Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member]
AOCI, Accumulated Gain (Loss), Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Before Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Before Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2018
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
OCI, before Reclassifications, before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2018
AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to interest expense
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Balance as of December 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Inventory reserves
Inventory Valuation Reserves
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Name [Axis]
Retirement Plan Name [Axis]
Retirement Plan Name [Domain]
Retirement Plan Name [Domain]
nTelos Pension Plan
Ntelos Pension Plan [Member]
Ntelos Pension Plan [Member]
OPEB Plan
OPEB Plan [Member]
OPEB Plan [Member]
SERP Plan
SERP Plan [Member]
SERP Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of projected benefit obligations
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Total leverage ratio, actual
Leverage Ratio, Actual
Represents actual leverage ratio.
Debt service coverage ratio, actual
Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Actual
Represents actual debt service coverage ratio.
Minimum liquidity balance, actual
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual
Total Leverage Ratio
Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA
Ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Ratio of EBITDA divided by sum of all scheduled principal payments on Term Loans and regularly scheduled principal payments on other indebtedness plus cash interest.
Minimum liquidity balance
Debt Instrument Covenants Minimum Liquidity Amount
Represents the minimum liquidity balance, defined as availability under the revolver facility plus unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on deposit in a deposit account for which a control agreement has been delivered to the administrative agent.
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results (unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Interest Expense
Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member]
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member]
Interest rate swaps
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest rate
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Percentage hedged
Derivative, Outstanding Debt, Percentage Hedged
Derivative, Outstanding Debt, Percentage Hedged
Notional amount of interest rate swaps
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount
Reclassification of interest expense
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), Reclassification, before Tax
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount
Recoveries added to allowance
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Addition, Recovery
Bad debt expense
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense
Write-offs
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction
Balance at End of Year
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Designated as Hedging Instrument
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Prepaid expenses and other
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Deferred charges and other assets, net
Deferred Charges and Other Assets, Net [Member]
Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included.
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Asset
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Customer concentration risk
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain]
Revenue
Revenue from Contract with Customer Benchmark [Member]
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Domain]
Customer [Domain]
Sprint
Sprint [Member]
Sprint [Member]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Broadband
Broadband Segment [Member]
Broadband Segment
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Management fee, percent fee
Management Fee, Percent Fee
Postpaid wireless service fee as a deduction from gross revenues.
Net service fee, percent fee
Net Service Fee, Percent Fee
Post paid service fee percentage retained by Sprint.
Management fee retained, percent fee
Management Fee Retained, Percent Fee
Prepaid wireless service fee percentage retained by Sprint.
Reimbursement payment, cost of equipment and commissions, benefit period for recognition
Reimbursement Payment, Cost Of Equipment And Commissions, Benefit Period For Recognition
Reimbursement Payment, Cost Of Equipment And Commissions, Benefit Period For Recognition
Monthly revenue from contract with customer
Monthly Revenue From Contract With Customer
Monthly Revenue From Contract With Customer
Concentration risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Capitalized contract cost, amortization period
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Period
Remaining performance obligations
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Revenue remaining performance obligation, per year
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Per Year
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Per Year
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Wireless
Wireless Segment [Member]
Wireless Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill
Goodwill
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock compensation expense
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense
Capitalized stock compensation
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount Capitalized
Stock compensation expense, net
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, after Tax
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Cable franchise rights
Franchise Rights [Member]
FCC Spectrum Licenses
FCC Spectrum Licenses [Member]
FCC Spectrum Licenses [Member]
Railroad crossing rights
Railroad Crossing Rights [Member]
Railroad Crossing Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Affiliate contract expansion
Affiliate Contract Expansion - Wireless [Member]
Affiliate Contract Expansion - Wireless [Member]
Favorable leases - Wireless
Favorable Leases Wireless [Member]
Refers to favorable leases wireless.
Acquired subscribers - Cable
Acquired Subscribers Cable [Member]
Refers to acquired subscribers cable.
Other intangibles
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Non-amortizing intangibles
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Gross carrying amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated amortization and other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Total
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Total intangible assets, gross carrying amount
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months
2021
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two
2022
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three
2023
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four
2024
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five
2025 and thereafter
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five
Total lease payments
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due
Less: Interest
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
Present value of lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability
Finance Leases
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months
2021
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two
2022
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three
2023
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four
2024
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five
2025 and thereafter
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five
Total lease payments
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due
Less: Interest
Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
Present value of lease liabilities
Finance Lease, Liability
Total
Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
Lease Liabilities, Payments, Due [Abstract]
2020
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments Next Twelve Months
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments Next Twelve Months
2021
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Two
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Two
2022
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Three
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Three
2023
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Four
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Four
2024
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Five
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due Year Five
2025 and thereafter
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due After Year Five
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due After Year Five
Total lease payments
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Due
Less: Interest
Lessee, Lease Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
Lessee, Lease Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount
Present value of lease liabilities
Lease, Liability
Lease, Liability
Income Statement [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Domain]
Product and Service [Domain]
Service revenue and other
Service and Other [Member]
Service and Other [Member]
Equipment revenue
Equipment Product And Service [Member]
Equipment Product And Service [Member]
Services
Service [Member]
Products
Product [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Revenue:
Revenues [Abstract]
Total revenue
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Cost of services and cost of goods sold
Cost of Goods and Service, Excluding Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Acquisition, integration and migration expenses
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Other income (expense):
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Other
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive income:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate hedge, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate hedge, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net income per share, basic and diluted:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Cash dividend declared per share (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares of Common Stock (no par value)
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Balance (in shares)
Balance
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Change in accounting principle - adoption of accounting standard (Note 3)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Net income
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
Dividends declared
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Dividends reinvested in common stock (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Dividends reinvested in common stock
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Share repurchases (in shares)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Share repurchases
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Stock based compensation (in shares)
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Stock based compensation
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Stock options exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Stock options exercised
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Common stock issued (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Common stock issued
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards (in shares)
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation, Shares
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation, Shares
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards
Business Acquisition Equity Interest Issued or Issuable to Noncontrolling, Value Assigned
Value of noncontrolling interests (such as common shares, preferred shares, or partnership interest) issued or issuable to acquire the entity.
Common stock issued to acquire a non-controlling interests of nTelos (in shares)
Business Acquisition Noncontrolling Interest Issued Or Issuable Shares Assigned
Number of shares (such as common shares, preferred shares, or partnership interest) issued or issuable to acquire the entity attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Common stock issued to acquire non-controlling interest in nTelos
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Decrease for Tax Withholding Obligation
Balance (in shares)
Balance
Investments [Abstract]
Investments
Investment Holdings [Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Postpaid
Postpaid [Member]
Postpaid [Member]
Prepaid
Prepaid [Member]
Prepaid [Member]
Tower lease
Tower Lease [Member]
Tower Lease [Member]
Cable, residential and SMB
Cable Residential and SMB [Member]
Cable Residential and SMB [Member]
Fiber, enterprise and wholesale
Fiber Enterprise and Wholesale [Member]
Fiber Enterprise and Wholesale [Member]
Rural local exchange carrier
Carrier Access Revenue [Member]
Carrier Access Revenue [Member]
Travel, installation, and other
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Service revenue and other
Equipment
Cost of services
Cost of goods sold
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Intersegment Eliminations
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Corporate, Non-Segment
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Tower
Tower Segment [Member]
Tower Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
External revenue
Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customer [Abstract]
Total operating expenses
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Other Investments
Schedule Of Other Investments Which Do Not Have Readily Determinable Fair Values [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of other investments which do not have readily determinable fair values.
Long-Term Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Leases
Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block]
Leases
Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block]
Leases
Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Domestic Tax Authority
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
State and Local Jurisdiction
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Cash paid for income taxes
Income Taxes Paid
Proceeds from income tax refunds
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, state and local
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local
Operating loss carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Domain]
Award Type [Domain]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Domain]
Title of Individual [Domain]
Employee
Employee [Member]
Employee [Member]
Director
Director [Member]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
The 2005 Plan
The Plan 2005 [Member]
The Plan 2005 [Member]
The 2014 Plan
The Plan 2014 [Member]
A stock incentive plan approved by the Board of Directors.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock incentive plans
Number of Stock Incentive Plans
Number of shareholder approved company stock incentive plans.
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Additional number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized
Expiration period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Award vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount
Compensation, nonvested awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Awards excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Operating lease, weighted average remaining lease term
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating lease, weighted average discount rate, percent
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent
Finance lease, weighted average remaining lease term
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Finance lease, weighted average discount rate, percent
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent
Operating lease, cost
Operating Lease, Cost
Finance lease, cost
Finance Lease, Cost
Finance Lease, Cost
Operating lease, payments
Operating Lease, Payments
Right-of-use asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liability
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability
Operating leases, future minimum payments, next rolling twelve months
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Next Rolling Twelve Months
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in two years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in three years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Sublease income
Sublease Income
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Commitments [Table]
Other Commitments [Table]
Other Commitments [Axis]
Other Commitments [Axis]
Other Commitments [Domain]
Other Commitments [Domain]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other commitment, annual payments
Other Commitment, Annual Payments
Other Commitment, Annual Payments
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Financial Covenants in Credit Agreements
Financial Covenants In Credit Agreements [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of financial covenants in credit agreements.
Maturities of Long-term Debt
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Number of cell towers built
Number Of Cell Towers Built
Number Of Cell Towers Built
Contract Asset Balance [Roll Forward]
Contract Asset Balance [Roll Forward]
Contract Asset Balance [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance
Contract with Customer, Asset, after Allowance for Credit Loss
Contract payments
Contract with Customer, Assets, Payments
Contract with Customer, Assets, Payments
Contract amortization
Contract with Customer, Reduction in Revenue, Amortization
Contract with Customer, Reduction in Revenue, Amortization
Ending Balance
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Land
Land [Member]
Buildings and structures
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Cable and fiber
Other Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Equipment and software
Equipment and Software [Member]
Purchased software applications and internally developed software for sale, licensing or long-term internal use and related equipment.
Plant in service
Other Plant in Service [Member]
Plant under construction
Asset under Construction [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Total property, plant and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Less: accumulated amortization and depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Estimated useful lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Decrease in depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant and Equipment, Period Increase (Decrease)
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Term loan A-1
Term loan A-1 [Member]
Loan from a bank/financial institution for a specific amount that has a specified repayment schedule and a fixed/floating interest rate.
Term loan A-2
Term loan A-2 [Member]
Loan from a bank/financial institution for a specific amount that has a specified repayment schedule and a fixed/floating interest rate.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total
Long-term Debt
Less: unamortized loan fees
Unamortized Loan Fees, Net
Represents the net unamortized loan fees.
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Amount after unamortized loan fees of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
Equity Method Investee
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investment Type [Axis]
Investments [Domain]
Investments [Domain]
CoBank
CoBank [Member]
Equity securities investments.
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Virginia Independent Telephone Alliance
Virginia Independent Telephone Alliance [Member]
Virginia Independent Telephone Alliance [Member]
Valley Network Partnership
Valley Network Partnership [Member]
Valley Network Partnership [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
SERP Investments at fair value
Equity Securities, FV-NI
Other nonoperating income (expense)
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss)
Percentage of patronage credit paid in cash
Percentage of Patronage Credit Paid in Cash
Represents the percentage of patronage credits paid in cash by the entity.
Percentage of patronage credit paid in share
Percentage of Patronage Credit Paid in Share
Represents the percentage of patronage credits paid in share by the entity.
Ownership interest, percentage
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Revenue from related parties
Revenue from Related Parties
Related party costs
Related Party Costs
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
Expected Maturity of Lease Liabilities, Operating
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Expected Maturity of Lease Liabilities, Financing
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Minimum Rental Receipts Under Lease Agreement Lessor, Operating Leases
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]
Interest rate swaps
Wireless contract asset
Wireless Contract Asset Non current
Wireless Contract Asset Non current
Broadband contract acquisition and fulfillment costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Noncurrent
Prepaid expenses and other
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Deferred charges and other assets
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent
Selected Financial Data for Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization Reflected as Operating Expense
The aggregate amount of recurring noncash operating expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of assets over their estimated remaining economic lives.
Accretion of asset retirement obligations
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Bad debt expense
Accounts Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)
Stock based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits
Gain from patronage and investments
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Amortization of long-term debt issuance costs
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventory, net
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Current income taxes
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Increase Decrease In Operating Lease Right Of Use Asset
Increase Decrease In Operating Lease Right Of Use Asset
Waived management fee
Management Fee, Amount Waived
Management Fee, Amount Waived
Other assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Lease liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable
Deferred lease
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities
Other deferrals and accruals
Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Capital expenditures
Cash disbursed for acquisitions
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Cash disbursed for FCC spectrum licenses
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets
Proceeds from sale of assets and other
Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Principal payments on long-term debt
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt
Dividends paid, net of dividends reinvested
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Repurchase of common stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds from revolving credit facility borrowings
Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Principal payments on revolving credit facility
Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit
Taxes paid for equity award issuances
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement
Payments for debt issuance costs
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other
Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Excluding Option Exercised
Net cash used in financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Current (benefit) expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal taxes
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
State taxes
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current provision
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred expense (benefit)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Federal taxes
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
State taxes
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total deferred provision
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Components of Federal and State Income Taxes
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Income Taxes
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Prepaid rent
Prepaid Rent
Prepaid maintenance expenses
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Asset, Current
Wireless contract asset
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Current
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Current
Broadband contract acquisition and fulfillment costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Current
Other
Other Assets, Current
Prepaid expenses and other
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Affiliate Contract Expansion - Wireless
FCC spectrum licenses
Acquired subscribers - Broadband
Acquired Subscribers - Broadband [Member]
Acquired Subscribers - Broadband [Member]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
2020
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
2021
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
2023
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
2024
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Thereafter
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Total
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense
Sales and property taxes payable
Sales And Property Taxes Payable Current
Sales And Property Taxes Payable Current
Asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current
Accrued programming costs
Accrued Programming Costs, Current
Accrued Programming Costs, Current
Financing leases
Finance Lease, Liability, Current
FCC spectrum license obligations
FCC Spectrum Licenses Leases Current
FCC Spectrum Licenses Leases Current
Other current liabilities
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Accrued liabilities and other
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization, Estimated Useful Lives [Table Text Block]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Intangible Assets Resulting from Acquisition
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Other Current Assets
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent
Schedule of Other Assets, Noncurrent [Table Text Block]
Summary of Accrued Liabilities and Other
Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Other Noncurrent Liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $533 and $534, respectively
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Income taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Inventory, net of allowances of $66 and $113, respectively
Inventory, Net
Prepaid expenses and other
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Investments
Long-term Investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset
Deferred charges and other assets
Total assets
Assets
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Advanced billings and customer deposits
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current
Accrued compensation
Accrued Salaries, Current
Current operating lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Current
Accrued liabilities and other
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Other long-term liabilities:
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Deferred lease
Deferred Rent Credit
Asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Benefit plan obligations
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total other long-term liabilities
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000; 49,671 and 49,630 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity
Cover page.
Document Type
Document Type
Document Annual Report
Document Annual Report
Document Transition Report
Document Transition Report
Entity File Number
Entity File Number
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Entity Tax Identification Number
Entity Tax Identification Number
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, City or Town
Entity Address, City or Town
Entity Address, State or Province
Entity Address, State or Province
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
City Area Code
City Area Code
Local Phone Number
Local Phone Number
Title of 12(b) Security
Title of 12(b) Security
Trading Symbol
Trading Symbol
Security Exchange Name
Security Exchange Name
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Small Business
Entity Small Business
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Shell Company
Entity Shell Company
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Derivative and Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)
Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding (in shares)
Business Acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Shares Reserved To Acquire Noncontrolling Interest
Business Acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Shares Reserved To Acquire Noncontrolling Interest
Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract]
Total consolidated operating income
Other
Income before income taxes
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Ntelos Holding, Corp
Ntelos Holding, Corp [Member]
Represents the aggregation and reporting of combined amounts of individually immaterial business combinations that were completed during the period.
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension Plan
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension benefits, vesting period
Defined Benefit Plan, Vesting Period
Defined Benefit Plan, Vesting Period
Vesting reductions, threshold age of recipient
Defined Benefit Plan, Vesting Reductions, Threshold Age Of Recipient
Defined Benefit Plan, Vesting Reductions, Threshold Age Of Recipient
Advertising expense
Advertising Expense
Fair value of pension plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount
Discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate
Stock repurchase amount authorized
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Share repurchases (in shares)
Stock repurchased during period (in dollars per share)
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Customer relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Big sandy acquisition
Big Sandy Acquisition [Member]
Big Sandy Acquisition [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Property, plant and equipment acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Subscriber relationship acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect Monthly
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect Monthly
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect Monthly
Waived management fees, included in affiliate contract expanse accumulated amortization
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement
Cumulative waived management fees
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement, Cumulative To-Date
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement, Cumulative To-Date
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired
Amortization expense
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement Amount Expected To Collect
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Revolving Credit Facility
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Maximum borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Term of credit facility
Debt Instrument, Term
Basis spread on variable rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
Amended 2016 credit agreement, limit of dividends paid, distributions and redemption of capital stock
Debt Instrument, Credit Agreement Terms, Limit Of Dividends Paid, Distributions, And Redemption Of Capital Stock
Debt Instrument, Credit Agreement Terms, Limit Of Dividends Paid, Distributions, And Redemption Of Capital Stock
Amended 2016 credit agreement, limit of consolidated net income (as a percent)
Debt Instrument, Credit Agreement Terms, Percentage Of Consolidated Net Income
Debt Instrument, Credit Agreement Terms, Percentage Of Consolidated Net Income
Total leverage ratio from closing date through December 31, 2018
Leverage Ratio One
Represents total leverage ratio.
Total leverage ratio through December 31, 2019
Leverage Ratio Two
Represents total leverage ratio.
Total leverage ratio thereafter
Leverage Ratio Three
Represents total leverage ratio.
Quarterly principal payment period two
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Two
Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal period two.
Quarterly principal payment period three
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three
Quarterly principal payment period one
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal
2020
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months
2021
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years
2022
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years
2023
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years
2024
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years
2025 and thereafter
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter
Total
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received
Principles of consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventories
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property, plant and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Advertising Costs
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]
Retirement plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]
New Accounting Standards
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Investment
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Assets
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Liabilities
Liabilities [Abstract]
Current operating lease liabilities
Deferred Lease
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Other liabilities
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table]
Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis]
Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis]
Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain]
Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain]
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Operating expenses
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
Advanced billing and customer deposits
Contract with Customer, Liability
Other long-term liabilities
Stock Compensation
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]
Amortized and Capitalized Contract Cost
Capitalized Contract Cost [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]
Schedule of stock compensation expense
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Cost by Plan [Table Text Block]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Expected tax expense at federal statutory
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount
Revaluation of U.S. deferred income taxes
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount
Excess tax benefit from share based compensation and other, net
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Expense (Benefit), Share-based Payment Arrangement, Amount
Cost method investments
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost
Equity method investments
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost
Total investments
Other Long-term Investments
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2021
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2022
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2023
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2024
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
2025
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Total
Noncurrent portion of deferred lease revenue
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent
FCC spectrum license obligations
FCC Spectrum Licenses Leases Non current
FCC Spectrum Licenses Leases Non current
Noncurrent portion of financing leases
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent
Other
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Operating income
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)
Net income per share - diluted (in dollars per share)
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Leases
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income
Asset retirement obligations
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations
Net operating loss carry-forwards
Pension liabilities
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Accruals and stock based compensation
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Other
Total gross deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Less valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Net deferred tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Leases
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income
Intangible assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets
Prepaid assets and other
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Net deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net
Contract payments
Capitalized Contract Cost Payments
Capitalized Contract Cost Payments
Contract amortization
Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization
Ending Balance
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year
Asset Retirement Obligation
Additional liabilities accrued
Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred
Changes to prior estimates
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate
Payments
Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle
Accretion expense
Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense
Balance at end of year
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]