v3.6.0.2
Summary of significant accounting policies - Non controlling interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Aug. 04, 2015
Dec. 31, 2016
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Aug. 03, 2015
Dec. 31, 2009
Non-controlling interests            
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders   $ 286 $ 500 $ 623    
Reduction to additional paid-in capital resulting from purchase of remaining noncontrolling interest     1,150      
Non-controlling owners capital account amount   $ 738 755      
Concourse Communications Detroit, LLC            
Non-controlling interests            
Percentage of additional ownership in subsidiary acquired 30.00%          
Total purchase price $ 1,150          
Reduction to additional paid-in capital resulting from purchase of remaining noncontrolling interest $ 1,150          
Concourse Communications Detroit, LLC            
Non-controlling interests            
Initial term of Detroit Operating Agreement   7 years        
Optional extension period of Detroit Operating Agreement   4 years        
Non-controlling owners capital account amount           $ 0
Chicago Concourse Development Group, LLC            
Non-controlling interests            
Percentage of net profits less capital expenditures of the preceding year allocated to non-controlling interest holders   30.00%        
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders   $ 286 500 623    
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries   70.00%        
Boingo Holding Participacoes Ltda.            
Non-controlling interests            
Distributions to non-controlling interest holders   $ 0 $ 0 $ 0    
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries   75.00%        
Concourse Communications Detroit, LLC            
Non-controlling interests            
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries         70.00%