Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (6,705)	$ (25,344)	$ 127,441	$ 36,946
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,819)	1,114	(7,379)	(8,201)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(8,524)	(24,230)	120,062	28,745
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest		(465)		(711)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIMUS TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUP, INCORPORATED	$ (8,524)	$ (24,695)	$ 120,062	$ 28,034

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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