RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL EQUITY (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			$ 394,240	$ 352,530
Stock-based compensation			3,419	2,585
Comprehensive income:
Net income	307,752	18,012	329,093	38,717
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Gain (loss) on interest rate derivative (net of tax)			6,985	(535)
Comprehensive income			336,078	38,182
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			6,778	1,240
Dividends declared on common stock			(11,982)	(11,068)
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(5,532)	(1,294)
Investments made by minority shareholders			135	1,040
Sale of non-controlling interests			(13,634)
Repurchase of non-controlling interests				(80)
Purchase of common shares			(6,615)	(202)
Equity, end of period	702,887	382,933	702,887	382,933
Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc.
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			334,146	294,266
Stock-based compensation			3,419	2,585
Comprehensive income:
Net income			293,859	35,817
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Gain (loss) on interest rate derivative (net of tax)			6,985	(535)
Comprehensive income			300,844	35,282
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options			6,778	1,240
Dividends declared on common stock			(11,982)	(11,068)
Purchase of common shares			(6,615)	(202)
Equity, end of period	626,590	322,103	626,590	322,103
Non-Controlling Interests
Changes in total equity
Equity, beginning of period			60,094	58,264
Comprehensive income:
Net income			35,234	2,900
Other comprehensive income(loss)-
Comprehensive income			35,234	2,900
Distributions to non-controlling interests			(5,532)	(1,294)
Investments made by minority shareholders			135	1,040
Sale of non-controlling interests			(13,634)
Repurchase of non-controlling interests				(80)
Equity, end of period	$ 76,297	$ 60,830	$ 76,297	$ 60,830