QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
Operating revenue	$ 264,233	$ 162,009	$ 187,584	$ 191,120	$ 236,758	$ 159,578	$ 204,484	$ 165,541	$ 804,946	$ 766,360	$ 601,285
Operating income (loss)	94,842	(44,048)	49,122	49,971	(1,506)	26,518	61,745	35,928	149,887	122,685	207,118
Net income (loss) attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$ 64,875	$ (38,480)	$ 34,046	$ 32,622	$ (24,535)	$ 16,393	$ 38,468	$ 22,792	$ 93,063	$ 53,118	$ 145,731
Net income (loss) per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.41	$ (0.24)	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ (0.16)	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.15	$ 0.59	$ 0.34	$ 0.94
Net income (loss) per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.41	$ (0.24)	$ 0.21	$ 0.21	$ (0.16)	$ 0.10	$ 0.24	$ 0.14	$ 0.59	$ 0.34	$ 0.93