Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Accrued and Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 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. Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 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] 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 Contractual Rights [Member] Acquired subscribers – wireless Acquired subscribers wireless [Member] Refers to 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 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Business Combinations [Abstract] Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Before Tax [Roll Forward] 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 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 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 other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax March 31, 2017 AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] December 31, 2016 AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 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 other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax March 31, 2017 AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] December 31, 2016 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 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 other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax March 31, 2017 Segment Reporting [Abstract] 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. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Shares and options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Investments carried at fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory, net Inventory, Net Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments, including $3,058 and $2,907 carried at fair value Long-term Investments Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets, net 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 Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, 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 Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets Disclosure [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. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [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 Segments Other Segments [Member] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Assets Dividend and interest income from investments Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Net unrealized gains recognized Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Sprint and Affiliates Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Addendum XX to Sprint PCS Management Agreement Addendum XX to Sprint PCS Management Agreement [Member] Addendum XX to Sprint PCS Management Agreement [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] Market population Market Population Market Population Number of customers Number Of Customers Number Of Customers New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Adoption of New Accounting Principles New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Other cash flow information: Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] 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 Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Interest paid, capitalized Interest Paid, Capitalized Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] 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 Operating Income (Loss) 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. 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 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 Long-Term Debt and Revolving Lines of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [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 Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Cost of Sales Cost of Sales [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Consideration transferred, net of cash Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Net of Cash Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Net of Cash Acquired Purchase Accounting Adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Integration related costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Summary of Accrued Liabilities and Other Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] 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 Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Ending balance 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 on disposal of equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Unrealized gain on investments Net gains from patronage and equity investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Amortization of long term 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 Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating 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 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired 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 issuances 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 in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Beginning 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 $577 and $146, respectively Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds received Income Taxes Paid, Net 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 Earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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 Integration and acquisition expenses Depreciation and amortization Other income (expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Gain on investments, net Investment Income, Net Non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge, net of tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Earnings per share: Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (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 Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum Maximum [Member] Minimum Minimum [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 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. 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. Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Covenant requirement, total leverage ratio Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Leverage ratio, actual Leverage Ratio, Actual Represents actual leverage 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 Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Derivative Instruments, Hedging Activities and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract] Total consolidated operating income 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). Non-current portion of deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Straight-line management fee waiver Management Fee Payable Other Other Liabilities Other liabilities 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] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] 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] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Beginning balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Net income (loss) Other comprehensive gain, 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 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Dividends reinvested in common stock (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, 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 Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Common stock issued for share awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Common stock issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Common stock issued (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 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. 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 Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Common stock repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Ending balance Ending balance (in shares) Acquisition of NTELOS Holdings Corp. and Exchange with Sprint Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities and other 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 Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax 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]