RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			$ 394,240	$ 352,530
Stock-based compensation			2,071	1,908
Comprehensive income:
Net income	11,421	11,767	21,339	20,704
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap (net of tax)			3,265	149
Comprehensive income			24,604	20,853
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			3,955	946
Dividends declared on common stock			(7,884)	(7,119)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(3,096)	(929)
Investments made by minority shareholders			135	805
Repurchase of non-controlling interests				(80)
Purchase of common shares			(3,640)	(184)
Equity, end of period	410,385	368,730	410,385	368,730
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			334,146	294,266
Stock-based compensation			2,071	1,908
Comprehensive income:
Net income			17,633	19,851
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap (net of tax)			3,265	149
Comprehensive income			20,898	20,000
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			3,955	946
Dividends declared on common stock			(7,884)	(7,119)
Purchase of common shares			(3,640)	(184)
Equity, end of period	349,546	309,817	349,546	309,817
Non-Controlling Interests
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			60,094	58,264
Comprehensive income:
Net income			3,706	853
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Comprehensive income			3,706	853
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(3,096)	(929)
Investments made by minority shareholders			135	805
Repurchase of non-controlling interests				(80)
Equity, end of period	$ 60,839	$ 58,913	$ 60,839	$ 58,913