Loss Contingency Overdue Spectrum Fees Demanded within Specific Date Amount of overdue spectrum fees demanded by the government of Aruba be paid by May 1, 2014 Represents the amount of overdue spectrum fees demanded by the government of Aruba be paid by a specified date. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Working Capital Adjustments Working capital adjustments Represents the amount of working capital adjustments related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Preliminary Working Capital Proceeds Working capital- preliminary Represents the amount of preliminary working capital proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Period of first release of escrowed cash Represents the period of first release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Period of First Release of Escrowed Cash Represents the period of second release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Period of Second Release of Escrowed Cash Period of second release of escrowed cash Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Period of Third Release of Escrowed Cash Period of third release of escrowed cash Represents the period of third release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Restricted cash Represents information pertaining to the cash and cash equivalent items, which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Adjusted Working Capital Proceeds Working capital- adjusted Represents the amount of adjusted working capital proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Advance Payments and Deposits Advance payments and deposits Amount of advance payments and deposits attributable to disposal group, due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer. After tax income (loss) from operations of a business component (exclusive of any gain (loss) on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period, until its disposal, per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Discontinued Operation Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase Out Period Net of Tax Per Basic Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Amendment Description After tax income (loss) from operations of a business component (exclusive of any gain (loss) on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period, until its disposal, available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Discontinued Operation Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase Out Period Net of Tax Per Diluted Share Discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Amendment Flag Defined Benefit Plan, Period of Employment and Credited Service Period for which Average Salary or Hourly Wages used for Calculation of Benefit Represents the employment period or credited service period for which participants' average salary or hourly wages is used as a base to calculate benefits under defined benefit pension plan or an other postretirement defined benefit plan. Employment period or credited service period for which participants' average salary or hourly wages is used as a base to calculate benefits Weighted-average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations for the pension plan Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Actuarial Calculations [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used for Actuarial Calculations, Discount Rate Discount rate (as a percent) Represents the interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money used under actuarial calculations for the pension plans. Percentage of plan assets to be invested within Guyana Defined Benefit Plan, Percentage of Plan Assets to be Invested within Country Other than Country of Domicile Represents the percentage of plan assets to be invested within country other than country of domicile of the entity. Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used for Actuarial Calculations, Rate of Compensation Increase Annual salary increase (as a percent) Represents the expected rate of compensation increases used under actuarial calculations for the pension plans. Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments Total The amount of the total benefits expected to be paid. Document and Entity Information Finite Lived Trade Names, Net Net carrying amount after accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of the rights acquired through registration of a trade name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof for a reasonably expected period of economic benefit. Trade name license, net Customer relationships, net Finite Lived Customer Relationships, Net This element represents the net carrying value after accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of an asset acquired in a business combination representing a favorable existing relationship with customers having a finite beneficial life. Termination and Access Fees Termination and access fees This element represents expenses paid by the entity for charges for voice and data transport circuits, internet capacity, other access fees to terminate calls, and related bad debt expense. This element represents amounts pertaining to engineering and operational expenses including the expenses associated with developing, operating, supporting and expanding networks, salaries and benefits paid to employees directly involved in the development and operation of networks. Engineering and Operation Expense Engineering and operations Cost of Equipment Revenue The cost of equipment sold to customers during the reporting period. Equipment expense This represents the transactions related to the domestic retail wireless business. U.S. Wireless Retail [Member] Retail U.S. wireless, Retail This represents the transactions related to the domestic wholesale wireless business. Wholesale U.S. Wireless Wholesale [Member] U.S. wireless, Wholesale Other Accounts Receivable [Member] Other This represents the transactions other than domestic retail and domestic wholesale wireless business. International wireless International wireless This represents the transactions related to the international wireless business. International Wireless [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Award Type [Axis] Wireline Represents the transactions related to the wireline business in the U.S. and Guyana. Wireline [Member] Equipment and other This represents the transactions related to equipment and other. Equipment and Other [Member] Equipment and other Gain on Bargain Purchase, Deferred Tax Gain on bargain purchase, deferred taxes The deferred tax effect of gains from a business combination in which the amount of net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the aggregate consideration transferred or to be transferred. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, tax This element represents the tax effect on the portion of income (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest. Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Tax Increase (Decrease) in Inventory, Prepayments, and Other Current Assets Materials and supplies, prepayments, and other current assets The net change during the reporting period in the value of materials and supplies held in inventory, prepayments, and other current assets. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, advance payments and deposits and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Advance Payments and Deposits and Other Current Liabilities This element represents the net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid, which also includes the amount of prepayment by customers for goods or services to be provided and the amount of customer money held in customer accounts, which may also include other current liabilities. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS USE OF ESTIMATES USE OF ESTIMATES Use of Estimates Disclosure [Text Block] This element represents the disclosure, which provides the entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates. Represents M3 Wireless Ltd. M3 Wireless Ltd [Member] M3 Wireless, Ltd. Navajo Tribal Utility Authority [Member] NTUA Represents the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority with whom entity entered into a joint venture to provide retail wireless service to residents of the Navajo Nation, which spans across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Document Period End Date Net working capital The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to net working capital. Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Working Capital Net Business Acquisition, Assets Acquired Related Information [Abstract] Assets acquired, related information Business Acquisition, Consolidated Information Reported [Abstract] As Reported Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share: Represents the term loan of reporting entity. Term Loan [Member] Term loans Term Loan A1 [Member] Term Loan A-1 Represents the Term Loan A-1 of the reporting entity. Term Loan A2 [Member] Term Loan A-2 Represents the Term Loan A-2 of the reporting entity. Total outstanding notional amount of cash flow hedges Derivative, Notional Amount Swingline Sub Facility [Member] Swingline sub-facility Represents the Swingline sub-facility available to the entity. Debt Instrument, Variable Rate Base One Week LIBOR [Member] One-week LIBOR The one-week London Interbank Offered Rate used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Entity [Domain] Debt Instrument, Variable Rate Base One Month LIBOR [Member] One-month LIBOR The one-month London Interbank Offered Rate used to calculate the variable interest rate of the debt instrument. Keytech Ltd [Member] Keytech Ltd. Represents Keytech Ltd., the former parent company of the acquired entity and minority shareholder in the entity's operations. Long Term Debt, Noncurrent Carrying Amount Total long-term debt Carrying amount of long-term debt, before deducting unamortized discount or premium, excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer (current maturities). Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. Maximum aggregate additional borrowings subject to lender approval Represents the maximum aggregate amount of additional borrowings available to the entity, subject to lender's approval. Debt Instrument, Increase Maximum Additional Borrowings Subject to Lender Approval Additional forward-starting interest rate swaps Represents the additional number of interest rate cash flow hedge derivatives entered into by the entity. Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives Number Represents U.S. Wireless, a reportable segment of the entity, which generates all of its revenue and has all of its assets located in the United States. US Wireless [Member] U.S. Wireless Certain Segment Reporting Unit [Member] Certain segment reporting unit Represents a certain reporting unit of a reportable segment of the entity. Represents International Integrated Telephony, a reportable segment of the entity, which has its assets located primarily in Guyana. International Integrated Telephony [Member] International Integrated Telephony Guyanese dollars Guyana, Dollars Represents Island Wireless, a reportable segment of the entity, which generates its revenue and has its assets in Bermuda, Turks and Caicos, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Aruba. Island Wireless [Member] Island Wireless Certain Island Wireless Reporting Unit [Member] Certain Island Wireless Reporting Unit Represents a certain reporting unit of Island Wireless, a reportable segment of the entity. The amount of capital expenditures offset by the use of grants during the period. Capital Expenditures Offset by Grants Capital expenditures offset by grants Vermont VERMONT US Wireline [Member] U.S. Wireline Represents U.S. Wireline, a reportable segment of the entity, which has all of its assets located in the United States. Capital Expenditures [Abstract] Capital Expenditures Commitment to Provide Domestic Fixed Services and International Voice and Data Services [Member] Commitment to provide domestic fixed services and international voice and data services Represents the supply arrangement in which the entity has agreed to provide domestic fixed services and international voice and data services. Loss Contingency Period for which Litigation Proceedings were Not Subject of Discussions or Other Significant Activity Period for which litigation proceedings and other disputes have not been the subject of discussions or other significant activity Represents the period for which litigation proceedings and other disputes, while not conclusively resolved, have not been the subject of discussions or other significant activity. Non-controlling interest in equity acquired, net of tax Represents the amount of tax impact on increase in noncontrolling interest from issuance of additional equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders or the sale of a portion of the parent's controlling interest. Tax Impact of Minority Interest Increase from Stock Issuance Credit facility Represents the credit facility which includes term loan and revolver loan. Credit Facility [Member] Amendment to Credit Facility [Member] Amended Credit Facility Represents the information pertaining to amended and restated existing credit facility. BASIS OF PRESENTATION Schedule of Prior Period Financial Balance Reclassification [Table] Schedule of certain prior period financial statement balance reclassifications made to provide consistency with the current period financial presentation. This element encompasses and aggregates all concepts of financial statement disclosures pertaining to accounting policies for the reporting entity into a single text block. Descriptions of the basis of presentation, consolidations, and new pronouncements not yet adopted and changes in accounting principles may be encapsulated in one footnote. BASIS OF PRESENTATION Basis of Presentation Consolidation and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Disclosure [Text Block] Represents Bermuda Digital Communications. BDC Bermuda wireless operations Bermuda Digital Communications [Member] The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to notes payables and long-term debt to affiliates assumed from the acquired entity. Note payable- affiliate Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Notes Payable and Long Term Debt Affiliate Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Acquired Notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivative acquired Notional amount of interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges acquired during period. Notional amount refers to the monetary amount specified in the interest rate derivative contract. Expanded notional amount of interest rate cash flow hedge derivative Represents the expanded notional amount of interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges acquired during period. Notional amount refers to the monetary amount specified in the interest rate derivative contract. Expanded Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Represents the number of term loans in which credit facility will be provided. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of Loans Number of term loans Schedule of the operating activities of the Company's principal subsidiaries, the segments in which the Company reports its revenue and markets served Tabular disclosure of the operating activities of the Company's principal subsidiaries, the segments in which the Company reports its revenue, and the markets served. Schedule of Principal Subsidiaries Operating Activities, Revenue Reporting Segments, and Markets Served [Table Text Block] Interest Rate Derivatives Describes the entity's accounting policy for interest rate derivatives. Interest Rate Derivatives [Policy Text Block] Derivative Risk Management [Policy Text Block] Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives Describes the entity's accounting policy for objectives and strategies pertaining to the use of derivative instruments and nonderivative hedging instruments in the context of the entity's overall risk management profile, and the risks associated with the use of derivatives. Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Abstract] Represents the acquisition of wireless assets from Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, known as Alltel Acquisition. Alltel Wireless [Member] Alltel Alltel Wireless AT and T [Member] AT&T Represents information pertaining to AT and T, a major customer of the entity. Verizon [Member] Verizon Represents information pertaining to Verizon, a major customer of the entity. Represents the amount of borrowing used to fund the cost of the acquired entity. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Funded with Borrowings Borrowings used to fund the purchase price Cash-on-hand used to fund the purchase price Represents the amount of cash-on-hand, used to fund the cost of the acquired entity. Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Funded with Cash on Hand Office and Computer Equipment [Member] Office and computer equipment Long-lived, depreciable assets that are used in an office setting and in the creation, maintenance and utilization of information systems. Property, Plant and Equipment Gross Excluding Construction in Progress Total plant in service Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures, but excludes construction in progress. Schedule of Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Granted and Exercised [Table Text Block] Summary of information relating to options granted and exercised Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to option granted and exercised during the period under share-based compensation plan. Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Abstract] Expiration term, one The period of time one, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based [option] award expires. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Expiration Term One Expiration term The period of time two, from the grant date until the time at which the share-based [option] award expires. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Expiration Term Two Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Options, Intrinsic Value [Abstract] Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Tax Reserve Foreign tax reserve The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to the foreign tax reserve made under enacted tax laws. Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Aggregate Deferred Tax Assets Net of Valuation Allowance and Net of Liabilities Total deferred tax asset Represents aggregate deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances and net of deferred tax liabilities. Entity Voluntary Filers Aggregate Deferred Tax Liabilities Net of Assets and Net of Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax liabilities Represents aggregate deferred tax liabilities, net of deferred tax assets and net of valuation allowances. Entity Current Reporting Status The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns and tax positions that have been or will be taken in the tax return for the current period, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Tax Positions Increase in uncertain tax positions Entity Filer Category Schedule of amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the net gain (loss) and net prior service cost or credit recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Entity Public Float Cash and Cash Equivalents Money Markets and Other [Member] Cash, cash equivalents, money markets and other Currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, funds that invests in short-term money-market instruments and other investment not separately disclosed. Entity Registrant Name Number of Members in Board of Directors Represents the number of members in the board of directors of the entity. Number of board of directors Entity Central Index Key GUYANA Guyana Number of Members in Board of Directors Designated by Reporting Entity Represents the number of members in the board of directors of the entity designated by the reporting entity. Number of members in the board of directors designated by the entity Represents the number of members in the board of directors of the entity designated by the related party. Number of members in the board of directors designated by related party Number of Members in Board of Directors Designated by Related Party Contingency related to spectrum fees Represents information pertaining to contingency related to increase in spectrum fees by National Frequency Management Unit. Contingency Related to Spectrum Fees [Member] Represents information pertaining to litigation proceedings and disputes in Guyana. Litigation Proceedings and Disputes in Guyana [Member] Litigation proceedings and disputes in Guyana Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Lawsuit Filed by Caribbean Telecommunications Limited [Member] Lawsuit filed by CTL Represents information pertaining to lawsuit filed by Caribbean Telecommunications Limited in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against GT&T and ATN claiming breach of an interconnection agreement for domestic cellular services in Guyana and related claims. Lawsuit filed by GT&T against Digicel Represents information pertaining to lawsuit filed by Guyana telephone and telegraph limited in the High Court of Guyana asserting that, despite its denials, Digicel is engaged in international bypass in violation of GT&T's exclusive license rights, the interconnection agreement between the parties, and the laws of Guyana. Lawsuit Filed by Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Limited Against Digicel [Member] Legal Claims Regarding Tax Filings [Member] Legal claims regarding tax filings with the Guyana Revenue Authority Represents information pertaining to legal claims regarding tax filings with the Guyana Revenue Authority for deductibility of intercompany advisory fees as well as other tax assessments. Spectrum fees paid Represents the amount of spectrum fees paid as full settlement. Loss Contingency, Spectrum Fees Paid Represents the amount of actual damages that the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Loss Contingency, Actual Damages Actual damages Represents the amount of punitive damages that the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. Loss Contingency, Punitive Damages Punitive damages Percentage of return on investment ensured by the government of Guyana Represents the return on investment ensured by the government of Guyana, in which if the entity's return on investment falls below the ensured percentage, the Government of Guyana is obligated to reimburse any necessary amount. Loss Contingency, Minimum Return on Investment Ensured by Government of Guyana Represents the area of lease under non-cancelable operating leases. Operating Lease Area Area of lease (in square feet) Share Based Plans [Member] Share Based Plans Represents the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan and the Director's Remuneration Plan, collectively and including the 2008 Plan. Equity Incentive Plan 2008 [Member] 2008 Plan Represents the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan which replaced the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan and the Director's Remuneration Plan (collectively and including the 2008 Plan known as the Share Based Plans), under which no further awards will be made. Stock compensation expense Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Abstract] Schedule of information pertaining to the income tax expense and benefit attributable to continuing operations. Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table] Bermuda and Turks and Caicos [Member] Bermuda and Turks & Caicos Represents the tax jurisdictions of Bermuda and Turks & Caicos. Income tax Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Classification [Table Text Block] Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities Tabular disclosure of deferred income tax assets and liabilities as classified in the consolidated statements of financial position. Income Tax Reconciliation Bargain Purchase Gain Bargain purchase gain The portion of the difference between total income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the income statement and the expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to bargain purchase gain. Deferred tax assets and liabilities Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Classification [Abstract] Document Fiscal Year Focus Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Disclosure of accounting policy for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block] Document Fiscal Period Focus Noncontrolling Interests [Policy Text Block] Non-Controlling Interests Disclosure of accounting policy for noncontrolling interests. Additional disclosure Defined Benefit Plan, Additional Disclosure [Abstract] Number of reporting units where book value exceeded fair value Number of Reporting Units where Book Value Exceeded Fair Value Represents the number of reporting units where book value exceeded fair value. Schedule of Concentration of Risk Customer Concentration Risk [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the percentage that revenues in the period from one or more significant customers is to net revenues, as defined by the entity, such as total net revenues, product line revenues, segment revenues. The risk is the materially adverse effects of loss of a significant customer. Schedule of percentage of revenues generated from a single customer that exceeds 10% of the Company's consolidated revenue Schedule of Concentration of Risk Credit Concentration Risk [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the percentage that a specified receivable or amount at risk from a counterparty under a contractual arrangement is to a specified benchmark, such as total receivables, net revenues, pretax results. Risk is the materially adverse effects of loss attributable to (a) the failure to collect a significant receivable from a major customer or group of homogeneous accounts, or (b) a failure by a counterparty to perform under terms of a contractual arrangement. Schedule of percentage of accounts receivable, from customers that exceed 10% of the Company's consolidated accounts receivable, net of allowances Schedule of Weighted Average Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the weighted average percentage allocation of plan assets by major asset category. Schedule of weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category Accounts Receivable [Line Items] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Deferred Tax Assets, Classification [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Market Discount Market discount Represents the amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from market discount. Valuation Allowance Foreign Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses Represents the portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from foreign net operating loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Valuation Allowance State Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation allowance on state net operating losses Represents the portion of the valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from state net operating loss carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Legal Entity [Axis] Interest Rate Swap Effective September 2014 [Member] Interest rate swaps effective on September 20, 2014 Represents the interest rate swaps effective on September 20, 2014. Document Type Interest Rate Swap Effective June 2017 [Member] Interest rate swaps effective on June 30, 2017 Represents the interest rate swaps effective on June 30, 2017. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Alltel Sale Represents sale of Alltel business. Alltel sale US Retail Wireless Business [Member] AT and T Mobility LLC [Member] AT&T Mobility Represents information pertaining to AT&T Mobility LLC. AT&T Mobility LLC Percentage of consolidated revenues Represents the percentage of revenue to consolidated revenues of the entity. Sales Revenue Percentage Operating Income (Loss) Percentage Percentage of consolidated operating income Represents the percentage of operating income (loss) to consolidated operating income (loss) of the entity. Certain Network [Member] Certain network Represents information pertaining to certain network assets used in business that are sold by the entity. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Book Value of Assets Sold [Abstract] Less net book value of assets sold: Other Assets, Net Other Represents the carrying amount of other assets. Significant Acquisitions and Disposals Book Value of Assets Sold Total net book value of assets sold Represents the net book value of assets received or sold by the entity in the significant acquisition or disposal. Debt Instrument, Percentage of Equity Interests in Domestic Subsidiaries Pledged Percentage of equity interests in certain domestic subsidiaries pledged Represents the percentage of equity interests in certain domestic subsidiaries pledged for debt instrument. Debt Instrument, Percentage of Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries Pledged Percentage of equity interests in certain foreign subsidiaries pledged Represents the percentage of equity interests in certain foreign subsidiaries pledged for debt instrument. Increase (Decrease) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Amount of Pending Awards to be Secured Against Issuance of Debt Instrument Amount of pending awards of mobility fund grants Represents the amount of pending awards of mobility fund grants to be secured against the issuance of debt instrument. Draw Downs Against Issued Letters of Credit Draw downs against issued letters of credit Represents the total amounts drawn down on issued letters of credit as of the reporting date. Reclassification [Member] Reclassifications Represents the effect of a prior period reclassification made to a financial statement line item. Wireline Revenue [Member] Wireline revenue Represents a line item in the financial statements for Wireline revenue. Termination and Access Fees [Member] Termination and access fees Represents a line item in the financial statements for termination and access fees. Engineering and Operations [Member] Engineering and operations expense Represents a line item in the financial statements for engineering and operations expense. Prior Period Financial Balance Reclassification [Line Items] Reclassifications Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. US Wireless Business [Member] U.S. Wireless This represents the transactions related to the domestic wireless business. U.S. wireless Line of Credit Facility Number of Loans Repaid Number of loans repaid in full Represents the number of loans repaid under the credit facility. Payments to Terminate Derivatives Payment made to counterparties for termination of derivatives The settlement price on the termination of derivative instruments. The ineffective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments. Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income in Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income, Ineffective Portion Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Gain (Loss) Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of gain on sale of operations Tabular disclosure of disposal group gain (loss) recognized in the income statement reported in discontinued operations. Tabular disclosure of disposal group assets and liabilities. Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Balance Sheet Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of reclassification of assets and liabilities of Alltel operations into discontinued operations Schedule of revenues and income from discontinued operations Tabular disclosure of disposal group revenues and income from discontinued operations. Schedule of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Disclosures [Table Text Block] Net assets sold or impaired Represents the amount of net assets sold of a disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Net Assets Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Transaction Costs Less: Transaction related costs Represents the amount of transaction costs incurred related to disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation). Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Escrowed Cash Cash held in escrow Represents the amount of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Escrowed Cash Release Period Release period of escrowed cash Represents the release period of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Telecommunications Licenses Telecommunications licenses For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), carrying value (net of accumulated depreciation and any write-downs) of telecommunications licenses. For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), carrying value (net of any accumulated amortization and write-downs) of other intangible assets not otherwise specified. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets MOBILITY FUND GRANTS Mobility Fund [Table] Tabular disclosure of different mobility funds. Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Total accounts receivable, net Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $9.7 million and $9.8 million, respectively Type of Mobility Fund [Axis] Information by type of mobility funds. Type of Mobility Fund [Domain] Type of different mobility funds. Alltel Mobility Funds [Member] Alltel Mobility Funds Represents information pertaining to Alltel Mobility Funds. Wholesale Mobility Funds [Member] Mobility Funds Represents information pertaining to Wholesale Mobility Funds. Mobility Fund [Line Items] GOVERNMENT GRANTS Number of New Funds Created by Communications Commission Number of new funds created by FCC Represents the number of new funds created by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). All Currencies [Domain] Mobility Funds Approved by Federal Communications Commission Mobility Funds approved by FCC Represents the amount of Mobility Fund support approved by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Payment of Penalty Fees for Default Cash payment of penalty fees for default Represents the amount of cash payment of penalty fees for default. Noncontrolling Interest Decrease from Sale of Equity Interest Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Sale of non-controlling interest Represents a decrease in noncontrolling interest from the sale of minority shareholders' interests to a third party. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Proceeds [Abstract] Proceeds: Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current Proceeds Received from Divestiture of Businesses Received The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the sale of a portion of the entity's business during the period. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Working Capital Proceeds Working capital Represents the amount of working capital proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Income Tax Reconciliation Nonrecurring Non Tax Credits Tax benefit related to certain non-recurring tax credits Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to nonrecurring tax credits. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Amount of First Release of Escrowed Cash First release of escrowed cash Represents the amount of first release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Amount of Second Release of Escrowed Cash Second release of escrowed cash Represents the amount of second release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Amount of Third Release of Escrowed Cash Third release of escrowed cash Represents the amount of third release of escrowed cash proceeds related to disposal group, including a discontinued operation. Pension Deferred Tax Liabilities Pension Costs Represents the amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from pension. Commnet Wireless LLC [Member] Commnet Wireless, LLC Represents Commnet Wireless, LLC Member. CTP Represents the Caribbean Telecom Partners, LLC , a newly created entity through which joint venture will be conducted to purchase a controlling interest in a wireless telecommunications enterprise. Caribbean Telecom Partners LLC [Member] Joint Venture Partially Funded by Broadband Grant to Co-Venturer Amount Joint venture partially funded by broadband grant to co-venturer, amount Represents the amount of broadband grant to co-venturer which is used to partially fund the joint venture. Represents information pertaining to T-Mobile, a major customer of the entity. T Mobile [Member] T-Mobile Represents the period used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure fair value. Fair Value Inputs Period Cash flow period Long-range inflation and long-term industry projections (as a percent) Represents the long-range inflation and long-term industry projections used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure fair value. Fair Value Inputs Long Range Inflation and Long Term Industry Projections Fair Value Inputs Change in Earnings Forecast Assumptions Represents the change in earnings forecast assumptions used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure fair value. Increase in earnings forecast assumptions (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs Change in Discount Rate Decrease in discount rate (as a percent) Represents the change in interest rate used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure fair value. Impairment of Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Excluding Goodwill Increase (Decrease) Due to Specific Change in Earnings Forecast Assumptions Decrease in impairment charge if earnings forecast assumptions increases by 10% Represents the increase (decrease) in the amount of impairment loss due to specific change in earnings forecast assumptions. Impairment of Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Excluding Goodwill Increase (Decrease) Due to Specific Change in Discount Rate Decrease in impairment charge if discount rate decrease by 10% Represents the increase (decrease) in the amount of impairment loss due to specific change in interest rate. Represents the estimated amount of amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position. Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Amortization of Actuarial Gains (Losses) in Next Fiscal Year Expected amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss in 2013 Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized after the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Four Amount of contractual obligation maturing after the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Contractual Obligation, Due after Fourth Year Thereafter Accounting for Grants Disclosure of accounting policy for grants. Accounting for Grants, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of information about accounting for grants. Accounting for Grants [Table] Grants by Program Type [Axis] Description of funding received from U.S. Government and its agencies by type of funding programs. Description of funding received from U.S. Government and its agencies by each type of funding program. Grants by Program Type [Domain] Stimulus Program [Member] Represents information pertaining to Stimulus programs in which the funding received is on a cost-reimbursement basis for capital expenditures incurred by the entity to expand its network and is considered a capital grant. Stimulus programs Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Universal Service Fund Program [Member] Universal Service Fund programs Represents information pertaining to Universal Service Fund programs in which the funding is received over time for operating the entity's network in certain rural geographical areas and is considered an income grant. Accounting for Grants [Line Items] Accounting for grants Grant Depreciable Period Term of depreciation of grant The period during which grants are depreciable. Proceeds from Grants Amount received Proceeds from grants received from U.S. Government and its agencies designed to fund telecommunications infrastructure expansion into rural or underserved areas of the United States. Forfeited- Vested (in shares) Number of vested options forfeited. Share based Compensation Arrangement by Share based Payment Award Options Vested Options Forfeited Number of Shares Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Vested Options Forfeitures in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited- Vested (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which grantees could have acquired the underlying shares with respect to vested stock options that were terminated. Share Based Compensation Arrangements by Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Options Forfeitures in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited- Unvested (in dollars per share) Weighted average price at which grantees could have acquired the underlying shares with respect to non-vested stock options that were terminated. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts Receivable, Net [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan Expected Future Benefit Payments Five Fiscal Years after Year Four 2018-2022 Amount of benefits expected to be paid in five fiscal years after the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year from a defined benefit plan. GOVERNMENT GRANTS Mobility Fund [Text Block] The entire disclosure for Mobility Fund. Supply Commitment Initial Term of License Initial term of license Represents the initial term of the license issued to provide services. Supply Commitment Period Available under Options for License Extension Period for optional extension of license term Represents the period for which the license term can be extended at the option of the entity. International wireless revenues Represents a line item in the financial statements for international wireless revenues. International Wireless Revenues [Member] Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Earnings per basic shares: Business Acquisition Pro Forma Income Loss from Discontinued Operations Before Changes In Accounting and Extraordinary Items Net of Tax Per Share Basic Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) The pro forma income from discontinued operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect per basic share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per diluted shares: Business Acquisition Pro Forma Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Business Acquisition Pro Forma Income Loss from Discontinued Operations Before Changes In Accounting and Extraordinary Items Net of Tax Per Share Diluted Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) The pro forma income from discontinued operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect, per diluted share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Business Acquisition Pro Forma Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic (in shares) Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Diluted (in shares) The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period. Business Acquisition Pro Forma Weighted Average Number of Diluted Shares Outstanding Business Acquisition Pro Forma Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Shares: Capital expenditures Primary financial statement caption encompassing capital expenditures. Capital Expenditures [Member] Loss Contingency Renewal Fee of Telecommunications License Renewal fee of telecommunications license Represents the amount of renewal fee of telecommunications license. Grant funds used to offset fixed asset related costs Represents the amount of grants received for the construction of assets which are recognized as a reduction of the cost of fixed assets, a reduction of depreciation expense over the useful lives of the assets, and as a reduction of capital expenditures. Grant Funds Used to Offset Fixed Asset Related Costs Number of Reporting Units Where Fair Value Exceeded Carrying Value Number of reporting units where fair value exceeded carrying value Represents the number of reporting units where fair value exceeded carrying value. Benefits and settlements paid Represents the amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes the amount of decrease that relates to an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Defined Benefit Plan Benefits Paid and Settlements Benefit Obligation Turks & Caicos intercompany note receivable write-down TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Defined Benefit Plan Benefits Paid and Settlements Plan Assets Benefits and settlements paid Represents the amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes the amount that relates to an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Percentage by which Fair Value of One Reporting Unit Exceeded Carrying Value Percentage by which fair value of one reporting unit exceeded carrying value Represents the percentage by which fair value of one reporting unit exceeded carrying value. Mobility Funds received to offset construction costs and future operations expenses. Mobility Funds received Mobility Funds Received Period Over which Mobility Fund Used to Offset Costs of Supporting the Networks Period over which a portion of the Mobility Funds is used to offset the costs of supporting the networks Represents the period over which a portion of the Mobility Funds is used to offset the costs of supporting the networks. GOVERNMENT GRANTS Government Grants [Text Block] GOVERNMENT GRANTS The entire disclosure of government grants received or to be received by the entity. Stimulus Grants [Table] Tabular disclosure of different stimulus grants. Upstate New York and Parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont [Member] Upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont Represents information pertaining to upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania and Vermont. Navajo Nation Across Arizona New Mexico and Utah [Member] Navajo Nation across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah Represents information pertaining to Navajo Nation across Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Stimulus Grants [Line Items] GOVERNMENT GRANTS Number of New Segments of Fiber-Optic Broadband Infrastructure Number of new segments of fiber-optic, middle mile broadband infrastructure built Represents the number of new segments of fiber-optic, middle mile broadband infrastructure built. Number of Community Anchor Institutions to whom Broadband and Transport Services are Provided Number of community anchor institutions to whom broadband and transport services are provided Represents the number of community anchor institutions to whom broadband and transport services are provided. Accrued taxes Accrued Income Taxes, Current Less: Accumulated depreciation Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Projected Pension Benefit Obligation Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Interest Rate Derivative Agreements Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Translation Adjustment Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Estimated life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Intangible assets Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional Paid In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Non-cash stock compensation expense Stock compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Accounts receivable, allowances (in dollars) Less: allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current [Member] Deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Anti-dilutive common shares not included for computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Anti-dilutive potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accrued asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligation Total assets Total assets Assets Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] ASSETS Segment Assets Assets sold or impaired: Assets [Abstract] Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Total current assets Current assets Assets, Current Assets measured at fair value Total assets measured at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Assets of discontinued operations Assets associated with discontinued operations Assets Held-for-sale, Current Prepayments and other current assets Termination value of derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value Base rate Base Rate [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Buildings Building [Member] Diluted (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Total (in dollars per share) Basic (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Total (in dollars per share) Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Business Acquisition [Axis] Pro Forma (unaudited) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Other long term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Schedule of pro forma results of operations Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Telecommunications licenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquisitions Joint venture related information Non-Controlling Interests Business Acquisition [Line Items] Other long term assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax, Per Share, Basic Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Changes in Accounting and Extraordinary Items, Net of Tax, Per Share, Diluted Net income Net income attributable to ATN stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) ACQUISITIONS Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred ACQUISITIONS Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Note payable- affiliate Term loan assumed Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Amortizable intangible assets Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Transaction-related charges External acquisition-related costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Non-controlling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Purchase price allocation: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Bargain purchase gain, net of tax Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash (in GYD) Cash Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash acquired in business combinations Cash Acquired from Acquisition Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of discontinued operations, net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Deposit with non-insured institutions Cash, Uninsured Amount Designated as cash flow hedges Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in financing activities of discontinued operations, net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value Certificate of deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) Commitments and Contingencies. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 16,494,982 and 16,613,957 shares issued, respectively, and 15,816,189 and 15,907,315 shares outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued DIVIDENDS PER SHARE APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding RETIREMENT PLANS Components of income tax expense (benefit) Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block] Comprehensive income attributable to Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Credit concentrations and significant customers Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Credit Concentrations and Significant Customers Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Percentage of concentration risk Concentration Risk, Percentage Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Axis] Change in equity ownership of consolidated subsidiaries Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Changes, Net Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] 2015 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2018 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year 2017 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2014 Contractual Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2016 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total obligations under operating leases Contractual Obligation Caribbean Telecom Partners, LLC CTP Corporate Joint Venture [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit concentration Credit Concentration Risk [Member] Credit Facility [Domain] Currency [Axis] United States-State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) United States-Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current income tax expense (benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Customer relationships Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Customer concentration Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Advance payments and deposits Customer Advances and Deposits, Current Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Description of variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Long-term debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate LONG-TERM DEBT Outstanding debt Long-term Debt, Gross Effective interest rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Less: debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Total deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross United States-Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Foreign Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Total deferred income tax expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) United States-State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Interest rate swap Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Long term Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Temporary differences not currently deductible for tax Deferred Tax Assets, Other Tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Other Total deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred compensation Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Net operating losses Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Foreign tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign Pension benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Long term Property, plant and equipment, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Classification [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Receivables reserve Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Reserves Current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Settlement charge Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax Expected contribution in 2014 Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three Balance at beginning of year Balance at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Total Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Amortization of prior service costs Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Projected benefit obligations: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Actuarial (loss) gain Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two Net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Expected long-term return on plan assets (as a percent) Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amounts recognized on the consolidated balance sheets Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract] 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months Retirement plans Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid 2019-2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Plan net assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Estimated Pension Benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Exchange rate adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Funded status of plan Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan [Abstract] Over funded status of plan Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Balance at beginning of year Balance at end of year Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Exchange rate adjustment Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Settlements Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components of the plan's net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Weighted-average asset allocations (as a percent) Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Other assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Derivative Instrument [Axis] DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Fair Value, liability derivatives Interest rate derivative Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Contract [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative instruments and hedging activities Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Hedge ineffectiveness recognized Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Loss on derivative determined to be ineffective Derivative, Net Hedge Ineffectiveness Gain (Loss) Liability position related to credit-risk-related contingent features Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivatives Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative instruments and hedging activities Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Brian A. Schuchman Director [Member] EQUITY Gain on sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Gain on sale of discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Pre-tax gain Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Gain on sale of operations Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - SALE OF U.S. RETAIL WIRELESS BUSINESS Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Less: Income taxes at effective rate Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations, tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax Gain on sale of discontinued operations Net gain on sale Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Gain on sale of assets Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Current Liabilities Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Revenues and income from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract] Materials and supplies Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Prepayments and other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Noncurrent Assets DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - SALE OF U.S. RETAIL WIRELESS BUSINESS Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Accrued taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Income Taxes Payable Revenue from discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Dividends declared on common stock Dividends declared on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Dividends declared, not paid Dividends Payable Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current NET INCOME PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE BASIC SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATLANTIC TELE-NETWORK, INC. STOCKHOLDERS: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income per weighted average basic share attributable to Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc stockholders Earnings per basic shares: NET INCOME PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE DILUTED SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATLANTIC TELE-NETWORK, INC. STOCKHOLDERS: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income per weighted average diluted share attributable to Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc stockholders Earnings per diluted shares: Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] NET INCOME PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Net Income Per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings per share (basic) (in dollars per share) Total (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings per share (diluted) (in dollars per share) Total (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted NET INCOME PER WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATLANTIC TELE-NETWORK, INC. STOCKHOLDERS NET INCOME PER SHARE Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Statutory federal income tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Stock options Employee Stock Option [Member] Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Unamortized stock based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized [Abstract] Unamortized stock based compensation Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period for recognition of unamortized stock-based compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Cash proceeds received upon exercise of options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Telecommunications equipment and towers Equipment [Member] EQUITY Investment, Name [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Non-Controlling Interests Dividends received from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Total Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Amount relinquished in Mobility Fund Grants Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Amount terminated Termination of facility Disposal gain on sale of discontinued operations Minority shareholders' interests in sold operations Extraordinary Item, Gain (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Gain on sale of discontinued operations Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Discount rate (as a percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Recurring basis Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Asset Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair value measurements Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] United States-Federal Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Future Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table] Finite lived intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Fixed income securities Fixed Income Securities [Member] Foreign Currency Gains and Losses Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Value of a Guyana dollar to one U.S. dollar Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Remeasurement Foreign Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Foreign Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign currency gain (loss) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Pension plans for GT&T employees Foreign Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Foreign Currency Gains and Losses Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract] Furniture and fixtures Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Gain on disposition of long-lived assets Gain on disposition of long-lived assets Gain on disposition of long lived assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property General and administrative General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense [Member] Impairment of intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Impairment of intangibles Goodwill impairment Impairment charge Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment charge Goodwill Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Goodwill Goodwill balance GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment Goodwill [Roll Forward] GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Acquired goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease) Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Acquired licenses Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Telecommunications license impairment Impairment charge Continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) INCOME FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income from discontinued operations: Equity in earnings of an unconsolidated affiliate Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share [Abstract] Discontinued operations: Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share [Abstract] INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) Components of income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS Income Statement Location [Axis] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Authority [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Pending Sale Of U.S. Retail Wireless Business SALE OF U.S. RETAIL WIRELESS BUSINESS Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Continued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Continuing Operations (in dollars per share) Foreign Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Income Tax Authority [Axis] Domestic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Statement Location [Domain] Total discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share) Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Consolidated: Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income tax receivable Income Taxes Receivable Income tax expense Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax provision Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Bargain purchase gain Reconciliation from the tax computed at statutory income tax rates to the Company's income tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Interest and penalties accrued Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Tax computed at statutory U.S. federal income tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] State taxes Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Income taxes in excess (below) of statutory U.S. tax rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Research and development credit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accrued taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Changes in operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effects of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Other Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Income tax receivable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity Changes in total equity Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders' equity Stock options (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Telecommunications licenses Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Telecommunication licenses, net Balance at the beginning of the period Balance at the end of the period Indefinite-Lived License Agreements Telecommunications licenses Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Licenses sold Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense Interest expenses Interest Expense, Debt Interest expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Amount to be reclassified from AOCI to interest expense in next 12 months Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net Interest paid Interest Paid Interest rate derivative Interest Rate Swaps Interest Rate Swap [Member] Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Materials and supplies Inventory, Gross Materials and Supplies Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Investment to acquire controlling interest in joint venture Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Outstanding letters of credit Letters of credit posted to USAC Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Weighted-average interest rate (as a percent) Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Land Land [Member] Leasehold improvements Leasehold Improvements [Member] Letter of credit sub-facility Letters of credit Letter of Credit [Member] Total current liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Assets Held-for-sale Liabilities sold: Liabilities [Abstract] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities measured at fair value Total liabilities measured at fair value Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Telecommunications Licenses Licensing Agreements [Member] Commitment fee (as a percent) Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Mobility Fund letters of credit outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding Availability under the facility Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity All letters of credit remained outstanding Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term Debt [Text Block] 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Principal Repayment Future principal repayments Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Less: current portion Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, excluding current portion Net carrying amount Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Future payments related to disputed tax assessments Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Table] Damages asserted Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Commitments and contingencies Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accrued contingent liability Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Customer [Axis] Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [Member] Non-controlling interest in equity acquired Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax: Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Distributions to non-controlling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Percentage of controlling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Non-controlling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Amount included in non-controlling interests Ownership interest held by related party (as a percent) Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Money market funds Money Market Funds [Member] Movement in valuation and qualifying accounts Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Customer [Domain] ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS Nature of Operations [Text Block] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net change in cash and cash equivalents Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ATLANTIC TELE-NETWORK, INC. STOCKHOLDERS Net income Net income attributable to ATN stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net income attributable to non-controlling interests, net of tax Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other income (expense), net Other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Note payable - other Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Non-controlling interest in equity acquired, net of tax of $2,280 for the year ended December 31, 2011 respectively Investments made by minority shareholders Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Non-Controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Investments made by minority shareholders Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Obligation for payments under leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] OPERATING EXPENSES (excluding depreciation and amortization unless otherwise indicated): Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Total operating expenses Operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Income from operations Operating income (loss) Consolidated operating income Operating Income (Loss) Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Segments [Member] Operating segments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Net operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other comprehensive income, net of tax expense (benefit) of $2,316, $1,315 and ($1,327) for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of taxes of $2.2 million Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Projected pension benefit obligation, net of tax expense (benefit) of $0.2 million, $(1.2) million and $0.2 million Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition (Asset) Obligation, Net of Tax Adjust funded status of pension plan, net of tax of $0.2 million Other current liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other long-term liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Projected pension benefit obligation, tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Transition (Asset) Obligation, Tax Adjust funded status of pension plan, tax Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, net of taxes of $2.5 million Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Foreign currency translation adjustment Translation Adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Reclassification unrealized loss on interest rate derivative contracts Other assets Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Other comprehensive income before reclassifications, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other intangible assets Other Intangible Assets, Net Other comprehensive income(loss)- Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other comprehensive income Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, net of tax expense of $0.4 million and $0.0 million, respectively Gain on interest rate swap (net of tax) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on interest rate swap, tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other liabilities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other Income Other Income [Member] Liability Other Liabilities [Member] Other comprehensive income: Prime Rate Prime Rate [Member] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Total ATNI Stockholders' Equity Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. Parent [Member] Purchase of common stock Purchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Investment in exchange for controlling interest Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Acquisitions of assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Capital expenditures Distributions to non-controlling interests Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest Amount distributed to minority shareholders Acquisitions of businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Total cash consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Dividends paid on common stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Capital expenditures Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Amount spent in capital expenditures Payment of debt issuance costs Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Repurchase of non-controlling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Pending litigation, adverse outcome Pending Litigation [Member] Other liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent RETIREMENT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Name [Axis] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prior period reclassifications Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment Cash proceeds Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Proceeds from borrowings under revolver loan Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Investments made by minority shareholders in consolidated affiliates Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Amount of letters of credit drawn Proceeds from Lines of Credit Proceeds from borrowings under term loan Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from stock option exercises Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Sale/purchase of short term investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities Proceeds from disposition of long-lived assets Sales proceeds Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Products and Services [Axis] Net income NET INCOME Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Useful life Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Fixed Assets: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Total property, plant, and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Fixed Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment, net Net fixed assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net fixed assets FIXED ASSETS: Schedule of property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] FIXED ASSETS: Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of gain recorded on sale of assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table Text Block] Fixed Assets Fixed assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Quarterly financial data Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract] QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Range [Axis] Range [Domain] ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $2.0 million Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Activity related to unrecognized tax benefits Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Principal repayments of revolver loan Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Principal repayments of term loan Repayments of Long-term Debt Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted cash Restricted cash, current Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash, long-term Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Restricted cash Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Federal stimulus grant Revenue from Grants Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidated revenues Total revenue Revenue Revenues Revenues Total revenue REVENUE: Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Revolver loan Revolving Credit Facility [Member] EQUITY Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Expected life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Forfeited- Unvested (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Expiration term Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Schedule of future amortization of customer relationships, in Island Wireless segment Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Supply Commitment [Table] Commitments and contingencies Supply Commitment [Line Items] Supply Commitment [Axis] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Ownership interest before merger (as a percent) Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership before Transaction Ownership interest after merger (as a percent) Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Ownership interest held by minority shareholder (as a percent) Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Member] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of consideration to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of acquiree based on merger date fair values Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of assets and liabilities of the Company measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of assets and liabilities of the entity measured at fair value on a recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of anti-dilutive potential shares that were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Summary of stock option activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of the plan's net periodic pension cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes during the year in the projected benefit obligations and in the fair value of plan assets Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of stockholders' equity Schedule of fair values for the pension plan's net assets, by asset category Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted-average assumptions using Black-Scholes option-pricing model for estimating fair value of each option granted Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of future principal repayments of the term loans Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of reconciliation from the tax computed at statutory income tax rates to the Company's income tax expense Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of components of income before income taxes Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of amounts recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of the Company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of the Company's obligation for payments under leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Summary of the Company's quarterly results of operations Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Summary of restricted stock activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of finite lived intangible assets, by operating segment Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of weighted-average rates assumed in the actuarial calculations for the pension plan Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of reconciliation from basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), by component Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of estimated pension benefits Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Investment, Name [Axis] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of information for each operating segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments as well as its classification on the consolidated balance sheet Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of accounts receivable Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of shares repurchased from employees to satisfy tax obligations incurred in connection with the vesting of restricted stock awards and the exercise of stock options Class of Treasury Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule of effect of the entity's derivative financial instruments on the consolidated income statements Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Segment reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segments [Domain] SEGMENT REPORTING SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued operations Discontinued Operations [Member] Geographical [Domain] Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Restricted shares of common stock issued (in shares) Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Unvested at the beginning of the period (in shares) Unvested at the end of the period (in shares) Vested and issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Non-cash stock-based compensation Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted Avg. Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Options granted (in shares) Granted (in shares) Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Unvested at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Unvested at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited (in dollars per share) Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Expected dividend yield (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Forfeited (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Vested and issued (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares) Stock-based compensation, additional disclosures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Expected volatility (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Number of shares reserved to be granted under the plan Risk-free interest rate (as a percent) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Weighted-average assumptions using Black-Scholes option-pricing model for estimating fair value of each option granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Weighted-average fair value of options granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share) Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares) Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Equity Award [Domain] Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Vested and expected to vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Significant Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Calculation of gain recorded on sale of assets Significant Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Total cash proceeds including working capital adjustments Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds United States-State State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] State Operating Activities [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Statement [Table] Statement RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL EQUITY Statement [Line Items] Equity CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY Geographical [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Equity Components [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Segments [Axis] Reissuance of shares of common stock from treasury under Directors' Remuneration Plan Shares reissued from treasury under Director's Remuneration Plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Issuance of 303,536, 62,575 and 51,602 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Reissuance of 790 shares of common stock from treasury under Directors' Remuneration Plan for the years ended December 31, 2010 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. Stockholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. stockholders' equity Total equity Equity, beginning of period Equity, end of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] EQUITY SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Events [Text Block] SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Event [Table] SUBSEQUENT EVENT Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Controlling interest (as a percent) Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Impairment of fixed assets Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Trade name licenses Trade Name License Trade names Trade Names [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Purchase of treasury stock Aggregate Cost Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Purchase of shares of common stock Shares Repurchased Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, at cost Treasury Stock [Member] Average Repurchase Price (in dollars per share) Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury stock, at cost; 678,793 and 706,642 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Loss on interest rate derivative contracts Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Loss on interest rate derivative contracts Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Lapse in statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Gross unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning of the period Gross unrecognized tax benefits at the end of the period Unrecognized Tax Benefits Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards Valuation Allowance, Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Valuation allowance on foreign net operating losses Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Charged to Costs and Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Balance at End of Year Balance at Beginning of Year Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Valuation and qualifying accounts Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Transportation vehicles Vehicles [Member] WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: Reconciliation from basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Shares: Reconciliation from basic to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Capital Expenditures Expected to be Incurred The expected future cash outflow for purchases of and capital improvements on property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Additional capital expenditures to be incurred Expected Future Revenue from Grants Estimated revenue expected to be earned in future periods from non-repayable sum of money awarded to an entity to carry out a specific purpose as provided in grant agreements. Expected amount of federal stimulus grants