STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period	$ 394,240	$ 352,530
Stock-based compensation	844	1,095
Comprehensive income:
Net income	9,918	8,937
Other comprehensive income -
Gain on interest rate swap (net of tax)	641	236
Comprehensive income	10,559	9,173
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options	2,667	103
Dividends declared on common stock	(3,933)	(3,552)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(1,469)	(424)
Investments made by minority shareholders	60	450
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,272)	(170)
Equity, end of period	399,696	359,205
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period	334,146	294,266
Stock-based compensation	844	1,095
Comprehensive income:
Net income	8,776	9,321
Other comprehensive income -
Gain on interest rate swap (net of tax)	641	236
Comprehensive income	9,417	9,557
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options	2,667	103
Dividends declared on common stock	(3,933)	(3,552)
Purchase of treasury stock	(3,272)	(170)
Equity, end of period	339,869	301,299
Non-Controlling Interests
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period	60,094	58,264
Comprehensive income:
Net income	1,142	(384)
Other comprehensive income -
Comprehensive income	1,142	(384)
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(1,469)	(424)
Investments made by minority shareholders	60	450
Equity, end of period	$ 59,827	$ 57,906