Alaska Communications Systems 10-K 16 Mar 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Mar. 01, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Central Index Key	0001089511
Entity Registrant Name	ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS GROUP INC
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-38341
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-2126573
Entity Address, Address Line One	600 Telephone Avenue
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	99503-6091
Entity Address, City or Town	Anchorage
Entity Address, State or Province	AK
City Area Code	907
Local Phone Number	297-3000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, Par Value $.01 per Share
Trading Symbol	ALSK
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 147,000,000
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,102,956

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 19,644	$ 26,662
Restricted cash	1,326	1,331
Short-term investments	434	434
Accounts receivable, net	41,893	34,354
Materials and supplies	7,624	8,900
Prepayments and other current assets	6,404	9,617
Total current assets	77,325	81,298
Property, plant and equipment	1,452,943	1,424,904
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,062,027)	(1,042,546)
Property, plant and equipment, net	390,916	382,358
Operating lease right of use assets	89,821	80,991
Other assets	11,370	12,598
Total assets	569,432	557,245
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term obligations	9,067	8,906
Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	49,700	42,869
Operating lease liabilities - current	3,392	2,795
Total current liabilities	62,159	54,570
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	159,641	167,476
Deferred income taxes	5,846	4,403
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent	81,103	78,767
Other long-term liabilities, net of current portion	94,764	78,520
Total liabilities	403,513	383,736
Commitments and contingencies
Alaska Communications stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 145,000 authorized; 54,875 issued and 53,875 outstanding at December 31, 2020; 54,085 issued and 53,085 outstanding at December 31, 2019	549	541
Treasury stock	(1,812)	(1,812)
Additional paid in capital	163,317	161,844
Retained earnings	9,442	15,367
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,340)	(3,277)
Total Alaska Communications stockholders' equity	165,156	172,663
Noncontrolling interest	763	846
Total stockholders' equity	165,919	173,509
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 569,432	$ 557,245

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
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)	54,875	54,085
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	53,875	53,085

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating revenues		$ 240,569	$ 231,694
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)		112,443	105,615
Selling, general and administrative		65,773	66,718
Transaction and termination costs		9,550	0
Depreciation and amortization		40,667	37,276
Loss on disposal of assets, net		240	156
Total operating expenses		228,673	209,765
Operating income		11,896	21,929
Other income and (expense):
Interest expense		(11,000)	(12,059)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		0	(2,830)
Interest income		174	385
Other		439	175
Total other income and (expense)		(10,387)	(14,329)
Income before income tax expense		1,509	7,600
Income tax expense		(2,665)	(2,765)
Net (loss) income		(1,156)	4,835
Less net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(83)	(93)
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications		(1,073)	4,928
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Minimum pension liability adjustment		(1,683)	(161)
Income tax effect		480	46
Amortization of defined benefit plan (gain) loss	[1],[2]	(102)	67
Income tax effect	[2]	28	(19)
Interest rate swap marked to fair value		(3,901)	(40)
Income tax effect		1,109	11
Reclassification of loss (gain) on interest rate swaps	[3]	1,405	(706)
Income tax effect	[3]	(399)	200
Total other comprehensive loss		(3,063)	(602)
Total comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications		(4,136)	4,326
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(83)	(93)
Total other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest		0	0
Total comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(83)	(93)
Total comprehensive (loss) income		$ (4,219)	$ 4,233
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications:
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (0.02)	$ 0.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ (0.02)	$ 0.09
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic shares (in shares)		54,013	53,379
Diluted (in shares)		54,013	54,277
[1]	Included in “Other income (expense), net” 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 15 “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Outstanding [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		53,268
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par (in shares)		817
Purchases of common stock, $.01 par (in shares)		(1,000)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		53,085
Total Stockholders' Equity - Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 169,750	$ 533	$ 0	$ 160,514	$ 10,439	$ (2,675)	$ 939
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par		8		203
Purchases of 1,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par			(1,812)
Stock-based compensation				1,580
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation				(453)
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution	4,928				4,928
Dividends declared					0
Total comprehensive (loss) income	4,233					(602)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(93)						(93)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	173,509	$ 541	(1,812)	161,844	15,367	(3,277)	846
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par (in shares)		790
Purchases of common stock, $.01 par (in shares)		0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		53,875
Issuance of common stock pursuant to stock plans, $.01 par		$ 8		236
Purchases of 1,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par			0
Stock-based compensation				1,693
Surrender of shares to cover minimum withholding taxes on stock-based compensation				(456)
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution	(1,073)				(1,073)
Dividends declared	(4,852)				(4,852)
Total comprehensive (loss) income	(4,219)					(3,063)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(83)						(83)
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 165,919	$ 549	$ (1,812)	$ 163,317	$ 9,442	$ (6,340)	$ 763

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock Outstanding [Member]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Purchases of shares of common stock, shares (in shares)	0	1,000

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (1,156)	$ 4,835
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	40,667	37,276
Loss on the disposal of assets, net	240	156
Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount	1,234	1,215
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	2,830
Amortization of deferred capacity revenue	(6,670)	(4,655)
Stock-based compensation	1,693	1,580
Deferred income tax expense	2,658	2,919
(Credit) charge for uncollectible accounts	(216)	257
Amortization of right-of-use assets	2,897	2,288
Other non-cash (income) expense, net	(91)	70
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	15,863	10,044
Net cash provided by operating activities	57,119	58,815
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(48,243)	(44,764)
Capitalized interest	(1,364)	(1,379)
Change in unsettled capital expenditures	(579)	640
Proceeds on sale of assets	0	25
Net cash used by investing activities	(50,186)	(45,478)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(8,908)	(174,040)
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	0	180,000
Debt issuance costs	0	(2,683)
Cash paid for debt extinguishment	0	(1,252)
Payment of cash dividend on common stock	(4,836)	0
Payment of withholding taxes on stock-based compensation	(456)	(453)
Purchases of treasury stock	0	(1,812)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock	244	211
Net cash used by financing activities	(13,956)	(29)
Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash	(7,023)	13,308
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period	27,993	14,685
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period	20,970	27,993
Supplemental Cash Flow Data:
Interest paid	11,137	12,228
Income taxes refunded, net	$ (4,307)	$ (5,041)

Note 1 - Description of Company

Note 1 - Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	1. DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (“we”, “our “, “us”, the "Company" and “Alaska Communications”), a Delaware corporation, through its operating subsidiaries, provides broadband telecommunication and managed information technology (“IT”) services to customers in the State of Alaska and beyond using its statewide and interstate telecommunications network. The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 • Alaska Communications Systems Holdings, Inc. ("ACS Holdings") • ACS of Alaska, LLC (“ACSAK”) • ACS of the Northland, LLC (“ACSN”) • ACS of Fairbanks, LLC (“ACSF”) • ACS of Anchorage, LLC (“ACSA”) • ACS Wireless, Inc. ("ACSW") • ACS Long Distance, LLC • Alaska Communications Internet, LLC ("ACSI") • ACS Messaging, Inc. • ACS Cable Systems, LLC (“ACSC”) • Crest Communications Corporation • WCI Cable, Inc. • WCI Hillsboro, LLC • Alaska Northstar Communications, LLC • WCI Lightpoint, LLC • WorldNet Communications, Inc. • Alaska Fiber Star, LLC • TekMate, LLC In addition to the wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company has a fifty 20 Joint Venture On December 31, 2020, 3 December 31, 2020, 2 Merger Agreement The Company is a smaller reporting company as defined in the Securities Act and Securities Exchange Act, as amended. Accordingly, it has utilized certain accommodations provided for scaled disclosures, including a two A summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Company is set forth below. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements and notes include all accounts and subsidiaries of the Company in which it maintains a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates 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 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 20 Joint Venture Other than as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, as of the date of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the COVID- 19 not 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, revenue, deferred capacity revenue, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation, operating leases 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. Volatile capital markets, uncertainty regarding certain regulatory matters, the COVID- 19 may Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company generally considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at acquisition of three Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $1,326 at December 31, 2020 Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not not not 4 Accounts Receivable 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. Property, Plant and Equipment Telephone property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost of construction including certain capitalized overhead and interest charges. Renewals and betterments of telephone plant are capitalized, while repairs and renewals of minor items are charged to cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) as incurred. The Company uses a group composite depreciation method in accordance with industry practice. Under this method, telephone plant, with the exception of land and finance leases, retired in the ordinary course of business, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no 5 50 The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under finance leases expiring in various years through 2033. not 10 Leases The Company capitalizes interest charges associated with construction in progress based on a weighted average interest cost calculated on the Company’s outstanding debt. Asset Retirement Obligations The Company records liabilities for obligations related to the retirement and removal of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of batteries and operating leases. The Company records, as liabilities, the estimated fair value of asset retirement obligations on a discounted cash flow basis when incurred, which is typically at the time the asset is installed or acquired. The obligations are conditional on the occurrence of future events. Uncertainty about the timing or settlement of the obligation is factored into the measurement of the liability. Amounts recorded for the related assets are increased by the amount of these obligations. Over time, the liabilities increase due to the change in their present value, the potential changes in assumptions or inputs, and the initial capitalized assets decline as they are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. The liabilities are extinguished when the asset is taken out of service. Indefeasible Rights of Use Indefeasible rights of use (“IRU”) consist of agreements between the Company and a third one may may may not not not not Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets consist of a spectrum licensing agreement with a carrying value of $683 at December 31, 2020, Variable Interest Entities The Company’s ownership interest in the AQ-JV is a variable interest entity as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, 20 Joint Venture Deferred Capacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company’s network provided to third Preferred Stock The Company has 5 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, none December 31, 2020 2019. On January 8, 2018, 382 October 17, 2019. Leases The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, 842” 10 Leases 842. Revenue Recognition The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, 606” 3 Revenue Recognition 606. Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,616 and $2,829 in 2020 2019, Share-based Payments The Company accounts for forfeitures associated with share-based payments as they occur. Restricted Stock Units ( RSUs ) The Company determines the fair value of RSUs based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, discounted for estimated dividend payments that do not 2011 Performance Share Units ( PSUs ) PSUs may 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ( ESPP The Company makes payroll deductions of from 1% to 15% of compensation from employees who elect to participate in the ESPP. A liability accretes during the 6 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 Defined Benefit Plan Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (“AEPF”). The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation. The accumulated benefits and plan assets are not 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 Plan The Company provides a 401 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” 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. 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 Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Debt issuance costs are deferred 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. Regulatory Accounting and Regulation Certain activities of the Company are subject to rate regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (“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 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 Sheet. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company does not 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 credit facilities and the continued current and future performance and liquidity needs of the Company. Dividends on the Company’s common stock are not Share Repurchase Program The Company does not Concentrations of Risk 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, 2020, 1547 December 31, 2023, 2020; 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. 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 2020, The Company considers the vulnerabilities of its network and IT systems to various cyber threats. While the Company has implemented several mitigating policies, technological safeguards and some insurance coverage, it is not Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2020, No. 2018 13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement 2018 13” 2018 13 1 2 3 3 3 not 3 no 1 2 December 31, 2020 2019. 2018 13 no Effective January 1, 2020, 2018 15 Intangibles Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350 40 s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract 2018 15” 2018 15 not December 31, 2020. 2018 15 no Effective June 30, 2020, No. 2020 04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848 2020 04” 2020 04 2020 04 March 12, 2020 December 31, 2022. may 2020 04 March 12, 2020 March 12, 2020. two 2019 no 9, Long-Term Obligations 15, Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments. Effective in 2020, No. 2018 14, Compensation Retirement Benefits Defined Benefit Plans General (Subtopic 715 20 Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans 2018 14” 2018 14 2018 14 13, Retirement Plans 18, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In June 2016, No. 2016 13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326 2016 13” 2016 13, 2016 13 2023 2016 13 In December 2019, No. 2019 12, Income Taxes (Topic 740 2019 12” 2019 12 740 740. 2019 12 December 15, 2020 2019 12

Note 2 - Merger Agreement

Note 2 - Merger Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	2. MERGER AGREEMENT On December 31, 2020, 8 8 3 December 31, 2020, On the terms, and subject to the conditions, of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Surviving Corporation”) and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. As a result of the Merger, each share of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”) (other than shares held by (i) the Company, Parent or Merger Sub and (ii) stockholders of the Company who have validly exercised and perfected their appraisal rights under Delaware law) will be converted at the Effective Time into the right to receive $3.40 in cash, without interest, subject to any applicable withholding taxes (the “Merger Consideration”). Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including, without limitation, (i) approval of the Merger by the Company’s stockholders, (ii) absence of certain legal impediments, (iii) the expiration or termination of the required waiting period under the HSR Act and (iv) receipt of regulatory approvals from the FCC (and, if required as a precondition for FCC approval, Team Telecom Committee) and from the RCA. The Merger is currently expected to close in the third 2021, no The Company incurred costs totaling $9,550 in 2020 See Note 24 Subsequent Events

Note 3 - Revenue

Note 3 - Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	3. REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue Recognition Policies Revenue Accounted for in Accordance with ASC 606 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 capable of being distinct and is distinct within the context of the contract. The Company considers all performance 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 are 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 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. As of December 31, 2020, 2018 July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019). 2019 July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020), January 2020 2020 July 1, 2020 June 30, 2021). January 2021, 2020 March 2021. 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 Beginning late in the first 2020, 19 not Revenue is not 19 not not not 606. Revenue Accounted for in Accordance with Other Guidance Deferred revenue capacity liabilities are established for 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. Funding under the FCC Connect America Fund (“CAF”) Phase II order specific to Alaska Communications generally requires 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 has been designated by the State of Alaska as a Carrier of Last Resort and is required to provide services essential for retail and carrier-to-carrier telecommunication throughout applicable coverage areas. These services are funded through the Essential Network Support (“ENS”) funding mechanism. 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 years ended December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Accounted for Under ASC 606 Accounted for Under Other Guidance Total Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606 Accounted for Under Other Guidance Total Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 62,864 $ - $ 62,864 $ 61,549 $ - $ 61,549 Business voice and other 27,368 - 27,368 27,394 - 27,394 Managed IT services 5,052 - 5,052 6,494 - 6,494 Equipment sales and installations 9,508 - 9,508 4,698 - 4,698 Wholesale broadband 43,071 - 43,071 36,408 - 36,408 Wholesale voice and other 5,256 - 5,256 5,617 - 5,617 Operating leases and other deferred revenue - 9,749 9,749 - 8,404 8,404 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 153,119 9,749 162,868 142,160 8,404 150,564 Consumer Revenue Broadband 27,180 - 27,180 26,589 - 26,589 Voice and other 9,379 - 9,379 10,431 - 10,431 Total Consumer Revenue 36,559 - 36,559 37,020 - 37,020 Regulatory Revenue Access (1) 18,574 - 18,574 19,942 - 19,942 Access (2) - 2,874 2,874 - 4,474 4,474 High-cost support - 19,694 19,694 - 19,694 19,694 Total Regulatory Revenue 18,574 22,568 41,142 19,942 24,168 44,110 Total Revenue $ 208,252 $ 32,317 $ 240,569 $ 199,122 $ 32,572 $ 231,694 ( 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 December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Services transferred over time $ 180,170 $ 174,482 Goods transferred at a point in time 9,508 4,698 Regulatory access revenue (1) 18,574 19,942 Total revenue $ 208,252 $ 199,122 ( 1 Includes customer ordered service and special access. 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 December 31, 2020. twelve 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. Incremental costs of obtaining contracts for which the term is one 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 December 31, 2020 2019. not December 31, 2020 2019. 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 7,242 $ 8,052 Contract additions 2,923 3,070 Amortization (3,597 ) (3,797 ) Impairments - (83 ) Balance at end of period $ 6,568 $ 7,242 The Company recorded a credit of $216 and a charge of $257 for uncollectible accounts receivable in the years ended December 31, 2020 2019, 4 Accounts Receivable The table below provides a reconciliation of the contract liabilities associated with contracts with customers accounted for in accordance with ASC 606 December 31, 2020 2019. 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,903 $ 2,766 Contract additions 1,749 2,575 Revenue recognized (1,681 ) (1,438 ) Balance at end of period $ 3,971 $ 3,903

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Retail customers $ 29,815 $ 22,101 Wholesale carriers 8,402 13,157 Other 7,736 3,723 45,953 38,981 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (4,060 ) (4,627 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 41,893 $ 34,354 The following table presents the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019, 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 4,627 $ 3,936 (Credit) provision for uncollectible accounts (216 ) 257 Charged to other accounts - 1,253 Deductions (351 ) (819 ) Balance at December 31 $ 4,060 $ 4,627 The provision for uncollectible accounts is derived through an analysis of account aging profiles and a review of historical recovery experience. Accounts receivable are charged off against the allowance when management confirms it is probable amounts will not 19 not 19 As of December 31, 2020, 2018 July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019). 2019 July 1, 2019 June 30, 2020), January 2021, 2020 July 1, 2020 June 30, 2021) March 2021. December 31, 2020 2019, 3, Revenue Recognition

Note 5 - Other Current Assets

Note 5 - Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Other Current Assets [Text Block]	5. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments and other current assets consist of the following at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Prepaid expense $ 2,619 $ 3,528 Income tax receivable (1) 353 2,510 Other 3,432 3,579 Total prepayments and other current assets $ 6,404 $ 9,617 ( 1 See Note 16 Income Taxes

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Eq

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	6. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 214,326 $ 204,834 55422 Central office switching and transmission 402,182 396,565 55122 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 784,866 765,640 100500 Other 32,391 25,423 5 Construction work in progress 19,178 32,442 1,452,943 1,424,904 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,062,027 ) (1,042,546 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 390,916 $ 382,358 * Depreciation charges are not Capitalized interest associated with construction in progress for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 December 31, 2020 2019 The above table includes property, plant and equipment held under finance leases. The Company also leases various land, buildings, right-of-ways and personal property under operating lease arrangements. See Note 10 Leases

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Oblig

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	7. 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: 2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 5,173 $ 5,024 Asset retirement obligation 194 85 Accretion expense 257 243 Settlement of obligations (66 ) (179 ) Balance at December 31 $ 5,558 $ 5,173

Note 8 - Current Liabilities

Note 8 - Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Accounts Payable, Accrued Liabilities, and Other Liabilities Disclosure, Current [Text Block]	8. CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities consist of the following at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Accounts payable - trade $ 18,375 $ 14,918 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 14,587 12,193 Deferred capacity and other revenue 8,781 7,311 Advance billings 3,340 3,730 Other 4,617 4,717 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 49,700 $ 42,869

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	9. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 2019 senior secured credit facility due 2024 $ 168,896 $ 177,750 Debt discount (1,523 ) (2,234 ) Debt issuance costs (1,341 ) (1,863 ) Finance leases and other long-term obligations 2,676 2,729 Total debt 168,708 176,382 Less current portion (9,067 ) (8,906 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 159,641 $ 167,476 As of December 31, 2020, 2021 $ 9,067 2022 11,333 2023 15,851 2024 133,018 Thereafter 2,303 Total maturities $ 171,572 2019 The Company’s 2019 not not twelve January 15, 2019, 1 2 2017 2019. 2017 January 15, 2019. 2019 Amounts outstanding under the Initial Term A Facility, Revolving Facility, Delayed-Draw Facility and Incremental Term A Loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum. The Company may, Principal payments on the Initial Term A Facility, Delayed-Draw A Facility and any amounts outstanding under the Incremental Term A Loans were due commencing in the third 2019 third 2019 second 2020 third 2020 second 2022 third 2022 second 2023 third 2023 fourth 2023 January 15, 2024. 2019, first 2020. There were no December 31, 2020. The obligations under the 2019 The 2019 The 2019 Under the terms of the 2019 two 2017 January 15, 2019, June 28, 2019 2019 June 28, 2019, two June 30, 2022. 15 Fair Value Measurements 2017 On January 15, 2019, 2019 2017 third The obligations under the 2017 Finance Leases and Other Long-term Obligations The Company is a lessee under various finance leases and other financing agreements totaling $2,676 and $2,729 at December 31, 2020 2019, 2033. 10 Leases Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs totaling $2,356 associated with the 2019 December 31, 2020 2019, 2019. Debt Discounts Accretion of debt discounts charged to interest expense or loss on extinguishment of debt in 2020 2019, 2019. Merger Agreement On December 31, 2020, 3 2 Merger Agreement

Note 10 - Leases

Note 10 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Operating and Finance Leases [Text Block]	10. LEASES Lease Agreements Under Which the Company is the Lessee The Company enters into agreements for land, land easements, access rights, IRUs, co-located data centers, buildings, equipment, pole attachments and personal property. These assets are utilized in the provision of broadband and telecommunications services to the Company’s customers. An agreement is determined to be a lease if it conveys to the Company the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is defined as the Company having both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. This determination is made at contract inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right of use assets and current and noncurrent operating lease liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are included in property, plant and equipment and current portion of long-term obligations and long-term obligations on the consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use the underlying asset for the term of the operating lease and operating lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments over the term of the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of the lease payments over the term of the lease. The terms of the Company’s leases are primarily fixed. A limited number of leases include a variable payment component based on a pre-determined percentage or index. Most of the Company’s lease agreements include extension options which vary between leases but are generally consistent with industry practice. Extension options are exercised as required to meet the Company’s service obligations and other business requirements. Extension options are included in the determination of the ROU asset if, at lease inception, it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Certain leases include a provision for early termination, typically in return for an agreed amount of consideration. The terms of these provisions vary by contract. Upon the exercise of an early termination option, the ROU asset and associated liability are remeasured to reflect the present value of the revised cash flows. Early terminations recorded in the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 not The Company’s operating and finance lease agreements do not no not The Company entered into additional operating lease commitments that had not December 31, 2020 first 2021 2021 The discount rate applied to determine the present value of the future lease payments is based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate which is derived from recent secured borrowing arrangements entered into by the Company and publicly available information for instruments with similar terms. Short-term and variable lease cost recorded during the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 not The Company did not December 31, 2020 2019. The following tables provide certain quantitative information about the Company’s lease agreements under which it is the lessee as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019. 2020 2019 Lease Cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right of use assets $ 188 $ 188 Interest on lease liabilities 266 270 Operating lease costs 8,700 7,865 Total lease cost $ 9,154 $ 8,323 Balance Sheet Information Operating leases: Right of use assets $ 89,821 $ 80,991 Liabilities - current $ 3,392 $ 2,795 Liabilities - noncurrent 81,103 78,767 Total liabilities $ 84,495 $ 81,562 Finance leases: Property, plant and equipment $ 5,800 $ 5,800 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,887 ) (3,699 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,913 $ 2,101 Current portion of long-term obligations $ 67 $ 53 Long-term obligations, net of current portion 2,609 2,676 Total finance lease liabilities $ 2,676 $ 2,729 At December 31, 2020 Operating Financing Leases Leases Maturities of Lease Liabilities 2021 $ 8,052 $ 327 2022 7,960 336 2023 7,647 345 2024 7,458 355 2025 7,389 364 Thereafter 158,742 3,108 Total lease payments 197,248 4,835 Less imputed interest (113,804 ) (2,159 ) Total present value of lease obligations 83,444 2,676 Present value of current obligations (2,341 ) (67 ) Present value of long-term obligations $ 81,103 $ 2,609 2020 2019 Other Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 266 $ 270 Operating cash flows from operating leases 14,561 7,293 Financing cash flows from finance leases 52 39 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 11,206 1,420 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Finance leases 13 14 Operating leases 28 29 Weighted-average discount rate: Finance leases 9.8 % 9.8 % Operating leases 6.9 % 6.9 % Lease Agreements Under Which the Company is the Lessor The Company’s agreements under which it is the lessor are primarily associated with the use of its network assets, including IRUs for fiber optic cable, colocation and buildings. An agreement is determined to be a lease if it coveys to the lessee the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Control is defined as the lessee having both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset. This determination is made at contract inception. Exchanges of IRUs with other carriers are accounted for as leases if the arrangement has commercial substance. All of the Company’s agreements under which it is the lessor have been determined to be operating leases. Lease payments are recognized as income on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, including scheduled changes in payments not Initial direct costs associated with the lease incurred by the Company are deferred and expensed over the term of the lease. Certain of the Company’s operating lease agreements include extension options which vary between leases but are generally consistent with industry practice. Extension options are not The Company’s operating leases do not Certain leases include a provision for early termination, typically in return for an agreed amount of consideration. The terms of these provisions vary by contract. Upon the exercise of an early termination option, any deferred rent receivable, deferred income and unamortized initial direct costs are written off. The underlying asset is assessed for impairment giving consideration to the Company’s ability to utilize the asset in its business. There were no December 31, 2020 2019. The Company does not The Company did not December 31, 2020. The underlying assets associated with the Company’s operating leases are accounted for under ASC 360, . The Company’s operating lease agreements may The following tables provide certain quantitative information about the Company’s operating lease agreements under which it is the lessor as of and for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019. not 2020 2019 Lease Income Total lease income $ 5,956 $ 3,646 At December 31, 2020 Maturities of Future Undiscounted Lease Payments Year 1 $ 1,526 Year 2 778 Year 3 752 Year 4 747 Year 5 704 Thereafter 4,336 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 8,843

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabi

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 the following at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 26,965 $ 29,036 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 49,739 34,440 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 4,837 4,825 Other 13,223 10,219 Total other long-term liabilities $ 94,764 $ 78,520 Amortization of deferred revenue included in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income was $10,693 and $8,440 in the years ended December 31,2020 2019,

Note 12 - Employee Termination

Note 12 - Employee Termination Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	12. EMPLOYEE TERMINATION BENEFITS In 2020, one 2020, 2020 2021. 712, Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits 712” In 2019, June 30, 2019. 712, December 31, 2019, 2020 2019, 2021. 718, 14 Stock Incentive Plans

Note 13 - Retirement Plans

Note 13 - Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Retirement Benefits [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, 2020 Green December 31, 2019 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, 2020 $ 6,748 Yes December 31, 2019 $ 6,588 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. June 30, 2022 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2022 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 2020 2019, 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, 2020. 2020 2019. 2021 may The following is a calculation of the funded status of the ACS Retirement Plan using beginning and ending balances for 2020 2019 2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,158 $ 14,499 Interest cost 476 604 Actuarial loss 1,442 1,221 Benefits paid (1,051 ) (1,166 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 16,025 15,158 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,448 10,871 Actual return on plan assets 236 1,662 Employer contribution 858 81 Benefits paid (1,051 ) (1,166 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,491 11,448 Funded status $ (4,534 ) $ (3,710 ) The losses associated with the change in the benefit obligation in 2020 2019 The Plan’s projected benefit obligation equals its accumulated benefit obligation. The 2020 2019 In the third 2019, 715, January 1, 2019. third 2019 Net periodic pension expense is reported as a component of “Other income (expense), net” in the Statement of Comprehensive (Loss) Income. The following table presents the net periodic pension expense for the Plan for 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Interest cost $ 476 $ 604 Expected return on plan assets (736 ) (678 ) Amortization of loss 158 141 Net periodic pension (income) expense $ (102 ) $ 67 In 2021, 2020 2019 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 6,073 $ 4,289 The assumptions used to account for the Plan as of December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Discount rate for benefit obligation 2.30 % 3.20 % Discount rate for pension expense 3.20 % 4.30 % Expected long-term rate of return on assets 6.53 % 6.53 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 % The discount rate for December 31, 2020 2019 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, 2020 2019 Asset Category 2020 2019 Equity securities* 64 % 66 % Debt securities* 34 % 33 % Other/Cash 1 % 1 % *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, 2020, 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 $ 259 $ - $ 259 $ - Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 1,790 1,790 - - U.S. small cap 679 679 - - U.S. medium cap 824 824 - - U.S. large cap 3,743 3,743 - - Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 2,274 2,274 - - Fixed income 1,474 - 1,474 - Total fair value $ 11,043 $ 9,310 $ 1,733 $ - *May The benefits expected to be paid in each of the next five five 2021 $ 1,083 2022 $ 1,091 2023 $ 1,075 2024 $ 1,064 2025 $ 1,047 2026-2030 $ 4,840 Post-retirement Health Benefit Plan The Company has a separate executive post-retirement health benefit plan. On December 31, 2020, 2020 2019

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]	14. 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 June 25, 2018, ( “2011 1999 1999 2011 2012 June 2012 1999 “1999 June 30, 2012. 2011 2012 1999 December 31, 2020, 2011 2012 2011 On June 10, 2011, 2011 June 30, 2014 June 25, 2018, 2021. 2011 2011 2017, 2018, 2019 2020. Restricted Stock Units and Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation The Company measures 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. RSU’s granted in 2017 three 2018 three one 2019 three March 1, 2022, 2020 three June 16, 2023. may second 2018 2019 In the second 2019, 2017 2018 2020 2021 June 2019, 2019. The following table summarizes the RSU and non-employee director stock compensation activity for the year ended December 31, 2020: Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2019 792 $ 1.74 Granted 501 $ 2.59 Vested (411 ) $ 1.79 Canceled or expired (6 ) $ 2.14 Nonvested at December 31, 2020 876 $ 2.20 Performance Based Units Shares associated with PSUs granted in 2017, first 2020. 2020, 3 2018 2021. third 2019 three March 2022 December 31, 2020, In the second 2020, three 2020, 2021 2022, June 16, 2020 June 15, 2023. 2020 three three December 31, 2020, nine December 31, 2020. 2020, 1 2020 2021. The Company measured the fair value of the 2020 three The table below sets forth the average grant date fair value assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model for the 2020 Valuation (grant) date June 17, 2020 Number of units granted 135 Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock $ 2.61 Risk-free interest rate 0.23 % Expected dividend yield 0 % Expected volatility 40.71 % Simulation period (in years) 3 Estimated fair value per award: Vesting Tranche 1 $ 1.35 Vesting Tranche 2 $ 1.39 Vesting Tranche 3 $ 1.41 ● Fair Market Value ● Risk-free interest rate 3 zero ● Dividend Yield one second 2020, not 2012 not ● Expected Volatility - 3 ● Stock price vesting hurdles: Tranche 1 $3.25 Tranche 2 $3.75 Tranche 3 $4.25 ● Performance Period Vesting of all 2020 In the second 2019, 2017 2018 2019, 2020 2021 June 2019, 2019. The following table summarizes PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2020: Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2019 1,629 $ 1.07 Granted 478 $ 2.21 Vested (297 ) $ 1.76 Canceled or expired (636 ) $ 0.81 Nonvested at December 31, 2020 1,174 $ 1.50 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, 2020 2019 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 1,693 $ 1,580 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 2.41 $ 1.16 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 1,629 $ 1,432 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,986 $ 1,124 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.71 1.69 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 2021. 2021. Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 The Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. 2012 June 2012. June 16, 2020, 2012 2012 2012 December 31, 2030, 2012 2012 six 2012 may 2012 No No The Company initially reserved 1,500 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2012 2012 July 24, 2020, may 2012 2012 2012 not December 31, 2020 2019. At December 31, 2020, 2012 Merger Agreement On December 31, 2020, 3 2 Merger Agreement

Note 15 - Fair Value Measuremen

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Derivatives and Fair Value [Text Block]	15. 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 finance leases approximate carrying values due to their nature. The carrying values of the Company’s senior credit facilities and other long-term obligations of $170,049 and $178,245 at December 31, 2020 2019, 2019 2 Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis The following table presents the Company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 2019 no 1 2 2020. December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Liabilities: Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 2,784 $ - $ 2,784 $ - $ 288 $ - $ 288 $ - 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 2019 two 2017, 2017 June 28, 2019. 2017 January 15, 2019, 2019 June 28, 2019. June 28, 2019, two June 30, 2022. 9 Long-Term Obligations 18 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 December 31, 2020 2019. Notional Fair Balance Sheet Location Amount Value At December 31, 2020 Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 128,250 $ 2,784 At December 31, 2019: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 133,313 $ 288 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, 2020 2019. 2020 2019 Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (3,901 ) $ (40 ) (Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income $ (1,405 ) $ 706 The following table presents a reconciliation of the carrying value of the Company’s interest rate swaps at December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 (Liability) asset at January 1 $ (288 ) $ 458 Reclassified from other long-term liabilities and other assets to accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,901 ) (40 ) Change in fair value charged (credited) to interest expense 1,405 (706 ) Liability at December 31 $ (2,784 ) $ (288 ) The following table presents the effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the Company’s Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Recorded as Interest Expense: Hedged interest payments $ (6,868 ) $ (7,698 ) (Loss) gain on interest rate swap (1,405 ) 706

Note 16 - Income Taxes

Note 16 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	16. INCOME TAXES On March 27, 2020, 19 fourth 2020. not Consolidated income before income tax for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Income before income tax $ 1,509 $ 7,600 The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Current: Federal income tax $ - $ - State income tax 6 (60 ) Total current benefit 6 (60 ) Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 38 (175 ) State, excluding operating loss carry forwards 18 (86 ) Change in valuation allowance (65 ) (20 ) Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal 1,952 2,329 State 716 777 Total deferred expense 2,659 2,825 Total income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765 The following table provides a reconciliation of income tax expense at the Federal statutory rate of 21% December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ 334 $ 1,616 Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) 118 731 Non-deductible transaction and termination costs 2,157 - Other 171 415 Stock-based compensation (50 ) 23 Change in valuation allowance (65 ) (20 ) Total income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765 Income tax expense was charged to the statement of comprehensive income and statement of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Statement of comprehensive income: Income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765 Other comprehensive income loss, tax effect $ (1,218 ) $ (238 ) 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 December 31, 2020 2019, December 31, 2020 2019, December 31, 2020, not no Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 2019, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 10,967 $ 13,635 Operating lease liabilities 25,929 23,374 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 8,249 8,839 Reserves and accruals 8,979 8,700 Intangibles and goodwill 766 855 Fair value on interest rate swaps 791 82 Pension liability 1,288 1,054 Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,153 1,314 Other 897 222 Total deferred tax assets 59,019 58,075 Valuation allowance (77 ) (142 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 58,942 57,933 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (37,235 ) (37,152 ) Operating lease right of use assets (25,518 ) (23,011 ) Revenue contract assets (2,035 ) (2,173 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (64,788 ) (62,336 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (5,846 ) $ (4,403 ) As of December 31, 2020, 2034 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, 2020, not no 2017. The Company accounts for income tax uncertainties using a threshold of “more-likely-than- not” 740, December 31, 2020, not not

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	17. 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 The Company reported a net loss for the year ended December 31, 2020. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ (1,073 ) $ 4,928 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 54,013 53,379 Effect of stock-based compensation - 898 Diluted shares 54,013 54,277 (Loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 0.09 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 0.09

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Com

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	18. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table summarizes the activity in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019: Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plans Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (3,003 ) $ 328 $ (2,675 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (115 ) (29 ) (144 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 48 (506 ) (458 ) Net other comprehensive loss (67 ) (535 ) (602 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings - - - Balance at December 31, 2019 (3,070 ) (207 ) (3,277 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,203 ) (2,792 ) (3,995 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income (74 ) 1,006 932 Net other comprehensive loss (1,277 ) (1,786 ) (3,063 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings - - - Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (4,347 ) $ (1,993 ) $ (6,340 ) The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019, 2020 2019 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of (income) loss (2) $ (102 ) $ 67 Income tax effect 28 (19 ) After tax (74 ) 48 Amortization of gain on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 1,405 (706 ) Income tax effect (399 ) 200 After tax 1,006 (506 ) Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 932 $ (458 ) ( 1 13 Retirement Plans ( 2 ( 3 15 Fair Value Measurements Amounts reclassified to net income from our defined benefit pension plan and interest rate swaps have been presented within “Other income (expense), net” and “Interest expense,” twelve

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	19. STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY Treasury Stock The Company does not In the first 2017, March 13, 2017 December 31, 2019. 10b5 1 2019, Dividends The Company’s dividend policy is set by the Company’s Board of Directors and is subject to the terms of its credit facilities and the continued current and future performance and liquidity needs of the Company. Dividends on the Company’s common stock are not March 9, 2020, one June 18, 2020 April 20, 2020. 2020. Merger Agreement On December 31, 2020, 3 2 Merger Agreement

Note 20 - Joint Venture

Note 20 - Joint Venture	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]	20. JOINT VENTURE In 2015, The Company determined that the joint venture is a Variable Interest Entity as defined in ASC 810, The table below provides certain financial information about the joint venture included on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2020 2019. may not not 2020 2019 Cash $ 270 $ 270 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $506 and $408 $ 1,635 $ 1,733 The operating results and cash flows of the joint venture in the years 2020 2019 not

Note 21 - Commitments and Conti

Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	21. 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 In February 2020, 2012 2016 July 2012 June 2017). not In the third 2020, September 30, 2020 not not third fourth 2020, The Company is involved in various other claims, legal actions and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business and establishes an accrual when a specific contingency is probable and estimable. The Company recorded litigation accruals totaling $2,000 at December 31, 2020 not

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash Flo

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	22. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the statement of financial position at December 31, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,644 $ 26,662 Restricted cash 1,326 1,331 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 20,970 $ 27,993 The following table presents supplemental non-cash transaction information for the years ended December 31, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 5,487 $ 5,950 Dividend declared, but not paid $ 16 $ - Additions to ARO asset $ 194 $ 85 Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 11,206 $ 1,420

Note 23 - Business Segments

Note 23 - Business Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	23. 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, 2020 2019: 2020 2019 Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 64,238 $ 61,785 Business voice and other 28,936 28,660 Managed IT services 5,052 6,494 Equipment sales and installations 9,508 4,698 Wholesale broadband 49,878 43,310 Wholesale voice and other 5,256 5,617 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 162,868 150,564 Consumer Revenue Broadband 27,180 26,589 Voice and other 9,379 10,431 Total Consumer Revenue 36,559 37,020 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 199,427 187,584 Regulatory Revenue Access 21,448 24,416 High cost support 19,694 19,694 Total Regulatory Revenue 41,142 44,110 Total Operating Revenue $ 240,569 $ 231,694 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 24 - Subsequent Events

Note 24 - Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes to Financial Statements
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Municipality of Anchorage Grant In February 2021, 19 2021. Merger Agreement At a special meeting of stockholders held on March 12, 2021, 3 The status of certain closing conditions to consummation of the Merger is summarized as follows. The waiting period under the HSR Act expired on February 16, 2021 11:59 January 20, 2021. February 12, 2021. February 8, 2021, January 20, 2021. no July 19, 2021.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. The Company consolidates 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 percent ownership interest in the joint venture as a noncontrolling interest. See Note 20 Joint Venture Other than as described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, as of the date of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the COVID- 19 not
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, revenue, deferred capacity revenue, legal contingencies, stock-based compensation, operating leases 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. Volatile capital markets, uncertainty regarding certain regulatory matters, the COVID- 19 may
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company generally considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity at acquisition of three
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Restricted Cash Restricted cash of $1,326 at December 31, 2020
Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]	Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not not not 4 Accounts Receivable
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.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Plant and Equipment Telephone property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost of construction including certain capitalized overhead and interest charges. Renewals and betterments of telephone plant are capitalized, while repairs and renewals of minor items are charged to cost of services and sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) as incurred. The Company uses a group composite depreciation method in accordance with industry practice. Under this method, telephone plant, with the exception of land and finance leases, retired in the ordinary course of business, less salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation with no 5 50 The Company is the lessee of equipment and buildings under finance leases expiring in various years through 2033. not 10 Leases 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 Obligations The Company records liabilities for obligations related to the retirement and removal of long-lived assets, consisting primarily of batteries and operating leases. The Company records, as liabilities, the estimated fair value of asset retirement obligations on a discounted cash flow basis when incurred, which is typically at the time the asset is installed or acquired. The obligations are conditional on the occurrence of future events. Uncertainty about the timing or settlement of the obligation is factored into the measurement of the liability. Amounts recorded for the related assets are increased by the amount of these obligations. Over time, the liabilities increase due to the change in their present value, the potential changes in assumptions or inputs, and the initial capitalized assets decline as they are depreciated over the useful life of the related assets. The liabilities are extinguished when the asset is taken out of service.
Indefeasible Rights of Use [Policy Text Block]	Indefeasible Rights of Use Indefeasible rights of use (“IRU”) consist of agreements between the Company and a third one may may may not not not not
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets consist of a spectrum licensing agreement with a carrying value of $683 at December 31, 2020,
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Variable Interest Entities The Company’s ownership interest in the AQ-JV is a variable interest entity as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, 20 Joint Venture
Deferred Capacity Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Capacity Revenue Deferred capacity liabilities are established for usage rights on the Company’s network provided to third
Preferred Stock, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Preferred Stock The Company has 5 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, none December 31, 2020 2019. On January 8, 2018, 382 October 17, 2019.
Lessee and Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block]	Leases The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASC 842, 842” 10 Leases 842.
Revenue [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, 606” 3 Revenue Recognition 606.
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expense totaled $3,616 and $2,829 in 2020 2019,
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]	Share-based Payments The Company accounts for forfeitures associated with share-based payments as they occur. Restricted Stock Units ( RSUs ) The Company determines the fair value of RSUs based on the number of shares granted and the quoted closing market price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, discounted for estimated dividend payments that do not 2011 Performance Share Units ( PSUs ) PSUs may 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ( ESPP The Company makes payroll deductions of from 1% to 15% of compensation from employees who elect to participate in the ESPP. A liability accretes during the 6 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 Defined Benefit Plan Pension benefits for substantially all of the Company’s Alaska-based employees are provided through the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund (“AEPF”). The Company pays a contractual hourly amount based on employee classification or base compensation. The accumulated benefits and plan assets are not 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 Plan The Company provides a 401
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”
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.
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
Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Debt issuance costs are deferred 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.
Regulatory Accounting and Regulation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Regulatory Accounting and Regulation Certain activities of the Company are subject to rate regulation by the Federal Communications Commission (“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
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 Sheet.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments The Company does not 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 credit facilities and the continued current and future performance and liquidity needs of the Company. Dividends on the Company’s common stock are not
Share Repurchase Program [Policy Text Block]	Share Repurchase Program The Company does not
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of Risk 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, 2020, 1547 December 31, 2023, 2020; 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. 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 2020, The Company considers the vulnerabilities of its network and IT systems to various cyber threats. While the Company has implemented several mitigating policies, technological safeguards and some insurance coverage, it is not
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2020, No. 2018 13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement 2018 13” 2018 13 1 2 3 3 3 not 3 no 1 2 December 31, 2020 2019. 2018 13 no Effective January 1, 2020, 2018 15 Intangibles Goodwill and Other Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350 40 s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract 2018 15” 2018 15 not December 31, 2020. 2018 15 no Effective June 30, 2020, No. 2020 04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848 2020 04” 2020 04 2020 04 March 12, 2020 December 31, 2022. may 2020 04 March 12, 2020 March 12, 2020. two 2019 no 9, Long-Term Obligations 15, Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Financial Instruments. Effective in 2020, No. 2018 14, Compensation Retirement Benefits Defined Benefit Plans General (Subtopic 715 20 Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans 2018 14” 2018 14 2018 14 13, Retirement Plans 18, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accounting Pronouncements Issued Not In June 2016, No. 2016 13, Financial Instruments Credit Losses (Topic 326 2016 13” 2016 13, 2016 13 2023 2016 13 In December 2019, No. 2019 12, Income Taxes (Topic 740 2019 12” 2019 12 740 740. 2019 12 December 15, 2020 2019 12

Note 3 - Revenue (Tables)

Note 3 - Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Accounted for Under ASC 606 Accounted for Under Other Guidance Total Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606 Accounted for Under Other Guidance Total Revenue Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 62,864 $ - $ 62,864 $ 61,549 $ - $ 61,549 Business voice and other 27,368 - 27,368 27,394 - 27,394 Managed IT services 5,052 - 5,052 6,494 - 6,494 Equipment sales and installations 9,508 - 9,508 4,698 - 4,698 Wholesale broadband 43,071 - 43,071 36,408 - 36,408 Wholesale voice and other 5,256 - 5,256 5,617 - 5,617 Operating leases and other deferred revenue - 9,749 9,749 - 8,404 8,404 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 153,119 9,749 162,868 142,160 8,404 150,564 Consumer Revenue Broadband 27,180 - 27,180 26,589 - 26,589 Voice and other 9,379 - 9,379 10,431 - 10,431 Total Consumer Revenue 36,559 - 36,559 37,020 - 37,020 Regulatory Revenue Access (1) 18,574 - 18,574 19,942 - 19,942 Access (2) - 2,874 2,874 - 4,474 4,474 High-cost support - 19,694 19,694 - 19,694 19,694 Total Regulatory Revenue 18,574 22,568 41,142 19,942 24,168 44,110 Total Revenue $ 208,252 $ 32,317 $ 240,569 $ 199,122 $ 32,572 $ 231,694
Revenue Accounted for In Accordance with ASC 606, By Timing of Revenue Recognition [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Services transferred over time $ 180,170 $ 174,482 Goods transferred at a point in time 9,508 4,698 Regulatory access revenue (1) 18,574 19,942 Total revenue $ 208,252 $ 199,122
Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 7,242 $ 8,052 Contract additions 2,923 3,070 Amortization (3,597 ) (3,797 ) Impairments - (83 ) Balance at end of period $ 6,568 $ 7,242 2020 2019 Balance at beginning of period $ 3,903 $ 2,766 Contract additions 1,749 2,575 Revenue recognized (1,681 ) (1,438 ) Balance at end of period $ 3,971 $ 3,903

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (T

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Retail customers $ 29,815 $ 22,101 Wholesale carriers 8,402 13,157 Other 7,736 3,723 45,953 38,981 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (4,060 ) (4,627 ) Accounts receivable, net $ 41,893 $ 34,354
Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 4,627 $ 3,936 (Credit) provision for uncollectible accounts (216 ) 257 Charged to other accounts - 1,253 Deductions (351 ) (819 ) Balance at December 31 $ 4,060 $ 4,627

Note 5 - Other Current Assets (

Note 5 - Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Prepaid expense $ 2,619 $ 3,528 Income tax receivable (1) 353 2,510 Other 3,432 3,579 Total prepayments and other current assets $ 6,404 $ 9,617

Note 6 - Property, Plant and _2

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Useful Lives Land, buildings and support assets* $ 214,326 $ 204,834 55422 Central office switching and transmission 402,182 396,565 55122 Outside plant, cable and wire facilities 784,866 765,640 100500 Other 32,391 25,423 5 Construction work in progress 19,178 32,442 1,452,943 1,424,904 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (1,062,027 ) (1,042,546 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 390,916 $ 382,358

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Obl_2

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Balance at January 1 $ 5,173 $ 5,024 Asset retirement obligation 194 85 Accretion expense 257 243 Settlement of obligations (66 ) (179 ) Balance at December 31 $ 5,558 $ 5,173

Note 8 - Current Liabilities (T

Note 8 - Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Accounts payable - trade $ 18,375 $ 14,918 Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities 14,587 12,193 Deferred capacity and other revenue 8,781 7,311 Advance billings 3,340 3,730 Other 4,617 4,717 Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities $ 49,700 $ 42,869

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 2019 senior secured credit facility due 2024 $ 168,896 $ 177,750 Debt discount (1,523 ) (2,234 ) Debt issuance costs (1,341 ) (1,863 ) Finance leases and other long-term obligations 2,676 2,729 Total debt 168,708 176,382 Less current portion (9,067 ) (8,906 ) Long-term obligations, net of current portion $ 159,641 $ 167,476
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	2021 $ 9,067 2022 11,333 2023 15,851 2024 133,018 Thereafter 2,303 Total maturities $ 171,572

Note 10 - Leases (Tables)

Note 10 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Balance Sheet Information [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Lease Cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right of use assets $ 188 $ 188 Interest on lease liabilities 266 270 Operating lease costs 8,700 7,865 Total lease cost $ 9,154 $ 8,323 Balance Sheet Information Operating leases: Right of use assets $ 89,821 $ 80,991 Liabilities - current $ 3,392 $ 2,795 Liabilities - noncurrent 81,103 78,767 Total liabilities $ 84,495 $ 81,562 Finance leases: Property, plant and equipment $ 5,800 $ 5,800 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,887 ) (3,699 ) Property, plant and equipment, net $ 1,913 $ 2,101 Current portion of long-term obligations $ 67 $ 53 Long-term obligations, net of current portion 2,609 2,676 Total finance lease liabilities $ 2,676 $ 2,729
Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Liabilities, Maturity [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2020 Operating Financing Leases Leases Maturities of Lease Liabilities 2021 $ 8,052 $ 327 2022 7,960 336 2023 7,647 345 2024 7,458 355 2025 7,389 364 Thereafter 158,742 3,108 Total lease payments 197,248 4,835 Less imputed interest (113,804 ) (2,159 ) Total present value of lease obligations 83,444 2,676 Present value of current obligations (2,341 ) (67 ) Present value of long-term obligations $ 81,103 $ 2,609
Lessee, Operating and Finance Leases, Other Information [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Other Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 266 $ 270 Operating cash flows from operating leases 14,561 7,293 Financing cash flows from finance leases 52 39 Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 11,206 1,420 Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years): Finance leases 13 14 Operating leases 28 29 Weighted-average discount rate: Finance leases 9.8 % 9.8 % Operating leases 6.9 % 6.9 %
Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Lease Income Total lease income $ 5,956 $ 3,646
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2020 Maturities of Future Undiscounted Lease Payments Year 1 $ 1,526 Year 2 778 Year 3 752 Year 4 747 Year 5 704 Thereafter 4,336 Total future undiscounted lease payments $ 8,843

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia_2

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Deferred GCI capacity revenue, net of current portion $ 26,965 $ 29,036 Other deferred IRU capacity revenue, net of current portion 49,739 34,440 Other deferred revenue, net of current portion 4,837 4,825 Other 13,223 10,219 Total other long-term liabilities $ 94,764 $ 78,520

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Tab

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Multiemployer Plan [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, 2020 Green December 31, 2019 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, 2020 $ 6,748 Yes December 31, 2019 $ 6,588 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. June 30, 2022 Inside Agreement Alaska Electrical Construction between Local Union 1547 IBEW and Alaska Chapter National Electrical Contractors Association Inc. October 31, 2022
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,158 $ 14,499 Interest cost 476 604 Actuarial loss 1,442 1,221 Benefits paid (1,051 ) (1,166 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 16,025 15,158 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 11,448 10,871 Actual return on plan assets 236 1,662 Employer contribution 858 81 Benefits paid (1,051 ) (1,166 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 11,491 11,448 Funded status $ (4,534 ) $ (3,710 )
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Interest cost $ 476 $ 604 Expected return on plan assets (736 ) (678 ) Amortization of loss 158 141 Net periodic pension (income) expense $ (102 ) $ 67
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss: $ 6,073 $ 4,289
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Discount rate for benefit obligation 2.30 % 3.20 % Discount rate for pension expense 3.20 % 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 2020 2019 Equity securities* 64 % 66 % Debt securities* 34 % 33 % Other/Cash 1 % 1 %
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 $ 259 $ - $ 259 $ - Equity securities (Investment Funds)* International growth 1,790 1,790 - - U.S. small cap 679 679 - - U.S. medium cap 824 824 - - U.S. large cap 3,743 3,743 - - Debt securities (Investment Funds)* Certificate of deposits 2,274 2,274 - - Fixed income 1,474 - 1,474 - Total fair value $ 11,043 $ 9,310 $ 1,733 $ -
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	2021 $ 1,083 2022 $ 1,091 2023 $ 1,075 2024 $ 1,064 2025 $ 1,047 2026-2030 $ 4,840

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_2

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2019 792 $ 1.74 Granted 501 $ 2.59 Vested (411 ) $ 1.79 Canceled or expired (6 ) $ 2.14 Nonvested at December 31, 2020 876 $ 2.20
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Performance Stock Units, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Valuation (grant) date June 17, 2020 Number of units granted 135 Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock $ 2.61 Risk-free interest rate 0.23 % Expected dividend yield 0 % Expected volatility 40.71 % Simulation period (in years) 3 Estimated fair value per award: Vesting Tranche 1 $ 1.35 Vesting Tranche 2 $ 1.39 Vesting Tranche 3 $ 1.41
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Weighted Average Grant-Date Number of Fair Shares Value Nonvested at December 31, 2019 1,629 $ 1.07 Granted 478 $ 2.21 Vested (297 ) $ 1.76 Canceled or expired (636 ) $ 0.81 Nonvested at December 31, 2020 1,174 $ 1.50
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Activity [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 Total compensation cost for share-based payments $ 1,693 $ 1,580 Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted $ 2.41 $ 1.16 Total fair value of shares vested during the period $ 1,629 $ 1,432 Unamortized share-based payments $ 1,986 $ 1,124 Weighted average period in years to be recognized as expense 1.71 1.69

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_2

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Liabilities: Other long-term liabilities: Interest rate swaps $ 2,784 $ - $ 2,784 $ - $ 288 $ - $ 288 $ -
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, 2020 Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 128,250 $ 2,784 At December 31, 2019: Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 133,313 $ 288
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (3,901 ) $ (40 ) (Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income $ (1,405 ) $ 706
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 (Liability) asset at January 1 $ (288 ) $ 458 Reclassified from other long-term liabilities and other assets to accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,901 ) (40 ) Change in fair value charged (credited) to interest expense 1,405 (706 ) Liability at December 31 $ (2,784 ) $ (288 )
Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Statement of Operations [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Recorded as Interest Expense: Hedged interest payments $ (6,868 ) $ (7,698 ) (Loss) gain on interest rate swap (1,405 ) 706

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Consolidated Income Before Income Tax [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Income before income tax $ 1,509 $ 7,600
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Current: Federal income tax $ - $ - State income tax 6 (60 ) Total current benefit 6 (60 ) Deferred: Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards 38 (175 ) State, excluding operating loss carry forwards 18 (86 ) Change in valuation allowance (65 ) (20 ) Tax benefit of operating loss carry forwards: Federal 1,952 2,329 State 716 777 Total deferred expense 2,659 2,825 Total income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate $ 334 $ 1,616 Expense (benefit) in tax resulting from: State income taxes (net of Federal benefit) 118 731 Non-deductible transaction and termination costs 2,157 - Other 171 415 Stock-based compensation (50 ) 23 Change in valuation allowance (65 ) (20 ) Total income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765
Schedule of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Charged to Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Statement of comprehensive income: Income tax expense $ 2,665 $ 2,765 Other comprehensive income loss, tax effect $ (1,218 ) $ (238 )
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carry forwards $ 10,967 $ 13,635 Operating lease liabilities 25,929 23,374 Deferred GCI capacity revenue 8,249 8,839 Reserves and accruals 8,979 8,700 Intangibles and goodwill 766 855 Fair value on interest rate swaps 791 82 Pension liability 1,288 1,054 Allowance for doubtful accounts 1,153 1,314 Other 897 222 Total deferred tax assets 59,019 58,075 Valuation allowance (77 ) (142 ) Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance 58,942 57,933 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (37,235 ) (37,152 ) Operating lease right of use assets (25,518 ) (23,011 ) Revenue contract assets (2,035 ) (2,173 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (64,788 ) (62,336 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (5,846 ) $ (4,403 )

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share (T

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution $ (1,073 ) $ 4,928 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic shares 54,013 53,379 Effect of stock-based compensation - 898 Diluted shares 54,013 54,277 (Loss) income per share attributable to Alaska Communications: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 0.09 Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 0.09

Note 18 - Accumulated Other C_2

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Defined Benefit Pension Interest Plans Rate Swaps Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (3,003 ) $ 328 $ (2,675 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (115 ) (29 ) (144 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income 48 (506 ) (458 ) Net other comprehensive loss (67 ) (535 ) (602 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings - - - Balance at December 31, 2019 (3,070 ) (207 ) (3,277 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,203 ) (2,792 ) (3,995 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income (74 ) 1,006 932 Net other comprehensive loss (1,277 ) (1,786 ) (3,063 ) Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings - - - Balance at December 31, 2020 $ (4,347 ) $ (1,993 ) $ (6,340 )
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Amortization of defined benefit plan pension items: (1) Amortization of (income) loss (2) $ (102 ) $ 67 Income tax effect 28 (19 ) After tax (74 ) 48 Amortization of gain on interest rate swap: (3) Reclassification to interest expense 1,405 (706 ) Income tax effect (399 ) 200 After tax 1,006 (506 ) Total reclassifications net of income tax $ 932 $ (458 )

Note 20 - Joint Venture (Tables

Note 20 - Joint Venture (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Cash $ 270 $ 270 Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $506 and $408 $ 1,635 $ 1,733

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash F_2

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 19,644 $ 26,662 Restricted cash 1,326 1,331 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 20,970 $ 27,993
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Supplemental Non-cash Transactions: Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31 $ 5,487 $ 5,950 Dividend declared, but not paid $ 16 $ - Additions to ARO asset $ 194 $ 85 Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 11,206 $ 1,420

Note 23 - Business Segments (Ta

Note 23 - Business Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Notes Tables
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	2020 2019 Business and Wholesale Revenue Business broadband $ 64,238 $ 61,785 Business voice and other 28,936 28,660 Managed IT services 5,052 6,494 Equipment sales and installations 9,508 4,698 Wholesale broadband 49,878 43,310 Wholesale voice and other 5,256 5,617 Total Business and Wholesale Revenue 162,868 150,564 Consumer Revenue Broadband 27,180 26,589 Voice and other 9,379 10,431 Total Consumer Revenue 36,559 37,020 Total Business, Wholesale, and Consumer Revenue 199,427 187,584 Regulatory Revenue Access 21,448 24,416 High cost support 19,694 19,694 Total Regulatory Revenue 41,142 44,110 Total Operating Revenue $ 240,569 $ 231,694

Note 1 - Description of Compa_2

Note 1 - Description of Company and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 08, 2018
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	$ 1,326	$ 1,331
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)	5,000		145
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total (in shares)	0	0	0
Advertising Expense	$ 3,616	$ 2,829
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance (in shares)	0	0
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] | Unionized Employees Concentration Risk [Member] | IBEW [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	54.00%
Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	8.00%
Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Rural Health Care Universal Service Support [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%
Minimum [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent	1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent	15.00%
Other Assets [Member] | Spectrum Licensing Agreement [Member]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill), Total	$ 683
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	1,300
Other Restricted Cash [Member]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total	$ 26
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 2 - Merger Agreement (Deta

Note 2 - Merger Agreement (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Merger Agreement, Right to Receive Cash for Shares, Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.40
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	$ 9,550	$ 0
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	2,750
Merger Agreement, Termination Fee	$ 6,800

Note 3 - Revenue 1 (Details Tex

Note 3 - Revenue 1 (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 70,545
Contract with Customer, Provision for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable	$ 216	$ 257

Note 3 - Revenue 2 (Details Tex

Note 3 - Revenue 2 (Details Textual)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 70,545,000
Equipment Delivery, Installation and Configuration [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 1,021,000
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period (Month)	12 months
Business Broad Band, Voice and Managed IT Services [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01 | Minimum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 69,524
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period (Month)	1 year
Business Broad Band, Voice and Managed IT Services [Member] | Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01 | Maximum [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period (Month)	10 years

Note 3 - Revenue - Disaggregati

Note 3 - Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		$ 208,252	$ 199,122
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		32,317	32,572
Total Revenue		240,569	231,694
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Business Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		62,864	61,549
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		62,864	61,549
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Business Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		27,368	27,394
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		27,368	27,394
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Managed IT Services [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		5,052	6,494
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		5,052	6,494
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Equipment Sales and Installations [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		9,508	4,698
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		9,508	4,698
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Wholesale Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		43,071	36,408
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		43,071	36,408
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Wholesale Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		5,256	5,617
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		5,256	5,617
Business and Wholesale Revenue, Operating Leases and Other Deferred Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		0	0
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		9,749	8,404
Total Revenue		9,749	8,404
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		153,119	142,160
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		9,749	8,404
Total Revenue		162,868	150,564
Consumer Revenue, Broadband [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		27,180	26,589
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		27,180	26,589
Consumer Revenue, Voice and Other [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		9,379	10,431
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		9,379	10,431
Consumer Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		36,559	37,020
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		0	0
Total Revenue		36,559	37,020
Regulatory Revenue, Access, Including Customer Ordered Service and Special Access [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606	[1]	18,574	19,942
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance	[1]	0	0
Total Revenue	[1]	18,574	19,942
Regulatory Revenue, Access, Including Carrier of Last Resort and Carrier Common Line [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606	[2]	0	0
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance	[2]	2,874	4,474
Total Revenue	[2]	2,874	4,474
Regulatory, High-cost Support [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		0	0
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		19,694	19,694
Total Revenue		19,694	19,694
Regulatory Revenue [Member]
Revenue Accounted for Under ASC 606		18,574	19,942
Revenue Accounted for Under Other Guidance		22,568	24,168
Total Revenue		$ 41,142	$ 44,110
[1]	Includes customer ordered service and special access.
[2]	Includes carrier of last resort and carrier common line.

Note 3 - Revenue - Revenue Acco

Note 3 - Revenue - Revenue Accounted for In Accordance With ASC 606, By Timing of Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total revenue		$ 208,252	$ 199,122
Transferred over Time [Member]
Total revenue		180,170	174,482
Transferred at Point in Time [Member]
Total revenue		9,508	4,698
Regulatory Revenue, Access [Member]
Total revenue	[1]	$ 18,574	$ 19,942
[1]	Includes customer ordered service and special access.

Note 3 - Revenue - Reconciliati

Note 3 - Revenue - Reconciliation of Contract Assets and Liabilities Associated With Contracts With Customers In Accordance With ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance at beginning of period	$ 7,242	$ 8,052
Contract additions, contract assets	2,923	3,070
Amortization, contract assets	(3,597)	(3,797)
Impairments	0	(83)
Balance at end of period	6,568	7,242
Balance at beginning of period	3,903	2,766
Contract additions, contract liabilities	1,749	2,575
Revenue recognized, contract liabilities	(1,681)	(1,438)
Balance at end of period	$ 3,971	$ 3,903

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (D

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total	$ 41,893	$ 34,354
Rural Health Care Customers [Member]
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total	$ 7,829	$ 6,827

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable -

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 45,953	$ 38,981
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,060)	(4,627)	$ (3,936)
Accounts receivable, net	41,893	34,354
Retail Customers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	29,815	22,101
Wholesale Carriers [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	8,402	13,157
Other [Member]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 7,736	$ 3,723

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable _2

Note 4 - Accounts Receivable - Summary of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance	$ 4,627	$ 3,936
(Credit) provision for uncollectible accounts	(216)	257
Charged to other accounts	0	1,253
Deductions	(351)	(819)
Balance	$ 4,060	$ 4,627

Note 5 - Other Current Assets -

Note 5 - Other Current Assets - Prepayments and Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Prepaid expense		$ 2,619	$ 3,528
Income tax receivable	[1]	353	2,510
Other		3,432	3,579
Total prepayments and other current assets		$ 6,404	$ 9,617
[1]	See Note 16 “Income Taxes."

Note 6 - Property, Plant and _3

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities	$ 1,364	$ 1,379
Construction in Progress [Member]
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities	$ 1,364	$ 1,379
Capitalization Rates	6.01%	6.47%

Note 6 - Property, Plant and _4

Note 6 - Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 1,452,943	$ 1,424,904
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,062,027)	(1,042,546)
Property, plant and equipment, net		390,916	382,358
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	[1]	$ 214,326	204,834
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)	[1]	5 years
Land, Buildings and Support Assets [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)	[1]	42 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 402,182	396,565
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)		5 years
Central Office Switching and Transmission [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)		12 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 784,866	765,640
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)		10 years
Outside Plant Cable and Wire Facilities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)		50 years
Other [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 32,391	25,423
Property, plant and equipment, useful live (Year)		5 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, plant and equipment, gross		$ 19,178	$ 32,442
[1]	Depreciation charges are not recorded for land.

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Obl_3

Note 7 - Asset Retirement Obligations - Schedule of Changes in Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Beginning balance	$ 5,173	$ 5,024
Asset retirement obligation	194	85
Accretion expense	257	243
Settlement of obligations	(66)	(179)
Ending balance	$ 5,558	$ 5,173

Note 8 - Current Liabilities -

Note 8 - Current Liabilities - Summary of Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts payable - trade	$ 18,375	$ 14,918
Accrued payroll, benefits, and related liabilities	14,587	12,193
Deferred capacity and other revenue	8,781	7,311
Advance billings	3,340	3,730
Other	4,617	4,717
Total accounts payable, accrued and other current liabilities	$ 49,700	$ 42,869

Note 9 - Long-term Obligation_2

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jan. 15, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2022	Jun. 28, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total					$ 8,908,000		$ 174,040,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total					0		(2,830,000)
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities, Total					168,708,000		176,382,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs					522,000		1,338,000
Accretion Expense					711,000		1,455,000
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [Member]
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs							817,000
Accretion Expense							761,000
Capital Lease Obligations and Other Long-term Obligations [Member]
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities, Total					2,676,000		2,729,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Final Notional Amount	$ 90,000,000								$ 67,500,000	$ 90,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	6.49425%								6.1735%	6.49425%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	5.00%								4.50%	5.00%
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total					1,523,000		$ 2,234,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross	$ 2,683,000
Debt Agreement, Alternate Base Rate, Percentage Lower Than LIBOR Margin	1.00%
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Total						$ 1,125,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal		$ 2,104,000
Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing					$ 90,000,000
Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility (Year)					2 years
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Total			$ 4,500,000	$ 3,375,000				$ 2,250,000
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	4.50%
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Initial Term A Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 180,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	20,000,000
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Delayed-Draw Term A Facility [Member]
Debt Agreement, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	25,000,000
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Incremental Term A Loans [Member]
Debt Agreement, Minimum Incremental Borrowing Capacity	60,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Discounts	178,335,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total	1,665,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities, Total	590,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	2,270,000
Repayments of Senior Debt, Total	171,750,000
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total	2,830,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-1 Facility [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total	112,500,000
The 2017 Senior Credit Facility [Member] | Term A-2 Facility [Member]
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total	$ 59,250,000
6.25% Convertible Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total					$ 2,356,000

Note 9 - Long-term Obligation_3

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Long-term Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finance leases and other long-term obligations	$ 2,676	$ 2,729
Total debt	168,708	176,382
Less current portion	(9,067)	(8,906)
Long-term obligations, net of current portion	159,641	167,476
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term obligations	168,896	177,750
Debt discount	(1,523)	(2,234)
Debt issuance costs	$ (1,341)	$ (1,863)

Note 9 - Long-term Obligation_4

Note 9 - Long-term Obligations - Summary of Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Obligations (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
2021	$ 9,067
2022	11,333
2023	15,851
2024	133,018
Thereafter	2,303
Total maturities	$ 171,572

Note 10 - Leases (Details Textu

Note 10 - Leases (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Present Value	$ 10,521
Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract (Year)	20 years
Minimum [Member]
Connect America Fund Phase II services, Term (Year)	7 years
Maximum [Member]
Connect America Fund Phase II services, Term (Year)	25 years

Note 10 - Leases - Lease Cost a

Note 10 - Leases - Lease Cost and Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amortization of right of use assets	$ 188	$ 188
Interest on lease liabilities	266	270
Operating lease costs	8,700	7,865
Total lease cost	9,154	8,323
Operating lease right of use assets	89,821	80,991
Operating lease liabilities - current	3,392	2,795
Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent	81,103	78,767
Total liabilities	84,495	81,562
Finance leases, liability, current	67
Finance leases, liability, noncurrent	2,609
Total finance lease liabilities	2,676	2,729
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Finance leases, assets	5,800	5,800
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization [Member]
Finance leases, assets, depreciation and amortization	(3,887)	(3,699)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Member]
Finance leases, assets	1,913	2,101
Current Portion of Long-term Obligations [Member]
Finance leases, liability, current	67	53
Long-term Obligations, Net of Current Portion [Member]
Finance leases, liability, noncurrent	$ 2,609	$ 2,676

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities o

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
2021, operating leases	$ 8,052
2021, financing leases	327
2022, operating leases	7,960
2022, financing leases	336
2023, operating leases	7,647
2023, financing leases	345
2024, operating leases	7,458
2024, financing leases	355
2025, operating leases	7,389
2025, financing leases	364
Thereafter, operating leases	158,742
Thereafter, financing leases	3,108
Total lease payments, operating leases	197,248
Total lease payments, financing leases	4,835
Less imputed interest, operating leases	(113,804)
Less imputed interest, financing leases	(2,159)
Total present value of lease obligations, financing leases	2,676	$ 2,729
Present value of current obligations, financing leases	(67)
Present value of long-term obligations, financing leases	2,609
Operating Lease, Liability, Current and Noncurrent, Gross [Member]
Total present value of lease obligations, operating leases	83,444
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Gross [Member]
Present value of current obligations, operating leases	(2,341)
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Gross [Member]
Present value of long-term obligations, operating leases	$ 81,103

Note 10 - Leases - Other Inform

Note 10 - Leases - Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating cash flows from finance leases	$ 266	$ 270
Operating cash flows from operating leases	14,561	7,293
Financing cash flows from finance leases	52	39
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$ 11,206	$ 1,420
Finance leases, Weighted-average remaining lease term (Year)	13 years	14 years
Operating leases, Weighted-average remaining lease term (Year)	28 years	29 years
Finance leases, Weighted-average discount rate	9.80%	9.80%
Operating leases, Weighted-average discount rate	6.90%	6.90%

Note 10 - Leases - Lease Income

Note 10 - Leases - Lease Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total lease income	$ 5,956	$ 3,646

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities_2

Note 10 - Leases - Maturities of Future Undiscounted Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Year 1	$ 1,526
Year 2	778
Year 3	752
Year 4	747
Year 5	704
Thereafter	4,336
Total future undiscounted lease payments	$ 8,843

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia_3

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amortization of Deferred Revenue	$ 10,693	$ 8,440

Note 11 - Other Long-term Lia_4

Note 11 - Other Long-term Liabilities - Summary of Other Long-term Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other	$ 13,223	$ 10,219
Total other long-term liabilities	94,764	78,520
GCI [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	26,965	29,036
IRU [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	49,739	34,440
Service, Other [Member]
Deferred revenue, noncurrent	$ 4,837	$ 4,825

Note 12 - Employee Terminatio_2

Note 12 - Employee Termination Benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Unemployment Benefits, Severance Benefits	$ 210
Payments for Postemployment Benefits	195
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Payments for Postemployment Benefits	24	$ 1,390
Defined Benefit Plan, Cost of Providing Special and Contractual Termination Benefits		$ 1,715
Postemployment Benefits Liability, Current	$ 301

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Det

Note 13 - Retirement Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year, Total		$ 352
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year	$ 24
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	11,043
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Total	(102)	67
Postretirement Health Coverage [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	407	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Total	25	26
401K [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	317	288
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	858	81
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	11,491	11,448	$ 10,871
Defined Benefit ACS Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	858	81
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year	464
Defined Benefit ACS Retirement Plan [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position, Total	$ 4,534	$ 3,710

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Ad

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Additional Information About AEPF Multi-employer Pension Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Employer contributions	$ 6,748	$ 6,588

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest cost	$ 476	$ 604
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,043
401K [Member]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	15,158	14,499
Interest cost	476	604
Actuarial loss	1,442	1,221
Benefits paid	(1,051)	(1,166)
Benefit obligation at end of year	16,025	15,158
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,448	10,871
Actual return on plan assets	236	1,662
Employer contribution	858	81
Benefits paid	(1,051)	(1,166)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	11,491	11,448
Funded status	$ (4,534)	$ (3,710)

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Interest cost	$ 476	$ 604
Expected return on plan assets	(736)	(678)
Amortization of loss	158	141
Net periodic pension (income) expense	$ (102)	$ 67

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Lo

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Loss Recognized As Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Loss recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss:	$ 6,073	$ 4,289

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - As

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Assumptions Used to Account for Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Discount rate for benefit obligation	2.30%	3.20%
Discount rate for pension expense	3.20%	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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Equity Securities [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations	[1]	64.00%	66.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations	[1]	34.00%	33.00%
Other/Cash [Member]
Asset category, plan asset allocations		1.00%	1.00%
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, 2020USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	$ 11,043
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	9,310
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	1,733
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0
Money Market Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	259
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	259
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0
International Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	1,790	[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	1,790	[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
International Growth [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	679	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	679	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S Small Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	824	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	824	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S. Medium Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	3,743	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	3,743	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
U.S. Large Cap [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	2,274	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	2,274	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	1,474	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	0	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	1,474	[1]
Fixed Income Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount, Ending Balance	$ 0	[1]
[1]	May include mutual funds comprised of both stocks and bonds.

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - _2

Note 13 - Retirement Plans - Summary of Benefits Expected To Be Paid for Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
2021	$ 1,083
2022	1,091
2023	1,075
2024	1,064
2025	1,047
2026-2030	$ 4,840

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_3

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 24, 2020	Jun. 16, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)				22,810
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)				2,404
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased (in shares)				260
Minimum [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent				1.00%
Maximum [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Payroll Deduction Per Employee, Percent				15.00%
Amended 2012 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in shares)				2,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized (in shares)	600,000	600,000
2012 ESPP [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in shares)				647,000
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in shares)				1,500
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 (Year)				3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued in 2018, Vesting Period One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)				3 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued in 2018, Vesting Period Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)				1 year
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Awards Issued in 2019, Vesting Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)				3 years
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Accelerated Cost					$ 112
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Issued in 2020 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)			3 years
Performance Share Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)				3 years
Performance Share Units [Member] | Share-based Compensation Awards Issued in 2019, Vesting Period [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period (Year)				3 years
Share Based Payment Arrangement, Modification Expense				$ 102

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_4

Note 14 - 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, 2020$ / sharesshares
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	792
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.74
Number of units granted (in shares) | shares	501
Weighted average grant date fair value - Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.59
Number of shares - Vested (in shares) | shares	(411)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.79
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares) | shares	(6)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.14
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	876
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.20

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_5

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans - Grant Date Fair Value Assumptions (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Number of units granted (in shares)	478
Estimated fair value per award (in dollars per share)	$ 1.50	$ 1.07
Monte Carlo Simulation Model [Member]
Valuation (grant) date	Jun. 17, 2020
Number of units granted (in shares)	135
Fair market value of the Company's Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 2.61
Risk-free interest rate	0.23%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%
Expected volatility	40.71%
Simulation period (in years) (Year)	3 years
Monte Carlo Simulation Model [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche One [Member]
Estimated fair value per award (in dollars per share)	$ 1.35
Monte Carlo Simulation Model [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Two [Member]
Estimated fair value per award (in dollars per share)	1.39
Monte Carlo Simulation Model [Member] | Share-based Payment Arrangement, Tranche Three [Member]
Estimated fair value per award (in dollars per share)	$ 1.41

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_6

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity for Performance Share Units (Details) - Performance Share Units [Member] shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020$ / sharesshares
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,629
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.07
Number of units granted (in shares) | shares	478
Weighted average grant date fair value - Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 2.21
Number of shares - Vested (in shares) | shares	(297)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.76
Number of shares - Canceled or expired (in shares) | shares	(636)
Weighted average grant date fair value - Canceled or expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.81
Number of shares - Nonvested (in shares) | shares	1,174
Weighted average grant date fair value - Nonvested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.50

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Pla_7

Note 14 - Stock Incentive Plans - Share-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total compensation cost for share-based payments	$ 1,693	$ 1,580
Weighted average grant-date fair value of equity instruments granted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.41	$ 1.16
Total fair value of shares vested during the period	$ 1,629	$ 1,432
Unamortized share-based payments	$ 1,986	$ 1,124
Weighted average period to be recognized as expense (Year)	1 year 8 months 15 days	1 year 8 months 8 days

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_3

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jun. 28, 2019	Jan. 15, 2019	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative, Final Notional Amount			$ 67,500,000	$ 90,000,000	$ 90,000
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate			6.1735%	6.49425%	6.49425%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Derivative, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			4.50%	5.00%	5.00%
Senior Credit Facilities and Other Long-Term Obligations [Member]
Debt and Lease Obligation, Total	$ 170,049,000	$ 178,245,000
The 2019 Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument Covenants, Minimum Borrowing	$ 90,000,000
Weighted Average Life of Senior Credit Facility (Year)	2 years

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_4

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements - Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Details) - Interest Rate Swap [Member] - Fair Value, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other assets	$ 2,784	$ 288
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Other assets	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Other assets	2,784	288
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Other assets	$ 0	$ 0

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_5

Note 15 - 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	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Assets [Member]
Notional Amount	$ 128,250
Fair Value	$ 2,784
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Notional Amount		$ 133,313
Fair Value		$ 288

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_6

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Gains and Losses Before Income Taxes on Interest Rate Swap Cash Flow Hedges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Loss recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (3,901)	$ (40)
(Loss) gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income	$ (1,405)	$ 706

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_7

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Reconciliation of Carrying Value of Company's Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Balance, liability	$ (288)
Reclassified from other long-term liabilities and other assets to accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,901)	$ (40)
Change in fair value charged (credited) to interest expense	1,405	(706)
Balance, liability	(2,784)	(288)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Balance, liability	$ (288)	458
Balance, liability		$ (288)

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurem_8

Note 15 - Fair Value Measurements - Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Company's Statement of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
(Loss) gain on interest rate swap	$ (1,405)	$ 706
Interest Expense [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Hedged interest payments	(6,868)	(7,698)
(Loss) gain on interest rate swap	$ (1,405)	$ 706

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax, CARES Act, Accelerated Receipt of Refundable Federal Alternative Minimum Tax	$ 4,311
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Total	77	$ 77	$ 142
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount		(65)	$ (20)
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total	44,432	44,432
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total	$ 22,279	$ 22,279

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Consol

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Consolidated Income (Loss) Before Income Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income before income tax	$ 1,509	$ 7,600

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Schedu

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Schedule of Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Federal income tax	$ 0	$ 0
State income tax	6	(60)
Total current benefit	6	(60)
Federal, excluding operating loss carry forwards	38	(175)
State, excluding operating loss carry forwards	18	(86)
Change in valuation allowance	(65)	(20)
Federal	1,952	2,329
State	716	777
Total deferred expense	2,659	2,825
Total income tax expense	$ 2,665	$ 2,765

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Summar

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Summary of Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at the Federal Statutory Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Computed federal income taxes at the statutory rate	$ 334	$ 1,616
State income taxes (net of Federal benefit)	118	731
Non-deductible transaction and termination costs	2,157	0
Other	171	415
Stock-based compensation	(50)	23
Change in valuation allowance	(65)	(20)
Total income tax expense	$ 2,665	$ 2,765

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Summ_2

Note 16 - 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income tax expense	$ 2,665	$ 2,765
Other comprehensive income loss, tax effect	$ (1,218)	$ (238)

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Signif

Note 16 - Income Taxes - Significant Components of Company's Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net operating loss carry forwards	$ 10,967	$ 13,635
Operating lease liabilities	25,929	23,374
Deferred GCI capacity revenue	8,249	8,839
Reserves and accruals	8,979	8,700
Intangibles and goodwill	766	855
Fair value on interest rate swaps	791	82
Pension liability	1,288	1,054
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,153	1,314
Other	897	222
Total deferred tax assets	59,019	58,075
Valuation allowance	(77)	(142)
Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	58,942	57,933
Property, plant and equipment	(37,235)	(37,152)
Operating lease right of use assets	(25,518)	(23,011)
Revenue contract assets	(2,035)	(2,173)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(64,788)	(62,336)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (5,846)	$ (4,403)

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share (D

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020shares
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares)	2,227

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share -

Note 17 - Earnings Per Share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Net (loss) income attributable to Alaska Communications assuming dilution	$ (1,073)	$ 4,928
Basic shares (in shares)	54,013	53,379
Effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)	0	898
Diluted shares (in shares)	54,013	54,277
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.09

Note 18 - Accumulated Other C_3

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Estimated Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Within Next Twelve Months	$ 1,935

Note 18 - Accumulated Other C_4

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Total Stockholders' Equity - Beginning Balance		$ 173,509	$ 169,750
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income	[1]	932	(458)
Balance at end of period		165,919	173,509
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Total Stockholders' Equity - Beginning Balance		(3,070)	(3,003)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(1,203)	(115)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income		(74)	48
Net other comprehensive loss		(1,277)	(67)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings		0	0
Balance at end of period		(4,347)	(3,070)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Total Stockholders' Equity - Beginning Balance		(207)	328
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(2,792)	(29)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income		1,006	(506)
Net other comprehensive loss		(1,786)	(535)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings		0	0
Balance at end of period		(1,993)	(207)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Total Stockholders' Equity - Beginning Balance		(3,277)	(2,675)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(3,995)	(144)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to net income		932	(458)
Net other comprehensive loss		(3,063)	(602)
Reclassifications from accumulated comprehensive loss to retained earnings		0	0
Balance at end of period		$ (6,340)	$ (3,277)
[1]	See Note 15 “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Note 18 - Accumulated Other C_5

Note 18 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Reclassifications from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Net Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Amortization of (income) loss	[1],[2]	$ (102)	$ 67
Income tax effect	[2]	28	(19)
After tax	[2]	(74)	48
Reclassification to interest expense	[3]	1,405	(706)
Income tax effect	[3]	(399)	200
After tax	[3]	1,006	(506)
Total reclassifications net of income tax	[3]	$ 932	$ (458)
[1]	Included in “Other income (expense), net” 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 15 “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information regarding the Company’s interest rate swaps.

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity

Note 19 - Stockholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, shares in Millions	Mar. 09, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2017
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.09
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash		$ 4,852
Payments of Dividends, Total		4,836
Dividends Payable		$ 16	$ 0
The 2017 Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				$ 10,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired (in shares)			1
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in dollars per share)			$ 1.81
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 1,812

Note 20 - Joint Venture (Detail

Note 20 - Joint Venture (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 02, 2015	Dec. 31, 2020
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 20 - Joint Venture - Certa

Note 20 - Joint Venture - Certain Financial Information About the Joint Venture Included On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 390,916	$ 382,358
ACS Cable Systems LLC and Quintillion Holdings, LLC Joint Venture [Member]
Cash	270	270
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 1,635	$ 1,733

Note 20 - Joint Venture - Cer_2

Note 20 - Joint Venture - Certain Financial Information About the Joint Venture Included On the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 1,062,027	$ 1,042,546

Note 21 - Commitments and Con_2

Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total	$ 41,893		$ 34,354
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 2,000
Draft Audit [Member] | Accounts Receivable Subject to FCC Audit [Member]
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total		$ 3,047

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash F_3

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Reported Within the Statement of Financial Position (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 19,644	$ 26,662
Restricted cash	1,326	1,331
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	$ 20,970	$ 27,993	$ 14,685

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash F_4

Note 22 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Summary of Supplemental Non-cash Transaction and Nonmonetary Exchange Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid at December 31	$ 5,487	$ 5,950
Dividend declared, but not paid	16	0
Asset retirement obligation	194	85
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	$ 11,206	$ 1,420

Note 23 - Business Segments - S

Note 23 - Business Segments - Service and Product Revenues From External Customers (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues	$ 240,569	$ 231,694
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member]
Revenues	162,868	150,564
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Broadband [Member]
Revenues	64,238	61,785
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Business Voice and Other [Member]
Revenues	28,936	28,660
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Managed IT Services [Member]
Revenues	5,052	6,494
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Equipment Sales and Installations [Member]
Revenues	9,508	4,698
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Broadband [Member]
Revenues	49,878	43,310
Business and Wholesale Revenue [Member] | Wholesale Voice and Other [Member]
Revenues	5,256	5,617
Consumer Revenue [Member]
Revenues	36,559	37,020
Consumer Revenue [Member] | Broadband [Member]
Revenues	27,180	26,589
Consumer Revenue [Member] | Voice and Other [Member]
Revenues	9,379	10,431
Business, Wholesale and Consumer Revenue [Member]
Revenues	199,427	187,584
Regulatory Revenue [Member]
Revenues	41,142	44,110
Regulatory Revenue [Member] | Access [Member]
Revenues	21,448	24,416
Regulatory Revenue [Member] | High Cost Support [Member]
Revenues	$ 19,694	$ 19,694

Note 24 - Subsequent Events (De

Note 24 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2021USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Member]
Municipality of Anchorage Grant Agreement, Maximum Funding	$ 725