Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
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]
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 indefinite-lived 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 carrying amount
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
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 swaps
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
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.
Accrued liabilities and other
Accrued Liabilities And Other [Member]
Accrued Liabilities And Other [Member]
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset
Derivative Asset
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Wireless contract asset
Wireless Contract Asset Non current
Wireless Contract Asset Non current
Broadband contract acquisition and fulfillment costs
Capitalized Contract Cost, Net, Noncurrent
Interest rate swaps
Prepaid expenses and other
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Deferred charges and other assets
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent
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.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total
Long-term Debt, Gross
Less: unamortized loan fees
Debt Issuance Costs, Net
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees
Long-term Debt
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Stock Compensation
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]
Leases [Abstract]
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]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Axis]
Title of Individual [Domain]
Title of Individual [Domain]
Director
Director [Member]
Employee
Employee [Member]
Employee [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Domain]
Award Type [Domain]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Relative Total Shareholder Return Awards (RTSRs)
Relative Total Shareholder Return Awards [Member]
Relative Total Shareholder Return Awards [Member]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Restricted stock units granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share performance period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Shares, issued (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period
Shares issued (as a percent)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued In Period, Percentage
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued In Period, Percentage
Bottom portion of peer percent group (as a percent)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Performance Comparison, Bottom Portion Of Peer Percent Group, Percentage
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Performance Comparison, Bottom Portion Of Peer Percent Group, Percentage
Top portion of peer percent group (as a percent)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Performance Comparison, Top Portion Of Peer Percent Group, Percentage
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Performance Comparison, Top Portion Of Peer Percent Group, Percentage
Anti-dilutive awards outstanding (fewer than) (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
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
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Axis]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Axis]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Domain]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty, Nature [Domain]
COVID-19
COVID-19 [Member]
COVID-19 [Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
Affiliated Entity
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Negotiation period
Related Party, Negotiation Period
Related Party, Negotiation Period
Option to purchase assets, period
Related Party, Option To Purchase Assets, Period
Related Party, Option To Purchase Assets, Period
Purchase option, value of business percentage
Related Party, Purchase Option, Value Of Business Percentage
Related Party, Purchase Option, Value Of Business Percentage
Option to purchase network, period
Related Party, Option To Purchase Network, Period
Related Party, Option To Purchase Network, Period
Percentage of stores temporarily closed
Percentage Of Stores Temporarily Closed
Percentage Of Stores Temporarily Closed
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Restatement [Axis]
Restatement [Axis]
Restatement [Domain]
Restatement [Domain]
Correction of Error
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis]
Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis]
Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain]
Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain]
Prior Period Errors
Prior Period Errors [Member]
Prior Period Errors [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Deferred tax liabilities, net
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Depreciation expense
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Income tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Increase (decrease) in earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)
Impact of Restatement on Earnings Per Share, Basic
Increase (decrease) in earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)
Impact of Restatement on Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Basis of Presentation and Other Information
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-Term Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
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
Prepaid maintenance expenses
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Prepaid Maintenance Expense, Current
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Asset, Current
Other
Other Assets, Current
Prepaid expenses and other
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
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]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
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, 2019
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 March 31, 2020
Income Tax (Expense) Benefit
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2020
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of taxes
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2020
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member]
Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member]
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
Increase (decrease) in fair value
Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
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 $410 and $533, respectively
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Income taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Inventory, net of allowances of $71 and $66, respectively
Inventory, Net
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Investments
Long-term Investments
Intangible assets, net
Goodwill
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
Accrued Liabilities, Current
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]
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
Shareholders’ equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000; 49,842 and 49,671 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Additional paid in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes
Total shareholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity
Operating Leases
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
2020
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year
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, Remainder of Fiscal Year
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, Remainder of Fiscal Year
Lessee, Lease Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year
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
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic net income per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
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
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Diluted net income per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
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
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Axis]
Customer [Domain]
Customer [Domain]
Sprint
Sprint [Member]
Sprint [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Contract with Customer, Refund Liability
Contract with Customer, Refund Liability
Monthly revenue from contract with customer
Monthly Revenue From Contract With Customer
Monthly Revenue From Contract With Customer
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
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.
Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract]
Total consolidated operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
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
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
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Liability, Current
Other current liabilities
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Accrued liabilities and other
Segment Reporting
Segment Reporting 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
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
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 used in investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Capital expenditures
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Cash disbursed for acquisitions
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
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 used in 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
Taxes paid for equity award issuances
Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-based Payment Arrangement
Other
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including 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
Investments [Abstract]
SERP Investments at fair value
Equity Securities, FV-NI
Cost method investments
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost
Equity method investments
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost
Total investments
Other Long-term Investments
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]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
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]
Balance (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Balance
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
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
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 non-controlling interest in nTelos
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions
Balance (in shares)
Balance
Leases
Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block]
Leases
Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block]
Leases
Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [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 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]
Estimated useful lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
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
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]
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)
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type
Document Type
Document Quarterly Report
Document Quarterly Report
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
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 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 Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Intangible Assets Resulting from Acquisition
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table 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]
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.
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table]
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]
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]
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
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
Income Statement [Abstract]
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]
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
Depreciation and amortization
Total operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense):
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other
Income before income taxes
Net income
Other comprehensive income:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and 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]
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)
Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
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
Sublease income
Sublease Income
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Customer relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
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
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
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Derivatives and Hedging
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Effective tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Income taxes paid, net
Income Taxes Paid, Net
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
Cash payments for interest
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
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
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Liability
Other
Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Investments
Investment Holdings [Text Block]
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
Adoption of New Accounting Policies
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
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.
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 (1)
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
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]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Wireless
Wireless Segment [Member]
Wireless Segment
Broadband
Broadband Segment [Member]
Broadband Segment
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