Name:	gciinc_AssetPurchaseAgreementsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired from Noncontrolling Interest

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageofVotingInterestsAcquiredfromNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Business Combination, Preference Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_BusinessCombinationPreferencePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Business Combination, Preferential Adjustment Maximum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_BusinessCombinationPreferentialAdjustmentMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Business Combination, Preferential Cash Distributions

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_BusinessCombinationPreferentialCashDistributions
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum Cost Per Line, Per Month

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_MaximumCostPerLinePerMonth
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of Broadcast Stations Acquired

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_NumberofBroadcastStationsAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage Phase Down, Decrease in Support Payments

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_PercentagePhaseDownDecreaseinSupportPayments
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage Phase Down, Decrease in Support Payments, Maximum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gciinc_PercentagePhaseDownDecreaseinSupportPaymentsMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	gciinc_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amounts due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph a, b

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

- Definition

Amount charged to advertising expense for the period, which are expenses incurred with the objective of increasing revenue for a specified brand, product or product line.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 720

-SubTopic 35

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420018&loc=d3e36677-107848

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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

- Definition

Amount of direct costs of the business combination including legal, accounting, and other costs incurred to consummate the business acquisition.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityTransactionCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 30

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6578-128477

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 30

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911251&loc=d3e6613-128477

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35744584&loc=d3e6927-128479

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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

- Definition

The revenues and gains recognized recorded for each transaction with the acquiree that is recognized separately from the acquisition of assets and assumptions of liabilities in the business combination.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (e)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=25497992&loc=d3e1392-128463

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessCombinationSeparatelyRecognizedTransactionsRevenuesAndGainsRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of asset retirement costs previously incurred and capitalized separately from the capitalized amount of the associated long-lived assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 932

-SubTopic 235

-Section 50

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=8451039&loc=d3e61901-109447

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalizedCostsAssetRetirementCosts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

- Definition

Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The current carrying amount of the liability for the freestanding or embedded guarantor's obligations under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-Subparagraph (c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12069-110248

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsCurrentCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

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

- Definition

Amount of interest capitalized during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Allowance for Funds Used during Construction

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6504829

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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

- Details

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

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period. The cash portion only of the acquisition price.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

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

- Definition

Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Threshold period past due for trade accounts receivable to write off as uncollectible, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ThresholdPeriodPastDueForWriteoffOfTradeAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	gciinc_TypeOfProgramAxis=gciinc_HighCostSupportProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	gciinc_TypeOfProgramAxis=gciinc_RemoteHighCostSupportProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	gciinc_TypeOfProgramAxis=gciinc_UrbanHighCostSupportProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=gciinc_AlaskaCommunicationsSystemsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=gciinc_DenaliMediaHoldingsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 23, 2013	Jul. 22, 2013	Nov. 01, 2013 station
Acquisition
Goodwill	$ 229,560,000us-gaap_Goodwill				$ 219,041,000us-gaap_Goodwill				$ 229,560,000us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 219,041,000us-gaap_Goodwill	$ 77,294,000us-gaap_Goodwill
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Receivables
Past due period									120 days
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life									15 years 3 months 1 day
Asset Retirement Obligation
Additional capitalized costs	4,300,000				10,500,000				4,300,000	10,500,000
Revenue Recognition
Revenues	228,791,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	240,725,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	224,399,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	216,283,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	217,828,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	217,943,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	189,661,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	186,216,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	910,198,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	811,648,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet	710,181,000us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Receivables	212,441,000us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent				228,372,000us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent				212,441,000us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent	228,372,000us-gaap_AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent
Advertising Expense
Advertising expense									5,700,000us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense	5,200,000us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense	4,900,000us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense
Interest Expense
Interest costs capitalized									3,600,000us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized	4,600,000us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized	2,800,000us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Guarantees
Guarantor obligations, value	56,000,000								56,000,000
Total High Cost Support Program [Member]
Revenue Recognition
Revenues									66,700,000	55,600,000	42,800,000
Receivables	47,000,000								47,000,000
Remote High Cost Support Program [Member]
Revenue Recognition
Maximum cost per line, per month											250
Urban High Cost Support Program [Member]
Revenue Recognition
Percentage phase down, decrease in support payments									20.00%			20.00%
Percentage phase down, maximum decrease in support payments									60.00%
ACS [Member]
Acquisition
Cash consideration paid													100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferential cash distributions														190,000,000
Preference period														4 years
Preferential adjustment maximum														21,800,000
Goodwill													148,948,000	148,900,000
Additional revenue										50,600,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired														33.30%
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired from Noncontrolling Interest														66.60%
Denali Media Holdings
Total purchase price													365,511,000
Denali Media Holdings [Member]
Denali Media Holdings
Number of broadcast stations acquired															3
Total purchase price															7,600,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] \| ACS [Member]
Acquisition
Transaction costs					$ 1,800,000					$ 1,800,000	$ 2,900,000
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life									20 years
Minimum [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life									2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Intangible Assets
Finite-lived intangible asset, useful life									20 years