximum [Member]

US Bancorp [Member]

CDE's [Member]

Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Financial support

$59.30

'

$58.30

'

'

'

'

$37.70

'

'

'

'

$8.20

'

'

'

Tax credit percentage

39.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate percent on financial support

'

'

1.00%

1.00%

3.96%

'

'

1.00%

0.71%

0.77%

'

'

1.00%

1.35%

'

'

Financial support to other entity

'

'

'

'

'

22.4

76.8

'

'

'

17.5

55.2

'

'

3.8

12

Restricted cash

6.9

30.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of recapture

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recapture period

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets and liabilities

$140.90

$104.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
				ACS [Member]	ACS [Member]	Forecast [Member]
Operating Leases as Lessee	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental costs	$46,500,000	$37,400,000	$36,300,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases as Lessee	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital lease term	'14 years	'	'	'	'	'
Capital lease obligations	98,600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Expected increase in capital lease	9,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Self-Insurance	'	'	'	'	'	'
Coverage limit per incident	500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Self insurance reserve	3,100,000	2,700,000	'	'	'	'
Workers compensation self insurance coverage limit per incident	500,000	'	'	'	'	'
Workers compensation self insurance reserve	3,700,000	2,400,000	'	'	'	'
Cable Service Rate Reregulation	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of subscribers request for petition	25.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percent of basic service subscribers	7.00%	'	'	'	'	'
TERRA-Northwest	'	'	'	'	'	'
Construction and development costs	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000
AWN Member Distribution Adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'
Preferential adjustment maximum	'	'	'	$21,800,000	$21,800,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Summary of minimum future lease payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating	'
2014	$37,163
2015	31,358
2016	27,636
2017	22,120
2018	19,996
2019 and thereafter	66,020
Total minimum lease payments	204,293
Capital	'
2014	11,758
2015	11,734
2016	11,745
2017	11,723
2018	11,730
2019 and thereafter	43,297
Total minimum lease payments	101,987
Less amount representing interest	27,381
Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases	6,465
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities	$68,141

Selected_Financial_Quarterly_D

Selected Financial Quarterly Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	$217,828	$217,943	$189,661	$186,216	$183,676	$178,494	$176,104	$171,907	$811,648	$710,181	$679,381
Operating income	25,423	38,684	25,695	23,060	19,270	25,392	24,633	19,685	112,862	88,980	90,524
Net income (loss) attributable to GCI	($6,923)	$8,905	$4,180	$3,244	$562	$3,700	$3,982	$1,429	$9,406	$9,673	$5,724
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share (USD per share)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.10	$0.08	$0.01	$0.09	$0.10	$0.03	'	'	'
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share (USD per share)	($0.17)	$0.22	$0.10	$0.08	$0.01	$0.09	$0.09	$0.03	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	Feb. 18, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Texas Energy Network LLC [Member]	Favorable Regulatory Action [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'
Investment amount	$15	'
Investment percentage	39.00%	'
Grant proceeds	'	$41.40