RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			$ 352,530	$ 329,036
Stock based compensation			2,744	2,660
Comprehensive income:
Net income	18,012	13,216	38,716	18,514
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment				13
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap (net of tax)			(535)	(2,385)
Comprehensive income			38,181	16,142
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			1,240	193
Dividends declared on common stock			(11,068)	(10,320)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(2,010)	(2,531)
Investments made by minority shareholders			1,040	3,684
Repurchase of non-controlling interests			(80)
Change in equity ownership of consolidated subsidiaries				15,398
Purchase of common shares			(202)	(129)
Equity, end of period	382,375	354,133	382,375	354,133
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			294,266	283,768
Stock based compensation			2,744	2,660
Comprehensive income:
Net income			35,816	17,648
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment				13
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap (net of tax)			(535)	(2,385)
Comprehensive income			35,281	15,276
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			1,240	193
Dividends declared on common stock			(11,068)	(10,320)
Change in equity ownership of consolidated subsidiaries				3,475
Purchase of common shares			(202)	(129)
Equity, end of period	322,261	294,923	322,261	294,923
Non-Controlling Interests
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			58,264	45,268
Comprehensive income:
Net income			2,900	866
Other comprehensive income:
Comprehensive income			2,900	866
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(2,010)	(2,531)
Investments made by minority shareholders			1,040	3,684
Repurchase of non-controlling interests			(80)
Change in equity ownership of consolidated subsidiaries				11,923
Equity, end of period	$ 60,114	$ 59,210	$ 60,114	$ 59,210