Alaska Communications Systems 10-Q 4 Aug 17 2017 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jul. 25, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	ALSK
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,089,511
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		52,433,202

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,982	$ 21,228
Restricted cash	11,924	1,917
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,365 and $1,115	22,240	25,062
Materials and supplies	5,577	4,917
Prepayments and other current assets	7,340	5,995
Total current assets	60,063	59,119
Property, plant and equipment	1,357,723	1,349,899
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(996,459)	(983,050)
Property, plant and equipment, net	361,264	366,849
Deferred income taxes	16,266	14,718
Other assets	1,773	1,674
Total assets	439,366	442,360
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	15,958	1,973
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	30,917	38,180
Advance billings and customer deposits	4,351	4,167
Total current liabilities	51,226	44,320
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	171,708	177,626
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	60,949	61,538
Total liabilities	283,883	283,484
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 52,435 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2017; 51,477 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016	524	515
Additional paid in capital	157,929	159,474
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(1,377)	752
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,574)	(2,910)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	154,502	157,831
Noncontrolling interest	981	1,045
Total stockholders' equity	155,483	158,876
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 439,366	$ 442,360

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,365	$ 1,115
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000,000	145,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	52,435,000	51,477,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	52,435,000	51,477,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Operating revenues	$ 58,536	$ 56,262	$ 115,267	$ 112,590
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	26,454	25,543	51,596	51,671
Selling, general and administrative	17,438	17,586	35,531	34,926
Depreciation and amortization	9,028	8,640	17,931	17,160
Loss on disposal of assets, net	14	128	33	152
Total operating expenses	52,934	51,897	105,091	103,909
Operating income	5,602	4,365	10,176	8,681
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(3,913)	(3,852)	(7,758)	(7,721)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,158)		(7,434)	(336)
Interest income	7	6	14	11
Total other income and (expense)	(9,064)	(3,846)	(15,178)	(8,046)
(Loss) income before income tax benefit (expense)	(3,462)	519	(5,002)	635
Income tax benefit (expense)	632	(236)	1,464	(299)
Net (loss) income	(2,830)	283	(3,538)	336
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(34)	(64)	(67)
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	(2,798)	317	(3,474)	403
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability adjustment	29	14	58	28
Income tax effect	(12)	(6)	(24)	(15)
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	154	217	308	434
Income tax effect	(63)	(89)	(126)	(178)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	131	(49)	156	(174)
Income tax effect	(54)	20	(65)	71
Reclassification to interest expense	24	26	49	53
Income tax effect	(10)	(11)	(20)	(22)
Total other comprehensive income	199	122	336	197
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	(2,599)	439	(3,138)	600
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(34)	(64)	(67)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(34)	(64)	(67)
Total comprehensive (loss) income	$ (2,631)	$ 405	$ (3,202)	$ 533
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic and Diluted	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01	$ (0.07)	$ 0.01
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	52,341	51,231	52,177	50,986
Diluted	52,341	52,138	52,177	52,006

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2017 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 158,876	$ 515	$ 159,474	$ 752	$ (2,910)	$ 1,045
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2016		51,477
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(3,202)			(3,474)	336	(64)
Cumulative effect of new accounting principles adopted	67		(1,278)	1,345
Stock compensation	581		581
Extinguishment of convertible note options, net of tax	(359)		(359)
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(599)		(599)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	119	$ 9	110
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par, Shares		958
Ending Balance at Jun. 30, 2017	$ 155,483	$ 524	$ 157,929	$ (1,377)	$ (2,574)	$ 981
Ending Balance, Shares at Jun. 30, 2017		52,435

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (3,538)	$ 336
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	17,931	17,160
Loss on disposal of assets, net	33	152
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	1,537	2,021
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7,434	336
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(1,717)	(1,702)
Stock-based compensation	581	1,447
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(1,466)	495
Tax deficiencies from share-based payments		(51)
Charge for uncollectible accounts	1,633	77
Other non-cash expense, net	288	414
Income taxes payable (receivable)	574	(722)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(6,225)	(1,077)
Net cash provided by operating activities	17,065	18,886
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(10,522)	(13,662)
Capitalized interest	(463)	(548)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	(2,043)	(9,156)
Proceeds on sale of assets	4	2,663
Net cash used by investing activities	(13,024)	(20,703)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(174,013)	(11,486)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	183,000
Debt issuance costs and discounts	(5,508)	(44)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment	(5,279)	(150)
Cash proceeds from noncontrolling interest		75
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(599)	(472)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	119	128
Net cash used by financing activities	(2,280)	(11,949)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,761	(13,766)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	23,145	37,825
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	24,906	24,059
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	7,595	6,359
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	$ (572)	$ 577

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” and “Alaska Communications”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides broadband telecommunication and managed information technology (“IT”) services to customers in the State of Alaska and beyond using its telecommunications network. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows of Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: • Alaska Communications Systems Holdings, Inc. (“ACS Holdings”) • 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”) • Alaska Communications Internet, LLC (“ACSI”) • ACS Messaging, Inc. (“ACSM”) • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) • Crest Communications Corporation • WCI Cable, Inc. • WCIC 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 Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 10-K The Company has consolidated the financial results of the joint venture with QHL based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 2 “ Joint Venture In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive (loss) income and cash flows for all periods presented. Comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, is not necessarily indicative of comprehensive (loss) income which might be expected for the entire year or any other interim periods. The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting 2016-09”). 2016-09 2016-09 six-month Stock Incentive Plans Income Taxes In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 2016-15, 2016-15 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash 2016-18”). 2016-18 2016-18 2016-18 Supplemental Cash Flow Information Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) 2014-09”). 2014-09 2014-09 2014-09 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 2016-02”). 2016-02 right-of-use 2016-02 2016-02 2016-02 In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) 2017-07”). 2017-07 2017-07 2017-07 2017-07 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) 2017-09”). 2017-09 2017-09 classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. ASU 2017-09 2017-09

Joint Venture

Joint Venture	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Joint Venture	2. JOINT VENTURE In the second quarter of 2015, the Company entered into a series of transactions including the acquisition of a fiber optic network on the North Slope of Alaska and the establishment of a joint venture with QHL. The network enables commercially-available, high-speed connectivity where only high-cost microwave and satellite communications was previously available. Through the Alaska Communications and QHL joint venture, this network has been made available to other telecom carriers in the market. Acquisition of Fiber Optic Network The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, acquired a fiber optic cable system (including conduit, licenses, permits and right-of-ways) Transactions with QHL The Company sold certain fiber strands from the Fiber Optic System to QHL for $5,300, $2,650 of which was paid to the Company by QHL at closing and the balance of which was paid on March 31, 2016. The Company and QHL also exchanged 30 year IRU agreements. Formation of Joint Venture On April 2, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, entered into a joint venture agreement with QHL to form ACS-Quintillion in-field The Company determined that the Joint Venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, “ Consolidation The table below provides certain financial information about the Joint Venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 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. 2017 2016 Cash $ 67 $ 67 Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $161 and $112 $ 1,980 $ 2,029 The operating results and cash flows of the Joint Venture in the three and six-month

Fair Value Measurements and Der

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments	3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Measurements The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current • 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 estimated fair value of the Company’s 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 (“6.25% Notes”) Notes of $9,913 at June 30, 2017, was estimated based on quoted market prices for identical instruments on dates different from the market trade date value (Level 2). The carrying value of the 6.25% Notes at June 30, 2017 was $9,913. The estimated fair value and carrying value of the Company’s 6.25% Notes was $91,729 at December 31, 2016. The carrying values of the Company’s senior credit facilities and other long-term obligations of $180,956 and $90,075 at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, approximate fair value primarily as a result of the stated interest rates of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility and 2015 Senior Credit Facilities approximating current market rates (Level 2). The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, at each hierarchical level: June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 126 $ — $ 126 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100 $ — $ 100 $ — Derivative Financial Instruments The Company currently uses interest rate swaps to manage variable interest rate risk. At low LIBOR rates, payments under the swaps increase the Company’s cash interest expense. The outstanding amount of the swaps as of a period end are reported on the balance sheet at fair value, represented by the estimated amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the swaps, and are valued using models based on readily observable market parameters for all substantial terms of the contracts. Under the terms of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, the Company was required enter into or obtain an interest rate hedge sufficient to effectively fix or limit the interest rate on borrowings under the Agreement of a minimum of $90,000 with a weighted average life of at least two years within ninety days of March 28, 2017. Subsequent to repayment of the principal amounts outstanding under its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities on March 28, 2017, the Company redesignated its existing pay-fixed, pay-fixed, Long-Term Obligations Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The Company’s two interest rate swaps at June 30, 2017 are with the same counterparty, are hedges of the same variable rate borrowing instrument and are subject to a master netting arrangement. The fair value of the two derivatives has been reported on a net basis on the balance sheet at June 30, 2017. The following table provides a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and the net presentation of these derivative instruments as of June 30,2017. The net amount of the derivative asset can be reconciled to the fair value disclosures. Gross Amount Gross Amount Net Amount Other assets $ 137 $ (11 ) $ 126 Other long-term liabilities $ 11 $ (11 ) $ — The following table presents the notional amount, fair value and balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2017 and December, 31, 2016: Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair At June 30, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 126 At December 31, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 42,750 $ 100 The following table presents gains and losses before income taxes on the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 131 $ (49 ) $ 156 $ (174 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (24 ) (26 ) (49 ) (53 ) Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) — — — —

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Retail customers $ 15,210 $ 17,511 Wholesale carriers 5,086 4,293 Other 4,309 4,373 24,605 26,177 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,365 ) (1,115 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 22,240 $ 25,062 The following table summarizes the change in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the six-month 2017 Balance at January 1 $ 1,115 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,633 Charged to other accounts — Deductions (383 ) Balance at June 30 $ 2,365 On April 10, 2017, the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”), which administers the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) rural health care universal service support mechanism, confirmed that demand for rural health care support had exceeded the program’s $400 million annual cap in Funding Year 2016, which began July 1, 2016 and ended on June 30, 2017. As a result, USAC announced that applicants that filed successful funding requests between September 1 and November 30, 2016 would receive 92.5 percent of the funding for which they were otherwise eligible. On June 30, 2017, the FCC issued an order to Alaskan health care providers impacted by the Rural Health Care Program pro-ration,

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	5. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 10,836 $ 14,395 Accounts payable - trade 9,940 13,782 Deferred capacity and other revenue 5,432 4,502 Accrued interest on long-term obligations 160 1,026 Other 4,549 4,475 $ 30,917 $ 38,180 Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Advance billings $ 4,319 $ 4,136 Customer deposits 32 31 $ 4,351 $ 4,167

Long-Term Obligations

Long-Term Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Obligations	6. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 180,000 $ — Debt discount (3,000 ) — Debt issuance costs (3,176 ) — 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 — 86,750 Debt issuance costs — (1,738 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 10,044 94,000 Debt discount (131 ) (2,271 ) Debt issuance costs (27 ) (467 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,956 3,325 187,666 179,599 Less current portion (15,958 ) (1,973 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 171,708 $ 177,626 As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations were as follows: 2017 (July 1 - December 31) $ 2,602 2018 (January 1 - December 31) 16,880 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 6,639 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 8,902 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 16,267 2022 (January 1 - December 31) 86,483 Thereafter 56,227 $ 194,000 As of June 30, 2017, the Company had no amounts outstanding under the $15,000 revolving facility component of its 2017 Senior Credit Facility. 2017 Senior Credit Facility On March 13, 2017 (the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of a Term A-1 A-2 The Term A-1 The Term A-2 The Company may, at its option, designate a portion of the borrowings under the Term A-1 A-2 The revolving facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed $15,000, including a letter of credit subfacility and swingline subfacility with commitment limitations based on amounts drawn under the revolving facility (collectively the “Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 5.0% per annum, with a LIBOR minimum of 1.0%. The obligations under the 2017 Senior Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the personal property and certain material real property owned by the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, with certain exceptions. The 2017 Senior Credit Facility contains customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting the incurrence of debt, declaring dividends, repurchase of the Company’s common stock, making investments, dispositions, and entering into mergers and acquisitions. Financial covenants (i) impose a maximum net total leverage to consolidated EBITDA ratio; and (ii) require a minimum consolidated EBITDA to fixed charge coverage ratio. The 2017 Senior Credit Facility provides for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including non-payment As required under the terms of the 2017 Senior Credit Facility, the Company has entered into interest rate hedges sufficient to effectively fix or limit the interest rate on borrowings under the Agreement of a minimum of $90,000 with a weighted average life of at least two years. See Note 3 “ Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments 2015 Senior Credit Facilities On March 28, 2017, the Company utilized proceeds from the 2017 Senior Credit Facility and cash on hand to repay, in full, the outstanding principal balance of its 2015 Senior Credit Facilities in the amount of $86,750 and accrued interest and fees totaling $1,385. The Company recorded a loss of $2,274 on the extinguishment of debt associated with this transaction, including the write-off 6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 On March 17, 2017, the Company issued a tender offer to purchase any and all of its outstanding 6.25% Notes for cash in an amount equal to one thousand twenty-five dollars per one thousand dollars principal amount (the “Tender Offer”). The Tender Offer was subsequently amended to one thousand thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents per one thousand dollars principal amount. Under the terms of the Agreement, proceeds from the Company’s 2017 Senior Credit Facility in the amount of $94,000 must be utilized to fund the Tender Offer, the repurchase, or repayment at maturity of, the 6.25% Notes. The Tender Offer expired on April 14, 2017 and was settled on April 17, 2017. As of the expiration date, $83,956 aggregate principal amount of the 6.25% Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer, and were accepted for purchase by the Company at a purchase price equal to one thousand thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents per one thousand dollars principal amount. The Company settled the Tender Offer on April 17, 2017 for a total of $90,011, including principal of $83,956, accrued interest of $2,420, the premium of $3,148 and fees of $487. Settlement was funded with restricted cash of $83,956 and other cash on hand of $6,055. The Company recorded a loss on the extinguishment of this debt of $5,160 in the second quarter of 2017. Following settlement, 6.25% Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $10,044 remained outstanding. The purchase or settlement at maturity of the remaining 6.25% Notes will be funded, in part, with restricted cash of $10,044 designated for this purpose.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other Long-Term Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Other Long-Term Liabilities	7. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 34,228 $ 35,255 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 17,274 15,697 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,346 2,202 Other 8,101 8,384 $ 60,949 $ 61,538

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six-month Defined Interest Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,875 ) $ (35 ) $ (2,910 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 34 91 125 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 182 29 211 Net other comprehensive income 216 120 336 Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (2,659 ) $ 85 $ (2,574 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net (loss) income for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 154 $ 217 $ 308 $ 434 Income tax effect (63 ) (89 ) (126 ) (178 ) After tax 91 128 182 256 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: Reclassification to interest expense 24 26 49 53 Income tax effect (10 ) (11 ) (20 ) (22 ) After tax 14 15 29 31 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 105 $ 143 $ 211 $ 287 Amounts reclassified to net (loss) income from our defined benefit pension plan and interest rate swaps have been presented within “Selling, general and administrative expenses” and “Interest expense,” respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The estimated amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense within the next twelve months is $62. See Note 3 “ Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments

Stock Incentive Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Incentive Plans	9. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Under the Company’s stock incentive plan, stock options, restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, performance share units and other awards may be granted to officers, employees, consultants, and non-employee Prior to 2017, the Company’s stock-based compensation expense reflected an estimate of forfeited share-based awards. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09 six-month Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, long-term incentive award and non-employee six-month Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79 Granted 70 2.01 Vested (737 ) 1.83 Canceled or expired — — Nonvested at June 30, 2017 747 $ 1.77 The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the six-month Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77 Granted — — Vested (532 ) 1.78 Canceled or expired (19 ) 1.81 Nonvested at June 30, 2017 783 $ 1.76 The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation as of and for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ (29 ) $ 642 $ 581 $ 1,447 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 2.20 $ 1.70 $ 1.81 $ 1.74 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 140 $ 70 $ 2,286 $ 1,884 At June 30: Unamortized share-based payments $ 807 $ 2,586 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.3 1.6

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	10. INCOME TAXES The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 2016-09, six-month six-month paid-in 2016-09 six-month Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company’s income tax benefit of $632 and $1,464 and effective income tax rate of 18.3% and 29.3% in the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 reflect the impact of permanent book to tax differences.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	11. EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding. Basic earnings per share assumes no dilution and is computed by dividing net income attributable to Alaska Communications by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution of securities that could share in the earnings of the Company. Potential common share equivalents include restricted stock granted to employees and deferred shares granted to directors. The Company includes dilutive stock options based on the “treasury stock method.” Effective in 2015, the Company discontinued use of the “if converted” method in calculating diluted earnings per share in connection with its contingently convertible debt. Accordingly, 2,502 and 5,714 shares related to the 6.25% Notes have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month six-month six-month The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications $ (2,798 ) $ 317 $ (3,474 ) $ 403 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,341 51,231 52,177 50,986 Effect of stock-based compensation — 907 — 1,020 Diluted shares 52,341 52,138 52,177 52,006 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.07 ) $ 0.01 Diluted $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.07 ) $ 0.01

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	12. RETIREMENT PLANS Multi-employer Defined Benefit Plan Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (“AEPF”). The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation to the AEPF. As a multi-employer defined benefit plan, the accumulated benefits and plan assets are not determined for, or allocated separately to, the individual employer. This plan was not in endangered or critical status during the plan year. Defined Benefit Plan The Company has a separate defined benefit plan that covers certain employees previously employed by Century Telephone Enterprise, Inc. (“CenturyTel Plan”). This plan was transferred to the Company in connection with the acquisition of CenturyTel, Inc.’s Alaska properties, whereby assets and liabilities of the CenturyTel Plan were transferred to the ACS Retirement Plan on September 1, 1999. As of June 30, 2017, this plan is not fully funded under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 156 $ 168 $ 312 $ 335 Expected return on plan assets (185 ) (181 ) (370 ) (362 ) Amortization of loss 183 230 366 461 Net periodic pension expense $ 154 $ 217 $ 308 $ 434

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	13. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The Company adopted ASU 2016-15, 2016-15 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 2016-18 2016-18 six-month stand-by 2016-18. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Restricted cash of $11,924 at June 30, 2017 consisted of $10,044 to fund the purchase or settlement at maturity of the Company’s 6.25% Notes, and certificates of deposit of $1,880 required under the terms of certain contracts to which the Company is a party. Restricted cash of $1,917 at December 31, 2016 consisted of certificates of deposit as described above. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position at June 30, 2017 and 2016 that sum to the total of these items reported in the statement of cash flows: June 30, 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,982 $ 22,248 Restricted cash 11,924 1,811 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 24,906 $ 24,059 The following table presents supplemental non-cash six-month 2017 2016 Supplemental Non-cash Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30 $ 1,506 $ 2,536 Property acquired under capital leases $ 1,078 $ — Additions to ARO asset $ 186 $ 141

Business Segments

Business Segments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	14. BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company operates its business under a single reportable segment. The Company’s chief operating decision maker assesses the financial performance of the business as follows: (i) revenues are managed on the basis of specific customers and customer groups; (ii) costs are managed and assessed by function and generally support the organization across all customer groups or revenue streams; (iii) profitability is assessed at the consolidated level; and (iv) investment decisions and the assessment of existing assets are based on the support they provide to all revenue streams.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company enters into purchase commitments with vendors in the ordinary course of business. The Company also has long-term purchase contracts with vendors to support the on-going The Company is involved in various claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company establishes an accrual when a particular contingency is probable and estimable, and has recorded litigation accruals of $668 at June 30, 2017 against certain current claims and legal actions. The Company also faces contingencies that are reasonably possible to occur that cannot currently be estimated. The Company believes that the disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, comprehensive income or cash flows. It is the Company’s policy to expense costs associated with loss contingencies, including any related legal fees, as they are incurred.

Summary of Significant Accoun23

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 10-K The Company has consolidated the financial results of the joint venture with QHL based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 2 “ Joint Venture In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive (loss) income and cash flows for all periods presented. Comprehensive loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, is not necessarily indicative of comprehensive (loss) income which might be expected for the entire year or any other interim periods. The balance sheet at December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting 2016-09”). 2016-09 2016-09 six-month Stock Incentive Plans Income Taxes In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“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 2016-15, 2016-15 In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash 2016-18”). 2016-18 2016-18 2016-18 Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted	Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not Yet Adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) 2014-09”). 2014-09 2014-09 2014-09 In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) 2016-02”). 2016-02 right-of-use 2016-02 2016-02 2016-02 In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) 2017-07”). 2017-07 2017-07 2017-07 2017-07 In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) 2017-09”). 2017-09 2017-09 classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. ASU 2017-09 2017-09

Joint Venture (Tables)

Joint Venture (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet	The table below provides certain financial information about the Joint Venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 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. 2017 2016 Cash $ 67 $ 67 Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $161 and $112 $ 1,980 $ 2,029

Fair Value Measurements and D25

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, at each hierarchical level: June 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 126 $ — $ 126 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 100 $ — $ 100 $ —
Summary of Gross Presentation, Effects of Offsetting and Net Presentation of Derivative Instruments	The following table provides a gross presentation, the effects of offsetting, and the net presentation of these derivative instruments as of June 30,2017. The net amount of the derivative asset can be reconciled to the fair value disclosures. Gross Amount Gross Amount Net Amount Other assets $ 137 $ (11 ) $ 126 Other long-term liabilities $ 11 $ (11 ) $ —
Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table presents the notional amount, fair value and balance sheet classification of the Company’s derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges as of June 30, 2017 and December, 31, 2016: Balance Sheet Location Notional Fair At June 30, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 126 At December 31, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 42,750 $ 100
Schedule of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes Recognized on Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges	The following table presents gains and losses before income taxes on the Company’s interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 131 $ (49 ) $ 156 $ (174 ) Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (24 ) (26 ) (49 ) (53 ) Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) — — — —

Accounts Receivable (Tables)

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	The following table summarizes the change in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the six-month 2017 Balance at January 1 $ 1,115 Provision for uncollectible accounts 1,633 Charged to other accounts — Deductions (383 ) Balance at June 30 $ 2,365
Non-affiliates [Member]
Schedule of Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Retail customers $ 15,210 $ 17,511 Wholesale carriers 5,086 4,293 Other 4,309 4,373 24,605 26,177 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,365 ) (1,115 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 22,240 $ 25,062

Current Liabilities (Tables)

Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Current Liabilities	Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities $ 10,836 $ 14,395 Accounts payable - trade 9,940 13,782 Deferred capacity and other revenue 5,432 4,502 Accrued interest on long-term obligations 160 1,026 Other 4,549 4,475 $ 30,917 $ 38,180
Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits	Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Advance billings $ 4,319 $ 4,136 Customer deposits 32 31 $ 4,351 $ 4,167

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)

Long-Term Obligations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Obligations	Long-term obligations consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 180,000 $ — Debt discount (3,000 ) — Debt issuance costs (3,176 ) — 2015 senior secured credit facilities due 2018 — 86,750 Debt issuance costs — (1,738 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 10,044 94,000 Debt discount (131 ) (2,271 ) Debt issuance costs (27 ) (467 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,956 3,325 187,666 179,599 Less current portion (15,958 ) (1,973 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 171,708 $ 177,626
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations	As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate maturities of long-term obligations were as follows: 2017 (July 1 - December 31) $ 2,602 2018 (January 1 - December 31) 16,880 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 6,639 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 8,902 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 16,267 2022 (January 1 - December 31) 86,483 Thereafter 56,227 $ 194,000

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Ta

Other Long-Term Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 34,228 $ 35,255 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 17,274 15,697 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,346 2,202 Other 8,101 8,384 $ 60,949 $ 61,538

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six-month Defined Interest Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,875 ) $ (35 ) $ (2,910 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 34 91 125 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 182 29 211 Net other comprehensive income 216 120 336 Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (2,659 ) $ 85 $ (2,574 )
Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net (Loss) Income	The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net (loss) income for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 154 $ 217 $ 308 $ 434 Income tax effect (63 ) (89 ) (126 ) (178 ) After tax 91 128 182 256 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: Reclassification to interest expense 24 26 49 53 Income tax effect (10 ) (11 ) (20 ) (22 ) After tax 14 15 29 31 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 105 $ 143 $ 211 $ 287

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-Term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation	The following table summarizes the restricted stock unit, long-term incentive award and non-employee six-month Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79 Granted 70 2.01 Vested (737 ) 1.83 Canceled or expired — — Nonvested at June 30, 2017 747 $ 1.77
Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units	The following table summarizes the performance share unit activity for the six-month Number Weighted Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77 Granted — — Vested (532 ) 1.78 Canceled or expired (19 ) 1.81 Nonvested at June 30, 2017 783 $ 1.76
Share-Based Compensation	The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation as of and for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ (29 ) $ 642 $ 581 $ 1,447 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 2.20 $ 1.70 $ 1.81 $ 1.74 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 140 $ 70 $ 2,286 $ 1,884 At June 30: Unamortized share-based payments $ 807 $ 2,586 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.3 1.6

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications $ (2,798 ) $ 317 $ (3,474 ) $ 403 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,341 51,231 52,177 50,986 Effect of stock-based compensation — 907 — 1,020 Diluted shares 52,341 52,138 52,177 52,006 Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.07 ) $ 0.01 Diluted $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.07 ) $ 0.01

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan	The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three and six-month Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 156 $ 168 $ 312 $ 335 Expected return on plan assets (185 ) (181 ) (370 ) (362 ) Amortization of loss 183 230 366 461 Net periodic pension expense $ 154 $ 217 $ 308 $ 434

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform34

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Summary of Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position at June 30, 2017 and 2016 that sum to the total of these items reported in the statement of cash flows: June 30, 2017 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,982 $ 22,248 Restricted cash 11,924 1,811 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 24,906 $ 24,059
Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information	The following table presents supplemental non-cash six-month 2017 2016 Supplemental Non-cash Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30 $ 1,506 $ 2,536 Property acquired under capital leases $ 1,078 $ — Additions to ARO asset $ 186 $ 141

Summary of Significant Accoun35

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in joint venture			50.00%
Excess tax expense from share-based payments					$ 51
ASU 2016-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adjustments for new accounting pronouncement		$ 1,441
Excess tax expense from share-based payments		51
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in joint venture				50.00%
Additional Paid in Capital [Member] | ASU 2016-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adjustments for new accounting pronouncement		163
(Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] | ASU 2016-09 [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Adjustments for new accounting pronouncement		96
Income tax effect of retained earnings		$ 67
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%

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	Jun. 30, 2017
Investment [Line Items]
Additional Contribution to Joint Venture				$ 75,000	$ 461,000
Voting interest in joint venture					50.00%
Gain or loss recorded on initial consolidation of Joint Venture						$ 0
IRU [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Contribution to Joint Venture			$ 1,844,000
Cash Contribution to Joint Venture			250,000
ACS [Member] | IRU [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Contribution to Joint Venture			922,000
Additional Contribution to Joint Venture			461,000
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 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) - Carrying Values [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investment [Line Items]
Cash	$ 67	$ 67
Fiber and IRUs, net of accumulated depreciation of $161 and $112	$ 1,980	$ 2,029

Joint Venture - Schedule of C38

Joint Venture - Schedule of Certain Financial Information about Joint Venture Included on Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying Values [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation of IRU Assets, net	$ 161	$ 112

Fair Value Measurements and D39

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 14, 2017	Apr. 14, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
Long-term obligations	$ 187,666,000						$ 179,599,000
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps		6.49425%
LIBOR spread		5.00%
Expiration Date	Jun. 28, 2019
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap, notional amount		$ 48,635,000		$ 42,058,000
Interest rate swap, accreted notional amount		$ 90,000,000
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	$ 9,913,000						91,729,000
Senior Credit Facilities and Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	180,956,000						90,075,000
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenants minimum borrowing	$ 90,000,000
Weighted average life of senior credit facility	2 years
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	$ 9,913,000						$ 91,729,000
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate of floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps				6.333%
LIBOR spread				5.00%
Expiration Date	Dec. 31, 2017
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swap, notional amount	$ 41,365,000

Fair Value Measurements and D40

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 126
Other long-term liabilities		$ 100
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other assets	$ 126
Other long-term liabilities		$ 100

Fair Value Measurements and D41

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Gross Presentation, Effects of Offsetting and Net Presentation of Derivative Instruments (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Other assets, Gross Amount Recognized	$ 137
Other long-term liabilities, Gross Amount Recognized	11
Other assets, Gross Amount Offset on the Balance Sheet	(11)
Other long-term liabilities, Gross Amount Offset on the Balance Sheet	(11)
Other assets, Net Amount Presented on the Balance Sheet	126
Other long-term liabilities, Net Amount Presented on the Balance Sheet	$ 0

Fair Value Measurements and D42

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair Value		$ 100,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 90,000,000
Fair Value	$ 126,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Notional Amount		42,750,000
Fair Value		$ 100,000

Fair Value Measurements and D43

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Schedule of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes Recognized on Interest Rate Swaps Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Detail) - Interest Rate Swaps [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 131	$ (49)	$ 156	$ (174)
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(24)	(26)	(49)	(53)
Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Accounts Receivable - Schedule

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Accounts Receivable, Net (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 22,240	$ 25,062
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	24,605	26,177
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,365)	(1,115)
Accounts receivable, net	22,240	25,062
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Retail Customers [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	15,210	17,511
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Wholesale Carriers [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	5,086	4,293
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, non-affiliates, gross	$ 4,309	$ 4,373

Accounts Receivable - Schedul45

Accounts Receivable - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Provision for uncollectible accounts	$ 1,633	$ 77
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,115
Provision for uncollectible accounts	1,633
Charged to other accounts	0
Deductions	(383)
Ending Balance	$ 2,365

Accounts Receivable - Additiona

Accounts Receivable - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 10, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Percentage of refund available		92.50%
Charge on account receivable	$ 1,102
Accounts Receivable, Net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Account receivable from customers	$ 4,233
Minimum [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Annual cap of rural health care support		$ 400,000

Current Liabilities - Schedule

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Accounts Payable, Accrued and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	$ 10,836	$ 14,395
Accounts payable - trade	9,940	13,782
Deferred capacity and other revenue	5,432	4,502
Accrued interest on long-term obligations	160	1,026
Other	4,549	4,475
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 30,917	$ 38,180

Current Liabilities - Schedul48

Current Liabilities - Schedule of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Advance billings	$ 4,319	$ 4,136
Customer deposits	32	31
Advance billings and customer deposits	$ 4,351	$ 4,167

Long-Term Obligations - Schedul

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 3,956				$ 3,325
Total debt	187,666				179,599
Total debt	187,666				179,599
Less current portion	(15,958)				(1,973)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	171,708				177,626
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	180,000
Debt instrument unamortized discount	(3,000)			$ (3,172)
Debt issuance costs	(3,176)
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations					86,750
Debt issuance costs					(1,738)
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes	10,044	$ 10,044	$ 94,000		94,000
Debt instrument unamortized discount	(131)				(2,271)
Debt issuance costs	(27)				(467)
Total debt	9,913				91,729
Total debt	$ 9,913				$ 91,729

Long-Term Obligations - Sched50

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Long-Term Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Apr. 14, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes		6.25%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year of senior secured credit facilities - start		Mar. 13, 2017
Maturity date		Mar. 13, 2023
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%	6.25%
Maturity date	Apr. 14, 2017	May 1, 2018

Long-Term Obligations - Sched51

Long-Term Obligations - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2017 (July 1 - December 31)	$ 2,602
2018 (January 1 - December 31)	16,880
2019 (January 1 - December 31)	6,639
2020 (January 1 - December 31)	8,902
2021 (January 1 - December 31)	16,267
2022 (January 1 - December 31)	86,483
Thereafter	56,227
Total	$ 194,000

Long-Term Obligations - Additio

Long-Term Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Amount outstanding under revolving credit facility	$ 0

Long Term Obligations - 2017 Se

Long Term Obligations - 2017 Senior Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 14, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes				6.25%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility			$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Gross cash proceeds			176,828,000
Cash on hand			8,955,000
Fees and expense		$ 6,528,000
Debt discount			3,172,000	$ 3,000,000
Payment of fees and other expenses		3,451,000
Maturity date				Mar. 13, 2023
Debt instrument covenants minimum borrowing				$ 90,000,000
Weighted average life of senior credit facility				2 years
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [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
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate			1.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR			5.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [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
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate			1.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR			7.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility and Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR			0.50%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility and Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Alternate Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR			0.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility			$ 15,000,000
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
LIBOR interest rate			1.00%
2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member] | LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate over LIBOR			5.00%
2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of line of credit		88,135,000
Maturity date				Mar. 3, 2018
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible notes		$ 94,000,000		$ 10,044,000	$ 10,044,000		$ 94,000,000
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%	6.25%		6.25%		6.25%
Fees and expense					$ 487,000
Debt discount				$ 131,000			$ 2,271,000
Payment of fees and other expenses		$ 197,000
Maturity date	Apr. 14, 2017			May 1, 2018

Long Term Obligations - 2015 Se

Long Term Obligations - 2015 Senior Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 28, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 5,158	$ 7,434	$ 336
2010 Senior Credit Facility Term Loan Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term obligations	$ 86,750
Principal amount including accrued interest and fees	1,385
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 2,274

Long Term Obligations - 6.25% C

Long Term Obligations - 6.25% Convertible Notes due 2018 - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2017	Apr. 14, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes			6.25%	6.25%
Cash and cash equivalents			$ 12,982,000	$ 12,982,000	$ 22,248,000			$ 21,228,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 5,158,000	$ 7,434,000	$ 336,000
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, repurchase amount per note							$ 1,025
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount per note							$ 1,000
Interest rate of convertible notes		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%		6.25%	6.25%
Proceeds from convertible notes				$ 94,000,000
Principal amount of convertible notes		$ 83,956,000
Maturity date		Apr. 14, 2017		May 1, 2018
Repayment of notes	$ 90,011,000
Principal	83,956,000
Accrued interest	2,420,000
Premium	3,148,000
Fees	487,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	83,956,000		$ 10,044,000	$ 10,044,000
Cash and cash equivalents	6,055,000
Convertible notes	$ 10,044,000		10,044,000	$ 10,044,000		$ 94,000,000		$ 94,000,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 5,160,000

Other Long-Term Liabilities - S

Other Long-Term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-Term Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 60,949	$ 61,538
Deferred GCI Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	34,228	35,255
Other Deferred IRU Capacity Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	17,274	15,697
Other Deferred Revenue, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	1,346	2,202
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]
Other Long Term Liabilities [Line Items]
Other long-term liabilities	$ 8,101	$ 8,384

Accumulated Other Comprehensi57

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ (2,910)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			125
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	$ 105	$ 143	211	$ 287
Total other comprehensive income	199	$ 122	336	$ 197
Ending Balance	(2,574)		(2,574)
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			(35)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			91
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income			29
Total other comprehensive income			120
Ending Balance	85		85
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			(2,875)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			34
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income			182
Total other comprehensive income			216
Ending Balance	$ (2,659)		$ (2,659)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi58

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net (Loss) Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items:
Amortization of loss	$ 154	$ 217	$ 308	$ 434
Income tax effect	(63)	(89)	(126)	(178)
After tax	91	128	182	256
Amortization of loss on interest rate swap:
Reclassification to interest expense	24	26	49	53
Income tax effect	(10)	(11)	(20)	(22)
After tax	14	15	29	31
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$ 105	$ 143	$ 211	$ 287

Accumulated Other Comprehensi59

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Interest Expense [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified to interest expense	$ 62

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-Term Incentive Awards and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation (Detail) - Restricted Stock Unit [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017$ / 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, 2016 | shares	1,414
Number of Shares - Granted | shares	70
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(737)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	0
Number of Shares - Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | shares	747
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.79
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted | $ / shares	2.01
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested | $ / shares	1.83
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 1.77

Stock Incentive Plans - Summa61

Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Detail) - Performance Share Units [Member] shares in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Summary of activity for performance share units
Number of Shares - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | shares	1,334
Number of Shares - Granted | shares	0
Number of Shares - Vested | shares	(532)
Number of Shares - Canceled or expired | shares	(19)
Number of Shares - Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | shares	783
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at December 31, 2016 | $ / shares	$ 1.77
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Granted | $ / shares	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Vested | $ / shares	1.78
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Canceled or expired | $ / shares	1.81
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested at June 30, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 1.76

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-B

Stock Incentive Plans - Share-Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ (29)	$ 642	$ 581	$ 1,447
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share)	$ 2.20	$ 1.70	$ 1.81	$ 1.74
Total fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 140	$ 70	$ 2,286	$ 1,884
Unamortized share-based payments			$ 807	$ 2,586
Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense			1 year 3 months 19 days	1 year 7 months 6 days

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income tax benefit (expense)	$ 632	$ (236)	$ 1,464	$ (299)
Tax deficiency from share-based payments charged to additional paid-in capital				$ 51
Effective income tax rate	18.30%		29.30%
ASU 2016-09 [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income tax benefit (expense)			$ 29

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Apr. 14, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%		6.25%
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	1,957		1,957
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%	6.25%	6.25%
Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation	2,502		5,714
Convertible Notes Payable [Member] | 6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Number of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation		9,143		9,298

Earnings Per Share - Calculatio

Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	$ (2,798)	$ 317	$ (3,474)	$ 403
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic shares	52,341	51,231	52,177	50,986
Effect of stock-based compensation		907		1,020
Diluted shares	52,341	52,138	52,177	52,006
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01	$ (0.07)	$ 0.01
Diluted	$ (0.05)	$ 0.01	$ (0.07)	$ 0.01

Retirement Plans - Summary of N

Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Interest cost	$ 156	$ 168	$ 312	$ 335
Expected return on plan assets	(185)	(181)	(370)	(362)
Amortization of loss	183	230	366	461
Net periodic pension expense	$ 154	$ 217	$ 308	$ 434

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform67

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Apr. 17, 2017	Apr. 14, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 11,924					$ 1,917	$ 1,811
Certificate of deposits value	$ 1,880
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$ 1,917
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Convertible notes	$ 10,044	$ 10,044		$ 94,000		$ 94,000
Interest rate of convertible notes	6.25%		6.25%	6.25%	6.25%
ASU 2016-18 [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]
Net change in restricted cash	$ 13

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform68

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,982	$ 21,228	$ 22,248
Restricted cash	11,924	1,917	1,811
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 24,906	$ 23,145	$ 24,059	$ 37,825

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform69

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Supplemental Non-Cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at June 30	$ 1,506	$ 2,536
Property acquired under capital leases	1,078
Additions to ARO asset	$ 186	$ 141

Business Segments - Additional

Business Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments in which business operates	1

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation accruals	$ 668