GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 39,905
Impairment charge	0	(3,400)
Balance at the end of the period	39,687	39,905
Island Wireless
Telecommunications licenses
Number of reporting units where book value exceeded fair value		1
Telecommunications Licenses
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	39,905	43,165
Acquired licenses	186	90
Impairment charge	0	(3,350)	0	0
Licenses sold	(404)
Balance at the end of the period	39,687	39,905	43,165
Telecommunications Licenses | U.S. Wireless
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	20,106	20,016
Acquired licenses	186	90
Licenses sold	(404)
Balance at the end of the period	19,888	20,106
Telecommunications Licenses | U.S. Wireline
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Balance at the end of the period	31	31	31
Telecommunications Licenses | Island Wireless
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		23,118
Impairment charge		(3,350)
Balance at the end of the period	19,768	19,768
Telecommunications Licenses | Certain Island Wireless Reporting Unit
Changes in the carrying amount of the company's telecommunications licenses, by operating segment
Impairment charge		$ (3,400)