Alaska Communications Systems 10-K 16 Mar 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 06, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		51,952,009
Entity Public Float			$ 84

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,228	$ 36,001
Restricted cash	1,917	1,824
Accounts receivable, net	25,062	25,225
Materials and supplies	4,917	4,674
Prepayments and other current assets	5,995	8,068
Total current assets	59,119	75,792
Property, plant and equipment	1,349,899	1,337,098
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(983,050)	(967,776)
Property, plant and equipment, net	366,849	369,322
Deferred income taxes	14,718	16,660
Other assets	1,674	1,827
Total assets	442,360	463,601
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	1,973	3,671
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	38,180	51,275
Advance billings and customer deposits	4,167	4,513
Total current liabilities	44,320	59,459
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	177,626	185,018
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	61,538	65,265
Total liabilities	283,484	309,742
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 51,477 and 50,530 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	515	505
Additional paid in capital	159,474	156,971
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	752	(1,634)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,910)	(3,086)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	157,831	152,756
Noncontrolling interest	1,045	1,103
Total stockholders' equity	158,876	153,859
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 442,360	$ 463,601

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000,000	145,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	51,477,000	50,530,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	51,477,000	50,530,000

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues, non-affiliates	$ 226,866	$ 232,242	$ 307,917
Operating revenues, affiliates		575	6,946
Total operating revenues	226,866	232,817	314,863
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), non-affiliates	102,137	107,162	123,854
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), affiliates		4,961	57,116
Selling, general and administrative	70,209	88,389	101,398
Depreciation and amortization	34,690	33,867	32,583
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	321	(46,252)	126
Loss on impairment of goodwill			5,986
Earnings from equity method investments		(3,056)	(35,960)
Total operating expenses	207,357	185,071	285,103
Operating income	19,509	47,746	29,760
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(15,447)	(19,841)	(34,410)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(336)	(4,878)
Interest income	26	58	83
Total other income and (expense)	(15,757)	(24,661)	(34,327)
Income (loss) before income tax (expense) benefit	3,752	23,085	(4,567)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(1,499)	(10,200)	1,787
Net income (loss)	2,253	12,885	(2,780)
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(133)	(69)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	2,386	12,954	(2,780)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability adjustment	(294)	(7)	(2,829)
Income tax effect	118	3	1,162
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	662	936	451
Income tax effect	(272)	(382)	(185)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	(170)	600	1,543
Income tax effect	70	(245)	(634)
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swaps	106	1,970	1,613
Income tax effect	(44)	(810)	(663)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	176	2,065	458
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	2,562	15,019	(2,322)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(133)	(69)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(133)	(69)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 2,429	$ 14,950	$ (2,322)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ 0.05	$ 0.26	$ (0.06)
Diluted	$ 0.05	$ 0.25	$ (0.06)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	51,169	50,247	49,334
Diluted	52,188	51,368	49,334

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 135,263	$ 487	$ 152,193	$ (11,808)	$ (5,609)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2013		48,680
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(2,322)			(2,780)	458
Stock compensation	2,511		2,511
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(593)		(593)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	267	$ 10	257
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares		980
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	135,126	$ 497	154,368	(14,588)	(5,151)
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014		49,660
Total comprehensive (loss) income	14,950			12,954	2,065	$ (69)
Stock compensation	2,008		2,008
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments	733		733
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(408)		(408)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	278	$ 8	270
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares		870
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	1,172					1,172
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	153,859	$ 505	156,971	(1,634)	(3,086)	1,103
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2015		50,530
Total comprehensive (loss) income	2,429			2,386	176	(133)
Stock compensation	2,830		2,830
Extinguishment of convertible note options	(61)		(61)
Excess tax expense from share-based payments	(47)		(47)
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(476)		(476)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	267	$ 10	257
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares		947
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	75					75
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 158,876	$ 515	$ 159,474	$ 752	$ (2,910)	$ 1,045
Ending Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		51,477

Consolidated Statements of Sto6

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,253	$ 12,885	$ (2,780)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	34,690	33,867	32,583
Gain on wireless sale		(48,232)
Loss on the disposal of assets	321	1,980	126
Loss on impairment of goodwill			5,986
Gain on ineffective hedge adjustment		(737)	(273)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	4,046	4,114	5,104
Amortization of ineffective hedge		1,970	1,613
Loss on extinguishment of debt	336	4,878
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(3,436)	(3,011)	(3,795)
Stock-based compensation	2,830	2,008	2,511
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,855	4,883	(2,047)
Charge for uncollectible accounts	378	1,258	3,329
Cash distribution from equity method investments		3,056	35,960
Earnings from equity method investments		(3,056)	(35,960)
Other non-cash expense, net	621	934	431
Income taxes payable	(514)	(351)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(6,127)	(3,865)	8,381
Net cash provided by operating activities	37,253	12,581	51,169
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(30,920)	(50,914)	(46,423)
Capitalized interest	(1,077)	(1,558)	(2,810)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	(8,304)	3,995	(2,003)
Cash received in the acquisition of a business			68
Proceeds on wireless sale		285,160
Proceeds on sale of assets	2,664	3,140	136
Return of capital from equity investment		1,875	14,073
Net change in restricted cash	(93)	(1,357)
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(37,730)	240,341	(36,959)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(13,421)	(333,961)	(24,419)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt		90,061
Debt issuance costs	(544)	(4,901)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment	(150)	(391)
Cash paid in acquisition of business		(291)	(795)
Cash proceeds from noncontrolling interest	75	250
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(476)	(408)	(593)
Excess tax (expense) benefit from share-based payments	(47)	733
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	267	278	267
Net cash used by financing activities	(14,296)	(248,630)	(25,540)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	(14,773)	4,292	(11,330)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	36,001	31,709	43,039
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	21,228	36,001	31,709
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	12,608	16,101	31,562
Income taxes paid, net	$ 205	$ 4,936	$ 260

Description of Company and Summ

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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”, “ACS” or “Alaska Communications”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides integrated communication services and managed information technology (“IT”) services to business, wholesale and consumer customers in the state of Alaska and beyond using its statewide and interstate telecommunications network. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. They represent the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Alaska Communications and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: • Alaska Communications Systems Holdings, Inc. (“ACS Holdings”) • ACS of Alaska, LLC (“ACSAK”) • ACS of the Northland, LLC (“ACSN”) • ACS of Fairbanks, LLC (“ACSF”) • ACS of Anchorage, LLC (“ACSA”) • ACS Wireless, Inc. (“ACSW”) • ACS Long Distance, LLC (“ACSLD”) • ACS Internet, LLC (“ACSI”) • ACS Messaging, Inc. (“ACSM”) • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) • Crest Communications Corporation • WCI Cable, Inc. • WCI Hillsboro, LLC • Alaska Northstar Communications, LLC • WCI Lightpoint, LLC • WorldNet Communications, Inc. • Alaska Fiber Star, LLC • TekMate, LLC (“TekMate”) In addition to the wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company has a fifty percent interest in ACS-Quintillion Joint Venture one-third one-third Sale of Wireless Operations” A summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company is set forth below. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements and notes include all accounts and subsidiaries of the Company in which it maintains a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. For transactions with entities accounted for under the equity method, any intercompany profits on amounts still remaining are eliminated. Amounts originating from any deferral of intercompany profits are recorded within either the Company’s investment account or the account balance to which the transaction specifically relates (e.g., construction of fixed assets). Only upon settlement of the intercompany transaction with a third party is the deferral of the intercompany profit recognized by the Company. 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% ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 3 “ Joint Venture Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the significant estimates affecting the financial statements are those related to the realizable value of accounts receivable and long-lived assets, the value of derivative instruments, deferred capacity revenue, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation and income taxes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes is reasonable under the circumstances. Assumptions are adjusted as facts and circumstances dictate. More volatile capital markets, uncertainty on interest rates, and the continuation of low crude oil pricing have combined to increase the uncertainty in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Changes in those estimates will be reflected in the financial statements of future periods. Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company generally considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash Restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 consists of $1,917 held in certificates of deposits as required under the terms of certain contracts to which the Company is a party. When the restrictions are lifted, the Company will transfer these funds into its operating accounts. Trade Accounts Receivable and Bad Debt Reserves Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Amounts collected on trade accounts receivable are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company does not have any off-balance Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies are carried in inventory at the lower of moving average cost or market. Cash flows related to the sale of inventory are included in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Exit Obligations In connection with the decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incurred certain costs associated with the wind-down of its retail wireless operations that met the criteria for reporting as exit obligations. These costs were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2014 through 2015, and settlement of the liabilities was completed in 2016. The accounting policies for these costs were as follows: • Employee termination costs associated with reductions in retail stores, contact center, and other support organizations, and termination costs associated with synergies and future cost reductions resulting from the Company becoming a more focused broadband and managed IT services company were accrued equal to the payout amount, undiscounted due to the short duration, and amortized over the remaining required service period. These termination benefits included costs accounted for under both Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 420, “Exit or Disposal Costs Obligations” (“ASC 420”) and ASC 712, “Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits” (“ASC 712”). • Contract termination costs were accrued for retail store leases and a software contract where we incurred a charge to terminate the contract prior to their stated maturity. These costs were measured equal to the actual cost to terminate the contract and were recognized at the date the contract was terminated. • For retail store leases that were vacated, the costs were measured equal to the fair value of the remaining lease payments and recognized when the Company had ceased to use the property. • Costs associated with marking wireless handset and accessory inventory held for sale to fair value were expensed in the fourth quarter of 2014 and are included in “Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), non-affiliates” • Other associated costs that met the criteria of an exit activity were accrued when incurred. Property, Plant and Equipment Telephone property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost of construction including certain capitalized overhead and interest charges. Renewals and betterments of telephone plant are capitalized, while repairs and renewals of minor items are charged to cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) as incurred. The Company uses a group composite depreciation method in accordance with industry practice. Under this method, telephone plant, with the exception of land and capital leases, retired in the ordinary course of business, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no gain or loss recognized. Non-telephone The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under capital leases expiring in various years through 2033. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are initially recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets at the inception of the lease. The assets are amortized over the shorter of their related lease terms or the estimated productive lives. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. The Company is also the lessee of various land, building and personal property under operating lease agreements for which expense is recognized on a monthly basis. Increases in rental rates are recorded as incurred which approximates the straight-line method. The Company capitalizes interest charges associated with construction in progress based on a weighted average interest cost calculated on the Company’s outstanding debt. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company records liabilities for obligations related to the retirement and removal of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of batteries and operating leases. The Company records, as liabilities, the estimated fair value of asset retirement obligations on a discounted cash flow basis when incurred, which is typically at the time the asset is installed or acquired. The obligations are conditional on the occurrence of future events. Uncertainty about the timing or settlement of the obligation is factored into the measurement of the liability. Amounts recorded for the related assets are increased by the amount of these obligations. Over time, the liabilities increase due to the change in their present value, the potential changes in assumptions or inputs, and the initial capitalized assets decline as they are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. The liabilities are extinguished when the asset is taken out of service. Indefeasible Rights of Use Indefeasible rights of use (“IRU”) consist of agreements between the Company and a third party whereby one party grants access to a portion of its fiber network to the other party, or receives access to a portion of the fiber network of the other party. The access may consist of individually specified fibers or a specified number of fibers on the network. Certain of the Company’s IRU agreements consist of like kind exchanges for which the value of the access given up is determined to be equal to the value of the access received. Cash may or may not be exchanged depending on the terms of the agreement. For IRU agreements in which an equal amount of cash is received and paid and the transaction is determined to not have commercial substance, revenue and expense is not recognized in connection with the cash exchanged. For IRU agreements that are not like kind exchanges and for which the Company receives or pays cash, revenue and expense are recognized over the term of the agreement. Non-operating The Company periodically evaluates the fair value of its non-current non-operating non-operating non-operating Variable Interest Entities The Company’s ownership interest in ACS-Quintillion Joint Venture Equity Method of Accounting Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. Under this method, equity investments are carried at acquisition cost, increased by the Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s comprehensive income, and decreased by the investee’s comprehensive losses up to our proportional ownership interest and cash distributions. The Company evaluates its investments in equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no equity method investments. Deferred Capacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company’s network provided to third parties. They are established at fair value and amortized to revenue on a straight line basis over the contractual life of the relevant contract. These liabilities include a deferred capacity revenue liability for future services to be provided to General Communications, Inc. (“GCI”) which is amortized over the contract life of up to 30 years. Goodwill The carrying value of the Company’s goodwill, net of accumulated impairment, was zero at December 31, 2016 and 2015. See Note 9 “ Goodwill and Other Intangible more-likely-than-not more-likely-than-not two-step Long-lived Asset Impairment Long-lived long-lived long-lived third-party Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related instruments. Debt discounts are accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. Preferred Stock The Company has 5,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, none of which were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Revenue Recognition Substantially all recurring non-usage Non-recurring Concentrations of Risk Cash is maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits and the Company enters into arrangements to collateralize these amounts with securities of the underlying financial institutions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand. The Company has not experienced any losses on such deposits. The Company also depends on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for equipment and services for its network. The Company’s subscriber base and operating results could be adversely affected if these suppliers experience financial or credit difficulties, service interruptions, or other problems. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 56% of the Company’s employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1547 (“IBEW”). The Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) between the Company and the IBEW expired on December 31, 2016. As of the date of this report, negotiations for a new agreement are continuing, and the parties will operate under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place. The CBA provides the terms and conditions of employment for all IBEW represented employees working for the Company in the state of Alaska and has significant economic impacts on the Company as it relates to wage and benefit costs and work rules that affect our ability to provide superior service to our customers. The Company considered relations with the IBEW to be stable in 2016; however, any deterioration in the relationship with the IBEW would have a negative impact on the Company’s operations. The Company provides voice, broadband and managed IT services to its customers throughout Alaska. Accordingly, the Company’s financial performance is directly influenced by the competitive environment in Alaska, and by economic factors specifically in Alaska. The most significant economic factor is the level of Alaskan oil production and the per barrel price of relevant crude oil. A significant majority of the state’s unrestricted revenue comes from taxes assessed upon the production of this resource, and the price of crude oil impacts the level of investment by resource development companies. The drop in crude oil prices during the past three years has resulted in the State of Alaska reducing its spending, which is having a dampening impact on the overall state economy, including declining employment levels in 2016. Other important factors influencing the Alaskan economy include the level of tourism, government spending, and the movement of United States military personnel. Any further deterioration in these factors, particularly over a sustained period of time, would likely have a negative impact on the Company’s performance. As an entity that relies on the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and state regulatory agencies to provide stable funding sources to provide services in high cost areas, the Company is also impacted by any changes in regulations or future funding mechanisms that are being established by these regulatory agencies. In 2016, 9% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from high cost support. Additionally, the Company considers the vulnerabilities of its network and IT systems to various cyber threats. While the Company has implemented several mitigating policies, technological safeguards and some insurance coverage, it is not possible to prevent every possible threat to its network and IT systems from deliberate cyber related attacks. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,460, $4,065 and $4,741 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively and is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Income Taxes The Company utilizes the asset-liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset-liability method, deferred taxes reflect the temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that management believes it is more-likely-than-not “more-likely-than-not” Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Government Authorities The Company excludes taxes collected from customers and payable to government authorities from revenue. Taxes payable to government authorities are presented as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Regulatory Accounting and Regulation Certain activities of the Company are subject to rate regulation by the FCC for interstate telecommunication service and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“RCA”) for intrastate and local exchange telecommunication service. The Company, as required by the FCC, accounts for such activity separately. Long distance services of the Company are subject to regulation as a non-dominant non-common Derivative Financial Instruments The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes. The Company recognizes all asset or liability derivatives at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value is contingent on the intended use of the derivative and its designation as a hedge. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in fair value either offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings, or are recognized in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” until the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either a fair value or cash flow hedge. The Company formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an on-going Dividend Policy The Company’s dividend policy is set by the Company’s Board of Directors and is subject to the terms of its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities and the continued current and future performance and liquidity needs of the Company. Dividends on the Company’s common stock are not cumulative to the extent they are declared. The Board has not authorized the payment of a dividend since 2012, and has not updated its dividend policy. Effective in the first quarter of 2017, the Company’s dividend policy is subject to the terms of its new senior credit facility. See Note 22 “ Subsequent Events Share-based Payments Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) The Company determines the fair value of RSUs based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, discounted for estimated dividend payments that do not accrue to the employee during the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period and adjustments are charged or credited to expense. RSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Incentive Award Plan. Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) The Company measures the fair value of each new PSU at the grant date. Adjustments each reporting period are based on changes to the expected achievement of the performance goals or if the PSUs otherwise vest, expire, or are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to be unlikely to vest prior to expiration. Adjustments are charged or credited to expense. Compensation expense is recorded over the expected performance period. PSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Incentive Award Plan. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) The Company makes payroll deductions of from 1% to 15% of compensation from employees who elect to participate in the ESPP. A liability accretes during the 6-month Tax Treatment Stock-based compensation is treated as a temporary difference for income tax purposes and increases deferred tax assets until the compensation is realized for income tax purposes. To the extent that realized tax benefits exceed the book based compensation, the excess tax benefit is credited to additional paid in capital. Pension Benefits 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. The accumulated benefits and plan assets are not determined for, or allocated separately to, the individual employer. Defined Benefit Plan The ACS Retirement Plan, which is the Company’s sole single-employer defined benefit plan and covers a limited number of employees previously employed by a predecessor to one of our subsidiaries, is frozen. The Company recognizes the under-funded status of this plan as a liability on its balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. The ACS Retirement Plan’s accumulated benefit obligation is the actuarial present value, as of the Company’s December 31 measurement date, of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula. The amount of benefits to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life of employees or survivors and average years of service rendered. It is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels. Unrecognized prior service credits and costs and net actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Defined Contribution Plan The Company provides a 401(k) retirement savings plan covering substantially all of it employees. Discretionary company-matching contributions are determined by the Board of Directors. Earnings per Share The Company computes earnings per share based on the weighted number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding. This includes all issued and outstanding share-based payments. 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 350-40), 2015-05”). 2015-05, 2015-05 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) 2014-09”). 2014-09 2014-09 No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing 2016-10”). No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients 2016-12”). No. 2016-20, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Technical Corrections and Improvements 2016-20”). 2016-10, 2016-12 2016-20 2014-09 2014-09 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 2016-02”). 2016-02 right-of-use right-of-use right-of-use right-of-use 2016-02 2016-02 2016-02 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting 2016-09”). 2016-09 2016-09 2016-09 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016-15”). zero-coupon 2016-15 2016-15 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash 2016-18”). beginning-of-period end-of-period 2016-18 2016-18

Sale of Wireless Operations

Sale of Wireless Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
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 GCI, ACSW’s interest in the Alaska Wireless Network (“AWN”) and substantially all the assets and subscribers used primarily in the wireless business of Alaska Communications and its affiliates (the “Acquired Assets”) (the “Wireless Sale”). The Acquired Assets included, without limitation, all the equity interests of AWN owned or held by ACSW, substantially all of Alaska Communication’s wireless subscriber assets, including subscriber contracts, and certain network assets at predetermined demarcation points to the cell site locations, including certain fiber strands and associated cell site electronics and microwave facilities and associated electronics. This transaction also includes a capacity agreement with GCI whereby Alaska Communications provides certain capacity from the predetermined demarcation points to a central switch location and, if required, to points outside of Alaska. The transaction was completed on February 2, 2015, subject to resolution of potential additional purchase price adjustments. After final resolution in the third quarter of 2015 (as described below) of adjustments for certain working capital assets and liabilities, minimum subscriber levels, preferred distributions and other adjustments totaling $14,840, cash proceeds on the sale were $285,160, of which $240,472 was used to pay down the Company’s 2010 Senior Secured Credit Facility (“2010 Senior Credit Facility”). The Company recorded a gain before income tax of $48,232 in the year ended December 31, 2015. The two companies entered into a service transition plan in which Alaska Communications continued to provide certain retail and back office services to its previous wireless customers for an interim period, which was completed on April 17, 2015. This arrangement did not cover the full cost of providing the service. The fair value of these services was $4,769 and was reported as operating revenue. The fair value of the services exceeded the consideration received for this service by approximately $522. The $522 loss was included in the calculation of the gain on the sale. In May 2015, the Company received a cash payment from GCI of $1,680 for timely completion of a transition support agreement. The services provided by the Company in connection with this agreement were not consistent with services rendered in the normal course of business. Accordingly, this amount was included in cash proceeds and gain on the sale. On August 4, 2015, the Company and GCI entered into an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between the parties associated with the Wireless Sale including finalization of the purchase price adjustments. In the third quarter of 2015, $7,092 of $9,000 cash placed in escrow at closing pending resolution of potential additional purchase price adjustments was disbursed to the Company and $1,680 was disbursed to GCI. The gain on and proceeds from the Wireless Sale described above include the $7,092 received from escrow in the third quarter of 2015. The remaining $228 of cash placed in escrow was disbursed to the Company upon timely completion of certain backhaul orders during the fourth quarter of 2015. These backhaul orders consisted of services rendered by the Company in the normal course of business, and the resulting margin was consistent with that typically generated from such services. Accordingly, the $228 was recorded as revenue. The following table provides the calculation of the gain: 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 In addition to the major elements discussed above, Alaska Communications and its controlled affiliates are restricted from operating a wireless network or providing wireless products or services in Alaska for a period of four years after closing, except for: (a) fixed wireless replacement, (b) WiFi, (c) wireless backhaul and transport, (d) cell site leases and (e) acting as a wireless internet service provider. As part of the transaction, the Company initiated a plan to sell certain assets associated with realigning operations. These assets included certain handset inventory, which was sold, and retail store leases which were actively marketed for sale to third parties. Upon completion of the service transition plan, the Company accelerated its plan to achieve cost savings related to the wind-down of the wireless business and from the synergies derived from becoming a more focused broadband and managed IT services company. Exit from all retail store locations and the achievement of key cost savings were completed in 2015. The Company considered the sale of assets to GCI under the guidance of ASC 205-20, Although they did not meet the criteria for classification as held-for-sale, • The equity method investment in AWN, valued at $250,192, was sold to GCI on February 2, 2015. • The remaining Deferred AWN capacity revenue, which was created during the AWN transaction in 2013 and was being amortized over the 20-year • On February 2, 2015, the Company’s 2010 Senior Credit Facility was amended resulting in $240,472 in principal payments and the write-off Long-term Obligations. • Current deferred tax assets of $84,233 representing Federal and state net operating loss carry forwards and state alternative minimum tax credit carry forwards, and non-current In connection with its decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incurred a number of transaction related and wind-down costs throughout 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 ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations” (“ASC 420”). The Company also incurred costs associated with termination benefits accounted for under ASC 712, “Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits” (“ASC 712”). Significant wind-down costs included contract termination costs associated with retail store leases. These obligations included costs associated with the disposal of capital lease assets and liabilities and costs to vacate operating leases which had a remaining term of approximately 11 years and a remaining contract value of $2,797 at February 2, 2015. Exit from these leases was complete as of December 31, 2015. Transaction costs included legal, debt amendment, accounting and other costs necessary to consummate the transaction. The Company incurred costs totaling $13,272 in 2015 associated with the transaction and wind-down activities. These costs included exit costs of $10,745 presented in the table below and transaction and certain transition costs totaling $2,527. Of the $13,272, $4,893 was recorded to “Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), non-affiliates” The following table summarizes the Company’s obligations for exit activities, including costs accounted for under both ASC 420 and ASC 712, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: Labor Contract Other Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — Charged to expense 490 — 634 1,124 Paid and/or settled — — (634 ) (634 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 490 — — 490 Charged to expense 6,485 3,966 294 10,745 Paid and/or settled (5,752 ) (3,966 ) (294 ) (10,012 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 1,223 — — 1,223 Credited to expense (93 ) — — (93 ) Paid and/or settled (1,130 ) — — (1,130 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ — The exit liability is included in “Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Joint Venture

Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. The transactions described below were all entered into concurrently on April 2, 2015 and in contemplation of each of the other transactions. 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) 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 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 in-field The Company determined that the Joint Venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, “Consolidation.” The Company consolidates the financial results of the Joint Venture based on its determination that, the 50 percent voting interest of each party notwithstanding, for accounting purposes it holds a controlling financial interest in, and is the primary beneficiary of, the Joint Venture. This determination was based on (i) the Company’s expected future utilization of certain assets of the Joint Venture in the operation of the Company’s business; (ii) the Company’ engineering, design, installation, service and maintenance expertise in the telecom industry and its existing relationships and presence in the Alaska telecom market are expected to be significant factors in the successful operation of the Joint Venture; and (iii) the Company’s role as Joint Venture manager and its right to a management fee equal to a percentage of the Joint Venture’s collected gross revenue. There was no gain or loss recognized by the Company on the initial consolidation of the Joint Venture. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 percent ownership interest in the Joint Venture as a noncontrolling interest. The table below provides certain financial information about the Joint Venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 and 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. Property, plant and equipment, net, at December 31, 2016 reflects a $461 reduction associated with the capacity granted to the Company in connection with the amendment to the operating agreement discussed above. 2016 2015 Cash $ 67 $ 359 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $112 and $26 $ 2,029 $ 2,278 The operating results and cash flows of the Joint Venture in the years 2016 and 2015 were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Retail customers $ 17,511 $ 16,986 Wholesale carriers 4,293 3,391 Other 4,373 6,541 26,177 26,918 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (1,115 ) (1,693 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 25,062 $ 25,225 Allowance for doubtful accounts consists of the following at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ 1,693 $ 2,338 $ 6,193 Provision for uncollectible accounts 378 1,258 3,329 Charged to other accounts (13 ) 8 (2 ) Deductions (943 ) (1,911 ) (7,182 ) Balance at December 31 $ 1,115 $ 1,693 $ 2,338

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	5. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 14,395 $ 17,362 Accounts payable - trade 13,782 16,057 Note payable, non-interest — 5,500 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,502 4,292 Other 5,501 8,064 $ 38,180 $ 51,275 Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Advance billings $ 4,136 $ 4,482 Customer deposits 31 31 $ 4,167 $ 4,513

Equity Method Investments

Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments	6. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS The Company had no equity method investments at December 31, 2016 and 2015. See Note 2 “ Sale of Wireless Operations TekMate On August 31, 2010, the Company acquired a 49% interest in TekMate for $2,060. On January 31, 2014, the Company purchased the remaining 51% interest in TekMate for $1,573, of which $894 was paid in 2014 and $679 was paid in 2015. The Company accounted for the purchase of the remaining 51% interest in TekMate at fair value using the acquisition method. On January 31, 2014, the Company ceased to report TekMate as an equity method investment and consolidated its operations into Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. The following table represents the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 31, 2014: Current assets $ 1,020 Non-current $ 370 Current liabilities $ 467 Non-current $ 247 Equity $ 676 Goodwill on the acquisition, which is 100% deductible for tax purposes, was as follows: Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration) $ 1,181 Fair value of equity method investment 831 Total consideration 2,012 Fair value of assets acquired 1,390 Fair value of liabilities assumed (714 ) Total net assets 676 Goodwill $ 1,336 In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company determined that its goodwill, including that recorded in connection with the acquisition of TekMate, was fully impaired and recorded an impairment charge totaling $5,986. See Note 9 “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets In the period January 1, 2014 to January 31, 2014 TekMate’s net income was $12 and it made cash distributions of $33 to the Company. At January 31, 2014, undistributed earnings of TekMate were $0. Pro forma financial information has been omitted because the acquisition was not material to the Company’s historical consolidated financial statements. AWN FORMATION On February 2, 2015, the Company sold its one-third Sale of Wireless Operations On July 22, 2013, the Company and GCI completed the transactions contemplated by the June 4, 2012 Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement for the purpose of combining their wireless networks into AWN. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, Alaska Communications sold certain wireless assets to GCI for a cash payment of $100,000. GCI then contributed these assets, together with GCI’s wireless assets, to AWN in exchange for a two-thirds one-third At the closing, the parties entered into the First Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of The Alaska Wireless Network, LLC (the “Operating Agreement”) and other related agreements which governed the ongoing relationship among the parties. Under the terms of the Operating Agreement, AWN was managed by its majority owner, GCI, subject to certain protective rights retained by the Company and representation of one of three seats on AWN’s Board. Accordingly, Alaska Communications had the ability to exercise significant influence over AWN and accounted for its investment under the equity method in accordance with ASC 323, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures.” The Operating Agreement provided that Alaska Communications was entitled to a cumulative preferred cash distribution of up to $12,500 of Adjusted Free Cash Flow, as defined in the agreement, in each of the first eight quarters after closing and $11,250 in each of the eight quarters thereafter (Alaska Communications’ preference period). A national valuation firm was engaged by the parties to assist in the determination of the fair value of AWN including the preferred distribution and the allocation of the purchase price to the assets and liabilities. This valuation was completed in the second quarter of 2014 and assigned a valuation to the AWN Equity Investment of $266,000 and to the Deferred AWN Capacity Revenue of $64,627. The carrying value of the AWN Equity Investment and Deferred AWN Capacity Revenue at December 31, 2014 were $252,067 and $59,964, respectively. The “ Deferred AWN capacity revenue” 20-year In the second quarter of 2014, the Company received the final valuation report and as a result trued up the value of its capacity contribution to AWN and its pre-tax The following table represents the calculation of the gain: Consideration received: Investment $ 266,000 Cash 100,000 Total consideration received 366,000 Consideration provided: Net intangible and tangible assets 90,500 Deferred AWN capacity revenue 64,627 Total consideration provided 155,127 Gain on disposal of assets $ 210,873 In the period January 1 through February 2, 2015, the Company’s share of AWN’s adjusted free cash flow was $764 which was received in the first quarter of 2015. In the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s share of AWN’s adjusted free cash flow was $50,000, of which $45,833 was received during the period and $4,167 was paid within the subsequent 12-day 12-day Summarized financial information for AWN is as follows: Twelve January 1 Twelve Operating revenues $ — $ 21,457 $ 252,864 Gross profit $ — $ 15,745 $ 179,243 Operating income $ — $ 9,757 $ 113,772 Net income $ — $ 9,722 $ 113,404 Adjusted free cash flow (1) $ — $ 10,805 $ 106,937 (1) Adjusted free cash flow is defined in the Operating Agreement. AWN was organized as a limited liability corporation and was a flow-through entity for income tax purposes.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current • Level 1- • Level 2- • Level 3- 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 fair value of the Company’s 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (“6.25% Notes”) Notes of $91,729 at December 31, 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 December 31, 2016 was $91,729. The carrying values of the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facilities and other long-term obligations of $90,075 at December 31, 2016 approximate fair value primarily as a result of the stated interest rates of the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities approximating current market rates (Level 2). Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 at each hierarchical level. There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 during 2016. December 31, 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 $ 100 $ — $ 100 $ — $ 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. 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. 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, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The Company’s new senior credit facility entered into on March 13, 2017, also requires hedging a portion of the variable rate interest payments under the agreement. The new credit agreement is not expected to impact the effectiveness of the interest rate swap described above. See Note 22 “Subsequent Events.” In connection with the Company’s 2010 Senior Credit Facility, swaps in the notional amounts of $115,500 and $77,000 with interest rates of 7.220% and 7.225%, inclusive of a 4.75% LIBOR spread, 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 December 31, 2015, $820 was credited to interest expense for the ineffective portion of these swaps. 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015: Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair At December 31, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 42,750 $ 100 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 years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (170 ) $ 600 $ 1,543 Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (106 ) $ (1,970 ) $ (1,613 ) Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ — $ 737 $ — The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying value of the Company’s interest rate swaps, which are included in “Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion” on the balance sheet, as of and for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 79 $ 1,416 Reclassified from other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss 170 (600 ) Change in fair value credited to interest expense (149 ) (737 ) Balance at December 31 $ 100 $ 79 Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Deferred Capacity Revenue As discussed in Note 2 “ Sale of Wireless Operations,” The following table describes the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the service obligation at February 2, 2015 and the significant unobservable inputs and values for those inputs: Description Estimated Valuation Technique Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Significant Deferred Capacity Revenue $ 41,287 Cost/Replacement Weighted Average Cost of Capital 11.00% Cost trend factor 1% - 4% Estimated % used by GCI 1% - 100% Historical cost of underlying assets Actual cost Other Items As discussed in Note 3 “ Joint Venture The following table provides the fair value and describes the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company as of April 2, 2015, including those recognized through consolidation of the Joint Venture, and the significant unobservable inputs: Description Estimated Valuation Level 3 Unobservable Inputs IRU Assets $ 2,304 Cost Historical cost of underlying assets IRU Obligations $ 4,153 Cost Historical cost of underlying assets The carrying value of these items at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 IRU Assets $ 2,196 $ 2,278 IRU Obligations $ 4,027 $ 4,112 Other than as described below and in Note 9 “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, held-for-sale

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 197,999 $ 198,485 3 - 42 Central office switching and transmission 383,809 381,511 4 - 12 Outside plant cable and wire facilities 734,786 722,582 16 - 50 Other 7,101 5,207 3 - 5 Construction work in progress 26,204 29,313 1,349,899 1,337,098 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (983,050 ) (967,776 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 366,849 $ 369,322 * No depreciation charges are recorded for land. Capitalized interest associated with construction in progress for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $1,077, $1,558, and $2,810, respectively. The capitalization rate used was based on a weighted average of the Company’s long term debt outstanding, and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was 6.48%, 6.78%, and 8.28%, respectively. The following is a summary of property, including leasehold improvements, held under capital leases included in the above property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Land, buildings and support assets $ 14,983 $ 14,694 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,422 ) (6,674 ) Property held under capital leases, net $ 7,561 $ 8,020 Amortization of assets under capital leases included in depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $1,149, $1,316 and $1,832, respectively. Future minimum lease payments, including interest, under these leases for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 634 2018 525 2019 310 2020 318 2021 327 Thereafter 4,508 6,622 Interest (3,297 ) $ 3,325 The Company leases various land, buildings, right-of-ways Sale of Wireless Operations Future minimum payments under these leases, including month to month rentals which are probable of renewal, for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 7,634 2018 6,645 2019 5,936 2020 4,589 2021 4,241 Thereafter 21,459 $ 50,504

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate potential impairment. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company’s goodwill was fully impaired or retired. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company performed an assessment of its goodwill and bifurcated the balance between the business sold to AWN and the business retained. Upon completion of the AWN transaction the $4,200 of goodwill assigned to the business sold was retired. In the first quarter of 2014, the Company purchased the remaining 51% interest in TekMate and recorded $1,336 of goodwill. In the fourth quarter of 2014 the Company conducted two assessments of goodwill – its annual assessment and an assessment upon the announcement of its sale of Wireless operations which constituted a triggering event. The Company utilized reports from third party valuation experts to determine the estimated fair value of its reporting unit. These reports utilized many methodologies, but primarily relied on a discounted cash flow valuation technique. Significant estimates used in the valuation included estimates of future cash flows, both future short-term and long-term growth rates and the estimated cost of capital for purposes of determining a discount factor. The Company compared the results of the estimated fair value to other market approaches and comparable public and private company analysis and found the estimated fair value to be reasonable. The Company also performed a reconciliation of its estimated fair value to its market capitalization, based on its recent publically traded stock price. This analysis indicated a potential impairment as the calculated value was less than the book value. For accounting purposes, the Company utilized the fair value indicated by market capitalization, thereby concluding that the carrying value of its single reporting unit exceeded its fair value. Accordingly, the Company performed step two of the goodwill impairment analysis. After measuring the fair value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, the implied fair value of goodwill was determined to be zero. Consequently, the Company determined that the goodwill was fully impaired and recorded an impairment charge of $5,986 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The gross carrying amount of goodwill, including that related to the acquisition of TekMate and excluding the goodwill retired in connection with the AWN transaction, was $35,539 at December 31, 2016 and 2015. The accumulated impairment loss was $35,539 at December 31, 2016 and 2015. In connection with the AWN transaction in 2013, all of the Company’s other intangible assets were sold or contributed to AWN. The Company no longer holds any indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations	10. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS The Company’s asset retirement obligation is included in “Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and represents the estimated obligation related to the removal and disposal of certain property and equipment in both leased and owned properties. The following table provides the changes in the asset retirement obligation: 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 3,429 $ 4,055 Asset retirement obligation 159 254 Accretion expense 182 179 Settlement of obligations (62 ) (106 ) Revisions in estimated cash flows — (953 ) Balance at December 31 $ 3,708 $ 3,429

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	11. LONG-TERM On March 13, 2017, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility. See Note 22 “ Subsequent Events Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 $ 86,750 $ 89,750 Debt issuance costs (1,738 ) (3,406 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 94,000 104,000 Debt discount (2,271 ) (4,641 ) Debt issuance costs (467 ) (1,010 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,325 3,996 Total debt 179,599 188,689 Less current portion (1,973 ) (3,671 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 177,626 $ 185,018 As of December 31, 2016, the Company had no amounts outstanding under the $10,000 revolving credit facility component of its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities. The aggregate maturities of long-term obligations for each of the next five years and thereafter at December 31, 2016, are as follows: 2017 $ 1,973 2018 179,336 2019 39 2020 52 2021 67 Thereafter 2,608 $ 184,075 2015 Senior Credit Facilities Proceeds from the issuance of the new senior credit facility will be used to repay in full the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facility. See Note 22 “ Subsequent Events On September 14, 2015 (the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into a combined $100,000 of senior secured financing, including term loans totaling $90,000 and a $10,000 revolving credit facility (the “2015 Senior Credit Facilities”). The facilities consist of a $65,000 first lien term loan and a $10,000 revolving credit facility (the “First Lien Facility”) and a $25,000 second lien term loan (the “Second Lien Facility”) (together the “2015 Senior Credit Agreements” or “Agreements”). The Company utilized proceeds from the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities and cash on hand to repay in full its 2010 Senior Credit Facility, repurchase a portion of its 6.25% Notes and fund transaction fees and expenses associated with the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities totaling $3,907, which were deferred and will be charged to interest expense over the terms of the Agreements. Repayment of the 2010 Senior Credit Facility, including accrued interest and fees, totaled $81,526. The Company recorded a loss of $1,312 on the extinguishment, including the write off of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, and third-party fees. The 2010 Senior Credit Facility was due in 2016. The term loan component of the First Lien Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum, with a LIBOR minimum of 1.0%. Draws on the revolving credit component of the First Lien Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus 4.5%, with a LIBOR minimum of 1.0% and a commitment fee of 0.25% on the average daily unused portion. The revolving credit component of the First Lien Facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2016. The Second Lien Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 8.5% per annum, with a LIBOR minimum of 1.0%. At current LIBOR rates, the weighted interest rate on the term loan components of the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities is 6.59%. Unless extended as described below, quarterly principal payments on the term loan component of the First Lien Facility were $250 in the fourth quarter of 2015, $750 in each quarter of 2016, and $1,000 in each quarter of 2017. The remaining principal balance, including any amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility, is due in its entirety on January 2, 2018. Unless extended as described below, the Second Lien Facility is due in its entirety on March 3, 2018, and may be prepaid in whole or in part at the Company’s option prior to maturity. The First Lien Facility may be extended to June 30, 2020 and the Second Lien Facility may be extended to September 30, 2020 if the Company (i) has refinanced or repurchased its 6.25% Notes such that no more than $30,000 of principal amount is outstanding (with cash available for their repayment at maturity) and any replacement notes have a maturity date not earlier than December 31, 2020, (ii) has achieved certain liquidity requirements, and (iii) is otherwise compliant with the terms of the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities. In the event the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities are extended, the quarterly principal payments on the term loan component of the First Lien Facility subsequent to 2017 would be $1,250 in each quarter of 2018, and $1,500 in each quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. The remaining principal balance, including any amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility, would be due in its entirety on June 30, 2020. The Second Lien Facility would be due in its entirety on September 30, 2020, and may be prepaid in whole or in part at the Company’s option prior to maturity. The obligations under the 2015 Senior Credit Facilities are secured by perfected first and second line priority security interests in substantially all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect subsidiary’s tangible and intangible assets, subject to certain agreed exceptions. The 2015 Senior Credit Facilities contain customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting the incurrence of debt and the payment of dividends. Financial covenants (i) impose maximum net total leverage and senior leverage to annual Consolidated EBITDA ratios, and (ii) require a minimum annual Consolidated EBITDA to debt service coverage obligations ratio. All terms are defined in the Agreements. Payment of cash dividends and repurchase of the Company’s common stock is not permitted until such time that the Company’s net total leverage ratio is not greater than 2.75 to 1.00. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s net total leverage ratio was higher than 2.75 to 1.00. The 2015 Senior Credit Facilities provide for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including non-payment 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, Fair Value Measurements 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 Pursuant to the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, the Company intends to commence a tender offer for its outstanding 6.25% Notes. See Note 22 “ Subsequent Events On May 10, 2011, the Company closed the sale of $120,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.25% Notes to certain initial purchasers in a private placement. The 6.25% Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed (“Note Guarantees”), on a joint and several unsecured basis, by all of the Company’s existing subsidiaries, other than its license subsidiaries, and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The 6.25% Notes pay interest semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 at a rate of 6.25% per year and will mature on May 1, 2018. The 6.25% Notes will be convertible at an initial conversion rate of 97.2668 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 6.25% Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $10.28 per share of common stock. The Company may not redeem the 6.25% Notes prior to maturity. Beginning on February 1, 2018, the 6.25% Notes will be convertible by the holder at any time until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the second scheduled trading-day Prior to February 1, 2018, the holder may convert the 6.25% Notes: • During any fiscal quarter beginning after June 30, 2011 following any previous fiscal quarter in which the trading price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the conversion price of the 6.25% Notes for at least 20 trading-days during the last 30 trading-days of the previous fiscal quarter; • During any five business day period following any five trading-day trading-day • Upon the occurrence of certain significant corporate transactions, holders who convert their 6.25% Notes, in connection with a change of control, may be entitled to a make-whole premium in the form of an increase in the conversion rate. In addition, upon a change in control, liquidation, dissolution or delisting, the holders of the 6.25% Notes may require the Company to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their 6.25% Notes for 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. As of December 31, 2016, none of the conditions allowing holders of the 6.25% Notes to convert, or requiring the Company to repurchase the 6.25% Notes, had been met. Additionally, the 6.25% Notes contain events of default which, if they occur, entitle the holders of the 6.25% Notes to declare them to be immediately due and payable. Those events of default include: (i) payment defaults on either the notes themselves or other large obligations; (ii) failure to comply with the terms of the notes; and (iii) most bankruptcy proceedings. The 6.25% Notes are unsecured obligations, subordinated in right of payment to the Company’s obligations under its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities as well as certain hedging agreements within the meaning of the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facilities. The 6.25% Notes also rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s other existing and future senior indebtedness and are senior in right of payment to all of the Company’s future subordinated obligations. The Note Guarantees are subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantors’ obligations under the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facilities as well as certain hedging agreements within the meaning of the Company’s 2015 Senior Credit Facilities. Convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion at the Company’s option, including partial cash settlement, must be accounted for by bifurcating the liability and equity components of the instruments in a manner that reflects the entity’s non-convertible The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of up to 4,700 common shares for the repurchase of its convertible notes. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company delivered and issued 698 and 1,203 common shares in exchange for the retirement of $2,500 and $3,500, respectively, aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Notes. This Board of Directors’ authorization expired December 31, 2013. 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. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company utilized proceeds from its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities described above and cash on hand to repurchase a portion of its 6.25% Notes in the total principal amount of $10,000. The total cash settlement of $10,572 included accrued interest, transaction fees and premium. The Company recorded a loss of $938 on the extinguishment of this debt, including the write off of unamortized discounts and debt issuance costs, third-party fees and premium. The following table provides selected data regarding the 6.25% Notes as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Net carrying amount of the equity component $ 6,416 $ 7,099 Principal amount of the convertible notes $ 94,000 $ 104,000 Unamortized debt discount $ 2,271 $ 4,641 Amortization period remaining 16 months 28 months Net carrying amount of the convertible notes $ 91,729 $ 99,359 The following table details the interest components of the 6.25% Notes contained in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Coupon interest expense $ 5,928 $ 6,947 Amortization of the debt discount 2,370 2,601 Total included in interest expense $ 8,298 $ 9,548 Capital Leases and Other Long-term Obligations The Company is a lessee under various capital leases and other financing agreements totaling $3,325 and $3,996 with a weighted average interest rate of 8.97% and 8.36% at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively and have maturities through 2033. Debt Issuance Costs The Company incurred debt issuance costs totaling $3,907 associated with its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities which were deferred and will be amortized to interest expense over the terms of the Agreements. Amortization of debt issuance costs were $2,214, $3,960 and $2,460 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization of debt issuance costs included $109 and $2,446 classified as loss on extinguishment of debt in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Debt Discounts Accretion of debt discounts charged to interest expense or loss on extinguishment of debt in 2016, 2015 and 2014, totaled $2,370, $4,641 and $2,644, respectively. Accretion of debt discounts included $430 and $2,041 classified as loss on extinguishment of debt in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	12. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 35,255 $ 37,338 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 15,697 17,009 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 2,202 2,224 Other 8,384 8,694 $ 61,538 $ 65,265 Amortization of deferred revenue included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) was $7,010, $5,827 and $6,531 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	13. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Defined Interest Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (3,639 ) $ (1,512 ) $ (5,151 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4 ) 355 351 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 554 1,160 1,714 Net other comprehensive income 550 1,515 2,065 Balance at December 31, 2015 (3,089 ) 3 (3,086 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (176 ) (100 ) (276 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 390 62 452 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 214 (38 ) 176 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,875 ) $ (35 ) $ (2,910 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively: 2016 2015 2014 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of loss (2) $ 662 $ 936 $ 451 Income tax effect (272 ) (382 ) (185 ) After tax 390 554 266 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 106 1,970 1,613 Income tax effect (44 ) (810 ) (663 ) After tax 62 1,160 950 Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 452 $ 1,714 $ 1,216 (1) See Note 14 “ Retirement Plans” (2) Included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) See Note 7 “ Fair Value Measurements The estimated amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months is $76.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	14. RETIREMENT PLANS Multi-employer Defined Benefit Plan Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the AEPF. The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation. As a multi-employer defined benefit plan, the accumulated benefits and plan assets are not determined for, or allocated separately to, the individual employer. The following table provides additional information about the AEPF multi-employer pension plan. Plan name Alaska Electrical Pension Plan Employer Identification Number 92-6005171 Pension plan number 001 Pension Protection Act zone status at the plan’s year-end: December 31, 2016 Green December 31, 2015 Green Plan subject to funding improvement plan No Plan subject to rehabilitation plan No Employer subject to contribution surcharge No Greater than 5% of Total Contributions to the Plan Company contributions to the plan for the year ended: December 31, 2016 $ 7,517 Yes December 31, 2015 $ 7,968 Yes December 31, 2014 $ 8,626 Yes Name and expiration date of collective bargaining agreements requiring contributions to the plan: Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems and Local Union 1547 IBEW (1) December 31, 2016 Outside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. September 30, 2017 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2019 Special Agreement Providing for the Coverage of Certain Non-bargaining (2) December 31, 2016 (1) As of the date of this report, negotiations for a new agreement are in process. The parties are operating under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place. (2) This agreement runs concurrently with the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems Holding, Inc. and Local Union 1547 IBEW. As of the date of this report, the parties are operating under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place. The Company cannot accurately project any change in the plan status in future years given the uncertainty of economic conditions or the effect of actuarial valuations versus actual performance in the market. Minimum required future contributions to the AEPF are subject to the number of employees in each classification and/or base compensation of employees in future years. Defined Contribution Plan The Company provides a 401(k) retirement savings plan covering substantially all of its employees. The plan allows for discretionary contributions as determined by the Board of Directors, subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations. The Company made a $186, $187 and $213 matching contribution in 2016, 2015 and 2014 respectively. 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’s Alaska properties, whereby assets and liabilities of the CenturyTel Plan were transferred to the ACS Retirement Plan (“Plan”) on September 1, 1999. Accrued benefits under the Plan were determined in accordance with the provisions of the CenturyTel Plan and upon completion of the transfer, covered employees ceased to accrue benefits under the CenturyTel Plan. On November 1, 2000, the Plan was amended to conform early retirement reduction factors and various other terms to those provided by the AEPF. The Company uses the traditional unit credit method for the determination of pension cost for financial reporting and funding purposes and complies with the funding requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for the Plan. The Plan is not adequately funded under ERISA at December 31, 2016. The Company contributed $798 to the Plan in 2016, $779 in 2015 and $898 in 2014. The Company plans to contribute approximately $929 to the Plan in 2017 and management is also estimating what additional contributions the Company may be required to make in subsequent years in the event the value of the Plan’s assets remain volatile or decline. The following is a calculation of the funded status of the ACS Retirement Plan using beginning and ending balances for 2016 and 2015 for the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets: 2016 2015 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 16,094 $ 17,234 Interest cost 668 666 Actuarial loss (gain) 55 (754 ) Benefits paid (1,035 ) (1,052 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 15,782 16,094 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,202 11,570 Actual return on plan assets 428 (95 ) Employer contribution 798 779 Benefits paid (1,035 ) (1,052 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,393 11,202 Funded status $ (4,389 ) $ (4,892 ) The Plan’s projected benefit obligation equals its accumulated benefit obligation. The 2016 and 2015 liability balance of $4,389 and $4,892 respectively, is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in “Other long-term liabilities.” The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the Plan for 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Interest cost $ 668 $ 666 $ 664 Expected return on plan assets (373 ) (659 ) (749 ) Amortization of loss 367 929 536 Net periodic pension expense $ 662 $ 936 $ 451 In 2017, the Company expects amortization of net gains and losses of $732. 2016 2015 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 4,881 $ 5,249 The assumptions used to account for the Plan as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 Discount rate for benefit obligation 4.10 % 4.30 % Discount rate for pension expense 4.30 % 3.97 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.53 % 6.53 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 % The discount rate for December 31, 2016 and 2015 was calculated using a proprietary yield curve based on above median AA rated corporate bonds. The expected long-term rate-of-return Based on risk and return history for capital markets along with asset allocation risk and return projections, the following asset allocation guidelines were developed for the Plan: Minimum Maximum Asset Category Equity securities 50 % 80 % Fixed income 20 % 50 % Cash equivalents 0 % 5 % The Plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset category are as follows: 2016 2015 Asset Category Equity securities* 66 % 64 % Debt securities* 32 % 34 % Other/Cash 2 % 2 % * May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds. The fundamental investment objective of the Plan is to generate a consistent total investment return sufficient to pay Plan benefits to retired employees while minimizing the long-term cost to the Company. The long-term (10 years and beyond) Plan asset growth objective is to achieve a rate of return that exceeds the actuarial interest assumption after fees and expenses. Because of the Company’s long-term investment objectives, the Plan administrator is directed to resist being reactive to short-term capital market developments and to maintain an asset mix that is continuously rebalanced to adhere to the plan investment mix guidelines. The Plan’s investment goal is to protect the assets’ long-term purchasing power. The Plan’s assets are managed in a manner that emphasizes a higher exposure to equity markets versus other asset classes. It is expected that such a strategy will provide a higher probability of meeting the plan’s actuarial rate of return assumption over time. The following table presents major categories of plan assets as of December 31, 2016, and inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets regarding the ACS Retirement Plan: Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using Total Quoted Prices Level 1 Significant Significant Asset Category Money market/cash $ 211 $ 211 $ — $ — Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 1,594 1,594 — — U.S. small cap 1,607 1,607 — — U.S. medium cap 1,489 1,489 — — U.S. large cap 2,832 2,832 — — Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 1,847 1,847 — — Fixed income 1,813 1,813 — — $ 11,393 $ 11,393 $ — $ — * May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds. The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 1,084 2018 $ 1,097 2019 $ 1,085 2020 $ 1,089 2021 $ 1,093 2022-2026 $ 5,264 Post-retirement Health Benefit Plan The Company has a separate executive post-retirement health benefit plan. On December 31, 2016, the plan was underfunded by $192 with plan assets of $85. The net periodic post-retirement cost for 2016 and 2015 was $12 and $9, respectively.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	15. EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share is 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 or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. Excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016 were RSUs and PSUs totaling 4 which were out-of-the-money While it is the Company’s intent to settle the principal portion of its 6.25% Notes in cash, the Company used the “if converted” method in calculating the diluted earnings per share effect of the assumed conversion of the contingently convertible debt through December 31, 2014. Under the “if converted” method, the after tax effect of interest expense related to the convertible securities is added back to net income and the convertible debt is assumed to have been converted into common stock at the earlier of the debt issuance date or the beginning of the period. Effective in 2015, the Company discontinued use of the “if converted” method in calculating diluted earnings per share in connection with the 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. See Note 11 “ Long-Term Obligations. Subsequent Events The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 2,386 $ 12,954 $ (2,780 ) Tax-effected NA NA — Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ 2,386 $ 12,954 $ (2,780 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 51,169 50,247 49,334 Effect of stock-based compensation 1,019 1,121 — Effect of 6.25% convertible notes NA NA — Diluted shares 52,188 51,368 49,334 Income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.05 $ 0.26 $ (0.06 ) Diluted $ 0.05 $ 0.25 $ (0.06 )

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	16. INCOME TAXES Consolidated income (loss) before income tax was as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Income (loss) before income tax $ 3,752 $ 23,085 $ (4,567 ) The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was comprised of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal income tax $ (276 ) $ 4,320 $ 217 State income tax 6 693 43 Total current (benefit) expense (270 ) 5,013 260 Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 1,680 69,774 (1,620 ) State, excluding operating loss carry forwards 228 19,725 (427 ) Change in valuation allowance (139 ) — — Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal — (66,285 ) — State — (18,027 ) — Total deferred expense (benefit) 1,769 5,187 (2,047 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 ) The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the Federal statutory rate of 35% to the recorded income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively: 2016 2015 2014 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ 1,313 $ 8,080 $ (1,598 ) Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) 229 1,408 (278 ) Other (209 ) 263 58 Stock-based compensation 27 449 31 Change in valuation allowance 139 — — Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 ) Income tax expense (benefit) was charged to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) and statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit) as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Statement of comprehensive income (loss): Income (loss) before income tax $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 128 $ 1,434 $ 320 Statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit): Additional paid-in Excess tax expense (benefit) from share-based payments $ 47 $ (733 ) $ — The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset-liability method. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Valuation allowances are provided when it is “more likely than not” that the benefits of existing deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had valuation allowances on certain state net operating loss carryforwards of $139 and zero, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the change in the valuation allowance was $139 and zero, respectively. At December 31, 2016, it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize existing deferred tax assets, other than the state net operating loss carryforwards noted above. Therefore, no additional valuation allowance is necessary. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are as follows: 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 26,429 $ 16,863 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 15,340 22,654 Reserves and accruals 12,499 6,522 Intangibles and goodwill 1,620 1,765 Fair value on interest rate swaps 25 — Pension liability 1,804 2,010 Allowance for doubtful accounts 458 696 Alternative minimum tax carry forward 9,380 9,668 Other 257 277 Total deferred tax assets 67,812 60,455 Valuation allowance (139 ) — Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 67,673 60,455 Deferred tax liabilities: Debt issuance costs (933 ) (1,907 ) Property, plant and equipment (52,022 ) (41,886 ) Fair value on interest rate swaps — (2 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (52,955 ) (43,795 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 14,718 $ 16,660 As of December 31, 2016, the Company has available Federal and state alternative minimum tax credits of $8,672 and $1,089, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the Company has available Federal and state net operating loss carry forwards of $67,514 and $46,044, respectively, which have various expiration dates beginning in 2031 through 2036. The Company files consolidated income tax returns for Federal and state purposes in addition to separate tax returns of certain subsidiaries in multiple state jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2016, the Company is not under examination by any income tax jurisdiction. The Company is no longer subject to examination in the United States for years prior to 2013. The Company accounts for income tax uncertainties using a threshold of “more-likely-than-not”

Stock Incentive Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Incentive Plans	17. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Under the Company’s stock incentive plan, Alaska Communications, through the Compensation and Personnel Committee of its Board of Directors, may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other awards to officers, employees, consultants, and non-employee Non-Employee 2011 Incentive Award Plan On June 10, 2011, Alaska Communications shareholders approved the 2011 Incentive Award Plan, which was amended and restated on June 30, 2014 and which terminates in 2021. Following termination, all shares granted under this plan, prior to termination, will continue to vest under the terms of the grant when awarded. All remaining unencumbered shares of common stock previously allocated to the Prior Plans were transferred to the 2011 Incentive Award Plan. In addition, to the extent that any outstanding awards under the Prior Plans are forfeited or expire or such awards are settled in cash, such shares will again be available for future grants under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan. The Company grants Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units as the primary equity based incentive for executive and certain non union-represented employees. Restricted Stock Units, Long-term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee RSUs issued prior to December 31, 2010 vest ratably over three, four or five years, RSUs issued in 2011 vest ratably over three years, and RSUs granted in 2012 vest in one year or ratably over three years. Long-term incentive awards (“LTIP”) were granted to executive management annually through 2010. The LTIP awards cliff vest in five years with accelerated vesting in three years if cumulative three-year profitability criteria are met. Since January 2008, the Company has maintained a policy which requires that non-employee Non-employee The following table summarizes the RSU, LTIP and non-employee Number of Weighted Grant-Date Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,186 $ 1.83 Granted 925 $ 1.74 Vested (697 ) $ 1.81 Canceled or expired — $ — Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79 Performance Based Units PSUs vest ratably over three years beginning at the grant date, subject to certain Company financial targets being met and approval of the Compensation and Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors. The following table summarizes PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2016: Number of Weighted Grant-Date Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 984 $ 1.78 Granted 803 $ 1.74 Vested (432 ) $ 1.76 Canceled or expired (21 ) $ 1.84 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77 Valuation Assumptions Assumptions used for valuation of equity instruments awarded during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock: Risk free rate 0 % 0 % 0.0% - 0.23 % Quarterly dividend $ — $ — $— Expected, per annum, forfeiture rate 9 % 9 % 9 % Selected Information on Equity Instruments and Share-Based Compensation Selected information on equity instruments and share-based compensation under the plan for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 2,830 $ 2,008 $ 2,511 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 1.74 $ 1.82 $ 1.87 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 2,029 $ 2,615 $ 2,935 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,562 $ 1,421 $ 1,392 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.36 1.39 1.45 Share-based compensation expense is classified as “Selling, general and administrative expense” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company purchases, from shares authorized under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan, sufficient vested shares to cover minimum employee payroll tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of restricted stock. The Company expects to repurchase approximately 333 shares in 2017. This amount is based upon an estimation of the number of shares of restricted stock awards expected to vest during 2017. Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders in June 2012 and replaced the Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 1999 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended. The 2012 ESPP will terminate upon the earlier of (i) the last exercise date prior to the tenth anniversary of the adoption date, unless sooner terminated in accordance with the 2012 ESPP; or (ii) the date on which all purchase rights are exercised in connection with a change in ownership of the Company. The terms of the 2012 ESPP are similar to those of the 1999 ESPP. Under the terms of the 2012 ESPP, all Alaska Communications employees and all employees of designated subsidiaries generally will be eligible to participate in the 2012 ESPP, other than employees whose customary employment is not more than 20 hours per week and five months in a calendar year, or who are ineligible to participate due to restrictions under the Internal Revenue Code. A participant in the 2012 ESPP will be granted a purchase right to acquire shares of common stock at six-month The Company reserved 1,500 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2012 ESPP, which were also available for issuance for the January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012 offering period under the 1999 ESPP. Any shares issued to employees in respect to the January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012 offering period under the 1999 ESPP reduced (on a one for one basis) the aggregate number of shares available for issuance thereafter under the 2012 ESPP. The fair value of each purchase right under the 2012 ESPP is charged to compensation expense over the offering period to which the right pertains, and is reflected in total compensation cost for share-based payments in the above table. Shares purchased by employees and the associated compensation expense under the 2012 ESPP, which is reflected in the preceding table, were not material in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	18. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table presents supplemental non-cash 2016 2015 2014 Supplemental Non-cash Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 3,508 $ 11,600 $ 6,678 Property acquired under capital leases $ — $ 20 $ 1,877 Additions to ARO asset $ 159 $ 254 $ 369 Accrued acquisition purchase price $ — $ — $ 291 Non-cash $ — $ — $ 956 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	19. 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. The following table presents service and product revenues from external customers for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Wireline Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 59,218 $ 51,058 $ 44,461 Business voice and other 27,903 28,909 28,827 Managed IT services 4,173 3,316 3,492 Equipment sales and installations 6,441 6,274 5,195 Wholesale broadband 31,581 28,126 23,216 Wholesale voice and other 7,539 8,764 9,925 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 136,855 126,447 115,116 Consumer Revenue Broadband 24,981 25,621 25,689 Voice and other 12,763 14,408 15,773 Total Consumer Revenue 37,744 40,029 41,462 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 174,599 166,476 156,578 Regulatory Revenue Access 32,412 33,644 35,323 High cost support 19,855 19,682 23,192 Total Regulatory Revenue 52,267 53,326 58,515 Total Wireline Revenue 226,866 219,802 215,093 Wireless & AWN Related Revenue Service revenue, equipment sales and other — 6,300 77,054 Transition services — 4,769 — CETC — 1,654 19,565 Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue — 292 3,151 Total Wireless & AWN Related Revenue — 13,015 99,770 Total Operating Revenue $ 226,866 $ 232,817 $ 314,863 The Company’s revenues are derived entirely from external customers in the United States and its long-lived assets are held entirely in the United States.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	20. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company enters into purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business, including minimum purchase agreements. The Company also has long-term purchase contracts with vendors to support the on-going The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and has recorded a liability for estimated litigation costs of $1,271 at December 31, 2016 against certain current claims and legal actions. The Company also faces contingencies that are reasonably possible to occur, however, they 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.

Selected Quarterly Financial In

Selected Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Information	21. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Quarterly Financial Data First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year 2016 Operating revenues $ 56,328 $ 56,262 $ 56,483 $ 57,793 $ 226,866 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 30,200 $ 30,719 $ 31,090 $ 32,720 $ 124,729 Operating income $ 4,316 $ 4,365 $ 4,100 $ 6,728 $ 19,509 Net income $ 53 $ 283 $ 320 $ 1,597 $ 2,253 Net income attributable Alaska Communications $ 86 $ 317 $ 354 $ 1,629 $ 2,386 Net income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ — $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.05 Diluted $ — $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.05 2015 Operating revenues $ 65,786 $ 55,665 $ 54,735 $ 56,631 $ 232,817 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 34,520 $ 25,587 $ 30,062 $ 30,525 $ 120,694 Operating income (loss) $ 39,313 $ (4,375 ) $ 8,178 $ 4,630 $ 47,746 Net income (loss) $ 16,217 $ (4,860 ) $ 1,202 $ 326 $ 12,885 Net income (loss) attributable Alaska Communications $ 16,217 $ (4,841 ) $ 1,239 $ 339 $ 12,954 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.32 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.01 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.32 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.01 $ 0.25 Operating income (loss), net income (loss), net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications and per share amounts in 2015 reflect the gain before income taxes on the Wireless Sale of $39,719, $1,421, $7,092 and $48,232 in the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter and total year, respectively.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS New Senior Credit Facility On March 13, 2017, the Company entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of a Term A-1 A-2 The Term A-1 A-2 Principal payments on the Term A-1 A-2 Upon funding, the obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility will be secured by perfected first lien priority security interests in substantially all of the Company’s and its direct and indirect subsidiary’s tangible and intangible assets, subject to certain agreed exceptions. The 2017 Senior Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting the incurrence of debt, the payment of dividends and repurchase of the Company’s common stock. The 2017 Senior Credit Facility provides for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including non-payment Tender Offer on 6.25% Notes Pursuant to the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, the Company intends to commence a tender offer for its outstanding 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018. The offer will commence upon the filing of Schedule TO with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The outstanding principal balance of the 6.25% Notes was $94,000 at December 31, 2016. Share Repurchase Program On March 13, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for the Company to repurchase up to $10,000 of its Common Stock through December 2019. Shares repurchased under the program will be accounted for as treasury stock.

Description of Company and Su30

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements and notes include all accounts and subsidiaries of the Company in which it maintains a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. For transactions with entities accounted for under the equity method, any intercompany profits on amounts still remaining are eliminated. Amounts originating from any deferral of intercompany profits are recorded within either the Company’s investment account or the account balance to which the transaction specifically relates (e.g., construction of fixed assets). Only upon settlement of the intercompany transaction with a third party is the deferral of the intercompany profit recognized by the Company. 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% ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 3 “ Joint Venture
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Among the significant estimates affecting the financial statements are those related to the realizable value of accounts receivable and long-lived assets, the value of derivative instruments, deferred capacity revenue, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation and income taxes. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes is reasonable under the circumstances. Assumptions are adjusted as facts and circumstances dictate. More volatile capital markets, uncertainty on interest rates, and the continuation of low crude oil pricing have combined to increase the uncertainty in such estimates and assumptions. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results may differ significantly from those estimates. Changes in those estimates will be reflected in the financial statements of future periods.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company generally considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash Restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 consists of $1,917 held in certificates of deposits as required under the terms of certain contracts to which the Company is a party. When the restrictions are lifted, the Company will transfer these funds into its operating accounts.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Bad Debt Reserves	Trade Accounts Receivable and Bad Debt Reserves Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Amounts collected on trade accounts receivable are included in net cash provided by operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company does not have any off-balance
Materials and Supplies	Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies are carried in inventory at the lower of moving average cost or market. Cash flows related to the sale of inventory are included in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Exit Obligations	Exit Obligations In connection with the decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incurred certain costs associated with the wind-down of its retail wireless operations that met the criteria for reporting as exit obligations. These costs were incurred in the fourth quarter of 2014 through 2015, and settlement of the liabilities was completed in 2016. The accounting policies for these costs were as follows: • Employee termination costs associated with reductions in retail stores, contact center, and other support organizations, and termination costs associated with synergies and future cost reductions resulting from the Company becoming a more focused broadband and managed IT services company were accrued equal to the payout amount, undiscounted due to the short duration, and amortized over the remaining required service period. These termination benefits included costs accounted for under both Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 420, “Exit or Disposal Costs Obligations” (“ASC 420”) and ASC 712, “Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits” (“ASC 712”). • Contract termination costs were accrued for retail store leases and a software contract where we incurred a charge to terminate the contract prior to their stated maturity. These costs were measured equal to the actual cost to terminate the contract and were recognized at the date the contract was terminated. • For retail store leases that were vacated, the costs were measured equal to the fair value of the remaining lease payments and recognized when the Company had ceased to use the property. • Costs associated with marking wireless handset and accessory inventory held for sale to fair value were expensed in the fourth quarter of 2014 and are included in “Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), non-affiliates” • Other associated costs that met the criteria of an exit activity were accrued when incurred.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Telephone property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost of construction including certain capitalized overhead and interest charges. Renewals and betterments of telephone plant are capitalized, while repairs and renewals of minor items are charged to cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) as incurred. The Company uses a group composite depreciation method in accordance with industry practice. Under this method, telephone plant, with the exception of land and capital leases, retired in the ordinary course of business, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no gain or loss recognized. Non-telephone The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under capital leases expiring in various years through 2033. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are initially recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the assets at the inception of the lease. The assets are amortized over the shorter of their related lease terms or the estimated productive lives. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense. The Company is also the lessee of various land, building and personal property under operating lease agreements for which expense is recognized on a monthly basis. Increases in rental rates are recorded as incurred which approximates the straight-line method. The Company capitalizes interest charges associated with construction in progress based on a weighted average interest cost calculated on the Company’s outstanding debt.
Asset Retirement Obligations	Asset Retirement Obligations The Company records liabilities for obligations related to the retirement and removal of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of batteries and operating leases. The Company records, as liabilities, the estimated fair value of asset retirement obligations on a discounted cash flow basis when incurred, which is typically at the time the asset is installed or acquired. The obligations are conditional on the occurrence of future events. Uncertainty about the timing or settlement of the obligation is factored into the measurement of the liability. Amounts recorded for the related assets are increased by the amount of these obligations. Over time, the liabilities increase due to the change in their present value, the potential changes in assumptions or inputs, and the initial capitalized assets decline as they are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. The liabilities are extinguished when the asset is taken out of service.
Indefeasible Rights of Use	Indefeasible Rights of Use Indefeasible rights of use (“IRU”) consist of agreements between the Company and a third party whereby one party grants access to a portion of its fiber network to the other party, or receives access to a portion of the fiber network of the other party. The access may consist of individually specified fibers or a specified number of fibers on the network. Certain of the Company’s IRU agreements consist of like kind exchanges for which the value of the access given up is determined to be equal to the value of the access received. Cash may or may not be exchanged depending on the terms of the agreement. For IRU agreements in which an equal amount of cash is received and paid and the transaction is determined to not have commercial substance, revenue and expense is not recognized in connection with the cash exchanged. For IRU agreements that are not like kind exchanges and for which the Company receives or pays cash, revenue and expense are recognized over the term of the agreement.
Non-operating Assets	Non-operating The Company periodically evaluates the fair value of its non-current non-operating non-operating non-operating
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities The Company’s ownership interest in ACS-Quintillion Joint Venture
Equity Method of Accounting	Equity Method of Accounting Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for by the equity method. Under this method, equity investments are carried at acquisition cost, increased by the Company’s proportionate share of the investee’s comprehensive income, and decreased by the investee’s comprehensive losses up to our proportional ownership interest and cash distributions. The Company evaluates its investments in equity method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had no equity method investments.
Deferred Capacity Revenue	Deferred Capacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company’s network provided to third parties. They are established at fair value and amortized to revenue on a straight line basis over the contractual life of the relevant contract. These liabilities include a deferred capacity revenue liability for future services to be provided to General Communications, Inc. (“GCI”) which is amortized over the contract life of up to 30 years.
Goodwill	Goodwill The carrying value of the Company’s goodwill, net of accumulated impairment, was zero at December 31, 2016 and 2015. See Note 9 “ Goodwill and Other Intangible more-likely-than-not more-likely-than-not two-step
Long-lived Asset Impairment	Long-lived Asset Impairment Long-lived long-lived long-lived third-party
Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts	Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related instruments. Debt discounts are accreted to interest expense using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs and debt discounts are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Preferred Stock	Preferred Stock The Company has 5,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, none of which were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Substantially all recurring non-usage Non-recurring
Concentrations of Risk	Concentrations of Risk Cash is maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits and the Company enters into arrangements to collateralize these amounts with securities of the underlying financial institutions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand. The Company has not experienced any losses on such deposits. The Company also depends on a limited number of suppliers and vendors for equipment and services for its network. The Company’s subscriber base and operating results could be adversely affected if these suppliers experience financial or credit difficulties, service interruptions, or other problems. As of December 31, 2016, approximately 56% of the Company’s employees are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1547 (“IBEW”). The Master Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”) between the Company and the IBEW expired on December 31, 2016. As of the date of this report, negotiations for a new agreement are continuing, and the parties will operate under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place. The CBA provides the terms and conditions of employment for all IBEW represented employees working for the Company in the state of Alaska and has significant economic impacts on the Company as it relates to wage and benefit costs and work rules that affect our ability to provide superior service to our customers. The Company considered relations with the IBEW to be stable in 2016; however, any deterioration in the relationship with the IBEW would have a negative impact on the Company’s operations. The Company provides voice, broadband and managed IT services to its customers throughout Alaska. Accordingly, the Company’s financial performance is directly influenced by the competitive environment in Alaska, and by economic factors specifically in Alaska. The most significant economic factor is the level of Alaskan oil production and the per barrel price of relevant crude oil. A significant majority of the state’s unrestricted revenue comes from taxes assessed upon the production of this resource, and the price of crude oil impacts the level of investment by resource development companies. The drop in crude oil prices during the past three years has resulted in the State of Alaska reducing its spending, which is having a dampening impact on the overall state economy, including declining employment levels in 2016. Other important factors influencing the Alaskan economy include the level of tourism, government spending, and the movement of United States military personnel. Any further deterioration in these factors, particularly over a sustained period of time, would likely have a negative impact on the Company’s performance. As an entity that relies on the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and state regulatory agencies to provide stable funding sources to provide services in high cost areas, the Company is also impacted by any changes in regulations or future funding mechanisms that are being established by these regulatory agencies. In 2016, 9% of the Company’s total revenues were derived from high cost support. Additionally, the Company considers the vulnerabilities of its network and IT systems to various cyber threats. While the Company has implemented several mitigating policies, technological safeguards and some insurance coverage, it is not possible to prevent every possible threat to its network and IT systems from deliberate cyber related attacks.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,460, $4,065 and $4,741 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively and is included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company utilizes the asset-liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset-liability method, deferred taxes reflect the temporary differences between the financial and tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that management believes it is more-likely-than-not “more-likely-than-not”
Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Government Authorities	Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Government Authorities The Company excludes taxes collected from customers and payable to government authorities from revenue. Taxes payable to government authorities are presented as a liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Regulatory Accounting and Regulation	Regulatory Accounting and Regulation Certain activities of the Company are subject to rate regulation by the FCC for interstate telecommunication service and the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (“RCA”) for intrastate and local exchange telecommunication service. The Company, as required by the FCC, accounts for such activity separately. Long distance services of the Company are subject to regulation as a non-dominant non-common
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company does not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes. The Company recognizes all asset or liability derivatives at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value is contingent on the intended use of the derivative and its designation as a hedge. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings. If a derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in fair value either offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings, or are recognized in “Other comprehensive income (loss)” until the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either a fair value or cash flow hedge. The Company formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an on-going
Dividend Policy	Dividend Policy The Company’s dividend policy is set by the Company’s Board of Directors and is subject to the terms of its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities and the continued current and future performance and liquidity needs of the Company. Dividends on the Company’s common stock are not cumulative to the extent they are declared. The Board has not authorized the payment of a dividend since 2012, and has not updated its dividend policy. Effective in the first quarter of 2017, the Company’s dividend policy is subject to the terms of its new senior credit facility. See Note 22 “ Subsequent Events
Share-based Payments	Share-based Payments Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) The Company determines the fair value of RSUs based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, discounted for estimated dividend payments that do not accrue to the employee during the vesting period. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period and adjustments are charged or credited to expense. RSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Incentive Award Plan. Performance Share Units (“PSUs”) The Company measures the fair value of each new PSU at the grant date. Adjustments each reporting period are based on changes to the expected achievement of the performance goals or if the PSUs otherwise vest, expire, or are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors to be unlikely to vest prior to expiration. Adjustments are charged or credited to expense. Compensation expense is recorded over the expected performance period. PSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Incentive Award Plan. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) The Company makes payroll deductions of from 1% to 15% of compensation from employees who elect to participate in the ESPP. A liability accretes during the 6-month Tax Treatment Stock-based compensation is treated as a temporary difference for income tax purposes and increases deferred tax assets until the compensation is realized for income tax purposes. To the extent that realized tax benefits exceed the book based compensation, the excess tax benefit is credited to additional paid in capital.
Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits 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. The accumulated benefits and plan assets are not determined for, or allocated separately to, the individual employer. Defined Benefit Plan The ACS Retirement Plan, which is the Company’s sole single-employer defined benefit plan and covers a limited number of employees previously employed by a predecessor to one of our subsidiaries, is frozen. The Company recognizes the under-funded status of this plan as a liability on its balance sheet and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. The ACS Retirement Plan’s accumulated benefit obligation is the actuarial present value, as of the Company’s December 31 measurement date, of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula. The amount of benefits to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life of employees or survivors and average years of service rendered. It is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels. Unrecognized prior service credits and costs and net actuarial gains and losses are recognized as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Defined Contribution Plan The Company provides a 401(k) retirement savings plan covering substantially all of it employees. Discretionary company-matching contributions are determined by the Board of Directors.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share The Company computes earnings per share based on the weighted number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding. This includes all issued and outstanding share-based payments.
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 350-40), 2015-05”). 2015-05, 2015-05
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) 2014-09”). 2014-09 2014-09 No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing 2016-10”). No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients 2016-12”). No. 2016-20, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Technical Corrections and Improvements 2016-20”). 2016-10, 2016-12 2016-20 2014-09 2014-09 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 2016-02”). 2016-02 right-of-use right-of-use right-of-use right-of-use 2016-02 2016-02 2016-02 In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting 2016-09”). 2016-09 2016-09 2016-09 In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments 2016-15”). zero-coupon 2016-15 2016-15 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash 2016-18”). beginning-of-period end-of-period 2016-18 2016-18
Fair Value Measurements	The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current • Level 1- • Level 2- • Level 3-

Sale of Wireless Operations (Ta

Sale of Wireless Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of Gain on Sale of Assets	The following table represents the calculation of the gain: Consideration received: Investment $ 266,000 Cash 100,000 Total consideration received 366,000 Consideration provided: Net intangible and tangible assets 90,500 Deferred AWN capacity revenue 64,627 Total consideration provided 155,127 Gain on disposal of assets $ 210,873
Schedule of Company's Obligations for Exit Activities	The following table summarizes the Company’s obligations for exit activities, including costs accounted for under both ASC 420 and ASC 712, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: Labor Contract Other Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ — $ — $ — $ — Charged to expense 490 — 634 1,124 Paid and/or settled — — (634 ) (634 ) Balance at December 31, 2014 490 — — 490 Charged to expense 6,485 3,966 294 10,745 Paid and/or settled (5,752 ) (3,966 ) (294 ) (10,012 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 1,223 — — 1,223 Credited to expense (93 ) — — (93 ) Paid and/or settled (1,130 ) — — (1,130 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ — $ — $ — $ —
Sale of Wireless Operations [Member]
Components of Gain on Sale of Assets	The following table provides the calculation of the gain: 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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2016 and 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. Property, plant and equipment, net, at December 31, 2016 reflects a $461 reduction associated with the capacity granted to the Company in connection with the amendment to the operating agreement discussed above. 2016 2015 Cash $ 67 $ 359 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $112 and $26 $ 2,029 $ 2,278

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for doubtful accounts consists of the following at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 2016 2015 2014 Balance at January 1 $ 1,693 $ 2,338 $ 6,193 Provision for uncollectible accounts 378 1,258 3,329 Charged to other accounts (13 ) 8 (2 ) Deductions (943 ) (1,911 ) (7,182 ) Balance at December 31 $ 1,115 $ 1,693 $ 2,338
Non-affiliates [Member]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Retail customers $ 17,511 $ 16,986 Wholesale carriers 4,293 3,391 Other 4,373 6,541 26,177 26,918 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (1,115 ) (1,693 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 25,062 $ 25,225

Current Liabilities (Tables)

Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 14,395 $ 17,362 Accounts payable - trade 13,782 16,057 Note payable, non-interest — 5,500 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,502 4,292 Other 5,501 8,064 $ 38,180 $ 51,275
Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits	Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Advance billings $ 4,136 $ 4,482 Customer deposits 31 31 $ 4,167 $ 4,513

Equity Method Investments (Tabl

Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table represents the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on January 31, 2014: Current assets $ 1,020 Non-current $ 370 Current liabilities $ 467 Non-current $ 247 Equity $ 676
Goodwill on the Acquisition	Goodwill on the acquisition, which is 100% deductible for tax purposes, was as follows: Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration) $ 1,181 Fair value of equity method investment 831 Total consideration 2,012 Fair value of assets acquired 1,390 Fair value of liabilities assumed (714 ) Total net assets 676 Goodwill $ 1,336
Summarized Financial Information	Summarized financial information for AWN is as follows: Twelve January 1 Twelve Operating revenues $ — $ 21,457 $ 252,864 Gross profit $ — $ 15,745 $ 179,243 Operating income $ — $ 9,757 $ 113,772 Net income $ — $ 9,722 $ 113,404 Adjusted free cash flow (1) $ — $ 10,805 $ 106,937 (1) Adjusted free cash flow is defined in the Operating Agreement.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 at each hierarchical level. There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 during 2016. December 31, 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 $ 100 $ — $ 100 $ — $ 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 December 31, 2016 and 2015: Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair At December 31, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 42,750 $ 100 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 years ending December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. 2016 2015 2014 (Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (170 ) $ 600 $ 1,543 Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (106 ) $ (1,970 ) $ (1,613 ) Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ — $ 737 $ —
Schedule of Reconciliation of Carrying Value of Company's Interest Rate Swaps	The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying value of the Company’s interest rate swaps, which are included in “Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion” on the balance sheet, as of and for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 79 $ 1,416 Reclassified from other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss 170 (600 ) Change in fair value credited to interest expense (149 ) (737 ) Balance at December 31 $ 100 $ 79
Schedule of Valuation Techniques to Measure Fair Value of Service Obligation and Significant Unobservable Inputs and Values	The following table describes the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the service obligation at February 2, 2015 and the significant unobservable inputs and values for those inputs: Description Estimated Valuation Technique Level 3 Unobservable Inputs Significant Deferred Capacity Revenue $ 41,287 Cost/Replacement Weighted Average Cost of Capital 11.00% Cost trend factor 1% - 4% Estimated % used by GCI 1% - 100% Historical cost of underlying assets Actual cost
Schedule of Valuation Techniques to Measure Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	The following table provides the fair value and describes the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the assets and liabilities recorded by the Company as of April 2, 2015, including those recognized through consolidation of the Joint Venture, and the significant unobservable inputs: Description Estimated Valuation Level 3 Unobservable Inputs IRU Assets $ 2,304 Cost Historical cost of underlying assets IRU Obligations $ 4,153 Cost Historical cost of underlying assets
Schedule of Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities	The carrying value of these items at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 IRU Assets $ 2,196 $ 2,278 IRU Obligations $ 4,027 $ 4,112

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 197,999 $ 198,485 3 - 42 Central office switching and transmission 383,809 381,511 4 - 12 Outside plant cable and wire facilities 734,786 722,582 16 - 50 Other 7,101 5,207 3 - 5 Construction work in progress 26,204 29,313 1,349,899 1,337,098 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (983,050 ) (967,776 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 366,849 $ 369,322 * No depreciation charges are recorded for land.
Summary of Property, Including Leasehold Improvements, Held under Capital Leases	The following is a summary of property, including leasehold improvements, held under capital leases included in the above property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Land, buildings and support assets $ 14,983 $ 14,694 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,422 ) (6,674 ) Property held under capital leases, net $ 7,561 $ 8,020
Future Minimum Lease Payments, Including Interest for Next Five Years	Future minimum lease payments, including interest, under these leases for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 634 2018 525 2019 310 2020 318 2021 327 Thereafter 4,508 6,622 Interest (3,297 ) $ 3,325
Summary of Future Minimum Payments Under Leases	Future minimum payments under these leases, including month to month rentals which are probable of renewal, for the next five years and thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 7,634 2018 6,645 2019 5,936 2020 4,589 2021 4,241 Thereafter 21,459 $ 50,504

Asset Retirement Obligations (T

Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Asset Retirement Obligation	The following table provides the changes in the asset retirement obligation: 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 3,429 $ 4,055 Asset retirement obligation 159 254 Accretion expense 182 179 Settlement of obligations (62 ) (106 ) Revisions in estimated cash flows — (953 ) Balance at December 31 $ 3,708 $ 3,429

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Long-term Obligations	Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 $ 86,750 $ 89,750 Debt issuance costs (1,738 ) (3,406 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 94,000 104,000 Debt discount (2,271 ) (4,641 ) Debt issuance costs (467 ) (1,010 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,325 3,996 Total debt 179,599 188,689 Less current portion (1,973 ) (3,671 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 177,626 $ 185,018
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations	The aggregate maturities of long-term obligations for each of the next five years and thereafter at December 31, 2016, are as follows: 2017 $ 1,973 2018 179,336 2019 39 2020 52 2021 67 Thereafter 2,608 $ 184,075
6.25% Convertible Notes [Member]
Schedule of Long-term Obligations	The following table provides selected data regarding the 6.25% Notes as of December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Net carrying amount of the equity component $ 6,416 $ 7,099 Principal amount of the convertible notes $ 94,000 $ 104,000 Unamortized debt discount $ 2,271 $ 4,641 Amortization period remaining 16 months 28 months Net carrying amount of the convertible notes $ 91,729 $ 99,359
Schedule of Interest Components of 6.25% Notes Contained in Company's "Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income"	The following table details the interest components of the 6.25% Notes contained in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Coupon interest expense $ 5,928 $ 6,947 Amortization of the debt discount 2,370 2,601 Total included in interest expense $ 8,298 $ 9,548

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2016 and 2015: 2016 2015 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 35,255 $ 37,338 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 15,697 17,009 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 2,202 2,224 Other 8,384 8,694 $ 61,538 $ 65,265

Accumulated Other Comprehensi41

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: Defined Interest Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (3,639 ) $ (1,512 ) $ (5,151 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (4 ) 355 351 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 554 1,160 1,714 Net other comprehensive income 550 1,515 2,065 Balance at December 31, 2015 (3,089 ) 3 (3,086 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (176 ) (100 ) (276 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 390 62 452 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 214 (38 ) 176 Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,875 ) $ (35 ) $ (2,910 )
Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to Net Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively: 2016 2015 2014 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of loss (2) $ 662 $ 936 $ 451 Income tax effect (272 ) (382 ) (185 ) After tax 390 554 266 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 106 1,970 1,613 Income tax effect (44 ) (810 ) (663 ) After tax 62 1,160 950 Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 452 $ 1,714 $ 1,216 (1) See Note 14 “ Retirement Plans” (2) Included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). (3) See Note 7 “ Fair Value Measurements

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Additional Information about AEPF Multi-Employer Pension Plan	The following table provides additional information about the AEPF multi-employer pension plan. Plan name Alaska Electrical Pension Plan Employer Identification Number 92-6005171 Pension plan number 001 Pension Protection Act zone status at the plan’s year-end: December 31, 2016 Green December 31, 2015 Green Plan subject to funding improvement plan No Plan subject to rehabilitation plan No Employer subject to contribution surcharge No Greater than 5% of Total Contributions to the Plan Company contributions to the plan for the year ended: December 31, 2016 $ 7,517 Yes December 31, 2015 $ 7,968 Yes December 31, 2014 $ 8,626 Yes Name and expiration date of collective bargaining agreements requiring contributions to the plan: Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems and Local Union 1547 IBEW (1) December 31, 2016 Outside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. September 30, 2017 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2019 Special Agreement Providing for the Coverage of Certain Non-bargaining (2) December 31, 2016 (1) As of the date of this report, negotiations for a new agreement are in process. The parties are operating under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place. (2) This agreement runs concurrently with the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems Holding, Inc. and Local Union 1547 IBEW. As of the date of this report, the parties are operating under the terms of the prior agreement until a new contract is in place.
Funded Status of ACS Retirement Plan Using Beginning and Ending Balances for Projected Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets	The following is a calculation of the funded status of the ACS Retirement Plan using beginning and ending balances for 2016 and 2015 for the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets: 2016 2015 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 16,094 $ 17,234 Interest cost 668 666 Actuarial loss (gain) 55 (754 ) Benefits paid (1,035 ) (1,052 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 15,782 16,094 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,202 11,570 Actual return on plan assets 428 (95 ) Employer contribution 798 779 Benefits paid (1,035 ) (1,052 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,393 11,202 Funded status $ (4,389 ) $ (4,892 )
Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan	The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the Plan for 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Interest cost $ 668 $ 666 $ 664 Expected return on plan assets (373 ) (659 ) (749 ) Amortization of loss 367 929 536 Net periodic pension expense $ 662 $ 936 $ 451
Loss Recognized As Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	2016 2015 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 4,881 $ 5,249
Assumptions Used to Account for Plan	The assumptions used to account for the Plan as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 Discount rate for benefit obligation 4.10 % 4.30 % Discount rate for pension expense 4.30 % 3.97 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.53 % 6.53 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 %
Asset Allocation Guidelines for Plan	Based on risk and return history for capital markets along with asset allocation risk and return projections, the following asset allocation guidelines were developed for the Plan: Minimum Maximum Asset Category Equity securities 50 % 80 % Fixed income 20 % 50 % Cash equivalents 0 % 5 %
Plan's Asset Allocations by Asset Category	The Plan’s asset allocations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset category are as follows: 2016 2015 Asset Category Equity securities* 66 % 64 % Debt securities* 32 % 34 % Other/Cash 2 % 2 % * May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds.
Schedule of Measuring Fair Value of Plan Assets Regarding ACS Retirement Plan	The following table presents major categories of plan assets as of December 31, 2016, and inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets regarding the ACS Retirement Plan: Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using Total Quoted Prices Level 1 Significant Significant Asset Category Money market/cash $ 211 $ 211 $ — $ — Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 1,594 1,594 — — U.S. small cap 1,607 1,607 — — U.S. medium cap 1,489 1,489 — — U.S. large cap 2,832 2,832 — — Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 1,847 1,847 — — Fixed income 1,813 1,813 — — $ 11,393 $ 11,393 $ — $ — * May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds.
Summary of Benefits Expected to be Paid for Plan	The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter are as follows: 2017 $ 1,084 2018 $ 1,097 2019 $ 1,085 2020 $ 1,089 2021 $ 1,093 2022-2026 $ 5,264

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 2,386 $ 12,954 $ (2,780 ) Tax-effected NA NA — Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ 2,386 $ 12,954 $ (2,780 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 51,169 50,247 49,334 Effect of stock-based compensation 1,019 1,121 — Effect of 6.25% convertible notes NA NA — Diluted shares 52,188 51,368 49,334 Income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.05 $ 0.26 $ (0.06 ) Diluted $ 0.05 $ 0.25 $ (0.06 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Tax	Consolidated income (loss) before income tax was as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Income (loss) before income tax $ 3,752 $ 23,085 $ (4,567 )
Schedule of Income Tax Provision	The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was comprised of the following: 2016 2015 2014 Current: Federal income tax $ (276 ) $ 4,320 $ 217 State income tax 6 693 43 Total current (benefit) expense (270 ) 5,013 260 Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 1,680 69,774 (1,620 ) State, excluding operating loss carry forwards 228 19,725 (427 ) Change in valuation allowance (139 ) — — Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal — (66,285 ) — State — (18,027 ) — Total deferred expense (benefit) 1,769 5,187 (2,047 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 )
Summary of Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Federal Statutory Rate to Recorded Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the Federal statutory rate of 35% to the recorded income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively: 2016 2015 2014 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ 1,313 $ 8,080 $ (1,598 ) Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) 229 1,408 (278 ) Other (209 ) 263 58 Stock-based compensation 27 449 31 Change in valuation allowance 139 — — Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 )
Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Charged to Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Income tax expense (benefit) was charged to the statement of comprehensive income (loss) and statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit) as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Statement of comprehensive income (loss): Income (loss) before income tax $ 1,499 $ 10,200 $ (1,787 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 128 $ 1,434 $ 320 Statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit): Additional paid-in Excess tax expense (benefit) from share-based payments $ 47 $ (733 ) $ —
Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, are as follows: 2016 2015 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 26,429 $ 16,863 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 15,340 22,654 Reserves and accruals 12,499 6,522 Intangibles and goodwill 1,620 1,765 Fair value on interest rate swaps 25 — Pension liability 1,804 2,010 Allowance for doubtful accounts 458 696 Alternative minimum tax carry forward 9,380 9,668 Other 257 277 Total deferred tax assets 67,812 60,455 Valuation allowance (139 ) — Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 67,673 60,455 Deferred tax liabilities: Debt issuance costs (933 ) (1,907 ) Property, plant and equipment (52,022 ) (41,886 ) Fair value on interest rate swaps — (2 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (52,955 ) (43,795 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 14,718 $ 16,660

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 RSU, LTIP and non-employee Number of Weighted Grant-Date Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 1,186 $ 1.83 Granted 925 $ 1.74 Vested (697 ) $ 1.81 Canceled or expired — $ — Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79
Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units	The following table summarizes PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2016: Number of Weighted Grant-Date Value Nonvested at December 31, 2015 984 $ 1.78 Granted 803 $ 1.74 Vested (432 ) $ 1.76 Canceled or expired (21 ) $ 1.84 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77
Summary of Assumptions Used for Valuation of Equity Instruments Granted	Assumptions used for valuation of equity instruments awarded during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Restricted stock: Risk free rate 0 % 0 % 0.0% - 0.23 % Quarterly dividend $ — $ — $— Expected, per annum, forfeiture rate 9 % 9 % 9 %
Share-Based Compensation	Selected information on equity instruments and share-based compensation under the plan for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 2,830 $ 2,008 $ 2,511 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 1.74 $ 1.82 $ 1.87 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 2,029 $ 2,615 $ 2,935 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,562 $ 1,421 $ 1,392 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.36 1.39 1.45

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform46

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information	The following table presents supplemental non-cash 2016 2015 2014 Supplemental Non-cash Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 3,508 $ 11,600 $ 6,678 Property acquired under capital leases $ — $ 20 $ 1,877 Additions to ARO asset $ 159 $ 254 $ 369 Accrued acquisition purchase price $ — $ — $ 291 Non-cash $ — $ — $ 956 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 (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Service and Product Revenues from External Customers	The following table presents service and product revenues from external customers for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014: 2016 2015 2014 Wireline Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 59,218 $ 51,058 $ 44,461 Business voice and other 27,903 28,909 28,827 Managed IT services 4,173 3,316 3,492 Equipment sales and installations 6,441 6,274 5,195 Wholesale broadband 31,581 28,126 23,216 Wholesale voice and other 7,539 8,764 9,925 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 136,855 126,447 115,116 Consumer Revenue Broadband 24,981 25,621 25,689 Voice and other 12,763 14,408 15,773 Total Consumer Revenue 37,744 40,029 41,462 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 174,599 166,476 156,578 Regulatory Revenue Access 32,412 33,644 35,323 High cost support 19,855 19,682 23,192 Total Regulatory Revenue 52,267 53,326 58,515 Total Wireline Revenue 226,866 219,802 215,093 Wireless & AWN Related Revenue Service revenue, equipment sales and other — 6,300 77,054 Transition services — 4,769 — CETC — 1,654 19,565 Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue — 292 3,151 Total Wireless & AWN Related Revenue — 13,015 99,770 Total Operating Revenue $ 226,866 $ 232,817 $ 314,863

Selected Quarterly Financial 48

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly Financial Data First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year 2016 Operating revenues $ 56,328 $ 56,262 $ 56,483 $ 57,793 $ 226,866 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 30,200 $ 30,719 $ 31,090 $ 32,720 $ 124,729 Operating income $ 4,316 $ 4,365 $ 4,100 $ 6,728 $ 19,509 Net income $ 53 $ 283 $ 320 $ 1,597 $ 2,253 Net income attributable Alaska Communications $ 86 $ 317 $ 354 $ 1,629 $ 2,386 Net income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ — $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.05 Diluted $ — $ 0.01 $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.05 2015 Operating revenues $ 65,786 $ 55,665 $ 54,735 $ 56,631 $ 232,817 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 34,520 $ 25,587 $ 30,062 $ 30,525 $ 120,694 Operating income (loss) $ 39,313 $ (4,375 ) $ 8,178 $ 4,630 $ 47,746 Net income (loss) $ 16,217 $ (4,860 ) $ 1,202 $ 326 $ 12,885 Net income (loss) attributable Alaska Communications $ 16,217 $ (4,841 ) $ 1,239 $ 339 $ 12,954 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.32 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.01 $ 0.26 Diluted $ 0.32 $ (0.10 ) $ 0.02 $ 0.01 $ 0.25

Description of Company and Su49

Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	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%
Restricted cash				$ 1,917,000	$ 1,824,000
Equipment and buildings under capital leases expiration period				2,033
Equity method investments				$ 0	0
Goodwill, net of accumulated impairment				$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized				5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, par value				$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares issued				0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding				0	0
Company total expense for advertisement				$ 3,460,000	$ 4,065,000	$ 4,741,000
Periodic payroll deduction minimum for acquisition of common stock				1.00%
Periodic payroll deduction maximum for acquisition of common stock				15.00%
GCI [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Remaining contract life				30 years
Unionized Employees IBEW [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration				56.00%
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation of property				3 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Depreciation of property				50 years
Revenue [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of concentration				9.00%
Certificate of Deposits [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restricted cash				$ 1,917,000
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%
Equity method investments		$ 250,192,000				$ 252,067,000
Remaining contract life				20 years
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)	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Reporting_UnitSegments	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds from sale of one or more of its affiliates	$ 285,160,000							$ 285,160,000
Gain on disposal of assets				$ 7,092,000	$ 1,421,000	$ 39,719,000		48,232,000
Adjustments for working capital assets and liabilities, minimum subscriber levels and preferred distributions	14,840,000
Estimated amount of fair value of services	4,769,000
Estimated amount of loss on sale	522,000
Escrow disbursement released related to sale of wireless operations				7,092,000
Cash held in escrow			$ 228,000	9,000,000				228,000
Revenues			228,000
Number of operating segment | Segments							1
Number of reporting unit | Reporting_Unit							1
Equity method investments			0				$ 0	0
Deferred AWN capacity revenue	59,672,000
Estimated fair value services	$ 41,287,000
Federal and state net operating loss and state alternative minimum tax credits carry forwards			84,233,000					84,233,000
Non current deferred tax liabilities related to investment in AWN			70,577,000					70,577,000
Operating leases remaining terms	11 years
Operating lease remaining contract value							50,504,000
Transaction related costs								13,272,000
Exit costs							$ (93,000)	10,745,000	$ 1,124,000
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Transaction and certain transition costs								2,527,000
Cost of services and sales, non-affiliates								4,893,000
Selling, general and administrative								8,379,000
GCI [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash payment received for completion of transition support service		$ 1,680,000
Escrow disbursement released related to sale of wireless operations				$ 1,680,000
Remaining contract life							30 years
Estimated fair value services							$ 41,287,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long term debt repayment of principal amount	$ 240,472,000							240,472,000
Debt discount			721,000					721,000
Debt issuance costs			$ 1,907,000					1,907,000
Wireless Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating lease remaining contract value	2,797,000
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of assets								$ 210,873,000
Equity method investments	$ 250,192,000								252,067,000
Remaining contract life							20 years
Deferred AWN capacity revenue									$ 59,964,000	$ 64,627,000

Sale of Wireless Operations - C

Sale of Wireless Operations - Components of Gain on Sale of Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 02, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
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		$ 7,092	$ 1,421	$ 39,719	48,232
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Consideration:
Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility	$ 240,472				240,472
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Consideration:
Cash					100,000
Total consideration					366,000
Carrying value of assets and liabilities sold:
Equity investment					250,192
Gain on disposal of assets					$ 210,873

Sale of Wireless Operations - S

Sale of Wireless Operations - Schedule of Company's Obligations for Exit Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 1,223	$ 490
Charged to expense	(93)	10,745	$ 1,124
Paid and/or settled	(1,130)	(10,012)	(634)
Ending balance		1,223	490
Labor Obligations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,223	490
Charged to expense	(93)	6,485	490
Paid and/or settled	$ (1,130)	(5,752)
Ending balance		1,223	490
Contract Terminations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Charged to expense		3,966
Paid and/or settled		(3,966)
Other Associated Obligations [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Charged to expense		294	634
Paid and/or settled		$ (294)	$ (634)

Joint Venture - Additional Info

Joint Venture - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 07, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 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
Carrying Values [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Reduction in carrying value of Property, plant and equipment, net						$ 461,000
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
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
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%
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 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").
Term of indefeasible right of use						30 years
Sale price of indefeasible right of use of fibers to CPAI						$ 400,000

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	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $112 and $26	$ 366,849	$ 369,322
Carrying Values [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Cash	67	359
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $112 and $26	$ 2,029	$ 2,278

Joint Venture - Schedule of C55

Joint Venture - Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation of Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 983,050	$ 967,776
Carrying Values [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation of Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 112	$ 26

Accounts Receivable - Schedule

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 25,062	$ 25,225
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	26,177	26,918
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(1,115)	(1,693)
Accounts receivable, net	25,062	25,225
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Retail Customers [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	17,511	16,986
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Wholesale Carriers [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	4,293	3,391
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	$ 4,373	$ 6,541

Accounts Receivable - Schedul57

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provision for uncollectible accounts	$ 378	$ 1,258	$ 3,329
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,693	2,338	6,193
Provision for uncollectible accounts	378	1,258	3,329
Charged to other accounts	(13)	8	(2)
Deductions	(943)	(1,911)	(7,182)
Ending Balance	$ 1,115	$ 1,693	$ 2,338

Current Liabilities - Schedule

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	$ 14,395	$ 17,362
Accounts payable - trade	13,782	16,057
Note payable, non-interest bearing, due 2016		5,500
Deferred capacity and other revenue	4,502	4,292
Other	5,501	8,064
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 38,180	$ 51,275

Current Liabilities - Schedul59

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Advance billings	$ 4,136	$ 4,482
Customer deposits	31	31
Advance billings and customer deposits	$ 4,167	$ 4,513

Equity Method Investments - Add

Equity Method Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 02, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 01, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 0											$ 0	$ 0
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment in TekMate, LLC																	51.00%
Percentage of goodwill on acquisition, deductible for tax purposes	100.00%											100.00%
Goodwill impairment charge														$ 5,986,000
Equity earnings													3,056,000	35,960,000
Deferred AWN capacity revenue					$ 59,672,000
Deferred revenue expected recognition period												20 years
Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue												$ 3,436,000	3,011,000	3,795,000
Gain on sale of assets													48,232,000
TekMate, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment in TekMate, LLC																		49.00%
Business purchase date	Aug. 31, 2010
Purchase of equity investment	$ 2,060,000											2,060,000
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment in TekMate, LLC			51.00%			51.00%
Consideration payable for acquisition			$ 1,573,000
Consideration paid in cash		$ 894,000						$ 894,000		$ 894,000			679,000	894,000
Goodwill impairment charge								5,986,000
Equity earnings						$ 12,000
Cash distributions						33,000
Undistributed earnings						$ 0
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments		252,067,000			250,192,000			252,067,000		252,067,000				252,067,000
Percentage ownership interest in equity method investment in TekMate, LLC																33.33%
Equity earnings													3,056,000	35,948,000
Cash proceeds from sale of one or more of its affiliates												$ 100,000,000
Percentage ownership owned by subsidiaries in AWN	66.67%											66.67%
Representation of GCI on AWN's Board												Representation of one of three seats on AWN's Board.
Operating Agreement, cumulative annual distribution in each of first eight quarters	$ 12,500,000											$ 12,500,000
Operating Agreement, cumulative annual distribution in second eight quarters	$ 11,250,000											$ 11,250,000
Deferred AWN capacity revenue		59,964,000						$ 59,964,000	$ 64,627,000	59,964,000				59,964,000
Estimated fair value									266,000,000				266,000,000
Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue													$ 292,000	3,151,000
Gain on sale of assets									$ 210,873,000
Interest in equity method investee's adjusted free cash flow		$ 4,167,000		$ 4,167,000	$ 10,805,000		$ 764,000			$ 45,833,000	$ 17,844,000			$ 106,937,000	$ 22,011,000
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member] | ACS Member [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage ownership owned by subsidiaries in AWN	33.33%											33.33%

Equity Method Investments - Fai

Equity Method Investments - Fair Value of the Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - TekMate, LLC [Member] $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 1,020
Non-current assets	370
Current liabilities	467
Non-current liabilities	247
Equity	$ 676

Equity Method Investments - Goo

Equity Method Investments - Goodwill on the Acquisition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
TekMate, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration provided (including fair value of contingent consideration)			$ 1,181
Fair value of equity method investment			831
Total consideration			2,012
Fair value of assets acquired			1,390
Fair value of liabilities assumed			(714)
Total net assets			676
Goodwill			$ 1,336

Equity Method Investments - Com

Equity Method Investments - Components of Gain on Sale of Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Consideration received:
Cash				$ 44,688
Total consideration received				285,160
Consideration provided:
Gain on disposal of assets	$ 7,092	$ 1,421	$ 39,719	48,232
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Consideration received:
Investment				266,000	$ 266,000
Cash				100,000
Total consideration received				366,000
Consideration provided:
Net intangible and tangible assets				90,500
Deferred AWN capacity revenue				64,627
Total consideration provided				155,127
Gain on disposal of assets				$ 210,873

Equity Method Investments - Sum

Equity Method Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Detail) - Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Operating revenues			$ 21,457				$ 252,864
Gross profit			15,745				179,243
Operating income			9,757				113,772
Net income			9,722				113,404
Adjusted free cash flow	$ 4,167	$ 4,167	$ 10,805	$ 764	$ 45,833	$ 17,844	$ 106,937	$ 22,011

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Nov. 27, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes				6.25%
Long-term obligations				$ 179,599,000	$ 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					820,000
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%			7.22%
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, two			7.225%			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 Fair Value		$ 41,287,000
Service obligation				$ 37,326,000	39,409,000
Impairment charge of long-lived assets recognized				0	$ 0	$ 0
Inventory held for sale adjustment						$ 435,000
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				91,729,000
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				$ 90,075,000
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%		6.25%	6.25%
Long-term obligations				$ 91,729,000
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
Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized to revenue contract lives		10 years
Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amortized to revenue contract lives		30 years

Fair Value Measurements - Liabi

Fair Value Measurements - Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 100	$ 79	$ 1,416
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 100	$ 79

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 100,000	$ 79,000	$ 1,416,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	42,750,000	44,827,000
Fair Value	$ 100,000	$ 79,000

Fair Value Measurements - Sch68

Fair Value Measurements - 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (170)	$ 600	$ 1,543
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (106)	(1,970)	$ (1,613)
Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)		$ 737

Fair Value Measurements - Sch69

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Reconciliation of Carrying Value of Company's Interest Rate Swaps (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Change in fair value credited to interest expense		$ (820)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 79	1,416
Reclassified from other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss	170	(600)
Change in fair value credited to interest expense	(149)	(737)
Ending balance	$ 100	$ 79

Fair Value Measurements - Sch70

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Valuation Techniques to Measure Fair Value of Service Obligation and Significant Unobservable Inputs and Values (Detail) $ in Thousands	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 41,287
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Weighted Average Cost of Capital [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Estimated Fair Value	$ 41,287
Valuation Technique	Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow
Significant Input Values, rate	11.00%
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Cost trend factor [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant Input Values, rate	1.00%
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Cost trend factor [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant Input Values, rate	4.00%
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Estimated % used by GCI [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant Input Values, rate	1.00%
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Estimated % used by GCI [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant Input Values, rate	100.00%
Level 3 [Member] | Deferred Capacity Revenue [Member] | Cost/Replacement Value and Discounted Cash Flow [Member] | Historical cost of underlying assets [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Significant Input Values, description	Actual cost

Fair Value Measurements - Sch71

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Valuation Techniques to Measure Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - Level 3 [Member] - Valuation Technique Replacement Value [Member] - Historical cost of underlying assets [Member] $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2015USD ($)
Estimated Value [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
IRU Assets	$ 2,304
IRU Obligations	$ 4,153
IRU Obligations [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Cost
IRU Assets [Member]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Valuation Technique	Cost

Fair Value Measurements - Sch72

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - Carrying Values [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
IRU Assets	$ 2,196	$ 2,278
IRU Obligations	$ 4,027	$ 4,112

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,349,899,000	$ 1,337,098,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(983,050,000)	(967,776,000)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 366,849,000	369,322,000
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	50 years
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 197,999,000	198,485,000
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 0	0
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	3 years
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	42 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 383,809,000	381,511,000
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	4 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	12 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 734,786,000	722,582,000
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	16 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	50 years
Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 7,101,000	5,207,000
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	3 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, Useful Lives	5 years
Construction Work in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 26,204,000	$ 29,313,000

Property, Plant and Equipment74

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charges	$ 983,050,000	$ 967,776,000
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation charges	$ 0	$ 0

Property, Plant and Equipment75

Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 1,077	$ 1,558	$ 2,810
Amortization of assets under capital leases included in depreciation expense	1,149	1,316	1,832
Rental expense under operating leases	7,787	11,439	8,782
Termination charges	(93)	10,745	1,124
Contract Terminations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Termination charges		3,966
Construction Work in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Capitalized interest	$ 1,077	$ 1,558	$ 2,810
Capitalized interest, rate	6.48%	6.78%	8.28%

Property, Plant and Equipment76

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Including Leasehold Improvements, Held under Capital Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land, buildings and support assets	$ 14,983	$ 14,694
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,422)	(6,674)
Property held under capital leases, net	$ 7,561	$ 8,020

Property, Plant and Equipment77

Property, Plant and Equipment - Future Minimum Lease Payments, Including Interest for Next Five Years (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 634
2,018	525
2,019	310
2,020	318
2,021	327
Thereafter	4,508
Future minimum payments, including interest	6,622
Interest	(3,297)
Total minimum capital lease payments	$ 3,325

Property, Plant and Equipment78

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Future Minimum Payments Under Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 7,634
2,018	6,645
2,019	5,936
2,020	4,589
2,021	4,241
Thereafter	21,459
Future minimum payments due	$ 50,504

Goodwill and Other Intangible79

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement due to AWN transaction		$ 4,200,000
Percentage of remaining ownership interest	51.00%
Amount of additional goodwill acquired from TekMate	$ 1,336,000
Implied fair value of goodwill				$ 0
Goodwill impairment charge			$ 5,986,000
Goodwill gross				35,539,000	$ 35,539,000
Accumulated impairment				$ 35,539,000	$ 35,539,000

Asset Retirement Obligations -

Asset Retirement Obligations - Schedule of Changes in Asset Retirement Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 3,429	$ 4,055
Asset retirement obligation	159	254	$ 369
Accretion expense	182	179
Settlement of obligations	(62)	(106)
Revisions in estimated cash flows		(953)
Ending Balance	$ 3,708	$ 3,429	$ 4,055

Long-Term Obligations - Additio

Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 13, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current maturities		$ 4,000,000
Current portion of long-term obligations reclassified to long-term obligations		2,350,000
Revolving credit facility		10,000,000
Amount outstanding under revolving credit facility		$ 0
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payments	$ 1,650,000

Long-Term Obligations - Schedul

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 14, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 3,325		$ 3,996
Long-term obligations	179,599		188,689
Long-term obligations	179,599		188,689
Less current portion	(1,973)		(3,671)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	177,626		185,018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	86,750		89,750	$ 90,000
Debt issuance costs	(1,738)		(3,406)
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes	94,000		104,000
Debt instrument unamortized discount	(2,271)	$ (250)	(4,641)
Debt issuance costs	(467)		$ (1,010)
Long-term obligations	91,729
Long-term obligations	$ 91,729

Long-Term Obligations - Sched83

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
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%	6.25%
Maturity date	May 1, 2018

Long-Term Obligations - Sched84

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,017	$ 1,973
2,018	179,336
2,019	39
2,020	52
2,021	67
Thereafter	2,608
Total	$ 184,075

Long Term Obligations - 2015 Se

Long Term Obligations - 2015 Senior Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 27, 2015	Sep. 14, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt				$ 336,000	$ 4,878,000
LIBOR spread	4.75%			4.75%
Commencing swap date						Jun. 30, 2012
Expiration Date						Sep. 30, 2015
Change in fair value credited to interest expense					820,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Combined senior secured financing			$ 100,000,000
Term loan facility, amount outstanding	$ 86,750,000		90,000,000	$ 86,750,000	89,750,000
Revolving credit facility	10,000,000			10,000,000
Availability under line of credit facility	$ 0			$ 0
Fund transaction fees and expenses			$ 3,907,000
Weighted interest rate on term loan portion	6.59%			6.59%
Maturity date				Mar. 3, 2018
Total Leverage Ratio defined	2.75			2.75
Rate of increase the interest rate outstanding obligations			2.00%
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
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Company's Total Leverage Ratio	2.75			2.75
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, amount outstanding			$ 65,000,000
Revolving credit facility			10,000,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Availability under line of credit facility			10,000,000
Percentage of commitment fee on average daily unused portion	0.25%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate	1.00%			1.00%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility, amount outstanding			25,000,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Term Loan Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate	1.00%			1.00%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Due March 3, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date				Mar. 3, 2018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Due March 3, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate	1.00%			1.00%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date				Jan. 2, 2018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments fourth quarter of 2015			250,000
Quarterly principal payments 2016			750,000
Quarterly principal payments 2017			1,000,000
Maturity date				Jan. 2, 2018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Facility Extended To June 30, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date				Jun. 30, 2020
Quarterly principal payments 2018			1,250,000
Quarterly principal payments 2019			1,500,000
Quarterly principal payments first quarter of 2020			1,500,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Extended To September 30, 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date				Sep. 30, 2020
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR spread		4.50%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR	4.50%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | First Lien Term Loan Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR	4.50%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Due March 3, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR	8.50%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date				Dec. 31, 2020
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes, maximum amount outstanding			30,000,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fund transaction fees and expenses					$ 1,907,000
Principal amount including accrued interest and fees			81,526,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 1,312,000

Long Term Obligations - 6.25% C

Long Term Obligations - 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 29, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 29, 2013	May 10, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes			6.25%
Common stock, conversion features			Company's common stock equals or exceeds 130% of the conversion price of the 6.25% Notes for at least 20 trading-days during the last 30 trading-days of the previous fiscal quarter
Common stock, shares authorized			145,000,000	145,000,000
Common shares issued			51,477,000	50,530,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 336	$ 4,878
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of convertible notes			$ 120,000						$ 120,000
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%		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
Initial conversion price			$ 10.28
Conversion price percentage of company's common stock			130.00%
Debt instrument conversion condition trading days minimum			0
Debt instrument conversion condition trading days			30 days
Trading-day period			5 days
Parity value of trading-day period			98.00%
Debt instrument repurchase condition principal percentage			100.00%
Discounted percentage of interest payments			8.61%
Net carrying amount of equity component			$ 8,500
Net of tax benefit			5,931
Common shares issued							1,203,000	698,000
Principal payment on the term loan							$ 3,500	$ 2,500
Principal amount of debt instrument repurchased	$ 10,000	$ 10,000
Debt instrument, Date of repurchase	Jan. 29, 2016
Cash consideration of debt instrument repurchased	$ 9,750
Cash settlement on repurchase of notes	10,053	10,572
Accrued interest and transaction fees paid	303
Loss on extinguishment of debt	336	$ 938
Debt instrument, repurchase discount	$ 250		$ 2,271	$ 4,641
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Board of Directors [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized						4,700,000

Long-Term Obligations - Sched87

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Data Regarding 6.25% and 5.75% Notes (Detail) - 6.25% Convertible Notes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net carrying amount of the equity component	$ 6,416	$ 7,099
Principal amount of the convertible notes	94,000	104,000
Unamortized debt discount	$ 2,271	$ 4,641
Amortization period remaining	16 months	28 months
Net carrying amount of the convertible notes	$ 91,729	$ 99,359

Long-Term Obligations - Sched88

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Interest Components of 6.25% Notes Contained in Company's "Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income" (Detail) - 6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Coupon interest expense	$ 5,928	$ 6,947
Amortization of the debt discount	2,370	2,601
Total included in interest expense	$ 8,298	$ 9,548

Long Term Obligations - Capital

Long Term Obligations - Capital Leases and Other Long-term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	$ 179,599	$ 188,689
Capital Leases and Other Long-term Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	8.97%	8.36%
Agreement maturity period	2,033	2,033
Long-term obligations	$ 3,325	$ 3,996

Long Term Obligations - Debt Is

Long Term Obligations - Debt Issuance Costs - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of debt issuance costs	$ 2,214	$ 3,960	$ 2,460
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of debt issuance costs	109	$ 2,446
Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs	$ 3,907

Long Term Obligations - Debt Di

Long Term Obligations - Debt Discounts - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accretion of debt discounts	$ 2,370	$ 4,641	$ 2,644
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accretion of debt discounts	$ 430	$ 2,041

Other Long-Term Liabilities - S

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 61,538	$ 65,265
Deferred GCI Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	35,255	37,338
Other Deferred IRU Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	15,697	17,009
Other Deferred Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	2,202	2,224
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 8,384	$ 8,694

Other Long-Term Liabilities - A

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Amortization of deferred revenue	$ 7,010	$ 5,827	$ 6,531

Accumulated Other Comprehensi94

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ (3,086)	$ (5,151)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(276)	351
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	452	1,714	$ 1,216
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	176	2,065	458
Ending Balance	(2,910)	(3,086)	(5,151)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	3	(1,512)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(100)	355
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	62	1,160
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(38)	1,515
Ending Balance	(35)	3	(1,512)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(3,089)	(3,639)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications	(176)	(4)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	390	554
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	214	550
Ending Balance	$ (2,875)	$ (3,089)	$ (3,639)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi95

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income to Net Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items:
Amortization of loss	$ 662	$ 936	$ 451
Income tax effect	(272)	(382)	(185)
After tax	390	554	266
Amortization of loss on interest rate swap:
Reclassification to interest expense	106	1,970	1,613
Income tax effect	(44)	(810)	(663)
After tax	62	1,160	950
Total reclassifications net of income tax	$ 452	$ 1,714	$ 1,216

Accumulated Other Comprehensi96

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense	$ 76

Retirement Plans - Additional I

Retirement Plans - Additional Information about AEPF Multi-Employer Pension Plan (Detail) - Alaska Electrical Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Employer Identification Number	926,005,171
Pension plan number	1
Pension Protection Act zone status at the plan's year-end:	Green	Green
Plan subject to funding improvement plan	No
Employer subject to contribution surcharge	No
Greater than 5% of Total Contributions to the Plan	Yes	Yes	Yes
Collective Bargaining Agreement [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	Dec. 31, 2016
Outside Agreement [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	Sep. 30, 2017
Inside Agreement [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	Oct. 31, 2019
Special Agreement [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Expiration date of collective bargaining agreements	Dec. 31, 2016
AEPF Multi-Employer Pension Plan [Member]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions	$ 7,517	$ 7,968	$ 8,626

Retirement Plans - Additional98

Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company's contribution to the plan	$ 798	$ 779
Expectation of amortization of net gains and losses	732
Defined Benefit ACS Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company's contribution to the plan	798	779	$ 898
Company's expected contribution to the plan in 2017	929
Liability balance recorded on balance sheets in "other long term liabilities"	4,389	4,892
ACS Health Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount by which plan was underfunded	192
Plan overfunded with plan assets	85
Net periodic post-retirement cost	12	9
Defined Contribution Plan 401K [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discretionary contribution to retirement savings plan	$ 186	$ 187	$ 213

Retirement Plans - Funded Statu

Retirement Plans - Funded Status of ACS Retirement Plan Using Beginning and Ending Balances for Projected Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 16,094	$ 17,234
Interest cost	668	666	$ 664
Actuarial loss (gain)	55	(754)
Benefits paid	(1,035)	(1,052)
Benefit obligation at end of year	15,782	16,094	17,234
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,202	11,570
Actual return on plan assets	428	(95)
Employer contribution	798	779
Benefits paid	(1,035)	(1,052)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,393	11,202	$ 11,570
Funded status	$ (4,389)	$ (4,892)

Retirement Plans - Summary of N

Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 668	$ 666	$ 664
Expected return on plan assets	(373)	(659)	(749)
Amortization of loss	367	929	536
Net periodic pension expense	$ 662	$ 936	$ 451

Retirement Plans - Loss Recogni

Retirement Plans - Loss Recognized As Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract]
Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 4,881	$ 5,249

Retirement Plans - Assumptions

Retirement Plans - Assumptions Used to Account for Plan (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Discount rate for benefit obligation	4.10%	4.30%
Discount rate for pension expense	4.30%	3.97%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.53%	6.53%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%

Retirement Plans - Asset Alloca

Retirement Plans - Asset Allocation Guidelines for Plan (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Minimum	50.00%
Asset Category, Maximum	80.00%
Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Minimum	20.00%
Asset Category, Maximum	50.00%
Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Minimum	0.00%
Asset Category, Maximum	5.00%

Retirement Plans - Plan's Asset

Retirement Plans - Plan's Asset Allocations by Asset Category (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Plan asset allocations	66.00%	64.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Plan asset allocations	32.00%	34.00%
Other/Cash [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset Category, Plan asset allocations	2.00%	2.00%

Retirement Plans - Schedule of

Retirement Plans - Schedule of Measuring Fair Value of Plan Assets Regarding ACS Retirement Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	$ 11,393	$ 11,202	$ 11,570
Money Market [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	211
International Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,594
U.S Small Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,607
U.S. Medium Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,489
U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	2,832
Certificate of Deposits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,847
Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,813
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	11,393
Level 1 [Member] | Money Market [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	211
Level 1 [Member] | International Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,594
Level 1 [Member] | U.S Small Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,607
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Medium Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,489
Level 1 [Member] | U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	2,832
Level 1 [Member] | Certificate of Deposits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	1,847
Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets regarding ACS Retirement Plan	$ 1,813

Retirement Plans - Summary of B

Retirement Plans - Summary of Benefits Expected to be Paid for Plan (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017	$ 1,084
2,018	1,097
2,019	1,085
2,020	1,089
2,021	1,093
2022-2026	$ 5,264

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 29, 2016
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
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%
Maturity year of convertible notes	May 1, 2018
Shares received upon conversion	97.2668
Principal amount for initial conversion	$ 1,000
Initial conversion price	$ 10.28
Convertible note, convertible beginning date	Feb. 1, 2018
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%		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
Initial conversion price	$ 10.28
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	9,220,000	10,809,000
Restricted Stock and Deferred Shares [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation			2,345,000
RSUs and PSUs [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	4,000

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								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	$ 1,629	$ 354	$ 317	$ 86	$ 339	$ 1,239	$ (4,841)	$ 16,217	$ 2,386	$ 12,954	$ (2,780)
Tax-effected interest expense attributable to convertible notes									0	0	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution									$ 2,386	$ 12,954	$ (2,780)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares									51,169	50,247	49,334
Effect of stock-based compensation									1,019	1,121
Effect of 6.25% convertible notes									0	0	0
Diluted shares									52,188	51,368	49,334
Income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.10)	$ 0.32	$ 0.05	$ 0.26	$ (0.06)
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.10)	$ 0.32	$ 0.05	$ 0.25	$ (0.06)

Earnings Per Share - Calcula109

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Percentage of Convertible Notes, Anti-dilutive	6.25%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Percentage of Convertible Notes, Anti-dilutive	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%

Income Taxes - Schedule of Cons

Income Taxes - Schedule of Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (loss) before income tax	$ 3,752	$ 23,085	$ (4,567)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Inco

Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Federal income tax	$ (276)	$ 4,320	$ 217
State income tax	6	693	43
Total current (benefit) expense	(270)	5,013	260
Deferred:
Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards	1,680	69,774	(1,620)
State, excluding operating loss carry forwards	228	19,725	(427)
Change in valuation allowance	(139)
Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards:
Federal		(66,285)
State		(18,027)
Total deferred expense (benefit)	1,769	5,187	(2,047)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,499	$ 10,200	$ (1,787)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) at the federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Change in valuation allowance	$ 139,000	$ 0
Valuation allowance	139,000	0
Additional valuation allowance	0
Alternative minimum tax carry forward	$ 9,380,000	$ 9,668,000
Net operating loss carry forwards, expiration dates	2031 through 2036
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Alternative minimum tax carry forward	$ 8,672,000
Net operating loss carry forwards subject to expiration	67,514,000
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Alternative minimum tax carry forward	1,089,000
Net operating loss carry forwards subject to expiration	$ 46,044,000

Income Taxes - Summary of Recon

Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at Federal Statutory Rate to Recorded Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate	$ 1,313	$ 8,080	$ (1,598)
Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from:
State income taxes (net of Federal benefit)	229	1,408	(278)
Other	(209)	263	58
Stock-based compensation	27	449	31
Change in valuation allowance	139	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 1,499	$ 10,200	$ (1,787)

Income Taxes - Summary of Incom

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Charged To Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of comprehensive income (loss):
Income (loss) before income tax	$ 1,499	$ 10,200	$ (1,787)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	128	1,434	$ 320
Additional paid-in capital:
Excess tax expense (benefit) from share-based payments	$ 47	$ (733)

Income Taxes - Significant Comp

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 26,429,000	$ 16,863,000
Deferred GCI capacity revenue	15,340,000	22,654,000
Reserves and accruals	12,499,000	6,522,000
Intangibles and goodwill	1,620,000	1,765,000
Fair value on interest rate swaps	25,000
Pension liability	1,804,000	2,010,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts	458,000	696,000
Alternative minimum tax carry forward	9,380,000	9,668,000
Other	257,000	277,000
Total deferred tax assets	67,812,000	60,455,000
Valuation allowance	(139,000)	0
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	67,673,000	60,455,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Debt issuance costs	(933,000)	(1,907,000)
Property, plant and equipment	(52,022,000)	(41,886,000)
Fair value on interest rate swaps		(2,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(52,955,000)	(43,795,000)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 14,718,000	$ 16,660,000

Stock Incentive Plans - Additio

Stock Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2010
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
2011 Incentive Award Plan termination year	2,021
Number of shares expected to be repurchased in 2017	333,000
Periodic payroll deduction maximum for acquisition of common stock	15.00%
Periodic payroll deduction minimum for acquisition of common stock	1.00%
2012 ESPP [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Eligible working hours for ESPP per week	20 hours
Eligible working months for ESPP	5 months
Maximum purchase amount of common stock per individual per calendar year	$ 25,000
Maximum common stock ownership for participation in ESSP	5.00%
Maximum number of shares that an individual employee can purchase during six month offering	10,000
Company reserved common stock for issuance	1,500,000
Share Based Incentive Plans All [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Company authorized common stock for issuance	19,210,000
Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options vesting period	3 years
Restricted Stock Unit [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options vesting period	1 year
Restricted Stock Unit [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options vesting period	5 years
LTIP [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options vesting period		5 years
Performance Share Units [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Options vesting period	3 years

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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	925
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(697)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	0
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | shares	1,414
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | $ / shares	$ 1.83
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted | $ / shares	1.74
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested | $ / shares	1.81
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.79

Stock Incentive Plans - Summ118

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Detail) - Performance Share Units [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Summary of activity for performance share units
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2015 | shares	984
Number of Shares - Granted | shares	803
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(432)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	(21)
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | shares	1,334
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	1.84
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.77

Stock Incentive Plans - Summ119

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Assumptions Used for Valuation of Equity Instruments Granted (Detail) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted stock:
Risk free rate, minimum	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Risk free rate, maximum			0.23%
Quarterly dividend	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Expected, per annum, forfeiture rate	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-B

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ 2,830	$ 2,008	$ 2,511
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted	$ 1.74	$ 1.82	$ 1.87
Total fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 2,029	$ 2,615	$ 2,935
Unamortized share-based payments	$ 1,562	$ 1,421	$ 1,392
Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense	1 year 4 months 10 days	1 year 4 months 21 days	1 year 5 months 12 days

Supplemental Cash Flow Infor121

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31	$ 3,508	$ 11,600	$ 6,678
Property acquired under capital leases		20	1,877
Additions to ARO asset	159	254	369
Accrued acquisition purchase price	$ 0	0	0
Accrued acquisition purchase price			291
Non-cash acquisition, net of cash received			$ 956
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)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments in which business operates	1

Business Segments - Service and

Business Segments - Service and Product Revenues from External Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 57,793	$ 56,483	$ 56,262	$ 56,328	$ 56,631	$ 54,735	$ 55,665	$ 65,786	$ 226,866	$ 232,817	$ 314,863
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										13,015	99,770
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Service Revenue, Equipment Sales and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										6,300	77,054
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Transition Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										4,769
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | CETC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										1,654	19,565
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Amortization of Deferred AWN Capacity Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										292	3,151
Wireline Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									226,866	219,802	215,093
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									136,855	126,447	115,116
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Broadband [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									59,218	51,058	44,461
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Voice and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									27,903	28,909	28,827
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Managed IT Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									4,173	3,316	3,492
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Equipment Sales and Installations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									6,441	6,274	5,195
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Broadband [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									31,581	28,126	23,216
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Voice and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									7,539	8,764	9,925
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									37,744	40,029	41,462
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member] | Broadband [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									24,981	25,621	25,689
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member] | Voice and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									12,763	14,408	15,773
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business, Wholesale and Consumer Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									174,599	166,476	156,578
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									52,267	53,326	58,515
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member] | Access [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									32,412	33,644	35,323
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 19,855	$ 19,682	$ 23,192

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation costs	$ 1,271

Selected Quarterly Financial125

Selected Quarterly Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 57,793	$ 56,483	$ 56,262	$ 56,328	$ 56,631	$ 54,735	$ 55,665	$ 65,786	$ 226,866	$ 232,817	$ 314,863
Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization)	32,720	31,090	30,719	30,200	30,525	30,062	25,587	34,520	124,729	120,694
Operating income (loss)	6,728	4,100	4,365	4,316	4,630	8,178	(4,375)	39,313	19,509	47,746	29,760
Net income (loss)	1,597	320	283	53	326	1,202	(4,860)	16,217	2,253	12,885	(2,780)
Net income (loss) attributable Alaska Communications	$ 1,629	$ 354	$ 317	$ 86	$ 339	$ 1,239	$ (4,841)	$ 16,217	$ 2,386	$ 12,954	$ (2,780)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.10)	$ 0.32	$ 0.05	$ 0.26	$ (0.06)
Diluted	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01	$ 0.02	$ (0.10)	$ 0.32	$ 0.05	$ 0.25	$ (0.06)

Selected Quarterly Financial126

Selected Quarterly Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Gain on sale of Wireless assets, pre-tax	$ 7,092	$ 1,421	$ 39,719	$ 48,232

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 14, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes			6.25%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Convertible notes			$ 94,000,000		$ 104,000,000
Interest rate of convertible notes			6.25%	6.25%			6.25%
Maturity date			May 1, 2018
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Convertible notes	$ 94,000,000
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior secured financing						$ 100,000,000
Revolving credit facility			$ 10,000,000
Maturity date			Mar. 3, 2018
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayment of line of credit	$ 87,800,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maturity date			Jan. 2, 2018
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Authorized amount for stock repurchase program		$ 10,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior secured financing		120,000,000
Quarterly principal payments in fourth quarter of 2017 through the first quarter of 2020		1,500,000
Quarterly principal payments in second quarter of 2020 through the first quarter of 2021		2,250,000
Quarterly principal payments in second quarter of 2021 through the fourth quarter of 2021		$ 4,000,000
Maturity date		Mar. 13, 2022
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Senior secured financing		$ 60,000,000
Maturity date		Mar. 13, 2023
Quarterly principal payments in fourth quarter of 2017 through the first quarter of 2021		$ 150,000
Quarterly principal payments in second quarter of 2021 through the fourth quarter of 2022		600,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility		$ 15,000,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate		1.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate		1.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR		5.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR		7.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR		4.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR		6.00%