Alaska Communications Systems 10-Q 4 Aug 16 2016 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jul. 22, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	ALSK
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,089,511
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,339,605

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 22,248	$ 36,001
Restricted cash	1,811	1,824
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,215 and $1,693	23,348	25,225
Materials and supplies	4,984	4,674
Prepayments and other current assets	4,280	8,068
Total current assets	56,671	75,792
Property, plant and equipment	1,346,470	1,337,098
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(979,952)	(967,776)
Property, plant and equipment, net	366,518	369,322
Deferred income taxes	16,063	16,660
Other assets	1,762	1,827
Total assets	441,014	463,601
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	4,018	3,671
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	38,381	51,275
Advance billings and customer deposits	4,052	4,513
Total current liabilities	46,451	59,459
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	175,483	185,018
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	63,622	65,265
Total liabilities	285,556	309,742
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 51,339 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2016; 50,530 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2015	513	505
Additional paid in capital	157,954	156,971
Accumulated deficit	(1,231)	(1,634)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,889)	(3,086)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	154,347	152,756
Noncontrolling interest	1,111	1,103
Total stockholders' equity	155,458	153,859
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 441,014	$ 463,601

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1,215	$ 1,693
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000,000	145,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	51,339,000	50,530,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,339,000	50,530,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues, non-affiliates	$ 56,262	$ 55,665	$ 112,590	$ 120,876
Operating revenues, affiliates				575
Total operating revenues	56,262	55,665	112,590	121,451
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales, non-affiliates	25,543	30,078	51,671	56,383
Cost of services and sales, affiliates				4,961
Selling, general and administrative	17,586	22,611	34,926	50,595
Depreciation and amortization	8,640	8,075	17,160	17,016
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	128	(724)	152	(39,386)
Earnings from equity method investments				(3,056)
Total operating expenses	51,897	60,040	103,909	86,513
Operating income (loss)	4,365	(4,375)	8,681	34,938
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(3,852)	(4,257)	(7,721)	(11,676)
Loss on extinguishment of debt			(336)	(2,628)
Interest income	6	17	11	42
Total other income and (expense)	(3,846)	(4,240)	(8,046)	(14,262)
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit	519	(8,615)	635	20,676
Income tax (expense) benefit	(236)	3,755	(299)	(9,319)
Net income (loss)	283	(4,860)	336	11,357
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(34)	(19)	(67)	(19)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	317	(4,841)	403	11,376
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability adjustment	14	21	28	42
Income tax effect	(6)	(9)	(15)	(18)
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	217	273	434	546
Income tax effect	(89)	(112)	(178)	(224)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	(49)	198	(174)	397
Income tax effect	20	(82)	71	(163)
Reclassification to interest expense	26	10	53	1,970
Income tax effect	(11)	(4)	(22)	(810)
Total other comprehensive income	122	295	197	1,740
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	439	(4,546)	600	13,116
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(34)	(19)	(67)	(19)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(34)	(19)	(67)	(19)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 405	$ (4,565)	$ 533	$ 13,097
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.23
Diluted	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.22
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	51,231	50,252	50,986	50,085
Diluted	52,138	50,252	52,006	51,082

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2016 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 153,859	$ 505	$ 156,971	$ (1,634)	$ (3,086)	$ 1,103
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		50,530
Total comprehensive income (loss)	533			403	197	(67)
Stock compensation	1,447		1,447
Extinguishment of convertible note options	(61)		(61)
Excess tax expense from share-based payments	(51)		(51)
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(472)		(472)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	128	$ 8	120
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares		809
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	75					75
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2016	$ 155,458	$ 513	$ 157,954	$ (1,231)	$ (2,889)	$ 1,111
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2016		51,339

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 336	$ 11,357
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,160	17,016
Gain on wireless sale		(41,140)
Loss on disposal of assets, net	152	1,754
Unrealized gain on ineffective hedge		(542)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	2,021	2,043
Amortization of ineffective hedge		1,970
Loss on extinguishment of debt	336	2,628
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(1,702)	(1,469)
Stock-based compensation	1,447	1,279
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	495	(3,394)
Charge for uncollectible accounts	77	1,319
Cash distribution from equity method investments		3,056
Earnings from equity method investments		(3,056)
Other non-cash expense, net	414	543
Income taxes (receivable) payable	(722)	8,038
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(1,077)	(9,648)
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities	18,937	(8,246)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(13,662)	(26,133)
Capitalized interest	(548)	(788)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	(9,156)	674
Proceeds on wireless sale		278,068
Proceeds on sale of assets	2,663	3,126
Return of capital from equity investment		1,875
Net change in restricted cash	13
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(20,690)	256,822
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(11,486)	(242,837)
Debt issuance costs	(44)	(1,042)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment	(150)
Cash paid in acquisition of business		(291)
Cash proceeds from noncontrolling interest	75	250
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(472)	(402)
Excess tax (expense) benefit from share-based payments	(51)	733
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	128	135
Net cash used by financing activities	(12,000)	(243,454)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(13,753)	5,122
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	36,001	31,709
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	22,248	36,831
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	6,359	8,941
Income taxes paid, net	$ 577	$ 3,942

Description of Company and Summ

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 “Alaska Communications”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides broadband telecommunication and managed information technology (“managed IT”) services to customers in the State of Alaska and beyond using its 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 Holdings, Inc. (“ACS Holdings”) • Crest Communications Corporation • 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”) • World Net Communications, Inc. • ACS Wireless, Inc. (“ACSW”) • Alaska Fiber Star, LLC • ACS Long Distance, LLC (“ACSLD”) • TekMate, LLC (“TekMate”) • ACS Internet, LLC (“ACSI”) • ACS Messaging, Inc. (“ACSM”) • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) In addition to the wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company has a fifty percent interest in ACS-Quintillion JV, LLC, a joint venture formed by its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC (“QHL”) in connection with the North Slope fiber optic network. See Note 3 “ Joint Venture Sale of Wireless Operations” Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q The Company has consolidated the financial results of the joint venture with QHL based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 3 “ Joint Venture 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. Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, is 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, 2015 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 year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted Accountings Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-05, “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting

Sale of Wireless Operations

Sale of Wireless Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Sale of Wireless Operations [Member]
Sale of Wireless Operations	2. SALE OF WIRELESS OPERATIONS On December 4, 2014, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to sell to General Communication, Inc. (“GCI”), ACSW’s interest in AWN and substantially all the assets and subscribers used primarily in the wireless business of Alaska Communications and its affiliates (the “Wireless Sale”). The transaction was completed on February 2, 2015, and a gain of $41,140 was recorded in the six-month period ended June 30, 2015 subject to resolution of potential purchase price adjustments. The following table provides the calculation of the gain: Consideration: Cash $ 37,596 Cash held in escrow 9,000 Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility 240,472 Total consideration 287,068 Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold: Equity investment in AWN 250,192 Assets and liabilities, net 5,121 Net change in deferred capacity revenue (18,385 ) Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold 236,928 Contingent gain (9,000 ) Gain on disposal of assets $ 41,140 Upon resolution of purchase price adjustments in the second and third quarters of 2015, the final gain on the sale recorded in 2015 was $48,232 as detailed in the following table: Consideration: Cash $ 44,688 Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility 240,472 Total consideration 285,160 Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold: Equity investment in AWN 250,192 Assets and liabilities, net 5,121 Net change in deferred capacity revenue (18,385 ) Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold 236,928 Gain on disposal of assets $ 48,232 Cash proceeds on the sale in the six-month period ended June 30, 2015 were $278,068, of which $240,472 was used to pay down the Company’s 2010 Senior Secured Credit Facility. Following final resolution of adjustments for certain working capital assets and liabilities, minimum subscriber levels, preferred distributions and other adjustments, cash proceeds on the sale totaled $285,160 in 2015. In connection with its decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incurred a number of transaction related and wind-down costs in 2015. In addition, costs were incurred in connection with plans associated with synergies and future cost reductions resulting from the Company becoming a more focused broadband and managed IT services company. The costs incurred for wind-down and synergy activities include those associated with workforce reductions, termination of retail store and other contracts, and other associated obligations that meet the criteria for reporting as exit obligations under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 420, “ Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits The following table summarizes the Company’s current obligations for exit activities, including costs accounted for under both ASU 420 and ASU 712, as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016. No further charges under these plans are expected. Labor Contract Other Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,223 $ — $ — $ 1,223 Credited to expense (93 ) — — (93 ) Paid and/or settled (1,111 ) — — (1,111 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 19 $ — $ — $ 19 The exit liability is included in “Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities” on the Company’s “Consolidated Balance Sheets”.

Joint Venture

Joint Venture	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Joint Venture	3. JOINT VENTURE In the second quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a series of transactions including the acquisition of a fiber optic network on the North Slope of Alaska and the establishment of a joint venture with QHL. The network enables commercially-available, high-speed connectivity where only high-cost microwave and satellite communications was previously available. Through the Alaska Communications and QHL joint venture, this network has been made available to other telecom carriers in the market. Acquisition of Fiber Optic Network The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, acquired a fiber optic cable system (including conduit, licenses, permits and right-of-ways) running from the Kuparuk Operating Center to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Pump Station #1 (the “Fiber Optic System”). The purchase price was $11,000, $5,500 of which was paid by the Company at closing and the balance of which was paid on April 7, 2016. The Company sold to the previous owner a 30 year IRU on certain fibers from the Fiber Optic System. The sales price was $400, all of which was paid at closing. The Company also entered into agreements for the exchange of IRUs, pipeline access, conduit and future capacity, and the prepayment of certain fees and services. Transactions with QHL The Company sold certain fiber strands from the Fiber Optic System to QHL for $5,300, $2,650 of which was paid to the Company by QHL at closing and the balance of which was paid on March 31, 2016. The Company and QHL also exchanged 30 year IRU agreements. Formation of Joint Venture On April 2, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, entered into a joint venture agreement with QHL to form ACS-Quintillion JV, LLC (the “Joint Venture”) for the purpose of expanding the fiber optic network, and making the network available to other telecom carriers. The Joint Venture may also participate in and facilitate other capital and service initiatives in the telecom industry. The Company and QHL each contributed to the Joint Venture IRUs with a combined value of $1,844 ($922 by each party). Each party also contributed cash of $250. The Company contributed an additional IRU with a value of $461. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company and QHL executed an amendment to the operating agreement which provides the Company access to 50 percent of the Joint Venture’s initial in-field lit capacity in compensation for the Company’s contribution of the additional IRU at the Joint Venture’s formation. This amendment is effective as of the establishment date of the Joint Venture on April 2, 2015. In the second quarter of 2016, the Company and QHL each made an additional $75 capital contribution to the Joint Venture. The Company and QHL each hold a 50 percent voting interest in the Joint Venture. The Company determined that the Joint Venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, “ Consolidation The table below provides certain financial information about the Joint Venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Cash may be utilized only to settle obligations of the Joint Venture. Because the Joint Venture is an LLC, its creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. 2016 2015 Cash $ 71 $ 359 Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $77 and $26 $ 2,525 $ 2,278 The operating results and cash flows of the Joint Venture in the six-month period of 2016 were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	4. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS The Company had no equity method investments at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, the Company held a one-third interest in AWN through February 2, 2015. See Note 2 “ Sale of Wireless Operations” January 1 through February 2, 2015 Operating revenues $ 21,457 Gross profit $ 15,745 Operating income $ 9,757 Net income $ 9,722 Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1) $ 10,805 (1) Adjusted Free Cash Flow as defined in the Operating Agreement.

Fair Value Measurements and Der

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments	5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Measurements The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources and unobservable inputs reflect 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. • 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 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 estimated fair value of the Company’s 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (“6.25% Notes”) Notes of $86,222 at June 30, 2016, was estimated based on quoted market prices for identical instruments on dates different from the market trade date value (Level 2). The carrying value of the 6.25% Notes at June 30, 2016 was $90,760. The estimated fair value and carrying value of the Company’s 6.25% Notes were $97,769 and $99,359, respectively at December 31, 2015. The carrying values of the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facilities and other long-term obligations of $92,010 and $93,746 at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, approximate fair value primarily as a result of the stated interest rates of the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities approximating current market rates (Level 2). The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, at each hierarchical level: June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ (178 ) $ — $ (178 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ — Derivative Financial Instruments The Company currently uses interest rate swaps to manage variable interest rate risk. At low LIBOR rates, payments under the swaps increase the Company’s cash interest expense. 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 swaps, and are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of the contracts. As a component of the Company’s cash flow hedging strategy and to comply with the terms of the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities, on November 27, 2015, the Company entered into a pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swap in the notional amount of $44,827 with an interest rate of 5.833%, inclusive of a 4.5% LIBOR spread, and a maturity date of December 31, 2017. Hedge designation for this swap was established on December 18, 2015. The change in fair value between the swap’s acquisition date and designation date of $83 was charged to interest expense. Changes in fair value subsequent to the designation date are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss and are reclassified to interest expense when the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. See Note 9 “ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The notional amounts of pay-fixed, receive-floating interest rate swaps at June 30, 2015 were $115,500 and $77,000 with interest rates of 7.220% and 7.225%, respectively, inclusive of a 4.75% LIBOR spread. These swaps began on June 30, 2012 and expired on September 30, 2015. On December 4, 2014, upon the announcement of the sale of its wireless operations, $240,472 of the Company’s 2010 Senior Credit Facility was expected to be repaid. Hedge accounting treatment on the interest rate swap in the notional amount of $115,500 was discontinued because it became “possible” that the interest payments on which the swap were intended to hedge would not occur. At February 2, 2015, 95.5% or $110,268 of the $115,500 swap was deemed ineffective and, therefore, changes in fair value through the swap’s expiration on September 30, 2015 were recorded to interest expense. Through June 30, 2015, $541 was credited to interest expense for the ineffective portion. The following table presents the notional amount, fair value and balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of June 31, 2016 and December, 31, 2015: Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At June 30, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 43,788 $ 178 At December 31, 2015: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 44,827 $ 79 The following table presents gains and losses before income taxes on the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges for the three and six-month periods ending June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (49 ) $ 198 $ (174 ) $ 397 (Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion) (26 ) 10 (53 ) 1,970 Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) — 274 — 541

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	6. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 13,676 $ 17,362 Accounts payable - trade 11,773 16,057 Note payable, non-interest bearing, due 2016 — 5,500 Deferred capacity and other revenue 5,396 4,292 Other 7,536 8,064 $ 38,381 $ 51,275 Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Advance billings $ 4,021 $ 4,482 Customer deposits 31 31 $ 4,052 $ 4,513

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	7. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 $ 88,250 $ 89,750 Debt issuance costs (2,584 ) (3,406 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 94,000 104,000 Debt discount (3,240 ) (4,641 ) Debt issuance costs (685 ) (1,010 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,760 3,996 179,501 188,689 Less current portion (4,018 ) (3,671 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 175,483 $ 185,018 As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations were as follows: 2016 (July 1 - December 31) $ 1,935 2017 (January 1 - December 31) 4,323 2018 (January 1 - December 31) 176,986 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 39 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 52 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 67 Thereafter 2,608 $ 186,010 As of June 30, 2016, the Company had no amounts outstanding under the $10,000 revolving credit facility component of its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities. On January 29, 2016, the Company repurchased a portion of its 6.25% Notes in the total principal amount of $10,000 for cash consideration of $9,750. The net cash settlement of $10,053 included accrued interest and transaction fees totaling $303. The Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $336, including the write off of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs and the payment of third-party fees, and net of the repurchase discount of $250 and the amount attributable to the equity component.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	8. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 36,299 $ 37,338 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 16,384 17,009 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 2,316 2,224 Other long-term liabilities 8,623 8,694 $ 63,622 $ 65,265

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	9. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plan Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (3,089 ) $ 3 $ (3,086 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 13 (103 ) (90 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 256 31 287 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 269 (72 ) 197 Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (2,820 ) $ (69 ) $ (2,889 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 217 $ 273 $ 434 $ 546 Income tax effect (89 ) (112 ) (178 ) (224 ) After tax 128 161 256 322 Loss on cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps: Reclassification to interest expense 26 10 53 1,970 Income tax effect (11 ) (4 ) (22 ) (810 ) After tax 15 6 31 1,160 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 143 $ 167 $ 287 $ 1,482 Amounts reclassified to net income from our defined benefit pension plan and interest rate swaps have been presented within “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and “Interest expense,” respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The estimated amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months is $103. See Note 5 “ Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments

Stock Incentive Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Incentive Plans	10. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Under the Company’s stock incentive plan, stock options, restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, performance share units and other awards may be granted to officers, employees, consultants, and non-employee directors. The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, long-term incentive award and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,186 $ 1.83 Granted 842 1.75 Vested (612 ) 1.83 Canceled or expired — — Nonvested at June 30, 2016 1,416 $ 1.79 The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 984 $ 1.78 Granted 802 1.74 Vested (432 ) 1.76 Canceled or expired (14 ) 1.85 Nonvested at June 30, 2016 1,340 $ 1.77 The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation as of and for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 642 $ 795 $ 1,447 $ 1,279 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 1.70 $ 2.37 $ 1.74 $ 1.95 Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period $ 70 $ 123 $ 1,884 $ 2,470 Expected annual forfeiture rate 9 % 9 % At June 30: Unamortized share-based payments $ 2,586 $ 3,648 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.6 1.6

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	11. 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 assumes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to Alaska Communications 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 restricted stock granted to employees and deferred shares granted to directors. The Company includes dilutive stock options based on the “treasury stock method.” Effective in 2015, the Company discontinued use of the “if converted” method in calculating diluted earnings per share in connection with its contingently convertible debt. The Company’s 6.25% Notes are convertible by the holder beginning February 1, 2018 at an initial conversion rate of 97.2668 shares of common stock per one thousand dollars principal amount of the 6.25% Notes. This is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.28 per share of common stock. Given that the Company’s current share price is well below $10.28, the Company does not anticipate that there will be a conversion of the 6.25% Notes into equity. Effective in the first quarter of 2015, the Company determined that it has the intent and ability to settle the principal and interest payments on its 6.25% Notes in cash over time. This determination was based on (i) the Company’s improved liquidity position subsequent to the Wireless Sale, including its performance against the financial ratios defined under the terms of its then in effect 2010 Senior Credit Facility, reduced levels of debt and increased availability under its revolving credit facility; (ii) its intention to refinance its term loan facility to provide additional borrowing flexibility; and (iii) its expectations of future operating performance. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company successfully completed the aforementioned refinancing transactions which resulted in a reduction in total borrowings and provided for maturities on the Company’s term loan facilities in 2018 compared with 2016 under the 2010 Senior Credit Facility. Accordingly, 9,143 and 9,298 shares related to the 6.25% Notes have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016, respectively, and 11,088 shares related to the 6.25% Notes were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2015. The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 317 $ (4,841 ) $ 403 $ 11,376 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 51,231 50,252 50,986 50,085 Effect of stock-based compensation 907 — 1,020 997 Diluted shares 52,138 50,252 52,006 51,082 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.01 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.23 Diluted $ 0.01 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.22

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	12. 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. 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. As of June 30, 2016, this plan is not fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 168 $ 165 $ 335 $ 331 Expected return on plan assets (181 ) (186 ) (362 ) (373 ) Amortization of loss 230 294 461 588 Net periodic pension expense $ 217 $ 273 $ 434 $ 546

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table presents supplemental non-cash transaction information for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30 $ 2,536 $ 8,106 Property acquired under capital leases $ — $ 20 Additions to ARO asset $ 141 $ 6 Accrued acquisition purchase price $ — $ (291 ) Contingent Wireless Sale proceeds held in escrow $ — $ 9,000 Net change in restricted cash $ — $ (9,000 ) Assets contributed to joint venture by noncontrolling interest $ — $ 922 Note receivable on sale of asset $ — $ 2,650 Nonmonetary Exchanges: Property, plant and equipment $ — $ 710 Deferred revenue $ — $ (2,310 ) Prepaid expenses $ — $ 1,600 IRUs received $ — $ 2,765 IRUs relinquished $ — $ (2,765 )

Business Segments

Business Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	14. 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company enters into purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. 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 is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company establishes an accrual when a particular contingency is probable and estimable, and has recorded litigation accruals of $542 at June 30, 2016 against certain current claims and legal actions. The Company also faces contingencies that are reasonably possible to occur that cannot currently be estimated. 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 Su23

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 The Company has consolidated the financial results of the joint venture with QHL based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 3 “ Joint Venture 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. Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, is 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, 2015 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 year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
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.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2016, the Company adopted Accountings Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-05, “ Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40), Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement
Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “ Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting
Fair Value Measurements	The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources and unobservable inputs reflect 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. • Level 3- Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

Sale of Wireless Operations (Ta

Sale of Wireless Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Schedule of Company's Current Obligations for Exit Activities	The following table summarizes the Company’s current obligations for exit activities, including costs accounted for under both ASU 420 and ASU 712, as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016. No further charges under these plans are expected. Labor Contract Other Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,223 $ — $ — $ 1,223 Credited to expense (93 ) — — (93 ) Paid and/or settled (1,111 ) — — (1,111 ) Balance at June 30, 2016 $ 19 $ — $ — $ 19
Sale of Wireless Operations [Member]
Components of Gain on Sale of Assets	The following table provides the calculation of the gain: Consideration: Cash $ 37,596 Cash held in escrow 9,000 Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility 240,472 Total consideration 287,068 Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold: Equity investment in AWN 250,192 Assets and liabilities, net 5,121 Net change in deferred capacity revenue (18,385 ) Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold 236,928 Contingent gain (9,000 ) Gain on disposal of assets $ 41,140 Upon resolution of purchase price adjustments in the second and third quarters of 2015, the final gain on the sale recorded in 2015 was $48,232 as detailed in the following table: Consideration: Cash $ 44,688 Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility 240,472 Total consideration 285,160 Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold: Equity investment in AWN 250,192 Assets and liabilities, net 5,121 Net change in deferred capacity revenue (18,385 ) Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold 236,928 Gain on disposal of assets $ 48,232

Joint Venture (Tables)

Joint Venture (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet	The table below provides certain financial information about the Joint Venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Cash may be utilized only to settle obligations of the Joint Venture. Because the Joint Venture is an LLC, its creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of the Company. 2016 2015 Cash $ 71 $ 359 Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $77 and $26 $ 2,525 $ 2,278

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summarized Financial Information	The following table provides summarized financial information for AWN for the period January 1 through February 2, 2015: January 1 through February 2, 2015 Operating revenues $ 21,457 Gross profit $ 15,745 Operating income $ 9,757 Net income $ 9,722 Adjusted Free Cash Flow (1) $ 10,805 (1) Adjusted Free Cash Flow as defined in the Operating Agreement.

Fair Value Measurements and D27

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, at each hierarchical level: June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ (178 ) $ — $ (178 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ — $ (79 ) $ —
Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table presents the notional amount, fair value and balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of June 31, 2016 and December, 31, 2015: Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At June 30, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 43,788 $ 178 At December 31, 2015: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 44,827 $ 79
Schedule of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes Recognized on Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table presents gains and losses before income taxes on the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges for the three and six-month periods ending June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 (Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (49 ) $ 198 $ (174 ) $ 397 (Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion) (26 ) 10 (53 ) 1,970 Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) — 274 — 541

Current Liabilities (Tables)

Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 13,676 $ 17,362 Accounts payable - trade 11,773 16,057 Note payable, non-interest bearing, due 2016 — 5,500 Deferred capacity and other revenue 5,396 4,292 Other 7,536 8,064 $ 38,381 $ 51,275
Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits	Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Advance billings $ 4,021 $ 4,482 Customer deposits 31 31 $ 4,052 $ 4,513

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Obligations	Long-term obligations consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 $ 88,250 $ 89,750 Debt issuance costs (2,584 ) (3,406 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 94,000 104,000 Debt discount (3,240 ) (4,641 ) Debt issuance costs (685 ) (1,010 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,760 3,996 179,501 188,689 Less current portion (4,018 ) (3,671 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 175,483 $ 185,018
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations	As of June 30, 2016, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations were as follows: 2016 (July 1 - December 31) $ 1,935 2017 (January 1 - December 31) 4,323 2018 (January 1 - December 31) 176,986 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 39 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 52 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 67 Thereafter 2,608 $ 186,010

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: 2016 2015 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 36,299 $ 37,338 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 16,384 17,009 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 2,316 2,224 Other long-term liabilities 8,623 8,694 $ 63,622 $ 65,265

Accumulated Other Comprehensi31

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plan Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (3,089 ) $ 3 $ (3,086 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 13 (103 ) (90 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 256 31 287 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 269 (72 ) 197 Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (2,820 ) $ (69 ) $ (2,889 )
Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 217 $ 273 $ 434 $ 546 Income tax effect (89 ) (112 ) (178 ) (224 ) After tax 128 161 256 322 Loss on cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps: Reclassification to interest expense 26 10 53 1,970 Income tax effect (11 ) (4 ) (22 ) (810 ) After tax 15 6 31 1,160 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 143 $ 167 $ 287 $ 1,482

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
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 six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,186 $ 1.83 Granted 842 1.75 Vested (612 ) 1.83 Canceled or expired — — Nonvested at June 30, 2016 1,416 $ 1.79
Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units	The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the six-month period ended June 30, 2016: Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 984 $ 1.78 Granted 802 1.74 Vested (432 ) 1.76 Canceled or expired (14 ) 1.85 Nonvested at June 30, 2016 1,340 $ 1.77
Share-Based Compensation	The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation as of and for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 642 $ 795 $ 1,447 $ 1,279 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 1.70 $ 2.37 $ 1.74 $ 1.95 Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period $ 70 $ 123 $ 1,884 $ 2,470 Expected annual forfeiture rate 9 % 9 % At June 30: Unamortized share-based payments $ 2,586 $ 3,648 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.6 1.6

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 317 $ (4,841 ) $ 403 $ 11,376 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 51,231 50,252 50,986 50,085 Effect of stock-based compensation 907 — 1,020 997 Diluted shares 52,138 50,252 52,006 51,082 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.01 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.23 Diluted $ 0.01 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.01 $ 0.22

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
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 and six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 168 $ 165 $ 335 $ 331 Expected return on plan assets (181 ) (186 ) (362 ) (373 ) Amortization of loss 230 294 461 588 Net periodic pension expense $ 217 $ 273 $ 434 $ 546

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform35

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information	The following table presents supplemental non-cash transaction information for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30 $ 2,536 $ 8,106 Property acquired under capital leases $ — $ 20 Additions to ARO asset $ 141 $ 6 Accrued acquisition purchase price $ — $ (291 ) Contingent Wireless Sale proceeds held in escrow $ — $ 9,000 Net change in restricted cash $ — $ (9,000 ) Assets contributed to joint venture by noncontrolling interest $ — $ 922 Note receivable on sale of asset $ — $ 2,650 Nonmonetary Exchanges: Property, plant and equipment $ — $ 710 Deferred revenue $ — $ (2,310 ) Prepaid expenses $ — $ 1,600 IRUs received $ — $ 2,765 IRUs relinquished $ — $ (2,765 )

Description of Company and Su36

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	Apr. 02, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Feb. 01, 2015
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest sold in wireless operation		33.33%
Percentage ownership interest in joint venture			50.00%
Noncontrolling Interests [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in joint venture			50.00%
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment		33.33%		33.33%
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in joint venture	50.00%		50.00%

Sale of Wireless Operations - A

Sale of Wireless Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of assets	$ 41,140
Cash proceeds from sale of one or more of its affiliates	$ 278,068	$ 285,160
After Purchase Price Adjustments [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of assets		$ 48,232

Sale of Wireless Operations - C

Sale of Wireless Operations - Components of Gain on Sale of Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Consideration:
Cash	$ 37,596
Cash held in escrow	9,000
Total consideration	287,068
Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold:
Assets and liabilities, net	5,121
Net change in deferred capacity revenue	(18,385)
Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold	236,928
Contingent gain	(9,000)
Gain on disposal of assets	41,140
After Purchase Price Adjustments [Member]
Consideration:
Cash		$ 44,688
Total consideration		285,160
Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold:
Assets and liabilities, net		5,121
Net change in deferred capacity revenue		(18,385)
Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold		236,928
Gain on disposal of assets		48,232
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Consideration:
Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility	240,472
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member] | After Purchase Price Adjustments [Member]
Consideration:
Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility		240,472
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold:
Equity investment	$ 250,192
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member] | After Purchase Price Adjustments [Member]
Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold:
Equity investment		$ 250,192

Sale of Wireless Operations - S

Sale of Wireless Operations - Schedule of Company's Current Obligations for Exit Activities (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015	$ 1,223
Credited to expense	(93)
Paid and/or settled	(1,111)
Balance at June 30, 2016	19
Labor Obligations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015	1,223
Credited to expense	(93)
Paid and/or settled	(1,111)
Balance at June 30, 2016	$ 19

Joint Venture - Additional Info

Joint Venture - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 07, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Investment [Line Items]
Additional Contribution to Joint Venture				$ 75,000	$ 461,000
Voting interest in joint venture					50.00%
Gain or loss recorded on initial consolidation of Joint Venture					$ 0
IRU [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Contribution to Joint Venture			$ 1,844,000
Cash Contribution to Joint Venture			250,000
Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Term of indefeasible right of use					30 years
Sale price of fiber strands				5,300,000	$ 5,300,000
Payment received in connection with sale of 46 fiber strands from the Fiber Optic System at closing date		$ 2,650,000
Additional Contribution to Joint Venture				$ 75,000
Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member] | IRU [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Contribution to Joint Venture			922,000
Cash Contribution to Joint Venture			250,000
ACS [Member] | IRU [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Contribution to Joint Venture			922,000
Additional Contribution to Joint Venture			$ 461,000
Fiber Optic Network [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Purchase price of fiber strand optic cable					$ 11,000,000
Purchase price paid at closing	$ 5,500,000
Term of fibers indefeasible right of use sold to CPAI					The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, acquired from CPAI a fiber optic cable (including conduit, licenses, permits and right-of-ways) running from the Kuparuk Operating Center to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Pump Station #1 (the "Fiber Optic System").
Term of indefeasible right of use					30 years
Sale price of indefeasible right of use of fibers to CPAI					$ 400,000
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Voting interest in joint venture			50.00%		50.00%
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Voting interest in joint venture			50.00%

Joint Venture - Schedule of Cer

Joint Venture - Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Cash	$ 71	$ 359
Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $77 and $26	$ 2,525	$ 2,278

Joint Venture - Schedule of C42

Joint Venture - Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation of IRU Assets, net	$ 77	$ 26

Equity Method Investments - Add

Equity Method Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Feb. 01, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 0	$ 0
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment			33.33%	33.33%

Equity Method Investments - Sum

Equity Method Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenues		$ 56,262	$ 55,665	$ 112,590	$ 121,451
Operating income		4,365	(4,375)	8,681	34,938
Net income		$ 317	$ (4,841)	$ 403	$ 11,376
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenues	$ 21,457
Gross profit	15,745
Operating income	9,757
Net income	9,722
Adjusted Free Cash Flow	$ 10,805

Fair Value Measurements and D45

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Nov. 27, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes				6.25%
Long-term obligations				$ 179,501,000			$ 188,689,000
LIBOR spread					4.75%
Commencing swap date				Jun. 30, 2012
Expiration Date				Sep. 30, 2015
Change in fair value credited to interest expense					$ 541,000
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, one					115,500,000
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, two					$ 77,000,000
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, one					7.22%
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, two					7.225%
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, over-hedged		$ 110,268,000
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, over-hedged percentage		95.50%
Estimated Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of long-term obligations				$ 86,222,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amount of Senior Credit Facility to be paid related to sale			$ 240,472,000
2015 Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term obligations				$ 92,010,000			93,746,000
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes				6.25%		6.25%
Long-term obligations				$ 90,760,000
Estimated carrying value of notes							99,359,000
Estimated fair value of notes							$ 97,769,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional amounts of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps	$ 44,827,000
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps	5.833%
LIBOR spread	4.50%
Commencing swap date	Dec. 18, 2015
Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in fair value credited to interest expense	$ 83,000

Fair Value Measurements and D46

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ (178)	$ (79)
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ (178)	$ (79)

Fair Value Measurements and D47

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 178,000	$ 79,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	43,788,000	44,827,000
Fair Value	$ 178,000	$ 79,000

Fair Value Measurements and D48

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes Recognized on Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (49)	$ 198	$ (174)	$ 397
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (effective portion)	$ (26)	10	$ (53)	1,970
Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)		$ 274		$ 541

Current Liabilities - Schedule

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	$ 13,676	$ 17,362
Accounts payable - trade	11,773	16,057
Note payable, non-interest bearing, due 2016		5,500
Deferred capacity and other revenue	5,396	4,292
Other	7,536	8,064
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 38,381	$ 51,275

Current Liabilities - Schedul50

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Advance billings	$ 4,021	$ 4,482
Customer deposits	31	31
Advance billings and customer deposits	$ 4,052	$ 4,513

Long-Term Obligations - Schedul

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 3,760		$ 3,996
Long-term obligations	179,501		188,689
Long-term obligations	179,501		188,689
Less current portion	(4,018)		(3,671)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	175,483		185,018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	88,250		89,750
Debt issuance costs	(2,584)		(3,406)
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes	94,000		104,000
Debt instrument unamortized discount	(3,240)	$ (250)	(4,641)
Debt issuance costs	(685)		$ (1,010)
Long-term obligations	90,760
Long-term obligations	$ 90,760

Long-Term Obligations - Sched52

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year of senior secured credit facilities - start	Sep. 14, 2015
Maturity date	Mar. 3, 2018
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%	6.25%
Maturity date	May 1, 2018

Long-Term Obligations - Sched53

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2016 (July 1 - December 31)	$ 1,935
2017 (January 1 - December 31)	4,323
2018 (January 1 - December 31)	176,986
2019 (January 1 - December 31)	39
2020 (January 1 - December 31)	52
2021 (January 1 - December 31)	67
Thereafter	2,608
Total	$ 186,010

Long-Term Obligations - Additio

Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jan. 29, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes		6.25%
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 336,000	$ 2,628,000
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%	6.25%
Principal amount of debt instrument repurchased	$ 10,000,000
Debt instrument, Date of repurchase	Jan. 29, 2016
Cash consideration of debt instrument repurchased	$ 9,750,000
Cash settlement on repurchase of notes	10,053,000
Accrued interest and transaction fees paid	303,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	336,000
Debt instrument, repurchase discount	$ 250,000	$ 3,240,000		$ 4,641,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		10,000,000
Amount outstanding under revolving credit facility		$ 0

Other Long-Term Liabilities - S

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 63,622	$ 65,265
Deferred GCI Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	36,299	37,338
Other Deferred IRU Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	16,384	17,009
Other Deferred Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	2,316	2,224
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 8,623	$ 8,694

Accumulated Other Comprehensi56

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ (3,086)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(90)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	$ 143	$ 167	287	$ 1,482
Total other comprehensive income	122	$ 295	197	$ 1,740
Ending Balance	(2,889)		(2,889)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			3
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(103)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income			31
Total other comprehensive income			(72)
Ending Balance	(69)		(69)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			(3,089)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			13
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income			256
Total other comprehensive income			269
Ending Balance	$ (2,820)		$ (2,820)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi57

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items:
Amortization of loss	$ 217	$ 273	$ 434	$ 546
Income tax effect	(89)	(112)	(178)	(224)
After tax	128	161	256	322
Loss on cash flow hedges - interest rate swaps:
Reclassification to interest expense	26	10	53	1,970
Income tax effect	(11)	(4)	(22)	(810)
After tax	15	6	31	1,160
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$ 143	$ 167	$ 287	$ 1,482

Accumulated Other Comprehensi58

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense	$ 103

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-Term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation (Detail) - Restricted Stock Unit [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summary of activity for restricted stock units, long-term incentive awards and non-employee director stock compensation
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | shares	1,186
Number of Shares - Granted | shares	842
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(612)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	0
Number of Shares - Nonvested at June 30, 2016 | shares	1,416
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 1.83
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted | $ / shares	1.75
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested | $ / shares	1.83
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at June 30, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.79

Stock Incentive Plans - Summa60

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Detail) - Performance Share Units [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summary of activity for performance share units
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | shares	984
Number of Shares - Granted | shares	802
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(432)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	(14)
Number of Shares - Nonvested at June 30, 2016 | shares	1,340
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 1.78
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted | $ / shares	1.74
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested | $ / shares	1.76
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired | $ / shares	1.85
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at June 30, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.77

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-B

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ 642	$ 795	$ 1,447	$ 1,279
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share)	$ 1.70	$ 2.37	$ 1.74	$ 1.95
Total grant date fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 70	$ 123	$ 1,884	$ 2,470
Expected annual forfeiture rate			9.00%	9.00%
Unamortized share-based payments			$ 2,586	$ 3,648
Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense			1 year 7 months 6 days	1 year 7 months 6 days

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Six point two five percent convertible notes due two thousand eighteen excluded from computation of earnings per share [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%		6.25%
Maturity year of convertible notes			May 1, 2018
Shares received upon conversion			97.2668
Principal amount for initial conversion	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Initial conversion price	$ 10.28		$ 10.28
Convertible note, convertible beginning date			Feb. 1, 2018
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	9,143,000	11,088,000	9,298,000	11,088,000

Earnings Per Share - Calculatio

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	$ 317	$ (4,841)	$ 403	$ 11,376
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	51,231	50,252	50,986	50,085
Effect of stock-based compensation	907		1,020	997
Diluted shares	52,138	50,252	52,006	51,082
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.23
Diluted	$ 0.01	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.22

Retirement Plans - Summary of N

Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 168	$ 165	$ 335	$ 331
Expected return on plan assets	(181)	(186)	(362)	(373)
Amortization of loss	230	294	461	588
Net periodic pension expense	$ 217	$ 273	$ 434	$ 546

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform65

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30	$ 2,536	$ 8,106
Property acquired under capital leases		20
Additions to ARO asset	$ 141	6
Accrued acquisition purchase price		(291)
Contingent Wireless Sale proceeds held in escrow		9,000
Net change in restricted cash		(9,000)
Note receivable on sale of asset		2,650
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Nonmonetary Exchanges		710
Deferred Revenue [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Nonmonetary Exchanges		(2,310)
Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Nonmonetary Exchanges		1,600
IRUs Received [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Nonmonetary Exchanges		2,765
IRUs Relinquished [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Nonmonetary Exchanges		(2,765)
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Assets contributed to joint venture		$ 922

Business Segments - Additional

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments in which business operates	1

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation costs	$ 542