| **Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments** | 3 Months Ended                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                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| **Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]**                  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          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| Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments     | Fair Value Measurements and Derivative InstrumentRecurring Fair Value MeasurementsAssets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands):March 31, 2016Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) TotalAssets:       Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)$1,483 — — 1,483Liabilities:       Derivative stock appreciation rights$— — 28,290 28,290        December 31, 2015Level 1 (1) Level 2 (2) Level 3 (3) TotalAssets:       Deferred compensation plan assets (mutual funds)$1,728 — — 1,728Liabilities:       Derivative stock appreciation rights$— — 32,820 32,820        (1) Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities(2) Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities(3) Inputs that are generally unobservable and not corroborated by market dataThe fair value of our mutual funds is determined using quoted market prices in active markets utilizing market observable inputs.The fair value of our derivative stock appreciation rights was determined using a lattice-based valuation model (see the section "Derivative Financial Instruments" below for more information). Current and Long-Term DebtThe carrying amounts and approximate fair values of our current and long-term debt, excluding capital leases, at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows (amounts in thousands): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair ValueCurrent and long-term debt$1,337,989 1,393,992 1,332,739 1,390,743The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair values:•The fair values of the 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 and the 6.875% Senior Notes due 2025 both issued by GCI, Inc., our wholly owned subsidiary, are based upon quoted market prices for the same or similar issues (Level 2).  •The fair value of our Searchlight Note Payable is based on the current rates offered to us for similar remaining maturities plus an additional premium to reflect its subordination to our 2021 and 2025 Notes (Level 3). •The fair value of our Amended Senior Credit Facility and Wells Fargo note payable are estimated to approximate their carrying value because the instruments are subject to variable interest rates (Level 2).Derivative Financial InstrumentIn connection with the $75.0 million unsecured promissory note issued to Searchlight on February 2, 2015, we entered into a stock appreciation rights agreement pursuant to which we issued to Searchlight three million stock appreciation rights. Each stock appreciation right entitles Searchlight to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable at our election in either cash or shares of GCI's Class A common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of GCI Class A common stock on the date of exercise over the price of $13.00. The instrument is exercisable on the fourth anniversary of the grant date and will expire eight years from the date of grant. We have determined that the stock appreciation rights are required to be separately accounted for as a derivative instrument and subject to fair value liability accounting under ASC 815-10.We use a  lattice based valuation model to value the stock appreciation rights liability at each reporting date. The model incorporates transaction details such as our stock price, instrument term and settlement provisions, as well as highly complex and subjective assumptions about volatility, risk-free interest rates, issuer behavior and holder behavior.  The lattice model uses highly subjective assumptions and the use of other reasonable assumptions could provide different results. The following table shows our significant assumptions and inputs used in the lattice-based valuation model to value the stock appreciation right liability at March 31, 2016: March 31, 2016Expected term (in years)2.8 - 6.8Volatility40%Risk-free interest rate1.5%We revalue our derivative liability at each reporting period and recognize gains or losses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations attributable to the change in the fair value of the instruments. The stock appreciation rights liability is included within Other Liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of our financial instrument measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015:Fair Value Measurement Using Level 3 Inputs Derivative Stock Appreciation RightsBalances at January 1, 2015$—Issuance21,660Fair value adjustment at end of period, included in Other Income (Expense)2,120Balances at March 31, 201523,780  Balances at January 1, 201632,820Fair value adjustment at end of period, included in Other Income (Expense)(4,530)Balances at March 31, 2016$28,290 |

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No definition available.
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| - Definition
The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.
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