CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,252	$ 1,399
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	32,380	31,866
Deferred income tax expense	1,149	1,391
Share-based compensation expense	1,730	1,170
Other noncash income and expense items	1,534	2,151
Change in operating assets and liabilities	(3,902)	(9,980)
Net cash provided by operating activities	34,143	27,997
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(23,591)	(28,824)
Restricted cash	1,106	0
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets	(1,125)	(1,923)
Net cash used in investing activities	(23,610)	(30,747)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net distribution to General Communication, Inc.	(12,034)	(7,208)
Borrowing of other long-term debt	2,729	0
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	(1,942)	(6,971)
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility	0	13,000
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,247)	(1,179)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(714)	(3,929)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	27,730	31,777
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 27,016	$ 27,848

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).