INNOVATE (VATE) 10-Q8 Nov 132013 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PTGi HOLDING, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001006837	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	14,218,823

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
NET REVENUE	'	'	'	'
OPERATING EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation included below)	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative	2,249	4,057	16,414	19,080
Depreciation and amortization	1	1	2	3
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	'	'	'	43
Total operating expenses	2,250	4,058	16,416	19,126
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS	-2,250	-4,058	-16,416	-19,126
GAIN (LOSS) FROM CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS VALUATION	'	235	14,904	-4,916
INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), net	3	2	2	100
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTION GAIN (LOSS)	328	2,742	709	3,153
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-1,919	-1,079	-801	-20,789
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)	3,308	-137	3,090	-624
INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	1,389	-1,216	2,289	-21,413
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax	-23,744	-24,128	-25,543	-40,307
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	15,650	'	150,695	98,666
NET INCOME (LOSS)	-6,705	-25,344	127,441	36,946
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	'	307	'	18
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED	-6,705	-25,037	127,441	36,964
BASIC INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	$0.10	($0.07)	$0.17	($1.54)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($1.69)	($1.74)	($1.83)	($2.92)
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations	$1.11	'	$10.77	$7.14
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	($0.48)	($1.81)	$9.11	$2.68
DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	$0.09	($0.07)	$0.16	($1.54)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($1.55)	($1.74)	($1.69)	($2.92)
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations	$1.02	'	$9.96	$7.14
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	($0.44)	($1.81)	$8.43	$2.68
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING	'	'	'	'
Basic	14,077	13,890	13,987	13,825
Diluted	15,297	13,890	15,124	13,825
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING	$8.56	'	$8.62	$1.02
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON SHAREHOLDERS OF PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	1,389	-909	2,289	-21,395
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax	-23,744	-24,128	-25,543	-40,307
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	15,650	'	150,695	98,666
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED	($6,705)	($25,037)	$127,441	$36,964

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($6,705)	($25,344)	$127,441	$36,946
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,819	1,114	-7,379	-8,201
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	-8,524	-24,230	120,062	28,745
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	'	-465	'	-711
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED	($8,524)	($24,695)	$120,062	$28,034

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$15,538	$23,197
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts receivable of $0 and $1,771 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	51	17,871
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,743	5,792
Assets held for sale	53,478	40,066
Total current assets	102,810	86,926
RESTRICTED CASH	'	848
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT-Net	683	65,315
Goodwill	'	60,744
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS-Net	'	63,024
OTHER ASSETS	6,257	24,333
TOTAL ASSETS	109,750	301,190
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	'	12,218
Accrued interconnection costs	'	2,992
Deferred revenue	'	8,821
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	3,806	20,565
Accrued income taxes	3,977	7,741
Accrued interest	'	1,716
Current portion of long-term obligations	'	66
Liabilities held for sale	31,729	24,304
Total current liabilities	39,512	78,423
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS	'	127,046
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY	'	11,367
CONTINGENT VALUE RIGHTS	'	14,904
OTHER LIABILITIES	184	947
Total liabilities	39,696	232,687
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 5)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value-20,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value-80,000,000 shares authorized; 14,250,449 and 13,965,155 shares issued and 14,218,823 and 13,933,529 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	14	14
Additional paid-in capital	100,584	98,534
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	-16,318	-23,198
Treasury stock, at cost-31,626 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	-378	-378
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-13,848	-6,469
Total stockholders' equity	70,054	68,503
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$109,750	$301,190

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$0	$1,771
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	'	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,250,449	13,965,155
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,218,823	13,933,529
Treasury stock, shares	31,626	31,626

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
In Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$68,503	$14	$98,534	($378)	($23,198)	($6,469)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	13,934	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	1,742	'	1,742	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net	1,145	'	1,145	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net, Shares	'	321	'	'	'	'
Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation	-837	'	-837	'	'	'
Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation, Shares	'	-36	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared	-120,561	'	'	'	-120,561	'
Net income (loss)	127,441	'	'	'	127,441	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-7,379	'	'	'	'	-7,379
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$70,054	$14	$100,584	($378)	($16,318)	($13,848)
Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2013	'	14,219	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$127,441	$36,946
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable	1,563	3,389
Share-based compensation expense	1,742	5,018
Depreciation and amortization	11,961	35,160
(Gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	-150,704	-97,564
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets	478	10,298
(Accretion) amortization of debt premium/discount, net	86	170
Change in fair value of Contingent Value Rights	-14,904	4,916
Deferred income taxes	-156	4,045
(Gain) loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt	21,178	21,083
Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gain) loss on intercompany and foreign debt	-700	-6,208
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	-5,201	15,181
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,087	5,011
(Increase) decrease in other assets	2,896	5,169
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	-2,157	-8,069
Increase (decrease) in accrued interconnection costs	6,732	-3,578
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses, deferred revenue, other current liabilities and other liabilities, net	-7,620	-5,989
Increase (decrease) in accrued income taxes	-3,506	-978
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest	-1,715	-146
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-14,673	23,854
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchase of property and equipment	-12,034	-25,135
Sale of property and equipment and other assets	9	17
Cash from disposition of business, net of cash disposed	270,659	177,721
Cash acquired from business acquisitions, net of cash paid	-397	-1,707
(Increase) decrease in restricted cash	425	-85
Net cash provided by investing activities	258,662	150,811
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Principal payments on long-term obligations	-128,008	-120,725
Payment of fees on restructuring of debt	-1,256	-12,856
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net	1,145	93
Payment of dividends	-119,788	-13,804
Payment of dividend equivalents	-1,235	'
Taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for share-based compensation	-837	-1,584
Net cash used in financing activities	-249,979	-148,876
EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-1,669	-817
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-7,659	24,972
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	23,197	41,052
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	15,538	66,024
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	10,367	18,070
Cash paid for taxes	608	2,311
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Capital lease additions	$148	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of PTGi Holding, Inc. (“PTGi” and, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we” and “our”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such principles and regulations. In the opinion of management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are of a normal and recurring nature), which are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and comprehensive income (loss) for the interim periods. The results for the Company’s three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.

	On October 15, 2013, our Board of Directors approved changing our name from Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated to PTGi Holding, Inc. The name change will be effected pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware by the merger of our wholly owned subsidiary, PTGI Name Change, Inc., into us. On October 28, 2013, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended to change our name to PTGi Holding, Inc. upon the filing of a Certificate of Ownership with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The “PTGI” New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol remains the same (see Note 13—“Subsequent Events”).

	The results for all periods presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect the activities of certain operations as discontinued operations (see Note 10—“Discontinued Operations”).

	The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Discontinued Operations—In the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment and committed to dispose of and actively solicited a sale or other disposition of its International Carrier Services (“ICS”) business unit. In the second quarter of 2013, the Company sold its BLACKIRON Data segment and reiterated its commitment to dispose of its ICS business unit. In addition, in the second quarter of 2013, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement to sell its North America Telecom segment and sought shareholder approval of such transaction. On July 31, 2013, the Company completed the initial closing of the sale of its North America Telecom segment (see Note 10—“Discontinued Operations”). In conjunction with the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment, the Company redeemed its outstanding debt on August 30, 2013. Because the debt was required to be repaid as a result of the sale of North America Telecom, the interest expense and loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt of PTGi International Holding, Inc. has been allocated to discontinued operations.
	The Company has applied retrospective adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2013. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (“PTI”) have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012. The held for sale assets and liabilities were removed from the specific line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See Note 10—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information regarding these transactions.

	Principles of Consolidation—The condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. Prior to July 31, 2012, the Company owned 45.6% of Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”) through direct and indirect ownership structures. As a result of changes to the Telecommunications Act in Canada, the Company is no longer restricted by Canadian foreign ownership laws. Given these changes, PTGi International, Inc. (“PTII”) purchased the remaining 54.4% of Globility on July 31, 2012. The stock of Globility was included in the sale of the North America Telecom segment. Prior to the purchase of the remaining 54.4%, the results of Globility and its subsidiary are consolidated with the Company’s results based on guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: network equipment—5 to 8 years, fiber optic and submarine cable—8 to 25 years, furniture and equipment—5 years, and leasehold improvements and leased equipment—shorter of lease or useful life. Costs for internal use software that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Property and equipment that have been included as part of the assets held for sale are no longer depreciated from the time that they are classified as such.
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Under ASC No. 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to the provisions of ASC No. 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).
	Goodwill impairment is tested at least annually (October 1st) or when factors indicate potential impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit. Step 1 is a screen for potential impairment pursuant to which the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair values of each reporting unit by a combination of (i) estimation of the discounted cash flows of each of the reporting units based on projected earnings in the future (the income approach) and (ii) a comparative analysis of revenue and EBITDA multiples of public companies in similar markets (the market approach). If there is a deficiency (the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), a Step 2 test is required.
	Step 2 measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined; i.e., through an allocation of the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
	The Company also may utilize the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows the Company to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.

	The Company’s reporting units in 2011 were Australia, Canada and US/ICS. In May 2012, the Australian reporting unit was sold, and the reporting units were Canada and US/ICS. Subsequent to classifying ICS as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012, the remaining reporting units are Canada and US. Subsequent to the sale of North America Telecom, the remaining reporting unit is the US, representing the goodwill of PTI.
	Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires various assumptions including projections of future cash flows, perpetual growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s assessment of a number of factors, including the reporting unit’s recent performance against budget, performance in the market that the reporting unit serves, and industry and general economic data from third party sources. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in those future cash flows. Changes to the underlying businesses could affect the future cash flows, which in turn could affect the fair value of the reporting unit.
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of certain trade names. Such indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test shall consist of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of certain trade names and customer relationships. These finite lived intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated useful lives. Such assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360, wherein impairment is recognized and measured only if there are events and circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded if after determining that it is not recoverable, the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.
	In addition to the foregoing, the Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The factors that the Company considers important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include, but are not limited to: a more than likely than not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit; a significant decline in the market value of our common stock or debt securities for a sustained period; a material adverse change in economic, financial market, industry or sector trends; a material failure to achieve operating results relative to historical levels or projected future levels; and significant changes in operations or business strategy.
	The current carrying values by reporting unit of the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are disclosed in Note 3—“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”
	Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)—In conjunction with the Company’s commitment to dispose of its ICS business, and the entry into definitive agreements with respect to the sale of North America Telecom, which was substantially completed on July 31, 2013, at September 30, 2013, the Company classified the net assets of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, as held for sale and is required to measure them at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.
	The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates in the process of determining fair value regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as estimating future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the net assets.
	The current year analysis of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell is disclosed in Note 10—“Discontinued Operations.”
	Derivative Instruments—Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2009 bankruptcy reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”), the Company issued to holders of the Company’s pre-Reorganization Plan common stock contingent value rights (“CVRs”) to receive shares of Company common stock (subject to adjustment, the “CVR Shares”) in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. In connection with the issuance of the CVRs, the Company entered into a Contingent Value Rights Distribution Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”), in favor of holders of CVRs thereunder, dated as of July 1, 2009. As a result of the special cash Dividends discussed in Note 7—“Stockholders’ Equity,” antidilution provisions in the CVR Agreement were triggered and the maximum aggregate number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward from 2,665,000 shares to 3,657,157 shares while the strike price with respect to the CVRs was adjusted downward from $35.95 to $26.20.
	Due to the nature of the CVRs, the Company accounted for the instrument in accordance with ASC No. 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”), as well as related interpretations of this standard. The Company determined the CVRs to be derivative instruments to be accounted for as liabilities and marked to fair value at each balance sheet date. Upon issuance, the Company estimated the fair value of its CVRs using a pricing model and consequently recorded a liability of $2.6 million in the balance sheet caption “other liabilities” as part of fresh-start accounting. Post-issuance change in value is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as gain (loss) from contingent value rights valuation. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its CVRs are correlated to and reflective of PTGi’s common stock price trends; in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock increases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also increases and, as a result, the Company recognizes a change in value of its CVRs as loss from contingent value rights valuation. Conversely and also in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock decreases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also decreases and as a result the Company recognizes a change in value of the CVRs as gain from contingent value rights valuation. See Note 9—“Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives.”
	The initial closing of the sale of North America Telecom (see Note 10—“Discontinued Operations”) constituted a change of control under the CVR Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement, the Company performed a valuation of the Company’s equity value as of July 1, 2013, the first valuation date required by the CVR Agreement, and as of July 30, 2013, the business day immediately preceding the initial closing date of the sale, as a result of which no CVR Shares were distributed to holders of the CVRs. The CVR Agreement terminated in accordance with its terms upon the closing of the North America Telecom sale.
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, accrued interconnection cost disputes, the fair value of derivatives, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of PTGi’s stock options required by ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), income taxes and various tax contingencies.

	Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.
	Reclassification—Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of the Company’s discontinued operations.
	Newly Adopted Accounting Principles
	In February 2013, an update was issued to the Comprehensive Income Topic No. 220, ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which requires entities to disclose additional information about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 does not change the current U.S. GAAP requirements, for either public or nonpublic entities, for interim financial statement reporting of comprehensive income. That is, a total for comprehensive income must be reported in condensed interim financial statements in either (1) a single continuous statement or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. Entities should disclose the changes in AOCI balances by component. Both before-tax and net-of-tax presentations of the information are acceptable as long as an entity presents the income tax benefit or expense attributed to each component of other comprehensive income and reclassification adjustments in either the financial statements or the notes to the financial statements. Entities should also disclose significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either on the face of the income statement or as a separate footnote to the financial statements. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2013, an update was issued to the Balance Sheet Topic ASC No. 210 to clarify the scope of the offsetting disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” Under ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” the disclosure requirements would apply to derivative instruments accounted for in accordance with ASC 815, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements. Retrospective application is required for all comparative periods presented.
	In July 2012, an update was issued to the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic ASC No. 350, ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” which provides guidance to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, reported in their financial statements. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In December 2011, an update was issued to the Balance Sheet Topic ASC No. 210, ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which contains new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity’s right of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). Generally, it is more difficult to qualify for offsetting under IFRSs than it is under U.S. GAAP because under U.S. GAAP certain derivative and repurchase agreement arrangements are granted exceptions from the general offsetting model. As a result, entities with significant financial instrument and derivative portfolios that report under IFRSs typically present positions on their balance sheets that are significantly larger than those of entities with similarly sized portfolios whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To facilitate comparison between financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, the new disclosures will give financial statement users information about both gross and net exposures. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, an update was issued to the Income Taxes Topic No. 740, ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which indicates that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assts. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. Early adoption is permitted and this accounting update should be applied prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2014. The Company does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.
	In March 2013, an update was issued to the Foreign Currency Matters Topic No. 830, ASU 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” which indicates that the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released when there has been a (1) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity; (2) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity; or (3) step acquisition for a foreign entity. Early adoption is permitted and this accounting update should be applied prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2014. The Company does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	3. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company’s intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):


			September 30,			December 31,
			2013 (1)			2012 (2)
	Goodwill		$	—		$	60,744
	Trade names		$	—		$	27,000

	-1	The table above does not reflect the portion of goodwill of $7.1 million, as such non-amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013. This amount is attributable to the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, ($3.7 million) and ICS ($3.4 million).
	-2	The table above does not reflect the portion of goodwill of $3.4 million, as such non-amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of December 31, 2012. This amount is attributable to ICS.
	Goodwill
	The sale of BLACKIRON Data and the announcement of the sale of North America Telecom during the second quarter of 2013 were considered triggering events under ASC 350 and the Company tested the goodwill of the Canada and US reporting units for impairment. The proceeds from each of the transactions were used as a measurement of fair value. Based on the carrying values of the Canada and US reporting units, the Company determined that goodwill was not impaired as of June 30, 2013.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


			United States			Canada			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	26,582		$	34,162		$	60,744
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates			—			(776	)		(776	)
	Disposition of business			(22,568	)		(33,386	)		(55,954	)
	Allocation to disposal group			(4,014	)		—			(4,014	)

	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	—		$	—		$	—

	As discussed in Note 10—“Discontinued Operations,” the Company sold its BLACKIRON Data segment during the second quarter of 2013. BLACKIRON Data was part of the Canada reporting unit, and therefore an allocation of the goodwill of the Canada reporting unit was made to the disposed entity. Prior to its disposal, the Company allocated, based on relative fair value to the Canada reporting unit in total, $20.2 million of goodwill to BLACKIRON Data.
	On July 31, 2013, the Company completed the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment. A portion of North America Telecom included in the initial closing represented the remaining portion of goodwill, or $13.2 million, of the Canada reporting unit. In addition, regarding the US reporting unit, prior to its disposal, the Company allocated, based on relative fair value to the US reporting unit in total, $22.6 million of goodwill to the disposed entities of North America Telecom. The remaining goodwill of the US reporting unit of $4.0 million is applicable to PTI.

	Trade Names
	In conjunction with the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment, the Company also assigned the trademarks used by the North America Telecom segment to affiliates of York Capital Management. The value of the assigned trademarks was $27.0 million, less a deferred tax liability of $10.5 million.
	Amortizable Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):


			September 30, 2013 (1)									December 31, 2012
			Gross			Accumulated			Net Book			Gross		Accumulated			Net Book
			Carrying			Amortization			Value			Carrying		Amortization			Value
			Amount									Amount
	Trade names		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,500	$	(1,140	)	$	2,360
	Customer relationships			—			—			—			94,142		(60,478	)		33,664

	Total		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	97,642	$	(61,618	)	$	36,024


	-1	The table above does not reflect the portion of the net book value of PTI customer relationships of $0.4 million, as such amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013. The net book value of the amortizable intangible assets attributable to BLACKIRON Data and the entities that were a part of the initial closing of the sale of North America Telecom were purchased by the buyers.

LongTerm_Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	9 Months Ended
Long-Term Obligations	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Obligations	'
	4. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
	Long-term obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):


		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Obligations under capital leases and other	$	—	$	101
	13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016		—		2,403
	10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		—		12,692
	10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017		—		112,587

	Subtotal	$	—	$	127,783
	Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes		—		(671	)

	Subtotal	$	—	$	127,112
	Less: Current portion of long-term obligations		—		(66	)

	Total long-term obligations	$	—	$	127,046

	13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016
	In conjunction with the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment on July 31, 2013, PTGi International Holding, Inc. (“PTHI”) and Primus Telecommunications Canada Inc. (“PTCI”) issued a notice of redemption for all outstanding 13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016 (the “13% Notes”) with a redemption date of August 30, 2013 and irrevocably deposited $2.7 million in cash with the trustee for the 13% Notes, representing the principal amount of the 13% Notes to be redeemed, the applicable redemption premium with respect to such 13% Notes and accrued but unpaid interest on such 13% Notes to the redemption date. PTHI and PTCI thereby satisfied and discharged the indenture governing the 13% Notes (the “13% Notes Indenture”), as a result of which all of the obligations of PTHI and PTCI, as the issuers of the 13% Notes, and the guarantors of the 13% Notes (including PTGi) under the 13% Notes Indenture ceased to be of further effect (subject to certain exceptions). Liens on collateral securing the 13% Notes had previously been released in connection with the amendment of the 13% Notes Indenture that became effective on July 7, 2011. On August 30, 2013, PTHI and PTCI consummated the redemption of approximately $2.4 million in aggregate principal amount of its 13% Notes for a purchase price equal to 106.50% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
	In connection with the August 2013 13% Notes redemption, the Company incurred $0.2 million of premiums and other costs and wrote off $3.7 million of deferred financing costs and $0.02 million of original issue discount, all of which were included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2013. Because the debt was required to be repaid as a result of the sale of North America Telecom, the loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt of the Company has been allocated to discontinued operations.
	10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 and 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017
	Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes
	On July 7, 2011, in connection with the consummation of the private (i) exchange offers (the “Exchange Offers”) for any and all outstanding Units representing the 13% Notes issued by PTHI and PTCI and the 14 1⁄4% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2013 (the “14 1⁄4% Notes”) issued by PTGi IHC, Inc., (ii) consent solicitation (the “Consent Solicitation”) to amend the indenture governing the 13% Notes and release the collateral securing the 13% Notes, and (iii) related transactions, PTHI issued $240.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (the “10% Notes”) under that certain indenture, dated as of July 7, 2011 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the “10% Notes Indenture”), by and among PTHI, each of the Guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee. An aggregate of $228.6 million in principal amount of 10% Notes was issued pursuant to the Exchange Offers, and PTHI issued an additional $11.6 million in aggregate principal amount of 10% Notes for cash, the proceeds of which were used to redeem all 14 1⁄4% Notes that were not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offers and thereby discharge all of our obligations with respect to the 14 1⁄4% Notes. In connection with the Exchange Offers, the Company also incurred $6.9 million of third party costs which are included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2011.
	The 10% Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 10% Notes were scheduled to mature on April 15, 2017.
	The 10% Notes and related guarantees are secured by a pledge of and first lien security interest in (subject to certain exceptions) substantially all of the assets of PTHI and the guarantors of the 10% Notes, including PTGi (the “Guarantors”), including a first-priority pledge of all of the capital stock held by PTHI, the Guarantors and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company (which pledge, in the case of the capital stock of each non-U.S. subsidiary and each subsidiary of PTGi that is a foreign subsidiary holding company, is limited to 65% of the capital stock of such subsidiary).

	The 10% Notes rank senior in right of payment to existing and future subordinated indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank equal in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of PTHI and the Guarantors. The 10% Notes rank junior to any priority lien obligations entered into by PTHI or the Guarantors in accordance with the 10% Notes Indenture.
	On or after March 15, 2013, PTHI may redeem some or all of the 10% Notes at a premium that will decrease over time as set forth in the 10% Notes Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	Upon the occurrence of certain Changes of Control (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) with respect to the Company, PTHI must give holders of the 10% Notes an opportunity to sell their 10% Notes to PTHI at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of such 10% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. If PTGi or any of its restricted subsidiaries consummates certain Asset Sales (as defined in the 10% Notes Indenture) and does not choose to use all of the net proceeds of such Asset Sale for specified purposes, PTHI may be required to use the remaining net proceeds from such Asset Sale (which are defined as “Excess Proceeds” under the 10% Notes Indenture) to offer to repurchase the 10% Notes using such Excess Proceeds at a purchase price of 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	The 10% Notes Indenture contains covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of each of PTGi and its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness; (ii) pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of PTGi’s capital stock or make other restricted payments; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell, transfer or otherwise convey certain assets; (v) create certain liens; (vi) designate future subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; (vii) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; and (viii) enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The 10% Notes Indenture contains other customary terms, including, but not limited to, events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all of the then outstanding 10% Notes to be due and payable immediately.
	Repurchases of 10% Notes
	On September 17, 2012, PTHI consummated the repurchase of $119.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 109% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase, in each case pursuant to agreements with certain selling holders of 10% Notes. In connection with this repurchase, the sellers of the 10% Notes, representing a majority in principal amount of the outstanding 10% Notes, consented to amendments of the 10% Notes Indenture to remove substantially all of the restrictive and reporting covenants under the 10% Notes Indenture, as well as certain events of default and related provisions. PTHI, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, entered into a Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 17, 2012 (the “First Supplemental Indenture”), to memorialize such 10% Notes Indenture amendments.
	In connection with the September 2012 10% Notes repurchase, the Company incurred $10.9 million of premiums and other costs and wrote off $9.5 million of deferred financing costs and $0.7 million of original issue discount, all of which were included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2012.
	Prior to the September 2012 10% Notes repurchase, the Company repurchased $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 10% Notes at 99% of face value in December 2011.

	2012 Note Exchanges for Newly Issued 10% Exchange Notes
	On November 14, 2012, PTHI consummated the exchange (the “Note Exchange”) of $79.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $86.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017 (the “10% Exchange Notes”), which were newly issued pursuant to the Second Supplemental Indenture (as defined below) to the 10% Notes Indenture. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012. The 10% Exchange Notes accrue interest from November 14, 2012 and are guaranteed by the same entities, including PTGi, that guarantee the 10% Notes. The terms of the 10% Exchange Notes are substantially similar to those governing the 10% Notes, which are described in greater detail above under “—Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitation; Issuance of the 10% Notes,” except that the applicable redemption price of the 10% Exchange Notes at any time such notes are redeemed is 100.00% of the principal amount of such 10% Exchange Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
	In connection with the Note Exchange, the participating noteholders consented to amendments to the 10% Notes Indenture contained in, and PTGi and the other Guarantors agreed to enter into, that certain Second Supplemental Indenture and First Amendment to Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2012 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture”), by and among PTHI, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee and Collateral Trustee. Among other things, the Second Supplemental Indenture (i) reinstated substantially all of the events of default, restrictive and reporting covenants and related provisions and definitions of the 10% Notes Indenture that were eliminated by the First Supplemental Indenture, with certain amendments thereto to establish a new $50,000,000 restricted payment basket and to permit the incurrence of certain additional parity lien debt, (ii) established the 10% Exchange Notes issuable under the 10% Notes Indenture, (iii) authorized the Note Exchange and (iv) made certain other changes in the 10% Notes Indenture that are of a technical or conforming nature, including the amendment and restatement of certain provisions, the addition of certain definitions and the amendment of certain cross-references.
	On December 19, 2012, PTHI consummated a second note exchange of $23.8 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for $25.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes. PTHI also paid accrued but unpaid interest on the exchanged 10% Notes for the period from October 15, 2012 to, but not including, November 14, 2012.
	The Company evaluated the application of ASC No. 470-50, “Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments” (“ASC 470-50”), and concluded that the November and December 2012 note exchanges described above constituted a debt modification with respect to the 10% Notes. Under ASC 470-50, the premium of $9.1 million paid to the exchanging holders of 10% Notes, was capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the 10% Exchange Notes.
	Redemption of 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes
	In conjunction with the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment on July 31, 2013, PTHI issued a notice of redemption for all outstanding 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes with a redemption date of August 30, 2013 and irrevocably deposited $130.8 million in cash with the trustee for the 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes, representing the principal amount of the 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes to be redeemed, the applicable redemption premium with respect to the 10% Notes to be redeemed and accrued but unpaid interest on such 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes to the redemption date. PTHI thereby satisfied and discharged the 10% Notes Indenture, as a result of which all of the obligations of PTHI, as the issuer of the 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes, and the guarantors of the 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes (including PTGi) under the 10% Notes Indenture ceased to be of further effect (subject to certain exceptions) and the liens on collateral of PTHI and the guarantors of the 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes securing such notes were released. On August 30, 2013, PTHI consummated the redemption of approximately $125.3 million of its 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes. The $125.3 million consisted of approximately $12.7 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Notes for a purchase price equal to 106.50% of the principal amount thereof and $112.6 million in aggregate principal amount of its 10% Exchange Notes for a purchase price equal to 100.00% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
	In connection with the August 2013 10% Notes and 10% Exchange Notes redemption, the Company incurred $0.8 million of premiums and other costs and wrote off $0.8 million and $14.8 million of deferred financing costs, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.5 million of original issue discount, respectively, all of which were included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2013. Because the debt was required to be repaid as a result of the sale of North America Telecom, the loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt of the Company has been allocated to discontinued operations. No redemption premium was paid for the 10% Exchange Notes.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Future minimum lease payments under purchase obligations and non-cancellable operating leases, including continuing obligations of discontinued operations, as of September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


		Purchase		Operating
	Year Ending December 31,	Obligations		Leases
	2013 (as of September 30, 2013)	$	41	$	1,112
	2014		162		3,638
	2015		40		2,840
	2016		—		2,081
	2017		—		1,609
	Thereafter		—		3,278

	Total long-term obligations	$	243	$	14,558

	The Company has contractual obligations to utilize an external vendor for certain customer support functions and to utilize network facilities from certain carriers with terms greater than one year. Generally, the Company does not purchase or commit to purchase quantities in excess of normal usage or amounts that cannot be used within the contract term or at rates below or above market value. The Company made payments under purchase commitments of $2.5 million and $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Litigation
	The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Each of these matters is inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s business, condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow. The Company does not believe that any of these pending claims and legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its business, condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of PTGi administers PTGi’s Management Compensation Plan, as amended (the “Management Compensation Plan”). The Committee has broad authority to administer, construe and interpret the Management Compensation Plan; however, except in connection with certain Corporate Transactions (as defined in the Management Compensation Plan), it may not take any action with respect to an award that would be treated, for accounting purposes, as a “repricing” of an award unless the action is approved by the shareholders of PTGi.
	The Management Compensation Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other stock-based or cash-based performance awards (collectively, “awards”). PTGi typically issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options, as opposed to using treasury shares.
	The Company follows guidance which addresses the accounting for share-based payment transactions whereby an entity receives employee services in exchange for either equity instruments of the enterprise or liabilities that are based on the fair value of the enterprise’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of such equity instruments. The guidance generally requires that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value based method and share-based compensation expense be recorded, based on the grant date fair value, estimated in accordance with the guidance, for all new and unvested stock awards that are ultimately expected to vest as the requisite service is rendered.
	There were 690,948 options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, while 216,993 options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Total share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $0.2 million and $0.9 million, respectively, compared to $1.7 million and $5.0 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Most of PTGi’s stock awards vest ratably during the vesting period. The Company recognizes compensation expense for equity awards, reduced by estimated forfeitures, using the straight-line basis.
	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
	A summary of PTGi’s RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:


		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested—December 31, 2012		286,208		$	12.91
	Granted		20,000		$	11.89
	Vested		(239,740	)	$	12.44
	Forfeitures		(82	)	$	15.6

	Unvested—September 30, 2013		66,386		$	14.3

	As of September 30, 2013, PTGi had 66 thousand unvested RSUs outstanding with respect to $0.6 million of compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.1 years. The number of unvested RSUs expected to vest is 66 thousand.

	On July 31, 2013 and August 30, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company accelerated the vesting of 17,368 and 22,334 RSUs, respectively, awarded to certain employees as part of severance agreements.
	Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
	A summary of PTGi’s stock option and stock appreciation rights activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:


		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding—December 31, 2012		212,244		$	9.24
	Granted		690,948		$	3.64
	Exercised		(70,657	)	$	6.15
	Forfeitures		(205,636	)	$	10.01

	Outstanding—September 30, 2013		626,899		$	3.16

	Eligible for exercise		483,175		$	2.98

	As discussed in Note 7—“Stockholders’ Equity,” as a result of the Dividends, the Company reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such options. The Company has evaluated the accounting impact of modification accounting under ASC 718 and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change in fair value before and after the modification date. There were 650,948 options granted (with a weighted average exercise price of $3.13) and 203,654 options forfeited (with a weighted average exercise price of $10.02) included in the chart above related to these adjustments.
	The following table summarizes the intrinsic values and remaining contractual terms of PTGi’s stock options and stock appreciation rights:


		Intrinsic			Weighted
		Value			Average
					Remaining
					Life in Years
	Options outstanding—September 30, 2013	$	315,083			8.2
	Options exercisable—September 30, 2013	$	—			7.8
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 71 thousand options were exercised with an intrinsic value of $0.2 million. As of September 30, 2013, PTGi had approximately 144 thousand unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding of which $0.2 million of compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining period of 1.2 years. The number of unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights expected to vest is approximately 144 thousand shares, with a weighted average remaining life of 9.3 years, a weighted average exercise price of $3.79, and an intrinsic value of approximately $0.3 million.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

7. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there were 14,218,823 and 13,933,529 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively.

Class A and B Warrants

In July 2009, PTGi issued (A) Class A warrants (the “Class A Warrants”) to purchase shares of PTGi’s common stock, which are divided into three separate series (Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Warrants), each of which series consists of 1,000,000 warrants to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,000,000 shares of PTGi common stock; and (B) Class B warrants (the “Class B Warrants” and, together with the Class A Warrants, the “Warrants”) to purchase an original aggregate amount of up to 1,500,000 shares of PTGi common stock. In connection with the issuance of the Warrants, PTGi entered into a Warrant Agreement for each of the Class A Warrants and the Class B Warrants, in each case with Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (successor-in-interest to StockTrans, Inc.), as warrant agent. The original exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was $12.22 per share; (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was $16.53 per share; (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was $20.50 per share; and (iv) the Class B Warrants was $26.01 per share. The Warrants have a five-year term and will expire on July 1, 2014. A holder may exercise Warrants by paying the applicable exercise price in cash. In addition, a holder may exercise Warrants on a cashless basis in connection with a change of control (as defined in each of the Class A and Class B Warrant Agreement), in connection with a transaction pursuant to an effective registration statement covering the sale of PTGi common stock underlying such Warrants, or if the exercise occurs on a date when the daily volume-weighted average price of the PTGi common stock for the immediately preceding 10 trading days exceeds 150% of the exercise price applicable to such Warrants. The Warrants are freely transferrable by the holder thereof.

Antidilution adjustment provisions in each of the Class A Warrant Agreement and Class B Warrant Agreement provide that the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants will be adjusted in connection with any dividend or distribution of PTGi common stock, assets or cash (other than any regular cash dividend not to exceed in any fiscal year 45% of the consolidated net income of the Company), or any subdivision or combination of the PTGi common stock. In addition, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the exercise prices of the Warrants are also subject to adjustment in connection with any issuance, grant or sale to any person of (A) rights, warrants, options, exchangeable securities or convertible securities entitling such person to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant, subject to certain exceptions, or (B) shares of PTGi common stock at a price per share less than the fair market value of the PTGi common stock on the trading day immediately prior to such issuance, sale or grant. Additionally, if any transaction or event occurs in which all or substantially all of the outstanding PTGi common stock is converted into, exchanged for, or the holders thereof are otherwise entitled to receive on account thereof stock, other securities, cash or assets (each, a “Fundamental Change Transaction”) the holder of each Warrant outstanding immediately prior to the occurrence of such Fundamental Change Transaction shall have the right to receive upon exercise of the applicable Warrant the kind and amount of stock, other securities, cash and/or assets that such holder would have received if such Warrant had been exercised.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 and 2013 (discussed below under “—Special Dividends”) triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the Warrant Agreements, such that (A) the exercise price with respect to (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted downward to $2.79, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted downward to $3.77, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted downward to $4.67, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted downward to $5.93; and (B) after taking into account exercised Warrants, the number of shares of PTGi common stock issuable upon exercise of (i) the Class A-1 Warrants was adjusted upward to 4,216,253, (ii) the Class A-2 Warrants was adjusted upward to 4,386,218, (iii) the Class A-3 Warrants was adjusted upward to 4,386,218, and (iv) the Class B Warrants was adjusted upward to 6,579,322. Due to the nature of the mandatory antidilution provisions applicable to the Warrants, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718, and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change of fair value before and after the modification date. There were 58,058 Class A-1 Warrants and 1 Class A-2 Warrant exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Contingent Value Rights

In July 2009, the Company issued contingent value rights (“CVRs”), which allowed holders to receive shares of PTGi common stock (subject to adjustment, the “CVR Shares”), in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. Subject to the terms of the CVR Agreement governing the CVRs, holders of CVRs would receive their pro rata share of the CVR Shares if certain conditions were satisfied. A distribution of CVR Shares would be required to be made by the Company if, as of any valuation date, the Company’s equity value (assuming cash exercise in full on such date of in-the-money warrants and options of the Company) divided by the sum of the number of shares of PTGi common stock then issued and outstanding plus the number of shares of PTGi common stock underlying warrants, options and similar securities of the Company (other than CVRs) that are then in-the-money exceeded the CVR strike price (subject to adjustment, the “CVR Strike Price”) in an original amount of $35.95.

The Dividends that occurred in 2012 (discussed below under “—Special Dividends”) triggered the antidilution adjustment provisions in the CVR Agreement, such that (A) the CVR Strike Price was adjusted downward to $26.20 and (B) the maximum number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward to 3,657,157. Due to the nature of the mandatory antidilution provisions applicable to the CVRs, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718 and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change of fair value before and after the modification date.

The initial closing of the sale of North America Telecom constituted a change of control under the CVR Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement, the Company performed a valuation of the Company’s equity value as of July 1, 2013, the first valuation date required by the CVR Agreement, and as of July 30, 2013, the business day immediately preceding the initial closing date of the sale, as a result of which no CVR Shares were distributed to holders of the CVRs. The CVR Agreement terminated in accordance with its terms upon the closing of the North America Telecom sale.

Special Dividends

During 2012 and 2013, PTGi’s Board of Directors declared four special cash dividends (the “Dividends”) with respect to PTGi’s issued and outstanding common stock, as presented in the following table (Total Dividend amounts presented in thousands):

Special Cash Dividend Per Share

$1.00

$2.50

$0.50

$8.50

Declaration Date

June 20, 2012

November 14, 2012

December 11, 2012

August 7, 2013

Holders of Record Date

2-Jul-12

27-Nov-12

21-Dec-12

August 20, 2013

Payment Date

16-Jul-12

11-Dec-12

28-Dec-12

27-Aug-13

Total Dividend

13,804

34,551

6,910

119,788

In addition, with respect to unvested RSUs and restricted stock, the Company recorded, at the time of each Dividend, a dividend equivalent equal to the amount of each Dividend per RSU or share of restricted stock, as applicable, to holders of RSUs and restricted stock amounting to $2.1 million. The payment of the dividend equivalent will occur upon vesting of the RSU or share of restricted stock. With respect to certain outstanding stock options, in connection with each Dividend, the Company reduced the exercise price and increased the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of such options, in each case in order to prevent dilution of the rights of holders of awards as a result of the Dividends. Due to the nature of the discretionary antidilution provisions applicable to the RSUs, the Company has evaluated the accounting impact of the modification accounting under ASC 718 and concluded that the modification of the terms of such instruments did not result in a significant change in fair value before and after the modification date.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	8. INCOME TAXES
	The Company conducts business globally, and as a result, PTGi or one or more of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world.
	The following table summarizes the open tax years for each major jurisdiction:


	Jurisdiction	Open Tax Years
	United States Federal		2002—2012
	Canada		2004—2012
	United Kingdom		2004—2012
	Netherlands		2007—2012
	The Company is currently under examination in Canada and certain other foreign tax jurisdictions, which, individually and in the aggregate, are not material.
	The Company adopted the provisions of ASC No. 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), on January 1, 2007. It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, reflected in the Company’s financial statements, will change in the next twelve months; however, the Company does not expect the change to have a significant impact on the results of operations or the financial position of the Company. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, penalties and interest were immaterial.
	As of February 28, 2011, and the completion of the merger of PTG Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company with and into Arbinet Corporation, the Company believes that an ownership change for tax purposes took place with respect to both PTGi and Arbinet. This conclusion is based on Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings concerning Company securities, as filed with the SEC. As a result of the ownership change, an annual limitation of $7.0 million is required under section 382 of the Company’s then-existing NOLs. This limitation is in addition to the NOL utilization limitation of approximately $1.6 million due to the July 1, 2009, ownership change. The annual limitation under section 382 of Arbinet then-existing NOLs is approximately $2.2 million.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives

9. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to relatively short periods to maturity. The estimated aggregate fair value of the Company’s debt, based on quoted market prices, was $0 and $125.4 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The aggregate carrying value of the Company’s debt was $0 and $127.0 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:

Fair Value as of September 30, 2013, using:

September 30, 2013

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Liabilities:

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

—

Total

—

Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:

December 31, 2012

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Liabilities:

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

14,904

—

14,904

—

Total

14,904

—

14,904

—

The CVRs are marked to fair value at each balance sheet date. The change in value is reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. As a result of the pending sale of North America Telecom during the second quarter of 2013, and the anticipated valuation and expiration of the CVRs in connection therewith, the fair value of the CVRs was marked at zero as of June 30, 2013. Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates based on a pricing model using the following assumptions as of December 31, 2012: (1) expected life of 6.5 years; (2) risk-free rate range of 0.11% to 2.43%; (3) expected volatility of 40.96%; (4) dividend yield of 0%; (5) exercise price of $26.20; (6) stock price of $10.87. During the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, $0 and ($0.2) million, respectively, of (income) expense was recognized as a result of marking the CVRs to their fair value, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, ($14.9) million and $4.9 million, respectively, of (income) expense was recognized as a result of marking the CVRs to their fair value.

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Fair Value as of September 30, 2013, using:

September 30, 2013

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets:

Goodwill

—

Trade names

—

Net assets held for sale

21,749

—

21,749

Total

21,749

—

21,749

Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:

December 31, 2012

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets:

Goodwill

60,744

—

60,744

Trade names

27,000

—

27,000

Net assets held for sale

15,762

—

15,762

Total

103,506

—

103,506

See Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” and “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies—Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)” for a discussion of the inputs and valuation techniques.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	Discontinued Operations—nine months ended September 30, 2013
	On April 17, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its BLACKIRON Data segment to Rogers Communications Inc., a Canadian telecommunications company, and its affiliates (together “Rogers”) for CAD$200.0 million (or approximately USD$195.6 million giving effect to the currency exchange rate on the day of sale). The Company recorded a $135.0 million gain from the sale of this segment during the second quarter of 2013. In addition, the purchase agreement contains customary indemnification obligations, representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. In connection with the closing of the transaction, CAD$20.0 million (or approximately USD$19.5 million giving effect to the currency exchange rate on the day of sale) was retained from the purchase price and placed into escrow until July 17, 2014 for purposes of satisfying potential indemnification claims pursuant to the purchase agreement. The escrow has been recorded as part of prepaid expenses and other current assets at September 30, 2013 in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	On July 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (“PTI”), Lingo, Inc. (“Lingo”), iPrimus, USA, Inc. (“iPrimus”), 3620212 Canada Inc. (“PTGi Canada”), PTCI, Telesonic Communications Inc. (“Telesonic”), and Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”, and together with PTI, Lingo, iPrimus, PTGi Canada, PTCI and Telesonic, the “NAT Companies”) to affiliates of York Capital Management, an investment firm (together “York”) for $129 million. The Company recorded a $15.6 million gain from the sale of this segment during the third quarter of 2013. The purchase price is subject to potential downward or upward post-closing adjustments based on net working capital and cash at closing. In addition, the purchase agreement contains customary indemnification obligations, representations, warranties and covenants for a transaction of this nature. Certain indemnification obligations are subject to a cap of $12.9 million. In addition, the purchase agreement provides that the Company must, for 14 months after the closing of the transaction, maintain a minimum balance of cash and cash equivalents necessary to satisfy potential indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement. The Company received $126.0 million, net of $15.25 million held in escrow as part of the initial closing, with an additional $3.0 million held in escrow to be paid upon closing of the sale of PTI. Subject to regulatory approvals, the sale of PTI is expected to close subsequent to the fourth quarter of 2013. The escrow has been recorded as part of prepaid expenses and other current assets as of September 30, 2013 in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, $6.45 million of the purchase price will be placed in escrow to be released 14 months after the closing date, subject to any deductions required to satisfy indemnification obligations of PTGi under the purchase agreement. In addition, $4.0 million of the purchase price will be placed in escrow to cover any payments required in connection with the post-closing working capital and cash adjustments, which escrow amount will be released when such adjustments are conclusively agreed upon. Furthermore, $4.8 million of the purchase price will be placed in escrow to cover certain tax liabilities, which escrow amount will be released after a positive ruling with respect to the underlying matter is received or 30 days after expiration of the applicable statute of limitations relating to the underlying matter. The $6.45 million and $4.0 million escrow deposits are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets, while the $4.8 million escrow deposit is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
	The Company evaluated the remaining carrying value of North America Telecom, i.e. PTI, in the third quarter of 2013 which resulted in it being higher than its fair value less costs to sell by $0.3 million and have attributed such adjustment to the long-lived assets of PTI. As the adjustment is related to North America Telecom, it is classified within income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax on the condensed consolidated statements of operations in the third quarter of 2013.
	Discontinued Operations—year ended December 31, 2012
	On May 31, 2012, the Company completed the sale of its Australian segment to M2 Telecommunications Group Ltd. (“M2”), an Australian telecommunications company, for approximately AUD$192.4 million (or approximately USD$195.7 million giving effect to a currency hedge that the Company put in place in connection with the transaction). The Company recorded a $98.6 million gain from the sale of this segment during the second quarter of 2012. In connection with the closing of the transaction, $9.8 million was retained from the purchase price and placed into escrow until May 31, 2013 for purposes of satisfying potential indemnification claims pursuant to the purchase agreement. The purchase price was also subject to a customary post-closing working capital adjustment. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company and M2 settled on a working capital adjustment and the escrow was released. The Company received $5.4 million and M2 received $4.4 million. The $4.4 million was recorded as an adjustment to the gain that was recorded in the second quarter of 2012, which resulted in a net gain for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $94.3 million.
	On June 28, 2012, the Board of Directors of PTGi committed to dispose of the Company’s ICS business unit and as a result classified ICS as a discontinued operation. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company began discussions with potential buyers for BLACKIRON Data and North America Telecom. The special committee of the Board of Directors believed that the Company’s focus was best served on these potential deals as they would provide a greater return to our shareholders. These events, although unanticipated at the time, took precedence over the ICS sale process, and therefore resulted in the need to extend the allowable period to complete the sale of ICS under ASC 360 to beyond one year. The Company continues to actively solicit a sale or other disposition of its ICS business unit. In conjunction with the commitment to dispose of ICS and classification of ICS as a discontinued operation, the Company evaluated the carrying value of ICS in the second quarter of 2012 which resulted in it being higher than its fair value less costs to sell by $10.3 million and have attributed such adjustment to the long-lived assets of ICS. As the adjustment is related to ICS, it is classified within Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax on the consolidated statements of operations in the second quarter of 2012. The Company performed the same analysis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and determined that the fair value less costs to sell exceeded the carrying value and therefore no additional adjustment was required.
	As a result of these events, the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the BLACKIRON Data, North America Telecom, Australian and ICS segments, as well as PTHI’s interest expense and loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The net operating results of the discontinued operations have been reported, net of applicable income taxes as income or loss (where applicable) from discontinued operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012. The held for sale assets and liabilities were removed from the specific line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net revenue	$	78,866		$	134,960		$	307,475		$	552,319
	Operating expenses		78,557			132,058			299,122			543,630

	Income (loss) from operations		309			2,902			8,353			8,689
	Interest expense		(2,851	)		(6,381	)		(11,365	)		(20,779	)
	Gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt		(21,178	)		(21,083	)		(21,178	)		(21,083	)
	Interest income and other income (expense)		(153	)		(38	)		(212	)		309
	Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)		(345	)		291			(1,317	)		(2,467	)

	Income (loss) before income tax		(24,218	)		(24,309	)		(25,719	)		(35,331	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		474			181			176			(4,976	)

	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(23,744	)	$	(24,128	)	$	(25,543	)	$	(40,307	)

	Summarized assets and liabilities of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2013 and assets and liabilities of ICS classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):


		ICS						North America
		ICS						Telecom
		September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	20,515		$	16,070		$	949
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,964			4,196			1,020
	Restricted cash		50			487			—
	Long-lived assets		20,292			19,313			6,688

	Assets held for sale	$	44,821		$	40,066		$	8,657

	Accounts payable	$	6,858		$	10,580		$	1,053
	Accrued interconnection costs		14,121			6,961			915
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,093			6,763			3,689

	Liabilities held for sale	$	26,072		$	24,304		$	5,657

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	11. BASIC AND DILUTED INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
	Basic income (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share adjusts basic income per common share for the effects of potentially dilutive common share equivalents.
	As of September 30, 2013, potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effects of common shares issuable under the Management Compensation Plan, including stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs), using the treasury stock method, as well as Warrants.
	The Company had dilutive common share equivalents during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, due to the results of operations being income from continuing operations, net of tax. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the following were dilutive and were included in the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their dilutive effect:
	Three months ended September 30, 2013

		•		0.2 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan; and

		•		1.1 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants.
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013

		•		0.2 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan; and

		•		1.0 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants.
	The Company had no dilutive common share equivalents during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, due to the results of operations being a loss from continuing operations, net of tax. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the following were potentially dilutive but were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share due to their antidilutive effect:

		•		0.5 million shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and RSUs under the Management Compensation Plan;

		•		4.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of Warrants; and

		•		2.8 million shares issuable upon exercise of CVRs.

	A calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per common share is set forth below (in thousands, except per share amounts):


			Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax		$	1,389		$	(909	)	$	2,289		$	(21,395	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax			(23,744	)		(24,128	)		(25,543	)		(40,307	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax			15,650			—			150,695			98,666

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic		$	(6,705	)	$	(25,037	)	$	127,441		$	36,964

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted		$	(6,705	)	$	(25,037	)	$	127,441		$	36,964

	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic			14,077			13,890			13,987			13,825

	Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted			15,297			13,890			15,124			13,825

	Basic income (loss) per common share:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated			0.1			(0.07	)		0.17			(1.54	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(1.69	)		(1.74	)		(1.83	)		(2.92	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations			1.11			—			10.77			7.14

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated			(0.48	)		(1.81	)		9.11			2.68

	Diluted income (loss) per common share:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated			0.09			(0.07	)		0.16			(1.54	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations			(1.55	)		(1.74	)		(1.69	)		(2.92	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations			1.02			—			9.96			7.14

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated			(0.44	)		(1.81	)		8.43			2.68

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The Company had no transactions with related parties in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Name Change
	On October 15, 2013, our Board of Directors approved changing our name from Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated to PTGi Holding, Inc. The name change will be effected pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware by the merger of our wholly owned subsidiary, PTGI Name Change, Inc., into us. On October 28, 2013, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was amended to change our name to PTGi Holding, Inc. upon the filing of a Certificate of Ownership with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The “PTGI” New York Stock Exchange ticker symbol remains the same.
	Delisting of our Common Stock
	On November 4, 2013, the Board of Directors has approved a plan to (i) voluntarily delist its common stock from the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and (ii) deregister the Company’s common stock under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and therefore, terminate its obligations to file periodic and current reports with the SEC. The Company has submitted written notice to the NYSE of its decision to voluntarily delist its common stock and to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Exchange Act.
	The Company intends to file a Form 25 with the SEC to voluntarily delist its common stock on or about November 18, 2013. Delisting from NYSE is expected to become effective 10 days after the filing date of the Form 25. Following delisting and provided that PTGi continues to meet the applicable legal requirements, it intends to file a Form 15 with the SEC on or about December 3, 2013 to terminate the registration of its common stock under the Exchange Act. PTGi expects the termination of registration under the Exchange Act will become effective 90 days after the date of the filing of the Form 15 with the SEC. However, upon filing of the Form 15, PTGi’s obligation to file certain reports and forms with the SEC, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, will immediately be suspended.
	After its shares have been delisted from the NYSE, PTGi’s shares may be quoted on the Pink OTC Markets Inc. electronic quotation service if market makers commit to make a market in the Company’s shares. The Pink Sheets is an electronic network through which participating broker-dealers can make markets, and enter orders to buy and sell shares of issuers. However, PTGi can provide no assurance that trading in its common stock will continue on the Pink Sheets or otherwise. Moreover, PTGi’s common stock may become more illiquid once it is no longer traded on the NYSE, which could negatively impact market prices for the Company’s stock and make it more difficult for shareholders to sell their shares.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations—In the second quarter of 2012, the Company sold its Australian segment and committed to dispose of and actively solicited a sale or other disposition of its International Carrier Services (“ICS”) business unit. In the second quarter of 2013, the Company sold its BLACKIRON Data segment and reiterated its commitment to dispose of its ICS business unit. In addition, in the second quarter of 2013, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement to sell its North America Telecom segment and sought shareholder approval of such transaction. On July 31, 2013, the Company completed the initial closing of the sale of its North America Telecom segment (see Note 10—“Discontinued Operations”). In conjunction with the initial closing of the sale of the North America Telecom segment, the Company redeemed its outstanding debt on August 30, 2013. Because the debt was required to be repaid as a result of the sale of North America Telecom, the interest expense and loss on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt of PTGi International Holding, Inc. has been allocated to discontinued operations.
	The Company has applied retrospective adjustments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 to reflect the effects of the discontinued operations that occurred during 2013. Accordingly, revenue, costs and expenses of the discontinued operations have been excluded from the respective captions in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, Primus Telecommunications, Inc. (“PTI”) have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and the assets and liabilities of ICS have been classified as held for sale assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2012. The held for sale assets and liabilities were removed from the specific line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. See Note 10—“Discontinued Operations,” for further information regarding these transactions.
Principles of Consolidation	'

	Principles of Consolidation—The condensed consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts, its wholly owned subsidiaries and all other subsidiaries over which the Company exerts control. Prior to July 31, 2012, the Company owned 45.6% of Globility Communications Corporation (“Globility”) through direct and indirect ownership structures. As a result of changes to the Telecommunications Act in Canada, the Company is no longer restricted by Canadian foreign ownership laws. Given these changes, PTGi International, Inc. (“PTII”) purchased the remaining 54.4% of Globility on July 31, 2012. The stock of Globility was included in the sale of the North America Telecom segment. Prior to the purchase of the remaining 54.4%, the results of Globility and its subsidiary are consolidated with the Company’s results based on guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 810, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). All intercompany profits, transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Property and Equipment	'

	Property and Equipment—Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, which is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity of the assets as well as expenditures necessary to place assets into readiness for use. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The estimated useful lives of property and equipment are as follows: network equipment—5 to 8 years, fiber optic and submarine cable—8 to 25 years, furniture and equipment—5 years, and leasehold improvements and leased equipment—shorter of lease or useful life. Costs for internal use software that are incurred in the preliminary project stage and in the post-implementation stage are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred during the application development stage are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Property and equipment that have been included as part of the assets held for sale are no longer depreciated from the time that they are classified as such.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Under ASC No. 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized but are reviewed annually for impairment, or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and are subject to the provisions of ASC No. 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”).

	Goodwill impairment is tested at least annually (October 1st) or when factors indicate potential impairment using a two-step process that begins with an estimation of the fair value of each reporting unit. Step 1 is a screen for potential impairment pursuant to which the estimated fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair values of each reporting unit by a combination of (i) estimation of the discounted cash flows of each of the reporting units based on projected earnings in the future (the income approach) and (ii) a comparative analysis of revenue and EBITDA multiples of public companies in similar markets (the market approach). If there is a deficiency (the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value), a Step 2 test is required.

	Step 2 measures the amount of impairment loss, if any, by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill with its carrying amount. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination is determined; i.e., through an allocation of the fair value of a reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess.

	The Company also may utilize the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment” (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows the Company to use qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.



	The Company’s reporting units in 2011 were Australia, Canada and US/ICS. In May 2012, the Australian reporting unit was sold, and the reporting units were Canada and US/ICS. Subsequent to classifying ICS as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of 2012, the remaining reporting units are Canada and US. Subsequent to the sale of North America Telecom, the remaining reporting unit is the US, representing the goodwill of PTI.

	Estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires various assumptions including projections of future cash flows, perpetual growth rates and discount rates. The assumptions about future cash flows and growth rates are based on the Company’s assessment of a number of factors, including the reporting unit’s recent performance against budget, performance in the market that the reporting unit serves, and industry and general economic data from third party sources. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in those future cash flows. Changes to the underlying businesses could affect the future cash flows, which in turn could affect the fair value of the reporting unit.

	Intangible assets not subject to amortization consist of certain trade names. Such indefinite lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test shall consist of a comparison of the fair value of an intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to the excess.

	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of certain trade names and customer relationships. These finite lived intangible assets are amortized based on their estimated useful lives. Such assets are subject to the impairment provisions of ASC 360, wherein impairment is recognized and measured only if there are events and circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset group. An impairment loss is recorded if after determining that it is not recoverable, the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the asset.

	In addition to the foregoing, the Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets for possible impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of assets may not be recoverable. The factors that the Company considers important, and which could trigger an impairment review, include, but are not limited to: a more than likely than not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit; a significant decline in the market value of our common stock or debt securities for a sustained period; a material adverse change in economic, financial market, industry or sector trends; a material failure to achieve operating results relative to historical levels or projected future levels; and significant changes in operations or business strategy.

	The current carrying values by reporting unit of the goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are disclosed in Note 3—“Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)	'
	Valuation of Long-lived Assets (Held for Sale)—In conjunction with the Company’s commitment to dispose of its ICS business, and the entry into definitive agreements with respect to the sale of North America Telecom, which was substantially completed on July 31, 2013, at September 30, 2013, the Company classified the net assets of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, as held for sale and is required to measure them at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

	The Company makes significant assumptions and estimates in the process of determining fair value regarding matters that are inherently uncertain, such as estimating future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The resulting cash flows are projected over an extended period of time, which subjects those assumptions and estimates to an even larger degree of uncertainty. While the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, different assumptions could materially affect the valuation of the net assets.

	The current year analysis of carrying value and fair value less costs to sell is disclosed in Note 10—“Discontinued Operations.”

Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments—Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s 2009 bankruptcy reorganization (the “Reorganization Plan”), the Company issued to holders of the Company’s pre-Reorganization Plan common stock contingent value rights (“CVRs”) to receive shares of Company common stock (subject to adjustment, the “CVR Shares”) in an original aggregate amount of up to 2,665,000 shares. In connection with the issuance of the CVRs, the Company entered into a Contingent Value Rights Distribution Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”), in favor of holders of CVRs thereunder, dated as of July 1, 2009. As a result of the special cash Dividends discussed in Note 7—“Stockholders’ Equity,” antidilution provisions in the CVR Agreement were triggered and the maximum aggregate number of CVR Shares issuable with respect to the CVRs was adjusted upward from 2,665,000 shares to 3,657,157 shares while the strike price with respect to the CVRs was adjusted downward from $35.95 to $26.20.
	Due to the nature of the CVRs, the Company accounted for the instrument in accordance with ASC No. 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”), as well as related interpretations of this standard. The Company determined the CVRs to be derivative instruments to be accounted for as liabilities and marked to fair value at each balance sheet date. Upon issuance, the Company estimated the fair value of its CVRs using a pricing model and consequently recorded a liability of $2.6 million in the balance sheet caption “other liabilities” as part of fresh-start accounting. Post-issuance change in value is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as gain (loss) from contingent value rights valuation. The Company’s estimates of fair value of its CVRs are correlated to and reflective of PTGi’s common stock price trends; in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock increases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also increases and, as a result, the Company recognizes a change in value of its CVRs as loss from contingent value rights valuation. Conversely and also in general, as the value of PTGi’s common stock decreases, the estimated fair value of the CVRs also decreases and as a result the Company recognizes a change in value of the CVRs as gain from contingent value rights valuation. See Note 9—“Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives.”
	The initial closing of the sale of North America Telecom (see Note 10—“Discontinued Operations”) constituted a change of control under the CVR Agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the CVR Agreement, the Company performed a valuation of the Company’s equity value as of July 1, 2013, the first valuation date required by the CVR Agreement, and as of July 30, 2013, the business day immediately preceding the initial closing date of the sale, as a result of which no CVR Shares were distributed to holders of the CVRs. The CVR Agreement terminated in accordance with its terms upon the closing of the North America Telecom sale.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates—The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of net revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Significant estimates include allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, accrued interconnection cost disputes, the fair value of derivatives, market assumptions used in estimating the fair values of certain assets and liabilities, the calculation used in determining the fair value of PTGi’s stock options required by ASC No. 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), income taxes and various tax contingencies.



	Estimates of fair value represent the Company’s best estimates developed with the assistance of independent appraisals or various valuation techniques and, where the foregoing have not yet been completed or are not available, industry data and trends and by reference to relevant market rates and transactions. The estimates and assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company cannot provide assurance that the estimates, assumptions, and values reflected in the valuations will be realized, and actual results could vary materially.

Reclassification	'

	Reclassification—Certain previous year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentations, as related to the reporting of the Company’s discontinued operations.
Newly Adopted Accounting Principles	'
	Newly Adopted Accounting Principles
	In February 2013, an update was issued to the Comprehensive Income Topic No. 220, ASU 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” which requires entities to disclose additional information about items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 does not change the current U.S. GAAP requirements, for either public or nonpublic entities, for interim financial statement reporting of comprehensive income. That is, a total for comprehensive income must be reported in condensed interim financial statements in either (1) a single continuous statement or (2) two separate but consecutive statements. Entities should disclose the changes in AOCI balances by component. Both before-tax and net-of-tax presentations of the information are acceptable as long as an entity presents the income tax benefit or expense attributed to each component of other comprehensive income and reclassification adjustments in either the financial statements or the notes to the financial statements. Entities should also disclose significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either on the face of the income statement or as a separate footnote to the financial statements. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2013, an update was issued to the Balance Sheet Topic ASC No. 210 to clarify the scope of the offsetting disclosure requirements of ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” Under ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” the disclosure requirements would apply to derivative instruments accounted for in accordance with ASC 815, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements. Retrospective application is required for all comparative periods presented.
	In July 2012, an update was issued to the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other Topic ASC No. 350, ASU 2012-02, “Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” which provides guidance to all entities, both public and nonpublic, that have indefinite-lived intangible assets, other than goodwill, reported in their financial statements. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount. An entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In December 2011, an update was issued to the Balance Sheet Topic ASC No. 210, ASU 2011-11, “Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” which contains new disclosure requirements regarding the nature of an entity’s right of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). Generally, it is more difficult to qualify for offsetting under IFRSs than it is under U.S. GAAP because under U.S. GAAP certain derivative and repurchase agreement arrangements are granted exceptions from the general offsetting model. As a result, entities with significant financial instrument and derivative portfolios that report under IFRSs typically present positions on their balance sheets that are significantly larger than those of entities with similarly sized portfolios whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. To facilitate comparison between financial statements prepared under U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, the new disclosures will give financial statement users information about both gross and net exposures. On January 1, 2013, the Company adopted this update, which did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, an update was issued to the Income Taxes Topic No. 740, ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” which indicates that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assts. The assessment of whether a deferred tax asset is available is based on the unrecognized tax benefit and deferred tax asset that exist at the reporting date and should be made presuming disallowance of the tax position at the reporting date. Early adoption is permitted and this accounting update should be applied prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2014. The Company does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.
	In March 2013, an update was issued to the Foreign Currency Matters Topic No. 830, ASU 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity,” which indicates that the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to an entity’s investment in a foreign entity should be released when there has been a (1) sale of a subsidiary or group of net assets within a foreign entity and the sale represents the substantially complete liquidation of the investment in the foreign entity; (2) loss of a controlling financial interest in an investment in a foreign entity; or (3) step acquisition for a foreign entity. Early adoption is permitted and this accounting update should be applied prospectively from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company’s effective date for adoption is January 1, 2014. The Company does not foresee this accounting update having a material effect on its condensed consolidated financial statements in future periods, although that could change.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization	'
	The Company’s intangible assets not subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):


			September 30,			December 31,
			2013 (1)			2012 (2)
	Goodwill		$	—		$	60,744
	Trade names		$	—		$	27,000

	-1	The table above does not reflect the portion of goodwill of $7.1 million, as such non-amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013.This amount is attributable to the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, ($3.7 million) and ICS ($3.4 million).
	-2	The table above does not reflect the portion of goodwill of $3.4 million, as such non-amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of December 31, 2012.This amount is attributable to ICS.
Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


			United States			Canada			Total
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	26,582		$	34,162		$	60,744
	Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates			—			(776	)		(776	)
	Disposition of business			(22,568	)		(33,386	)		(55,954	)
	Allocation to disposal group			(4,014	)		—			(4,014	)

	Balance as of September 30, 2013		$	—		$	—		$	—

Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consisted of the following (in thousands):


			September 30, 2013 (1)									December 31, 2012
			Gross			Accumulated			Net Book			Gross		Accumulated			Net Book
			Carrying			Amortization			Value			Carrying		Amortization			Value
			Amount									Amount
	Trade names		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,500	$	(1,140	)	$	2,360
	Customer relationships			—			—			—			94,142		(60,478	)		33,664

	Total		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	97,642	$	(61,618	)	$	36,024


	-1	The table above does not reflect the portion of the net book value of PTI customer relationships of $0.4 million, as such amortizable intangible asset has been included in long-lived assets within assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013.The net book value of the amortizable intangible assets attributable to BLACKIRON Data and the entities that were a part of the initial closing of the sale of North America Telecom were purchased by the buyers.

LongTerm_Obligations_Tables

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Obligations	'
	Long-term obligations consisted of the following (in thousands):


		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Obligations under capital leases and other	$	—	$	101
	13% Senior Secured Notes due 2016		—		2,403
	10% Senior Secured Notes due 2017		—		12,692
	10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes due 2017		—		112,587

	Subtotal	$	—	$	127,783
	Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes		—		(671	)

	Subtotal	$	—	$	127,112
	Less: Current portion of long-term obligations		—		(66	)

	Total long-term obligations	$	—	$	127,046

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Purchase Obligations and Non-Cancellable Operating Leases, Including Continuing Obligations of Discontinued Operations	'
	Future minimum lease payments under purchase obligations and non-cancellable operating leases, including continuing obligations of discontinued operations, as of September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):


		Purchase		Operating
	Year Ending December 31,	Obligations		Leases
	2013 (as of September 30, 2013)	$	41	$	1,112
	2014		162		3,638
	2015		40		2,840
	2016		—		2,081
	2017		—		1,609
	Thereafter		—		3,278

	Total long-term obligations	$	243	$	14,558

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Company's Restricted Stock Units	'
	A summary of PTGi’s RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:


		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Unvested—December 31, 2012		286,208		$	12.91
	Granted		20,000		$	11.89
	Vested		(239,740	)	$	12.44
	Forfeitures		(82	)	$	15.6

	Unvested—September 30, 2013		66,386		$	14.3

Summary of Company's Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights	'
	A summary of PTGi’s stock option and stock appreciation rights activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 is as follows:


		Shares			Weighted
					Average
					Exercise Price
	Outstanding—December 31, 2012		212,244		$	9.24
	Granted		690,948		$	3.64
	Exercised		(70,657	)	$	6.15
	Forfeitures		(205,636	)	$	10.01

	Outstanding—September 30, 2013		626,899		$	3.16

	Eligible for exercise		483,175		$	2.98
Intrinsic Values and Remaining Contractual Terms of Company's Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights	'
	The following table summarizes the intrinsic values and remaining contractual terms of PTGi’s stock options and stock appreciation rights:


		Intrinsic			Weighted
		Value			Average
					Remaining
					Life in Years
	Options outstanding—September 30, 2013	$	315,083			8.2
	Options exercisable—September 30, 2013	$	—			7.8

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Special Cash Dividends

Special Cash Dividend Per Share

$1.00

$2.50

$0.50

$8.50

Declaration Date

June 20, 2012

November 14, 2012

December 11, 2012

August 7, 2013

Holders of Record Date

2-Jul-12

27-Nov-12

21-Dec-12

August 20, 2013

Payment Date

16-Jul-12

11-Dec-12

28-Dec-12

27-Aug-13

Total Dividend

13,804

34,551

6,910

119,788

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Open Tax Years for Each Major Jurisdiction	'
	The following table summarizes the open tax years for each major jurisdiction:


	Jurisdiction	Open Tax Years
	United States Federal		2002—2012
	Canada		2004—2012
	United Kingdom		2004—2012
	Netherlands		2007—2012

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Company's Financial Instruments Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:

Fair Value as of September 30, 2013, using:

September 30, 2013

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Liabilities:

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

—

Total

—

Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:

December 31, 2012

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Liabilities:

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs)

14,904

—

14,904

—

Total

14,904

—

14,904

—

Summary of Company's Financial Instruments Accounted for at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis

See the table below for a summary of the Company’s financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

Fair Value as of September 30, 2013, using:

September 30, 2013

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets:

Goodwill

—

Trade names

—

Net assets held for sale

21,749

—

21,749

Total

21,749

—

21,749

Fair Value as of December 31, 2012, using:

December 31, 2012

Quoted prices

Significant

in Active

Other

Unobservable

Markets for

Observable

Inputs

Identical Assets

Inputs

(Level 3)

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

Assets:

Goodwill

60,744

—

60,744

Trade names

27,000

—

27,000

Net assets held for sale

15,762

—

15,762

Total

103,506

—

103,506

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Summarized Operating Results of Discontinued Operations	'
	Summarized operating results of the discontinued operations are as follows (in thousands):


		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Net revenue	$	78,866		$	134,960		$	307,475		$	552,319
	Operating expenses		78,557			132,058			299,122			543,630

	Income (loss) from operations		309			2,902			8,353			8,689
	Interest expense		(2,851	)		(6,381	)		(11,365	)		(20,779	)
	Gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt		(21,178	)		(21,083	)		(21,178	)		(21,083	)
	Interest income and other income (expense)		(153	)		(38	)		(212	)		309
	Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)		(345	)		291			(1,317	)		(2,467	)

	Income (loss) before income tax		(24,218	)		(24,309	)		(25,719	)		(35,331	)
	Income tax (expense) benefit		474			181			176			(4,976	)

	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	(23,744	)	$	(24,128	)	$	(25,543	)	$	(40,307	)

	Summarized assets and liabilities of ICS and the remaining portion of North America Telecom, PTI, classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2013 and assets and liabilities of ICS classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):


		ICS						North America
		ICS						Telecom
		September 30,			December 31,			September 30,
		2013			2012			2013
	Accounts receivable	$	20,515		$	16,070		$	949
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,964			4,196			1,020
	Restricted cash		50			487			—
	Long-lived assets		20,292			19,313			6,688

	Assets held for sale	$	44,821		$	40,066		$	8,657

	Accounts payable	$	6,858		$	10,580		$	1,053
	Accrued interconnection costs		14,121			6,961			915
	Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,093			6,763			3,689

	Liabilities held for sale	$	26,072		$	24,304		$	5,657

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_1

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic Income (Loss) Per Common Share to Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share	'
	A calculation of basic income (loss) per common share to diluted income (loss) per common share is set forth below (in thousands, except per share amounts):


		Three Months Ended			Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$	1,389		$	(909	)	$	2,289		$	(21,395	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax		(23,744	)		(24,128	)		(25,543	)		(40,307	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax		15,650			—			150,695			98,666

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic	$	(6,705	)	$	(25,037	)	$	127,441		$	36,964

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted	$	(6,705	)	$	(25,037	)	$	127,441		$	36,964

	Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		14,077			13,890			13,987			13,825

	Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted		15,297			13,890			15,124			13,825

	Basic income (loss) per common share:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated		0.1			(0.07	)		0.17			(1.54	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1.69	)		(1.74	)		(1.83	)		(2.92	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations		1.11			—			10.77			7.14

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated		(0.48	)		(1.81	)		9.11			2.68

	Diluted income (loss) per common share:
	Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated		0.09			(0.07	)		0.16			(1.54	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations		(1.55	)		(1.74	)		(1.69	)		(2.92	)
	Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations		1.02			—			9.96			7.14

	Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated		(0.44	)		(1.81	)		8.43			2.68

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 02, 2012	Jul. 01, 2009	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Globility Communications Corporation [Member]	Globility Canada [Member]	Contingent Value Rights ("CVRs") [Member]	Contingent Value Rights ("CVRs") [Member]	Fiber Optic and Submarine Cable [Member]	Fiber Optic and Submarine Cable [Member]	Network Equipment [Member]	Network Equipment [Member]	Furniture and Equipment [Member]
					Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage ownership through direct and indirect ownership structures	45.60%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase of Globility in Canada	'	54.40%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated useful lives of property and equipment	'	'	'	'	'8 years	'25 years	'5 years	'8 years	'5 years
Total common stock shares issued	'	'	3,657,157	2,665,000	'	'	'	'	'
Price per common stock shares issued	'	'	$26.20	$35.95	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value recorded in "other liabilities"	'	'	'	$2.60	'	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Goodwill	'	$60,744
Trade names	'	$27,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	$60,744
Nonamortizable Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Non reflected portion of goodwill	7,100	3,400
Primus Telecommunications Inc [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	3,700	'
International Carrier Services [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Non reflected portion of goodwill	20,292	19,313
Goodwill	$3,400	$3,400

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$60,744
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-776
Disposition of business	-55,954
Allocation to disposal group	-4,014
Goodwill, Ending Balance	'
United States [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	26,582
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	'
Disposition of business	-22,568
Allocation to disposal group	-4,014
Goodwill, Ending Balance	'
Canada [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	34,162
Effect of change in foreign currency exchange rates	-776
Disposition of business	-33,386
Allocation to disposal group	'
Goodwill, Ending Balance	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Canada [Member]

United States [Member]

BLACKIRON Data [Member]

North America Telecom [Member]

Primus Telecommunications Inc [Member]

Canada [Member]

United States [Member]

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Goodwill

$60,744,000

$34,162,000

$26,582,000

$20,200,000

$22,600,000

$3,700,000

Goodwill attributable to reporting unit

4,014,000

13,200,000

4,000,000

Sale of Trademark

27,000,000

Deferred tax liabilities

$10,500,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	'	$97,642
Accumulated Amortization	'	-61,618
Net Book Value	'	36,024
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	'	3,500
Accumulated Amortization	'	-1,140
Net Book Value	'	2,360
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	'	94,142
Accumulated Amortization	'	-60,478
Net Book Value	'	$33,664

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_7

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Primus Telecommunications Inc [Member], Customer Relationships [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Primus Telecommunications Inc [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Non reflected portion of net book values of customer relationships	$400

LongTerm_Obligations_LongTerm_

Long-Term Obligations - Long-Term Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Obligations under capital leases and other	'	'	$101
Subtotal	'	'	127,783
Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes	'	'	-671
Subtotal	'	'	127,112
Less: Current portion of long-term obligations	'	'	-66
Total long-term obligations	'	'	127,046
13% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Senior Secured Notes	0	'	2,403
10% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Senior Secured Notes	0	'	12,692
Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes	'	-100	'
10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Senior Secured Notes	0	'	112,587
Original issue discount on Senior Secured Notes	'	($500)	'

LongTerm_Obligations_LongTerm_1

Long-Term Obligations - Long-Term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
13% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Senior secured, percentage	13.00%
Senior Secured Notes Maturity Year	'2016
10% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Senior secured, percentage	10.00%
Senior Secured Notes Maturity Year	'2017
10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes Due 2017 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Senior secured, percentage	10.00%
Senior Secured Notes Maturity Year	'2017

LongTerm_Obligations_Additiona

Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Aug. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 19, 2012

Nov. 14, 2012

Sep. 17, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 30, 2013

Dec. 19, 2012

Nov. 14, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Non U S Subsidiaries [Member]

13% Senior Secured Notes Due 2016 [Member]

14 1/4% Senior Subordinated Secured Notes due 2013 [Member]

10% Senior Secured Notes Due 2017 [Member]

10% Senior Secured Exchange Notes Due 2017 [Member]

Ten Percentage Senior Secured Notes And Exchange Notes Due Two Thousand Seventeen [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Senior Secured Notes

13.00%

14.25%

10.00%

Cash deposited with trustee

$2,700,000

$130,800,000

Redemption date of Senior Notes

30-Aug-13

15-Apr-17

Principal amount outstanding

2,400,000

Percentage of redemption from aggregate principal amount (10% Exchange Notes )

106.50%

100.00%

Premiums and other costs

200,000

10,900,000

Deferred financing costs

3,700,000

9,500,000

Original issue discount included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt

20,000

700,000

Aggregate principal amount issued

240,200,000

25,700,000

86,900,000

Aggregate principal amount issued pursuant to Exchange Offers

228,600,000

Aggregate principal amount exchanged pursuant

11,600,000

Restructuring of debt

6,900,000

Capital stock held by foreign subsidiary

65.00%

Repurchase of Notes at a purchase price

100.00%

Selling of notes at a purchase price

100.00%

Aggregate principal amount

125,300,000

12,700,000

119,000,000

5,000,000

112,600,000

Purchase price in cash

109.00%

Percentage of face value

99.00%

Aggregate principal amount exchanged

23,800,000

79,700,000

Percentage of redemption from aggregate principal amount

100.00%

Restricted payment on notes

50,000,000

Premium paid to exchanging holders

9,100,000

Principal amount outstanding and Aggregate principal amount exchanged

2,403,000

12,692,000

112,587,000

Premiums and other costs

800,000

Deferred financing costs (10% Notes )

800,000

14,800,000

Original issue discount included in gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt (10% Notes )

$671,000

$100,000

$500,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Purchase Obligations and Non-Cancellable Operating Leases, Including Continuing Obligations of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Purchase Obligations	'
2013 (as of September 30, 2013)	$41
2014	162
2015	40
2016	'
2017	'
Thereafter	'
Total long-term obligations	243
Operating Leases	'
2013 (as of September 30, 2013)	1,112
2014	3,638
2015	2,840
2016	2,081
2017	1,609
Thereafter	3,278
Total long-term obligations	$14,558

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Purchase commitments	$2.50	$7.20

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dividend Adjustments [Member]	RSU [Member]	RSU [Member]	RSU [Member]	RSU [Member]	Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Options granted	'	'	690,948	216,993	650,948	'	'	'	'	690,948
Share-based compensation expense recognized	$0.20	$0.90	$1.70	$5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,386	286,208	'
Compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.6	'	'
Weighted average remaining period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year 1 month 6 days	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days
Unvested shares expected to vest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	66,000	'	'
RSUs awarded to certain employees, Vesting	'	'	'	'	'	22,334	17,368	'	'	'
Weighted average exercise price of options granted	'	'	'	'	$3.13	'	'	'	'	$3.64
Options forfeited	'	'	'	'	203,654	'	'	'	'	205,636
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited	'	'	'	'	$10.02	'	'	'	'	$10.01
Options exercised	'	'	70,657	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,657
Intrinsic Value	'	'	0.2	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	144,000
Compensation expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.2
Unvested shares expected to vest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	144,000
Weighted average remaining life	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'9 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average exercise price	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.79
Intrinsic value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.30

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (RSU [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
RSU [Member]	'
Summary of Company's restricted stock units, Shares	'
Shares, Beginning Balance, Unvested	286,208
Shares, Granted	20,000
Shares, Vested	-239,740
Shares, Forfeitures	-82
Shares, Ending Balance, Unvested	66,386
Summary of Company's restricted stock units, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested, Beginning balance	$12.91
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$11.89
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$12.44
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeitures	$15.60
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Unvested, Ending balance	$14.30

ShareBased_Compensation_Summar1

Share-Based Compensation - Summary of Company's Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares, Granted	690,948	216,993
Shares, Exercised	-70,657	'
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	212,244	'
Shares, Granted	690,948	'
Shares, Exercised	-70,657	'
Shares, Forfeitures	-205,636	'
Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	626,899	'
Shares, Eligible for exercise	483,175	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	9.24	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted	3.64	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	6.15	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeitures	10.01	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding, Ending Balance	3.16	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Eligible for exercise	2.98	'

ShareBased_Compensation_Intrin

Share-Based Compensation - Intrinsic Values and Remaining Contractual Terms of Company's Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Intrinsic Value, Options outstanding	$315,083
Intrinsic Value, Options exercisable	'
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years, Options outstanding	'8 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years, Options exercisable	'7 years 9 months 18 days

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jul. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jul. 01, 2009

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2009

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 01, 2009

Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]

Class A-1 [Member]

Common Class A 2 [Member]

Common Class A3 [Member]

Class A Warrants [Member]

Class B Warrants [Member]

Common stock, shares outstanding

14,218,823

13,933,529

Number of warrants entitled for purchase

1,000,000

Aggregate amount of common stock

1,000,000

1,500,000

Exercise price per share

12.22

16.53

20.5

26.01

Expiry date of Warrants

1-Jul-14

Trading days

'10 days

Weighted average price of common stock exceeding exercise price

150.00%

Percentage cash dividend from net income

45.00%

Decrease in exercise price per share

$2.79

$3.77

$4.67

$5.93

Increase in number of warrants entitled for purchase

4,216,253

4,386,218

6,579,322

Warrants exercised

58,058

Shares issued to contingent value rights

2,665,000

Strike price

$35.95

Decrease in Strike Price per share

$26.20

Increase in number of Shares

3,657,157

Dividend equivalent amount of each Dividend per RSU or share of restricted stock

$2.10

Stockholders_Equity_Summary_of

Stockholders' Equity - Summary of Special Cash Dividends (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
$1.00 Special Cash Dividend Per Share [Member]	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Special Cash Dividend Per Share	$1
Declaration Date	20-Jun-12
Holders of Record Date	2-Jul-12
Payment Date	16-Jul-12
Total Dividend	$13,804
$2.50 Special Cash Dividend Per Share [Member]	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Special Cash Dividend Per Share	$2.50
Declaration Date	14-Nov-12
Holders of Record Date	27-Nov-12
Payment Date	11-Dec-12
Total Dividend	34,551
$0.50 Special Cash Dividend Per Share [Member]	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Special Cash Dividend Per Share	$0.50
Declaration Date	11-Dec-12
Holders of Record Date	21-Dec-12
Payment Date	28-Dec-12
Total Dividend	6,910
$8.50 Special Cash Dividend Per Share [Member]	'
Dividends Payable [Line Items]	'
Special Cash Dividend Per Share	$8.50
Declaration Date	7-Aug-13
Holders of Record Date	20-Aug-13
Payment Date	27-Aug-13
Total Dividend	$119,788

Income_Taxes_Open_Tax_Years_fo

Income Taxes - Open Tax Years for Each Major Jurisdiction (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
United States [Member]	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'
Open tax years beginning	'2002
Open tax years ending	'2012
Canada [Member]	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'
Open tax years beginning	'2004
Open tax years ending	'2012
United Kingdom [Member]	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'
Open tax years beginning	'2004
Open tax years ending	'2012
Netherlands [Member]	'
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'
Open tax years beginning	'2007
Open tax years ending	'2012

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Annual limitation on ownership change	$7
Additional annual limitations to NOL	1.6
Arbinet Corporation Acquisition [Member]	'
Income Taxes Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Net operating loss carryforwards subject to annual limitation	$2.20

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated aggregate fair value of the Company's debt, based on quoted market prices	$0	'	$0	'	$125,400,000
Aggregate carrying value of the Company's debt	0	'	0	'	127,000,000
CVRs expired and the fair value was marked	0	'	0	'	'
Expense (Income) recognized	'	-235,000	-14,904,000	4,916,000	'
Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Expected life	'	'	'	'	'6 years 6 months 0 days
Expected volatility	'	'	'	'	40.96%
Dividend yield	'	'	'	'	0.00%
Exercise price	'	'	'	'	$26.20
Stock price	'	'	'	'	$10.87
Expense (Income) recognized	$0	($235,000)	($14,904,000)	$4,916,000	'
Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member] \| Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free rate	'	'	'	'	0.11%
Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member] \| Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Risk-free rate	'	'	'	'	2.43%

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Derivatives - Summary of Company's Financial Instruments Accounted for at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	$14,904
Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] \| Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	14,904
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] \| Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	14,904
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] \| Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	14,904
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Recurring Basis [Member] \| Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'

Recovered_Sheet1

Fair Value of Financial instruments and Derivatives - Summary of Company's Financial Instruments Accounted for at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	$60,744
Trade names	'	27,000
Total	21,749	103,506
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	60,744
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trade names	'	27,000
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Net Assets Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Net assets held for sale	21,749	15,762
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trade names	'	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Net Assets Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Net assets held for sale	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trade names	'	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Net Assets Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Net assets held for sale	'	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	21,749	103,506
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Goodwill [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	'	60,744
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Trade names	'	27,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] \| Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis [Member] \| Net Assets Held for Sale [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Net assets held for sale	$21,749	$15,762

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 17, 2013

Jun. 30, 2012

31-May-12

Jul. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

M2 [Member]

BLACKIRON Data [Member]

Primus Australian [Member]

North America Telecom [Member]

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

Working Capital Adjustment [Member]

Income Tax Related Liabilities [Member]

USD ($)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Outstanding equity value

$195,600,000

200,000,000

$195,700,000

192,400,000

Gain from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

15,650,000

150,695,000

98,666,000

135,000,000

98,600,000

15,600,000

Proceeds from sale placed in escrow

19,500,000

20,000,000

9,800,000

15,250,000

Sale price of outstanding placed in escrow

129,000,000

Idemnification obligation

12,900,000

Additional amount held in escrow

3,000,000

Adjusted remaining carrying value

300,000

Purchase consideration placed in escrow

6,450,000

4,000,000

4,800,000

Period of escrow to be released after closing date

'14 months

'30 days

Purchase agreement, amount

126,000,000

Amount released from escrow

5,400,000

4,400,000

Net gain

94,300,000

Attributed adjustment to the long-lived assets of ICS

$10,300,000

Discontinued_Operations_Summar

Discontinued Operations - Summarized Operating Results of Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Net revenue	$78,866	$134,960	$307,475	$552,319	'
Operating expenses	78,557	132,058	299,122	543,630	'
Income (loss) from operations	309	2,902	8,353	8,689	'
Interest expense	-2,851	-6,381	-11,365	-20,779	'
Gain (loss) on early extinguishment or restructuring of debt	-21,178	-21,083	-21,178	-21,083	'
Interest income and other income (expense)	-153	-38	-212	309	'
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	-345	291	-1,317	-2,467	'
Income (loss) before income tax	-24,218	-24,309	-25,719	-35,331	'
Income tax (expense) benefit	474	181	176	-4,976	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-23,744	-24,128	-25,543	-40,307	'
Summarized assets and liabilities classified as held for sale	'	'	'	'	'
Assets held for sale	53,478	'	53,478	'	40,066
Liabilities held for sale	31,729	'	31,729	'	24,304
International Carrier Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarized assets and liabilities classified as held for sale	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	20,515	'	20,515	'	16,070
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,964	'	3,964	'	4,196
Restricted cash	50	'	50	'	487
Long-lived assets	20,292	'	20,292	'	19,313
Assets held for sale	44,821	'	44,821	'	40,066
Accounts payable	6,858	'	6,858	'	10,580
Accrued interconnection costs	14,121	'	14,121	'	6,961
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,093	'	5,093	'	6,763
Liabilities held for sale	26,072	'	26,072	'	24,304
North America Telecom [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarized assets and liabilities classified as held for sale	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	949	'	949	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,020	'	1,020	'	'
Restricted cash	'	'	'	'	'
Long-lived assets	6,688	'	6,688	'	'
Assets held for sale	8,657	'	8,657	'	'
Accounts payable	1,053	'	1,053	'	'
Accrued interconnection costs	915	'	915	'	'
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,689	'	3,689	'	'
Liabilities held for sale	$5,657	'	$5,657	'	'

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_2

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive common share	0	0	0	0
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive common share	200,000	'	200,000	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	500,000	'	500,000
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Dilutive common share	1,100,000	'	1,000,000	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	4,800,000	'	4,800,000
Contingent Value Rights (CVRs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	2,800,000	'	2,800,000

Basic_and_Diluted_Income_Loss_3

Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Basic Income (Loss) Per Common Share to Diluted Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax	$1,389	($909)	$2,289	($21,395)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax	-23,744	-24,128	-25,543	-40,307
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	15,650	'	150,695	98,666
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-basic	-6,705	-25,037	127,441	36,964
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated-diluted	($6,705)	($25,037)	$127,441	$36,964
Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic	14,077	13,890	13,987	13,825
Weighted average common shares outstanding-diluted	15,297	13,890	15,124	13,825
Basic income (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	$0.10	($0.07)	$0.17	($1.54)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($1.69)	($1.74)	($1.83)	($2.92)
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations	$1.11	'	$10.77	$7.14
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	($0.48)	($1.81)	$9.11	$2.68
Diluted income (loss) per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	$0.09	($0.07)	$0.16	($1.54)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($1.55)	($1.74)	($1.69)	($2.92)
Gain (loss) from sale of discontinued operations	$1.02	'	$9.96	$7.14
Net income (loss) attributable to Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated	($0.44)	($1.81)	$8.43	$2.68

Subsequent_Events_Additional_I

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) (Subsequent Event [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Date of Plan Approval for delisting of Common Stock	4-Nov-13
Effective duration from filing date for delisting of common stock	'10 days
Effective duration of termination of registration of commons stock	'90 days