2.2.0.25truefalse40601 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting (Details)truefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepurexbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $As_Of_12_31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit14Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse16228370001622837falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse12831460001283146falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues3false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse430900000430900falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse341367000341367falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)4false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-155919000-155919falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-128696000-128696falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization5false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse84940008494falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-25083000-25083falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net6false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-79315000-79315falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-84485000-84485falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net7false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse204160000204160falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse103103000103103falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision8false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse217904000217904falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse134477000134477falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures9false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse90672480009067248falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse81906870008190687falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets10false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Brazil [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_BrazilMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseBrazil [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_BrazilMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Brazil [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_BrazilMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseBrazil [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_BrazilMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Brazil [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_BrazilMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseBrazil [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_BrazilMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseBrazil [Member]11false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse813338000813338falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse563827000563827falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues12false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse283001000283001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse176709000176709falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)13false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization14false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net15false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net16false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision17false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9758800097588falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8509200085092falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures18false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse31516570003151657falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse30361060003036106falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets19false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mexico [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_MexicoMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseMexico [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_MexicoMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mexico [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_MexicoMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseMexico [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_MexicoMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Mexico [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_MexicoMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseMexico [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_MexicoMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseMexico [Member]20false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse567006000567006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse509424000509424falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues21false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse180347000180347falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse184384000184384falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)22false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization23false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net24false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net25false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision26false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse3738200037382falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1717300017173falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures27false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse20720470002072047falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse20195500002019550falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets28false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Argentina [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_ArgentinaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseArgentina [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_ArgentinaMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Argentina [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_ArgentinaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseArgentina [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_ArgentinaMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Argentina [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_ArgentinaMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseArgentina [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_ArgentinaMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseArgentina [Member]29false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse150714000150714falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse132757000132757falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues30false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4395100043951falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3659900036599falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)31false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization32false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net33false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net34false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision35false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1217100012171falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse88150008815falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures36false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse420603000420603falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse393246000393246falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets37false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Peru [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_PeruMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalsePeru [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_PeruMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Peru [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_PeruMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalsePeru [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_PeruMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Peru [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_PeruMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalsePeru [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_PeruMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalsePeru [Member]38false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8565700085657falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7287900072879falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues39false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse71780007178falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse42230004223falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)40false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization41false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net42false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net43false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision44false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse2294200022942falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse79940007994falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures45false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse533414000533414falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse556752000556752falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets46false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse16falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Corporate and Other [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate and Other [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$17falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Corporate and Other [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate and Other [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$18falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis} : Corporate and Other [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxis_nihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseCorporate and Other [Member]us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldinihd_CorporateAndOtherMemberus-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationBySegmentAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCorporate and Other [Member]47false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse74050007405falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse46040004604falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues48false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-84697000-84697falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-60548000-60548falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)49false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization50false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net51false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net52false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision53false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4782100047821falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1540300015403falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures54false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse28898140002889814falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse21853200002185320falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets55false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.nii.com/role/disclosuresegmentreportingdetails1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse19falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis} : Intercompany Eliminations [Member] 1/1/2011 - 3/31/2011 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2011_To_3_31_2011_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_us-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2011-01-01T00:00:002011-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseIntercompany Eliminations [Member]us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberus-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$20falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis} : Intercompany Eliminations [Member] 1/1/2010 - 3/31/2010 USD ($) $Duration_1_1_2010_To_3_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_us-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-03-31T00:00:00falsefalseIntercompany Eliminations [Member]us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberus-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$21falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis} : Intercompany Eliminations [Member] 12/31/2010 USD ($) $As_Of_12_31_2010_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_us-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0001037016instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseIntercompany Eliminations [Member]us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_BusinessIntersegmentEliminationsMemberus-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxisexplicitMemberUnit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIntercompany Eliminations [Member]56false0us-gaap_Revenuesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-1283000-1283falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-345000-345falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseOperating revenues57false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingSegmentOperatingProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse11200001120falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of profit or loss for reportable segments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph b falsefalseSegment earnings (losses)58false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseLess: Depreciation and amortization59false0us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate foreign currency transaction gain or loss (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains or losses may be disclosed as dealer gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 30 falsefalseForeign currency transaction gains (losses), net60false0us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationInterestExpenseus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount of interest expense for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or lossReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph d falsefalseInterest expense and other, net61false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of operating profit and nonoperating income (expense) before income (loss) from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, cumulative effects of changes in accounting principles, and noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) -Article 4 falsefalseIncome before income tax provision62false0nihd_CapitalExpendituresPlusAccruedUnpaidIncludingAccretedInterestCapitalizednihdfalsecreditdurationCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest Capitalizedfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCapital Expenditures Plus Accrued Unpaid Including Accreted Interest CapitalizedNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseCapital expenditures63false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-287000-287falsetruefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-287000-287falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 falsefalseIdentifiable assets362Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue