v3.10.0.1

Summary of significant accounting policies - Basis of presentation and consolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |  | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 01, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016
Adoption of ASC 606 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated deficit |  | $ (129,930) |  |  |  | $ (131,967) |  |  |  | $ (129,930) | $ (131,967) |
Accounts receivable, net | $ 25,079 | 42,766 |  |  |  | 26,148 |  |  |  | 42,766 | 26,148 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 6,539 | 7,815 |  |  |  | 6,369 |  |  |  | 7,815 | 6,369 |
Other assets | 7,903 | 9,936 |  |  |  | 10,082 |  |  |  | 9,936 | 10,082 |
Deferred revenue, current | 75,884 | 80,383 |  |  |  | 61,708 |  |  |  | 80,383 | 61,708 |
Deferred revenue, net of current portion | 128,588 | 137,205 |  |  |  | 149,168 |  |  |  | 137,205 | 149,168 |
Non-controlling interests |  | 2,211 |  |  |  | 1,212 |  |  |  | 2,211 | 1,212 |
Revenue |  | 67,808 | $ 65,253 | $ 59,601 | $ 58,159 | 57,348 | $ 53,655 | $ 49,033 | $ 44,333 | 250,821 | 204,369 | $ 159,344
Income tax benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (5,153) | (2,078) | 427
Non-controlling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,489 | 590 | $ 348
Adjustment for adoption |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adoption of ASC 606 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net | (1,069) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 170 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other assets | (2,179) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred revenue, current | 14,176 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred revenue, net of current portion | (20,580) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
ASC 606 | As per ASC 605 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adoption of ASC 606 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net |  | 43,410 |  |  |  | 26,148 |  |  |  | 43,410 | 26,148 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 7,603 |  |  |  | 6,369 |  |  |  | 7,603 | 6,369 |
Other assets |  | 12,224 |  |  |  | 10,082 |  |  |  | 12,224 | 10,082 |
Deferred revenue, current |  | 82,731 |  |  |  | 61,708 |  |  |  | 82,731 | 61,708 |
Deferred revenue, net of current portion |  | 147,785 |  |  |  | $ 149,168 |  |  |  | 147,785 | $ 149,168 |
Non-controlling interests |  | 408 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 408 |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 244,307 |  |
Income tax benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (4,785) |  |
Non-controlling interests |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (245) |  |
ASC 606 | Adjustment for adoption |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Adoption of ASC 606 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated deficit | 3,257 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable, net |  | (644) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (644) |  |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |  | 212 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 212 |  |
Other assets |  | (2,288) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,288) |  |
Deferred revenue, current |  | (2,348) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,348) |  |
Deferred revenue, net of current portion |  | (10,580) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,580) |  |
Non-controlling interests |  | $ 1,803 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,803 |  |
Revenue |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,514 |  |
Income tax benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (368) |  |
Non-controlling interests | $ 69 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,734 |  |
Chicago Concourse Development Group, LLC |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation and consolidation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries |  | 70.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 70.00% |  |
Boingo Holding Participacoes Ltda. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis of presentation and consolidation |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of ownership in subsidiaries |  | 75.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 75.00% |  |

X
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130549-203045 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationLessThanWhollyOwnedSubsidiaryParentOwnershipInterestEffectsOfChangesNetLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of obligation to transfer good or service to customer for which consideration has been received or is receivable, classified as current. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913815&loc=SL49130532-203044 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913815&loc=SL49130531-203044 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130549-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of obligation to transfer good or service to customer for which consideration has been received or is receivable, classified as noncurrent. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130549-203045 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913815&loc=SL49130532-203044 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913815&loc=SL49130531-203044 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109238882&loc=d3e38679-109324 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(24)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.31) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109239629&loc=SL4573702-111684 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114867106&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4J -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4591551-111686 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of noncurrent assets classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits in future periods, and amount of other assets that are expected to be realized or consumed within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(7)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(a)(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130543-203045 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130539-203045 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109196051&loc=SL49130545-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueInitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis=us-gaap_DifferenceBetweenRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeAndAfterTopic606Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_InitialApplicationPeriodCumulativeEffectTransitionAxis=us-gaap_CalculatedUnderRevenueGuidanceInEffectBeforeTopic606Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_OwnershipAxis=wifi_ChicagoConcourseDevelopmentGroupLLCMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_OwnershipAxis=wifi_BoingoHoldingParticipacoesLtdaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |