Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Segments (Narrative) (Details)

v2.4.0.8
Segments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2014
Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA, Increase $ 93,194,000 $ 78,717,000 $ 252,462,000 $ 199,505,000
Fiber optic cable systems [Member]
       
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Percentage of long-lived assets not in USA     82.00%  
Wireless [Member]
       
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA, Increase 47,279,000 42,498,000 125,475,000 71,960,000
Wireless [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
       
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Wireless segment revenues adjustment   2,500,000   (2,500,000)
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA, Increase   5,200,000   5,200,000
Wireline [Member]
       
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Reportable segment Adjusted EBITDA, Increase 45,915,000 36,219,000 126,987,000 127,545,000
Wireline [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
       
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]        
Loss from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Adjusted   $ 5,200,000   $ 5,200,000