NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Shares excluded from the diluted net income (loss) per common share computation because their effect was antidilutive	2,544,140	3,789,106	2,547,890	3,789,106
Net income (loss) attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders	$ 46,655	$ (38,480)	$ 106,836	$ 28,188
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic (in shares)	155,986,822	158,160,719	157,286,789	157,939,820
Dilutive effect of:
Stock-based awards (in shares)	112,386		52,283	355,912
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	156,099,208	158,160,719	157,339,072	158,295,732
Net income (loss) per share attributable to CTC Media, Inc. stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ (0.24)	$ 0.68	$ 0.18
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ (0.24)	$ 0.68	$ 0.18