Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
ValleyNet
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Facility Lease Revenue
Revenue from Related Parties
Costs of Goods and Services
Related Party Costs
Consolidated Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable related to ValleyNet
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current
Accounts Payable related to ValleyNet
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Axis]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Consolidation Items [Domain]
Operating Segments
Operating Segments [Member]
Intersegment Eliminations
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
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.
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.
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 revenues [Abstract]
External revenues [Abstract]
Service revenues
Sales Revenue, Services, Net
Other
Other Revenue, Net
Total external revenues
External Revenues
Amount of revenue from external customers for the reportable segment. Such disclosure is presented if the amount is: (a) included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.
Internal revenues
Internal Revenues
Amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity.
Total operating revenues
Revenue, Net
Operating expenses:
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Costs of goods and services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below
Cost of Goods and Services Sold
Selling, general and administrative, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Integration and acquisition expenses
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Total operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating income (loss)
Operating Income (Loss)
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
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued and Other Liabilities
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments
Financial Instruments 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
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
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 reflected as operating expense
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 contra revenue
Amortization Reflected as Contra Revenue
Contra revenue is a deduction from the gross revenue reported by a business, which results in net revenue is amortized over their estimated economic lives.
Amortization reflected as rent expense
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Amortization Reflected as Rent Expense
Provision for bad debt
Provision for Doubtful Accounts
Straight line adjustment to management fee revenue
Straight line adjustment to reduce management fee revenue
Refers to straight line adjustment to reduce management fee revenue.
Stock based compensation expense
Share-based Compensation
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits
Net (gain) loss on disposal of equipment
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment
Unrealized (gain) on investments
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments
Net (gains) from patronage and equity investments
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
Other
Other Noncash Expense
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
(Increase) decrease in:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets [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
Increase (decrease) in:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable
Income taxes payable
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable
Deferred lease payable
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]
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Proceeds from sale of equipment
Proceeds from Sale of Machinery and Equipment
Cash distributions from investments
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments
Additional contributions to investments
Payments to Acquire Investments
Cash disbursed for acquisition, net of cash acquired
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Acquisition of Expansion Area
Payments to Acquire Subscribers
Payments to Acquire Subscribers
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 Long-term Debt
Amounts borrowed under debt agreements
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities
Cash paid for debt issuance costs
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs
Repurchases of common stock
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options
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:
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Beginning
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Ending
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Cash payments for:
Cash payments for: [Abstract]
Interest, net of capitalized interest of $1,035 and $454, respectively
Interest Paid, Net
Income taxes paid, net of refunds received
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Investments
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
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]
Long-term debt
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.
Current maturities of long term debt, net of 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.
Basic income (loss) per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net loss
Basic average shares outstanding (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Effect of stock options and awards 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)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract]
Total consolidated operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Non-operating income, 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]
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]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
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
Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
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, fair value
Derivative Asset
Derivatives liabilities, fair value
Derivative Liability
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $436 and $449, respectively
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Income taxes receivable
Income Taxes Receivable, Current
Inventory, net
Inventory, Net
Prepaid expenses and other
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Investments, including $3,137 and $2,907 carried at fair value
Long-term Investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Other Assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Goodwill
Goodwill
Deferred charges and other assets, net
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent
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
Customer Advances and Deposits, Current
Accrued compensation
Accrued Salaries, Current
Income taxes payable
Accrued Income Taxes, 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]
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Deferred lease payable
Deferred Rent Credit
Asset retirement obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent
Retirement plan obligations
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total other long-term liabilities
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ Equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Total shareholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Liabilities and Equity
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Investment [Table]
Investment [Table]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Axis]
Investment [Domain]
Investment [Domain]
CoBank
CoBank [Member]
Equity securities investments.
Other Equity Investments
Other Equity Investments [Member]
Equity securities investments.
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Axis]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment [Line Items]
Cost method investments
Cost Method Investments
Other
Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost
Total other investments
Other Long-term Investments
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]
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
Net property, plant and equipment
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
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.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating revenues
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue
Income (loss) before income taxes
Business Combination, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Before Tax
Business Combination, Pro Forma Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Before Tax
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Sprint and Affiliates
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Axis]
Related Party Transaction [Axis]
Related Party Transaction [Domain]
Related Party Transaction [Domain]
Sprint PCS Management Agreement
Sprint PCS Management Agreement [Member]
Sprint PCS Management Agreement [Member]
Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Former Retail, Post and Prepaid Subscribers, Sprint-branded Affiliate Customers
Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Former Retail, Post and Prepaid Subscribers, Sprint-branded Affiliate Customers [Member]
Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Former Retail, Post and Prepaid Subscribers, Sprint-branded Affiliate Customers [Member]
Spring PCS Management Agreement, Future Investment, Upgrade and Expand Existing Wireless Network Coverage
Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Future Investment, Upgrade and Expand Existing Wireless Network Coverage [Member]
Sprint PCS Management Agreement, Future Investment, Upgrade and Expand Existing Wireless Network Coverage [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [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 Agreement [Member]
Affiliate Contract Agreement [Member]
Acquisition related costs, legal services, professional services and severance accrualss
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs, Legal Services, Professional Services And Severance Accrual
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs, Legal Services, Professional Services And Severance Accrual
Aggregate purchase price
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred
Measurement period adjustment, amortization expense
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Amortization Expense
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Amortization Expense
Measurement period adjustment, depreciation expense
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Depreciation Expense
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Depreciation Expense
Integration and acquisition expenses
Before amendment right or obligation to sell business
Before Amendment Right or Obligation to Sell Business
Before Amendment Right or Obligation to Sell Business
After amendment right or obligation to sell business
After Amendment Right or Obligation to Sell Business
After Amendment Right or Obligation to Sell Business
Term extend for affiliate relationship agreement
Term Extend for Affiliate Relationship Agreement
Term Extend for Affiliate Relationship Agreement
Management fee charge by Sprint
Management Fee Charge Under Amended Affiliate Agreement
Management Fee Charge Under Amended Affiliate Agreement
Limit of waived feed under affiliate agreement
Limit of Waived Feed Under Affiliate Agreement
Limit of Waived Feed Under Affiliate Agreement
Period for additional waiver of management fee under affiliate agreement
Period for Additional Waiver of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement
Period for Additional Waiver of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement
Additional waiver of management fee under affiliate agreement
Additional Waiver of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement
Additional Waiver of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement
Intangible asset useful life
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life
Number of customers
Number Of Customers
Number Of Customers
Future investment in existing wireless network
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction
Future investment in existing wireless network, term
Related Party Transaction, Future Investment Term
Related Party Transaction, Future Investment Term
Amortization expense
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Segment Information
Segment Reporting 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]
Gains 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 on Cash Flow Hedges
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Before Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Before Tax [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized losses
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax
June 30, 2017
Income Tax Expense
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016
AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent
Net change in unrealized losses
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
June 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
December 31, 2016
Net change in unrealized losses
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax
Net current period accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
June 30, 2017
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]
Schedule of Related Party Financial Impact
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Investments carried at fair value
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure
Earnings (loss) per share (EPS)
Earnings Per Share [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 [Table]
Statement [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2015-15
Accounting Standards Update 2015-15 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2015-15 [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Other cash flow information:
Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract]
Interest paid, capitalized
Interest Paid, Capitalized
Capital expenditures
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
Increase in interest rate swaps
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Increase in deferred tax liability
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities
Decrease in accumulated other comprehensive income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax
Common stock issued to acquire non-controlling interests of 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.
Reclassification of unamortized loan fees from deferred charges and other assets
Reclassification of unamortized loan fees to long term debt
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.
Debt service coverage ratio, actual
Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Actual
Represents actual debt service coverage ratio.
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
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.
Dividend and interest income from investments
Investment Income, Interest and Dividend
Net unrealized gains recognized
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]
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Axis]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Domain]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Total indebtedness
Long-term Debt, Gross
Effective interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage
Variable interest rate
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
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 of principal
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal
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.
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Long-Term Debt and Revolving Lines of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
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]
Assets by Segment
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table]
Favorable lease intangible assets
Favorable Lease Intangible Assets [Member]
Favorable Lease Intangible Assets [Member]
Affiliate contract expansion
Affiliate Contract Expansion [Member]
Affiliate Contract Expansion [Member]
Acquired subscribers - wireless
Acquired subscribers wireless [Member]
Refers to acquired subscribers wireless.
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired as part of business combination
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest
Assets acquired, fair value
Fair Value of Assets Acquired
Nonmonetary Exchange of Intangibles
Nonmonetary Exchange of Intangibles [Member]
Nonmonetary Exchange of Intangibles [Member]
Spectrum licenses
Licensing Agreements [Member]
Favorable lease intangible assets
Lease Agreements [Member]
Additional Acquired Subscribers Wireless
Additional Acquired Subscribers Wireless [Member]
Additional Acquired Subscribers Wireless [Member]
Additional Customer Based Contract Rights
Additional Customer Based Contract Rights [Member]
Additional Customer Based Contract Rights [Member]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables
Inventory
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory
Restricted cash
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Restricted Cash
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Restricted Cash
Investments
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Marketable Securities
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Building held for sale
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Building Held For Sale
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Building Held For Sale
Property, plant and equipment
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Finite-lived intangible assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Other long term assets
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets
Total assets acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets
Accounts payable
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable
Advanced billings and customer deposits
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Advanced Billings and Customer Deposits
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Advanced Billings and Customer Deposits
Accrued expenses
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Expenses
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accrued Expenses
Capital lease liability
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Capital Lease Obligation
Deferred tax liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities
Retirement benefits
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liability, Retirement Benefits
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liability, Retirement Benefits
Other long-term liabilities
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other
Total liabilities assumed
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities
Net assets acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net
Measurement Period Adjustments
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Receivable
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Receivable
Inventory
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory
Restricted cash
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Restricted Cash
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Restricted Cash
Investments
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Assets
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets
Building held for sale
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Building Held For Sale
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Building Held For Sale
Property, plant and equipment
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Finite-lived intangible assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles
Goodwill
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments
Other long term assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Long-term Assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Long-term Assets
Total assets acquired
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets
Accounts payable
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable
Advanced billings and customer deposits
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Advanced Billing, Customer Deposits
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Advanced Billing, Customer Deposits
Accrued expenses
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued Expenses
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued Expenses
Capital lease liability
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Capital Lease
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Capital Lease
Deferred tax liabilities
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liability
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liability
Retirement benefits
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Retirement Benefits
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Retirement Benefits
Other long-term liabilities
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liability, Other
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liability, Other
Total liabilities assumed
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities
Net assets acquired
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred
Related party transaction
Related party transaction, gain recognition period
Related Party Transaction, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Transfer, Period of Recognition
Related Party Transaction, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Transfer, Period of Recognition
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill beginning balance
Measurement Period Adjustments
Goodwill ending balance
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Cost of goods and services
Cost of Sales [Member]
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Integration and acquisition
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Sales and property taxes payable
Taxes Payable, Current
Severance accrual, current portion
Accrued Severance, Current
Accrued Severance, Current
Asset retirement obligations, current portion
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
Number of reportable segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Non Sprint operations, number of states
Non Sprint operations, number of states
Refers to non-sprint operations, number of states.
Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Beginning balance
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Dividends declared ($0.25 per share)
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
Stock based compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
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 for share awards (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Common stock issued for share awards
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross
Common stock issued (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues
Common stock issued
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
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 repurchased (in shares)
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares
Common stock repurchased
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Ending balance (in shares)
Ending balance
Acquisitions
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy 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]
Acquired subscribers – wireless
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
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Total intangible assets, gross
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)
Intangible assets, net
Non-current portion of deferred revenues
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent
Straight-line management fee waiver
Management Fee Payable
Other
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [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.
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating revenues
Cost of goods and services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below
Selling, general and administrative, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below
Depreciation and amortization
Other income (expense):
Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]
Interest expense
Gain on investments, net
Investment Income, Net
Non-operating income, 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, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Unrealized loss on interest rate hedge, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Pro Forma Results
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Acquisition Related Costs
Schedule of Acquisition Related Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Acquisition Related Costs [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Intangible Assets Acquired
Schedule of Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Restatement Adjustment
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
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]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Adjustment to net cash provided by operating activities
Adjustments to net cash used in investing activities
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.
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
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]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Other long-term investments
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Interest Expense
Interest Expense [Member]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Cash Flow Hedge
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Counterparty Name [Axis]
Counterparty Name [Axis]
Counterparty Name [Domain]
Counterparty Name [Domain]
Three Counterparties
Counterparty [Member]
Refers to name other party that participates in a financial transaction.
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of notional principal interest rate swap
Derivative, Amount of Hedged Item
Notional amount of cash flow hedges
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount
Number of counterparties
Number Of Counterparties
Refers to number of counterparties.
Percentage of expected outstanding debt
Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives
Amount reclassified as a reduction to interest expense during next twelve months
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared