Alaska Communications Systems 10-K 16 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 07, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,089,511
Trading Symbol	alsk
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		52,525,665
Entity Public Float			$ 109
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,354	$ 21,228
Restricted cash	11,814	1,917
Accounts receivable, net	32,535	25,062
Materials and supplies	7,046	4,917
Prepayments and other current assets	6,115	5,995
Total current assets	61,864	59,119
Property, plant and equipment	1,357,929	1,349,899
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(991,816)	(983,050)
Property, plant and equipment, net	366,113	366,849
Deferred income taxes	3,394	14,718
Other assets	11,415	1,674
Total assets	442,786	442,360
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	17,030	1,973
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	36,148	38,180
Advance billings and customer deposits	4,213	4,167
Total current liabilities	57,391	44,320
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	168,959	177,626
Deferred income taxes	596
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	61,330	61,538
Total liabilities	288,276	283,484
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 52,526 and 51,477 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	525	515
Additional paid in capital	158,969	159,474
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(3,579)	752
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,396)	(2,910)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	153,519	157,831
Noncontrolling interest	991	1,045
Total stockholders' equity	154,510	158,876
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 442,786	$ 442,360

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	145,000	145,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	52,526	51,477
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	52,526	51,477

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating revenues:
Operating revenues, non-affiliates	$ 226,905	$ 226,866	$ 232,242
Operating revenues, affiliates			575
Total operating revenues	226,905	226,866	232,817
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), non-affiliates	104,604	102,137	107,162
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization), affiliates			4,961
Selling, general and administrative	67,227	70,209	88,389
Depreciation and amortization	36,317	34,690	33,867
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets, net	50	321	(46,252)
Earnings from equity method investments			(3,056)
Total operating expenses	208,198	207,357	185,071
Operating income	18,707	19,509	47,746
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(14,860)	(15,447)	(19,841)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(7,527)	(336)	(4,878)
Interest income	34	26	58
Total other income and (expense)	(22,353)	(15,757)	(24,661)
(Loss) income before income tax expense	(3,646)	3,752	23,085
Income tax expense	(2,584)	(1,499)	(10,200)
Net (loss) income	(6,230)	2,253	12,885
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(129)	(133)	(69)
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	(6,101)	2,386	12,954
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability adjustment	404	(294)	(7)
Income tax effect	(167)	118	3
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	615	662	936
Income tax effect	(252)	(272)	(382)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	471	(170)	600
Income tax effect	(193)	70	(245)
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swaps	104	106	1,970
Income tax effect	(43)	(44)	(810)
Total other comprehensive income	939	176	2,065
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	(5,162)	2,562	15,019
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(129)	(133)	(69)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(129)	(133)	(69)
Total comprehensive (loss) income	$ (5,291)	$ 2,429	$ 14,950
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.25
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	52,232	51,169	50,247
Diluted (in shares)	52,232	52,188	51,368

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	49,660
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 497	$ 154,368	$ (14,588)	$ (5,151)		$ 135,126
Total comprehensive (loss) income			12,954	2,065	(69)	14,950
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 (in shares)	870
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	$ 8	270				278
Contributions from noncontrolling interest					1,172	1,172
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	50,530
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 505	156,971	(1,634)	(3,086)	1,103	153,859
Total comprehensive (loss) income			2,386	176	(133)	2,429
Stock compensation		2,830				2,830
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation		(476)				(476)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par (in shares)	947
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	$ 10	257				267
Contributions from noncontrolling interest					75	75
Extinguishment of convertible note options		(61)				(61)
Excess tax expense from share-based payments		(47)				(47)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	51,477
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 515	159,474	752	(2,910)	1,045	158,876
Total comprehensive (loss) income			(6,101)	939	(129)	(5,291)
Stock compensation		1,509				1,509
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation		(605)				(605)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par (in shares)	1,049
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	$ 10	229				239
Contributions from noncontrolling interest					75	75
Extinguishment of convertible note options		(360)				(360)
Cumulative effect of new accounting principles adopted		(1,278)	1,345			67
Reclassification of certain deferred income tax effects			425	(425)
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	52,526
Balance, ending at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 525	$ 158,969	$ (3,579)	$ (2,396)	$ 991	$ 154,510

Consolidated Statements of Sto6

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retained Earnings [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (6,230)	$ 2,253	$ 12,885
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	36,317	34,690	33,867
Gain on wireless sale			(48,232)
Loss on the disposal of assets	50	321	1,980
Gain on ineffective hedge adjustment			(737)
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	2,363	4,046	4,114
Amortization of ineffective hedge			1,970
Loss on extinguishment of debt	7,527	336	4,878
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(3,512)	(3,436)	(3,011)
Stock-based compensation	1,509	2,830	2,008
Deferred income tax	11,582	1,855	4,883
Tax (deficiencies) benefits from share-based payments		(47)	733
Charge for uncollectible accounts	3,577	378	1,258
Cash distribution from equity method investments			3,056
Earnings from equity method investments			(3,056)
Other non-cash expense, net	575	621	934
Change in income tax payable or receivable	(8,052)	(514)	(351)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(15,300)	(6,127)	(3,865)
Net cash provided by operating activities	30,406	37,206	13,314
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(32,945)	(30,920)	(50,914)
Capitalized interest	(1,140)	(1,077)	(1,558)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	1,500	(8,304)	3,995
Proceeds on wireless sale			285,160
Proceeds on sale of assets	40	2,664	3,140
Return of capital from equity investment			1,875
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities	(32,545)	(37,637)	241,698
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(176,466)	(13,421)	(333,961)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	183,000		90,061
Debt issuance costs	(5,559)	(544)	(4,901)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment	(5,522)	(150)	(391)
Cash paid in acquisition of business			(291)
Cash proceeds from noncontrolling interest	75	75	250
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(605)	(476)	(408)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	239	267	278
Net cash used by financing activities	(4,838)	(14,249)	(249,363)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(6,977)	(14,680)	5,649
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	23,145	37,825	32,176
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	16,168	23,145	37,825
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	14,504	12,608	16,101
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	$ (946)	$ 205	$ 4,936

Note 1 - Description of Company

Note 1 - Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Alaska Communications Syste ms 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 statewide and interstate telecommunications network. T he accompanying consolidated financial statements are as of December 31, 2017 2016 December 31, 2017, 2016 2015. • Alaska Communications Systems Holdings, Inc. ("ACS Holdings") • Crest Communications Corporation • ACS of Alaska, LLC (“ACSAK”) • WCI Cable, Inc. • ACS of the Northland, LLC (“ACSN”) • WCI Hillsboro, LLC • ACS of Fairbanks, LLC (“ACSF”) • Alaska Northstar Communications, LLC • ACS of Anchorage, LLC (“ACSA”) • WCI Lightpoint, LLC • ACS Wireless, Inc. ("ACSW") • WorldNet Communications, Inc. • ACS Long Distance, LLC • Alaska Fiber Star, LLC • Alaska Communications Internet, LLC ("ACSI") • TekMate, LLC ("TekMate") • ACS Messaging, Inc. • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) In addition to the wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company has a fifty controlling interest in ACS-Quintillion JV, LLC (“AQ-JV”), a joint venture formed by its wholly-owned subsidiary ACSC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC (“QHL”) in connection with the North Slope fiber optic network. See Note 3 Joint Venture one third February 1, 2015. February 2, 2015, one third 2 Sale of Wireless Operations” A summary of significant accounting policies follo wed 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 third 50% 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 C ash 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 Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $11,814 December 31, 2017 $10,044 6.25% $1,734 $36. Trade Accounts Receivable and Bad Debt Reserves Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not not The Company evaluates its bad debt as a single portfolio since most of its subsidiaries primarily operate within Alaska and are subject to the same economic and risk conditions across industry segments and geographic locations. Bad debt reserves against uncollectible receivables are established and incurred during the period. These estimates are derived through an analysis of account aging profiles and a review of historical recovery experience. Receivables are charged off against the allowance when management confirms it is probable amounts will not Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies are carried in inventory at the lower of moving average cost or net realizable value. 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 incur red 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 2014 2015, 2016. ● 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, 420” 712, 712” ● Contract termination costs w ere 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. ● Other associated costs that met the criteria of an exit activity w ere accrued when incurred. Propert y, 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 3 50 The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under capital leases expiring in various years through 2033. 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 O bligations 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 one , or receives access to a portion of the fiber network of the other party. The access may may may not not not not Non-operating Assets The Company periodically evaluates the fair value of its non-current investments and other non-operating assets against their carrying value, or whenever market conditions indicate a potential change in that fair value. Any changes relating to declines in the fair value of non-operating assets are charged to non-operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. Variable Interest Entities The Company ’s ownership interest in AQ-JV, LLC is a variable interest entity as defined in ASC 810, 3 Joint Venture Equity Method of Accounting Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significa nt influence, but not may not December 31, 2017 2016, no Deferred C apacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company ’s network provided to third 30 Long-lived Asset Impairment Long -lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not not third 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 S tock The Company has 5 ,000 $0.01 none December 31, 2017 2016. On January 8, 2018, ’s Board of Directors authorized 145,000 none 10 Revenue Recognition Substantially all recurring non-usage sensitive service revenues are billed one February 2, 2015, The Company enters into contracts with its rural health care customers. Customers are billed, and revenue is recognized, for services as provided when it is determined that the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Payment for the services is made, in part, by the customer. The Company also receives funding support for these services through the Federal Communications Commission ’s (“FCC”) rural health care universal service support mechanism. As of December 31, 2017, not 2017, July 1, 2017 June 30, 2018. third fourth 2017 Concentrations of R isk Cash is maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may may not 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, 201 7, 54% 1547 December 8, 2017 December 31, 2023, 2017; 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 2016 2017. As an entity that relies on the 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 2017, 9% 9% . Additionally, t he 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 Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,656, $3,460 $4,065 2017, 2016 2015, 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 not 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 interexchange carrier by the FCC for interstate telecommunication services and the RCA for intrastate telecommunication services. Wireless, Internet and other non-common carrier services are not Derivative Financial Instrument s The Company does not 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 not may Dividend Policy The Company ’s dividend policy is set by the Company’s Board of Directors and is subject to the terms of its 2017 not not 2012, not Share- b ased Payments Effective in 2017, Restricted S tock 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 2011 P erformance S hare U nits (“PSUs”) PSUs may 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. For PSUs that include a market condition, compensation expense associated with the market condition is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied provided that performance measure has been met and the requisite service has been provided. Compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period. PSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP ”) The Company makes payroll deduction s of from 1% 15% 6 June 30 December 31), 2012 “2012 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 D efined B enefit P lan 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 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 December 31 Defined Contribution P lan The Company provides a 401 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 2017, No. 2016 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 2016 09” 2016 09 2016 09 first 2017. first 2017 $1,441 2017; $47 2016 $733 2015 2016 2015 may 2017, first 2017, first 2017 $163 2017. $96 $67; not 15, Income Taxes 16 Stock Incentive Plans In August 2016, No. 2016 15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230 2016 15” eight not zero 2016 15 December 15, 2017, 2016 15 first 2017 eight 2016 15, 2016 15 not In November 2016, No. 2016 18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230 2016 18” 2016 18 2016 18 December 15, 2017, first 2017 $93 $1,357 2016 2015, 2016 18. In February 2018, No. 2018 02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220 s from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 2018 02” 2018 02 2017 2018 02 December 15, 2018, fourth 2017 $425 Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In May 2014, No. 2014 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606 2014 09” 2014 09 2014 09 not 2014 09 2014 09 January 1, 2018 In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02” 2016 02 2016 02 2016 02 December 15, 2018, 2016 02 In March 2017, No. 2017 07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715 , Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017 07” 2017 07 one not 2017 07 2017 07 December 15, 2017. not 2017 07 In May 2017, No. 2017 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 , Scope of Modification Accounting 2017 09” 2017 09 718. 2017 09 not not 2017 09 December 15, 2017. 2017 09 In August 2017, No., 2017 12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815 2017 12” 2017 12 2017 12 December 15, 2018. 2017 12

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Opera

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	2. SALE OF WIRELESS OPERATIONS On December 4, 2014, ’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, third 2015 her adjustments totaling $14,840, $285,160, $240,472 2010 “2010 $48,232 December 31, 2015. The two 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. not $4,769 $522. $522 In May 2015, $1,680 not On August 4, 2015, resolve all outstanding issues between the parties associated with the Wireless Sale including finalization of the purchase price adjustments. In the third 2015, $7,092 $9,000 $1,680 $7,092 third 2015. $228 fourth 2015. $228 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 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 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, not not one one e reasonably separated. Although they did not ● The equity method investment in AWN, valued at $250,192, February 2, 2015. ● The remaining Deferred AWN capacity revenue, which was created during the AWN transaction in 2013 20 -year contract life, was removed. This capacity had a carrying value of $59,672 February 2, 2015. $41,287 30 ● On February 2, 2015, ’s 2010 $240,472 $721 $1,907, 2015. 10 Long-term Obligations. ● Current deferred tax assets of $ 84,233 $70,577 2015 In connection with its decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incur red a number of transaction related and wind-down costs throughout 2015. 420, 420” 712, 712” 11 $2,797 February 2, 2015. December 31, 2015. $13,272 2015 $10,745 $2,527. $13,272, $4,893 $8,379 The following tabl e summarizes the Company’s obligations for exit activities, including costs accounted for under both ASC 420 712, December 31, 2016 2015: Labor Obligations Contract Terminations Other Associated Obligations Total 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 $ - $ - $ - $ -

Note 3 - Joint Venture

Note 3 - Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]	3. JOINT VENTURE In the second 2015, April 2, 2015 Acquisition of Fiber Optic Network The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary ACS Cable Systems, LLC, acquired a fiber optic cable system (including conduit, licenses, permits and right-of-ways) running from the Kuparuk Operating Center to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Pump Station #1 $11,000, $5,500 April 7, 2016. 30 $400, Transactions with QHL The Company sold certain fiber strands from the Fiber Optic System to QHL for $5,300, $2,650 March 31, 2016. 30 Formation of Joint Venture On April 2, 2015, may $1,844 $922 $250. $461. first 2016, 50 April 2, 2015. second 2016, $75 third 2017, $75 50 The Company determined that the joint venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, 50 no 50 The table below provides certain financial information about the joint venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 2016. may not not 2017 2016 Cash $ 190 $ 67 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $211 and $112 $ 1,930 $ 2,029 The operating results and cash flows of the joint venture in the years 2017 2016 not

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at December 31, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Retail customers $ 22,227 $ 17,511 Wholesale carriers 8,146 4,293 Other 4,891 4,373 35,264 26,177 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,729 ) (1,115 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 32,535 $ 25,062 Allowance for doubtful accounts consists of the following at December 31, 201 7, 2016 2015. 2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 1,115 $ 1,693 $ 2,338 Provision for uncollectible accounts 3,577 378 1,258 Charged to other accounts (358 ) (13 ) 8 Deductions (1,605 ) (943 ) (1,911 ) Balance at December 31 $ 2,729 $ 1,115 $ 1,693 On April 10, 2017, administers the FCC’s rural health care universal service support mechanism, confirmed that demand for rural health care support had exceeded the program’s $400 2016, July 1, 2016 June 30, 2017. September 1 November 30, 2016 92.5 June 30, 2017, 2016. second 2017, $1,102 2016 December 31, 2017, $8,580, Rural health care accounts are a component of the Retail Customers category in the above table. See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 5 - Current Liabilities

Note 5 - Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block]	5. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrue d and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Accounts payable - trade $ 17,739 $ 13,782 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 9,286 14,395 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,817 4,502 Other 4,306 5,501 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 36,148 $ 38,180 Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at December 31, 201 7 2016: 2017 2016 Advance billings $ 4,181 $ 4,136 Customer deposits 32 31 Total advance billings and customer deposits $ 4,213 $ 4,167

Note 6 - Equity Method Investme

Note 6 - Equity Method Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]	6. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS The Company had no investments at December 31, 2017 2016. On July 22, 2013, June 4, 2012 Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, Alaska Communications sold certain wireless assets to GCI. GCI then contributed these assets, together with GCI ’s wireless assets, to AWN in exchange for a two not one third On February 2, 2015, one third 2 Sale of Wireless Operations In the period January 1 February 2, 2015, ’s share of AWN’s adjusted free cash flow was $764 first 2015. December 31, 2015 $3,056. Sum marized financial information for AWN is as follows: Twelve Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31, January 1 through February 2, 2017 2016 2015 Operating revenues $ - $ - $ 21,457 Gross profit $ - $ - $ 15,745 Operating income $ - $ - $ 9,757 Net income $ - $ - $ 9,722 Adjusted free cash flow (1) $ - $ - $ 10,805 ( 1 AWN was organized as a limited liability corporation and was a flow-through entity for income tax purposes.

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]	7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect internal market assumptions. These two ● Level 1 ● Level 2 not ● 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 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% 2018 “6.25% $10,026 December 31, 2017, 2 6.25% December 31, 2017 $10,026. $178,836 December 31, 2017 2017 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, 201 7 2016 no 1 2 2017. December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 515 $ - $ 515 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Liabilities: 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, and at high LIBOR rates, they have the opposite effect. 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 Changes in fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive loss and are reclassified to interest expense when the hedged transaction is recognized in earnings. See Note 10 Long-Term Obligations 12 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. Under the terms of the 2017 the Company was required to 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 two ninety March 28, 2017. 2015 March 28, 2017, $42,058 March 31, 2017 6.333%, 5.0% 2017 December 31, 2017. June 14, 2017, $48,635, $90,000 December 29, 2017, 6.49425%, 5.0% June 28, 2019. two two December 31, 2017. As a component of the Company ’s cash flow hedging strategy and to comply with the terms of the 2015 November 27, 2015, $44,827 5.833%, 4.5% December 31, 2017. December 31, 2017. In connection with the Company ’s 2010 $115,500 $77,000 7.220% 7.225%, 4.75% June 30, 2012 September 30, 2015. December 4, 2014, $240,472 2010 $115,500 not February 2, 2015, 95.5% $110,268 $115,500 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015, $820 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, 2017 2016: Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 515 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 years ending December 31, 2017, 2016 2015. 2017 2016 2015 Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 471 $ (170 ) $ 600 Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (104 ) $ (106 ) $ (1,970 ) 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 assets” at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016: 2017 2016 Liability at January 1 $ (100 ) $ (79 ) Reclassified from other assets and other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss 471 (170 ) Change in fair value credited to interest expense 144 149 Asset (liability) at December 31 $ 515 $ (100 ) Fa ir Value Measurements on a Non-R ecurring Basis Deferred Capacity Revenue As discussed in Note 2 Sale of Wireless Operations,” February 2, 2015. $41,287 February 2, 2015. 10 30 $35,255 $37,326 December 31, 2017 2016, Other Items As discussed in Note 3 Joint Venture The fair value of the IRU assets and obligations were $2,304 $4,153, April 2, 2015. The carrying value of these items at December 31, 2017 2016 : 2017 2016 IRU Assets $ 2,118 $ 2,196 IRU Obligations $ 3,747 $ 3,940 N o impairment of long-lived assets was recognized during 2017, 2016 2015.

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Eq

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 201 7 2016: 2017 2016 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 195,063 $ 197,999 5 - 42 Central office switching and transmission 380,954 383,809 5 - 12 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 739,547 734,786 20 - 50 Other 12,016 7,101 3 - 5 Construction work in progress 30,349 26,204 1,357,929 1,349,899 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (991,816 ) (983,050 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 366,113 $ 366,849 * No Capitalized interest associated with construction in progress for the years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016, 2015 $1,140, $1,077, $1,558, December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015 6.71%, 6.48%, 6.78%, 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, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Land, buildings and support assets $ 13,722 $ 14,983 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 1,078 - Total 14,800 14,983 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,052 ) (7,422 ) Property held under capital leases, net $ 7,748 $ 7,561 Amortization of assets under capital leases included in depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016, 2015 $846, $1,149 $1,316, five 2018 $ 675 2019 310 2020 318 2021 327 2022 336 Thereafter 4,173 Gross payments 6,139 Interest (2,985 ) Net payments $ 3,154 The Company leases various land, buildings, right-of-ways and personal property under operating lease agreements. Rental expense under operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 2015 $7,763, $7,787 $11,439, 2015 $3,966 2 Sale of Wireless Operations Future minimum payments under these leases, including month to month rentals which are probable of renewal, for the next five 2018 $ 7,371 2019 6,066 2020 4,792 2021 4,460 2022 3,909 Thereafter 18,290 Total payments $ 44,888

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Oblig

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	9. 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: 2017 2016 Balance at January 1 $ 3,708 $ 3,429 Asset retirement obligation 228 159 Accretion expense 196 182 Settlement of obligations (44 ) (62 ) Balance at December 31 $ 4,088 $ 3,708

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	10. L ONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31, 201 7 2016: 2017 2016 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 178,350 $ - Debt discount (2,668 ) - Debt issuance costs (2,869 ) - 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 (18 ) (2,271 ) Debt issuance costs (4 ) (467 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,154 3,325 Total debt 185,989 179,599 Less current portion (17,030 ) (1,973 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 168,959 $ 177,626 As of December 31, 2017, no $15,000 2017 The aggregate maturities of long-term obligations for each of the next fi ve years and thereafter at December 31, 2017, 2018 $ 17,030 2019 6,639 2020 8,902 2021 16,267 2022 86,483 Thereafter 56,227 Total maturities $ 191,548 2017 On March 13, 2017 ( 1 $120,000, 2 $60,000 $15,000 “2017 March 28, 2017 ( 2017 $176,828, $3,172, $9,030 ’s 2015 2018 $88,135, $94,000 6.25% 2018 “6.25% 6.25% $197; $3,526. 2017 2016, $6,580 The Term A- 1 $120,000 5.0% 1.0%. $1,500 fourth 2017 first 2020; $2,250 second 2020 first 2021; $4,000 second 2021 fourth 2021. March 13, 2022. The Term A- 2 $60,000 7.0% 1.0%. $150 fourth 2017 first 2021; $600 second 2021 fourth 2022. March 13, 2023. The Company may, 1 2 0.50% one 1.0% no not The revolving facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate amount outstanding at any one not $15,000, 5.0% 1.0%. The obligations under the 2017 The 2017 not 2017 not 2.75 1.00, 2.75 December 31, 2017. 2017 As required under the terms of the 2017 $90,000 two 7 Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments 2015 On March 13, 2017, 2017 ’s 2016 470 2015 $4,000 December 31, 2016 $1,650 $2,350 December 31, 2016. On March 28, 2017, 2017 2015 $86,750 $1,385. $2,297 third 2015 2017 2018. On September 14, 2015 ( $100,000 $90,000 $10,000 “2015 ed of a $65,000 first $10,000 $25,000 second “2015 2015 2010 6.25% 2015 $3,907, 2010 $81,526. $1,312 third 2010 2016. The term loan component of the First Lien Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% 1.0%. 4.5%, 1.0% 0.25% December 31, 2016. 8.5% 1.0%. Q uarterly principal payments on the term loan component of the First Lien Facility were $250 fourth 2015, $750 2016, $1,000 2017. January 2, 2018. March 3, 2018, may The obligations under the 2015 were secured by perfected first second The 2015 ed customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants limiting the incurrence of debt and the payment of dividends. The 2015 d for events of default customary for credit facilities of this type, including non-payment defaults on other debt, misrepresentation, breach of covenants, representations and warranties, change of control, and insolvency and bankruptcy. 6.25% 2018 On March 17, 2017, offer to purchase any and all of its outstanding 6.25% one thousand twenty-five one thousand one thousand thirty-seven fifty one thousand 2017 $94,000 6.25% April 14, 2017 April 17, 2017. $83,956 6.25% not April 17, 2017. $90,231, $83,956, $2,420, $3,148 $707. $83,956 $6,275. $5,230 2017. 6.25% $10,044 6.25% $10,044 On May 10, 2011, $120,000 6.25% 6.25% ’s existing subsidiaries, other than its license subsidiaries, and certain of the Company’s future domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The 6.25% May 1 November 1 6.25% May 1, 2018. The 6.25% 97.2668 $1,000 6.25% $10.28 may not 6.25% Beginning on February 1, 2018, 6.25% 5:00 second ’s current share price is well below $10.28, not Prior to February 1, 2018, may have converted the 6.25% ● During any fiscal quarter beginning after June 30, 2011 ’s common stock equal or exceeded 130% 6.25% 20 30 ● During any five five 6.25% was less than 98% five ● Upon the occurrence of certain significant corporate transactions, holders who convert ed their 6.25% may 6.25% may 6.25% 100% As of December 31, 201 7, none 6.25% 6.25% Additionally, the 6.25% 6.25% The 6.25% ’s obligations under its 2017 2017 6.25% 2017 2017 Convertible debt instruments that may ’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 debt borrowing rate when interest cost is recognized in subsequent periods. The Company applied this rate to the $120,000 6.25% 8.61% 8.61% 6.25% $8,500, $5,931. On January 29, 2016, 6.25% $10,000 $9,750. The net cash settlement of $10,053 $303. $336, third $250 In the third 2015, 2015 6.25% $10,000. $10,572 $938 third The following table provides selected data regarding the 6.25% December 31, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Net carrying amount of the equity component $ 686 $ 6,416 Principal amount of the convertible notes $ 10,044 $ 94,000 Unamortized debt discount $ 18 $ 2,271 Amortization period remaining (months) 4 16 Net carrying amount of the convertible notes $ 10,026 $ 91,729 The following table details the interest components of the 6. 25% December 31, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Coupon interest expense $ 2,163 $ 5,928 Amortization of the debt discount 2,253 2,370 Total included in interest expense $ 4,416 $ 8,298 Capital Leases and Other Long-term Obligations The Company is a lessee under various capital leases and other financing agreements totaling $3,154 $3,325 9.41% 8.97% December 31, 2017 2016, 2033. Debt Issuance Costs The Company incurred debt issuance costs totaling $3,407 2017 $6,616, $2,214 $3,960 December 31, 2017, 2016 2015, $5,535, $109 $2,446 2017, 2016 2015, Debt Discounts Accr etion of debt discounts charged to interest expense or loss on extinguishment of debt in 2017, 2016 2015, $2,763, $2,370 $4,641, $1,482, $430 $2,041 2017, 2016 2015,

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabi

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Noncurrent [Text Block]	11. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of th e following at December 31, 2017 2016: 2017 2016 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 33,184 $ 35,255 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 19,366 15,697 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,391 2,202 Other 7,389 8,384 Total other long-term liabilities $ 61,330 $ 61,538 Amortization of deferred revenue included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income was $6,578, $7,010 $5,827 December 31,2017, 2016 2015,

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE ( LOSS ) INCOME The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2017 2016: Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plans Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (3,089 ) $ 3 $ (3,086 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (176 ) (100 ) (276 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 390 62 452 Net other comprehensive income 214 (38 ) 176 Balance at December 31, 2016 (2,875 ) (35 ) (2,910 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 237 278 515 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net loss 363 61 424 Net other comprehensive income 600 339 939 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit (490 ) 65 (425 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,765 ) $ 369 $ (2,396 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to net (loss) income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2017 2016 2015 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of loss (2) $ 615 $ 662 $ 936 Income tax effect (252 ) (272 ) (382 ) After tax 363 390 554 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 104 106 1,970 Income tax effect (43 ) (44 ) (810 ) After tax 61 62 1,160 Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 424 $ 452 $ 1,714 ( 1 See Note 13 Retirement Plans” ( 2 Included in “Selling, general and administrative expense” on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. ( 3 See Note 7 Fair Value Measurements The estimated amount to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income as a reduction in interest expense within the next twelve $267.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans

Note 13 - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	13. 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 the AEPF 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 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, 2017 Green December 31, 2016 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 Company contributions to the plan for the year ended: to the Plan December 31, 2017 $ 7,171 Yes December 31, 2016 $ 7,517 Yes December 31, 2015 $ 7,968 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 December 31, 2023 Outside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. (1) September 30, 2017 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2019 ( 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. 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 e a $212, $186 $187 2017, 2016 2015 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 (“Plan”) on September 1, 1999. November 1, 2000, 1974, December 31 not December 31, 2017. $721 2017, $798 2016 $779 2015. $288 2018 may The following is a calculation of the funded status of the ACS Retirement Plan using beginn ing and ending balances for 2017 2016 2017 2016 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,782 $ 16,094 Interest cost 620 668 Actuarial loss 384 55 Benefits paid (988 ) (1,035 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 15,798 15,782 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,393 11,202 Actual return on plan assets 1,408 428 Employer contribution 721 798 Benefits paid (988 ) (1,035 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 12,534 11,393 Funded status $ (3,264 ) $ (4,389 ) The Plan ’s projected benefit obligation equals its accumulated benefit obligation. The 2017 2016 $3,264 $4,389 The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the Plan for 201 7, 2016 2015: 2017 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 620 $ 668 $ 666 Expected return on plan assets (1,024 ) (373 ) (659 ) Amortization of loss 1,019 367 929 Net periodic pension expense $ 615 $ 662 $ 936 In 201 8, $593. 2017 2016 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 3,862 $ 4,881 The assumptions used to account for the Plan as of December 31, 2017 2016 2017 2016 Discount rate for benefit obligation 3.70 % 4.10 % Discount rate for pension expense 4.10 % 4.30 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.53 % 6.53 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 % The dis count rate for December 31, 2017 2016 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: Asset Category Minimum Maximum Equity securities 50 % 80 % Fixed income 20 % 50 % Cash equivalents 0 % 5 % The Plan's asset allocations at December 31, 2017 2016 Asset Category 2017 2016 Equity securities* 68 % 66 % Debt securities* 31 % 32 % Other/Cash 1 % 2 % *May 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 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, 201 7, Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market/cash $ 152 $ 152 $ - $ - Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 2,165 2,165 - - U.S. small cap 1,843 1,843 - - U.S. medium cap 1,286 1,286 - - U.S. large cap 3,171 3,171 - - Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 2,097 2,097 - - Fixed income 1,820 1,820 - - Total fair value $ 12,534 $ 12,534 $ - $ - *May The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five five 2018 $ 1,083 2019 $ 1,071 2020 $ 1,076 2021 $ 1,080 2022 $ 1,069 2023-2027 $ 5,122 Post-retirement Health Benefit Plan The Company has a separate executive post-retirement health benefit plan. On December 31, 201 7, $330 $59. 2017 2016 $15 $12,

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	14. 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 assumes no December 31, 2017. 3,022 Effective in 2015, method in calculating diluted earnings per share in connection with its contingently convertible debt. The Company’s 6.25% February 1, 2018 97.2668 one thousand 6.25% $10.28 $10.28, not 6.25% first 2015, 6.25% 2010 6.25% April 17, 2017. 10, Long-Term Obligations 3,371, 9,220 10,809 6.25% December 31, 2017, 2016 2015, The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 2015: 2017 2016 2015 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications $ (6,101 ) $ 2,386 $ 12,954 Tax-effected interest expense attributable to convertible notes NA NA NA Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ (6,101 ) $ 2,386 $ 12,954 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,232 51,169 50,247 Effect of stock-based compensation - 1,019 1,121 Effect of 6.25% convertible notes NA NA NA Diluted shares 52,232 52,188 51,368 (Loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.12 ) $ 0.05 $ 0.26 Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ 0.05 $ 0.25

Note 15 - Income Taxes

Note 15 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	15. INCOME TAXES On December 22, 2017, 1, n as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, (“TCJA”) was enacted. The TCJA provides for sweeping changes in United States tax rates and tax provisions which will affect the Company as of December 31, 2017 January 1, 2018. December 31, 2017, 21%. $3,851. 2018 2021. $8,913 $569 6.6%. The Company adopted ASU 2016 09 January 1, 2017. 2016 09, eficiency from share-based payments of $67 December 31, 2017, $47 December 31, 2016 2016 09 December 31, 2016 2015 not 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company adopted ASU 2018 02 December 31, 2017. 2018 02, $425 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Consolidated (loss) income before income tax was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (Loss) income before income tax $ (3,646 ) $ 3,752 $ 23,085 The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 201 7, 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal income tax $ (90 ) $ (276 ) $ 4,320 State income tax 6 6 693 Total current (benefit) expense (84 ) (270 ) 5,013 Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 2,772 1,680 69,774 State, excluding operating loss carry forwards (169 ) 228 19,725 Change in valuation allowance 65 (139 ) - Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal - - (66,285 ) State - - (18,027 ) Total deferred expense 2,668 1,769 5,187 Total income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200 The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense at the Federal statutory rate of 35% December 31, 2017, 2016 2015, 2017 2016 2015 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ (1,276 ) $ 1,313 $ 8,080 Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) (222 ) 229 1,408 Enacted rate change 3,851 - - Other 122 (209 ) 263 Stock-based compensation 44 27 449 Change in valuation allowance 65 139 - Total income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200 Income tax expense was charged to the statement of comprehensive (loss) income and statement of stockholders’ equity (deficit) as follows: Statement of comprehensive (loss) income: Income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200 Other comprehensive income (loss), tax effect $ 655 $ 128 $ 1,434 Statement of stockholders' equity (deficit): Additional paid-in capital: 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” not As of December 31, 2017 2016, $204 $139, December 31, 2017 2016, $65 $139, December 31, 2017, not no Significant components of the Company ’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 2016, Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 19,805 $ 26,429 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 10,016 15,340 Reserves and accruals 7,910 12,499 Intangibles and goodwill 1,033 1,620 Fair value on interest rate swaps - 25 Pension liability 927 1,804 Allowance for doubtful accounts 775 458 Alternative minimum tax carry forward - 9,380 Other - 257 Total deferred tax assets 40,466 67,812 Valuation allowance (204 ) (139 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 40,262 67,673 Deferred tax liabilities: Debt issuance costs (5 ) (933 ) Property, plant and equipment (37,287 ) (52,022 ) Fair value on interest rate swaps (146 ) - Other (26 ) - Total deferred tax liabilities (37,464 ) (52,955 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 2,798 $ 14,718 As of December 31, 2017, $8,622 $1,089, $569 December 31, 2017, $78,068 $55,717, 2031 2037. 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, 2017, not no 2014. The Company accounts for income tax uncertainties using a threshold of “more-likely-than- not” 740, “Income Taxes.” As of December 31, 2017, not not

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	16. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Under the Company ’s stock incentive plan, Alaska Communications, through the Compensation and Personnel Committee of its Board of Directors, may 2011 June 30, 2014, ( “2011 1999 1999 2011 2012 June 2012 1999 “1999 June 30, 2012. 2011 2012 1999 19,210 December 31, 2017, 1,035 2011 2012 Prior to 2017, ’s stock-based compensation expense reflected an estimate of forfeited share-based awards. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016 09 January 1, 2017, December 31, 2016 2015 not not 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 2011 On June 10, 2011, Alaska Communications shareholders approved the 2011 June 30, 2014 2021. 2011 2011 Restricted Stock Units, Long -term Incentive Awards and Non-E mployee Director Stock Compensation RSUs issued prior to December 31, 2010 four five 2011 three 2012 one three 2017 three 2010. five three three January 2008, The following table summarizes the RSU, LTIP and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the year ended December 31, 2017: Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79 Granted 679 $ 2.27 Vested (806 ) $ 1.88 Canceled or expired (64 ) $ 1.74 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,223 $ 2.00 Performance Based Units The Company measures the fair value of 2017 ’s Board of Directors to be unlikely to vest prior to expiration. For 2017 The following table summarizes PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2017: Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77 Granted 615 $ 1.14 Vested (532 ) $ 1.78 Canceled or expired (86 ) $ 1.76 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,331 $ 1.47 PSUs granted prior to 2017 three 2017 2.5 December 31, 2017, A total of 614,585 2017. Performance goals associated with PSUs granted in 2017 50% 50% 150% 2018 2019 first March 2020 2019 2019 The market condition is based on the Company ’s specified return on its stock price compared to the specified return of an index over the performance period. The market condition valuation was based on a Monte Carlo simulation model. The table below sets forth the weighted average grant date fair value assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model: Valuation (grant) date September 28, 2017 Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock $ 2.28 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % Expected dividend yield 0 % Expected volatility 42.7 % Remaining performance period (in years) 2.3 Estimated fair value per share $ 2.27 ● Fair Market Value - based on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock. ● Risk-free interest rate - based on the U.S. Treasury’s rates for U.S. Treasury zero ● Dividend Yield - based on the fact that the Company has not 2012 not ● Expected Volatility - based on the weighted average historical volatilities of the Company’s common stock and companies in the specified index. ● Remaining Performance Period - based on the period of time from the valuation date through the end of the performance period. Vesting of all 2017 Valuation Assumptions Prior to 2017, ’s stock-based compensation expense reflected an estimate of forfeited share-based awards of 9% 2016 09 January 1, 2017, 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, 2017, 2016 2015 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 1,509 $ 2,830 $ 2,008 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 1.73 $ 1.74 $ 1.82 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 2,455 $ 2,029 $ 2,615 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,784 $ 1,562 $ 1,421 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.61 1.36 1.39 Share-based compensation expense is classified as “Selling, general and administrative expense” in the Company ’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The Company purchases , from shares authorized under the 2011 250 2018. 2018. At December 31, 2017, 539 ’s 2011 Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 The Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 ’s shareholders in June 2012. 2012 tenth 2012 2012 six 2012 may 1% 15% 2012 No No The Company reserved 1,500 2012 2012 Shares purchased by employees and the associated compensation expense under the 2012 not December 31, 2017, 2016 2015. At December 31, 2017, 496 ’s 2012

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash Flo

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	17. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table presents supplemental non-cash trans action information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 2015: 2017 2016 2015 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 5,092 $ 3,508 $ 11,600 Property acquired under capital leases $ 1,078 $ - $ 20 Additions to ARO asset $ 228 $ 159 $ 254 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 )

Note 18 - Business Segments

Note 18 - Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	18. 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, 201 7, 2016 2015: 2017 2016 2015 Wireline Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 61,559 $ 59,218 $ 51,058 Business voice and other 26,508 27,903 28,909 Managed IT services 4,293 4,173 3,316 Equipment sales and installations 4,412 6,441 6,274 Wholesale broadband 36,081 31,581 28,126 Wholesale voice and other 6,267 7,539 8,764 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 139,120 136,855 126,447 Consumer Revenue Broadband 25,441 24,981 25,621 Voice and other 11,676 12,763 14,408 Total Consumer Revenue 37,117 37,744 40,029 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 176,237 174,599 166,476 Regulatory Revenue Access 30,974 32,412 33,644 High cost support 19,694 19,855 19,682 Total Regulatory Revenue 50,668 52,267 53,326 Total Wireline Revenue 226,905 226,866 219,802 Wireless & AWN Related Revenue Service revenue, equipment sales and other - - 6,300 Transition services - - 4,769 CETC - - 1,654 Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue - - 292 Total Wireless & AWN Related Revenue - - 13,015 Total Operating Revenue $ 226,905 $ 226,866 $ 232,817 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.

Note 19 - Commitments and Conti

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	19. 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 needs of its business. These purchase commitments and contracts have varying terms and in certain cases may 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 a litigation accrual totaling $684 December 31, 2017 not

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Fi

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	20. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION Quarterly Financial Data First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year 2017 Operating revenues $ 56,731 $ 58,536 $ 56,703 $ 54,935 $ 226,905 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 31,589 $ 32,082 $ 30,013 $ 28,617 $ 122,301 Operating income $ 4,574 $ 5,602 $ 3,519 $ 5,012 $ 18,707 Net (loss) income $ (708 ) $ (2,830 ) $ 284 $ (2,976 ) $ (6,230 ) Net (loss) income attributable Alaska Communications $ (676 ) $ (2,798 ) $ 320 $ (2,947 ) $ (6,101 ) Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.01 ) $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.12 ) Diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.12 ) 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

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 third 50% 3 Joint Venture
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	C ash 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
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $11,814 December 31, 2017 $10,044 6.25% $1,734 $36.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Trade Accounts Receivable and Bad Debt Reserves Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not not The Company evaluates its bad debt as a single portfolio since most of its subsidiaries primarily operate within Alaska and are subject to the same economic and risk conditions across industry segments and geographic locations. Bad debt reserves against uncollectible receivables are established and incurred during the period. These estimates are derived through an analysis of account aging profiles and a review of historical recovery experience. Receivables are charged off against the allowance when management confirms it is probable amounts will not
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Materials and Supplies Materials and supplies are carried in inventory at the lower of moving average cost or net realizable value. Cash flows related to the sale of inventory are included in operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activity or Restructuring [Policy Text Block]	Exit Obligations In connection with the decision to sell its wireless operations, the Company incur red 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 2014 2015, 2016. ● 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, 420” 712, 712” ● Contract termination costs w ere 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. ● Other associated costs that met the criteria of an exit activity w ere accrued when incurred.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Propert y, 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 3 50 The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under capital leases expiring in various years through 2033. 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 Obligation [Policy Text Block]	Asset Retirement O bligations 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.
Revenue Recognition, Services, Licensing Fees [Policy Text Block]	Indefeasible Rights of Use Indefeasible rights of use (“IRU”) consist of agreements between the Company and a third one , or receives access to a portion of the fiber network of the other party. The access may may may not not not not
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Non-operating Assets The Company periodically evaluates the fair value of its non-current investments and other non-operating assets against their carrying value, or whenever market conditions indicate a potential change in that fair value. Any changes relating to declines in the fair value of non-operating assets are charged to non-operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Variable Interest Entities The Company ’s ownership interest in AQ-JV, LLC is a variable interest entity as defined in ASC 810, 3 Joint Venture
Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]	Equity Method of Accounting Investments in entities where the Company is able to exercise significa nt influence, but not may not December 31, 2017 2016, no
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Deferred C apacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company ’s network provided to third 30
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Long-lived Asset Impairment Long -lived assets, such as property, plant, and equipment, and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not not third
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Preferred S tock The Company has 5 ,000 $0.01 none December 31, 2017 2016. On January 8, 2018, ’s Board of Directors authorized 145,000 none 10
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition Substantially all recurring non-usage sensitive service revenues are billed one February 2, 2015, The Company enters into contracts with its rural health care customers. Customers are billed, and revenue is recognized, for services as provided when it is determined that the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Payment for the services is made, in part, by the customer. The Company also receives funding support for these services through the Federal Communications Commission ’s (“FCC”) rural health care universal service support mechanism. As of December 31, 2017, not 2017, July 1, 2017 June 30, 2018. third fourth 2017
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of R isk Cash is maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may may not 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, 201 7, 54% 1547 December 8, 2017 December 31, 2023, 2017; 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 2016 2017. As an entity that relies on the 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 2017, 9% 9% . Additionally, t he 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
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,656, $3,460 $4,065 2017, 2016 2015,
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 not not”
Utility, Revenue and Expense Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 interexchange carrier by the FCC for interstate telecommunication services and the RCA for intrastate telecommunication services. Wireless, Internet and other non-common carrier services are not
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instrument s The Company does not 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 not may
Dividend, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Dividend Policy The Company ’s dividend policy is set by the Company’s Board of Directors and is subject to the terms of its 2017 not not 2012, not
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Share- b ased Payments Effective in 2017, Restricted S tock 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 2011 P erformance S hare U nits (“PSUs”) PSUs may 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. For PSUs that include a market condition, compensation expense associated with the market condition is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied provided that performance measure has been met and the requisite service has been provided. Compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period. PSUs are granted under the Company’s 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP ”) The Company makes payroll deduction s of from 1% 15% 6 June 30 December 31), 2012 “2012 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 and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Pension Benefits Multi -employer D efined B enefit P lan 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 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 December 31 Defined Contribution P lan The Company provides a 401
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In the first 2017, No. 2016 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 2016 09” 2016 09 2016 09 first 2017. first 2017 $1,441 2017; $47 2016 $733 2015 2016 2015 may 2017, first 2017, first 2017 $163 2017. $96 $67; not 15, Income Taxes 16 Stock Incentive Plans In August 2016, No. 2016 15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230 2016 15” eight not zero 2016 15 December 15, 2017, 2016 15 first 2017 eight 2016 15, 2016 15 not In November 2016, No. 2016 18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230 2016 18” 2016 18 2016 18 December 15, 2017, first 2017 $93 $1,357 2016 2015, 2016 18. In February 2018, No. 2018 02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220 s from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 2018 02” 2018 02 2017 2018 02 December 15, 2018, fourth 2017 $425 Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In May 2014, No. 2014 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606 2014 09” 2014 09 2014 09 not 2014 09 2014 09 January 1, 2018 In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02” 2016 02 2016 02 2016 02 December 15, 2018, 2016 02 In March 2017, No. 2017 07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715 , Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost 2017 07” 2017 07 one not 2017 07 2017 07 December 15, 2017. not 2017 07 In May 2017, No. 2017 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 , Scope of Modification Accounting 2017 09” 2017 09 718. 2017 09 not not 2017 09 December 15, 2017. 2017 09 In August 2017, No., 2017 12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815 2017 12” 2017 12 2017 12 December 15, 2018. 2017 12

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Ope29

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	Labor Obligations Contract Terminations Other Associated Obligations Total 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 $ - $ - $ - $ -
Wireless Operations [Member]
Notes Tables
Components of Gain on Sale of Assets [Table Text Block]	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

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Tables)

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Cash $ 190 $ 67 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $211 and $112 $ 1,930 $ 2,029

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (T

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Retail customers $ 22,227 $ 17,511 Wholesale carriers 8,146 4,293 Other 4,891 4,373 35,264 26,177 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,729 ) (1,115 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 32,535 $ 25,062
Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Balance at January 1 $ 1,115 $ 1,693 $ 2,338 Provision for uncollectible accounts 3,577 378 1,258 Charged to other accounts (358 ) (13 ) 8 Deductions (1,605 ) (943 ) (1,911 ) Balance at December 31 $ 2,729 $ 1,115 $ 1,693

Note 5 - Current Liabilities (T

Note 5 - Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Accounts payable - trade $ 17,739 $ 13,782 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 9,286 14,395 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,817 4,502 Other 4,306 5,501 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 36,148 $ 38,180
Schedule of Advance Billing and Customer Deposits [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Advance billings $ 4,181 $ 4,136 Customer deposits 32 31 Total advance billings and customer deposits $ 4,213 $ 4,167

Note 6 - Equity Method Invest33

Note 6 - Equity Method Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Notes Tables
Condensed Financial Statements [Table Text Block]	Twelve Months Ended December 31, Twelve Months Ended December 31, January 1 through February 2, 2017 2016 2015 Operating revenues $ - $ - $ 21,457 Gross profit $ - $ - $ 15,745 Operating income $ - $ - $ 9,757 Net income $ - $ - $ 9,722 Adjusted free cash flow (1) $ - $ - $ 10,805

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme34

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 515 $ - $ 515 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Liabilities: Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 100 $ - $ 100 $ -
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 515 At December 31, 2016: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 42,750 $ 100
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 471 $ (170 ) $ 600 Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (104 ) $ (106 ) $ (1,970 ) Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing) $ - $ - $ 737
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Liability at January 1 $ (100 ) $ (79 ) Reclassified from other assets and other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss 471 (170 ) Change in fair value credited to interest expense 144 149 Asset (liability) at December 31 $ 515 $ (100 )
Schedule of Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 IRU Assets $ 2,118 $ 2,196 IRU Obligations $ 3,747 $ 3,940

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 35

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 195,063 $ 197,999 5 - 42 Central office switching and transmission 380,954 383,809 5 - 12 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 739,547 734,786 20 - 50 Other 12,016 7,101 3 - 5 Construction work in progress 30,349 26,204 1,357,929 1,349,899 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (991,816 ) (983,050 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 366,113 $ 366,849
Capital Leases Balance Sheet Assets by Major Class Net, Lessee Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Land, buildings and support assets $ 13,722 $ 14,983 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 1,078 - Total 14,800 14,983 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (7,052 ) (7,422 ) Property held under capital leases, net $ 7,748 $ 7,561
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block]	2018 $ 675 2019 310 2020 318 2021 327 2022 336 Thereafter 4,173 Gross payments 6,139 Interest (2,985 ) Net payments $ 3,154
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	2018 $ 7,371 2019 6,066 2020 4,792 2021 4,460 2022 3,909 Thereafter 18,290 Total payments $ 44,888

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obl36

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Balance at January 1 $ 3,708 $ 3,429 Asset retirement obligation 228 159 Accretion expense 196 182 Settlement of obligations (44 ) (62 ) Balance at December 31 $ 4,088 $ 3,708

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio37

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 178,350 $ - Debt discount (2,668 ) - Debt issuance costs (2,869 ) - 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 (18 ) (2,271 ) Debt issuance costs (4 ) (467 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 3,154 3,325 Total debt 185,989 179,599 Less current portion (17,030 ) (1,973 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 168,959 $ 177,626
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	2018 $ 17,030 2019 6,639 2020 8,902 2021 16,267 2022 86,483 Thereafter 56,227 Total maturities $ 191,548
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Net carrying amount of the equity component $ 686 $ 6,416 Principal amount of the convertible notes $ 10,044 $ 94,000 Unamortized debt discount $ 18 $ 2,271 Amortization period remaining (months) 4 16 Net carrying amount of the convertible notes $ 10,026 $ 91,729
Schedule of Interest Components [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Coupon interest expense $ 2,163 $ 5,928 Amortization of the debt discount 2,253 2,370 Total included in interest expense $ 4,416 $ 8,298

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia38

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 33,184 $ 35,255 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 19,366 15,697 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,391 2,202 Other 7,389 8,384 Total other long-term liabilities $ 61,330 $ 61,538

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C39

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plans Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (3,089 ) $ 3 $ (3,086 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (176 ) (100 ) (276 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 390 62 452 Net other comprehensive income 214 (38 ) 176 Balance at December 31, 2016 (2,875 ) (35 ) (2,910 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 237 278 515 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net loss 363 61 424 Net other comprehensive income 600 339 939 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit (490 ) 65 (425 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,765 ) $ 369 $ (2,396 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of loss (2) $ 615 $ 662 $ 936 Income tax effect (252 ) (272 ) (382 ) After tax 363 390 554 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 104 106 1,970 Income tax effect (43 ) (44 ) (810 ) After tax 61 62 1,160 Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 424 $ 452 $ 1,714

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Tab

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table Text Block]	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, 2017 Green December 31, 2016 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 Company contributions to the plan for the year ended: to the Plan December 31, 2017 $ 7,171 Yes December 31, 2016 $ 7,517 Yes December 31, 2015 $ 7,968 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 December 31, 2023 Outside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. (1) September 30, 2017 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2019
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,782 $ 16,094 Interest cost 620 668 Actuarial loss 384 55 Benefits paid (988 ) (1,035 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 15,798 15,782 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,393 11,202 Actual return on plan assets 1,408 428 Employer contribution 721 798 Benefits paid (988 ) (1,035 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 12,534 11,393 Funded status $ (3,264 ) $ (4,389 )
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 620 $ 668 $ 666 Expected return on plan assets (1,024 ) (373 ) (659 ) Amortization of loss 1,019 367 929 Net periodic pension expense $ 615 $ 662 $ 936
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 3,862 $ 4,881
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 Discount rate for benefit obligation 3.70 % 4.10 % Discount rate for pension expense 4.10 % 4.30 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.53 % 6.53 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 %
Schedule of Target and Actual Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Asset Category Minimum Maximum Equity securities 50 % 80 % Fixed income 20 % 50 % Cash equivalents 0 % 5 % Asset Category 2017 2016 Equity securities* 68 % 66 % Debt securities* 31 % 32 % Other/Cash 1 % 2 %
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]	Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date Using Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs Asset Category Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Money market/cash $ 152 $ 152 $ - $ - Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 2,165 2,165 - - U.S. small cap 1,843 1,843 - - U.S. medium cap 1,286 1,286 - - U.S. large cap 3,171 3,171 - - Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 2,097 2,097 - - Fixed income 1,820 1,820 - - Total fair value $ 12,534 $ 12,534 $ - $ -
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	2018 $ 1,083 2019 $ 1,071 2020 $ 1,076 2021 $ 1,080 2022 $ 1,069 2023-2027 $ 5,122

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications $ (6,101 ) $ 2,386 $ 12,954 Tax-effected interest expense attributable to convertible notes NA NA NA Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ (6,101 ) $ 2,386 $ 12,954 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,232 51,169 50,247 Effect of stock-based compensation - 1,019 1,121 Effect of 6.25% convertible notes NA NA NA Diluted shares 52,232 52,188 51,368 (Loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.12 ) $ 0.05 $ 0.26 Diluted $ (0.12 ) $ 0.05 $ 0.25

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Consolidated Income Before Income Tax [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (Loss) income before income tax $ (3,646 ) $ 3,752 $ 23,085
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal income tax $ (90 ) $ (276 ) $ 4,320 State income tax 6 6 693 Total current (benefit) expense (84 ) (270 ) 5,013 Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 2,772 1,680 69,774 State, excluding operating loss carry forwards (169 ) 228 19,725 Change in valuation allowance 65 (139 ) - Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal - - (66,285 ) State - - (18,027 ) Total deferred expense 2,668 1,769 5,187 Total income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ (1,276 ) $ 1,313 $ 8,080 Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) (222 ) 229 1,408 Enacted rate change 3,851 - - Other 122 (209 ) 263 Stock-based compensation 44 27 449 Change in valuation allowance 65 139 - Total income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Charged to Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	Statement of comprehensive (loss) income: Income tax expense $ 2,584 $ 1,499 $ 10,200 Other comprehensive income (loss), tax effect $ 655 $ 128 $ 1,434 Statement of stockholders' equity (deficit): Additional paid-in capital: Excess tax expense (benefit) from share-based payments $ - $ 47 $ (733 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 19,805 $ 26,429 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 10,016 15,340 Reserves and accruals 7,910 12,499 Intangibles and goodwill 1,033 1,620 Fair value on interest rate swaps - 25 Pension liability 927 1,804 Allowance for doubtful accounts 775 458 Alternative minimum tax carry forward - 9,380 Other - 257 Total deferred tax assets 40,466 67,812 Valuation allowance (204 ) (139 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 40,262 67,673 Deferred tax liabilities: Debt issuance costs (5 ) (933 ) Property, plant and equipment (37,287 ) (52,022 ) Fair value on interest rate swaps (146 ) - Other (26 ) - Total deferred tax liabilities (37,464 ) (52,955 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 2,798 $ 14,718

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pla43

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,414 $ 1.79 Granted 679 $ 2.27 Vested (806 ) $ 1.88 Canceled or expired (64 ) $ 1.74 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,223 $ 2.00
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2016 1,334 $ 1.77 Granted 615 $ 1.14 Vested (532 ) $ 1.78 Canceled or expired (86 ) $ 1.76 Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,331 $ 1.47
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance Stock Units, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Valuation (grant) date September 28, 2017 Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock $ 2.28 Risk-free interest rate 1.5 % Expected dividend yield 0 % Expected volatility 42.7 % Remaining performance period (in years) 2.3 Estimated fair value per share $ 2.27
Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 1,509 $ 2,830 $ 2,008 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 1.73 $ 1.74 $ 1.82 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 2,455 $ 2,029 $ 2,615 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,784 $ 1,562 $ 1,421 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.61 1.36 1.39

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash F44

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 5,092 $ 3,508 $ 11,600 Property acquired under capital leases $ 1,078 $ - $ 20 Additions to ARO asset $ 228 $ 159 $ 254 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 )

Note 18 - Business Segments (Ta

Note 18 - Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 Wireline Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 61,559 $ 59,218 $ 51,058 Business voice and other 26,508 27,903 28,909 Managed IT services 4,293 4,173 3,316 Equipment sales and installations 4,412 6,441 6,274 Wholesale broadband 36,081 31,581 28,126 Wholesale voice and other 6,267 7,539 8,764 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 139,120 136,855 126,447 Consumer Revenue Broadband 25,441 24,981 25,621 Voice and other 11,676 12,763 14,408 Total Consumer Revenue 37,117 37,744 40,029 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 176,237 174,599 166,476 Regulatory Revenue Access 30,974 32,412 33,644 High cost support 19,694 19,855 19,682 Total Regulatory Revenue 50,668 52,267 53,326 Total Wireline Revenue 226,905 226,866 219,802 Wireless & AWN Related Revenue Service revenue, equipment sales and other - - 6,300 Transition services - - 4,769 CETC - - 1,654 Amortization of deferred AWN capacity revenue - - 292 Total Wireless & AWN Related Revenue - - 13,015 Total Operating Revenue $ 226,905 $ 226,866 $ 232,817

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly 46

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data First Second Third Fourth Total Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year 2017 Operating revenues $ 56,731 $ 58,536 $ 56,703 $ 54,935 $ 226,905 Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization) $ 31,589 $ 32,082 $ 30,013 $ 28,617 $ 122,301 Operating income $ 4,574 $ 5,602 $ 3,519 $ 5,012 $ 18,707 Net (loss) income $ (708 ) $ (2,830 ) $ 284 $ (2,976 ) $ (6,230 ) Net (loss) income attributable Alaska Communications $ (676 ) $ (2,798 ) $ 320 $ (2,947 ) $ (6,101 ) Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.01 ) $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.12 ) Diluted $ (0.01 ) $ (0.05 ) $ 0.01 $ (0.06 ) $ (0.12 ) 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

Note 1 - Description of Compa47

Note 1 - Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 15, 2018	Jan. 08, 2018	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Feb. 02, 2015
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Ownership Percentage Sold											3.00%
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	$ 11,814			$ 11,814	$ 1,917
Equipment and Buildings Under Capital Leases, Expiration Period				2,033
Equity Method Investments	$ 0			$ 0	$ 0
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000			5,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0			0	0
Advertising Expense				$ 3,656	$ 3,460	$ 4,065
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities				30,406	37,206	13,314
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities				(32,545)	$ (37,637)	241,698
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0			0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities				$ (4,838)	$ (14,249)	(249,363)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities					(47)	733
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities					47	(733)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Change in Accounting for Excess Tax Benefits and Deficiencies [Member]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax		$ 1,441
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] | Change in Forfeiture Method [Member]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax		96
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, before Tax		163
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Tax		$ 67
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities					$ 93	$ 1,357
Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member] | Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | IBEW [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage				54.00%
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage				9.00%
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Rural Health Care Universal Service Support [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage				9.00%
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized								145,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued							0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding							0
GCI [Member]
Deferred Revenue, Remaining Contractual Life				30 years
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				3 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent				1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life				50 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent				15.00%
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	$ 1,734			$ 1,734
Other Restricted Cash [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	36			36
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	$ 10,044			$ 10,044
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%			6.25%	6.25%				6.25%	6.25%
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage				50.00%
Retained Earnings [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects				$ 425
Retained Earnings [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects	$ (425)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects				$ (425)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects	$ (425)
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage			50.00%	50.00%
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	33.30%			33.30%							33.33%
Equity Method Investments											$ 250,192
Deferred Revenue, Remaining Contractual Life					20 years

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Ope48

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Operations (Details Textual)	Sep. 14, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 02, 2015USD ($)	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital Adjustment		$ 14,840,000
Proceeds on Wireless Sale		285,160,000					$ 285,160,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					176,466,000	13,421,000	333,961,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Wireless Assets							48,232,000
Servicing Asset at Fair Value, Amount		4,769,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments		522,000
Escrow Deposit, Disbursements Related to Sale of Operations				$ 7,092,000
Escrow Deposit				9,000,000			228,000
Revenues							228,000
Number of Operating Segments						1
Number of Reporting Units						1
Equity Method Investments					0	$ 0
Deferred Capacity Revenue, Fair Value		$ 41,287,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract		11 years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due					$ 44,888,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense							13,272,000
Restructuring Charges							10,745,000
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction and Certain Transition Cost							2,527,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold							4,893,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Selling, General and Administrative Expense							8,379,000
Wireless Operations [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due		$ 2,797,000
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investments		250,192,000
Deferred Revenue, Remaining Contractual Life						20 years
Deferred Revenue		59,672,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Reduction Due to Sale of Assets							84,233,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Reduction Due to Sale of Assets							70,577,000
GCI [Member]
Proceeds from Completion of Transition Support Agreement			$ 1,680,000
Escrow Deposit, Disbursements Related to Sale of Operations				$ 1,680,000
Deferred Revenue, Remaining Contractual Life						30 years
Deferred Capacity Revenue, Fair Value						$ 41,287,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 81,526,000	$ 240,472,000					240,472,000
Write Off of Debt Discounts							721,000
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost							$ 1,907,000

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Ope49

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Operations - Components of Gain on Sale of Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 14, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash					$ 44,688,000
Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility			$ 176,466,000	$ 13,421,000	333,961,000
Total consideration		$ 285,160,000			285,160,000
Equity investment in AWN					250,192,000
Assets and liabilities, net					5,121,000
Net change in deferred capacity revenue					(18,385,000)
Total carrying value of assets and liabilities sold					236,928,000
Gain on disposal of assets					48,232,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Principal payment on 2010 Senior Credit Facility	$ 81,526,000	$ 240,472,000			$ 240,472,000

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Ope50

Note 2 - Sale of Wireless Operations - Schedule of Company's Obligation for Exit Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance	$ 1,223	$ 490
Charged to expense		10,745
Paid and/or settled	(1,130)	(10,012)
Credited to expense	(93)
Balance		1,223
Labor Obligations [Member]
Balance	1,223	490
Charged to expense		6,485
Paid and/or settled	(1,130)	(5,752)
Credited to expense	(93)
Balance		1,223
Contract Termination [Member]
Balance
Charged to expense		3,966
Paid and/or settled		(3,966)
Credited to expense
Balance
Other Associated Obligations [Member]
Balance
Charged to expense		294
Paid and/or settled		(294)
Credited to expense
Balance

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Details

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 07, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Additional Assets Contributed to Joint Venture				$ 75	$ 75
Joint Venture Operating Agreement, Percentage Access of Initial In-field Lit Capacity						50.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Initial Consolidation, Gain (Loss)			$ 0
Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Additional Assets Contributed to Joint Venture					$ 75
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage								50.00%	50.00%
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage								50.00%
IRU [Member]
Assets Contributed to Joint Venture			1,844
IRU [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Assets Contributed to Joint Venture			922
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture			250
IRU [Member] | ACS [Member]
Assets Contributed to Joint Venture			922
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture			250
Additional Assets Contributed to Joint Venture			$ 461
Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Term of Contract							30 years
Sale Price of Asset Sale							$ 5,300
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets		$ 2,650
Fiber Optic Network [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions							$ 11,000
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$ 5,500
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Term of Contract							30 years
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds, Investing Activities							$ 400

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Certai

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Certain Financial Information About the Joint Venture Included On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $211 and $112	$ 366,113	$ 366,849
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Cash	190	67
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $211 and $112	$ 1,930	$ 2,029

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Cert53

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Certain Financial Information About the Joint Venture Included On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation charges	$ 991,816	$ 983,050
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Depreciation charges	$ 211	$ 112

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (D

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 10, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Annual Cap of Rural Health Care Support			$ 400,000
Percentage of Refund Available			92.50%
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable	$ 1,102
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current		$ 32,535		$ 25,062
Rural Health Care Customers [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current		$ 8,580

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable -

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 35,264	$ 26,177
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,729)	(1,115)	$ (1,693)	$ (2,338)
Accounts receivable, net	32,535	25,062
Retail Customers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	22,227	17,511
Wholesale Carriers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	8,146	4,293
Other [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 4,891	$ 4,373

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable 56

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Balance, beginning	$ 1,115	$ 1,693	$ 2,338
Provision for uncollectible accounts	3,577	378	1,258
Charged to other accounts	(358)	(13)	8
Deductions	(1,605)	(943)	(1,911)
Balance, ending	$ 2,729	$ 1,115	$ 1,693

Note 5 - Current Liabilities -

Note 5 - Current Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts payable - trade	$ 17,739	$ 13,782
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	9,286	14,395
Deferred capacity and other revenue	4,817	4,502
Other	4,306	5,501
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 36,148	$ 38,180

Note 5 - Current Liabilities 58

Note 5 - Current Liabilities - Summary of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Advance billings	$ 4,181	$ 4,136
Customer deposits	32	31
Total advance billings and customer deposits	$ 4,213	$ 4,167

Note 6 - Equity Method Invest59

Note 6 - Equity Method Investments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments				$ 0		$ 0
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments								$ 3,056
Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member]
Equity Method Investments	$ 250,192
Equity Method Investment, Membership Percentage Owned in Exchange of Assets				66.67%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	33.33%			33.30%
Equity Method Investment, Adjusted Free Cash Flow	$ 10,805	[1]	$ 764		[1]		[1]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments								$ 3,056
[1]	Adjusted free cash flow is defined in the Operating Agreement.

Note 6 - Equity Method Invest60

Note 6 - Equity Method Investments - Summarized Financial Information (Details) - Alaska Wireless Network, LLC [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 02, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Operating revenues	$ 21,457
Gross profit	15,745
Operating income	9,757
Net income	9,722
Adjusted free cash flow (1)	$ 10,805	[1]	$ 764		[1]		[1]
[1]	Adjusted free cash flow is defined in the Operating Agreement.

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme61

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

Feb. 02, 2015

Dec. 04, 2014

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Jun. 14, 2017

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 28, 2017

Mar. 17, 2017

Nov. 27, 2015

Apr. 02, 2015

Dec. 31, 2014

Derivative Notional Amount of Fixed Interest Rate Swaps Over Hedged, Percentage

95.50%

Derivative Notional Amount of Fixed Interest Rate Swaps Over Hedged

$ 110,268

Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net

$ 820

Deferred Capacity Revenue, Fair Value

$ 41,287

Service Obligation, Carrying Amount

$ 35,255

$ 37,326

Indefeasible Right of Use Assets, Fair Value Disclosure

$ 2,304

Indefeasible Right of Use Obligations, Fair Value Disclosure

$ 4,153

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of

$ 0

$ 0

$ 0

Minimum [Member]

Deferred Revenues, Amortization Period

10 years

Maximum [Member]

Deferred Revenues, Amortization Period

30 years

Interest Rate Swap Redesignated from 2015 Senior Credit Facilities to 2017 Senior Credit Facilities [Member]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 42,058

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

6.333%

Interest Rate Swap Redesignated from 2015 Senior Credit Facilities to 2017 Senior Credit Facilities [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

5.00%

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 48,635

$ 44,827

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

6.49425%

5.833%

Derivative Final Notional Amount

$ 90,000

Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

5.00%

4.50%

Interest Rate Swap, One [Member]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 115,500

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

7.22%

Interest Rate Swap, One [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

4.75%

Interest Rate Swap, Two [Member]

Derivative, Notional Amount

$ 77,000

Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate

7.225%

Interest Rate Swap, Two [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate

4.75%

6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

6.25%

6.25%

6.25%

6.25%

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

$ 10,026

6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Fair Value Disclosures

10,026

Senior Credit Facilities and Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

178,836

The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing

$ 90,000

Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility

2 years

2010 Senior Credit Facility [Member]

Anticipated Debt Paid from Wireless Sale

$ 240,472

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme62

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements - Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other long-time liabilities	$ 515	$ (100)	$ (79)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value	515
Other long-time liabilities		100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value
Other long-time liabilities
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value	515
Other long-time liabilities		100
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value
Other long-time liabilities

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme63

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value	$ 515	$ (100)	$ (79)
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Notional Amount	90,000
Fair Value	$ 515
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Notional Amount		42,750
Fair Value		$ 100

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme64

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes on Interest Rate Swap Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 471	$ (170)	$ 600
Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(104)	(106)	(1,970)
Gain recognized in interest expense (ineffective portion and amount excluded from effectiveness testing)			$ 737

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme65

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Reconciliation of Carrying Value of Company's Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in fair value credited to interest expense			$ (820)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Beginning balance	$ (100)	$ (79)
Reclassified from other assets and other long-term liabilities to accumulated other comprehensive loss	471	(170)
Change in fair value credited to interest expense	144	149
Ending balance	$ 515	$ (100)	$ (79)

Note 7 - Fair Value Measureme66

Note 7 - Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Carrying Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 02, 2015
IRU Assets			$ 2,304
IRU Obligations			$ 4,153
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
IRU Assets	$ 2,118	$ 2,196
IRU Obligations	$ 3,747	$ 3,940

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 67

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Paid, Capitalized	$ 1,140	$ 1,077	$ 1,558
Amortization of Leased Asset	846	1,149	1,316
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	7,763	7,787	11,439
Restructuring Charges			10,745
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Charges			3,966
Construction in Progress [Member]
Interest Paid, Capitalized	$ 1,140	$ 1,077	$ 1,558
Capitalization Rates	6.71%	6.48%	6.78%

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 68

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 1,357,929	$ 1,349,899
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(991,816)	(983,050)
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $211 and $112		$ 366,113	366,849
Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		3 years
Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		50 years
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	[1]	$ 195,063	197,999
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		$ 0	0
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)	[1]	5 years
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)	[1]	42 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 380,954	383,809
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		5 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		12 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 739,547	734,786
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		20 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		50 years
Other [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 12,016	7,101
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		3 years
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives (Year)		5 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 30,349	$ 26,204
[1]	No depreciation charges are recorded for land.

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 69

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Depreciation charges	$ 991,816	$ 983,050
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Depreciation charges	$ 0	$ 0

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 70

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Property, Including Leasehold Improvements, Held Under Capital Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Capital leased assets	$ 14,800	$ 14,983
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(7,052)	(7,422)
Property held under capital leases, net	7,748	7,561
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Capital leased assets	13,722	14,983
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member]
Capital leased assets	$ 1,078

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 71

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Future Minimum Lease Payments, Including Interest for Net Five Years (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
2,018	$ 675
2,019	310
2,020	318
2,021	327
2,022	336
Thereafter	4,173
Gross payments	6,139
Interest	(2,985)
Net payments	$ 3,154

Note 8 - Property, Plant and 72

Note 8 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Future Minimum Payments Under Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
2,018	$ 7,371
2,019	6,066
2,020	4,792
2,021	4,460
2,022	3,909
Thereafter	18,290
Total payments	$ 44,888

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obl73

Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obligations - Schedule of Changes in Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Beginning balance	$ 3,708	$ 3,429
Additions to ARO asset	228	159	$ 254
Accretion expense	196	182
Settlement of obligations	(44)	(62)
Ending balance	$ 4,088	$ 3,708	$ 3,429

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio74

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Apr. 17, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 13, 2017	Jan. 29, 2016	Sep. 14, 2015	Feb. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Apr. 14, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	May 10, 2011
Payments of Financing Costs												$ 5,559,000	$ 544,000	$ 4,901,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt												176,466,000	13,421,000	333,961,000
Cash Paid for Extinguishment of Debt												5,522,000	150,000	391,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt												(7,527,000)	(336,000)	(4,878,000)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value												4,354,000	21,228,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities												185,989,000	179,599,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs												6,616,000	2,214,000	3,960,000
Accretion Expense												2,763,000	2,370,000	4,641,000
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [Member]
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs												5,535,000	109,000	2,446,000
Accretion Expense												1,482,000	430,000	2,041,000
Capital Lease Obligations and Other Long-term Obligations [Member]
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities												$ 3,154,000	$ 3,325,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate												9.41%	8.97%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit		$ 176,828,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		3,172,000										$ 2,668,000
Cash		9,030,000
Payments of Financing Costs		3,526,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net		6,580,000
Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing												$ 90,000,000
Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility												2 years
Secured Debt												$ 178,350,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit												0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			$ 15,000,000									$ 15,000,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 120,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 13, 2022
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal									$ 4,000,000		$ 2,250,000					$ 1,500,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate			1.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			5.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 60,000,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Mar. 13, 2023
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal															$ 600,000		$ 150,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate			1.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			7.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility and Term A-2 Facility [Member] | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate			1.00%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Aggregate Leverage Ratio												2.75%
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility Loan [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			5.00%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit		88,135,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net					$ 3,907,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal			$ 1,650,000
Secured Debt, Current													4,000,000
Secured Long-term Debt, Noncurrent													2,350,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt		86,750,000
Cash Paid for Extinguishment of Debt		1,385,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt		(2,297,000)
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					100,000,000
Secured Debt					90,000,000								86,750,000
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Term Loan Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity					10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal							$ 250,000
Secured Debt					65,000,000
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Term Loan Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate												1.00%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Term Loan Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate												4.50%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Facility [Member]
Secured Debt					25,000,000
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal												$ 1,000,000	750,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage												0.25%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate												1.00%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | First Lien Revolving Credit Facility Due January 2, 2018 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate												4.50%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Due March 3, 2018 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, London Interbank Offered Rate												1.00%
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member] | Second Lien Term Loan Facility Due March 3, 2018 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate												8.50%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																		$ 83,956,000		$ 120,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount				$ 250,000								$ 18,000	2,271,000
Convertible Notes Payable		$ 94,000,000										$ 10,044,000	$ 94,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.25%										6.25%	6.25%						6.25%
Payments of Financing Costs		$ 197,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 707,000											$ 3,407,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt				(336,000)				$ (938,000)				(5,230,000)
Debt Instrument Repurchase Amount Per Note																		1,037.50	$ 1,025
Debt Instrument, Repurchased, Face Amount Per Note																		$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Proceeds from Convertible Debt										$ 94,000,000
Repayments of Convertible Debt	90,231,000			10,053,000				10,572,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	83,956,000
Interest Payable, Current	2,420,000			303,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium, Current	3,148,000
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	83,956,000											$ 10,044,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 6,275,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Shares												97,266.8
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Principal Amount Per Note												$ 1,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price												$ 10.28
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger												130.00%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days												20
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days												30
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Parity Value Conversion Condition Trading Period												5 days
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Parity Value Conversion Condition												98.00%
Debt Instrument, Repurchase of Principal Plus Accrued and Unpaid Interest, Percentage												100.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate												8.61%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component												$ 686,000	$ 6,416,000							8,500,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component, Tax Benefit																				$ 5,931,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount				10,000,000				$ 10,000,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount				$ 9,750,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities												$ 3,154,000	$ 3,325,000
2010 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt					81,526,000	$ 240,472,000								$ 240,472,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt					$ 1,312,000

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio75

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 29, 2016	Sep. 14, 2015
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 185,989,000		$ 179,599,000
Less current portion	(17,030,000)		(1,973,000)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	168,959,000		177,626,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term obligations	178,350,000
Debt discount	(2,668,000)	$ (3,172,000)
Debt issuance costs	(2,869,000)
The 2015 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Due 2018 [Member]
Long-term obligations			86,750,000		$ 90,000,000
Debt issuance costs			(1,738,000)
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt discount	(18,000)		(2,271,000)	$ (250,000)
Debt issuance costs	(4,000)		(467,000)
Convertible notes	10,044,000	$ 94,000,000	94,000,000
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 3,154,000		$ 3,325,000

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio76

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Long-term Obligations (Details) (Parentheticals)	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Interest rate on convertible notes	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%	6.25%

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio77

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
2,018	$ 17,030
2,019	6,639
2,020	8,902
2,021	16,267
2,022	86,483
Thereafter	56,227
Total maturities	$ 191,548

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio78

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations - Schedule of Data Regarding the 6.25% Notes (Details) - 6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 28, 2017	Jan. 29, 2016	May 10, 2011
Net carrying amount of the equity component	$ 686,000	$ 6,416,000			$ 8,500,000
Convertible notes	10,044,000	94,000,000	$ 94,000,000
Unamortized debt discount	$ 18,000	$ 2,271,000		$ 250,000
Amortization period remaining (months) (Month)	120 days	1 year 120 days
Net carrying amount of the convertible notes	$ 10,026,000	$ 91,729,000

Note 10 - Long-term Obligatio79

Note 10 - Long-term Obligations - Schedule of Interest Components of 6.25% Notes Contained in Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - 6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Coupon interest expense	$ 2,163	$ 5,928
Amortization of the debt discount	2,253	2,370
Total included in interest expense	$ 4,416	$ 8,298

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia80

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized	$ 6,578	$ 7,010	$ 5,827

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia81

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other		$ 7,389	$ 8,384
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 61,330	61,330	61,538
Deferred GCI Capacity Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent		33,184	35,255
Deferred IRU Capacity Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent		19,366	15,697
Other Deferred Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent		$ 1,391	$ 2,202

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C82

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Estimated Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Within Next Twelve Months	$ 267

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C83

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Balance, beginning				$ 158,876	$ 158,876	$ 153,859
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	[1]	$ 424	$ 452	1,714
Balance, ending					154,510	158,876
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning				(2,875)	(2,875)	(3,089)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications					237	(176)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income					363	390
Net other comprehensive income					600	214
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit					(490)
Balance, ending					(2,765)	(2,875)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Balance, beginning				(35)	(35)	3
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications					278	(100)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income					61	62
Net other comprehensive income					339	(38)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit					65
Balance, ending					369	(35)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning				$ (2,910)	(2,910)	(3,086)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications					515	(276)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income					424	452
Net other comprehensive income					939	176
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to accumulated deficit					(425)
Balance, ending					$ (2,396)	$ (2,910)
[1]	See Note 7 "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps.

Note 12 - Accumulated Other C84

Note 12 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2016		Sep. 30, 2017		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1)
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss		$ 615	[1],[2]	$ 662	[1],[2]	$ 936	[1],[2]	$ 615	$ 662	$ 936
Income tax effect		(252)	[2]	(272)	[2]	(382)	[2]	(252)	(272)	(382)
After tax	[2]	363		390		554
Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: (3)
Reclassification of loss on interest rate swaps		104	[3]	106	[3]	1,970	[3]	104	106	1,970
Income tax effect		(43)	[3]	(44)	[3]	(810)	[3]	$ (43)	$ (44)	$ (810)
After tax	[3]	61		62		1,160
Total reclassifications net of income tax	[3]	$ 424		$ 452		$ 1,714
[1]	Included in "Selling, general and administrative expense" on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income.
[2]	See Note 13 "Retirement Plans" for additional information regarding the Company's pension plans.
[3]	See Note 7 "Fair Value Measurements" for additional information regarding the Company's interest rate swaps.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Det

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	$ 593
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12,534
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	615	$ 662	$ 936
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(330)
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	59
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	15	12
401K [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	212	186	187
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	721	798
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(3,264)	(4,389)
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12,534	11,393	11,202
Defined Benefit ACS Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	721	798	$ 779
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year	288
Defined Benefit ACS Retirement Plan [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position	$ 3,264	$ 4,389

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Ad

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Additional Information About AEPF Multi-employer Pension Plan (Details) - Alaska Electrical Pension Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
December 31		Green	Green
Plan subject to funding improvement plan		No
Employer subject to contribution surcharge		No
Special Agreement [Member]
December 31		$ 7,171	$ 7,517	$ 7,968
December 31		Yes	Yes	Yes
Collective Bargaining Agreement [Member]
Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems and Local Union 1547 IBEW		Dec. 31, 2023
Outside Agreement [Member]
Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems and Local Union 1547 IBEW	[1]	Sep. 30, 2017
Inside Agreement [Member]
Collective Bargaining Agreement Between Alaska Communications Systems and Local Union 1547 IBEW		Oct. 31, 2019
[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.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Fu

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Funded Status of ACS Retirement Plan Using Beginning and Ending Balances for Projected Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest cost	$ 620	$ 668	$ 666
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,534
401K [Member]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	15,782	16,094
Interest cost	620	668
Actuarial loss	384	55
Benefits paid	(988)	(1,035)
Benefit obligation at end of year	15,798	15,782	16,094
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,393	11,202
Actual return on plan assets	1,408	428
Employer contribution	721	798
Benefits paid	(988)	(1,035)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12,534	11,393	$ 11,202
Funded status	$ (3,264)	$ (4,389)

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Su

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest cost	$ 620	$ 668	$ 666
Expected return on plan assets	(1,024)	(373)	(659)
Amortization of loss	1,019	367	929
Net periodic pension expense	$ 615	$ 662	$ 936

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Lo

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Loss Recognized As Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss:	$ 3,862	$ 4,881

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - As

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Assumptions Used to Account for Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Discount rate for benefit obligation	3.70%	4.10%
Discount rate for pension expense	4.10%	4.30%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.53%	6.53%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Pl

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Plan's Asset Allocations by Asset Category (Details)		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Securities [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations	[1]	68.00%	66.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations	[1]	31.00%	32.00%
Other/Cash [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations		1.00%	2.00%
Minimum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Asset category		50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Asset category		20.00%
Minimum [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Asset category		0.00%
Maximum [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Asset category		80.00%
Maximum [Member] | Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Asset category		50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Cash Equivalents [Member]
Asset category		5.00%
[1]	May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Sc

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Schedule of Measuring Fair Value of Plan Assets Regarding ACS Retirement Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 12,534
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	12,534
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	152
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	152
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets
International Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,165	[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,165	[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,843	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,843	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,286	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,286	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,171	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	3,171	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,097	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,097	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,820	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,820	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		[1]
[1]	May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - 93

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Summary of Benefits Expected to be Paid for Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
2,017	$ 1,083
2,018	1,071
2,019	1,076
2,020	1,080
2,021	1,069
2022-2026	$ 5,122

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 28, 2017	Mar. 17, 2017
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%	6.25%		6.25%	6.25%
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Shares	97,266.8
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Principal Amount Per Note	$ 1,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$ 10.28
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,371,000	9,220,000	10,809,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%
Restricted Stock and Deferred Shares [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,022,000

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share -

Note 14 - Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications	$ (2,947)	$ 320	$ (2,798)	$ (676)	$ 1,629	$ 354	$ 317	$ 86	$ (6,101)	$ 2,386	$ 12,954
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution									$ (6,101)	$ 2,386	$ 12,954
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)									52,232	51,169	50,247
Effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)										1,019	1,121
Diluted shares (in shares)									52,232	52,188	51,368
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.01	$ (0.05)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)					$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.25

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revaluation of Deferred Tax Asset, Decrease		$ 3,851
Reclassification of Existing AMT Tax Credits		$ 8,913
Budget Sequestration Rate		6.60%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 2,584	$ 1,499	$ 10,200
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation			$ 47
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 204	$ 204	$ 139
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount		65	139
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax			9,380
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date		Dec. 31, 2031
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Expiration Date		Dec. 31, 2037
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	8,622	$ 8,622
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	78,068	78,068
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Alternative Minimum Tax	1,089	1,089
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration	55,717	55,717
Retained Earnings [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects		425
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects		(425)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		67
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects	(425)
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] | AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification of Certain Deferred Income Tax Effects	$ (425)
Alternative Minimum Tax Credit [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Reduction Amount		$ 569

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Consol

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
(Loss) income before income tax	$ (3,646)	$ 3,752	$ 23,085

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Schedu

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
Federal income tax	$ (90)	$ (276)	$ 4,320
State income tax	6	6	693
Total current (benefit) expense	(84)	(270)	5,013
Deferred:
Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards	2,772	1,680	69,774
State, excluding operating loss carry forwards	(169)	228	19,725
Change in valuation allowance	65	(139)
Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards:
Federal			(66,285)
State			(18,027)
Total deferred expense	2,668	1,769	5,187
Total income tax expense	$ 2,584	$ 1,499	$ 10,200

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Summar

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at the Federal Statutory Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate	$ (1,276)	$ 1,313	$ 8,080
State income taxes (net of Federal benefit)	(222)	229	1,408
Enacted rate change	3,851
Other	122	(209)	263
Stock-based compensation	44	27	449
Change in valuation allowance	65	139
Total income tax expense	$ 2,584	$ 1,499	$ 10,200

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Sum100

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Charged to Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax expense	$ 2,584	$ 1,499	$ 10,200
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax effect	655	128	1,434
Excess tax expense (benefit) fromshare-based payments		$ 47	$ (733)

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Signif

Note 15 - Income Taxes - Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 19,805	$ 26,429
Deferred GCI capacity revenue	10,016	15,340
Reserves and accruals	7,910	12,499
Intangibles and goodwill	1,033	1,620
Fair value on interest rate swaps		25
Pension liability	927	1,804
Allowance for doubtful accounts	775	458
Alternative minimum tax carry forward		9,380
Other		257
Total deferred tax assets	40,466	67,812
Valuation allowance	(204)	(139)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	40,262	67,673
Deferred tax liabilities:
Debt issuance costs	(5)	(933)
Property, plant and equipment	(37,287)	(52,022)
Fair value on interest rate swaps	(146)
Other	(26)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(37,464)	(52,955)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 2,798	$ 14,718

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pl102

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans (Details Textual) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	19,210
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,035
Percentage of Performance Share Units Granted Based on Achievement of a Market Condition	50.00%
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	250
The 2011 Incentive Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	539
2012 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	496
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	1,500
Minimum [Member]
Percentage of Performance Share Units Granted Based on Achievement of a Secondary Performance Condition	50.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Percentage of Performance Share Units Granted Based on Achievement of a Secondary Performance Condition	150.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent	15.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued Prior to December 31, 2010, Vesting Period Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued Prior to December 31, 2010, Vesting Period Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued in 2011, Vesting Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Granted in 2012, Vesting Period One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Granted in 2012, Vesting Period Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued in 2017, Vesting Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued Prior to December 31, 2010, Vesting Period One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Long-term Incentive Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Accelerated Vesting Period, When Three Years of Profitability Criteria is Met	3 years
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted	614,585
Performance Share Units [Member] | Granted Prior to 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Performance Share Units [Member] | Grants in 2017 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	2 years 182 days

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pl103

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Restricted Stock Units, Long-term Incentive Awards and Non-employee Director Stock Compensation (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,414
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.79
Number of shares - Granted (in shares) | shares	679
Estimated fair value per share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.27
Number of shares - Vested (in shares) | shares	(806)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.88
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares) | shares	(64)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.74
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,223
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pl104

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Sep. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares)		1,334
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share)		$ 1.77
Number of shares - Granted (in shares)		615
Estimated fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.27	$ 1.14
Number of shares - Vested (in shares)		(532)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share)		$ 1.78
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares)		(86)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share)		$ 1.76
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares)		1,331
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share)		$ 1.47

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pl105

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans - Valuation Assumptions for Performance Stock Units (Details) - $ / shares	Sep. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.28
Performance Share Units [Member]
Risk-free interest rate	1.50%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected volatility	42.70%
Remaining performance period (in years) (Year)	2 years 109 days
Estimated fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.27	$ 1.14

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Pl106

Note 16 - Stock Incentive Plans - Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ 1,509	$ 2,830	$ 2,008
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.73	$ 1.74	$ 1.82
Total fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 2,455	$ 2,029	$ 2,615
Unamortized share-based payments	$ 1,784	$ 1,562	$ 1,421
Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense (Year)	1 year 222 days	1 year 131 days	1 year 142 days

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash 107

Note 17 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Supplemental Non-cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31	$ 5,092	$ 3,508	$ 11,600
Property acquired under capital leases	1,078		20
Additions to ARO asset	228	159	254
Note receivable on sale of asset			2,650
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Property, plant and equipment			710
Deferred Revenue [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Property, plant and equipment			(2,310)
Prepaid Expenses [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Property, plant and equipment			1,600
IRUs Received [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Property, plant and equipment			2,765
IRUs Relinquished [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchanges:
Property, plant and equipment			(2,765)
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Assets contributed to joint venture by noncontrolling interest			$ 922

Note 18 - Business Segments - S

Note 18 - Business Segments - Service and Product Revenues From External Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total operating revenues	$ 54,935	$ 56,703	$ 58,536	$ 56,731	$ 57,793	$ 56,483	$ 56,262	$ 56,328	$ 226,905	$ 226,866	$ 232,817
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues											13,015
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Service Revenue, Equipment Sales and Other [Member]
Total operating revenues											6,300
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Transition Services [Member]
Total operating revenues											4,769
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | CETC [Member]
Total operating revenues											1,654
Wireless and AWN Related Revenue [Member] | Amortization of Deferred AWN Capacity Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues											292
Wireline Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues									226,905	226,866	219,802
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues									139,120	136,855	126,447
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Broadband [Member]
Total operating revenues									61,559	59,218	51,058
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Voice and Other [Member]
Total operating revenues									26,508	27,903	28,909
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Managed IT Services [Member]
Total operating revenues									4,293	4,173	3,316
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Equipment Sales and Installations [Member]
Total operating revenues									4,412	6,441	6,274
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Broadband [Member]
Total operating revenues									36,081	31,581	28,126
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Voice and Other [Member]
Total operating revenues									6,267	7,539	8,764
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues									37,117	37,744	40,029
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member] | Broadband [Member]
Total operating revenues									25,441	24,981	25,621
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Consumer Revenue [Member] | Voice and Other [Member]
Total operating revenues									11,676	12,763	14,408
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Business, Wholesale and Consumer Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues									176,237	174,599	166,476
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member]
Total operating revenues									50,668	52,267	53,326
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member] | Access [Member]
Total operating revenues									30,974	32,412	33,644
Wireline Revenue [Member] | Regulatory Revenue [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Total operating revenues									$ 19,694	$ 19,855	$ 19,682

Note 19 - Commitments and Co109

Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 684

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly110

Note 20 - Selected Quarterly Financial Information - Summary of Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating revenues	$ 54,935	$ 56,703	$ 58,536	$ 56,731	$ 57,793	$ 56,483	$ 56,262	$ 56,328	$ 226,905	$ 226,866	$ 232,817
Gross profit (before charge for depreciation and amortization)	28,617	30,013	32,082	31,589	32,720	31,090	30,719	30,200	122,301	124,729
Operating income	5,012	3,519	5,602	4,574	6,728	4,100	4,365	4,316	18,707	19,509	47,746
Net (loss) income	(2,976)	284	(2,830)	(708)	1,597	320	283	53	(6,230)	2,253	12,885
Net (loss) income attributable Alaska Communications	$ (2,947)	$ 320	$ (2,798)	$ (676)	$ 1,629	$ 354	$ 317	$ 86	$ (6,101)	$ 2,386	$ 12,954
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.06)	$ 0.01	$ (0.05)	$ (0.01)	$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)					$ 0.03	$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ (0.12)	$ 0.05	$ 0.25