Income Statement [Abstract] Operating revenues Revenue, Net Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Cost 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 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) 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 (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate hedge, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 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 Accounting Policies [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Business Contracts [Member] Contractual Rights [Member] Cable Franchise Rights [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Acquired subscribers wireless [Member] Acquired subscribers wireless [Member] Refers to acquired subscribers wireless. Favorable leases - wireless [Member] Favorable leases wireless [Member] Refers to favorable leases wireless. Acquired subscribers cable [Member] Acquired subscribers cable [Member] Refers to acquired subscribers cable. Other Intangibles [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-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] Railroad Crossing Rights [Member] Railroad Crossing Rights [Member] Railroad Crossing Rights [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Gross Carrying Amount Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangibles, gross carrying amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Total intangibles Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred revenues Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income Net operating loss carry-forwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Accruals and reserves Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Pension benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Asset retirement obligations Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Asset Retirement Obligations Intangible assets Deferred Tax Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Plant-in-service Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Intangibles Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Interest rate swaps Deferred Tax Liabilities, Derivatives Other, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current expense Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal taxes Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State taxes Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred expense (benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal taxes Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State taxes Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense on continuing operations Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Leases [Abstract] Future Minimum Lease Payments Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Future Minimum Payments Receivable Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Receivables for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Payments Receivables for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Operating income (loss) Net income (loss) Basic income (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Diluted income (loss) per share (in dollars per share) Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Total leverage ratio, actual Leverage Ratio, Actual Represents actual leverage ratio. Debt service coverage ratio, actual Debt Service Coverage Ratio, Actual Represents actual debt service coverage ratio. Total leverage ratio, covenant requirement Ratio of Indebtedness to EBITDA Ratio of indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Debt service coverage ratio, covenant requirement 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, actual Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual Debt Instrument, Covenant, Liquidity Balance, Actual 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. 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] Assets by Segment Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Non Vested Shares [Member] Non Vested Shares [Member] Shares that an entity has not yet issued because the agreed-upon consideration, such as employee services, has not yet vested. Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] The 2005 Plan [Member] The Plan 2005 [Member] The Plan 2005 [Member] The 2014 Plan [Member] The Plan 2014 [Member] A stock incentive plan approved by the Board of Directors. Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Management Shares [Member] Management [Member] Former Employees of nTelos [Member] Former Employees of Acquiree [Member] Former Employees of Acquiree [Member] Employee Shares [Member] Employee Shares [Member] All the other employees excluding, the board of directors members, directors and senior management. Non Employee Director Shares [Member] Non Employee Director Shares [Member] Represents non-employee director shares. Eight Management Employees [Member] Eight Management Employees [Member] Eight persons controlling and directing the affairs of an entity. Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] US Treasury Rate [Member] US Treasury Securities [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Number of stock incentive plans Number of Stock Incentive Plans Number of shareholder approved company stock incentive plans. Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Life of award Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Terms of Award Additional number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Stock options annual vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Stock options outstanding (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Stock options outstanding (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Intrinsic value of outstanding options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Weighted average remaining contractual life Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Number of options exercisable (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted average exercise price, options exercisable (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Intrinsic value, options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share price (in dollars per share) Share Price Fair value of options vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Proceeds from stock options exercised Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Share-based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share based compensation income tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Compensation, nonvested awards, compensation cost not yet recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Compensation, nonvested awards, cost not yet recognized, period for recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of employees participating in grants of non vested shares Number of Employees Participating in Grants of Non Vested Shares Refers to number of employees participating in grants of non vested shares. Grant date fair value per share (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 Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vested and issued (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Retirement age Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Retirement Age Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Retirement Age Number of years of service with the company Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Requisite Service Period Maximum percentage for granted share units Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Grants in Period Maximum Percentage Maximum percentage for grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans. Vested period for remaining shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Available-for-sale-Securities [Table] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Taxable Bond Funds [Member] Taxable Bonds Funds [Member] Refers to taxable bond funds. Domestic Equity Funds [Member] Domestic equity funds [Member] Equity securities issued by domestic or foreign corporate business, banks and other entities with a promise of repayment. International Equity Funds [Member] Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] Investments at fair value Available-for-sale Securities Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] 401 (k) Plan [Member] United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity [Member] SERP [Member] Supplemental Employee Retirement Plan [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ntelos Holding, Corp [Member] Ntelos Holding, Corp [Member] Represents the aggregation and reporting of combined amounts of individually immaterial business combinations that were completed during the period. Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Benefit obligations, at acquisition Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Assumed annual rate increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits Assumed Annual Rate Increase in Per Capita Cost of Covered Health Care Benefits Refers to assumed annual rate increase in per capita cost of covered health care benefits. Assumed annual rate decrease in per capita cost of covered health care benefits for the next five years Assumed Annual Rate Decrease In Per Capita Cost Of Covered Health Care Benefits For The Next Five Years Refers to assumed annual rate decrease of per capita cost of covered health care benefits for the next five years. Assumed annual rate per capita cost of covered health care benefits for year 2022 and thereafter Assumed Annual Rate in Per Capita Cost of Covered Health Care Benefits, for year Six and Thereafter Refers to assumed annual rate of per capita cost of covered health care benefits, for year 2022 and thereafter. Effect of one percentage point increase on service and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect of one percentage point decrease on service and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Holding percentage of one asset in bond fund Holding percentage of one asset in bond fund Refers to holding percentage of one asset in bond fund. Number of bond funds Number of bond funds Refers to number of bond funds in bond holdings. Holding percentage of one asset in total portfolio Holding percentage of one asset in total portfolio Refers to holding percentage of one asset in total portfolio. Net periodic cost (income) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Contribution to plan Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Liability due to participants Pension and Other Postretirement and Postemployment Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Current Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Bond securities and cash equivalents [Member] Bond securities and cash equivalents [Member] This category includes information about long-term debt securities that are issued by business entity with a date certain promise of repayment. And currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Actual Allocation Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Fair Value Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Target allocations, minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Target allocations, maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Target allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Stock Options Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Summary of Outstanding Options Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Share Grant Activity Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Units Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years 2022 and beyond Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total minimum rental receipts Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable 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 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 Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Total current assets Assets, Current Investments, including $2,907 and $2,654 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 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 Accrued Income Taxes, Current 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 liabilities Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000 shares; issued and outstanding 48,935 shares in 2016 and 48,475 shares in 2015 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 Principles of consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts receivable Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Valuation of long-lived assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair value Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset retirement obligations Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Deferred charges and other assets Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] Retirement plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Adoption of New Accounting Principles New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Accounts receivable from related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Accounts Receivable [Text Block] The entire disclosure for company assumed the accounts receivable associated with nTelos' Equipment Installment Plan. Long-term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Financial Covenants in Credit Agreements Financial covenants in credit agreements [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of financial covenants in credit agreements. Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] 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 [Member] Land [Member] Building and Structures [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Cable and Wire [Member] Other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Equipment and Software [Member] 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 [Member] Other Plant in Service [Member] Plant under Construction [Member] Asset under Construction [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Estimated useful lives Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, plant and equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated amortization and depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Asset Retirement Obligation Liabilities acquired in acquisition Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Acquired Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Acquired Additional liabilities accrued Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Changes to prior estimates Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Payments made Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Balance at end of year 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 Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets 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 [Member] Term Loan A [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-1 [Member] 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 [Member] Term loan A-2 [Member] Loan from a bank/financial institution for a specific amount that has a specified repayment schedule and a fixed/floating interest rate. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total Long-term Debt Less: unamortized loan fees Unamortized Loan Fees, Net Represents the net unamortized loan fees. Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees Amount after unamortized loan fees of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. 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. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Derivative Financial Instruments 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] Reconciliation of income from continuing operations from segments to consolidated [Abstract] Total consolidated operating income 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). State net operating loss carry-forwards, net of federal tax Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Federal and state net operating losses Operating Loss Carryforwards Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Major Customer Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Shareholder Rights Plan Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Number of rights granted per share owned (rights per share) Number of rights granted per share owned Refers to number of rights granted per share owned. Beneficial ownership that triggers the shareholder rights, minimum Beneficial ownership that triggers the shareholder rights Percentage minimum beneficial ownership that triggers the shareholder rights. Time period for independent directors to review the shareholders' rights plan Time period for independent directors to review the Shareholders' Rights Plan Time period for independent directors to review the shareholders' rights plan. Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Amortization 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 Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Net loss (gain) on disposal of equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Unrealized (gains) loss on investments Unrealized Gain (Loss) 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 Net benefit from retirement plans Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit 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 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 assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Cash disbursed for acquisition, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Release of restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Cash distributions from investments Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments 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 Dividends paid, net of dividends reinvested Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Excess tax benefits on stock option exercises Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities 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 (decrease) 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 $1,374 in 2016, $436 in 2015, and $373 in 2014 Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Significant Contractual Relationship [Abstract] Initial term of contract Term of Contract Initial term of the contract. Number of contract renewals Number of Contract Renewals The number of times that a contract can be extended beyond its initial term. Length of renewals Length of Renewals Length of renewals after the initial term of a contract. Right or obligation to sell business, percentage of EBV Right or obligation to sell business The percentage of the Entire Business value the company has a right or obligation to sell business upon non-renewal, under the agreement. Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Megahertz spectrum used Megahertz spectrum range used Radio frequencies used by the company. Additional term of contract Additional term of contract The additional term of the contract after the lapse of automatic renewal period. Expected future net service fee Expected future net service fee The expected revision of future net service fee. Management fee on post paid services Management Fee, Percent Fee Postpaid wireless service fee as a deduction from gross revenues. 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 [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Other [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Wireless [Member] 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 [Member] 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 [Member] 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. Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Assets Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisition of NTELOS Holdings Corp. and Exchange with Sprint Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Nonvested Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested number, at beginning of year (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Vested and issued (in shares) Nonvested number at end of year (in shares) Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member] Equipment Installment Plan Receivables [Member] This plan allowed equipment installment plan subscribers to pay for their devices in installments over a 24-month period. Sprint [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Transfer of Equipment Installment Receivables [Member] Transfer of Equipment Installment Receivables [Member] Transfer of Equipment Installment Receivables [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Installment period Installment Period Refers to period of installment. Estimated interest rate on receivable Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Refers to equipment installment plan receivables which consist of accounts receivables and deferred charges and other assets. Receivable from Sprint Due from Related Parties, Current Schedule of Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation and Revisions Recorded Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets Resulting from Acquisition Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Unaudited Pro Forma Results Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Stock Incentive Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Operating revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Income before income taxes Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Income Loss Before Income Taxes The pro forma amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit). Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2022 and beyond Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total future lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due 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 Entity Wide Information Revenue From External Customer [Abstract] Service revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Other revenues 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 Operating expenses Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap, September 2012 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, September 2012 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, September 2012 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member] Interest Rate Swap, May 2016 [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Amount of notional principal interest rate swap Derivative, Notional Amount Number of counterparties Derivative, Number of Counterparties Derivative, Number of Counterparties Notional amount of interest rate swaps Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Percentage hedged Derivative, Outstanding Debt, Percentage Hedged Derivative, Outstanding Debt, Percentage Hedged Amount reclassified as an increase to interest expense during next twelve months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] Allocation of Income Tax Expense Schedule of allocation of income tax expense [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the allocation of income tax expense to continuing operations, discontinued operations, tax related to stock compensation and other. Components of Federal and State Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Income Taxes Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Projected Benefit Obligations Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Components of Net Benefit Costs (Income) Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Cost and Benefit Obligations Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Actual and Target Allocation for Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Expected Future Pension Benefit Payments and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2022 and beyond Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Accrued Liabilities and Other Other Current Liabilities [Table Text Block] Summary of Other Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Net income (loss) Weighted average shares outstanding, basic (in shares) Effect of stock options outstanding: Effect of stock options outstanding: [Abstract] Assumed exercise, at the strike price at the beginning of year (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Assumed repurchase of shares under treasury stock method (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares, Common Stock Subject to Repurchase or Cancellation Diluted weighted average shares (in shares) Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] CoBank [Member] CoBank [Member] Equity securities investments. Other Equity Investments [Member] Other Equity Investments [Member] Equity securities investments. Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Private Equity Limited Partnerships [Member] Burton Partnership [Member] Equity securities investments. Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Cost method investments Cost Method Investments Equity method investments Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Total other investments Other Long-term Investments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Computed “expected” tax expense (35%) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income taxes, net of federal tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Changes in state DTL for mergers Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) in State Deferred Tax Liabilities, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) in State Deferred Tax Liabilities, Amount Excess share based compensation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit, Amount Nondeductible merger expenses Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Business Combination, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Business Combination, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Investments Carried at Fair Value Schedule of Investments carried at fair value [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of investments carried at fair value. 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. 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 [Member] 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] Balance as of December 31, 2015 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 (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Balance as of December 31, 2016 AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Tax [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2015 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 (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Balance as of December 31, 2016 AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2015 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 (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance as of December 31, 2016 Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Affiliate Contract Agreement [Member] Affiliate Contract Agreement [Member] Affiliate contract agreement refers to in which two parties work together for generating benefits for each other and helping out the other party with their services and skills and the agreement that is written and signed in between these parties. Additional Customer Based Contract Rights [Member] Additional Customer Based Contract Rights [Member] Additional Customer Based Contract Rights [Member] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill [Abstract] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill [Abstract] Affiliate contract agreement Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Basis Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligations, at acquisition Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Actuarial gain Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefit obligations as of December 31, 2016 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Cash payments for: Capitalized interest Interest Paid, Capitalized Other cash flow information: Other Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Capital expenditures incurred Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid 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. Unamortized loan allocation to long-term debt current maturities Unamortized loan allocation to long-term debt current maturities Refers to the unamortized loan allocation to long-term debt maturities. Increase in fair value of interest rate swaps Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Increase in deferred tax liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Tax Liabilities Increase in accumulated other comprehensive income Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Aggregate of next five years Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Accrued and Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Towers [Member] Technology Equipment [Member] Other [Member] Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Terms of leases Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Number of renewals Description of Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Number of Renewals The number of lease renewals under the operating lease agreement. Term of renewals Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Rent income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Income tax expense on continuing operations Shareholders’ equity, for compensation expense for tax purposes in excess of amounts recognized for financial reporting purposes Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Other comprehensive income for changes in cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to pretax Income or Loss from continuing and discontinued operations; income tax expense or benefit may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Customer Based Contract Rights [Member] Customer Based Contract Rights [Member] Refers to customer based contract rights. Spectrum Licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Loan from a bank/financial institution for a specific amount that has a specified repayment schedule and a fixed/floating interest rate. Nonmonentary Exchange of Intangibles [Member] Nonmonentary Exchange of Intangibles [Member] Nonmonentary Exchange of Intangibles [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Net of Cash Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Net of Cash Acquired Intangibles, revision, increase (decrease) Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Adjustment to depreciation expense Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles, Depreciation Expense Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles, Depreciation Expense Nonmonetary transaction amount Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Gain on nonmonetary transfer, period of recognition Related Party Transaction, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Transfer, Period of Recognition Related Party Transaction, Gain (Loss) Recognized on Transfer, Period of Recognition Before amendment right or obligation to sell business Before Amendment Right Or Obligation To Sell Business Before amendment the percentage of the Entire Business value the company has a right or obligation to sell business upon non-renewal, under the agreement. After amendment right or obligation to sell business After Amendment Right Or Obligation To Sell Business After amendment the percentage of the Entire Business value the company has a right or obligation to sell business upon non-renewal, under the agreement. Extension in term of affiliate relationship agreement with sprint Term Extend for Affiliate Relationship Agreement Represents to term extended of affiliate relationship agreement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Management fee charge by Sprint Management Fee Charge Under Amended Affiliate Agreement Refers to management fee charged by Sprint under the amended affiliate agreement in an individual month. Limit of waived fee under affiliate agreement Limit of Waived Fee Under Affiliate Agreement Refers to management fee that can be waived under affiliate agreement. Period for additional waiver of management fee Period for Additional Waiver of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement Refers to period for additional waiver of management fee under affiliate agreement. Additional waiver of management fee Additional Waiver Of Management Fee Under Affiliate Agreement Refers to amount of additional waiver of management fee charged under affiliate agreement. Amortization expense, revision, increase (decrease) Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles, Amortization Expense Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles, Amortization Expense Winning bid eligible to receive, amount Winning Bid Eligible to Receive, Amount Eligible to receive in connection with its winning bid in the Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction. Letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Percentage of amount to cover each disbursement and performance default penalty of total eligible awards Default Penalty Percentage Refers to default penalty percentage on letter of credit to cover each disbursement plus the amount of the performance default penalty. Business acquisition, number of shares issued (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares Number of installment Number of Installment Refers to number of installment for payment of acquired stock. Number of pending installment Number of Pending Installment Number of pending installment for payment of acquired stock. Remaining period for payment of shares acquired value Remaining Period for Payment of Acquired Stock Value Refers to remaining period for payment of acquired stock value. Business acquisition, shares issued value Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned Borrowing amount Average effective interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Repayment of borrowing amount Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Costs, Net Severance costs Business Combination, Integration Related Costs Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Bad debt expense Losses charged to allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Recoveries added to allowance Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Balance at end of year Quarterly Results (unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Significant Contractual Relationship Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Dividend rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected lives of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Actuarial gains Net periodic (benefit) cost Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Operating Revenues [Member] Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] Concentration Risk by Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Sprint Nextel [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Number of major customers Number of Major Customers Refers to number of major customers. Concentration risk Concentration Risk, Percentage Long-Term Debt and Revolving Lines of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Incremental Term Loan Facility [Member] Incremental Term Loan Facility [Member] Incremental Term Loan Facility [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Delayed Draw Term Loan [Member] Refers to the 2016 credit agreement, available under the Term Loan as a "delayed draw term loan". Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Number of credit facilities Number of term loans included in Credit Agreement Refers to number of term loans included in Credit Agreement. Term of credit facility Debt Instrument, Term Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility amount borrowed Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Proceeds from line of credit Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees Unamortized loan fees Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Quarterly principal payment period one Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Quarterly principal payment period two Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Two Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal period two. Quarterly principal payment period three Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment Principal, Period Three Remaining principal payment due Debt Instrument, Remaining Principal Payment Due Amount of remaining expected principal payments due. Variable swap rate Debt Instrument, Variable Swap Rate The Company elected to hedge the minimum required under the credit agreement, and entered into a pay fixed, receive variable swap rate. Fixed interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Total leverage ratio from closing date through December 30, 2018 Leverage Ratio One Represents total leverage ratio. Total leverage ratio through December 30, 2019 Leverage Ratio Two Represents total leverage ratio. Total leverage ratio thereafter Leverage Ratio Three Represents total leverage ratio. Derivative asset, fair value Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Accrued in anticipation of early distribution of patronage credit Accrued Patronage Credits Amount of accrued patronage credit as of balance sheet date. 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 shares Percentage of Patronage Credit Paid in Share Represents the percentage of patronage credits paid in share by the entity. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Number of Options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) Cancelled (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Exercised (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Outstanding at end of period (in shares) Weighted Average Grant Price Per Option Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) Granted (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Cancelled (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share) Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Plan assets, at acquisition Actual return on Plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Plan expenses Defined Benefit Plan, Administration Expenses Plan assets as of December 31, 2016 Funded status: Net liability as of December 31, 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Contra Revenue [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Rent Expense [Member] Rent Expense [Member] Rent Expense [Member] Amortization [Member] Amortization [Member] Amortization [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five 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. Lease Commitments Leases of Lessee and Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Leases of Lessee and Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Non-current portion of deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Straight-line management fee waiver Management Fee Payable Other Other Liabilities Other liabilities Cash equivalents Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Assets [Member] Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Liabilities and Equity [Member] Liabilities and Equity [Member] Liabilities and Equity [Member] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities [Member] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities [Member] Long-term Debt, Current Maturities [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Member] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities [Member] Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill) Carrying value Fair value amount exceeding the carrying amount Reporting Unit, Amount of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount Unamortized loan fees and costs reclassification Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Management fee Net service fee Net Service Fee, Percent Fee Post paid service fee percentage retained by Sprint. Management fee retained Management Fee Retained, Percent Fee Prepaid wireless service fee percentage retained by Sprint. Period for sprint's waiver of the management fee Period for Sprint's Waiver of the Management Fee Element refers to the period to waive management fee by the affiliate as per amended affiliate agreement. Contract term Contract Term Element refers to the term of contract in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Antidilutive shares and options excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Excess tax benefits recognized as discrete items Investments at fair value Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Shareholders' Equity Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] 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 Balance (in shares) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Dividends declared 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 Common stock issued through exercise of incentive stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Common stock issued through exercise of incentive stock options (in shares) 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 a non-controlling interests of nTelos (in shares) Business Acquisition Noncontrolling Interest Issued Or Issuable Shares Assigned Number of shares (such as common shares, preferred shares, or partnership interest) issued or issuable to acquire the entity attributable to noncontrolling interests. Common stock repurchased Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Common stock repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Net excess tax benefit from stock options exercised Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Balance Balance (in shares) Favorable lease intangible assets [Member] Off-Market Favorable Lease [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, Restricted Cash The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage as of the acquisition date. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts. Investments Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Investments Sum of the carrying amount recognized as of the acquisition date. 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 Amount as of the acquisition date of investments in land and buildings held for sale, excluding real estate considered to be inventory of the entity. Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangibles Goodwill 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 Including Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Including Goodwill 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 The current portion of aggregate prepayments received from customers for goods or services to be provided in the future, as well as the current portion of money or property received from customers that are to be returned upon satisfactory contract completion or as partial prepayment for goods or services to be provided in the future are assumed at the acquisition date. Accrued expenses Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Accrued Expenses Amount of accrued expenses recognized, assumed at the acquisition date. 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, Retirement Benefits The amount obligations recognized for the various benefits provided to former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries, and covered dependents after employment assumed at the acquisition date. Other long-term liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, 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 and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract] Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustments [Abstract] Accounts receivable, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Receivable Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Receivable Inventory, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Inventory Property, plant and equipment, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangibles, revisions Goodwill, revisions Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Other long term assets, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets acquired, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Including Goodwill Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Including Goodwill Accounts payable, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Payable Accrued expenses, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued Expenses Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accrued Expenses Deferred tax liabilities, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Deferred Tax Liabilities Retirement benefits, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Retirement Benefits Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Retirement Benefits Total liabilities assumed, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities Net assets acquired, revisions Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Consideration Transferred Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Deferred charges and other assets, net [Member] Deferred charges and other assets, net [Member] Line item in the statement of financial position in which the fair value amounts of the derivative instruments are included. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net, by Balance Sheet Classification [Abstract] Derivative liabilities, fair value Derivative Liability Derivative assets, fair value Derivative Asset Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Colane acquisition [Member] Colane acquisition [Member] Represents the aggregation and reporting of combined amounts of individually immaterial business combinations that were completed during the period. Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Acquired Goodwill, Acquired During Period Ending balance Unrealized gains Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gain Unrealized losses Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss Dividends received from investments Investment Income, Interest and Dividend Increase in cost method investments Increase in cost method investments The increase in cost method investments due to ongoing patronage earned from outstanding investment and loan balances. Distributions from investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Gain on equity method investment Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments1 This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Retirement Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable Schedule of changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivable [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivable. Changes in Liability for Asset Removal Obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets, Non-amortizing Intangibles Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Intangibles Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]