| Cover | Nov. 04, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Nov. 4, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 000-51829 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cogent Communications Holdings, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001158324 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-5706863 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2450 N St NW, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Washington |
| Entity Address, State or Province | DC |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20037 |
| City Area Code | 202 |
| Local Phone Number | 295-4200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CCOI |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
