QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Operating revenue	$ 236,758	$ 159,578	$ 204,484	$ 165,541	$ 222,321	$ 125,265	$ 130,499	$ 123,200	$ 766,360	$ 601,285	$ 506,113
Operating income (loss)	(1,506)	26,518	61,745	35,928	100,776	37,257	32,809	36,276	122,685	207,118	152,475
Net income (loss) attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$ (24,535)	$ 16,393	$ 38,468	$ 22,792	$ 75,329	$ 24,299	$ 20,904	$ 25,199	$ 53,118	$ 145,731	$ 100,389
Net income (loss) per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.48	$ 0.16	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.34	$ 0.94	$ 0.66
Net income (loss) per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.48	$ 0.16	$ 0.13	$ 0.16	$ 0.34	$ 0.93	$ 0.64