Alaska Communications Systems 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 19, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'ALSK	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001089511	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,377,244

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$31,920	$43,039
Restricted cash	467	467
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, net	33,864	34,066
Materials and supplies	10,784	10,131
Prepayments and other current assets	7,413	7,300
Deferred income taxes	9,975	7,144
Total current assets	94,423	102,147
Property, plant and equipment	1,351,056	1,344,949
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	-999,300	-992,936
Property, plant and equipment, net	351,756	352,013
Goodwill	5,892	4,650
Debt issuance costs	6,226	6,929
Deferred income taxes	12,435	15,572
Equity method investments	262,130	266,972
Other assets	396	502
Total assets	733,258	748,785
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term obligations	4,798	14,256
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities, non-affiliates	51,170	55,475
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities, affiliates, net	17,725	14,566
Advance billings and customer deposits	9,115	9,104
Total current liabilities	82,808	93,401
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	438,847	442,001
Other long-term liabilities	15,558	16,947
Deferred AWN capacity revenue, net of current portion	62,422	63,263
Total liabilities	599,635	615,612
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity (deficit):	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 49,375 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014; 48,680 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013	494	487
Additional paid in capital	152,258	152,193
Accumulated deficit	-14,283	-13,898
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-4,846	-5,609
Total stockholders' equity	133,623	133,173
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$733,258	$748,785

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000	145,000
Common stock, shares issued	49,375	48,680
Common stock, shares outstanding	49,375	48,680

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating revenues:	'	'
Operating revenues, non-affiliates	$76,545	$90,996
Operating revenues, affiliates	1,786	63
Total operating revenues	78,331	91,059
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of services and sales, non-affiliates	30,058	35,319
Cost of services and sales, affiliates	14,760	128
Selling, general and administrative	24,595	26,797
Depreciation and amortization	8,790	12,632
Loss on disposal of assets, net	401	41
Earnings from equity method investments	-8,523	'
Total operating expenses	70,081	74,917
Operating income	8,250	16,142
Other income and expense:	'	'
Interest expense	-8,857	-10,029
Interest income	8	10
Total other income and expense	-8,849	-10,019
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)	-599	6,123
Income tax benefit (expense)	214	-2,655
Net (loss) income	-385	3,468
Other comprehensive income:	'	'
Minimum pension liability adjustment	20	20
Income tax effect	-9	-9
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	184	183
Income tax effect	-76	-75
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	485	441
Income tax effect	-199	-181
Reclassification of loss on ineffective hedge	607	430
Income tax effect	-249	-177
Total other comprehensive income	763	632
Total comprehensive income	$378	$4,100
Net (loss) income per share:	'	'
Basic	($0.01)	$0.08
Diluted	($0.01)	$0.07
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	48,913	46,055
Diluted	48,913	46,563

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]
In Thousands
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$133,173	$487	$152,193	($13,898)	($5,609)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	48,680	'	'	'
Total comprehensive income (loss)	378	'	'	-385	763
Stock compensation	653	'	653	'	'
Surrender of shares to cover withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	-581	'	-581	'	'
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	'	7	-7	'	'
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares	'	695	'	'	'
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$133,623	$494	$152,258	($14,283)	($4,846)
Ending Balance, Shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	49,375	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net (loss) income	($385)	$3,468
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	8,790	12,632
Loss on disposal of assets	401	41
Unrealized gain on ineffective hedge	'	-420
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	1,398	1,426
Amortization of ineffective hedge	607	430
Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue	-841	'
Stock-based compensation	653	1,219
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	-227	2,655
Provision for uncollectible accounts	565	268
Cash distribution from equity method investments	8,523	'
Earnings from equity method investments	-8,523	'
Other non-cash expense, net	-3	40
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	2,868	3,809
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,826	25,568
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-7,164	-5,968
Capitalized interest	-738	-483
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	-7,186	-3,151
Non-cash acquisition, cash received	68	'
Proceeds on sale of assets	'	1,935
Return of capital from equity investment	4,010	'
Net change in restricted cash	'	-1
Net cash used by investing activities	-11,010	-7,668
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Repayments of long-term debt	-13,354	-15,015
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	-581	-630
Net cash used by financing activities	-13,935	-15,645
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-11,119	2,255
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	43,039	16,839
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	31,920	19,094
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:	'	'
Interest paid	6,562	7,164
Income tax paid	13	'
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:	'	'
Property acquired under capital leases	44	2
Additions to ARO asset	214	30
Non-cash acquisition purchase price, net of cash received	$1,850	'

Description_of_Company_and_Sum

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	1	DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” and “ACS”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides integrated communication services to business, wholesale and consumer customers in the State of Alaska and beyond using its statewide and interstate telecommunications network.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows of Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. and the following wholly owned subsidiaries:
	•      Alaska Communications Systems		•      Crest Communications Corporation (“Crest”)
	Holdings, Inc. (“ACS Holdings”)
			•      WCI Cable, Inc.
	•      ACS of Alaska, LLC (“ACSAK”)		•      WCIC Hillsboro, LLC.
	•      ACS of the Northland, LLC (“ACSN”)		•      Alaska Northstar Communications, LLC.
	•      ACS of Fairbanks, LLC (“ACSF”)		•      WCI Lightpoint, LLC.
	•      ACS of Anchorage, LLC (“ACSA”)		•      Worldnet Communications, Inc.
	•      ACS Wireless, Inc. (“ACSW”)		•      Alaska Fiber Star, LLC.
	•      ACS Long Distance, LLC (“ACSLD”)		•      TekMate, LLC
	•      ACS Internet, LLC (“ACSI”)
	•      ACS Messaging, Inc. (“ACSM”)
	•      ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”)
	In addition to the wholly owned subsidiaries, the Company has a one-third interest in Alaska Wireless Network, LLC (“AWN”) which is represented in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as an equity method investment. The Company acquired a 49% interest in TekMate, LLC (“TekMate”), a leading managed information technology (“IT”) services firm in Alaska, on August 31, 2010; on January 31, 2014, the Company purchased the remaining 51% interest in TekMate. The Company believes this acquisition will further strengthen our capabilities to provide integrated IT and network managed services to our customers. TekMate is now a wholly owned subsidiary.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows for all periods presented. The comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of comprehensive income which might be expected for the entire year or any other interim periods. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, balance sheet amounts, or cash flows.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Acquisition_of_TekMate

Acquisition of TekMate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisition of TekMate	'
	2	ACQUISITION OF TEKMATE
	The Company acquired a 49% interest in TekMate on August 31, 2010 for $2,060, and reported this 49% interest as an equity method investment on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company purchased the remaining 51% interest in TekMate for the following consideration:
		•		$800, payable in cash or the Company’s common stock at the Company’s option, on or about May 15, 2014 and,
		•		Zero to $700, payable in cash on or about March 31, 2015, subject to the attainment of certain revenue projections in 2014 and certain other terms regarding the founders of TekMate remaining employed with ACS for a specified period of time.
	The Company accounted for the purchase of the remaining 51% interest in TekMate at fair value using the acquisition method. The Company ceased to report TekMate as an equity method investment and consolidated its operations into Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are reported in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and the equity method investment of $831 at January 31, 2014 was eliminated. The following table is a preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 31, 2014:
	Current assets		$	1,020
	Non-current assets		$	370
	Current liabilities		$	467
	Non-current liabilities		$	247
	Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed		$	676
	The preliminary estimate of goodwill on the acquisition is as follows:
	Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration)		$	1,087
	Fair value of equity method investment			831
	Total consideration			1,918
	Fair value of assets acquired			1,390
	Fair value of liabilities assumed			(714	)
	Total net assets			676
	Goodwill		$	1,242
	In the period January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2014 TekMate’s earnings were $12 and they made $33 in cash distributions to the Company. At January 31, 2014, undistributed earnings of TekMate were $0. Pro forma financial information has been omitted from this filing as TekMate does not represent a significant business combination.

Equity_Method_Investments

Equity Method Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Equity Method Investments	'
	3	EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
	The Company’s equity method investment at March 31, 2014 consists of a one-third interest in AWN. See Note 2 Acquisition of TekMate for information regarding the purchase of the remaining membership interests during the quarter ended March 31, 2014. The following table provides the Company’s ownership interest and investment in at the dates indicated:
			March  31,			December  31,			March 31,		December 31,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
			Ownership			Ownership
			Interest			Interest
	TekMate, LLC			100	%		49	%	$	—	$	853
	Alaska Wireless Network, LLC			33	%		33	%	$	262,130	$	266,119
	Summarized financial information on AWN is as follows:
			March 31,
			2014
	Current assets		$	153,360
	Non-current assets		$	542,583
	Current liabilities		$	100,395
	Non-current liabilities		$	26,353
	Equity		$	569,195
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014
	Operating revenues		$	63,037
	Gross profit		$	43,918
	Operating income		$	26,969
	Net income		$	26,877
	Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1)		$	34,501
	-1	Adjusted Free Cash Flow as defined in the Operating Agreement.
	The following table provides a reconciliation of AWN’s total equity and ACS’ equity method investment as of March 31, 2014:
			Amount
	AWN total equity as reported		$	569,195
	Less amount attributed to GCI			335,169
	Amount attributed to ACS			234,026
	Plus:
	Step-up in basis of GCI contribution attributable to ACS, net of amortization of fair value adjustment			33,942
	Difference in distribution			4,167
	Less:
	Difference in preliminary estimate of fair value			(3,950	)
	Difference in income allocation method			(6,055	)
	ACS investment in AWN		$	262,130
	Under the terms of the Facilities Network Use Agreement between GCI, the Company, and AWN (the “FNUA”), GCI and the Company are entitled to request a cash subsidy from AWN for wireless handsets sold to their retail customers (“Subsidy”). In the quarter ended March 31, 2014, GCI did not request this cash subsidy from AWN. When we recorded our earnings from equity method investees for AWN we estimated the GCI Subsidy for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 at zero. We have estimated a possible range of GCI Subsidy as zero to $5,500 for the quarter which would decrease the Company’s earnings from equity method investees by zero to $1,833. Until we receive further information from AWN about the amount or timing of when these payments might resume, or the periods they will apply them to, no amount within this range is deemed to have a better probability of occurring and accordingly, we recorded the low end of the range (zero) as required by ASC 450. GCI waived their right to reimbursement for Subsidies in 2013. Should GCI request to apply for a retroactive Subsidy for the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we will revise our estimate in the period in which it becomes probable and estimable and will record it in earnings from equity method investees.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	4	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	The fair values of cash equivalents, restricted cash, other short-term monetary assets and liabilities and capital leases approximate carrying values due to their nature. The fair value of the Company’s 2010 Senior Secured Credit Facility (“Senior Credit Facility”), convertible notes and other long-term obligations of $428,682 at March 31, 2014, were estimated based primarily on quoted market prices (Level 1). The carrying values of these liabilities totaled $443,645 at March 31, 2014.
	The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable input to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable input reflects market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable input reflects internal market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
		•		Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
		•		Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and
		•		Level 3 - Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.
	Financial assets and liabilities are classified within the fair value hierarchy in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured, as well as their level within the fair value hierarchy.
	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, at each hierarchical level:
			March 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
			Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps		$	(2,750	)	$	—		$	(2,750	)	$	—	$	(3,234	)	$	—	$	(3,234	)	$	—
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to manage variable interest rate risk. The notional amounts of these swaps are $115,500 and $77,000 with interest rates of 7.220% and 7.225%, respectively, inclusive of a 4.75% LIBOR spread. The swaps began on June 30, 2012 and expire on September 30, 2015.
	The outstanding amount of the swaps as of a period end are reported on the balance sheet at fair value, represented by the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the swap. They are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of the contracts and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
	The following table presents information about the floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps in the notional amounts of $192,500 as of and for the three month period ending March 31, 2014 and notional amounts of $385,000 as of and for the three months ending March 31, 2013:
			2014			2013
	Beginning Balance at January 1,		$	3,234		$	9,819
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other long-term liabilities			(484	)		(440	)
	Change in fair value credited to interest expense			—			(420	)
	Ending Balance at March 31,		$	2,750		$	8,959

LongTerm_Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Obligations	'
	5	LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
	Long-term obligations consist of the following at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
			2014			2013
	2010 senior credit facility term loan due 2016		$	332,700		$	345,900
	Debt discount - 2010 senior credit facility term loan due 2016			(1,479	)		(1,687	)
	6.25% convertible notes due 2018			114,000			114,000
	Debt discount - 6.25% convertible notes due 2018			(8,726	)		(9,213	)
	Capital leases and other long-term obligations			7,150			7,257
				443,645			456,257
	Less current portion			(4,798	)		(14,256	)
	Long-term obligations, net of current portion		$	438,847		$	442,001
	As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations for each of the five years and thereafter subsequent to March 31, 2014, were as follows:
	2014 (April 1 - December 31)		$	952
	2015 (January 1 - December 31)			15,417
	2016 (January 1 - December 31)			318,788
	2017 (January 1 - December 31)			506
	2018 (January 1 - December 31)			114,287
	2019 (January 1 - December 31)			278
	Thereafter			3,622
			$	453,850

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	6	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
			Defined			Interest			Total
			Benefit			Rate Swaps
			Pension
			Plan
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(2,238	)	$	(3,371	)	$	(5,609	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			11			286			297
	Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income			108			358			466
	Net other comprehensive income			119			644			763
	Balance, March 31, 2014		$	(2,119	)	$	(2,727	)	$	(4,846	)
	The estimated amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months is $1,278.

Stock_Incentive_Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Incentive Plans	'
	7	STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS
	Under the Company’s stock incentive plan, stock options, restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SSARs”), performance share units and other awards may be granted to officers, employees, consultants, and non-employee directors.
	The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
			Number			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
			of Shares			Average		Average		Intrinsic
						Exercise		Remaining		Value
						Price		Life
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013			24		$	5.36
	Granted			—			—
	Exercised			—			—
	Canceled or expired			—			—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014			24		$	5.36		0.32	$	—
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014			24		$	5.36		0.32	$	—
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, long-term incentive award and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
			Number			Weighted
			of Shares			Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013			946		$	3.58
	Granted			878			1.89
	Vested			(506	)		3.82
	Canceled or expired			—			5.68
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014			1,318		$	2.36
	The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
			Number			Weighted
			of Shares			Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013			1,184		$	2.94
	Granted			—			—
	Vested			(498	)		2.14
	Canceled or expired			(2	)		1.92
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014			684		$	3.53
	The following table summarizes the assumptions used for valuation of equity instruments granted during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			2014		2013
	Restricted stock:
	Risk free rate		0.03% - 0.19%		0.03% - 0.09%
	Expected annual forfeiture rate		9%		0% - 9%
	The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
			2014			2013
	Total compensation cost for share-based payments		$	653		$	1,219
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share)		$	1.89		$	1.79
	Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period		$	2,716		$	4,563
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised		$	—		$	—
	Unamortized share-based payments		$	2,587		$	2,597
	Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense			1.7			2

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	8	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding. Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. Potential common share equivalents include options, and restricted stock granted to employees and deferred shares granted to directors. The Company includes dilutive stock options based on the “treasury stock method.”
	Due to the Company’s net loss in the three month period ended March 31, 2014, 2,296 potential common share equivalents outstanding, which consisted of options, restricted stock and deferred shares granted to directors, were anti-dilutive and excluded from the calculation. In connection with the Company’s acquisition of the remaining 51% interest in TekMate, $800 is payable at the Company’s option either in cash or issuance of common stock on or about May 15, 2014. These shares, if converted, would be anti-dilutive and have been excluded from the calculation.
	In 2013, 311 options and SSARs, were out-of-the-money and therefore anti-dilutive and excluded from the calculation. Additionally, 11,088 and 11,672 shares related to the Company’s convertible notes were anti-dilutive for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
			2014			2013
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares		$	(385	)	$	3,468
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic shares			48,913			46,055
	Effect of stock-based compensation			—			508
	Diluted shares			48,913			46,563
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		$	(0.01	)	$	0.08
	Diluted		$	(0.01	)	$	0.07

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	9. RETIREMENT PLANS
	Multi-employer Defined Benefit Plan
	Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (“AEPF”). The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation to the AEPF. As a multi-employer defined benefit plan, the accumulated benefits and plan assets are not determined for, or allocated separately to, the individual employer. This plan was not in endangered or critical status during the plan year; however, it is not fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) as of March 31, 2014.
	Defined Benefit Plan
	The Company has a separate defined benefit plan that covers certain employees previously employed by Century Telephone Enterprise, Inc. (“CenturyTel Plan”). This plan was transferred to the Company in connection with the acquisition of CenturyTel, Inc.’s Alaska properties, whereby assets and liabilities of the CenturyTel Plan were transferred to the ACS Retirement Plan on September 1, 1999. This plan is not fully funded under ERISA as of March 31, 2014.
	The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Interest cost	$	160		$	160
	Expected return on plan assets		(180	)		(180	)
	Amortization of loss		204			203
	Net periodic pension expense	$	184		$	183

Business_Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments	'
	10	BUSINESS SEGMENTS
	The Company operates its business under a single reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker assesses the financial performance of the business as follows: (i) revenues are managed on the basis of specific customers and customer groups; (ii) costs are managed and assessed by function and generally support the organization across all customer groups or revenue streams; (iii) profitability is assessed at the consolidated level; and (iv) investment decisions and the assessment of existing assets are based on the support they provide to all revenue streams.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	11	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company enters into purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business, including minimum purchase agreements with certain suppliers of handsets. The Company also has long-term purchase contracts with vendors to support the on-going needs of its business. These purchase commitments and contracts have varying terms and in certain cases may require the Company to buy goods and services in the future at predetermined volumes and at fixed prices. The Company also has an obligation to spend up to $5,000 in capital expenditures to allow AWN to access certain components of the capacity contributed by the Company to AWN. Additionally, in accordance with the Operating Agreement, ACS as a member of AWN is required to purchase its wholesale wireless services from AWN.
	The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and has recorded litigation reserves of $481 at March 31, 2014 against certain current claims and legal actions. The Company believes that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, comprehensive income or cash flows. It is the Company’s policy to expense costs associated with loss contingencies, including any related legal fees, as they are incurred.

Description_of_Company_and_Sum1

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
	In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows for all periods presented. The comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, are not necessarily indicative of comprehensive income which might be expected for the entire year or any other interim periods. The balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations, balance sheet amounts, or cash flows.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements	'
	The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable input to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable input reflects market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable input reflects internal market assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:
		•	Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
		•	Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and
		•	Level 3 - Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

Acquisition_of_TekMate_Tables

Acquisition of TekMate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Preliminary Estimate of the Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table is a preliminary estimate of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 31, 2014:
	Current assets	$	1,020
	Non-current assets	$	370
	Current liabilities	$	467
	Non-current liabilities	$	247
	Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$	676
Preliminary Estimate of Goodwill on the Acquisition	'
	The preliminary estimate of goodwill on the acquisition is as follows:
	Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration)	$	1,087
	Fair value of equity method investment		831
	Total consideration		1,918
	Fair value of assets acquired		1,390
	Fair value of liabilities assumed		(714	)
	Total net assets		676
	Goodwill	$	1,242

Equity_Method_Investments_Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments And Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Company's Ownership Interest and Investment	'
	The following table provides the Company’s ownership interest and investment in at the dates indicated:
			March  31,			December  31,			March 31,		December 31,
			2014			2013			2014		2013
			Ownership			Ownership
			Interest			Interest
	TekMate, LLC			100	%		49	%	$	—	$	853
	Alaska Wireless Network, LLC			33	%		33	%	$	262,130	$	266,119
Summarized Financial Information	'
	Summarized financial information on AWN is as follows:
			March 31,
			2014
	Current assets		$	153,360
	Non-current assets		$	542,583
	Current liabilities		$	100,395
	Non-current liabilities		$	26,353
	Equity		$	569,195
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014
	Operating revenues		$	63,037
	Gross profit		$	43,918
	Operating income		$	26,969
	Net income		$	26,877
	Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1)		$	34,501
	-1	Adjusted Free Cash Flow as defined in the Operating Agreement.
Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Equity to Equity Method Investment	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation of AWN’s total equity and ACS’ equity method investment as of March 31, 2014:
			Amount
	AWN total equity as reported		$	569,195
	Less amount attributed to GCI			335,169
	Amount attributed to ACS			234,026
	Plus:
	Step-up in basis of GCI contribution attributable to ACS, net of amortization of fair value adjustment			33,942
	Difference in distribution			4,167
	Less:
	Difference in preliminary estimate of fair value			(3,950	)
	Difference in income allocation method			(6,055	)
	ACS investment in AWN		$	262,130

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, at each hierarchical level:
		March 31, 2014											December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3		Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Other long-term liabilities:
	Interest rate swaps	$	(2,750	)	$	—		$	(2,750	)	$	—	$	(3,234	)	$	—	$	(3,234	)	$	—
Schedule of Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap	'
	The following table presents information about the floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps in the notional amounts of $192,500 as of and for the three month period ending March 31, 2014 and notional amounts of $385,000 as of and for the three months ending March 31, 2013:
		2014			2013
	Beginning Balance at January 1,	$	3,234		$	9,819
	Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other long-term liabilities		(484	)		(440	)
	Change in fair value credited to interest expense		—			(420	)
	Ending Balance at March 31,	$	2,750		$	8,959

LongTerm_Obligations_Tables

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-term Obligations	'
	Long-term obligations consist of the following at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively:
		2014			2013
	2010 senior credit facility term loan due 2016	$	332,700		$	345,900
	Debt discount - 2010 senior credit facility term loan due 2016		(1,479	)		(1,687	)
	6.25% convertible notes due 2018		114,000			114,000
	Debt discount - 6.25% convertible notes due 2018		(8,726	)		(9,213	)
	Capital leases and other long-term obligations		7,150			7,257
			443,645			456,257
	Less current portion		(4,798	)		(14,256	)
	Long-term obligations, net of current portion	$	438,847		$	442,001
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations	'
	As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations for each of the five years and thereafter subsequent to March 31, 2014, were as follows:
	2014 (April 1 - December 31)	$	952
	2015 (January 1 - December 31)		15,417
	2016 (January 1 - December 31)		318,788
	2017 (January 1 - December 31)		506
	2018 (January 1 - December 31)		114,287
	2019 (January 1 - December 31)		278
	Thereafter		3,622
		$	453,850

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Defined			Interest			Total
		Benefit			Rate Swaps
		Pension
		Plan
	Balance, December 31, 2013	$	(2,238	)	$	(3,371	)	$	(5,609	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		11			286			297
	Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income		108			358			466
	Net other comprehensive income		119			644			763
	Balance, March 31, 2014	$	(2,119	)	$	(2,727	)	$	(4,846	)

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of Activity for Stock Options	'
	The following table summarizes the stock option activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Number			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		of Shares			Average		Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise		Remaining		Value
					Price		Life
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013		24		$	5.36
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Canceled or expired		—			—
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014		24		$	5.36		0.32	$	—
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014		24		$	5.36		0.32	$	—
Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-Term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation	'
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, long-term incentive award and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Number			Weighted
		of Shares			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		946		$	3.58
	Granted		878			1.89
	Vested		(506	)		3.82
	Canceled or expired		—			5.68
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014		1,318		$	2.36
Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units	'
	The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the three month period ended March 31, 2014:
		Number			Weighted
		of Shares			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013		1,184		$	2.94
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		(498	)		2.14
	Canceled or expired		(2	)		1.92
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014		684		$	3.53
Summary of Assumptions Used for Valuation of Equity Instruments Granted	'
	The following table summarizes the assumptions used for valuation of equity instruments granted during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014		2013
	Restricted stock:
	Risk free rate	0.03% - 0.19%		0.03% - 0.09%
	Expected annual forfeiture rate	9%		0% - 9%
Share-Based Compensation	'
	The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$	653		$	1,219
	Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share)	$	1.89		$	1.79
	Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period	$	2,716		$	4,563
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	—		$	—
	Unamortized share-based payments	$	2,587		$	2,597
	Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense		1.7			2

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	'
	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		2014			2013
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	$	(385	)	$	3,468
	Weighted average common shares outstanding:
	Basic shares		48,913			46,055
	Effect of stock-based compensation		—			508
	Diluted shares		48,913			46,563
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	$	(0.01	)	$	0.08
	Diluted	$	(0.01	)	$	0.07

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan	'
	The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		2014			2013
	Interest cost	$	160		$	160
	Expected return on plan assets		(180	)		(180	)
	Amortization of loss		204			203
	Net periodic pension expense	$	184		$	183

Description_of_Company_and_Sum2

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2010
TekMate, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investments	'	51.00%	'	49.00%
Business purchase date	31-Aug-10	'	'	'
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investments	100.00%	'	49.00%	'
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investments	33.33%	'	33.00%	'

Acquisition_of_TekMate_Additio

Acquisition of TekMate - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment	'	$262,130	$266,972	'
Earnings of equity method investment	'	8,523	'	'
TekMate, LLC [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment in TekMate, LLC	51.00%	'	'	49.00%
Business purchase date	'	31-Aug-10	'	'
Purchase of equity investment	'	2,060	'	'
Equity Method Investment	831	'	853	'
Earnings of equity method investment	12	'	'	'
Cash distributions	33	'	'	'
Undistributed earnings	0	'	'	'
TekMate, LLC [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Consideration payable in cash	'	0	'	'
TekMate, LLC [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Consideration payable in cash	'	700	'	'
TekMate, LLC [Member] | Forecast [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Consideration payable in cash or stock	'	$800	'	'

Acquisition_of_TekMate_Prelimi

Acquisition of TekMate - Preliminary Estimate of the Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Combination Description [Abstract]	'
Current assets	$1,020
Non-current assets	370
Current liabilities	467
Non-current liabilities	247
Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed	$676

Acquisition_of_TekMate_Prelimi1

Acquisition of TekMate - Preliminary Estimate of Goodwill on the Acquisition (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of equity method investment	$262,130	'	$266,972
Total net assets	'	676	'
Goodwill	5,892	'	4,650
TekMate, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'
Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration)	1,087	'	'
Fair value of equity method investment	831	'	'
Total consideration	1,918	'	'
Fair value of assets acquired	1,390	'	'
Fair value of liabilities assumed	-714	'	'
Total net assets	676	'	'
Goodwill	$1,242	'	'

Equity_Method_Investment_Addit

Equity Method Investment - Additional Information (Detail) (Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investments	33.33%	33.00%	'	'
AWN Wireless Equipment Subsidy to GCI	$0	'	$0	$5,500
Earnings from equity method investees	'	'	$0	$1,833

Equity_Method_Investment_Sched

Equity Method Investment - Schedule of Company's Ownership Interest and Investment (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity Method Investment	262,130	'	$266,972
TekMate, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage Ownership Interest in equity method investment	100.00%	'	49.00%
Equity Method Investment	'	831	853
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage Ownership Interest in equity method investment	33.33%	'	33.00%
Equity Method Investment	262,130	'	$266,119

Equity_Method_Investments_Summ

Equity Method Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current assets	$94,423	'	$102,147
Current liabilities	82,808	'	93,401
Equity	133,623	'	133,173
Operating revenues	78,331	91,059	'
Net income	-385	3,468	'
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'
Current assets	153,360	'	'
Non-current assets	542,583	'	'
Current liabilities	100,395	'	'
Non-current liabilities	26,353	'	'
Equity	569,195	'	'
Operating revenues	63,037	'	'
Gross profit	43,918	'	'
Operating income	26,969	'	'
Net income	26,877	'	'
Adjusted Free Cash Flow	$34,501	'	'

Equity_Method_Investments_Sche

Equity Method Investments - Schedule of Reconciliation of Total Equity to Equity Method Investment (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity	$133,623	$133,173
ACS investment in AWN	262,130	266,972
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity	569,195	'
Step-up in basis of GCI contribution attributable to ACS, net of amortization of fair value adjustment	33,942	'
Difference in distribution	4,167	'
Difference in preliminary estimate of fair value	-3,950	'
Difference in income allocation method	-6,055	'
ACS investment in AWN	262,130	266,119
ACS [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity	234,026	'
GCI [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Equity	$335,169	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term obligations	$443,645	'	$456,257
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, one	115,500	'	'
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, two	77,000	'	'
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, one	7.22%	'	'
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, two	7.23%	'	'
LIBOR spread	4.75%	'	'
Commencing swaps date	30-Jun-12	'	'
Expiry date	30-Sep-15	'	'
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps	192,500	385,000	'
Estimated Value [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of long-term obligations	428,682	'	'
Carrying Values [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Long-term obligations	$443,645	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Balanc

Fair Value Measurements - Balances of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Interest Rate Swaps [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities, Interest rate swaps	($2,750)	($3,234)	($8,959)	($9,819)
Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities, Interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'
Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities, Interest rate swaps	-2,750	-3,234	'	'
Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other long-term liabilities, Interest rate swaps	'	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Floating-to-Fixed Interest Rate Swap (Detail) (Interest Rate Swaps [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$3,234	$9,819
Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to other long-term liabilities	-484	-440
Change in fair value credited to interest expense	'	-420
Ending Balance	$2,750	$8,959

LongTerm_Obligations_Schedule_

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-term Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$7,150	$7,257
Long-term obligations	443,645	456,257
Less current portion	-4,798	-14,256
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	438,847	442,001
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term obligations	332,700	345,900
Debt instrument unamortized discount	-1,479	-1,687
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term obligations	114,000	114,000
Debt instrument unamortized discount	($8,726)	($9,213)

LongTerm_Obligations_Schedule_1

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Maturity year of senior credit facility term loan - start	21-Oct-10
Maturity year of convertible notes	21-Oct-16
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
Maturity year of convertible notes	1-May-18

LongTerm_Obligations_Schedule_2

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
2014 (April 1 - December 31)	$952
2015 (January 1 - December 31)	15,417
2016 (January 1 - December 31)	318,788
2017 (January 1 - December 31)	506
2018 (January 1 - December 31)	114,287
2019 (January 1 - December 31)	278
Thereafter	3,622
Total	$453,850

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	($5,609)	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	297	'
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	466	'
Total other comprehensive income	763	632
Ending Balance	-4,846	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-3,371	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	286	'
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	358	'
Total other comprehensive income	644	'
Ending Balance	-2,727	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-2,238	'
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	11	'
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	108	'
Total other comprehensive income	119	'
Ending Balance	($2,119)	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Detail) (Interest Expense [Member], Next Twelve Months [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest Expense [Member] | Next Twelve Months [Member]	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense	$1,278

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Stock Options (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Number of Shares - Outstanding, December 31, 2013	24
Number of Shares - Granted	'
Number of Shares - Exercised	'
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired	'
Number of Shares - Outstanding at March 31, 2014	24
Number of Shares - Exercisable at March 31, 2014	24
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Outstanding, December 31, 2013	$5.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Granted	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercised	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Canceled or expired	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Outstanding at March 31, 2014	$5.36
Weighted Average Exercise Price - Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$5.36
Weighted Average Remaining Life - Outstanding at March 31, 2014	'3 months 26 days
Weighted Average Remaining Life - Exercisable at March 31, 2014	'3 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Outstanding at March 31, 2014	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value - Exercisable at March 31, 2014	'

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_1

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-Term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Summary of activity for restricted stock units, long-term incentive awards and non-employee director stock compensation	'
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2013	946
Number of Shares - Granted	878
Number of Shares - Vested	-506
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired	'
Number of Shares - Nonvested at March 31, 2014	1,318
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2013	$3.58
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted	$1.89
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested	$3.82
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired	$5.68
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at March 31, 2014	$2.36

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_2

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Detail) (Performance Share Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Performance Share Units [Member]	'
Summary of activity for performance share units	'
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2013	1,184
Number of Shares - Granted	'
Number of Shares - Vested	-498
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired	-2
Number of Shares - Nonvested at March 31, 2014	684
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2013	$2.94
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested	$2.14
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired	$1.92
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at March 31, 2014	$3.53

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Summary_3

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Assumptions Used for Valuation of Equity Instruments Granted (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Restricted stock:	'	'
Risk free rate, Minimum	0.03%	0.03%
Risk free rate, Maximum	0.19%	0.09%
Expected annual forfeiture rate	9.00%	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Restricted stock:	'	'
Expected annual forfeiture rate	'	0.00%
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Restricted stock:	'	'
Expected annual forfeiture rate	'	9.00%

Stock_Incentive_Plans_ShareBas

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-Based Compensation (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'	'
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$653	$1,219
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share)	$1.89	$1.79
Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period	2,716	4,563
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'
Unamortized share-based payments	$2,587	$2,597
Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'2 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Common Stock [Member]	TekMate, LLC [Member]	TekMate, LLC [Member]	TekMate, LLC [Member]	Employee Stock Option [Member]	Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]	Convertible Note [Member]	Convertible Note [Member]
				Forecast [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	2,296	'	'	'	311	311	11,088	11,672
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investments	'	51.00%	49.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Consideration payable in cash or stock	'	'	'	$800	'	'	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract]	'	'
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares	($385)	$3,468
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic shares	48,913	46,055
Effect of stock-based compensation	'	508
Diluted shares	48,913	46,563
Earnings per share:	'	'
Basic	($0.01)	$0.08
Diluted	($0.01)	$0.07

Retirement_Plans_Summary_of_Ne

Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Interest cost	$160	$160
Expected return on plan assets	-180	-180
Amortization of loss	204	203
Net periodic pension expense	$184	$183

Business_Segments_Additional_I

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of reportable segments in which business operates	1

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Capital expenditures obligation	$5,000
Litigation reserves	$481