CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 8,580	$ 6,594
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	97,850	93,298
Deferred income tax expense	10,387	7,303
Share-based compensation expense	3,990	3,224
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	9,111
Other noncash income and expense items	5,986	7,195
Change in operating assets and liabilities	(21,627)	(30,199)
Net cash provided by operating activities	105,166	96,526
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(104,351)	(126,900)
Grant proceeds	5,492	15,314
Restricted cash	5,465	16,546
Purchases of other assets and intangible assets	(3,741)	(4,635)
Other	0	233
Net cash used in investing activities	(97,135)	(99,442)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	(62,659)	(414,733)
Borrowing on Senior Credit Facility	60,000	142,000
Net distribution to General Communication, Inc.	(12,324)	(39,202)
Borrowing of other long-term debt	3,980	15,375
Issuance of 2021 Notes	0	325,000
Investment by non-controlling interest	0	(16,546)
Payment of Senior Notes call premiums	0	(4,728)
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	(3,512)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(11,003)	3,654
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,972)	738
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	27,730	31,777
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 24,758	$ 32,515