Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Awards excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Hierarchy, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Member]
Cost of Goods and Services Sold [Member]
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [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.
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Domain]
Product and Service [Domain]
Enterprise
Enterprise [Member]
Enterprise [Member]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Cable
Cable [Member]
The Cable segment provides video, internet and voice services in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. It includes the operations acquired from Jet Broadband, LLC, since July 30, 2010, and the operations acquired from Sudden link since November 30, 2010.
Wireline
Wireline [Member]
The Wireline segment provides regulated and unregulated voice services, dial-up and DSL internet access, and long distance access services throughout Shenandoah County and portions of northwestern Augusta County, Virginia, and leases fiber optic facilities throughout the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, northern Virginia and adjacent areas along the Interstate 81 corridor, including portions of West Virginia and Maryland.
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Percentage of consolidated revenue
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Management fee, percentage
Management Fee, Percent Fee
Postpaid wireless service fee as a deduction from gross revenues.
Service fee retained by Sprint
Net Service Fee, Percent Fee
Post paid service fee percentage retained by Sprint.
Management fee on prepaid wireless revenues and costs
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
Reimbursement payments, cost of equipment and commissions
Reimbursement Payments, Cost of Equipment and Commissions
Reimbursement Payments, Cost of Equipment and Commissions
Wireless contract asset balance
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net
Payments to increase wireless contract asset balance
Contract with Customer, Assets, Payments
Contract with Customer, Assets, Payments
Amortization to reduce revenue
Contract with Customer, Reduction in Revenue, Amortization
Contract with Customer, Reduction in Revenue, Amortization
Revenue recorded from equipment financing transactions
Revenues, Equipment Financing Transactions
Revenues, Equipment Financing Transactions
Installation revenue, recognition period
Revenue Recognition, Period
Revenue Recognition, Period
Estimated customer life (in months)
Useful Life, Customer
Useful Life, Customer
Commissions and other costs, recognition period (in months)
Revenue, Commissions and Other Costs, Recognition Period
Revenue, Commissions and Other Costs, Recognition Period
Cost to fulfill contract
Capitalized Contract Cost, Gross
Amortization of capitalized costs to fulfill contracts
Capitalized Contract Cost, Accumulated Amortization
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Effects of Immaterial Error Correction
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments [Table Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
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]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Beginning balance
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Change in accounting principle - adoption of accounting standard (Note 2)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Net income (loss)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax of $1,441
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Stock based compensation (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
Stock based compensation
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures
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
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Shares retired for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards
Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Common stock issued to acquire 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
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.
Ending balance (in shares)
Ending balance
Basis of Presentation
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract]
Total consolidated operating income (loss)
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Gain (loss) on investments, net
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)
Non-operating income (loss), net
Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net
The aggregate amount of income or expense from ancillary business-related activities (that is to say, excluding major activities considered part of the normal operations of the business).
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
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 Hedge
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of cash flow hedges
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Interest rate swap
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Asset
Deferred contract asset
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Non-Current
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Non-Current
Other
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Deferred charges and other assets, net
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent
Sales and property taxes payable
Taxes Payable, Current
Severance accrual
Accrued Severance, Current
Accrued Severance, Current
Asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligation, Current
Accrued programming costs
Accrued Programming Costs, Current
Accrued Programming Costs, Current
Other current liabilities
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Accrued liabilities and other
Accrued Liabilities, Current
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) 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
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.
Amortization reflected as rent expense in cost of services
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Bad debt expense
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Stock based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized
Share-based Compensation
Waived management fee
Management Fee, Amount Waived
Management Fee, Amount Waived
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits
(Gain) loss on investments
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net (gain) loss from patronage and equity investments
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Amortization of long-term debt issuance costs
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
Accrued interest and other
Non-cash Adjustment, Accrued Interest
Non-cash Adjustment, Accrued Interest
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventory, net
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Income taxes receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable
Other assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Income taxes payable
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 (used in) 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]
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Proceeds from sale of assets
Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment
Cash distributions (contributions) from investments and other
Payments for (Proceeds from) Investments
Sprint expansion
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Net cash provided by (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 Long-term Debt
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
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash payments for:
Cash payments for: [Abstract]
Interest, net of capitalized interest of $1,187 and $1,266, respectively
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
Income tax (refunds received) payments, net
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Capital expenditures payable
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
Schedule of Derivative Financial Instrument as Well as its Classification on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to 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, 2017
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax
Balance as of September 30, 2018
Income Tax Expense
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2017
AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Balance as of September 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Net change in unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Balance as of September 30, 2018
Other comprehensive gain (loss), tax
Other cash flow information:
Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Capitalized interest
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Service revenue
Services Revenue [Member]
Services Revenue [Member]
Equipment revenue
Equipment Revenue [Member]
Equipment Revenue [Member]
Other
Other Revenue [Member]
Other Revenue [Member]
Cost of services
Service [Member]
Cost of goods sold
Product [Member]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Intersegment Eliminations
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Wireless
Wireless [Member]
The Wireless segment provides digital wireless service to a portion of a four-state area covering the region from Harrisburg, York and Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Harrisonburg, Virginia, as a Sprint PCS Affiliate of Sprint Nextel. This segment also owns cell site towers built on leased land, and leases space on these towers to both affiliates and non-affiliated service providers.
Other
Other Segments [Member]
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
External revenues [Abstract]
Operating revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
Operating expenses:
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Cost of services
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
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, Nonproduction
Total operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating income (loss)
Income Statement [Abstract]
Service revenue and other
Service Revenue and Other [Member]
Service Revenue and Other [Member]
Equipment revenue
Statement [Line Items]
Operating revenue:
Revenues [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization
Other income (expense):
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest expense
Non-operating income (loss), net
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted:
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic net income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted net income (loss) 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
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
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 wire
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]
Useful life (in years)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
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
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
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.
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
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.
Unamortized loan fees
Unamortized Loan Fees, Net
Represents the net unamortized loan fees.
Effective rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage
Variable interest rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Periodic payment of principal
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal
Periodic payment principal, period two
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Two
Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal period two.
Periodic payment principal, period three
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three
Principal balance of term loans outstanding, percentage
Debt instrument, Principal Balance of Term Loans Outstanding, Hedged, Percentage
Debt instrument, Principal Balance of Term Loans Outstanding, Hedged, Percentage
Fixed rate to pay
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate
Leverage ratio one
Leverage Ratio One
Represents total leverage ratio.
Leverage ratio two
Leverage Ratio Two
Represents total leverage ratio.
Leverage ratio three
Leverage Ratio Three
Represents total leverage ratio.
Debt service coverage ratio, actual
Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Actual
Represents actual debt service coverage ratio.
Debt instrument covenants minimum liquidity amount
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.
Interest rate reduction, basis points
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage
Credit facility modification, charitable contributions
Line of Credit, Charitable Contributions Allowed Under Credit Agreement
Line of Credit, Charitable Contributions Allowed Under Credit Agreement
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events [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]
Summary of Other Liabilities
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
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)
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Wireless
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill
Goodwill
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table]
Service revenue and other
Equipment revenue
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]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Deferred charges and other assets, net
Liabilities
Liabilities [Abstract]
Advanced billings and customer deposits
Contract with Customer, Liability
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Other long-term liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [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 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]
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 - wireless
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]
Total 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
Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Total intangible assets, gross
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)
Total intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Waived management fees under affiliate agreement
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement
Waived Management Fees Under Affiliate Agreement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Operating Segments
Wireless service
Wireless Service [Member]
Wireless Service [Member]
Equipment
Wireless Equipment [Member]
Wireless Equipment [Member]
Business, residential and enterprise
Business, Residential, Enterprise [Member]
Business, Residential, Enterprise [Member]
Tower and other
Tower and Other [Member]
Tower and Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer
Investments [Abstract]
Investment [Table]
Investment [Table]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Domain]
Investment [Domain]
CoBank
CoBank [Member]
Equity securities investments.
Other
Other Equity Investments [Member]
Equity securities investments.
Investment [Line Items]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method:
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost
Equity method:
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost
Total other investments
Other Long-term Investments
Calculation of net income (loss) per share:
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)
Effect of stock options outstanding:
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Diluted weighted average shares (in shares)
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)
Derivatives and Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Disaggregation of Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Non-current portion of deferred revenues
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent
Other
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain]
Money market funds
Money Market Funds [Member]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Measurement Frequency [Axis]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain]
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest rate swaps
Money market funds
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure
Total
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Prepaid rent
Prepaid Rent
Prepaid maintenance expenses
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Asset, Current
Deferred contract asset
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Current
Deferred Contract and Other Costs, Current
Other
Other Assets, Current
Prepaid expenses and other
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurement and Measurement Inputs, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Text Block]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Forecast
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared (in usd per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Dividends payable (in usd per share)
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Dividend payout
Payments of Dividends
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis]
Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis]
Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain]
Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain]
Immaterial Error Correction
Immaterial Error Correction [Member]
Immaterial Error Correction [Member]
Restatement [Axis]
Restatement [Axis]
Restatement [Domain]
Restatement [Domain]
As Reported
Previously Reported [Member]
Correction of Error
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes
Service revenue and other
Earnings per share - basic (in usd per share)
Earnings per share - diluted (in usd per share)
Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table]
Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table]
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]
Megahertz spectrum used
Megahertz spectrum range used
Radio frequencies used by the company.
Initial term of contract
Term of Contract
Initial term of the contract.
Number of contract renewals
Number of Contract Renewals
The number of times that a contract can be extended beyond its initial term.
Length of renewals
Length of Renewals
Length of renewals after the initial term of a contract.
Right or obligation to sell business, percentage of EBV
Right or obligation to sell business
The percentage of the Entire Business value the company has a right or obligation to sell business upon non-renewal, under the agreement.
Investments
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
Schedule of other investments which do not have readily determinable fair values
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.
Schedule Of Investments Carried At Fair Value
Schedule Of Investments Carried At Fair Value [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of investments carried at fair value.
Selected Financial Data for Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations from Segments to Consolidated
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Document Type
Document Type
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
Entity Small Business
Entity Small Business
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Earnings (Loss) Per Share (EPS)
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Schedule of 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.
Leverage ratio, actual
Leverage Ratio, Actual
Represents actual leverage ratio.
Covenant requirement, total leverage ratio
Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA
Ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Minimum 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.
Covenant, liquidity balance, actual
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual
Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual
Realized gains, available for sale
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Remaining performance obligations, period
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Acquisition
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Customer Concentration
Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt
Less: unamortized loan fees
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of current unamortized loan fees
Current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees
Amount, after unamortized loan fees classified as current. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees
Long-term debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Amount after unamortized loan fees of long-term debt classified as noncurrent and excluding amounts to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table]
Financial Instrument [Axis]
Financial Instrument [Axis]
Financial Instruments [Domain]
Financial Instruments [Domain]
Cash and Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Domestic equity funds
Domestic equity funds [Member]
Equity securities issued by domestic or foreign corporate business, banks and other entities with a promise of repayment.
International equity funds
Foreign Corporate Equity Securities [Member]
Foreign Corporate Equity Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Investments carried at fair value
Equity Securities, FV-NI
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract]
Derivative assets
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Intangible Assets
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Long-Term Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Affiliate contract expansion
Prepayment of tangible assets
Option to Acquire Intangible Assets [Member]
Option to Acquire Intangible Assets [Member]
Off-market leases - favorable
Off-market leases - unfavorable
Unfavorable Leases Wireless [Member]
Unfavorable Leases Wireless [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
One-time payment for expansion of service area
One-time Payment for Expansion of Service Area
One-time Payment for Expansion of Service Area
One-time payment for expansion of service area, additional payment
One-time Payment for Expansion of Service Area, Additional Payment
One-time Payment for Expansion of Service Area, Additional Payment
Estimated useful life, finite lived intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Finite-lived intangible assets
Adoption of New Accounting Principles Policy
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
ASSETS
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Income taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Inventory, net
Inventory, Net
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Investments
Long-term Investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other assets:
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net
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
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 lease
Deferred Rent Credit
Asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Retirement plan obligations
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Total other long-term liabilities
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Shareholders’ Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000; 49,559 and 49,328 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity