Grizzly Merger Sub 1 (GLIBP) 10-K 3 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 26, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Registrant Name	GENERAL COMMUNICATION INC
Entity Central Index Key	808,461
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
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Public Float			$ 160,967,837
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		35,473
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		3,154

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 26,528	$ 15,402
Receivables (including $0 and $27,944 from a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	208,384	212,441
Less allowance for doubtful receivables	3,630	4,542
Net receivables	204,754	207,899
Prepaid expenses	12,862	12,179
Inventories	11,322	17,032
Other current assets	3,129	153
Total current assets	258,595	252,665
Property and equipment	2,384,530	2,341,511
Less accumulated depreciation	1,290,149	1,229,029
Net property and equipment	1,094,381	1,112,482
Goodwill	239,263	229,560
Cable certificates	191,635	191,635
Wireless licenses	86,347	86,347
Other intangible assets, net of amortization	69,290	66,015
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, net of amortization of $7,227 and $8,644 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively	16,335	10,949
Other assets	26,462	52,725
Total other assets	629,332	637,231
Total assets	1,982,308	2,002,378
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt and capital leases	12,050	8,722
Accounts payable (including $0 and $7,447 to a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	63,014	76,918
Deferred revenue	34,128	29,314
Accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	31,337	32,803
Accrued liabilities	22,822	14,457
Accrued interest (including $5,132 and $0 to a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	13,655	6,654
Subscriber deposits	1,242	1,212
Total current liabilities	178,248	170,080
Long-term debt, net (including $54,810 and $0 due to a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	1,344,764	1,036,056
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities (including $1,824 and $1,857 due to a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	59,651	68,356
Deferred income taxes	106,145	131,752
Long-term deferred revenue	93,427	85,734
Other liabilities (including $32,820 and $0 for derivative stock appreciation rights with a related party at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively)	80,812	43,178
Total liabilities	$ 1,863,047	$ 1,535,156
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Paid-in capital	$ 6,631	$ 26,773
Retained earnings	79,217	124,547
Total General Communication, Inc. stockholders' equity	88,263	167,356
Non-controlling interests	30,998	299,866
Total stockholders’ equity	119,261	467,222
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,982,308	2,002,378
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock (no par)	0	13,617
Less cost of 26 Class A common shares held in treasury at December 31, 2015 and 2014	(249)	(249)
Total stockholders’ equity	0	13,617
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock (no par)	2,664	2,668
Total stockholders’ equity	$ 2,664	$ 2,668

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Related party receivable	$ 0	$ 27,944
Deferred loan and senior notes costs, accumulated amortization	7,227	8,644
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Related party payable	0	7,447
Related party accrued interest	5,132	0
Related party long-term debt	54,810	0
Capital leases related party	1,824	1,857
Related party derivative stock appreciation rights liability	$ 32,820	$ 0
Class A Common Stock
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	35,593	37,998
Common stock, shares outstanding	35,567	37,972
Treasury stock, shares	26	26
Class B Common Stock
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock, No Par Value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Common stock, shares issued	3,154	3,159
Common stock, shares outstanding	3,154	3,159

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Non-related party	$ 973,251	$ 850,656	$ 782,971
Related party	5,283	59,542	28,677
Total revenues	978,534	910,198	811,648
Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below):
Non-related party	321,457	291,770	275,701
Related party	881	10,934	4,761
Total cost of goods sold	322,338	302,704	280,462
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Non-related party	337,839	289,674	268,026
Related party	540	3,973	3,039
Total selling, general and administrative expenses	338,379	293,647	271,065
Depreciation and amortization expense	181,767	170,285	147,259
Software impairment charge	29,839	0	0
Operating income	106,211	143,562	112,862
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (including amortization of deferred loan fees)	(78,786)	(72,496)	(69,725)
Interest Expense, Related Party	(6,602)	0	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(27,700)	0	(103)
Impairment of equity method investment	(12,593)	0	0
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument with related party	(11,160)	0	0
Other	2,917	(1,793)	(350)
Other expense, net	(133,924)	(74,289)	(70,178)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(27,713)	69,273	42,684
Income tax (expense) benefit	1,847	(10,029)	(10,957)
Net income (loss)	(25,866)	59,244	31,727
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests	159	51,687	22,321
Net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc.	(26,025)	7,557	9,406
Class A Common Stock
Other income (expense):
Net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc.	$ (23,858)	$ 6,980	$ 8,678
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Class B Common Stock
Other income (expense):
Net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc.	$ (2,167)	$ 577	$ 728
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A and B Shares Held in Treasury	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interests	Class B Common Stock	Class A Common Stock
Beginning 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)	130					(17,338)
Shares issued under stock option plan	622						622
Issuance of restricted stock awards			(5,477)				5,477
Share-based compensation expense	6,525		6,525
Issuance of treasury shares related to deferred compensation payment	621	621
Investment by non-controlling interest	267,642				267,642
Distribution to non-controlling interest	(22,011)				(22,011)
Other	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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	59,244			7,557	51,687
Common stock repurchases and retirements	(6,850)						(6,850)
Shares issued under stock option plan	466						466
Issuance of restricted stock awards			(8,529)				8,529
Share-based compensation expense	8,324		8,324
Issuance of treasury shares related to deferred compensation payment	715	617	98
Distribution to non-controlling interest	(50,000)				(50,000)
Adjustment to investment by non-controlling interest	(2,131)				(2,131)
Other	100				100	(5)	5
Ending balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2014	467,222	(249)	26,773	124,547	299,866	2,668	13,617
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(25,866)			(26,025)	159
Common stock repurchases and retirements	(53,774)			(19,305)			(34,469)
Shares issued under stock option plan	474						474
Issuance of restricted stock awards			(20,374)				20,374
Share-based compensation expense	10,744		10,744
Investment by non-controlling interest	3,209				3,209
Distribution to non-controlling interest	(765)				(765)
Non-controlling interest acquisitions	(281,803)		(10,282)		(271,521)
Other	(180)		(230)		50	(4)	4
Ending balances, total stockholders' equity at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 119,261	$ (249)	$ 6,631	$ 79,217	$ 30,998	$ 2,664	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (25,866)	$ 59,244	$ 31,727
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	181,767	170,285	147,259
Loss on extinguishment of debt	27,700	0	103
Software impairment charge	29,839	0	0
Impairment of equity method investment	12,593	0	0
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument with related party	11,160	0	0
Share-based compensation expense	10,902	8,392	6,638
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(1,847)	10,029	10,957
Other noncash income and expense items	16,142	9,933	5,128
Change in operating assets and liabilities	(8,435)	320	(42,178)
Net cash provided by operating activities	253,955	258,203	159,634
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(176,235)	(176,109)	(180,554)
Grant proceeds	14,007	1,136	2,405
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets	(13,955)	(11,018)	(6,027)
Purchase of businesses, net of cash received	(12,736)	(2,514)	(107,600)
Proceeds from the sale of investment	7,551	6,180	0
Note receivable issued to an equity method investee	(3,000)	0	0
Restricted cash	65	5,871	23,997
Purchase of investments	0	(25,735)	0
Other	(4,760)	49	1,428
Net cash used for investing activities	(189,063)	(202,140)	(266,351)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	(494,982)	(118,585)	(98,152)
Issuance of 2025 Notes	445,973	0	0
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility	295,000	89,000	261,000
Purchase of non-controlling interests	(282,505)	0	0
Issuance of Searchlight note payable and derivative stock appreciation rights with related party	75,000	0	0
Purchase of treasury stock to be retired	(53,774)	(6,850)	(17,208)
Payment of bond call premium	(20,244)	0	0
Payment of debt issuance costs	(13,979)	(84)	(2,990)
Distribution to non-controlling interest	(4,932)	(50,000)	(17,845)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	474	466	622
Borrowing of other long-term debt	203	421	1,770
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	(53,766)	(85,632)	127,197
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,126	(29,569)	20,480
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	15,402	44,971	24,491
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 26,528	$ 15,402	$ 44,971

Business and Summary of Signifi

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 provide a full range of wireless, data, video, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions primarily in Alaska. (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 owned a two-third interest through February 2, 2015 when we purchased the remaining one-third interest, and four variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we are the primary beneficiary after providing certain loans and guarantees. 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”). 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 income and 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 governing documents. (d) Acquisitions Wireless Acquisition On February 2, 2015, we purchased Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc.'s (“ACS”) interest in AWN ("AWN NCI Acquisition") and substantially all the assets of ACS and its affiliates related to ACS’s wireless operations (“Acquired ACS Assets”) (collectively the "Wireless Acquisition"). Under the terms of the agreement, we paid ACS $293.2 million , excluding working capital adjustments and agreed to terminate certain agreements related to the use of ACS network assets that were included as part of the original transaction that closed in July 2013. The Acquired ACS Assets include substantially all of ACS’s wireless subscriber assets, including subscriber contracts, and certain of ACS’s CDMA network assets, including fiber strands and associated cell site electronics and microwave facilities and associated electronics. We assumed from ACS post-closing liabilities of ACS and its affiliates under contracts assumed by us and liabilities with respect to the ownership by ACS of its equity interest in AWN to the extent accruing and related to the period after closing. All other liabilities were retained by ACS and its affiliates. We have accounted for the AWN NCI Acquisition as the acquisition of a non-controlling interest in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation, and the Acquired ACS Assets as the acquisition of assets that do not constitute a business in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues. Total consideration transferred to ACS in the transaction consisted of the cash payment, settlement of working capital, and the fair market value of certain rights to receive future capacity terminated as part of the Wireless Acquisition agreement. The future capacity receivable assets transferred as consideration were adjusted to fair value as of the acquisition date resulting in a gain of $1.2 million recorded in Other Income (Expense) in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . We allocated the total consideration transferred to ACS between the AWN NCI Acquisition and the Acquired ACS Assets based on the relative fair values of the assets and non-controlling interest received. The following table summarizes the allocation of total consideration transferred to ACS between the AWN NCI Acquisition and the Acquired ACS Assets excluding working capital adjustments (amounts in thousands): Total consideration transfered to ACS $ 304,838 Allocation of consideration between wireless assets and non-controlling interest acquired: AWN non-controlling interest $ 303,831 Property and equipment 746 Other intangible assets 261 Total consideration $ 304,838 We have accounted for the AWN NCI Acquisition as an equity transaction, with the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest adjusted to reflect the change in ownership of AWN. The difference between the fair value of consideration paid and the total of the additional deferred taxes incurred as a result of the transaction and the carrying amount of the non-controlling interest and has been recognized as additional paid-in capital in our Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity. The impact of the AWN NCI Acquisition is summarized in the following table (amounts in thousands): Reduction of non-controlling interest $ 268,364 Increase in deferred tax assets 24,028 Additional paid-in capital 11,439 Fair value of consideration paid for acquisition of equity interest $ 303,831 Pursuant to the accounting guidance in ASC 805-50, we determined that the Acquired ACS Assets did not meet the criteria necessary to constitute a business combination and was therefore accounted for as an asset purchase. We recognized the assets acquired in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at their allocated cost on the day of acquisition. In conjunction with the Wireless Acquisition, we amended certain agreements related to the right to use ACS network assets. We adjusted the related right to use asset to fair value as of the acquisition date resulting in a loss of $3.8 million recorded in Other Income (Expense) in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Other Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we completed three additional business acquisitions for total cash consideration of $12.7 million , net of cash received. We accounted for the transactions using the acquisition method of accounting under ASC 805, Business Combinations. Accordingly, the assets received, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interests were recorded at their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date. We determined the estimated fair values using a combination of the discounted cash flows method and estimates made by management. AWN Acquisition 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 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. Through the February 2, 2015 close of the Wireless Acquisition, AWN provided wholesale services to GCI and ACS. GCI and ACS used the AWN network in order to continue to sell services to their respective retail customers. 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. 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 were 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. 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 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. The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the estimated fair value of ACS’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, effective July 23, 2013 (amounts in thousands): Purchase price: Final Purchase Price Allocation Cash consideration paid 100,000 Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN 265,511 Total purchase price 365,511 Assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Current assets 16,963 Property and equipment, including construction in progress 82,611 Goodwill 148,948 Wireless licenses 60,380 Rights to use capacity 45,338 Other assets 17,282 Liabilities assumed (6,011 ) Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 365,511 Goodwill in the amount of $148.9 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 Statement of Operations 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, 2013, 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, 2013 (amounts in thousands): (unaudited) Year Ended 2013 Pro forma consolidated revenue $ 897,270 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 were recorded in selling, general and administrative expense for the year ended December 31, 2013. Denali Media Holdings Acquisition Effective November 1, 2013, 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. (e) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue resulting from contracts with customers and will supersede virtually all of the current revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, we do not plan to early adopt this standard. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard and we expect to have our assessment of the impact on our financial position and results of operations to be completed by December 31, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputed Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements which clarifies that the guidance in ASU 2015-03 does not apply to line-of-credit arrangements. According to ASU 2015-15, line-of-credit arrangements will continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issue costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. For public business entities, this update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis. We expect to adopt this guidance when effective, and do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operation, although it will change the financial statement classification of our debt issuance costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. The ASU provides guidance in evaluating whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for as an acquisition of a software license. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and may be adopted either retrospectively or prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Updates. The amendments in this update cover a wide range of topics in the codification and are generally categorized as follows: Amendments Related to Differences between Original Guidance and the Codification; Guidance Clarification and Reference Corrections; Simplification; and, Minor Improvements. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. Under ASU 2015-11, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on our financial position and results of operations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The update requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain portions of the ASU related to financial liabilities. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on our financial position and results of operations. (f) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115. The ASU amends various SEC paragraphs included in the FASB’s ASC to reflect the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 115. SAB 115 rescinds portions of the interpretive guidance included in the SEC’s SAB series and brings existing guidance into conformity with ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting, which provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. We have adopted the amendments in ASU 2015-08 as the amendments in the update are effective upon issuance. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operation. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The ASU eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We elected to adopt ASU 2015-17 retrospectively for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and have reclassified the December 31, 2014 Deferred Income Taxes balance of $56.1 million included in Total Current Assets to non-current Deferred Income Taxes included in Total Liabilities. (g) Regulatory Accounting We account for the regulated operations of our incumbent local exchange carriers 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 (loss) attributable to GCI per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method. Therefore, basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The computation of the dilutive net income (loss) 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 (loss) per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. The computation of the dilutive net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock also assumes the conversion of our derivative financial instrument that may be settled in cash or shares (as described in Note 8 of this Form 10-K), shares associated with unexercised stock options and deferred compensation that may be settled in cash or shares if the effect of conversion is dilutive. 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. We allocate undistributed earnings in periods of net income based on the contractual participation rights of Class A common shares, Class B common shares, and participating securities as if the earnings for the period had been distributed. We do not allocate undistributed earnings to participating securities in periods in which we have a net loss. 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, including participating securities. 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 December 31, 2015 Class A Class B Basic net loss per share: Numerator: Net loss available to common stockholders $ (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities — — Undistributed loss allocable to common stockholders (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 34,764 3,157 Basic net loss attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ (0.69 ) (0.69 ) Diluted net loss per share: Numerator: Undistributed loss allocable to common stockholders for basic computation $ (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Reallocation of undistributed loss as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares (2,167 ) — Net loss adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares $ (26,025 ) (2,167 ) Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 34,764 3,157 Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 3,157 — Number of shares used in per share computation 37,921 3,157 Diluted net loss attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ (0.69 ) (0.69 ) Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Class A Class B Class A Class B Basic net income per share: Numerator: Net income available to common stockholders $ 6,980 577 8,678 728 Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities (385 ) — (354 ) — Undistributed income allocable to common stockholders $ 6,595 577 8,324 728 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 36,112 3,162 36,194 3,166 Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ 0.18 0.18 0.23 0.23 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Undistributed income allocable to common stockholders for basic computation $ 6,595 577 8,324 728 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 577 — 728 — Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities 1 (2 ) 1 (3 ) Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares $ 7,173 575 9,053 725 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 36,112 3,162 36,194 3,166 Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 3,162 — 3,166 — Unexercised stock options 112 — 142 — Number of shares used in per share computation 39,386 3,162 39,502 3,166 Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ 0.18 0.18 0.23 0.23 Weighted average shares associated with outstanding securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS, because the effect of including these securities would have been anti-dilutive, consist of the following (shares, in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Derivative instrument that may be settled in cash or shares 724 — — Shares associated with unexercised stock options 108 29 86 Share-based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares 26 26 90 Total excluded 858 55 176 (i) Common Stock Following are the changes in issued common stock for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (shares, in thousands): Class A Class B Balances at January 1, 2013 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 repurchased and retired (1,822 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (147 ) — Other (37 ) — Balances at December 31, 2013 37,299 3,165 Class B shares converted to Class A 6 (6 ) Shares issued upon stock option exercises 51 — Share awards issued 1,267 — Shares repurchased and retired (429 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (196 ) — Balances at December 31, 2014 37,998 3,159 Class B shares converted to Class A 5 (5 ) Shares issued upon stock option exercises 219 — Share awards issued 688 — Shares repurchased and retired (2,983 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (334 ) — Balances at December 31, 2015 35,593 3,154 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 are 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. During the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 we repurchased shares of our Class A common stock under the stock buyback program at a cost of $47.4 million , $4.2 million and $15.6 million , respectively. Under this program we are currently authorized to make up to $95.3 million of repurchases as of December 31, 2015 . The cost of the repurchased common stock reduced Common Stock and Retained Earnings in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and was constructively retired as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . 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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . (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. Wireless Equipment Installment Plan ("EIP") Receivables We offer new and existing wireless customers the option to participate in Upgrade Now, a program that provides eligible customers with the ability to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 24 months. Participating customers have the right to trade-in the original equipment for a new device after making the equivalent of 12 monthly installment payments, provided their handset is in good working condition. Upon upgrade, the outstanding balance of the EIP is exchanged for the used handset. At the time of sale, we impute interest on the receivables associated with Upgrade Now. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included in Other Income and (Expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, is recognized over the financed installment term. We assess the collectability of our EIP receivables based upon a variety of factors, including payment trends and other qualitative factors. The credit profiles of our customers with a Upgrade Now plan are similar to those of our customers with a traditional subsidized plan. Customers with a credit profile which carries a higher risk are required t

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Supplemental Disclosures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net $ (4,230 ) 15,357 (68,360 ) (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (632 ) (4,454 ) 672 (Increase) decrease in inventories 5,710 (6,631 ) 1,751 Decrease in other current assets 24 88 1,448 Increase in other assets (11,491 ) (878 ) (1,459 ) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (5,579 ) (4,648 ) 15,334 Increase in deferred revenues 1,743 1,728 2,368 Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations (1,469 ) 2,997 10,263 Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities 8,192 (242 ) (883 ) Increase (decrease) in accrued interest 7,001 (434 ) 302 Decrease in subscriber deposits (448 ) (114 ) (40 ) Decrease in long-term deferred revenue (8,561 ) (4,163 ) (3,554 ) Increase (decrease) in components of other long-term liabilities 1,305 1,714 (20 ) Total change in operating assets and liabilities $ (8,435 ) 320 (42,178 ) The following items are for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): Net cash paid or received: 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 76,796 74,618 71,749 The following items are non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment $ 26,799 42,958 17,230 Non-cash consideration for Wireless Acquisition $ 23,326 — — Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment $ 2,048 4,268 5,292 Net capital lease obligation $ — 9,386 — Distribution to non-controlling interest $ — 4,167 4,167 Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares $ — 617 621 Net assets acquired with equity in AWN (see Note 1(d)) $ — — 267,642

Receivables and Allowance for D

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables Receivables consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Trade $ 205,645 209,811 Employee 1,271 801 Other 1,468 1,829 Total receivables $ 208,384 212,441 As described in Note 1(w) of this Form 10-K 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% , 19% , and 18% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. We had USF net receivables of $98.1 million and $109.6 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Changes in the allowance for doubtful receivables during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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 December 31, 2015 $ 4,542 6,359 — 7,271 3,630 December 31, 2014 $ 2,346 3,994 — 1,798 4,542 December 31, 2013 $ 3,215 2,370 (446 ) 2,793 2,346

Net Property and Equipment

Net Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Net Property and Equipment in Service	Net Property and Equipment Net property and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Land and buildings $ 108,145 100,038 Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities 1,215,796 1,189,470 Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities 218,259 193,832 Studio equipment 15,171 14,396 Support equipment and systems 251,302 270,629 Transportation equipment 17,398 15,667 Customer premise equipment 155,971 153,039 Fiber optic cable systems 309,217 305,200 Construction in progress 93,271 99,240 2,384,530 2,341,511 Less accumulated depreciation 1,231,457 1,178,982 Less accumulated amortization 58,692 50,047 Net property and equipment $ 1,094,381 1,112,482 Property and equipment under capital leases $ 112,495 112,495

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Intangible Assets and Goodwill As of October 31, 2015 , cable certificates, wireless licenses, broadcast 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, 2015 . The remaining useful lives of our cable certificates, wireless licenses, broadcast licenses and goodwill were evaluated as of October 31, 2015 , 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, 2015 . Other Intangible Assets subject to amortization include the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Software license fees $ 63,760 52,683 Rights to use 44,937 48,283 Customer relationships 1,530 3,226 Right-of-way 784 783 111,011 104,975 Less accumulated amortization 41,721 38,960 Net other intangible assets $ 69,290 66,015 Changes in Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets are as follows (amounts in thousands): Goodwill Other Intangible Assets Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 219,041 71,435 AWN purchase price adjustment - Wireless Segment 8,866 (7,298 ) Goodwill addition from acquisitions - Wireline Segment 1,653 — Asset additions — 11,593 Amortization expense — (9,715 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 229,560 66,015 Goodwill addition from acquisitions - Wireline Segment 9,703 — Asset additions — 15,023 Software impairment — (1,306 ) Amortization expense — (10,442 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 239,263 69,290 Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 follow (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amortization expense $ 10,442 9,715 7,044 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 with a weighted-average life of 14.4 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, 2016 $ 9,841 2017 $ 7,508 2018 $ 5,573 2019 $ 4,241 2020 $ 3,232

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	=5.5 3.00% >=5.0 but <5.5 2.75% >=4.5 but <5.0 2.50% >=4.0 but <4.5 2.25% <4.0 2.00% The Term B loan requires principal payments of 0.25% of the original principal amount on the last day of each calendar quarter with the full amount maturing on February 2, 2022 or December 3, 2020 if our Senior Notes due 2021 are not refinanced prior to such date. The full principal amount of our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility included in the Senior Credit Facility will mature on April 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness. Our Senior Credit Facility Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 5.95 to one; 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 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 Senior Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by a security interest on substantially all of the assets of GCI Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility, and on the stock of GCI Holdings. In connection with the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, we paid loan fees and other expenses of $0.3 million that were expensed immediately in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $6.2 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. We have outstanding $272.9 million under the Term B loan, $240.0 million under the delayed draw term loan, $0.0 million under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility and $22.5 million in letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility at December 31, 2015 , which leaves $127.5 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105% . We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”). At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption. At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated: Redemption Price 2020 103.438 % 2021 102.292 % 2022 101.146 % 2023 and thereafter 100.000 % The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025 . Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee. We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture. 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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable. We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount. We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (c) 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 2025 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 102.250 % 2018 101.125 % 2019 and thereafter 100.000 % 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. We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (d) On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information. In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00 . We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights. We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized. (e) GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25% . The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note. (f) UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. We repaid substantially all amounts owed to the RUS in 2014 and the remainder of amounts owed in 2015. Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands): Years ending December 31, 2016 $ 3,342 2017 3,358 2018 243,374 2019 3,391 2020 3,407 2021 and thereafter 1,115,241 Total debt 1,372,113 Less unamortized discount on Searchlight Note 20,190 Less unamortized discount paid on 2025 Notes 3,817 Less current portion of long-term debt 3,342 Long-term debt, net $ 1,344,764" id="sjs-B4">Long-Term Debt Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Senior Credit Facility (a) $ 512,937 279,000 2025 Notes (b) 450,000 — 2021 Notes (c) 325,000 325,000 Searchlight Note (d) 75,000 — Wells Fargo note payable (e) 9,176 9,767 2019 Notes (b) — 425,000 Rural Utilities Service ("RUS") debt (f) — 29 Debt 1,372,113 1,038,796 Less unamortized discount on Searchlight Note 20,190 — Less unamortized discount paid on the 2025 Notes 3,817 — Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes — 2,118 Less current portion of long-term debt 3,342 622 Long-term debt, net $ 1,344,764 1,036,056 (a) On February 2, 2015, GCI Holdings, Inc. ("GCI Holdings"), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Suntrust Bank, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility provides a $275.0 million Term B loan, up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Senior Credit Facility was subsequently amended on August 3, 2015 ("First Amendment"). Under the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, the interest rate for the Term B loan is London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.25% , with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The interest rate on our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below. Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) Applicable Margin >=5.5 3.00% >=5.0 but <5.5 2.75% >=4.5 but <5.0 2.50% >=4.0 but <4.5 2.25% <4.0 2.00% The Term B loan requires principal payments of 0.25% of the original principal amount on the last day of each calendar quarter with the full amount maturing on February 2, 2022 or December 3, 2020 if our Senior Notes due 2021 are not refinanced prior to such date. The full principal amount of our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility included in the Senior Credit Facility will mature on April 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness. Our Senior Credit Facility Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 5.95 to one; 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 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 Senior Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by a security interest on substantially all of the assets of GCI Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility, and on the stock of GCI Holdings. In connection with the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, we paid loan fees and other expenses of $0.3 million that were expensed immediately in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $6.2 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. We have outstanding $272.9 million under the Term B loan, $240.0 million under the delayed draw term loan, $0.0 million under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility and $22.5 million in letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility at December 31, 2015 , which leaves $127.5 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105% . We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”). At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption. At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated: Redemption Price 2020 103.438 % 2021 102.292 % 2022 101.146 % 2023 and thereafter 100.000 % The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025 . Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee. We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture. 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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable. We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount. We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (c) 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 2025 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 102.250 % 2018 101.125 % 2019 and thereafter 100.000 % 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. We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (d) On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information. In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00 . We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights. We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized. (e) GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25% . The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note. (f) UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. We repaid substantially all amounts owed to the RUS in 2014 and the remainder of amounts owed in 2015. Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands): Years ending December 31, 2016 $ 3,342 2017 3,358 2018 243,374 2019 3,391 2020 3,407 2021 and thereafter 1,115,241 Total debt 1,372,113 Less unamortized discount on Searchlight Note 20,190 Less unamortized discount paid on 2025 Notes 3,817 Less current portion of long-term debt 3,342 Long-term debt, net $ 1,344,764

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Total income tax (expense) benefit of $1.8 million , $(10.0) million and $(11.0) million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively, was allocated to income (loss) in each year. Income tax (expense) benefit consists of the following (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Deferred tax (expense) benefit: Federal taxes $ 1,360 (9,081 ) (9,267 ) State taxes 487 (948 ) (1,690 ) $ 1,847 (10,029 ) (10,957 ) Total income tax (expense) benefit differed from the “expected” income tax (expense) benefit determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 “Expected” statutory tax (expense) benefit $ 9,699 (24,246 ) (14,939 ) Nondeductible unrealized loss on derivative instrument with related party (4,566 ) — — Nondeductible officer compensation (1,906 ) (1,351 ) (824 ) Nondeductible entertainment expenses (1,059 ) (1,125 ) (1,045 ) Nondeductible lobbying expenses (442 ) (425 ) (369 ) State income taxes, net of federal (expense) benefit 487 (948 ) (1,690 ) Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity 220 18,255 7,977 Other, net (586 ) (189 ) (67 ) $ 1,847 (10,029 ) (10,957 ) The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 139,238 131,938 Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes 41,151 36,077 Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes 14,338 6,660 Compensated absences accrued for financial reporting purposes 3,339 3,117 Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes 2,773 1,458 Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables 1,912 2,585 Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes 1,795 2,043 Alternative minimum tax credits 1,735 1,735 Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes 1,603 1,374 Other 13,144 5,866 Total deferred tax assets $ 221,028 192,853 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation $ 246,172 231,109 Intangible assets 79,255 48,768 Flow-through entity deferred tax items — 44,728 Other 1,746 — Total deferred tax liabilities 327,173 324,605 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 106,145 131,752 At December 31, 2015 , we have tax net operating loss carryforwards of $340.5 million that will begin expiring in 2020 if not utilized, and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $1.7 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 $ 34,958 34,301 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 2034 39,133 37,866 2035 11,885 11,290 Total tax net operating loss carryforwards $ 340,471 331,711 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 2011 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, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , and accordingly, we did not recognize any interest expense. Additionally, we recorded no penalties during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . We did not record any excess tax benefit generated from stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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, 2015 .

Fair Value Measurements and Der

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instrument Recurring Fair Value Measurements Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2015 Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Assets: Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds) $ 1,728 — — 1,728 Liabilities: Derivative stock appreciation rights $ — — 32,820 32,820 December 31, 2014 Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Assets: Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds) $ 2,068 — — 2,068 (1) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (2) Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (3) Inputs that are generally unobservable and not corroborated by market data The fair value of our mutual funds is determined using quoted market prices in active markets utilizing market observable inputs. The fair value of our derivative stock appreciation rights was determined using a lattice-based valuation model (see the section "Derivative Financial Instrument" below for more information). Current and Long-Term Debt The carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our current and long-term debt, excluding capital leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Current and long-term debt $ 1,348,106 1,390,743 1,036,678 1,055,952 The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair values: • The fair values of the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 and the 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 both issued by GCI, Inc. are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2). • The fair value of our Searchlight Note is based on the current rates offered to us for similar remaining maturities plus an additional premium to reflect its subordination to our 2021 and 2025 Notes (Level 3). • The fair value of our Senior Credit Facility and Wells Fargo note payable are estimated to approximate their carrying value because the instruments are subject to variable interest rates (Level 2). Derivative Financial Instrument In connection with the $75.0 million unsecured promissory note issued to Searchlight on February 2, 2015, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights. Each stock appreciation right entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00 . The instrument is exercisable on the fourth anniversary of the grant date and will expire 8 years from the date of grant. We have determined that the stock appreciation rights are required to be separately accounted for as a derivative instrument and are subject to fair value liability accounting under ASC 815-10. We use a lattice-based valuation model to value the stock appreciation rights liability at each reporting date. The model incorporates transaction details such as our stock price, instrument term and settlement provisions, as well as highly complex and subjective assumptions about volatility, risk-free interest rates, issuer behavior and holder behavior. The lattice model uses highly subjective assumptions and the use of other reasonable assumptions could provide different results. The following table shows our significant assumptions and inputs used in the lattice-based valuation model to value the stock appreciation right liability at December 31, 2015 : December 31, 2015 Expected term (in years) 4 - 8 Volatility 40 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 % We revalue our derivative liability at each reporting period and recognize gains or losses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations attributable to the change in the fair value of the instrument. The stock appreciation rights liability is included within Other Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and is classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of all financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurement Using Level 3 Inputs Derivative Stock Appreciation Rights Balance at January 1, 2015 $ — Issuance 21,660 Fair value adjustment at end of period, included in Other Income (Expense) 11,160 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 32,820

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. See Note 1(i) of this Form 10-K for details of our share repurchase program. 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 not issued any new options since 2010 when we transitioned to issuing restricted stock awards. We have 2.1 million shares available for grant under the Stock Option Plan at December 31, 2015 . 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, 2015 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, 2015 308 $ 6.86 Exercised (286 ) $ 6.56 Expired (3 ) $ 7.51 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 19 $ 11.35 1.0 year $ 160 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 19 $ 11.35 1.0 year $ 160 The total intrinsic values, determined as of the date of exercise, of options exercised in the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , were $3.8 million , $0.1 million and $0.2 million , respectively. A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2015 , follows (share amounts in thousands): Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at January 1, 2015 1,744 $ 9.11 Granted 688 $ 15.06 Vested (930 ) $ 18.29 Forfeited (7 ) $ 12.65 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,495 $ 11.08 The weighted average grant date fair value of awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were $15.06 , $10.04 and $8.30 , respectively. The total fair value of awards vesting during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were $17.0 million , $8.5 million and $5.5 million , respectively. We have recorded share-based compensation expense of $10.9 million , $8.4 million , and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Share-based compensation expense is classified as Selling, General and Administrative Expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrecognized share-based compensation expense is $9.6 million as of December 31, 2015 . We expect to recognize share-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.8 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 $9.8 million , $9.1 million and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. We used cash to fund all of our employer-matching contributions during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 .

Industry Segments Data

Industry Segments Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Industry Segments Data	Industry Segments Data We have two reportable segments, Wireless and Wireline. Our reportable segments are business units that offer different products and are each managed separately. A description of our reportable segments follows: Wireless - We offer wholesale wireless services. Wireline - We provide a full range of wireless, data, video, voice, and managed services to residential customers, businesses, governmental entities, and educational and medical institutions primarily in Alaska. We evaluate performance and allocate resources based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as earnings plus imputed interest on financed devices before: • Net interest expense, • Income taxes, • Depreciation and amortization expense, • Loss on extinguishment of debt, • Software impairment charge, • Derivative instrument unrealized income (loss), • Share-based compensation expense, • Accretion expense, • Loss attributable to non-controlling interest resulting from NMTC transactions, • Gains and impairment losses on equity and cost method investments, and • Other non-cash adjustments. Management believes that this measure is useful to investors and other users of our financial information in understanding and evaluating operating performance as an analytical indicator of income generated to service debt and fund capital expenditures. In addition, multiples of current or projected Adjusted 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 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. 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 March 31, 2014, 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 Adjusted EBITDA and reduce the Wireless segment Adjusted EBITDA. The wireless equipment subsidy recorded by the Wireless segment was $7.7 million , $17.3 million , and $12.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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. Summarized financial information for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 follows (amounts in thousands): Wireless Wireline Total Reportable Segments 2015 Revenues Wholesale $ 267,676 — 267,676 Consumer — 351,196 351,196 Business Services — 209,975 209,975 Managed Broadband — 149,687 149,687 Total 267,676 710,858 978,534 Cost of Goods Sold 70,899 251,439 322,338 Contribution 196,777 459,419 656,196 Less SG&A (18,137 ) (320,242 ) (338,379 ) Plus share-based compensation expense — 10,902 10,902 Plus accretion expense 559 562 1,121 Other — 511 511 Adjusted EBITDA $ 179,199 151,152 330,351 Capital expenditures $ 47,892 128,343 176,235 Goodwill $ 164,312 74,951 239,263 Total assets $ 594,250 1,388,058 1,982,308 Wireless Wireline Total Reportable Segments 2014 Revenues Wholesale $ 269,977 — 269,977 Consumer — 288,014 288,014 Business Services — 225,963 225,963 Managed Broadband — 126,244 126,244 Total 269,977 640,221 910,198 Cost of Good Sold 90,920 211,784 302,704 Contribution 179,057 428,437 607,494 Less SG&A (21,631 ) (272,016 ) (293,647 ) Plus share-based compensation expense — 8,392 8,392 Plus accretion expense 733 516 1,249 Other expense — (372 ) (372 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 158,159 164,957 323,116 Capital expenditures $ 30,243 145,866 176,109 Goodwill $ 164,312 65,248 229,560 Total assets $ 625,417 1,376,961 2,002,378 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 Good 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 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 1,347,314 1,972,054 A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 330,351 323,116 267,283 Less depreciation and amortization expense (181,767 ) (170,285 ) (147,259 ) Less software impairment charge (29,839 ) — — Less share-based compensation expense (10,902 ) (8,392 ) (6,638 ) Less accretion expense (1,121 ) (1,249 ) (77 ) Other (511 ) 372 (447 ) Consolidated operating income 106,211 143,562 112,862 Less other expense, net (133,924 ) (74,289 ) (70,178 ) Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes $ (27,713 ) 69,273 42,684 We earn revenues included in both the Wireless and Wireline segment from a major customer. We earned revenues from our major customer, net of discounts, of $130.8 million or 13% and $108.3 million or 12% of total consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. We had no major customers for the years ended December 31, 2013 .

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 $0.9 million 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 lease term of the aircraft may be terminated at any time by us upon 12 months’ written notice. The monthly lease rate of the 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. ACS was a related party for financial statement reporting purposes from the date of the Wireless Agreement, July 22, 2013, through the date of the Wireless Acquisition on February 2, 2015. Included in our related party disclosures were ACS' provision to us of local service lines and network capacity in locations where we do not have our own facilities, our provision to ACS of wholesale wireless services for their use of our network to sell services to their respective retail customers, and our receipt of ACS' high cost support from USF for its wireless customers. For the period January 1, 2015 to February 2, 2015, we paid ACS $6.2 million and received $8.1 million in payments from ACS. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the Wireless Agreement date, July 23, 2013, to December 31, 2013 , payments to ACS were $62.9 million and $25.1 million , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period from the Wireless Agreement date, July 23, 2013, to December 31, 2013 , we received $50.9 million and $23.9 million , respectively, in payments from ACS. We also have long-term capacity exchange agreements with ACS for which no money is exchanged. As disclosed in Note 6(d) and Note 8 of this Form 10-K, we have an unsecured promissory note and stock appreciation rights with Searchlight. Searchlight received one seat on our Board of Directors pursuant to a Securityholder Agreement dated as of December 4, 2014. As a result, Searchlight became a related party on February 2, 2015 when we closed the Wireless Acquisition.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entity, Measure of Activity [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities New Markets Tax Credit Entities We have entered into several arrangements under the NMTC program with US Bancorp to help fund a project that extended terrestrial broadband service for the first time to rural Northwestern Alaska communities via a high capacity hybrid fiber optic and microwave network (“TERRA-NW”). 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 $1.1 million and $1.1 million was held by Unicom at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We completed construction of TERRA-NW and placed the final phase into service in late 2014. 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, 2015 . 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, 2015 and 2014 . 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. Equity Method Investment We own a 40.8% interest in a next generation carrier-class communications services firm. We account for our investment using the equity method. Due to declining economic conditions in the sector that it operates, additional financing was needed for the company to maintain its business plan. In March 2015, the existing owners provided financial support in the form of a loan of which our portion is $3.0 million . We determined that the additional financing provided to the company was a reconsideration event under ASC 810 and have subsequently determined that the entity is a VIE due to insufficient equity to finance its operations as a result of the decline in economic conditions. We concluded that the company's board has the power to direct the significant activities of the entity. The board is comprised of five members of which we may choose two of the board members. As we do not control the board, we concluded that we do not have the power to direct the significant activities of the entity and are not the primary beneficiary. Our maximum exposure of loss related to the VIE is the combination of the investment and note receivable. We do not have a contractual obligation to provide additional financing. During the second quarter of 2015, it became apparent that we would not recover the carrying value of our investment. We determined that the fair value of the equity investment was $ 0 and subsequently wrote-off the entire value of our investment resulting in an impairment loss of $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 that is recorded in Other Income (Expense) in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. The fair value determination was based upon market information obtained during the second quarter of 2015, the estimated liquidation value of the entity's assets and the amount of senior secured debt at the valuation date. We have a note receivable with the entity of $3.0 million that is recorded in Other Current Assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 for which we received full payment in January 2016.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 $51.5 million , $43.8 million and $46.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 of this Form 10-K. 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 . A summary of future minimum lease payments follows (amounts in thousands): Years ending December 31: Operating Capital 2016 $ 45,585 13,454 2017 35,642 13,433 2018 28,822 13,440 2019 23,611 13,450 2020 20,134 13,459 2021 and thereafter 50,933 19,752 Total minimum lease payments $ 204,727 86,988 Less amount representing interest 18,629 Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases 8,708 Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturity $ 59,651 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, 2015 , we were self-insured for losses and liabilities related to health and welfare claims up to $600,000 per incident per year above which third party insurance applied. A reserve of $4.1 million and $4.0 million was recorded at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 $3.6 million and $3.8 million was recorded at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 or reductions 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 for the provision of wireline local access and wireless service in Remote and Urban high cost areas as further described in Note 1(w) of this Form 10-K. Remote and Urban high cost support may change once a new funding mechanism is in place. A further rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway and could result in a substantial reduction of USF support. 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. Our revenue for providing local and wireless services in these areas would be materially adversely affected by a substantial reduction of USF support. Tribal Mobility Fund I Grant In February 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 received $13.8 million in 2015 and expect to receive $27.6 million in additional grant fund disbursements in the future depending on the timing of upgrades completed and test results submitted to and approved by the FCC.

Software Impairment Software Im

Software Impairment Software Impairment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	Software Impairment During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2014, we internally developed computer software in our Wireline segment to replace our wireless, Internet, video, local service, and long distance customer billing systems. During the first quarter of 2015, we completed a detailed assessment of our progress to date and determined it was no longer probable that the computer software being developed would be completed and placed in service. Our assessment concluded that the cost of continuing the development would be much higher than originally estimated, and the timing and scope risks were substantial. We identified development work, hardware, and software recorded as Construction in Progress through the first quarter of 2015, that may be applicable to our replacement customer billing solution, future internally developed software, and other system needs and therefore should remain capital assets. We considered the remaining capital expenditures for this billing system to have a fair value of $0 and recorded an impairment charge of $20.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 , by recording an expense which is included in Software Impairment Charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we reassessed our plans for our internally developed machine-to-machine billing system in our Wireline segment, and decided to no longer market this system to third parties. Accordingly, we recognized an impairment of $7.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 , by recording an expense which is included in Software Impairment Charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we evaluated user management software we purchased in 2014 in our Wireline segment and determined that we would not be able to use the software. Accordingly we recognized an impairment of $1.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2015 , by recording an expense which is included in Software Impairment Charge in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Selected Quarterly Financial Da

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts): First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Total revenues $ 231,089 247,528 258,573 241,344 Operating income $ 741 39,203 45,473 20,794 Net income (loss) $ (18,725 ) (15,757 ) 17,495 (8,879 ) Net income (loss) attributable to GCI $ (19,269 ) (15,627 ) 17,631 (8,760 ) Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ (0.49 ) (0.41 ) 0.45 (0.24 ) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ (0.49 ) (0.41 ) 0.44 (0.24 ) 2014 Total revenues $ 216,283 224,399 240,725 228,791 Operating income $ 30,265 38,414 49,336 25,547 Net income $ 10,761 16,840 25,847 5,796 Net income (loss) attributable to GCI $ 1,140 5,927 9,915 (9,425 ) Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ 0.03 0.14 0.24 (0.24 ) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ 0.03 0.14 0.24 (0.24 )

Business and Summary of Signi22

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 owned a two-third interest through February 2, 2015 when we purchased the remaining one-third interest, and four variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we are the primary beneficiary after providing certain loans and guarantees. 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”). 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 income and 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 governing documents.
Acquisitions	We have accounted for the AWN NCI Acquisition as the acquisition of a non-controlling interest in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation, and the Acquired ACS Assets as the acquisition of assets that do not constitute a business in accordance with ASC 805-50, Business Combinations - Related Issues.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This new standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of revenue resulting from contracts with customers and will supersede virtually all of the current revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which deferred the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, we do not plan to early adopt this standard. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard and we expect to have our assessment of the impact on our financial position and results of operations to be completed by December 31, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest - Imputed Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements which clarifies that the guidance in ASU 2015-03 does not apply to line-of-credit arrangements. According to ASU 2015-15, line-of-credit arrangements will continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issue costs ratably over the term of the arrangement. For public business entities, this update is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the new guidance on a retrospective basis. We expect to adopt this guidance when effective, and do not expect this guidance to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operation, although it will change the financial statement classification of our debt issuance costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. The ASU provides guidance in evaluating whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for as an acquisition of a software license. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, it should be accounted for as a service contract. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and may be adopted either retrospectively or prospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In June 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-10, Technical Corrections and Updates. The amendments in this update cover a wide range of topics in the codification and are generally categorized as follows: Amendments Related to Differences between Original Guidance and the Codification; Guidance Clarification and Reference Corrections; Simplification; and, Minor Improvements. The amendments are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. Under ASU 2015-11, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on our financial position and results of operations. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. The update requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined, including the cumulative effect of the change in provisional amount as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The adjustments related to previous reporting periods since the acquisition date must be disclosed by income statement line item either on the face of the income statement or in the notes. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The update addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted only for certain portions of the ASU related to financial liabilities. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of this new standard on our financial position and results of operations. (f) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 115. The ASU amends various SEC paragraphs included in the FASB’s ASC to reflect the issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 115. SAB 115 rescinds portions of the interpretive guidance included in the SEC’s SAB series and brings existing guidance into conformity with ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting, which provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. We have adopted the amendments in ASU 2015-08 as the amendments in the update are effective upon issuance. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant effect on our financial position or results of operation. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The ASU eliminates the current requirement for organizations to present deferred tax assets and liabilities as current and noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. Instead, organizations will now be required to classify all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We elected to adopt ASU 2015-17 retrospectively for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and have reclassified the December 31, 2014 Deferred Income Taxes balance of $56.1 million included in Total Current Assets to non-current Deferred Income Taxes included in Total Liabilities.
Regulatory Accounting	Regulatory Accounting We account for the regulated operations of our incumbent local exchange carriers 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 (loss) attributable to GCI per share of Class A and Class B common stock using the “two class” method. Therefore, basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The computation of the dilutive net income (loss) 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 (loss) per share of Class B common stock does not assume the conversion of those shares. The computation of the dilutive net income (loss) per share of Class A common stock also assumes the conversion of our derivative financial instrument that may be settled in cash or shares (as described in Note 8 of this Form 10-K), shares associated with unexercised stock options and deferred compensation that may be settled in cash or shares if the effect of conversion is dilutive. 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. We allocate undistributed earnings in periods of net income based on the contractual participation rights of Class A common shares, Class B common shares, and participating securities as if the earnings for the period had been distributed. We do not allocate undistributed earnings to participating securities in periods in which we have a net loss. 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, including participating securities. 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. Wireless Equipment Installment Plan ("EIP") Receivables We offer new and existing wireless customers the option to participate in Upgrade Now, a program that provides eligible customers with the ability to purchase certain wireless devices in installments over a period of up to 24 months. Participating customers have the right to trade-in the original equipment for a new device after making the equivalent of 12 monthly installment payments, provided their handset is in good working condition. Upon upgrade, the outstanding balance of the EIP is exchanged for the used handset. At the time of sale, we impute interest on the receivables associated with Upgrade Now. We record the imputed interest as a reduction to the related accounts receivable. Interest income, which is included in Other Income and (Expense) in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, is recognized over the financed installment term. We assess the collectability of our EIP receivables based upon a variety of factors, including payment trends and other qualitative factors. The credit profiles of our customers with a Upgrade Now plan are similar to those of our customers with a traditional subsidized plan. Customers with a credit profile which carries a higher risk are required to make a down payment for equipment financed through Upgrade Now.
Inventories	Inventories Wireless handset inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. 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, 2015 , that management intends to place in service during 2016. 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 in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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.
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, wireless license and broadcast license assets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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. 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 goodwill and intangibles review and no impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Long-lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased or developed 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. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , we recorded impairment charges related to our long-lived software assets (see Note 14 of this Form 10-K for detailed information). We recorded no impairment charges related to our long lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 .
Investment, Policy	Investments We hold investments in equity method and cost method investees. Investments in equity method investees are those for which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not control and are not the primary beneficiary. Significant influence typically exists if we have a 20% to 50% ownership interest in the venture unless persuasive evidence to the contrary exists. Under this method of accounting, we record our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses of equity method investees and a corresponding increase or decrease to the investment balances. Cash payments to equity method investees such as additional investments, loans and advances and expenses incurred on behalf of investees, as well as payments from equity method investees such as dividends, distributions and repayments of loans and advances are recorded as adjustments to investment balances. Investments in entities in which we have no control or significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. We review our investment portfolio each reporting period to determine whether there are identified events or circumstances that would indicate there is a decline in the fair value that would be considered other than temporary.
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.
Derivatives	Derivative Financial Instrument We account for our derivative instrument in accordance with ASC 815-10, Derivatives and Hedging. ASC 815-10 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments, including derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. ASC 815-10 also requires that changes in the fair value of derivative instruments be recognized currently in results of operations unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. We have not entered into any hedging activities to date. We recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at their respective fair values. Our derivative instrument (as described in Note 8 of this Form 10-K) includes stock appreciation rights, which have been recorded as a liability at fair value, and will be revalued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value of the instrument included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations as Derivative Instrument Unrealized Loss.
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 the amount is known and 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, • We offer new and existing wireless customers the option to participate in Upgrade Now, a program that is described above in Note 1(m) of this Form 10-K. Upgrade Now is a multiple-element arrangement typically consisting of the trade-in right, handset, and one month of wireless service. At the inception of the arrangement, revenue is allocated between the separate units of accounting based upon each components' relative selling price on a standalone basis. This is subject to the requirement that revenue recognized is limited to the amounts already received from the customer that are not contingent on the delivery of additional products or services to the customer in the future. We recognize the full amount of the fair value of the trade-in right (not an allocated value) as a guarantee liability and the remaining allocable consideration is allocated to the handset and wireless service. We recognize revenue for the entire amount of the EIP receivable at the time of sale, net of the fair value of the trade-in right guarantee and imputed interest. See Note 1(ag) of this Form 10-K for additional information on guarantee liabilities and Note 1(m) of this Form 10-K for additional information on EIP receivables. • The majority of our non-wireless 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 or operating communication infrastructure in rural areas. We defer the revenue and recognize it over the life of the asset that was constructed using grant funds or the period of grant compliance, • We offer sales incentives to new and existing customers as motivation to purchase our products and services. Cash incentives are recorded as an offset to revenue while noncash incentives are recorded as an operating expense. Sales incentives that relate to a customer contract over a specific period of time are recognized using the straight-line method over the contract term. For sales incentives that are earned by the customer over a specific period of time, we accrue an estimated offset to revenue or expense amount over the period that the incentive is earned by the customer, • Other revenues are recognized when the service is provided. Universal Service Fund 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 Remote and Urban high cost areas. Remote High Cost Support 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. 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. Remote support will continue to be based on line counts (subject to the Statewide Support Cap) until the last full month prior to the implementation of a successor funding mechanism. A further rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway and could result in a substantial reduction of USF support. Urban High Cost Support Urban high cost support payments are frozen at the monthly average of the subject CETC’s 2011 annual support and are not dependent upon line counts. A 20% annual phase down commenced July 1, 2012. The phase down has been halted at 60% and the subject CETCs will continue to receive annual support payments at the 60% level until a successor funding mechanism is implemented. A further rulemaking to consider successor funding mechanisms is underway and could result in a substantial reduction of USF support. 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 July 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	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 the related unamortized amount of debt issuance costs. 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 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 licenses,and broadcast licenses, the fair value of equity method investments evaluated for impairment, our effective tax rate, imputed interest rate, purchase price allocations, deferred lease expense, asset retirement obligations, the accrual of cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization expense), depreciation, the derivative stock appreciation rights liability, guarantees, 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 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, 2015 , and 2014 , 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 have one major customer for the year ended December 31, 2015 (see Note 10 of this Form 10-K for additional information). Our remaining 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 three to 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. See Note 12 of this Form 10-K for more information about our NMTC transactions. EIP Trade-in Right We offer a device trade-in program, "Upgrade Now", which provides eligible customers a specified-price trade-in right to upgrade their device. Participating customers must have purchased a financed device using an equipment installment plan from us and have a qualifying monthly wireless service plan. Upon qualifying for an Upgrade Now device trade-in, the customer's remaining EIP balance is settled provided they trade in their eligible used device in good working condition and purchase a new device from us on a new EIP. For customers who enroll in Upgrade Now, we defer the portion of equipment sales revenue which represents the estimated value of the trade-in right guarantee. The estimated value of the guarantees are based on various economic and customer behavioral assumptions, including the customer's estimated remaining EIP balance at trade-in, the expected fair value of the used handset at trade-in and the probability and timing of a trade-in. We assess facts and circumstances at each reporting date to determine if we need to adjust the guarantee liability. The recognition of subsequent adjustments to the guarantee liability as a result of these assessments are recorded as adjustments to revenue. When customers upgrade their devices, the difference between the trade-in credit to the customer and the fair value of the returned devices is recorded against the guarantee liabilities. Guarantee liabilities are included in Accrued Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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 Statements of Operations.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Reclassifications have been made to the prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to classifications used in the current year.

Business and Summary of Signi23

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Consideration Transferred to Acquire Assets and Interest [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the allocation of total consideration transferred to ACS between the AWN NCI Acquisition and the Acquired ACS Assets excluding working capital adjustments (amounts in thousands): Total consideration transfered to ACS $ 304,838 Allocation of consideration between wireless assets and non-controlling interest acquired: AWN non-controlling interest $ 303,831 Property and equipment 746 Other intangible assets 261 Total consideration $ 304,838
Changes in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	The impact of the AWN NCI Acquisition is summarized in the following table (amounts in thousands): Reduction of non-controlling interest $ 268,364 Increase in deferred tax assets 24,028 Additional paid-in capital 11,439 Fair value of consideration paid for acquisition of equity interest $ 303,831
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the final purchase price and the estimated fair value of ACS’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed, effective July 23, 2013 (amounts in thousands): Purchase price: Final Purchase Price Allocation Cash consideration paid 100,000 Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN 265,511 Total purchase price 365,511 Assets acquired and liabilities assumed: Current assets 16,963 Property and equipment, including construction in progress 82,611 Goodwill 148,948 Wireless licenses 60,380 Rights to use capacity 45,338 Other assets 17,282 Liabilities assumed (6,011 ) Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 365,511
Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma financial information is presented as if the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2013 (amounts in thousands): (unaudited) Year Ended 2013 Pro forma consolidated revenue $ 897,270
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 December 31, 2015 Class A Class B Basic net loss per share: Numerator: Net loss available to common stockholders $ (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities — — Undistributed loss allocable to common stockholders (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 34,764 3,157 Basic net loss attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ (0.69 ) (0.69 ) Diluted net loss per share: Numerator: Undistributed loss allocable to common stockholders for basic computation $ (23,858 ) (2,167 ) Reallocation of undistributed loss as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares (2,167 ) — Net loss adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares $ (26,025 ) (2,167 ) Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 34,764 3,157 Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 3,157 — Number of shares used in per share computation 37,921 3,157 Diluted net loss attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ (0.69 ) (0.69 ) Years Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Class A Class B Class A Class B Basic net income per share: Numerator: Net income available to common stockholders $ 6,980 577 8,678 728 Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities (385 ) — (354 ) — Undistributed income allocable to common stockholders $ 6,595 577 8,324 728 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 36,112 3,162 36,194 3,166 Basic net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ 0.18 0.18 0.23 0.23 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Undistributed income allocable to common stockholders for basic computation $ 6,595 577 8,324 728 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of Class B to Class A shares 577 — 728 — Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities 1 (2 ) 1 (3 ) Net income adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares $ 7,173 575 9,053 725 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 36,112 3,162 36,194 3,166 Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding 3,162 — 3,166 — Unexercised stock options 112 — 142 — Number of shares used in per share computation 39,386 3,162 39,502 3,166 Diluted net income attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share $ 0.18 0.18 0.23 0.23
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Weighted average shares associated with outstanding securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 which have been excluded from the computations of diluted EPS, because the effect of including these securities would have been anti-dilutive, consist of the following (shares, in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Derivative instrument that may be settled in cash or shares 724 — — Shares associated with unexercised stock options 108 29 86 Share-based compensation that may be settled in cash or shares 26 26 90 Total excluded 858 55 176
Schedule of Stock by Class	Following are the changes in issued common stock for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (shares, in thousands): Class A Class B Balances at January 1, 2013 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 repurchased and retired (1,822 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (147 ) — Other (37 ) — Balances at December 31, 2013 37,299 3,165 Class B shares converted to Class A 6 (6 ) Shares issued upon stock option exercises 51 — Share awards issued 1,267 — Shares repurchased and retired (429 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (196 ) — Balances at December 31, 2014 37,998 3,159 Class B shares converted to Class A 5 (5 ) Shares issued upon stock option exercises 219 — Share awards issued 688 — Shares repurchased and retired (2,983 ) — Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired (334 ) — Balances at December 31, 2015 35,593 3,154
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, 2013 $ 26,802 Liability incurred 4,268 Accretion expense 1,249 Revision in estimate (355 ) Liability settled (24 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 31,940 Liability incurred 2,048 Accretion expense 1,121 Liability settled (49 ) Balance at December 31 2015 $ 35,060
Excise and Sales Taxes	The following are certain surcharges reported on a gross basis in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Surcharges reported gross $ 5,058 4,252 4,644

Consolidated Statements of Ca24

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Operating Capital	Changes in operating assets and liabilities consist of (amounts in thousands): Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net $ (4,230 ) 15,357 (68,360 ) (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (632 ) (4,454 ) 672 (Increase) decrease in inventories 5,710 (6,631 ) 1,751 Decrease in other current assets 24 88 1,448 Increase in other assets (11,491 ) (878 ) (1,459 ) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable (5,579 ) (4,648 ) 15,334 Increase in deferred revenues 1,743 1,728 2,368 Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations (1,469 ) 2,997 10,263 Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities 8,192 (242 ) (883 ) Increase (decrease) in accrued interest 7,001 (434 ) 302 Decrease in subscriber deposits (448 ) (114 ) (40 ) Decrease in long-term deferred revenue (8,561 ) (4,163 ) (3,554 ) Increase (decrease) in components of other long-term liabilities 1,305 1,714 (20 ) Total change in operating assets and liabilities $ (8,435 ) 320 (42,178 )
Cash Payments for Interest	The following items are for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): Net cash paid or received: 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 76,796 74,618 71,749
Schedule of Other Significant Noncash Transactions	The following items are non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 2013 Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment $ 26,799 42,958 17,230 Non-cash consideration for Wireless Acquisition $ 23,326 — — Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment $ 2,048 4,268 5,292 Net capital lease obligation $ — 9,386 — Distribution to non-controlling interest $ — 4,167 4,167 Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares $ — 617 621 Net assets acquired with equity in AWN (see Note 1(d)) $ — — 267,642

Receivables and Allowance for25

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable	Receivables consist of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Trade $ 205,645 209,811 Employee 1,271 801 Other 1,468 1,829 Total receivables $ 208,384 212,441 Changes in the allowance for doubtful receivables during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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 December 31, 2015 $ 4,542 6,359 — 7,271 3,630 December 31, 2014 $ 2,346 3,994 — 1,798 4,542 December 31, 2013 $ 3,215 2,370 (446 ) 2,793 2,346

Net Property and Equipment (Tab

Net Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Property and Equipment in Service	Net property and equipment consists of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Land and buildings $ 108,145 100,038 Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities 1,215,796 1,189,470 Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities 218,259 193,832 Studio equipment 15,171 14,396 Support equipment and systems 251,302 270,629 Transportation equipment 17,398 15,667 Customer premise equipment 155,971 153,039 Fiber optic cable systems 309,217 305,200 Construction in progress 93,271 99,240 2,384,530 2,341,511 Less accumulated depreciation 1,231,457 1,178,982 Less accumulated amortization 58,692 50,047 Net property and equipment $ 1,094,381 1,112,482 Property and equipment under capital leases $ 112,495 112,495

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Software license fees $ 63,760 52,683 Rights to use 44,937 48,283 Customer relationships 1,530 3,226 Right-of-way 784 783 111,011 104,975 Less accumulated amortization 41,721 38,960 Net other intangible assets $ 69,290 66,015
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, 2013 $ 219,041 71,435 AWN purchase price adjustment - Wireless Segment 8,866 (7,298 ) Goodwill addition from acquisitions - Wireline Segment 1,653 — Asset additions — 11,593 Amortization expense — (9,715 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 229,560 66,015 Goodwill addition from acquisitions - Wireline Segment 9,703 — Asset additions — 15,023 Software impairment — (1,306 ) Amortization expense — (10,442 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 239,263 69,290
Schedule of Amortization Expense	Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 follow (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Amortization expense $ 10,442 9,715 7,044
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, 2016 $ 9,841 2017 $ 7,508 2018 $ 5,573 2019 $ 4,241 2020 $ 3,232

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	=5.5 3.00% >=5.0 but <5.5 2.75% >=4.5 but <5.0 2.50% >=4.0 but <4.5 2.25% <4.0 2.00% The Term B loan requires principal payments of 0.25% of the original principal amount on the last day of each calendar quarter with the full amount maturing on February 2, 2022 or December 3, 2020 if our Senior Notes due 2021 are not refinanced prior to such date. The full principal amount of our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility included in the Senior Credit Facility will mature on April 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness. Our Senior Credit Facility Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 5.95 to one; 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 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 Senior Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by a security interest on substantially all of the assets of GCI Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility, and on the stock of GCI Holdings. In connection with the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, we paid loan fees and other expenses of $0.3 million that were expensed immediately in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $6.2 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. We have outstanding $272.9 million under the Term B loan, $240.0 million under the delayed draw term loan, $0.0 million under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility and $22.5 million in letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility at December 31, 2015 , which leaves $127.5 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105% . We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”). At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption. At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated: Redemption Price 2020 103.438 % 2021 102.292 % 2022 101.146 % 2023 and thereafter 100.000 % The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025 . Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee. We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture. 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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable. We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount. We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (c) 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 2025 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 102.250 % 2018 101.125 % 2019 and thereafter 100.000 % 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. We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (d) On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information. In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00 . We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights. We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized. (e) GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25% . The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note. (f) UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. We repaid substantially all amounts owed to the RUS in 2014 and the remainder of amounts owed in 2015. " id="sjs-B4" xml:space="preserve">Long-term debt consists of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Senior Credit Facility (a) $ 512,937 279,000 2025 Notes (b) 450,000 — 2021 Notes (c) 325,000 325,000 Searchlight Note (d) 75,000 — Wells Fargo note payable (e) 9,176 9,767 2019 Notes (b) — 425,000 Rural Utilities Service ("RUS") debt (f) — 29 Debt 1,372,113 1,038,796 Less unamortized discount on Searchlight Note 20,190 — Less unamortized discount paid on the 2025 Notes 3,817 — Less unamortized discount paid on the 2019 Notes — 2,118 Less current portion of long-term debt 3,342 622 Long-term debt, net $ 1,344,764 1,036,056 (a) On February 2, 2015, GCI Holdings, Inc. ("GCI Holdings"), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Suntrust Bank, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility provides a $275.0 million Term B loan, up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Senior Credit Facility was subsequently amended on August 3, 2015 ("First Amendment"). Under the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, the interest rate for the Term B loan is London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.25% , with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The interest rate on our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below. Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) Applicable Margin >=5.5 3.00% >=5.0 but <5.5 2.75% >=4.5 but <5.0 2.50% >=4.0 but <4.5 2.25% <4.0 2.00% The Term B loan requires principal payments of 0.25% of the original principal amount on the last day of each calendar quarter with the full amount maturing on February 2, 2022 or December 3, 2020 if our Senior Notes due 2021 are not refinanced prior to such date. The full principal amount of our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility included in the Senior Credit Facility will mature on April 30, 2018. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility are subject to certain financial covenants and restrictions on indebtedness. Our Senior Credit Facility Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) may not exceed 5.95 to one; 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 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 Senior Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the Senior Credit Facility are secured by a security interest on substantially all of the assets of GCI Holdings and the subsidiary guarantors, as defined in the Senior Credit Facility, and on the stock of GCI Holdings. In connection with the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, we paid loan fees and other expenses of $0.3 million that were expensed immediately in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 and $6.2 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. We have outstanding $272.9 million under the Term B loan, $240.0 million under the delayed draw term loan, $0.0 million under the revolving portion of the Senior Credit Facility and $22.5 million in letters of credit under the Senior Credit Facility at December 31, 2015 , which leaves $127.5 million available for borrowing as of December 31, 2015 . (b) On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105% . We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”). At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption. At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated: Redemption Price 2020 103.438 % 2021 102.292 % 2022 101.146 % 2023 and thereafter 100.000 % The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025 . Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee. We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness. The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture. 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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable. We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount. We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (c) 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 2025 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 102.250 % 2018 101.125 % 2019 and thereafter 100.000 % 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. We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015. (d) On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information. In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00 . We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights. We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized. (e) GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25% . The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note. (f) UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. We repaid substantially all amounts owed to the RUS in 2014 and the remainder of amounts owed in 2015.
Interest Margin	The interest rate on our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below. Total Leverage Ratio (as defined) Applicable Margin >=5.5 3.00% >=5.0 but <5.5 2.75% >=4.5 but <5.0 2.50% >=4.0 but <4.5 2.25% <4.0 2.00%
Debt Instrument Redemption	At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated: Redemption Price 2020 103.438 % 2021 102.292 % 2022 101.146 % 2023 and thereafter 100.000 % 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 102.250 % 2018 101.125 % 2019 and thereafter 100.000 %
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	Maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands): Years ending December 31, 2016 $ 3,342 2017 3,358 2018 243,374 2019 3,391 2020 3,407 2021 and thereafter 1,115,241 Total debt 1,372,113 Less unamortized discount on Searchlight Note 20,190 Less unamortized discount paid on 2025 Notes 3,817 Less current portion of long-term debt 3,342 Long-term debt, net $ 1,344,764

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Income tax (expense) benefit consists of the following (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Deferred tax (expense) benefit: Federal taxes $ 1,360 (9,081 ) (9,267 ) State taxes 487 (948 ) (1,690 ) $ 1,847 (10,029 ) (10,957 )
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Total income tax (expense) benefit differed from the “expected” income tax (expense) benefit determined by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% as follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 “Expected” statutory tax (expense) benefit $ 9,699 (24,246 ) (14,939 ) Nondeductible unrealized loss on derivative instrument with related party (4,566 ) — — Nondeductible officer compensation (1,906 ) (1,351 ) (824 ) Nondeductible entertainment expenses (1,059 ) (1,125 ) (1,045 ) Nondeductible lobbying expenses (442 ) (425 ) (369 ) State income taxes, net of federal (expense) benefit 487 (948 ) (1,690 ) Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity 220 18,255 7,977 Other, net (586 ) (189 ) (67 ) $ 1,847 (10,029 ) (10,957 )
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, 2015 and 2014 are summarized below (amounts in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 139,238 131,938 Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes 41,151 36,077 Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes 14,338 6,660 Compensated absences accrued for financial reporting purposes 3,339 3,117 Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes 2,773 1,458 Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables 1,912 2,585 Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes 1,795 2,043 Alternative minimum tax credits 1,735 1,735 Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes 1,603 1,374 Other 13,144 5,866 Total deferred tax assets $ 221,028 192,853 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation $ 246,172 231,109 Intangible assets 79,255 48,768 Flow-through entity deferred tax items — 44,728 Other 1,746 — Total deferred tax liabilities 327,173 324,605 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 106,145 131,752
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 $ 34,958 34,301 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 2034 39,133 37,866 2035 11,885 11,290 Total tax net operating loss carryforwards $ 340,471 331,711

Fair Value Measurements and D30

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2015 Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Assets: Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds) $ 1,728 — — 1,728 Liabilities: Derivative stock appreciation rights $ — — 32,820 32,820 December 31, 2014 Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) Total Assets: Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds) $ 2,068 — — 2,068 (1) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (2) Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (3) Inputs that are generally unobservable and not corroborated by market data
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our current and long-term debt, excluding capital leases at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (amounts in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Current and long-term debt $ 1,348,106 1,390,743 1,036,678 1,055,952
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Table Text Block]	The following table shows our significant assumptions and inputs used in the lattice-based valuation model to value the stock appreciation right liability at December 31, 2015 : December 31, 2015 Expected term (in years) 4 - 8 Volatility 40 % Risk-free interest rate 2.1 %
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of all financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the year ended December 31, 2015 : Fair Value Measurement Using Level 3 Inputs Derivative Stock Appreciation Rights Balance at January 1, 2015 $ — Issuance 21,660 Fair value adjustment at end of period, included in Other Income (Expense) 11,160 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 32,820

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Option Activity	A summary of option activity under the Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2015 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, 2015 308 $ 6.86 Exercised (286 ) $ 6.56 Expired (3 ) $ 7.51 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 19 $ 11.35 1.0 year $ 160 Exercisable at December 31, 2015 19 $ 11.35 1.0 year $ 160
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity under the Stock Option Plan for the year ended December 31, 2015 , follows (share amounts in thousands): Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Nonvested at January 1, 2015 1,744 $ 9.11 Granted 688 $ 15.06 Vested (930 ) $ 18.29 Forfeited (7 ) $ 12.65 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,495 $ 11.08

Industry Segments Data (Tables)

Industry Segments Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Summarized financial information for our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 follows (amounts in thousands): Wireless Wireline Total Reportable Segments 2015 Revenues Wholesale $ 267,676 — 267,676 Consumer — 351,196 351,196 Business Services — 209,975 209,975 Managed Broadband — 149,687 149,687 Total 267,676 710,858 978,534 Cost of Goods Sold 70,899 251,439 322,338 Contribution 196,777 459,419 656,196 Less SG&A (18,137 ) (320,242 ) (338,379 ) Plus share-based compensation expense — 10,902 10,902 Plus accretion expense 559 562 1,121 Other — 511 511 Adjusted EBITDA $ 179,199 151,152 330,351 Capital expenditures $ 47,892 128,343 176,235 Goodwill $ 164,312 74,951 239,263 Total assets $ 594,250 1,388,058 1,982,308 Wireless Wireline Total Reportable Segments 2014 Revenues Wholesale $ 269,977 — 269,977 Consumer — 288,014 288,014 Business Services — 225,963 225,963 Managed Broadband — 126,244 126,244 Total 269,977 640,221 910,198 Cost of Good Sold 90,920 211,784 302,704 Contribution 179,057 428,437 607,494 Less SG&A (21,631 ) (272,016 ) (293,647 ) Plus share-based compensation expense — 8,392 8,392 Plus accretion expense 733 516 1,249 Other expense — (372 ) (372 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 158,159 164,957 323,116 Capital expenditures $ 30,243 145,866 176,109 Goodwill $ 164,312 65,248 229,560 Total assets $ 625,417 1,376,961 2,002,378 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 Good 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 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 1,347,314 1,972,054
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	A reconciliation of reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes follows (amounts in thousands): Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA $ 330,351 323,116 267,283 Less depreciation and amortization expense (181,767 ) (170,285 ) (147,259 ) Less software impairment charge (29,839 ) — — Less share-based compensation expense (10,902 ) (8,392 ) (6,638 ) Less accretion expense (1,121 ) (1,249 ) (77 ) Other (511 ) 372 (447 ) Consolidated operating income 106,211 143,562 112,862 Less other expense, net (133,924 ) (74,289 ) (70,178 ) Consolidated income (loss) before income taxes $ (27,713 ) 69,273 42,684

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2016 $ 45,585 13,454 2017 35,642 13,433 2018 28,822 13,440 2019 23,611 13,450 2020 20,134 13,459 2021 and thereafter 50,933 19,752 Total minimum lease payments $ 204,727 86,988 Less amount representing interest 18,629 Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases 8,708 Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturity $ 59,651

Selected Quarterly Financial 34

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts): First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2015 Total revenues $ 231,089 247,528 258,573 241,344 Operating income $ 741 39,203 45,473 20,794 Net income (loss) $ (18,725 ) (15,757 ) 17,495 (8,879 ) Net income (loss) attributable to GCI $ (19,269 ) (15,627 ) 17,631 (8,760 ) Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ (0.49 ) (0.41 ) 0.45 (0.24 ) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ (0.49 ) (0.41 ) 0.44 (0.24 ) 2014 Total revenues $ 216,283 224,399 240,725 228,791 Operating income $ 30,265 38,414 49,336 25,547 Net income $ 10,761 16,840 25,847 5,796 Net income (loss) attributable to GCI $ 1,140 5,927 9,915 (9,425 ) Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ 0.03 0.14 0.24 (0.24 ) Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI per common share $ 0.03 0.14 0.24 (0.24 )

Business and Summary of Signi35

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Narratives) (Details)	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2013USD ($)station	Jul. 23, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)entityshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)entityshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)
Business
Year founded															1,979
Principles of Consolidation [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities, Number of Entities | entity							4								4
Acquisition
Payments to Acquire Assets and Interest	$ 293,200,000
Impairment of intangible assets															$ 1,306,000
Goodwill							$ 239,263,000				$ 229,560,000				$ 239,263,000	$ 229,560,000	$ 219,041,000
Accounting Pronouncements
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current											$ 56,100,000					$ 56,100,000
Common Stock
Authorized amount, repurchase of stock																		$ 200,000,000
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, shares authorized | shares							1,000,000				1,000,000				1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | shares							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															14 years 5 months
Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment															$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Investments
Impairment of equity method investment															12,593,000	0	0
Asset Retirement Obligation
Additional capitalized costs							$ 2,000,000				$ 4,300,000				2,000,000	4,300,000
Revenue Recognition
Revenues							241,344,000	$ 258,573,000	$ 247,528,000	$ 231,089,000	228,791,000	$ 240,725,000	$ 224,399,000	$ 216,283,000	978,534,000	910,198,000	811,648,000
Receivables							208,384,000				$ 212,441,000				208,384,000	212,441,000
Guarantees
Guarantor liabilities							56,000,000								56,000,000
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense															5,700,000	5,700,000	5,200,000
Interest Expense
Interest costs capitalized															$ 3,000,000	3,600,000	4,600,000
Urban High Cost Support Program
Revenue Recognition
Percentage phase down, decrease in support payments					20.00%
Percentage phase down, maximum decrease in support payments															60.00%
Remote High Cost Support Program
Revenue Recognition
Maximum cost per line, per month						$ 250
Total High Cost Support Program
Revenue Recognition
Revenues															$ 66,200,000	66,700,000	55,600,000
Receivables							45,500,000								$ 45,500,000
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Acquisition
Number of Businesses Acquired | entity															3
Total purchase price															$ 12,700,000
ACS
Acquisition
Total purchase price			$ 365,511,000
Cash consideration paid			100,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Preferential cash distributions				$ 190,000,000
Preference period				4 years
Preferential adjustment maximum				$ 21,800,000
Goodwill			$ 148,948,000
Additional revenue																	50,600,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				33.30%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired from Noncontrolling Interest				66.60%
Denali Media Holdings
Acquisition
Total purchase price		$ 7,600,000
Number of broadcast stations acquired | station		3
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | ACS
Acquisition
Transaction costs																	1,800,000
Rights to Receive Future Capacity [Member]
Acquisition
Assets, Fair Value Adjustment	$ 1,200,000
Rights to Use Capacity
Acquisition
Impairment of intangible assets															$ 3,800,000
Minimum | Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life															2 years
Maximum | Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life															20 years
Stock Buyback Program [Member]
Common Stock
Authorized amount per quarter, repurchase of stock																		$ 5,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining value authorized to be repurchased							$ 95,300,000								$ 95,300,000
Stock Buyback Program [Member] | Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Stock repurchased during period, value															$ 47,400,000	$ 4,200,000	$ 15,600,000

Business and Summary of Signi36

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Wireless Acquisition) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total consideration transfered to ACS	$ 304,838
Non-controlling interest acquisitions	303,831
Property and equipment	746	$ 176,235	$ 176,109	$ 180,554
Other intangible assets	261
Non-controlling interest acquisition		281,803
Increase in Deferred Tax Assets	24,028
Non-controlling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest acquisition	268,364	271,521
Paid-in Capital
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Non-controlling interest acquisition	$ 11,439	$ 10,282

Business and Summary of Signi37

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Business Acquisition) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 23, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Goodwill			$ 239,263	$ 229,560	$ 219,041
ACS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration paid	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Fair value of the one-third ownership interest of AWN	265,511
Total purchase price	365,511
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Current assets	16,963
Property and equipment, including construction in progress	82,611
Goodwill	148,948
Other assets	17,282
Liabilities assumed	(6,011)
Total fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	365,511
ACS | Wireless Licenses
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Intangible assets	60,380
ACS | Rights to Use Capacity
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed:
Intangible assets	$ 45,338

Business and Summary of Signi38

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Pro-Forma Information) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
ACS
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Pro forma consolidated revenue	$ 897,270

Business and Summary of Signi39

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (EPS Calculations) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ (8,760)	$ 17,631	$ (15,627)	$ (19,269)	$ (9,425)	$ 9,915	$ 5,927	$ 1,140	$ (26,025)	$ 7,557	$ 9,406
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders									(23,858)	6,980	8,678
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic									0	(385)	(354)
Undistributed income (loss) allocable to common stockholders									$ (23,858)	$ 6,595	$ 8,324
Weighted average common shares outstanding									34,764	36,112	36,194
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ (0.24)	$ 0.45	$ (0.41)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.03	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Reallocation Of Undistributed Earnings As Result Of Conversion Of Shares									$ (2,167)	$ 577	$ 728
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities										1	1
Net income (loss) adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares									$ (26,025)	$ 7,173	$ 9,053
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding									3,157	3,162	3,166
Unexercised stock options										112	142
Number of shares used in per share computation									37,921	39,386	39,502
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share	$ (0.24)	$ 0.44	$ (0.41)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.03	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Class B Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders									$ (2,167)	$ 577	$ 728
Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic									0	0	0
Undistributed income (loss) allocable to common stockholders									$ (2,167)	$ 577	$ 728
Weighted average common shares outstanding									3,157	3,162	3,166
Basic net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share									$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Reallocation Of Undistributed Earnings As Result Of Conversion Of Shares									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of conversion of dilutive securities										(2)	(3)
Net income (loss) adjusted for allocation of undistributed earnings and effect of contracts that may be settled in cash or shares									$ (2,167)	$ 575	$ 725
Conversion of Class B to Class A common shares outstanding									0	0	0
Unexercised stock options										0	0
Number of shares used in per share computation									3,157	3,162	3,166
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to GCI common stockholders per common share									$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23

Business and Summary of Signi40

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Weighted Average Shares Outstanding Which Are Anti-Dilutive) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	858	55	176
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	724	0	0
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	108	29	86
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares associated with anti-dilutive	26	26	90

Business and Summary of Signi41

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Changes in Issued Common Stock) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	37,998	37,299	38,534
Class B shares converted to Class A	5	6	4
Shares issued upon stock option exercises	219	51	87
Share awards issued	688	1,267	680
Shares repurchased and retired	(2,983)	(429)	(1,822)
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired	(334)	(196)	(147)
Other			(37)
Balance, Ending	35,593	37,998	37,299
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Balance, Beginning	3,159	3,165	3,169
Class B shares converted to Class A	(5)	(6)	(4)
Shares issued upon stock option exercises	0	0	0
Share awards issued	0	0	0
Shares repurchased and retired	0	0	0
Shares acquired to settle minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and subsequently retired	0	0	0
Other			0
Balance, Ending	3,154	3,159	3,165

Business and Summary of Signi42

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Depreciation) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Technology Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Technology Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	20 years
Fiber optic cable systems | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	15 years
Fiber optic cable systems | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	25 years
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	30 years
Support equipment and systems | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	3 years
Support equipment and systems | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	20 years
Transportation Equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	5 years
Transportation Equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	13 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	12 years
Assets Held under Capital Leases | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	20 years
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	25 years
Customer premise equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	2 years
Customer premise equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	20 years
Studio equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	10 years
Studio equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment useful life	15 years

Business and Summary of Signi43

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Asset Retirement Obligation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning	$ 31,940	$ 26,802
Liability incurred	2,048	4,268	$ 5,292
Accretion expense	1,121	1,249	77
Revision in estimate		(355)
Liability settled	(49)	(24)
Balance, ending	$ 35,060	$ 31,940	$ 26,802

Business and Summary of Signi44

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Surcharges Reported Gross) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Surcharges reported gross	$ 5,058	$ 4,252	$ 4,644

Consolidated Statements of Ca45

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures (Changes in operating assets and liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net	$ (4,230)	$ 15,357	$ (68,360)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses	(632)	(4,454)	672
(Increase) decrease in inventories	5,710	(6,631)	1,751
Decrease in other current assets	24	88	1,448
Increase in other assets	(11,491)	(878)	(1,459)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	(5,579)	(4,648)	15,334
Increase in deferred revenues	1,743	1,728	2,368
Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and payroll related obligations	(1,469)	2,997	10,263
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	8,192	(242)	(883)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	7,001	(434)	302
Decrease in subscriber deposits	(448)	(114)	(40)
Decrease in long-term deferred revenue	(8,561)	(4,163)	(3,554)
Increase (decrease) in components of other long-term liabilities	1,305	1,714	(20)
Total change in operating assets and liabilities	$ (8,435)	$ 320	$ (42,178)

Consolidated Statements of Ca46

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures (Net cash paid or received) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	$ 76,796	$ 74,618	$ 71,749

Consolidated Statements of Ca47

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Supplemental Disclosures ( Non-cash investing and financing activities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Non-cash additions for purchases of property and equipment	$ 26,799	$ 42,958	$ 17,230
Non-cash consideration for Wireless Acquisition	23,326	0	0
Asset retirement obligation additions to property and equipment	2,048	4,268	5,292
Net capital lease obligation	0	9,386	0
Distribution to non-controlling interest	0	4,167	4,167
Deferred compensation distribution denominated in shares	0	617	621
Net assets acquired with equity in AWN (see Note 1(d))	$ 0	$ 0	$ 267,642

Receivables and Allowance for48

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USF Program - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Revenue support from regulatory agency, percentage	19.00%	19.00%	18.00%
Receivables net current	$ 98.1	$ 109.6

Receivables and Allowance for49

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Receivables by Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 208,384	$ 212,441
Trade Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	205,645	209,811
Employee Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	1,271	801
Other Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables	$ 1,468	$ 1,829

Receivables and Allowance for50

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables (Allowance for Doubtful Receivables Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 4,542	$ 2,346	$ 3,215
Charged to costs and expenses	6,359	3,994	2,370
Charged to other accounts	0	0	(446)
Write-offs net of recoveries	7,271	1,798	2,793
Balance at end of year	$ 3,630	$ 4,542	$ 2,346

Net Property and Equipment (Det

Net Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 2,384,530	$ 2,341,511
Less accumulated depreciation	1,231,457	1,178,982
Less accumulated amortization	58,692	50,047
Net property and equipment	1,094,381	1,112,482
Property and equipment under capital leases	112,495	112,495
Land and buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	108,145	100,038
Telephony transmission equipment and distribution facilities
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	1,215,796	1,189,470
Cable transmission equipment and distribution facilities
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	218,259	193,832
Studio equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	15,171	14,396
Support equipment and systems
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	251,302	270,629
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	17,398	15,667
Customer premise equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	155,971	153,039
Fiber optic cable systems
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	309,217	305,200
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$ 93,271	$ 99,240

Intangible Assets and Goodwil52

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Narratives) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life	14 years 5 months

Intangible Assets and Goodwil53

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Finite Lived) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 111,011	$ 104,975
Less accumulated amortization	41,721	38,960
Net other intangible assets	69,290	66,015	$ 71,435
Software License Fee
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	63,760	52,683
Rights to Use
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	44,937	48,283
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	1,530	3,226
Right Of Way
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 784	$ 783

Intangible Assets and Goodwil54

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	$ 229,560	$ 219,041
Goodwill ending balance	239,263	229,560	$ 219,041
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	66,015	71,435
Asset additions	15,023	11,593
Software impairment	(1,306)
Amortization expense	(10,442)	(9,715)	(7,044)
Ending Balance	69,290	66,015	71,435
Wireless
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	164,312	155,445
Goodwill ending balance	164,312	164,312	155,445
Wireless | ACS
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill acquired during period		8,866
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Purchase price adjustment		(7,298)
Wireline
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance	65,248	63,596
Goodwill acquired during period	9,703	1,653
Goodwill ending balance	$ 74,951	$ 65,248	$ 63,596

Intangible Assets and Goodwil55

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Amortization expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 10,442	$ 9,715	$ 7,044

Intangible Assets and Goodwil56

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (5 year Future Amortization ) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,016	$ 9,841
2,017	7,508
2,018	5,573
2,019	4,241
2,020	$ 3,232

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 1,372,113		$ 1,038,796
Less current portion of long-term debt		3,342		622
Long-term debt, net		1,344,764		1,036,056
Senior Credit Facility | Medium-term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[1]	512,937		279,000
2025 Notes | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[2]	450,000		0
Less unamortized discount		3,817
2021 Notes | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[3]	325,000		325,000
Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[4]	75,000		0
Less unamortized discount		20,190	$ 21,700
Wells Fargo Note | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[5]	9,176		9,767
2019 Notes | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[2]	0		425,000
Less unamortized discount				2,118
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) debt | Notes Payable to Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[6]	$ 0		$ 29
[1]	=5.53.00%>=5.0 but =4.5 but =4.0 but " id="sjs-B31" xml:space="preserve">On February 2, 2015, GCI Holdings, Inc. ("GCI Holdings"), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Suntrust Bank, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility provides a $275.0 million Term B loan, up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Senior Credit Facility was subsequently amended on August 3, 2015 ("First Amendment").Under the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, the interest rate for the Term B loan is London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.25%, with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The interest rate on our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below.Total Leverage Ratio (as defined)Applicable Margin>=5.53.00%>=5.0 but =4.5 but =4.0 but
[2]	On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105%. We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”).At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption.At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated:Redemption Price2020103.438%2021102.292%2022101.146%2023 and thereafter100.000%The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025. Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee.We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes.Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture.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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable.We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount.We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015.
[3]	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 2025 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 Price2016103.375%2017102.250%2018101.125%2019 and thereafter100.000%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.We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015.
[4]	On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information.In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00. We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights.We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized.
[5]	GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25%. The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note.
[6]	UUI, our wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into various loans with the RUS. We repaid substantially all amounts owed to the RUS in 2014 and the remainder of amounts owed in 2015.

Long Term Debt (Narratives) (De

Long Term Debt (Narratives) (Details)		Aug. 03, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total leverage ratio		5.95
Senior leverage ratio		3
Interest coverage ratio		2.50
Debt issuance costs					$ 13,979,000	$ 84,000	$ 2,990,000
Long-term debt, gross					1,372,113,000	1,038,796,000
Letters of credit outstanding					22,500,000
Remaining borrowing capacity					127,500,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt					27,700,000	0	103,000
Payment of bond call premium					20,244,000	0	$ 0
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Class A Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights | shares								3,000,000
Exercise price of rights | $ / shares								$ 13
Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member] | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Class A Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stock appreciation rights | shares								3,000,000
Exercise price of rights | $ / shares								$ 13
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loan fees and other expenses					300,000
Debt issuance costs					6,200,000
Long-term debt, gross	[1]				512,937,000	279,000,000
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facility | Term B Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt								$ 275,000,000
Required principal payment percentage		0.25%
Long-term debt, gross					272,900,000
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facility | Term B Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		3.25%
LIBOR floor		0.0075
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facility | Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity								240,000,000
Long-term debt, gross					240,000,000
Medium-term Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity								150,000,000
Long-term debt, gross					0
Senior Notes [Member] | 2025 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt			$ 450,000,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 7,900,000
Long-term debt, gross	[2]				$ 450,000,000	0
Stated percentage			6.875%		6.875%
Issuance price, percent			99.105%
Redemption price, percentage			100.00%
Maturity date			Apr. 15, 2025
Frequency of periodic payment					Semi-annual interest payments
Percentage of principal amount if default			30.00%
Unamortized discount					$ 3,817,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 2025 Notes | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal			1
Senior Notes [Member] | 2025 Notes | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal			1.01
Senior Notes [Member] | 2019 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[2]				0	425,000,000
Repayments of Debt			$ 425,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt					(27,700,000)
Payment of bond call premium					20,200,000
Unamortized deferred loan costs					5,400,000
Write off of deferred debt discount					2,100,000
Unamortized discount						2,118,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs					3,600,000
Long-term debt, gross	[3]				$ 325,000,000	325,000,000
Stated percentage			6.75%		6.75%
Maturity date					Jun. 1, 2021
Frequency of periodic payment					Semi-annual interest payments
Percentage of principal amount if default					25.00%
Earliest call date					Jun. 1, 2016
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 Notes | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal					1
Amount eligible for purchase					$ 1,000
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 Notes | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal					1.01
Amount eligible for purchase					$ 2,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt								$ 75,000,000
Long-term debt, gross	[4]				75,000,000	0
Stated percentage								7.50%
Issuance price, percent								100.00%
Unamortized discount					20,190,000			$ 21,700,000
Notes Payable to Banks | Wells Fargo Note
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt				$ 10,000,000
Debt issuance costs				$ 100,000
Long-term debt, gross	[5]				$ 9,176,000	$ 9,767,000
Notes Payable to Banks | Wells Fargo Note | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				2.25%
[1]	=5.53.00%>=5.0 but =4.5 but =4.0 but " id="sjs-B102" xml:space="preserve">On February 2, 2015, GCI Holdings, Inc. ("GCI Holdings"), our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit and Guarantee Agreement with MUFG Union Bank, N.A., Suntrust Bank, Bank of America, N.A., as documentation agent, and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as administrative agent ("Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility provides a $275.0 million Term B loan, up to $240.0 million in delayed draw term loans and a $150.0 million revolving credit facility. The Senior Credit Facility was subsequently amended on August 3, 2015 ("First Amendment").Under the Senior Credit Facility and First Amendment, the interest rate for the Term B loan is London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.25%, with a 0.75% LIBOR floor. The interest rate on our delayed draw term loans and revolving credit facility is LIBOR plus the following Applicable Margin set forth opposite each applicable Total Leverage Ratio below.Total Leverage Ratio (as defined)Applicable Margin>=5.53.00%>=5.0 but =4.5 but =4.0 but
[2]	On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105%. We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”).At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption.At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated:Redemption Price2020103.438%2021102.292%2022101.146%2023 and thereafter100.000%The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025. Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee.We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes.Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture.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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable.We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount.We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015.
[3]	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 2025 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 Price2016103.375%2017102.250%2018101.125%2019 and thereafter100.000%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.We were in compliance with all 2021 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015.
[4]	On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information.In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00. We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights.We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized.
[5]	GCI Holdings, entered into a $10.0 million loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank on June 30, 2014 to finance the purchase of a building. The note matures on July 15, 2029 and is due in monthly installments of principal and interest. The interest rate is variable at one month LIBOR plus 2.25%. The note is subject to similar affirmative and negative covenants as our Senior Credit Facility. The obligations under the note are secured by a security interest and lien on the purchased building. In connection with the note issuance, we paid loan fees of $0.1 million that were deferred and are being amortized over the life of the note.

Long Term Debt (Schedule of L59

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt Applicable Margin) (Details) - London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) - Medium-term Notes [Member] - Senior Credit Facility	Aug. 03, 2015
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 5.5
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Greater than or equal to 4.5 but less than 5.0
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Greater than or equal to 4.0 but less than 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 Red

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Redemption Prices) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member]	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
2025 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
2025 Notes | Redemption period one
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	103.438%
2025 Notes | Redemption period two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	102.292%
2025 Notes | Redemption period three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.146%
2025 Notes | Redemption period four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
2021 Notes | Redemption period one
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		103.375%
2021 Notes | Redemption period two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		102.25%
2021 Notes | Redemption period three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		101.125%
2021 Notes | Redemption period four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		100.00%

Long Term Debt (Schedule of L61

Long Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt Payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,016		$ 3,342
2,017		3,358
2,018		243,374
2,019		3,391
2,020		3,407
2021 and thereafter		1,115,241
Long-term debt, gross		1,372,113		$ 1,038,796
Less current portion of long-term debt		3,342		622
Long-term debt, net		1,344,764		1,036,056
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[1]	75,000		0
Less unamortized discount		20,190	$ 21,700
Senior Notes [Member] | 2025 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	[2]	450,000		$ 0
Less unamortized discount		$ 3,817
[1]	On February 2, 2015, we sold an unsecured promissory note to an affiliate of Searchlight Capital, L.P. ("Searchlight") in the principal amount of $75.0 million at an issue price of 100% that will mature on February 2, 2023 and bears interest at a rate of 7.5% per year ("Searchlight Note"). We may not prepay the Searchlight Note prior to February 2, 2019. Searchlight became a related party as of February 2, 2015, see Note 11 of this Form 10-K for additional information.In conjunction with the Searchlight Note, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights which entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00. We allocated the $75.0 million in total proceeds received to the stock appreciation rights based on the fair value of the stock appreciation rights on the day of issuance with the remainder allocated to the Searchlight Note. The allocation resulted in a $21.7 million discount for the Searchlight Note that will be amortized over the term of the note using the effective interest method. See Note 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information on the stock appreciation rights.We have the option to pay the annual interest obligation on the Searchlight Note in cash or by capitalizing such interest and adding it to the outstanding principal amount of the note. If we elect to capitalize interest in a given year, we are also required to issue additional stock appreciation rights in the amount of four hundredths of a stock appreciation right for each dollar of interest being capitalized.
[2]	On April 1, 2015 (“Closing Date”), GCI, Inc. completed an offering of $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 (“2025 Notes”) at an issue price of 99.105%. We used the net proceeds from this offering to repay and retire all $425.0 million of our outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2019 (“2019 Notes”).At any time before April 15, 2020, the 2025 Notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, on not less than thirty nor more than sixty days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus a premium calculated as defined in the 2025 Notes agreement, and accrued and unpaid interest (if any) to the date of redemption.At any time on or after April 15, 2020, the 2025 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 April 15 of the year indicated:Redemption Price2020103.438%2021102.292%2022101.146%2023 and thereafter100.000%The 2025 Notes mature on April 15, 2025. Semi-annual interest payments are payable on April 15 and October 15. The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2015, between us and MUFG Union Bank, N.A., as trustee.We are not required to make mandatory sinking fund payments with respect to the 2025 Notes.Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder of the 2025 Notes will have the right to require us to purchase all or any part of such holder’s 2025 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of such 2021 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such 2025 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 2025 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 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations which rank equally in right of payment with our existing and future senior unsecured debt, including our 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021, and senior in right of payment to all future subordinated indebtedness.The covenants in the indenture restrict GCI, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries from incurring additional debt or entering into sale and leaseback transactions; paying dividends or distributions on capital stock or repurchase capital stock; issuing stock of subsidiaries; making certain investments; creating liens on assets to secure debt; entering into transactions with affiliates; merging or consolidating with another company; and transferring and selling assets. These covenants are subject to a number of limitations and exceptions, as further described in the 2025 Notes indenture.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 30% in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes may, among other options, declare the 2025 Notes immediately due and payable.We paid closing costs totaling $7.9 million in connection with the offering, which were recorded as deferred loan costs and are being amortized over the term of the 2025 Notes. We recorded a $27.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. Included in the loss was $20.2 million in call premium payments to redeem our 2019 Notes, $5.4 million in unamortized 2019 Notes deferred loan costs, and $2.1 million for the unamortized portion of the 2019 Notes original issue discount.We were in compliance with all 2025 Notes loan covenants at December 31, 2015.

Income Taxes (Narratives) (Deta

Income Taxes (Narratives) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense	$ 1,847,000	$ (10,029,000)	$ (10,957,000)
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0	0	0
Income tax interest expense	0	0	0
Income tax penalties expense	0	$ 0	$ 0
Cumulative excess tax benefits, share based compensation expense, not recognize	3,400,000
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit Carryforward
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward, amount	1,700,000
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 340,471,000

Income Taxes (Schedule of Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income tax expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred tax (expense) benefit:
Federal taxes	$ 1,360	$ (9,081)	$ (9,267)
State taxes	487	(948)	(1,690)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ 1,847	$ (10,029)	$ (10,957)

Income Taxes (Statutory tax rat

Income Taxes (Statutory tax rate impact on Income tax expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]
“Expected” statutory tax (expense) benefit	$ 9,699	$ (24,246)	$ (14,939)
Nondeductible unrealized loss on derivative instrument with related party	(4,566)	0
Nondeductible officer compensation	(1,906)	(1,351)	(824)
Nondeductible entertainment expenses	(1,059)	(1,125)	(1,045)
Nondeductible lobbying expenses	(442)	(425)	(369)
State income taxes, net of federal (expense) benefit	487	(948)	(1,690)
Impact of non-controlling interest attributable to non-tax paying entity	220	18,255	7,977
Other, net	(586)	(189)	(67)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ 1,847	$ (10,029)	$ (10,957)

Income Taxes (Tax effects of te

Income Taxes (Tax effects of temporary differences) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 139,238	$ 131,938
Deferred revenue for financial reporting purposes	41,151	36,077
Asset retirement obligations in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	14,338	6,660
Compensated absences accrued for financial reporting purposes	3,339	3,117
Share-based compensation expense for financial reporting purposes in excess of amounts recognized for tax purposes	2,773	1,458
Accounts receivable, principally due to allowance for doubtful receivables	1,912	2,585
Workers compensation and self-insurance health reserves, principally due to accrual for financial reporting purposes	1,795	2,043
Alternative minimum tax credits	1,735	1,735
Deferred compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes	1,603	1,374
Other	13,144	5,866
Total deferred tax assets	221,028	192,853
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation	246,172	231,109
Intangible assets	79,255	48,768
Flow-through entity deferred tax items	0	44,728
Other	1,746	0
Total deferred tax liabilities	327,173	324,605
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 106,145	$ 131,752

Income Taxes (Summary of tax ne

Income Taxes (Summary of tax net operating loss carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 340,471
Federal | 2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	34,958
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
Federal | 2034
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	39,133
Federal | 2035
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	11,885
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	331,711
State | 2020
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	34,301
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
State | 2034
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	37,866
State | 2035
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 11,290

Fair Value Measurements and D67

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basics) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	$ 1,728	$ 2,068
Derivative Liability	32,820
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	1,728	2,068
Derivative Liability	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	0	0
Derivative Liability	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)	0	$ 0
Derivative Liability	$ 32,820

Fair Value Measurements and D68

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Carrying amounts and fair value of the financial instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Current and long-term debt	$ 1,348,106		$ 1,036,678
Fair Value
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Current and long-term debt	$ 1,390,743		$ 1,055,952
Senior Notes [Member] | 2021 Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated percentage	6.75%	6.75%
Senior Notes [Member] | 2025 Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated percentage	6.875%	6.875%

Fair Value Measurements and D69

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Derivative Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Stock Appreciation Rights, Expiration Date	8 years
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate		40.00%
Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate		2.10%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 75,000,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value		$ 32,820,000	$ 0
Issuance		21,660,000
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value adjustment at end of period, included in Other Income (Expense)		$ 11,160,000
Class A Common Stock | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Rights outstanding	3,000,000
Exercise price of rights	$ 13
Class A Common Stock | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Searchlight ALX, LP Promissory Note [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Rights outstanding	3,000,000
Exercise price of rights	$ 13
Minimum
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		4 years
Maximum
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term		8 years

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative

Stockholders' Equity (Narratives) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)vote$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / shares
Share-Based Compensation
Fair value assumptions, method used	The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock.
Share-based compensation expense	$ 10.9	$ 8.4	$ 6.6
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense	9.6
GCI 401(k) Plan
Matching contributions	$ 9.8	$ 9.1	$ 8.2
Class A Common Stock
Common Stock
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | vote	1
Stock conversion ratio	1
Class B Common Stock
Common Stock
Common stock, voting rights, number of votes | vote	10
Restricted Stock
Share-Based Compensation
Weighted average period for recognition of unvested shares	1 year 10 months 2 days
Stock Options
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	5 years
Expiration period	10 years
Maximum | Restricted Stock
Share-Based Compensation
Vesting period	3 years
Stock Option Plan [Member] | Class A Common Stock
Share-Based Compensation
Number of shares authorized | shares	15,700,000
Number of shares available for grant | shares	2,100,000
Stock Option Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock
Share-Based Compensation
Granted (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.06	$ 10.04	$ 8.30
Fair value of awards vesting	$ 17	$ 8.5	$ 5.5
Stock Option Plan [Member] | Stock Options
Share-Based Compensation
Intrinsic values of options exercised	$ 3.8	$ 0.1	$ 0.2

Stockholders' Equity (Summary o

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of Option activity under the Stock Option Plan) (Details) - Stock Option Plan [Member] - Stock Options $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares:
Outstanding, beginning | shares	308
Exercised | shares	(286)
Expired | shares	(3)
Outstanding, ending | shares	19
Exercisable | shares	19
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Oustanding, beginning (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 6.86
Exercised (USD per share) | $ / shares	6.56
Expired (USD per share) | $ / shares	7.51
Oustanding, ending (USD per share) | $ / shares	11.35
Exercisable (USD per share) | $ / shares	$ 11.35
Outstanding, Weighted Average Contractual Term	1 year
Exercisable, Weighted Average Contractual Term	1 year
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 160
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 160

Stockholders' Equity (Summary72

Stockholders' Equity (Summary of nonvested restricted stock award activity) (Details) - Stock Option Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares
Nonvested, Beginning	1,744
Granted	688
Vested	(930)
Forfeited	(7)
Nonvested, Ending	1,495	1,744
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, Beginning (USD per share)	$ 9.11
Granted (USD per share)	15.06	$ 10.04	$ 8.30
Vested (USD per share)	18.29
Forfeited (USD per share)	12.65
Nonvested, Ending (USD per share)	$ 11.08	$ 9.11

Industry Segments Data (Narrati

Industry Segments Data (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)customer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	2
Percentage of long-lived assets not in US	82.00%
Revenues	$ 978,534	$ 910,198	$ 811,648
Number of Major Customers | customer			0
Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Equipment subsidy	7,700	17,300	$ 12,200
Revenues	267,676	269,977	$ 197,218
Wireless and Wireline | Customer Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 130,800	$ 108,300
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	12.00%

Industry Segments Data (Reporta

Industry Segments Data (Reportable segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 978,534	$ 910,198	$ 811,648
Cost of Goods Sold		322,338	302,704	280,462
Contribution		656,196	607,494	531,186
Less SG&A		(338,379)	(293,647)	(271,065)
Plus share-based compensation expense		10,902	8,392	6,638
Plus accretion expense		1,121	1,249	77
Other		511	(372)	447
Adjusted EBITDA		330,351	323,116	267,283
Capital expenditures	$ 746	176,235	176,109	180,554
Goodwill		239,263	229,560	219,041
Total assets		1,982,308	2,002,378	1,972,054
Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		267,676	269,977	197,218
Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		351,196	288,014	274,805
Business Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		209,975	225,963	222,814
Managed Broadband
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		149,687	126,244	116,811
Wireless
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		267,676	269,977	197,218
Cost of Goods Sold		70,899	90,920	68,086
Contribution		196,777	179,057	129,132
Less SG&A		(18,137)	(21,631)	(20,030)
Plus share-based compensation expense		0	0	0
Plus accretion expense		559	733	507
Other		0	0	0
Adjusted EBITDA		179,199	158,159	109,609
Capital expenditures		47,892	30,243	28,156
Goodwill		164,312	164,312	155,445
Total assets		594,250	625,417	624,740
Wireless | Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		267,676	269,977	197,218
Wireless | Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	0
Wireless | Business Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	0
Wireless | Managed Broadband
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	0
Wireline
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		710,858	640,221	614,430
Cost of Goods Sold		251,439	211,784	212,376
Contribution		459,419	428,437	402,054
Less SG&A		(320,242)	(272,016)	(251,035)
Plus share-based compensation expense		10,902	8,392	6,638
Plus accretion expense		562	516	(430)
Other		511	(372)	447
Adjusted EBITDA		151,152	164,957	157,674
Capital expenditures		128,343	145,866	152,398
Goodwill		74,951	65,248	63,596
Total assets		1,388,058	1,376,961	1,347,314
Wireline | Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		0	0	0
Wireline | Consumer
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		351,196	288,014	274,805
Wireline | Business Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		209,975	225,963	222,814
Wireline | Managed Broadband
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 149,687	$ 126,244	$ 116,811

Industry Segments Data (Reconci

Industry Segments Data (Reconciliation of reportable segment adjusted EBITDA) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Adjusted EBITDA									$ 330,351	$ 323,116	$ 267,283
Less depreciation and amortization expense									(181,767)	(170,285)	(147,259)
Less software impairment charge									(29,839)	0	0
Less share-based compensation expense									(10,902)	(8,392)	(6,638)
Less accretion expense									(1,121)	(1,249)	(77)
Other									(511)	372	(447)
Operating income	$ 20,794	$ 45,473	$ 39,203	$ 741	$ 25,547	$ 49,336	$ 38,414	$ 30,265	106,211	143,562	112,862
Less other expense, net									(133,924)	(74,289)	(70,178)
Income (loss) before income taxes									$ (27,713)	$ 69,273	$ 42,684

Related Party Transactions (Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2001	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2001	Apr. 30, 2008	Dec. 31, 1991
Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] | Property
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations							$ 900,000
Immediate Family Member of Management or Principal Owner [Member] | Capital Lease Obligation Addition
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations						$ 1,300,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member] | Second Aircraft
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Termination period on lease	12 months
Monthly lease payment	$ 132,000
Capital lease deposit					$ 1,500,000
Deposit termination period					6 months
ACS
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to related party		$ 6,200,000	$ 25,100,000	$ 62,900,000
Receipts from Related Parties		$ 8,100,000	$ 23,900,000	$ 50,900,000

Variable Interest Entities (New

Variable Interest Entities (New Markets Tax Credit Entities) (Details) - Primary Beneficiary - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 11, 2012	Oct. 03, 2012	Aug. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Tax credit percentage				39.00%
Restricted cash				$ 1.1	$ 1.1
Percentage of recapture				100.00%
Recapture period				7 years
Assets				$ 140.9	140.9
Liabilities				$ 104.2	$ 104.2
NMTC 1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support			$ 58.3
Interest rate percent on financial support			1.00%
NMTC 1 | Minimum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest rate percent on financial support			1.00%
NMTC 1 | Maximum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest rate percent on financial support			3.96%
NMTC 2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support		$ 37.7
Interest rate percent on financial support		1.00%
NMTC 2 | Minimum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest rate percent on financial support		0.7099%
NMTC 2 | Maximum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest rate percent on financial support		0.7693%
NMTC 3
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support	$ 8.2
Interest rate percent on financial support	1.00%
NMTC 3 | Maximum
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest rate percent on financial support	1.35%
US Bancorp [Member] | NMTC 1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity			$ 22.4
US Bancorp [Member] | NMTC 2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity		$ 17.5
US Bancorp [Member] | NMTC 3
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity	$ 3.8
CDE's | NMTC 1
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity			$ 76.8
CDE's | NMTC 2
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity		$ 55.2
CDE's | NMTC 3
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Financial support to other entity	$ 12

Variable Interest Entities Vari

Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities (Equity Method Investment) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Impairment of equity method investment		$ 12,593,000	$ 0	$ 0
Next Generation Carrier-Class Communications Services Firm [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		40.80%
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure					$ 0
Other Current Assets [Member] | Next Generation Carrier-Class Communications Services Firm [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current		$ 3,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Next Generation Carrier-Class Communications Services Firm [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount	$ 3,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies79

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
Operating Leases as Lessee
Rental costs	$ 51,500,000	$ 43,800,000	$ 46,500,000
Capital Leases as Lessee
Capital lease term	14 years
Capital lease obligations	$ 98,600,000
Self-Insurance
Coverage limit per incident	600,000
Self insurance reserve	4,100,000	4,000,000
Workers compensation self insurance coverage limit per incident	500,000
Workers compensation self insurance reserve	3,600,000	3,800,000
Tribal Mobility Fund I Grant
Grant proceeds	14,007,000	$ 1,136,000	$ 2,405,000
FCC [Member]
Tribal Mobility Fund I Grant
Federal Grant Award				$ 41,400,000
Grant proceeds	13,800,000
Grant awards	$ 27,600,000

Commitments and Contingencies80

Commitments and Contingencies (Summary of minimum future lease payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating
2,016	$ 45,585
2,017	35,642
2,018	28,822
2,019	23,611
2,020	20,134
2021 and thereafter	50,933
Total minimum lease payments	204,727
Capital
2,016	13,454
2,017	13,433
2,018	13,440
2,019	13,450
2,020	13,459
2021 and thereafter	19,752
Total minimum lease payments	86,988
Less amount representing interest	18,629
Less current maturity of obligations under capital leases	8,708
Long-term obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturity	$ 59,651	$ 68,356

Software Impairment Software 81

Software Impairment Software Impairment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Software impairment charge	$ 29,839,000	$ 0	$ 0
Wireless, Internet, Video, Local Service, and Long Distance Customer Billing Systems [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Fair Value of Future Capital Expenditures	0
Software impairment charge	20,700,000
Internally Developed Machine-To-Machine Billing System [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Software impairment charge	7,100,000
User Management Software [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Software impairment charge	$ 1,000,000

Selected Quarterly Financial 82

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 241,344	$ 258,573	$ 247,528	$ 231,089	$ 228,791	$ 240,725	$ 224,399	$ 216,283	$ 978,534	$ 910,198	$ 811,648
Operating income	20,794	45,473	39,203	741	25,547	49,336	38,414	30,265	106,211	143,562	112,862
Net income (loss)	(8,879)	17,495	(15,757)	(18,725)	5,796	25,847	16,840	10,761	(25,866)	59,244	31,727
Net income (loss) attributable to GCI	$ (8,760)	$ 17,631	$ (15,627)	$ (19,269)	$ (9,425)	$ 9,915	$ 5,927	$ 1,140	(26,025)	7,557	9,406
Class A Common Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to GCI									$ (23,858)	$ 6,980	$ 8,678
Basic net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.45	$ (0.41)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.03	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23
Diluted net income (loss) attributable to General Communication, Inc. common stockholders per common share (USD per share)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.44	$ (0.41)	$ (0.49)	$ (0.24)	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.03	$ (0.69)	$ 0.18	$ 0.23