Alaska Communications Systems 10-Q 10 May 18 2018 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Apr. 25, 2018
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)		53,110,320
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,226	$ 4,354
Restricted cash	11,814	11,814
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,842 and $2,729	30,084	32,535
Materials and supplies	5,681	7,046
Prepayments and other current assets	13,286	6,115
Total current assets	66,091	61,864
Property, plant and equipment	1,365,845	1,357,929
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(999,367)	(991,816)
Property, plant and equipment, net	366,478	366,113
Deferred income taxes	2,308	3,394
Other assets	11,675	11,415
Total assets	446,552	442,786
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	16,882	17,030
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	33,752	36,148
Advance billings and customer deposits	4,523	4,213
Total current liabilities	55,157	57,391
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	167,656	168,959
Deferred income taxes	1,479	596
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	60,565	61,330
Total liabilities	284,857	288,276
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 53,111 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2018; 52,526 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017	531	525
Additional paid in capital	158,795	158,969
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	3,460	(3,579)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,090)	(2,396)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	160,696	153,519
Noncontrolling interest	999	991
Total stockholders' equity	161,695	154,510
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 446,552	$ 442,786

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,842	$ 2,729
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)	53,111	53,111
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	52,526	52,526

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating revenues	$ 55,972	$ 56,731
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)	25,833	25,142
Selling, general and administrative	16,012	17,939
Depreciation and amortization	8,787	8,903
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net	(3)	19
Total operating expenses	50,629	52,003
Operating income	5,343	4,728
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense	(3,504)	(3,845)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		(2,276)
Interest income	14	7
Other income (expense), net	104	(154)
Total other income and (expense)	(3,386)	(6,268)
Income (loss) before income tax benefit	1,957	(1,540)
Income tax benefit	112	832
Net income (loss)	2,069	(708)
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(32)
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	2,101	(676)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Minimum pension liability adjustment	57	29
Income tax effect	(16)	(12)
Amortization of defined benefit plan loss	91	154
Income tax effect	(26)	(63)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value	305	25
Income tax effect	(87)	(11)
Reclassification to interest expense	(25)	25
Income tax effect	7	(10)
Total other comprehensive income	306	137
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	2,407	(539)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(32)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(32)	(32)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 2,375	$ (571)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ (0.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ (0.01)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	52,681	52,011
Diluted (in shares)	53,857	52,011

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2018 - 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, 2017	52,526
Balance, beginning at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 525	$ 158,969	$ (3,579)	$ (2,396)	$ 991	$ 154,510
Cumulative effect of new accounting principles adopted			4,938			4,938
Total comprehensive income (loss)			2,101	306	(32)	2,375
Stock compensation		242				242
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation		(410)				(410)
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par (in shares)	585
Issuance of common stock, pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par	$ 6	(6)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest					40	40
Balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2018	53,111
Balance, ending at Mar. 31, 2018	$ 531	$ 158,795	$ 3,460	$ (2,090)	$ 999	$ 161,695

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals)	Mar. 31, 2018$ / shares
Retained Earnings [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,069	$ (708)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	8,787	8,903
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net	(3)	19
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	356	1,025
Loss on extinguishment of debt		2,276
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(947)	(847)
Stock-based compensation	242	610
Income tax benefit	(112)	(832)
Charge for uncollectible accounts	537	89
Other non-cash expense, net	90	145
Income taxes payable		574
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	2,402	(5,956)
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,421	5,298
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(8,680)	(5,148)
Capitalized interest	(420)	(243)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	(1,272)	(1,225)
Proceeds on sale of assets		3
Net cash used by investing activities	(10,372)	(6,613)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(8,807)	(86,806)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	7,000	180,000
Debt issuance costs and discounts		(5,217)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment		(1,313)
Cash proceeds from noncontrolling interest	40
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(410)	(599)
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities	(2,177)	86,065
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	872	84,750
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	16,168	23,145
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	17,040	107,895
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	3,441	1,536
Income taxes refunded, net		$ (574)

Note 1 - Summary of Significant

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“we”, “our”, “us”, the “Company” and “Alaska Communications”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides broadband telecommunication and managed information technology (“IT”) services to customers in the State of Alaska and beyond using its telecommunications network. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income and cash flows of Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. and the following wholly-owned subsidiaries: • Alaska Communications Systems • Crest Communications Corporation Holdings, Inc. (“ACS Holdings”) • WCI Cable, Inc. • ACS of Alaska, LLC (“ACSAK”) • WCIC Hillsboro, LLC • ACS of the Northland, LLC (“ACSN”) • Alaska Northstar Communications, LLC • ACS of Fairbanks, LLC (“ACSF”) • WCI LightPoint, LLC • ACS of Anchorage, LLC (“ACSA”) • WorldNet Communications, Inc. • ACS Wireless, Inc. (“ACSW”) • Alaska Fiber Star, LLC • ACS Long Distance, LLC • TekMate, LLC • Alaska Communications Internet, LLC (“ACSI”) • ACS Messaging, Inc. • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) In addition to the wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company has a fifty 3 Joint Venture Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10 10 December 31, 2017. not See Note 2 Revenue Recognition The Company has consolidated the financial results of the AQ-JV based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 3 Joint Venture In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for all periods presented. Comprehensive income (loss) for the three March 31, 2018, not December 31, 2017 not Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of operating revenues, probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Out-of-Period Adjustment The Company determined that income tax expense as reported in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 $703. $703 $0.01, not December 31, 2017, not December 31, 2018. three March 31, 2018. $112 $2,069 three March 31, 2018 $703 Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2018, 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ” 606” 606 606 not $6,898, $1,960. $4,938. 2 Revenue Recognition 606. Effective January 1, 2018, No. 2017 07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715 2017 07” 2017 07 one 2017 07 not one not $91 three March 31, 2018 2017 07 $154 three March 31, 2017 2017 07 Effective January 1, 2018, No. 2017 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 Scope of Modification Accounting 2017 09” 2017 09 718. 2017 09 not not 2017 09 January 1, 2018. 2017 09 no three March 31, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02” 2016 02 2016 02 2016 02 December 15, 2018, 2016 02 In August 2017, No. 2017 12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815 2017 12” 2017 12 2017 12 December 15, 2018. 2017 12

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	2. Revenue Recognition Policies Revenue Accounted for in Accordance with ASC 606 The Company adopted the provisions of ASC 606 first 2018 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The Company applied the provisions of ASC 606 not January 1, 2018. 606 not $346 three March 31, 2018 2018. three March 31, 2018 $243. At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods and services promised to the customer and identifies the performance obligation for each promise to transfer a good or service that is distinct. The Company considers all obligations whether they are explicitly stated in the contract or are implied by customary business practices. The Company’s broadband and voice revenue includes service, installation and equipment charges. The primary performance obligation in contracts for broadband and voice services is the provision of that service over time to the customer and revenue is recognized as that service is provided to the customer. The Company also charges certain of its broadband and voice service customers for equipment installed on the customers’ premise, physical possession, control and ownership of which pass to the customer upon installation. Revenue is recognized for these obligations at the point of installation. The contract price is allocated between the service, installation and equipment components based on their relative standalone selling prices. Installation and equipment revenue is not Managed IT revenues include the sale, configuration and installation of equipment and the subsequent provision of ongoing IT services. Revenue is recognized on the sale, configuration and installation of equipment when physical possession, control and ownership of the equipment has been passed to the customer. The customer is typically billed for equipment separately from the subsequent IT services. Revenue associated with ongoing IT services is recognized as that service is provided. The contract price is allocated to each of these performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling prices. Revenue and cost of sales is recognized on the resale of equipment and other products only when the Company has control of the product, inventory risk and the discretion to establish pricing prior to transfer to the customer. For the resale of products where the Company does not The Company enters into contracts with its rural health care customers and is subject to various regulatory requirements associated with the provision of these services. Revenues associated with rural health care customers are recognized based on the amount the Company expects to collect as evidenced in its contract with the customer and the Company’s and customer’s agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) as the relevant service is provided. Payment for the services is made, in part, by the customer. The Company also receives funding support for these services through the FCC’s rural health care universal service support mechanism. Funding through the FCC represents the predominant portion of the total funding. The amount expected to be collected from the FCC is based on program funding levels and actual or recent historical approval levels of customer applications. In March 2018, $400 2017, July 1, 2017 June 30, 2018, 84.4% March 31, 2018, not 2017. 2017 2014 09 not Regulatory access revenue includes (i) special access, which is primarily access to dedicated circuits sold to wholesale customers, substantially all of which is generated from interstate services; and (ii) cellular access, which is the transport of tariffed local network services between switches for cellular companies based on individually negotiated contracts. Regulatory access revenue is recognized as the service is provided to the customer. Certain contracts with customers provide for customer payment in advance of or subsequent to the Company providing the associated goods or services. Such payments include customer funding of enhancements or additions to the Company’s network and other related assets. As provided for under ASC 606, not one not one not Substantially all recurring non-usage sensitive service revenues are billed one thirty Revenue Accounted for in Accordance with Other Guidance Deferred revenue capacity liabilities are established for indefeasible rights of use (“IRUs”) on the Company’s network provided to third The Company has also established deferred revenue liabilities for other agreements outside the scope of ASC 606, Regulatory access revenue includes interstate and intrastate switched access, consisting of services based primarily on originating and terminating access minutes from other carriers. The Company assess its customers for surcharges, typically on a monthly basis, as required by various state and federal regulatory agencies, and remits these surcharges to these agencies. These pass-through surcharges include Federal Universal Access and State Universal Access. These surcharges vary from year to year, and are primarily recognized as revenue, and the subsequent remittance to the state or federal agency as a cost of sale and service. The charges are assessed on only a portion of the services provided. Other non-pass-through surcharges are collected from customers as authorized by the regulatory body. The amount charged is based on the type of line: single line business, multi-line business, consumer or lifeline. The rates are established based on federal or state orders. These charges are recorded as revenue and do not High-cost support revenue consists of interstate and intrastate universal support funds and similar revenue streams structured by federal and state regulatory agencies that allow the Company to recover its cost of providing universal service in Alaska. The FCC released the Connect America Fund (“CAF”) Phase II order specific to Alaska Communications which transitioned from CAF Phase I frozen support to CAF Phase II. Funding under the new program will generally require the Company to provide broadband service to unserved locations throughout the designated coverage area by the end of a specified build-out period, and meet interim milestone build-out obligations. In addition to federal high cost support, the Company is designated by the State of Alaska as a Carrier of Last Resort (“COLR”) in five six The Company collects sales and other similar taxes from its customers on behalf of various governmental authorities, and remits these taxes to the appropriate authorities. The collection of such taxes is not Disaggregation of Revenue The following table provides the Company’s revenue disaggregated on the basis of its primary markets, customers, products and services for the three March 31, 2018. Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606 Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 13,600 Business voice and other 6,851 Managed IT services 1,265 Equipment sales and installations 922 Wholesale broadband 8,056 Wholesale voice and other 1,488 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 32,182 Consumer Revenue Broadband 6,492 Voice and other 2,877 Total Consumer Revenue 9,369 Regulatory Revenue Access (1) 6,207 Total 47,758 Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606 Business and Wholesale Revenue Operating leases and other deferred revenue 1,581 Regulatory Access (2) 1,710 High-cost support 4,923 Total 8,214 Total Revenue $ 55,972 ( 1 ( 2 Business broadband revenue includes revenue associated with rural health care customers. Consumer voice and other revenue includes revenue associated with the FCC’s Lifeline program. Timing of Revenue Recognition Revenue accounted for in accordance with ASC 606 three March 31, 2018: Services transferred over time $ 40,629 Goods transferred at a point in time 922 Regulatory access revenue 6,207 Total revenue $ 47,758 Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations The aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations for contracts with customers that are unsatisfied, or partially unsatisfied, accounted for in accordance with ASC 606 $110,840 March 31, 2018. $912 2018. $109,928 one ten not Contract Assets and Liabilities The Company incurs certain incremental costs to obtain contracts that it expects to recover. These costs consist primarily of sales commissions and other directly related incentive compensation payments (reported as contract additions in the table below) which are dependent upon, and paid upon, successfully entering into individual customer contracts. The resulting contract asset is amortized to expense over the relevant contract life consistent with recognition of the associated revenue. In the event a contract with a customer is cancelled or modified, the unamortized portion of the associated contract asset is written off or adjusted as required. The Company does not 360 330, Certain contracts allow customers to modify their contract. When a contract is modified, the Company evaluates the change in scope or price of the contract to determine if the modification should be treated as a separate contract, if there is a termination of the existing contract and creation of a new contract, or if the modification should be considered a change associated with the existing contract. When a customer adds a distinct service to an existing contract for the standalone selling price of that service, the new service is treated as a separate contract. The table below provides a reconciliation of the contract assets associated with contracts with customers accounted for in accordance with ASC 606 three March 31, 2018. not three March 31, 2018. Balance at beginning of period $ 6,898 Contract additions 555 Amortization (901 ) Balance at end of period $ 6,552 The Company recorded a provision for uncollectible accounts receivable of $537 three March 31, 2018 5 Accounts Receivable The table below provides a reconciliation of the contract liabilities associated with contracts with customers accounted for in accordance with ASC 606 three March 31, 2018. Balance at beginning of period $ 1,150 Contract additions 209 Revenue recognized (118 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,241

Note 3 - Joint Venture

Note 3 - Joint Venture	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]	3 . JOINT VENTURE In 2015, On April 2, 2015, The Company determined that the Joint Venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, Consolidation 50 no 50 The table below provides certain financial information about the joint venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017. may not not 2018 2017 Cash $ 230 $ 190 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $235 and $211 $ 1,906 $ 1,930 The operating results and cash flows of the joint venture in the three 2018 2017 not

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurement

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]	4 . FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Measurements The Company has developed valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs to calculate the fair value of non-current monetary assets and liabilities. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources and unobservable inputs reflect internal market assumptions. These two ● 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 estimated fair value of the Company’s 6.25% 2018 “6.25% $10,044 March 31, 2018, 2 6.25% March 31, 2018 $10,044. 6.25% $10,026 December 31, 2017. 6.25% May 1, 2018. 16 Subsequent Events $177,191 $178,836 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017, 2017 2 The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017, no 1 2 first 2018: March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 795 $ - $ 795 $ - $ 515 $ - $ 515 $ - 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 Under the terms of the 2017 $90,000 two 2017, $90,000, 6.49425%, 5.0% June 28, 2019. 7 Long-Term Obligations 9 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. 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 March 31, 2018 December, 31, 2017: Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At March 31, 2018: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 795 At December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 515 The following table presents gains and losses before income taxes on the Company’s interest rate swap designated as cash flow hedges for the three March 31, 2018 2017. no Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 305 $ 25 Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 25 (25 )

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	5 . ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable, net, consists of the following at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017: 2018 2017 Retail customers $ 23,720 $ 22,227 Wholesale carriers 5,058 8,146 Other 4,148 4,891 32,926 35,264 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,842 ) (2,729 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 30,084 $ 32,535 The following table summarizes the change in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three March 31, 2018, Balance at January 1 $ 2,729 Provision for uncollectible accounts 537 Charged to other accounts (218 ) Deductions (206 ) Balance at March 31 $ 2,842 In March 2018, $400 2017, July 1, 2017 June 30, 2018, 84.4% March 31, 2018, not 2017. March 31, 2018, $11,793, $8,580 December 31, 2017. 2 Revenue Recognition

Note 6 - Current Liabilities

Note 6 - Current Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block]	6 . CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017: 2018 2017 Accounts payable - trade $ 13,880 $ 17,739 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 10,083 9,286 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,359 4,817 Other 5,430 4,306 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 33,752 $ 36,148 Advance billings and customer deposits consist of the following at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017: 2018 2017 Advance billings $ 4,491 $ 4,181 Customer deposits 32 32 Total advance billings and customer deposits $ 4,523 $ 4,213

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	7 . LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consist of the following at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017: 2018 2017 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 176,700 $ 178,350 Debt discount (2,507 ) (2,668 ) Debt issuance costs (2,697 ) (2,869 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 10,044 10,044 Debt discount - (18 ) Debt issuance costs - (4 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 2,998 3,154 184,538 185,989 Less current portion (16,882 ) (17,030 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 167,656 $ 168,959 As of March 31, 2018, 2018 (April 1 - December 31) $ 15,224 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 6,639 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 8,902 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 16,267 2022 (January 1 - December 31) 86,483 2023 (January 1 - December 31) 53,801 Thereafter 2,426 Total maturities of long-term obligations $ 189,742 At March 31, 2018, no 2017 2017 The Company’s 2017 1 2 $15,000. 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 revolving facility provides for borrowings in an aggregate amount outstanding at any one not $15,000, 5.0% 1.0%. As required under the terms of the 2017 $90,000 two 4 Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments 6.25% 2018 The Company’s 6.25% $10,044 March 31, 2018. 6.25% May 1, 2018. 16 Subsequent Events

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liabil

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Noncurrent [Text Block]	8 . OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Other long-term liabilities consist of the following at March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017: 2018 2017 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 32,673 $ 33,184 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 18,956 19,366 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,558 1,391 Other 7,378 7,389 Total other long-term liabilities $ 60,565 $ 61,330

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comp

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	9 . ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPR E HENSIVE LOSS The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the three March 31, 2018: Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plan Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,765 ) $ 369 $ (2,396 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 41 218 259 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income 65 (18 ) 47 Net other comprehensive income 106 200 306 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (2,659 ) $ 569 $ (2,090 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income (loss) for the three March 31, 2018 2017: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 91 $ 154 Income tax effect (26 ) (63 ) After tax 65 91 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: Reclassification to interest expense (25 ) 25 Income tax effect 7 (10 ) After tax (18 ) 15 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 47 $ 106 Amounts reclassified to net income (loss) from our defined benefit pension plan and interest rate swaps have been presented within “Other income (expense), net” and “Interest expense,” twelve $578. 4 Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Plans

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	10 . STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS Under the Company’s stock incentive plan, stock options, restricted stock, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, performance share units and other awards may 2010. The following table summarizes the RSU, LTIP and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the three March 31, 2018: Weighted Average Grant Date Number Fair of Units Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,223 $ 2.00 Granted 46 1.80 Vested (677 ) 1.92 Canceled or expired (20 ) 2.01 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 572 $ 2.07 The following table summarizes the PSU activity for the three March 31, 2018. Weighted Average Grant Date Number Fair of Units Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,331 $ 1.47 Granted - - Vested (126 ) 1.77 Canceled or expired (374 ) 1.74 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 831 $ 1.31 The following table provides selected information about the Company’s share-based compensation as of and for the three March 31, 2018 2017: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 242 $ 610 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 1.80 $ 1.85 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 1,524 $ 2,146 At March 31: Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,156 $ 1,220 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.7 1.4

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	1 1 . EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential common share equivalents outstanding. Basic earnings per share assumes no Effective in 2015, 977 9,143 6.25% three March 31, 2018 2017, three March 31, 2017, 1,935 The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three March 31, 2018 2017 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 2,101 $ (676 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,681 52,011 Effect of stock-based compensation 1,176 - Diluted shares 53,857 52,011 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.04 $ (0.01 ) Diluted $ 0.04 $ (0.01 )

Note 12 - Retirement Plans

Note 12 - Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	1 2 . RETIREMENT PLANS Multi-employer Defined Benefit Plan Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (“AEPF”). The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation to the AEPF. As a multi-employer defined benefit plan, the accumulated benefits and plan assets are not not Defined Benefit Plan The Company has a separate defined benefit plan that covers certain employees previously employed by Century Telephone Enterprise, Inc. (“CenturyTel Plan”). This plan was transferred to the Company in connection with the acquisition of CenturyTel, Inc.’s Alaska properties, whereby assets and liabilities of the CenturyTel Plan were transferred to the ACS Retirement Plan on September 1, 1999. March 31, 2018, not 1974, The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the ACS Retirement Plan for the three March 31, 2018 2017: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 141 $ 156 Expected return on plan assets (198 ) (185 ) Amortization of loss 148 183 Net periodic pension expense $ 91 $ 154 Net periodic pension expense is included in the line item “Other income (expense), net” in the Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flo

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	1 3 . SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Restricted cash of $11,814 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 $10,044 6.25% $1,734 $36 16 Subsequent Events The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position at March 31, 2018 2017 March 31, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,226 $ 11,978 Restricted cash 11,814 95,917 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 17,040 $ 107,895 The following table presents supplemental non-cash transaction information for the three March 31, 2018 2017: 2018 2017 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at March 31 $ 3,820 $ 2,310 Additions to ARO asset $ 4 $ 186

Note 14 - Business Segments

Note 14 - Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	1 4 . BUSINESS SEGMENTS The Company operates its business under a

Note 15 - Commitments and Conti

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	1 5 . 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 litigation accruals of $674 March 31, 2018 not

Note 16 - Subsequent Events

Note 16 - Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	1 6 . SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 1, 2018, 6.25% $10,358, $10,044 $314. $10,044 $314. no

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10 10 December 31, 2017. not See Note 2, Revenue Recognition The Company has consolidated the financial results of the AQ-JV based on its determination that, for accounting purposes, it holds a controlling financial interest in the joint venture and is the primary beneficiary of this variable interest entity. The Company has accounted for and reported QHL’s 50 3 Joint Venture In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for all periods presented. Comprehensive income (loss) for the three March 31, 2018, not December 31, 2017 not
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes, including estimates of operating revenues, probable losses and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Out-of-Period Adjustment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Out-of-Period Adjustment The Company determined that income tax expense as reported in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 $703. $703 $0.01, not December 31, 2017, not December 31, 2018. three March 31, 2018. $112 $2,069 three March 31, 2018 $703
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2018, 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ” 606” 606 606 not $6,898, $1,960. $4,938. 2 Revenue Recognition 606. Effective January 1, 2018, No. 2017 07, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715 2017 07” 2017 07 one 2017 07 not one not $91 three March 31, 2018 2017 07 $154 three March 31, 2017 2017 07 Effective January 1, 2018, No. 2017 09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718 Scope of Modification Accounting 2017 09” 2017 09 718. 2017 09 not not 2017 09 January 1, 2018. 2017 09 no three March 31, 2018. Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In February 2016, No. 2016 02, Leases (Topic 842 2016 02” 2016 02 2016 02 2016 02 December 15, 2018, 2016 02 In August 2017, No. 2017 12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815 2017 12” 2017 12 2017 12 December 15, 2018. 2017 12

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition (T

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606 Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 13,600 Business voice and other 6,851 Managed IT services 1,265 Equipment sales and installations 922 Wholesale broadband 8,056 Wholesale voice and other 1,488 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 32,182 Consumer Revenue Broadband 6,492 Voice and other 2,877 Total Consumer Revenue 9,369 Regulatory Revenue Access (1) 6,207 Total 47,758 Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606 Business and Wholesale Revenue Operating leases and other deferred revenue 1,581 Regulatory Access (2) 1,710 High-cost support 4,923 Total 8,214 Total Revenue $ 55,972
Revenue Accounted for In Accordance with ASC 606, By Timing of Revenue Recognition [Table Text Block]	Services transferred over time $ 40,629 Goods transferred at a point in time 922 Regulatory access revenue 6,207 Total revenue $ 47,758
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	Balance at beginning of period $ 6,898 Contract additions 555 Amortization (901 ) Balance at end of period $ 6,552 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,150 Contract additions 209 Revenue recognized (118 ) Balance at end of period $ 1,241

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Tables)

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Cash $ 230 $ 190 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $235 and $211 $ 1,906 $ 1,930

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme27

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Other assets: Interest rate swaps $ 795 $ - $ 795 $ - $ 515 $ - $ 515 $ -
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 March 31, 2018: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 795 At December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps Other assets $ 90,000 $ 515
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 305 $ 25 Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 25 (25 )

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable (T

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Retail customers $ 23,720 $ 22,227 Wholesale carriers 5,058 8,146 Other 4,148 4,891 32,926 35,264 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (2,842 ) (2,729 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 30,084 $ 32,535
Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	Balance at January 1 $ 2,729 Provision for uncollectible accounts 537 Charged to other accounts (218 ) Deductions (206 ) Balance at March 31 $ 2,842

Note 6 - Current Liabilities (T

Note 6 - Current Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Accounts payable - trade $ 13,880 $ 17,739 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 10,083 9,286 Deferred capacity and other revenue 4,359 4,817 Other 5,430 4,306 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 33,752 $ 36,148
Schedule of Advance Billing and Customer Deposits [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Advance billings $ 4,491 $ 4,181 Customer deposits 32 32 Total advance billings and customer deposits $ 4,523 $ 4,213

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 2017 senior secured credit facility due 2023 $ 176,700 $ 178,350 Debt discount (2,507 ) (2,668 ) Debt issuance costs (2,697 ) (2,869 ) 6.25% convertible notes due 2018 10,044 10,044 Debt discount - (18 ) Debt issuance costs - (4 ) Capital leases and other long-term obligations 2,998 3,154 184,538 185,989 Less current portion (16,882 ) (17,030 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 167,656 $ 168,959
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	2018 (April 1 - December 31) $ 15,224 2019 (January 1 - December 31) 6,639 2020 (January 1 - December 31) 8,902 2021 (January 1 - December 31) 16,267 2022 (January 1 - December 31) 86,483 2023 (January 1 - December 31) 53,801 Thereafter 2,426 Total maturities of long-term obligations $ 189,742

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liab31

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 32,673 $ 33,184 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 18,956 19,366 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 1,558 1,391 Other 7,378 7,389 Total other long-term liabilities $ 60,565 $ 61,330

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Co32

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plan Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,765 ) $ 369 $ (2,396 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 41 218 259 Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income 65 (18 ) 47 Net other comprehensive income 106 200 306 Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (2,659 ) $ 569 $ (2,090 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: Amortization of loss $ 91 $ 154 Income tax effect (26 ) (63 ) After tax 65 91 Amortization of loss on interest rate swap: Reclassification to interest expense (25 ) 25 Income tax effect 7 (10 ) After tax (18 ) 15 Total reclassifications, net of income tax $ 47 $ 106

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Pla33

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant Date Number Fair of Units Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,223 $ 2.00 Granted 46 1.80 Vested (677 ) 1.92 Canceled or expired (20 ) 2.01 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 572 $ 2.07
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant Date Number Fair of Units Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 1,331 $ 1.47 Granted - - Vested (126 ) 1.77 Canceled or expired (374 ) 1.74 Nonvested at March 31, 2018 831 $ 1.31
Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 242 $ 610 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) $ 1.80 $ 1.85 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 1,524 $ 2,146 At March 31: Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,156 $ 1,220 Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense 1.7 1.4

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications $ 2,101 $ (676 ) Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 52,681 52,011 Effect of stock-based compensation 1,176 - Diluted shares 53,857 52,011 Net income (loss) per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ 0.04 $ (0.01 ) Diluted $ 0.04 $ (0.01 )

Note 12 - Retirement Plans (Tab

Note 12 - Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Interest cost $ 141 $ 156 Expected return on plan assets (198 ) (185 ) Amortization of loss 148 183 Net periodic pension expense $ 91 $ 154

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash F36

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Notes Tables
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,226 $ 11,978 Restricted cash 11,814 95,917 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 17,040 $ 107,895
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at March 31 $ 3,820 $ 2,310 Additions to ARO asset $ 4 $ 186

Note 1 - Summary of Significa37

Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018
Income Tax Expense, Overstated Amount			$ 703
Net Income (Loss), Understated Amount			$ 703
Net Income (Loss) Per Share, Understated			$ 0.01
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	$ (112)	$ (832)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	2,069	(708)
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current, Total	6,552		$ 6,898	$ 6,898
Deferred Income Tax Liability from Contract Asset	1,960
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Total	91	$ 154
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Total	91
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	(243)
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax, Total	4,938
Reclassification of Net Periodic Pension Expense from Selling, General and Administrative to Other Income (Expense), Net [Member] | Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 [Member]
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	154
Overstatement of Income Tax Benefit [Member]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount	$ 703
Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Quintillion Holdings, LLC [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	50.00%
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage	50.00%

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition (D

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total	$ 16,012	$ 17,939
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	2,069	$ (708)
Annual Cap of Rural Health Care Support	$ 400,000
Percentage of Refund Available	84.40%
Contract with Customer, Provision for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable	$ 537
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Business Broad Band, Voice and Managed IT Services [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	1 year
Business Broad Band, Voice and Managed IT Services [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period	10 years
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Total	$ 346
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total	$ (243)

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition -

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition - Remaining Performance Obligations (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-04-01 | Equipment Delivery, Installation and Configuration [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 912
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2019-01-01 | Business Broad Band, Voice and Managed IT Services [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	109,928
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: (nil)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 110,840

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition 40

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		$ 47,758
Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606		8,214
Total Revenue		55,972	$ 56,731
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Business Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		13,600
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Business Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		6,851
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Managed IT Services [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		1,265
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Equipment Sales and Installations [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		922
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Wholesale Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		8,056
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Wholesale Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		1,488
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		32,182
Consumer Revenue, Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		6,492
Consumer Revenue, Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		2,877
Consumer Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		9,369
Regulatory Revenue, Access [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606	[1]	6,207
Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606	[2]	1,710
Regulatory Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		47,758
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Operating Leases and Other Deferred Revenue [Member]
Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606		1,581
Regulatory, High-cost Support [Member]
Revenue Not Accounted for Under ASC 606		$ 4,923
[1]	Includes customer ordered service and special access.
[2]	Includes carrier of last resort and carrier common line.

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition 41

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition - Revenue Accounted for In Accordance With ASC 606, By Timing of Revenue Recognition (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Total revenue	$ 47,758
Transferred over Time [Member]
Total revenue	40,629
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Total revenue	922	[1]
Regulatory Revenue, Access [Member]
Total revenue	$ 6,207
[1]	Includes changes in contract price.

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition 42

Note 2 - Revenue Recognition - Reconciliation of Contract Assets and Liabilities Associated With Contracts With Customers In Accordance With ASC 606 (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Balance at beginning of period, contract assets	$ 6,898
Contract additions, contract assets	555
Amortization, contract assets	(901)
Balance at end of period, contract assets	6,552
Balance at beginning of period, contract liabilities	1,150
Contract additions, contract liabilities	209
Revenue recognized, contract liabilities	(118)
Balance at end of period, contract liabilities	$ 1,241

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Details

Note 3 - Joint Venture (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2015	Mar. 31, 2018
Variable Interest Entity, Initial Consolidation, Gain (Loss)	$ 0
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage		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%

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	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $235 and $211	$ 366,478	$ 366,113
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Cash	230	190
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $235 and $211	$ 1,906	$ 1,930

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Cert45

Note 3 - Joint Venture - Certain Financial Information About the Joint Venture Included On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 999,367	$ 991,816
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 235	$ 211

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme46

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 14, 2017
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Final Notional Amount			$ 90,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate			6.49425%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			5.00%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%	6.25%
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total	$ 10,044	$ 10,026
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Fair Value Disclosures	10,044	10,026
Senior Credit Facilities and Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total	177,191	$ 178,836
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing	$ 90,000
Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility	2 years

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme47

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other assets	$ 795	$ 515
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Other assets
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Other assets	795	515
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Other assets

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme48

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Financial Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Member]
Notional Amount	$ 90,000
Other assets	$ 795
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Notional Amount		$ 90,000
Fair Value		$ 515

Note 4 - Fair Value Measureme49

Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments - Summary of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes on Interest Rate Swap Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 305	$ 25
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	305	25
Gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 25	$ (25)

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable (D

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Annual Cap of Rural Health Care Support	$ 400,000
Percentage of Refund Available	84.40%
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total	$ 30,084	$ 32,535
Rural Health Care Customers [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current, Total	$ 11,793	$ 8,580

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable -

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 32,926	$ 35,264
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(2,842)	(2,729)
Accounts receivable, net	30,084	32,535
Retail Customers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	23,720	22,227
Wholesale Carriers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	5,058	8,146
Other [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 4,148	$ 4,891

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable 52

Note 5 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Balance, beginning	$ 2,729
Provision for uncollectible accounts	537	$ 89
Charged to other accounts	(218)
Deductions	(206)
Balance, ending	$ 2,842

Note 6 - Current Liabilities -

Note 6 - Current Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts payable - trade	$ 13,880	$ 17,739
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	10,083	9,286
Deferred capacity and other revenue	4,359	4,817
Other	5,430	4,306
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 33,752	$ 36,148

Note 6 - Current Liabilities 54

Note 6 - Current Liabilities - Summary of Advance Billings and Customer Deposits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Advance billings	$ 4,491	$ 4,181
Customer deposits	32	32
Total advance billings and customer deposits	$ 4,523	$ 4,213

Note 7 - Long-term Obligation55

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	21 Months Ended	30 Months Ended	42 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2022	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2017
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing	$ 90,000
Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility	2 years
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit, Total	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	15,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 120,000
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	$ 2,250		$ 1,500
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, 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		$ 150
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, Face Amount	$ 60,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	7.00%
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] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	5.00%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%						6.25%
Convertible Notes Payable, Total	$ 10,044						$ 10,044

Note 7 - Long-term Obligation56

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 184,538	$ 185,989
Less current portion	(16,882)	(17,030)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	167,656	168,959
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term obligations	176,700	178,350
Debt discount	(2,507)	(2,668)
Debt issuance costs	(2,697)	(2,869)
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt discount		(18)
Debt issuance costs		(4)
Convertible notes	10,044	10,044
Capital leases and other long-term obligations	$ 2,998	$ 3,154

Note 7 - Long-term Obligation57

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Long-term Obligations (Details) (Parentheticals)	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Interest rate on convertible notes	6.25%	6.25%

Note 7 - Long-term Obligation58

Note 7 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
2018 (April 1 - December 31)	$ 15,224
2019 (January 1 - December 31)	6,639
2020 (January 1 - December 31)	8,902
2021 (January 1 - December 31)	16,267
2022 (January 1 - December 31)	86,483
2023 (January 1 - December 31)	53,801
Thereafter	2,426
Total maturities of long-term obligations	$ 189,742

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liab59

Note 8 - Other Long-term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other	$ 7,378	$ 7,389
Total other long-term liabilities	60,565	61,330
Deferred GCI Capacity Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	32,673	33,184
Deferred IRU Capacity Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	18,956	19,366
Other Deferred Revenue [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	$ 1,558	$ 1,391

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Co60

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Estimated Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Within Next Twelve Months	$ 578

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Co61

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Balance, beginning	$ 154,510
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income	47	$ 106
Balance, ending	161,695
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning	(2,765)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	41
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income	65
Net other comprehensive income	106
Balance, ending	(2,659)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Balance, beginning	369
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	218
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income	(18)
Net other comprehensive income	200
Balance, ending	569
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Balance, beginning	(2,396)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	259
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive (loss) income to net income	47
Net other comprehensive income	306
Balance, ending	$ (2,090)

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Co62

Note 9 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items:
Amortization of loss	$ 91	$ 154
Income tax effect	(26)	(63)
After tax	65	91
Amortization of loss on interest rate swap:
Reclassification to interest expense	(25)	25
Income tax effect	7	(10)
After tax	(18)	15
Total reclassifications, net of income tax	$ 47	$ 106

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Pla63

Note 10 - 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,223
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2
Number of shares - Granted (in shares) | shares	46
Weighted average grant date fair value - Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.80
Number of shares - Vested (in shares) | shares	(677)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.92
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares) | shares	(20)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.01
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	572
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.07

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Pla64

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,331
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.47
Number of shares - Granted (in shares) | shares
Weighted average grant date fair value - Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares
Number of shares - Vested (in shares) | shares	(126)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.77
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares) | shares	(374)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.74
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	831
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.31

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Pla65

Note 10 - Stock Incentive Plans - Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ 242	$ 610
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (per share) (in dollars per share)	$ 1.80	$ 1.85
Total fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 1,524	$ 2,146
Unamortized share-based payments	$ 1,156	$ 1,220
Weighted average period (in years) to be recognized as expense (Year)	1 year 255 days	1 year 146 days

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted Stock and Deferred Shares Granted to Directors [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		1,935
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%		6.25%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Convertible Notes Payable [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	977	9,143
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share -

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Net income (loss) attributable to Alaska Communications	$ 2,101	$ (676)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	52,681	52,011
Effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	1,176
Diluted shares (in shares)	53,857	52,011
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ (0.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04	$ (0.01)

Note 12 - Retirement Plans - Su

Note 12 - Retirement Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Pension Expense for ACS Retirement Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Interest cost	$ 141	$ 156
Expected return on plan assets	(198)	(185)
Amortization of loss	148	183
Net periodic pension expense	$ 91	$ 154

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash F69

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	$ 11,814	$ 11,814
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	1,734	1,734
Other Restricted Cash [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	36	36
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	$ 10,044	$ 10,044
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%	6.25%

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash F70

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reported Within the Statement of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,226	$ 4,354	$ 11,978
Restricted cash	11,814		95,917
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 17,040	$ 16,168	$ 107,895	$ 23,145

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash F71

Note 13 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Supplemental Non-cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Non-cash Transactions:
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at March 31	$ 3,820	$ 2,310
Additions to ARO asset	$ 4	$ 186

Note 14 - Business Segments (De

Note 14 - Business Segments (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018
Number of Reportable Segments	1

Note 15 - Commitments and Con73

Note 15 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 674

Note 16 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 16 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 01, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		6.25%	6.25%
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.25%
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	$ 10,358
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount	10,044
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount, Accrued Interest	314
Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument	0
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 Repurchased Utilizing Restricted Cash [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	10,044
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 Repurchased Utilizing Cash On Hand [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	$ 314