Fairpoint Communications 10-Q 3 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,062,613
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,905,398

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash	$ 17,033	$ 37,587
Accounts receivable (net of $9.7 million and $9.9 million allowance for doubtful accounts, respectively)	64,525	71,545
Prepaid expenses	27,807	25,360
Other current assets	5,311	5,406
Deferred income tax, net	14,633	7,638
Total current assets	129,309	147,536
Property, plant and equipment (net of $1,229.9 million and $1,085.4 million accumulated depreciation, respectively)	1,138,549	1,213,729
Intangible assets (net of $52.0 million and $43.7 million accumulated amortization, respectively)	86,629	94,879
Restricted cash	651	651
Other assets	3,013	3,214
Total assets	1,358,151	1,460,009
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit):
Current portion of long-term debt	6,400	6,400
Current portion of capital lease obligations	838	627
Accounts payable	29,983	62,985
Claims payable and estimated claims accrual	216	216
Accrued interest payable	3,421	9,978
Accrued payroll and related expenses	28,874	25,218
Other accrued liabilities	51,353	47,147
Total current liabilities	121,085	152,571
Capital lease obligations	1,214	962
Accrued pension obligations	144,875	212,806
Accrued other post-employment benefit obligations	101,173	735,351
Deferred income taxes	40,026	35,231
Other long-term liabilities	23,741	21,131
Long-term debt, net of current portion	900,634	902,241
Total long-term liabilities	1,211,663	1,907,722
Total liabilities	$ 1,332,748	$ 2,060,293
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 13)
Stockholders’ equity/(deficit):
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 37,500,000 shares authorized, 26,905,398 and 26,710,569 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively	$ 269	$ 267
Additional paid-in capital	520,921	516,080
Retained deficit	(749,902)	(798,008)
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	254,115	(318,623)
Total stockholders’ equity/(deficit)	25,403	(600,284)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity/(deficit)	$ 1,358,151	$ 1,460,009

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9.7	$ 9.9
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation	1,229.9	1,085.4
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 52	$ 43.7
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	37,500,000	37,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	26,905,398	26,710,569
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,905,398	26,710,569

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 221,569	$ 228,120	$ 649,641	$ 684,274
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and sales, excluding depreciation and amortization	100,718	104,643	333,067	321,870
Other post-employment benefit and pension expense	(57,568)	19,832	(116,926)	56,317
Selling, general and administrative expense	49,688	75,937	158,968	200,844
Depreciation and amortization	56,296	56,618	167,420	165,769
Reorganization related expense	6	12	33	77
Total operating expenses	149,140	257,042	542,562	744,877
Income/(loss) from operations	72,429	(28,922)	107,079	(60,603)
Interest expense	(20,186)	(20,195)	(59,979)	(60,226)
Other	153	90	425	81
Total other expense	(20,033)	(20,105)	(59,554)	(60,145)
Income/(loss) before income taxes	52,396	(49,027)	47,525	(120,748)
Income tax benefit	658	11,249	581	28,053
Net income/(loss)	$ 53,054	$ (37,778)	$ 48,106	$ (92,695)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic, in shares	26,676,385	26,472,162	26,640,103	26,439,870
Diluted, in shares	27,003,833	26,472,162	26,952,296	26,439,870
Income/(loss) per share, basic	$ 1.99	$ (1.43)	$ 1.81	$ (3.51)
Income/(loss) per share, diluted	$ 1.96	$ (1.43)	$ 1.78	$ (3.51)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ 53,054	$ (37,778)	$ 48,106	$ (92,695)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes:
Interest rate swaps (net of $0.2 million, ($0.1) million, $0.6 million and $0.5 million tax benefit/(expense), respectively)	(274)	155	(897)	(682)
Qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans (net of $0.0 million, $1.2 million, $0.0 million and $2.4 million tax expense, respectively)	(41,698)	1,752	573,635	3,500
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(41,972)	1,907	572,738	2,818
Comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 11,082	$ (35,871)	$ 620,844	$ (89,877)

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax expense on interest rate swaps	$ 0.2	$ (0.1)	$ 0.6	$ 0.5
Tax expense on qualified pension and post-retirement healthcare plans	$ 0	$ 1.2	$ 0	$ 2.4

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity/(Deficit) (Unaudited) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained deficit	Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Beginning Balance, Shares at Dec. 31, 2014	26,710,569	26,711,000
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ (600,284)	$ 267	$ 516,080	$ (798,008)	$ (318,623)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income/(loss)	48,106			48,106
Stock-based compensation issued, net, Shares		194,000
Stock-based compensation issued, net	(463)	$ 2	(465)
Stock-based compensation expense	5,306		5,306
Interest rate swaps other comprehensive loss	(897)				(897)
Employee benefit other comprehensive income before reclassifications	690,453				690,453
Employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (116,818)				(116,818)
Ending Balance, Shares at Sep. 30, 2015	26,905,398	26,905,000
Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 25,403	$ 269	$ 520,921	$ (749,902)	$ 254,115

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income/(loss)	$ 48,106	$ (92,695)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	(1,603)	(28,907)
Provision for uncollectible revenue	5,606	6,840
Depreciation and amortization	167,420	165,769
Other post-employment benefits	(127,356)	38,348
Qualified pension	(2,001)	(6,447)
Stock-based compensation	5,306	3,527
Other non-cash items	3,114	1,091
Changes in assets and liabilities arising from operations:
Accounts receivable	1,415	5,141
Prepaid and other assets	(2,354)	2,694
Restricted cash	0	463
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(27,139)	(6,660)
Accrued interest payable	(6,557)	(6,561)
Other assets and liabilities, net	3,535	(3,567)
Total adjustments	19,386	171,731
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,492	79,036
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net capital additions	(82,921)	(91,775)
Distributions from investments and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment	230	1,101
Net cash used in investing activities	(82,691)	(90,674)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	(4,800)	(4,800)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13	32
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(568)	(1,067)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,355)	(5,835)
Net change	(20,554)	(17,473)
Cash, beginning of period	37,587	42,700
Cash, end of period	17,033	25,227
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Capital additions included in accounts payable	7,848	7,015
Acquisition of property and equipment by capital lease	$ 1,030	$ 1,135

Organization and Principles of

Organization and Principles of Consolidation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Principles of Consolidation	Organization and Principles of Consolidation Organization FairPoint is a leading provider of advanced communications services to business, wholesale and residential customers within its service territories. FairPoint offers its customers a suite of advanced data services such as Ethernet, high capacity data transport and other IP-based services over an extensive fiber network with more than 20,000 miles of fiber optic cable, including approximately 17,000 miles of fiber optic cable in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, in addition to Internet access, high-speed data ("HSD") and local and long distance voice services. As of September 30, 2015 , FairPoint's service territory spanned 17 states where it is the incumbent communications provider, primarily serving rural communities and small urban markets. Many of its local exchange carriers ("LECs") have served their respective communities for more than 80 years. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company operated with approximately 314,000 broadband subscribers, approximately 14,000 Ethernet circuits and approximately 424,000 residential voice lines. Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Partially owned equity affiliates are accounted for under the cost method or equity method when the Company demonstrates significant influence, but does not have a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Reorganization On October 26, 2009, the Company and substantially all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 ("Chapter 11") of the United States Code. These cases were jointly administered under the caption In re FairPoint Communications, Inc. (collectively, the "Chapter 11 Cases") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Bankruptcy Court"). On January 24, 2011 (the "Effective Date"), the Company substantially consummated its reorganization through a series of transactions contemplated by its Third Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization Under Chapter 11 of the United States Code (as confirmed by the Bankruptcy Court, the "Plan").

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	Accounting Policies (a) Presentation and Use of Estimates The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown, including normal recurring accruals and other items. Examples of significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts, revenue reserves, the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, valuation of intangible assets, qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plan assumptions, stock-based compensation and income taxes. (b) Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized as services are rendered and are primarily derived from the usage of the Company's networks and facilities or under wholesale arrangements with other communications carriers. Revenues are primarily derived from: voice services, access (including pooling), certain CAF receipts, Internet and broadband services and other miscellaneous services. Local access charges are billed to local end users under tariffs approved by each state's Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") or by rates, terms and conditions determined by the Company. Access revenues are derived for the intrastate jurisdiction by billing access charges to interexchange carriers, wireless carriers and to other LECs. These charges are billed based on toll or access tariffs approved by the local state's PUC. Access charges for the interstate jurisdiction are billed in accordance with tariffs filed by the National Exchange Carrier Association ("NECA") or by the individual company and approved by the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"). Revenues are determined on a bill-and-keep basis or a pooling basis. If on a bill-and-keep basis, the Company bills the charges to either the wholesale provider or the end user and keeps the revenue. If the Company participates in a pooling environment (interstate or intrastate), the toll or access billed is contributed to a revenue pool. The revenue is then distributed to individual companies based on their company-specific revenue requirement or similar distribution methods. This distribution is based on individual state PUC's (intrastate) or the FCC's (interstate) approved settlement mechanisms, separation rules and rates of return. Distribution from these pools can change relative to changes made to expenses, plant investment or rate-of-return. Some companies participate in federal and certain state universal service programs that are pooling in nature but are regulated by rules separate from those described above. These rules vary by state. Revenues earned through the various pooling arrangements are initially recorded based on the Company's estimates. Rule changes associated with the FCC's CAF/ICC Order (as defined hereinafter) impact the NECA interstate pooling, in that a portion of the Company's interstate Universal Service Fund ("USF") revenues, which are administered through the NECA pools and which prior to January 1, 2012 were based on costs, are now based on rules from the FCC's CAF/ICC Order, including CAF Phase II support where FairPoint accepted CAF Phase II support, continued CAF Phase I frozen support where FairPoint did not accept CAF Phase II support and CAF/ICC rules in states where FairPoint is eligible for such support under the ICC Transition Rules for price cap and rate-of-return carriers. FairPoint accepted CAF Phase II support in all states except Kansas and Colorado. Long distance switched retail and wholesale services can be recurring due to coverage under an unlimited calling plan or be usage sensitive. In either case, they are billed in arrears and recognized when earned. Internet and data services revenues are substantially all recurring revenues and are billed one month in advance and deferred until earned. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , unearned revenue of $21.5 million and $19.0 million , respectively, was included in other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue of $7.6 million and $9.3 million , respectively, was included in other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The majority of the Company's other miscellaneous services revenue is generated from ancillary special projects at the request of third parties, video services, directory services and late payment charges to end users and wholesale carriers. The Company requires customers to pay for ancillary special projects in advance. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , customer deposits of $2.2 million and $2.4 million , respectively, were included in other accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Once the ancillary special project is completed or substantially complete and all project costs have been accumulated for proper accounting recognition, the advance payment is recognized as revenue with any overpayments refunded to the customer, as appropriate. The Company recognizes revenue upon the provision of video services in certain markets by reselling DirecTV and providing cable and IP television video-over-digital subscriber line services. The Company also publishes telephone directories in some of its Telecom Group markets and recognizes revenues associated with these publications evenly over the time period covered by the directory, which is typically twelve months. The Company bills late payment fees to customers who have not paid their bills in a timely manner. In general, late payment fee revenue is recognized based on collection of these charges. Non-recurring customer activation fees, along with the related costs up to, but not exceeding, the activation fees, are deferred and amortized over the customer relationship period. On June 26, 2014, the Maine PUC ("MPUC") adopted a final rule (Chapter 201), establishing new provider of last resort ("POLR") service quality index ("SQI") standards and reporting requirements which began August 1, 2014. Under Chapter 201, the MPUC may open an investigation into the failure to meet any of the established standards and has the authority to impose penalties of up to $500,000 per standard. On January 13, 2015, the MPUC issued a Notice of Investigation to review the Company's service quality in Maine. In addition, the Vermont Public Service Board opened an investigation into service quality on December 3, 2014 at the request of the Vermont Department of Public Service. Penalties, if any, would be recorded as a reduction to revenue. The Company also adopted a separate performance assurance plan ("PAP") for certain services provided on a wholesale basis to competitive local exchange carriers ("CLECs") in each of the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Pursuant to the PAPs, FairPoint was required to provide service credits in the event the Company was unable to meet the provisions of the respective PAP. Effective June 1, 2015, the PAP was retired and the Company began measuring and reporting certain wholesale local service performance results pursuant to the terms of a simplified measurement plan. The new plan, called the Wholesale Performance Plan ("WPP"), was developed collaboratively with CLECs over several years and was approved by the Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont regulatory commissions. Under the WPP, the Company is subject to significantly fewer performance criteria and its annual service credit exposure was reduced. Revenue is recognized net of tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Customer arrangements that include both equipment and services are evaluated to determine whether the elements are separable. If the elements are deemed separable and separate earnings processes exist, the revenue associated with each element is allocated to each element based on the relative estimated selling price of the separate elements. The Company has estimated the selling prices of each element by reference to vendor-specific objective evidence of selling prices when the elements are sold separately. The revenue associated with each element is then recognized as earned. Management makes estimated adjustments, as necessary, to revenue and accounts receivable for billing errors, including certain disputed amounts. (c) Impairment of Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset In accordance with the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") , non-amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year and assesses the fair value of the trade name based on the relief from royalty method. If the carrying amount of the trade name exceeds its estimated fair value, the asset is considered impaired. For its non-amortizable intangible asset impairment assessment of the FairPoint trade name, the Company makes certain assumptions including an estimated royalty rate, a long-term growth rate, an effective tax rate and a discount rate and applies these assumptions to projected future cash flows, exclusive of cash flows associated with wholesale revenues and other revenues not generated through brand recognition. As of October 1, 2014, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value in the Company's quantitative analysis; therefore, an impairment was not necessary. The Company performed another quantitative analysis as of December 31, 2014 and the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by approximately 4% ; therefore, an impairment was not necessary. However, future changes in one or more of the assumptions discussed above may result in the recognition of an impairment loss. (d) Accounting for Income Taxes In accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC, income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management determines its estimates of future taxable income based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies. The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when it is estimated to be more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized. FairPoint Communications files a consolidated income tax return with its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. (e) Operating Segments Management views its business of providing data, video and voice communication services to residential, wholesale and business customers as one operating segment as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the ASC . The Company's services consist of retail and wholesale telecommunications and data services, including voice and HSD in 17 states. The Company's chief operating decision maker assesses operating performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results. (f) Interest Rate Swap Agreements In the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements. For further information regarding these interest rate swap agreements, see note (7) "Interest Rate Swap Agreements." The interest rate swap agreements, at their inception, qualified for and were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC, the Company records its interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The effective portion of changes in fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recognized in earnings. Both at inception and on a quarterly basis, the Company performs an effectiveness test.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which is designed to clarify the principles used to recognize revenue for entities. The accounting guidance defines how companies report revenues from contracts with customers and also requires enhanced disclosures. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09. The new pronouncement will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017 and allows for two methods of adoption: (1) "full retrospective" adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or (2) "modified retrospective" adoption, meaning the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-09 is recognized as an adjustment to the fiscal year 2018 opening retained earnings balance. The Company is evaluating its method of adoption. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, which requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. ASU 2014-15 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this pronouncement will have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability instead of being presented as an asset. The update requires retrospective application and represents a change in accounting principle. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 with early adoption permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. As a result, $5.9 million was reclassified from debt issue costs, net to long-term debt, net of current portion in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014. The adoption of this ASU had no impact on income/(loss) before income taxes or net income/(loss). In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 “Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements”, which indicates the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Company adopted this ASU during the quarter ended September 30, 2015, which did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, “Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets.” For an entity that has a significant event in an interim period that calls for a remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations (for example, a settlement or curtailment), ASU 2015-04 provides a practical expedient that permits the entity to remeasure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end that is closest to the date of the significant event. The month-end remeasurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations that is closest to the date of the significant event should be adjusted for any effects of the significant event that may or may not be captured in the month-end measurement. However, an entity should not adjust the measurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations for other events that occur between the month-end measurement and the date of the significant event that are not caused by the entity (for example, changes in market prices or interest rates). An entity is required to disclose the accounting policy election and the date used to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations in accordance with the amendments in this ASU. The amendments in this ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Entities should apply the amendments in this ASU prospectively. This ASU was adopted in the quarter ended September 30, 2015 when the Company remeasured the plan assets and obligations at July 31, 2015 for one of its pension plans to recognize a curtailment related to a headcount reduction that occurred during that month.

Dividends

Dividends	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends	Dividends The Company currently does not pay a dividend on its common stock and has no plans to pay dividends.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company recorded a tax benefit on the net income/(loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 of $0.7 million and $11.2 million , respectively, which equates to an effective tax rate of (1.2)% and 22.9% , respectively, by applying the projected full year effective rate. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the Company recorded a tax benefit on net income/(loss) of $0.6 million and $28.1 million , respectively, which equates to an effective tax rate of (1.2)% and 23.2% , respectively, by applying the projected full year effective rate. For 2015 , the projected annual effective tax rate differs from the 35% federal statutory rate primarily due to a decrease in the valuation allowance offset by tax expense related to state taxes. For 2014, the effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance offset by a tax benefit related to state taxes. A reconciliation of the Company's statutory tax rate to its projected 2015 effective tax rate is presented below (in percentages): 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % State income tax, net of federal income tax 8.5 Other, net 0.9 Valuation allowance (45.6 ) Effective income tax rate (1.2 )% The effective tax rate reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is 0% . The 0% effective tax rate in accumulated other comprehensive income is due to the tax benefit associated with the reduction in the valuation allowance offsetting tax expense on other net comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Deferred Income Taxes Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreements on February 22, 2015, a remeasurement of certain employee benefit obligations was required. See note (9) "Employee Benefit Plan" herein for additional information. For 2015, this will result in a reduction of the deferred tax asset associated with employee benefit plans of approximately $270 million as well as a reduction of the Company's valuation allowance against deferred tax assets of approximately $229 million . At September 30, 2015 , the Company had gross federal NOL carryforwards of $258.9 million after taking into consideration the NOL tax attribute reduction resulting from the Company's discharge of indebtedness upon emergence from Chapter 11 protection. The Company's remaining federal NOL carryforwards will expire from 2019 to 2035 . At September 30, 2015 , the Company had a net, after attribute reduction, state NOL deferred tax asset of $13.5 million . The Company's remaining state NOL carryforwards will expire from 2015 to 2035 . The amount expiring in 2015 is negligible and fully reserved as part of the valuation allowance. At September 30, 2015 , the Company had no alternative minimum tax credit carryover and had $4.9 million in state credit carryovers. Telecom Group completed an initial public offering on February 8, 2005, which resulted in an "ownership change" within the meaning of the United States federal income tax laws addressing NOL carryforwards, alternative minimum tax credits and other similar tax attributes. The Merger and the Company's emergence from Chapter 11 protection also resulted in ownership changes. As a result of these ownership changes, there are specific limitations on the Company's ability to use its NOL carryforwards and other tax attributes. The Company believes that it can use the NOLs even with these restrictions in place based on its current income projections. Income Tax Returns The Company and its eligible subsidiaries file consolidated income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and certain consolidated, combined and separate entity tax returns, as required, with various state and local governments. The Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state and local, or non-United States income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2011. NOL carryovers from closed tax years may be subject to examination by federal or state taxing authorities if utilized in a year open to examination. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company does not have any significant jurisdictional income tax audits.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt Long-term debt for the Company at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is shown below (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Term Loan, due 2019 (weighted average rate of 7.50%) $ 624,000 $ 628,800 Discount on Term Loan (a) (11,932 ) (14,210 ) Debt issuance costs (5,034 ) (5,949 ) Notes, 8.75%, due 2019 300,000 300,000 Total long-term debt 907,034 908,641 Less: current portion (6,400 ) (6,400 ) Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 900,634 $ 902,241 (a) The $11.9 million and $14.2 million discount on the Term Loan (as defined below) as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the Term Loan. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had $58.8 million , net of $16.2 million of outstanding letters of credit, available for borrowing under the Revolving Facility (as defined below). The approximate aggregate maturities of long-term debt, excluding the debt discount on the Term Loan (as defined below), for each of the four years subsequent to September 30, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Trailing twelve months ending September 30, Balance Due 2016 $ 6,400 2017 6,400 2018 6,400 2019 904,800 Total long-term debt, including current portion $ 924,000 Refinancing. On February 14, 2013 (the "Refinancing Closing Date"), FairPoint Communications refinanced its credit agreement (the "Refinancing"). In connection with the Refinancing, FairPoint Communications (i) issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.75% senior secured notes due 2019 (the "Notes") in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to an indenture (the "Indenture") that FairPoint Communications entered into on the Refinancing Closing Date with certain of its subsidiaries that guarantee the indebtedness under the Credit Agreement (as defined herein) (the "Subsidiary Guarantors") and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and collateral agent, and (ii) entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"), dated as of the Refinancing Closing Date, with the lenders party thereto from time to time and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer. The Credit Agreement provides for a $75.0 million revolving credit facility (the ''Revolving Facility''), which has a sub-facility providing for the issuance of up to $40.0 million in letters of credit, and a $640.0 million term loan facility (the ''Term Loan'' and, together with the Revolving Facility, the ''Credit Agreement Loans"). On the Refinancing Closing Date, FairPoint Communications used the proceeds of the Notes offering, together with $640.0 million of borrowings under the Term Loan and cash on hand to (i) repay principal of $946.5 million outstanding on the old term loan, plus approximately $7.7 million of accrued interest and (ii) pay approximately $32.6 million of fees, expenses and other costs related to the Refinancing. The Credit Agreement. The principal amount of the Term Loan and commitments under the Revolving Facility may be increased by an aggregate amount of up to $200.0 million, subject to certain terms and conditions specified in the Credit Agreement. The Term Loan will mature on February 14, 2019 and the Revolving Facility will mature on February 14, 2018, subject in each case to extensions pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Interest Rates and Fees . Interest on borrowings under the Credit Agreement Loans accrue at an annual rate equal to either a British Bankers Association London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the base rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. LIBOR is a per annum rate for dollar deposits with an interest period of one, two, three or six months (at FairPoint Communications' election), subject to a minimum LIBOR floor of 1.25% . The base rate is the per annum rate equal to the greatest of (x) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% , (y) the rate of interest publicly quoted from time to time by The Wall Street Journal as the United States ''Prime Rate'' and (z) LIBOR with an interest period of one month plus 1.00% . The applicable margin for the Term Loan is (a) 6.25% per annum with respect to term loans bearing interest based on LIBOR or (b) 5.25% per annum with respect to term loans bearing interest based on the base rate. The applicable interest rate for the Revolving Facility is, initially, (a) 5.50% with respect to revolving loans bearing interest based on LIBOR or (b) 4.50% per annum with respect to revolving loans bearing interest based on the base rate, in each case subject to adjustment based on FairPoint Communications' consolidated total leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. FairPoint Communications is required to pay a quarterly letter of credit fee on the average daily amount available to be drawn under letters of credit equal to the applicable interest rate for revolving loans bearing interest based on LIBOR, plus a fronting fee of 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount available to be drawn under such letters of credit. In addition, FairPoint Communications is required to pay a quarterly commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the New Revolving Facility, which is 0.50% initially, subject to reduction to 0.375% based on FairPoint Communications' consolidated total leverage ratio. Security/Guarantors. All obligations under the Credit Agreement, together with certain designated hedging obligations and cash management obligations, are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each of the Subsidiary Guarantors and secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all personal property of FairPoint Communications and the Subsidiary Guarantors, subject to certain exclusions set forth in the related security documents, pari passu with the lien securing the obligations under the Notes. Mandatory Repayments . FairPoint Communications is required to make quarterly repayments of the Term Loan in the amount of $1.6 million during the term of the Credit Agreement. In addition, mandatory repayments are required under the Credit Agreement with (i) a percentage, initially equal to 50% and subject to reduction to 25% based on FairPoint Communications' consolidated total leverage ratio, of FairPoint Communications' excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement, (ii) the net cash proceeds of certain asset dispositions, insurance proceeds and condemnation awards and (iii) issuances of debt not permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement. Optional prepayments and mandatory prepayments resulting from the incurrence of debt not permitted to be incurred under the Credit Agreement are required to be made at 101.0% of the aggregate principal amount prepaid if such prepayment is made on or prior to February 14, 2016. No premium is required to be paid for prepayments made after February 14, 2016. Covenants . The Credit Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative and negative covenants for a transaction of this type, including two financial maintenance covenants: (i) a consolidated interest coverage ratio and (ii) a consolidated total leverage ratio. The Credit Agreement also contains a covenant limiting the amount of capital expenditures that FairPoint Communications and its subsidiaries may make in any fiscal year. As of September 30, 2015 , FairPoint Communications was in compliance with all covenants under the Credit Agreement. Events of Default . The Credit Agreement also contains customary events of default for a transaction of this type. The Notes. On the Refinancing Closing Date, FairPoint Communications issued $300.0 million of the Notes pursuant to the Indenture in a private offering exempt from registration under the Securities Act. The terms of the Notes are governed by the Indenture. The Notes are senior secured obligations of FairPoint Communications and are guaranteed by the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Notes and the guarantees thereof are secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all personal property of FairPoint Communications and the Subsidiary Guarantors, subject to certain exclusions set forth in the related security documents, pari passu with the lien securing the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The Notes will mature on August 15, 2019 and accrue interest at a rate of 8.75% per annum, which is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. On or after February 15, 2016, FairPoint Communications may redeem all or part of the Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the applicable redemption date. At any time prior to February 15, 2016, FairPoint Communications may redeem all or part of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus a "make-whole" premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to, the applicable redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to February 15, 2016, FairPoint Communications may, on one or more occasions, redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes, using net cash proceeds of certain qualified equity offerings, at a redemption price of 108.75% of the principal amount of Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable redemption date. Notes redeemed on or after February 15, 2016 and prior to February 15, 2017 may be redeemed at 104.375% of the aggregate principal amount; notes redeemed on or after February 15, 2017 and prior to February 15, 2018 may be redeemed at 102.188% of the aggregate principal amount; and notes redeemed on or after February 15, 2018 may be redeemed at their par value. The holders of the Notes have the ability to require FairPoint Communications to repurchase all or any part of the Notes if FairPoint Communications experiences certain kinds of changes in control or engages in certain asset sales, in each case at the repurchase prices and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture contains certain covenants which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on FairPoint Communications' ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make other distributions or repurchase FairPoint Communications' capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, create liens and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. As of September 30, 2015 , FairPoint Communications was in compliance with all covenants under the Indenture. The Indenture also provides for customary events of default, including cross defaults to other specified debt of FairPoint Communications and certain of its subsidiaries.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

Interest Rate Swap Agreements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to protect the Company against future adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows relating to interest payments on a portion of its outstanding debt. The Company's interest rate swaps, which are designated as cash flow hedges, involve the receipt of variable amounts from counterparties in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the effective term of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The Company does not hold or issue any derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes. In the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements with a combined notional amount of $170.0 million with three counterparties that are effective for a two year period effective September 30, 2015. Each respective swap agreement requires the Company to pay a fixed rate of 2.665% and provides that the Company will receive a variable rate based on the three month LIBOR rate subject to a minimum LIBOR floor of 1.25% . Amounts payable by or due to the Company will be net settled with the respective counterparties on the last business day of each fiscal quarter, commencing on December 31, 2015. The effect of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is shown below (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps, Current Other accrued liabilities $ 2,384 Interest rate swaps, Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 1,861 As of December 31, 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 2,742 The gross effect of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is shown below (in thousands): Amount of Loss/(Gain) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) on Derivative (Effective Portion) (Pre-Tax) Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 Interest rate swaps $ 460 $ (260 ) $ 1,503 $ 1,141 Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to interest rate swaps will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Term Loan. The Company estimates that approximately $2.4 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense over the next four quarters. Each interest rate swap agreement contains a provision whereby if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, the Company may also be declared in default under the interest rate swap agreements.

Fair Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and establishes a hierarchy that categorizes and prioritizes the sources to be used to estimate fair value. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the ASC also expands financial statement disclosures about fair value measurements. In determining fair value, the Company uses a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows: Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 - Valuations based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Company's non-financial assets and liabilities, including its long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets, are measured and subsequently adjusted, if necessary, to fair value on a non-recurring basis. The Company periodically performs routine reviews of triggering events and/or an impairment test, as applicable. Based on these procedures, the Company did not require an adjustment to fair value to be recorded to these assets in the three months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . The Company's financial instruments, other than interest rate swap agreements and long-term debt, consist primarily of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable. The carrying amounts of these financial instruments are estimated to approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time to maturity for these instruments. As of September 30, 2015 , interest rate swap agreements are carried at their fair value and measured on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Interest rate swaps, Current (a) $ — $ 2,384 $ — Interest rate swaps, Long-term (a) $ — $ 1,861 $ — As of December 31, 2014 , interest rate swap agreements are carried at their fair value and measured on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Interest rate swaps, Long-term (a) $ — 2,742 $ — (a) The fair value is determined using valuation models which rely on the expected LIBOR based yield curve and estimates of counterparty and the Company’s non-performance risk. Because each of these inputs are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, the Company has categorized these interest rate swaps as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Term Loan, due 2019 (b) $ 612,068 $ 624,000 $ 614,590 $ 619,368 Notes, 8.75%, due 2019 300,000 309,000 300,000 301,890 Total $ 912,068 $ 933,000 $ 914,590 $ 921,258 (a) The Company estimated fair value based on market prices of the Company's debt securities at the balance sheet date, which falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (b) The carrying amount of the Term Loan is net of the unamortized discount of $11.9 million and $14.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans ("qualified pension plans") and other post-employment benefit plans which provide certain cash payments and medical, dental and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents. The qualified pension plans and certain post-employment benefit plans were created as part of the acquisition of the Northern New England operations from Verizon and substantially replicated the prior Verizon plans available to the eligible employees in the acquired operations. On August 2, 2014, the Company’s collective bargaining agreements with two of its labor unions expired. On August 28, 2014, the Company informed the unions that the parties were at impasse and on that date implemented the terms of its final proposals to the labor unions. On February 22, 2015, membership of both labor unions ratified their respective collective bargaining agreements that expire in August 2018. As a result, the following changes were effective regarding the qualified pension plan available to represented employees (the "Represented Pension Plan") and the post-employment healthcare plan for represented employees (the "Represented OPEB Plan"): • The Represented Pension Plan was closed to new participants and benefits under the prior formula were frozen as of October 14, 2014. For existing participants, future benefit accruals for service on and after February 22, 2015 are at 50% of prior rates and are capped at 30 years of total credited service. Pension plan participants on strike received no credited service from October 14, 2014 to February 21, 2015. • The Represented OPEB Plan for active represented employees was eliminated as of August 28, 2014. A transitional monthly reimbursement arrangement for eligible represented employees who retire no later than August 22, 2017 was established (the "Reimbursement Arrangement"). To be eligible for the Reimbursement Arrangement, the represented employee must, among other criteria, have commenced a service pension under the Represented Pension Plan immediately upon termination of employment. The monthly reimbursement amount cannot exceed $800 per retiree, plus an additional $400 for a retiree’s spouse, and may only be paid for reimbursement of medical insurance premiums for coverage of the retiree and spouse. The Reimbursement Arrangement is only available until the retiree reaches the earlier of age 65 , or dies, among other limitations, at which time the benefit will cease for the spouse as well. Approximately 290 active represented employees are expected to be eligible to receive benefits under the Reimbursement Arrangement. Upon ratification of the collective bargaining agreements on February 22, 2015, a remeasurement of the net obligations of the Represented Pension Plan and the Represented OPEB Plan was required as of that date. Net periodic benefit cost for the period from February 23, 2015 to July 31, 2015 for the Represented Pension Plan was determined using the remeasured obligation as of February 22, 2015 for that plan. As the result of a workforce reduction, a curtailment occurred related to the Represented Pension Plan and a subsequent remeasurement of the net obligation was performed as of July 31, 2015. Accordingly, net periodic benefit cost from August 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015 was determined using the remeasured obligation as of July 31, 2015. Net periodic benefit cost for the period from February 23, 2015 to September 30, 2015 for the Represented OPEB Plan was determined using the remeasured obligation as of February 22, 2015 for that plan. Net periodic benefit cost for the period from January 1, 2015 to February 22, 2015 for these plans was determined using the respective net obligations as reflected in the financial statements as of December 31, 2014. Represented retirees who were eligible to participate in the Represented OPEB Plan continued to receive benefits under that plan for the duration of 2014. During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company amended the other post-employment benefit plan for management employees (the "Continuing OPEB Plan") to allow the existing represented retirees to participate in that plan. Effective January 1, 2015, the represented retirees were transferred to the Continuing OPEB Plan and the Represented OPEB Plan was terminated. A proportionate amount of projected benefit obligation of $91.3 million and unrecognized net actuarial loss of $29.5 million , in addition to an unamortized prior service credit of $45.3 million , for these represented retirees were transferred from the Represented OPEB Plan to the Continuing OPEB Plan as of January 1, 2015. The remeasurement of the Represented OPEB Plan reflected the elimination of post-employment healthcare benefits for active represented employees effective August 28, 2014 and the termination of the plan effective January 1, 2015. The elimination of the post-employment healthcare benefits for active represented employees was accounted for as a negative plan amendment that reduced the projected benefit obligation with a corresponding prior service credit of $619.4 million being recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The elimination of future service accruals for active represented employees resulted in a curtailment gain of $5.4 million . The curtailment gain was applied against the unrecognized net actuarial loss in accumulated other comprehensive income. In addition, on February 22, 2015, an obligation of $9.8 million was established for the Reimbursement Arrangement with a corresponding amount of prior service cost in accumulated other comprehensive income. The prior service credit of $619.4 million and the $9.8 million prior service cost related to the Reimbursement Arrangement, which net to $609.6 million , are being amortized over 1.72 years for 2015 expense. The remaining unrecognized net actuarial loss related to the terminated Represented OPEB Plan of $192.2 million is being amortized over 1.50 years for 2015 expense. The Company recognized a $40.0 million prior service credit for a negative plan amendment at remeasurement of the Represented Pension Plan related to pension bands that were frozen under the terms of the collective bargaining agreements. The prior service credit was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is being amortized over 11.67 years for 2015 expense. The qualified pension plan which covers non-represented employees was not impacted by these changes and remains frozen. Therefore, no new benefits are being earned by participants and the plan is closed to new participants. The Company makes contributions to the qualified pension plans to meet minimum funding requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and has the ability to elect to make additional discretionary contributions. The other post-employment benefit plans are unfunded and the Company funds the benefits that are paid. Annually, and as necessary, the Company remeasures the net liabilities of its qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans in accordance with the Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC. Plan Assets, Obligations and Funded Status A summary of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and funded status of the plans are as follows (in thousands): Qualified Pension Plans Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Value of plan assets: Beginning fair value of plan assets $ 195,410 Expected return on plan assets 14,445 Plan settlements (6,416 ) Employer contributions 8,780 Benefits paid (7,702 ) Ending value of plan assets 204,517 Projected benefit obligation: Beginning projected benefit obligation $ 408,216 Service cost 6,822 Interest cost 11,146 Plan amendment (40,049 ) Plan settlements (21,847 ) Plan curtailment (2,426 ) Benefits paid (7,702 ) Actuarial gain (4,768 ) Ending projected benefit obligation 349,392 Funded status $ (144,875 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 349,392 Net amount recognized in long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet $ (144,875 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ 33,772 Net actuarial loss (98,106 ) Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (64,334 ) Other Post-employment Benefit Plans Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Value of plan assets: Beginning fair value of plan assets $ — Employer contributions 4,092 Benefits paid (4,092 ) Ending value of plan assets — Projected benefit obligation: Beginning projected benefit obligation $ 741,372 Service cost 4,479 Interest cost 6,683 Plan amendments (609,619 ) Plan curtailment (5,409 ) Benefits paid (4,092 ) Actuarial gain (27,075 ) Ending projected benefit obligation 106,339 Funded status $ (106,339 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: Current liabilities $ (5,166 ) Long-term liabilities (101,173 ) Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet $ (106,339 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Net prior service credit $ 439,872 Net actuarial loss (140,607 ) Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 299,265 Net Periodic Benefit Cost. The Company capitalizes a portion of net periodic benefit cost in conjunction with its use of internal labor resources utilized on capital projects. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , the Company recognized settlement charges of $0.1 million , $0.7 million , $0.7 million and $0.7 million , respectively, in the qualified pension plan that covers non-represented employees. The settlements were incurred when the cumulative amount of lump sums paid to participants in the respective years exceeded the expected service and interest cost for the respective years. In July 2015, as the result of a workforce reduction, the Company recognized a curtailment gain of $4.2 million in the Represented Pension Plan. Components of the net periodic benefit cost related to the Company's qualified pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Qualified Pension Plans Other Post- employment Benefit Plans Qualified Other Post- Service cost $ 1,653 $ 62 $ 3,514 $ 6,279 Interest cost 3,702 1,005 3,862 7,897 Expected return on plan assets (3,688 ) — (3,368 ) — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,570 32,775 556 1,729 Amortization of prior service cost (863 ) (89,550 ) — — Plan curtailment (4,207 ) — — — Plan settlement 110 — 650 — Net periodic benefit cost (1,723 ) (55,708 ) 5,214 15,905 Less capitalized portion (137 ) — (322 ) (965 ) Other post-employment benefit and pension expense $ (1,860 ) $ (55,708 ) $ 4,892 $ 14,940 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 Qualified Pension Plans Other Post- employment Benefit Plans Qualified Other Post- Service cost $ 6,822 $ 4,479 $ 11,664 $ 18,968 Interest cost 11,146 6,683 11,788 22,520 Expected return on plan assets (10,911 ) — (10,179 ) — Amortization of actuarial loss 5,311 80,649 1,634 3,576 Amortization of prior service cost (2,070 ) (215,076 ) — — Plan curtailment (4,207 ) — — — Plan settlement 717 — 650 — Net periodic benefit cost 6,808 (123,265 ) 15,557 45,064 Less capitalized portion (469 ) — (1,112 ) (3,192 ) Other post-employment benefit and pension expense $ 6,339 $ (123,265 ) $ 14,445 $ 41,872 Return on Plan Assets. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , the actual return on the pension plan assets were annualized gains/(losses) of approximately (5.6)% , (6.1)% , (3.7)% and 4.9% , respectively. Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss). Other pre-tax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows (in thousands): Qualified Pension Plans Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ — $ 40,049 Net gain arising during the period — 8,302 Amortization of prior service credit (863 ) (2,070 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,570 5,311 Plan curtailment (1,781 ) (1,781 ) Plan settlement 16,151 16,149 Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 15,077 $ 65,960 Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months: Prior service credit $ (863 ) Net actuarial loss 1,407 Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months $ 544 Other Post-employment Benefit Plans Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ — $ 619,454 Prior service cost — (9,835 ) Plan curtailment — 5,409 Net gain arising during the period — 27,075 Amortization of prior service credit (89,550 ) (215,076 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 32,775 80,649 Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income $ (56,775 ) $ 507,676 Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months: Net prior service credit $ (89,550 ) Net actuarial loss 32,775 Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months $ (56,775 ) Assumptions The determination of the net liability and the net periodic benefit cost recognized for the qualified pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans by the Company are, in part, based on assumptions made by management. These assumptions include, among others, the discount rate applied to estimated future cash flows of the plans, the expected return on assets held by the qualified pension plans, certain demographic characteristics of the participants, such as expected retirement and mortality rates, and future inflation in healthcare costs. Certain assumptions, which include, among others, assumptions regarding increases in the amount of other post-employment benefit expenditures to be paid by the Company, reflect the Company's past practice of providing such increases to participants and therefore are considered a substantive plan under the Compensation—Retirement Benefits Topic of the ASC. Projected Benefit Obligation Assumptions. The weighted average assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations for these plans at their respective measurement dates are as follows: September 30, 2015 Qualified Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.34 % Other Post-employment Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.77 % Net Periodic Benefit Cost Assumptions. The weighted average assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Three Months ended September 30, 2015 2014 Qualified Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.34 % 4.92 % Expected return on plan assets (a) 7.31 % 7.66 % Other Post-employment Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.29 % 4.98 % (a) The expected return on plan assets is the long-term rate-of-return the Company expects to earn on the plan assets. In developing the expected return on plan asset assumption, the Company evaluated historical investment performance, the plans' asset allocation strategies and return forecasts for each asset class and input from its advisors. Projected returns by such advisors were based on broad equity and fixed income indices. The expected return on plan assets is reviewed annually in conjunction with other plan assumptions and, if considered necessary, revised to reflect changes in the financial markets and the investment strategy. Contributions and Benefit Payments During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we contributed $8.8 million to our Company sponsored qualified defined benefit pension plans and funded benefit payments of $4.1 million under our other post-employment benefit plans.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income tax, were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes: Fair value of interest rate swaps $ (2,536 ) Qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans 256,651 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes $ 254,115 Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes changes in the fair value of the Company's cash flow hedges, actuarial losses and prior service credits related to the qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans arising during the respective periods and amortization of these actuarial losses and prior service credits. For further detail of amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) related to the cash flow hedges, see note (7) "Interest Rate Swap Agreements" herein. For further detail of amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) related to the qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans, see note (9) "Employee Benefit Plans—Plan Assets, Obligations and Funded Status—Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)" herein. The following table provides a reconciliation of adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to the condensed consolidated statement of operations (in thousands): Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Employee benefits: Amortization of actuarial loss (1.5 years to 12.1 years) (a) $ 34,345 $ 85,960 Amortization of net prior service credit (1.72 years to 24.9 years) (a) (90,413 ) (217,146 ) Plan settlement (a) 16,151 16,149 Plan curtailment (a) (1,781 ) (1,781 ) Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (41,698 ) (116,818 ) Tax benefit (b) — — Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net $ (41,698 ) $ (116,818 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See note (9) "Employee Benefit Plans" for details. (b) See note (5) "Income Taxes" for details. There was a nominal amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) related to interest rate swaps for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share of the Company is computed by dividing net income/(loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, the diluted earnings per share calculation calculated using the treasury stock method includes the impact of stock units, shares of non-vested restricted stock and shares that could be issued under outstanding stock options. Weighted average number of common shares used for basic earnings per share excludes weighted average shares of non-vested restricted stock of 226,900 , 232,884 , 234,370 and 236,616 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Non-vested restricted stock is included in common shares issued and outstanding in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Potentially dilutive shares exclude warrants and stock options issued after repurchase under the FairPoint Communications, Inc. Amended and Restated 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan, primarily due to exercise prices exceeding the average market value. Since the Company incurred a loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 , all potentially dilutive securities are anti-dilutive and, therefore, are excluded from the determination of diluted earnings per share. The following table provides a reconciliation of the common shares used for basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share: Three Months ended September 30, Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average number of common shares used for basic earnings per share 26,676,385 26,472,162 26,640,103 26,439,870 Effect of potential dilutive shares 327,448 — 312,193 — Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive shares used for diluted earnings per share 27,003,833 26,472,162 26,952,296 26,439,870 Weighted average number of anti-dilutive shares outstanding at period-end that are excluded from the above reconciliation 4,146,782 4,548,565 4,148,613 4,443,933

Stockholders' Deficit

Stockholders' Deficit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity/(Deficit)	Stockholders' Equity/(Deficit) At September 30, 2015 , 37,500,000 shares of common stock were authorized and 26,905,398 shares of common stock (including shares of non-vested restricted stock) and 3,582,402 warrants, each eligible to purchase one share of common stock, were outstanding. The initial exercise price applicable to the warrants is $48.81 per share of common stock. The exercise price applicable to the warrants is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events described in the warrant agreement. The warrants may be exercised at any time on or before January 24, 2018.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies (a) Leases The Company does not have any leases with contingent rental payments or any leases with contingency renewal, purchase options or escalation clauses. (b) Legal Proceedings From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and regulatory proceedings arising out of its operations. The Company's management believes that it is not currently a party to any legal or regulatory proceedings, the adverse outcome of which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company is a defendant in approximately 16 lawsuits filed by two long distance communications companies, who have collectively filed over 60 lawsuits arising from switched access charges for calls originating and terminating within the same wireless major trading area. At this time, an estimate of the impact, if any, cannot be made. (c) Restricted Cash As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had $0.7 million and $0.7 million , respectively, of restricted cash, which is restricted for regulatory purposes and is included in long-term restricted cash on the balance sheets. (d) Magnitude of Bankruptcy Claims As of October 30, 2015 , the allowance of the claims of one bankruptcy tax claimant in the amount of $0.2 million is still being litigated. All other bankruptcy claims have been resolved.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Partially owned equity affiliates are accounted for under the cost method or equity method when the Company demonstrates significant influence, but does not have a controlling financial interest. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.
Presentation and use of estimates	Presentation and Use of Estimates The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods shown, including normal recurring accruals and other items. Examples of significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts, revenue reserves, the depreciation of property, plant and equipment, valuation of intangible assets, qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plan assumptions, stock-based compensation and income taxes.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenues are recognized as services are rendered and are primarily derived from the usage of the Company's networks and facilities or under wholesale arrangements with other communications carriers. Revenues are primarily derived from: voice services, access (including pooling), certain CAF receipts, Internet and broadband services and other miscellaneous services. Local access charges are billed to local end users under tariffs approved by each state's Public Utilities Commission ("PUC") or by rates, terms and conditions determined by the Company. Access revenues are derived for the intrastate jurisdiction by billing access charges to interexchange carriers, wireless carriers and to other LECs. These charges are billed based on toll or access tariffs approved by the local state's PUC. Access charges for the interstate jurisdiction are billed in accordance with tariffs filed by the National Exchange Carrier Association ("NECA") or by the individual company and approved by the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"). Revenues are determined on a bill-and-keep basis or a pooling basis. If on a bill-and-keep basis, the Company bills the charges to either the wholesale provider or the end user and keeps the revenue. If the Company participates in a pooling environment (interstate or intrastate), the toll or access billed is contributed to a revenue pool. The revenue is then distributed to individual companies based on their company-specific revenue requirement or similar distribution methods. This distribution is based on individual state PUC's (intrastate) or the FCC's (interstate) approved settlement mechanisms, separation rules and rates of return. Distribution from these pools can change relative to changes made to expenses, plant investment or rate-of-return. Some companies participate in federal and certain state universal service programs that are pooling in nature but are regulated by rules separate from those described above. These rules vary by state. Revenues earned through the various pooling arrangements are initially recorded based on the Company's estimates. Rule changes associated with the FCC's CAF/ICC Order (as defined hereinafter) impact the NECA interstate pooling, in that a portion of the Company's interstate Universal Service Fund ("USF") revenues, which are administered through the NECA pools and which prior to January 1, 2012 were based on costs, are now based on rules from the FCC's CAF/ICC Order, including CAF Phase II support where FairPoint accepted CAF Phase II support, continued CAF Phase I frozen support where FairPoint did not accept CAF Phase II support and CAF/ICC rules in states where FairPoint is eligible for such support under the ICC Transition Rules for price cap and rate-of-return carriers. FairPoint accepted CAF Phase II support in all states except Kansas and Colorado. Long distance switched retail and wholesale services can be recurring due to coverage under an unlimited calling plan or be usage sensitive. In either case, they are billed in arrears and recognized when earned. Internet and data services revenues are substantially all recurring revenues and are billed one month in advance and deferred until earned. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , unearned revenue of $21.5 million and $19.0 million , respectively, was included in other accrued liabilities and unearned revenue of $7.6 million and $9.3 million , respectively, was included in other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The majority of the Company's other miscellaneous services revenue is generated from ancillary special projects at the request of third parties, video services, directory services and late payment charges to end users and wholesale carriers. The Company requires customers to pay for ancillary special projects in advance. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , customer deposits of $2.2 million and $2.4 million , respectively, were included in other accrued liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Once the ancillary special project is completed or substantially complete and all project costs have been accumulated for proper accounting recognition, the advance payment is recognized as revenue with any overpayments refunded to the customer, as appropriate. The Company recognizes revenue upon the provision of video services in certain markets by reselling DirecTV and providing cable and IP television video-over-digital subscriber line services. The Company also publishes telephone directories in some of its Telecom Group markets and recognizes revenues associated with these publications evenly over the time period covered by the directory, which is typically twelve months. The Company bills late payment fees to customers who have not paid their bills in a timely manner. In general, late payment fee revenue is recognized based on collection of these charges. Non-recurring customer activation fees, along with the related costs up to, but not exceeding, the activation fees, are deferred and amortized over the customer relationship period. On June 26, 2014, the Maine PUC ("MPUC") adopted a final rule (Chapter 201), establishing new provider of last resort ("POLR") service quality index ("SQI") standards and reporting requirements which began August 1, 2014. Under Chapter 201, the MPUC may open an investigation into the failure to meet any of the established standards and has the authority to impose penalties of up to $500,000 per standard. On January 13, 2015, the MPUC issued a Notice of Investigation to review the Company's service quality in Maine. In addition, the Vermont Public Service Board opened an investigation into service quality on December 3, 2014 at the request of the Vermont Department of Public Service. Penalties, if any, would be recorded as a reduction to revenue. The Company also adopted a separate performance assurance plan ("PAP") for certain services provided on a wholesale basis to competitive local exchange carriers ("CLECs") in each of the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Pursuant to the PAPs, FairPoint was required to provide service credits in the event the Company was unable to meet the provisions of the respective PAP. Effective June 1, 2015, the PAP was retired and the Company began measuring and reporting certain wholesale local service performance results pursuant to the terms of a simplified measurement plan. The new plan, called the Wholesale Performance Plan ("WPP"), was developed collaboratively with CLECs over several years and was approved by the Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont regulatory commissions. Under the WPP, the Company is subject to significantly fewer performance criteria and its annual service credit exposure was reduced. Revenue is recognized net of tax collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Customer arrangements that include both equipment and services are evaluated to determine whether the elements are separable. If the elements are deemed separable and separate earnings processes exist, the revenue associated with each element is allocated to each element based on the relative estimated selling price of the separate elements. The Company has estimated the selling prices of each element by reference to vendor-specific objective evidence of selling prices when the elements are sold separately. The revenue associated with each element is then recognized as earned. Management makes estimated adjustments, as necessary, to revenue and accounts receivable for billing errors, including certain disputed amounts.
Impairment of Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset	Impairment of Indefinite-lived Intangible Asset In accordance with the Intangibles-Goodwill and Other Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") , non-amortizable intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually. The Company performs its annual impairment test as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter of each year and assesses the fair value of the trade name based on the relief from royalty method. If the carrying amount of the trade name exceeds its estimated fair value, the asset is considered impaired. For its non-amortizable intangible asset impairment assessment of the FairPoint trade name, the Company makes certain assumptions including an estimated royalty rate, a long-term growth rate, an effective tax rate and a discount rate and applies these assumptions to projected future cash flows, exclusive of cash flows associated with wholesale revenues and other revenues not generated through brand recognition. As of October 1, 2014, the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value in the Company's quantitative analysis; therefore, an impairment was not necessary. The Company performed another quantitative analysis as of December 31, 2014 and the estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value by approximately 4% ; therefore, an impairment was not necessary. However, future changes in one or more of the assumptions discussed above may result in the recognition of an impairment loss.
Accounting for Income Taxes	Accounting for Income Taxes In accordance with the Income Taxes Topic of the ASC, income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management determines its estimates of future taxable income based upon the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies. The Company establishes valuation allowances for deferred tax assets when it is estimated to be more likely than not that the tax assets will not be realized. FairPoint Communications files a consolidated income tax return with its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Operating Segments	Operating Segments Management views its business of providing data, video and voice communication services to residential, wholesale and business customers as one operating segment as defined in the Segment Reporting Topic of the ASC . The Company's services consist of retail and wholesale telecommunications and data services, including voice and HSD in 17 states. The Company's chief operating decision maker assesses operating performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements	Interest Rate Swap Agreements In the third quarter of 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements. For further information regarding these interest rate swap agreements, see note (7) "Interest Rate Swap Agreements." The interest rate swap agreements, at their inception, qualified for and were designated as cash flow hedging instruments. In accordance with the Derivatives and Hedging Topic of the ASC, the Company records its interest rate swaps on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The effective portion of changes in fair value are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recognized in earnings. Both at inception and on a quarterly basis, the Company performs an effectiveness test.

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of the Company's statutory tax rate to its projected 2015 effective tax rate is presented below (in percentages): 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % State income tax, net of federal income tax 8.5 Other, net 0.9 Valuation allowance (45.6 ) Effective income tax rate (1.2 )%

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Balances	Long-term debt for the Company at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is shown below (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Term Loan, due 2019 (weighted average rate of 7.50%) $ 624,000 $ 628,800 Discount on Term Loan (a) (11,932 ) (14,210 ) Debt issuance costs (5,034 ) (5,949 ) Notes, 8.75%, due 2019 300,000 300,000 Total long-term debt 907,034 908,641 Less: current portion (6,400 ) (6,400 ) Total long-term debt, net of current portion $ 900,634 $ 902,241 (a) The $11.9 million and $14.2 million discount on the Term Loan (as defined below) as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, is being amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the Term Loan.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The approximate aggregate maturities of long-term debt, excluding the debt discount on the Term Loan (as defined below), for each of the four years subsequent to September 30, 2015 are as follows (in thousands): Trailing twelve months ending September 30, Balance Due 2016 $ 6,400 2017 6,400 2018 6,400 2019 904,800 Total long-term debt, including current portion $ 924,000

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value	The effect of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is shown below (in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps, Current Other accrued liabilities $ 2,384 Interest rate swaps, Long-term Other long-term liabilities $ 1,861 As of December 31, 2014 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance Sheet Location Fair Value Interest rate swaps Other long-term liabilities $ 2,742
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The gross effect of the Company’s interest rate swap agreements on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 is shown below (in thousands): Amount of Loss/(Gain) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) on Derivative (Effective Portion) (Pre-Tax) Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 Interest rate swaps $ 460 $ (260 ) $ 1,503 $ 1,141

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	As of September 30, 2015 , interest rate swap agreements are carried at their fair value and measured on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Interest rate swaps, Current (a) $ — $ 2,384 $ — Interest rate swaps, Long-term (a) $ — $ 1,861 $ — As of December 31, 2014 , interest rate swap agreements are carried at their fair value and measured on a recurring basis as follows (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Interest rate swaps, Long-term (a) $ — 2,742 $ — (a) The fair value is determined using valuation models which rely on the expected LIBOR based yield curve and estimates of counterparty and the Company’s non-performance risk. Because each of these inputs are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, the Company has categorized these interest rate swaps as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Carrying Amount Fair Value (a) Term Loan, due 2019 (b) $ 612,068 $ 624,000 $ 614,590 $ 619,368 Notes, 8.75%, due 2019 300,000 309,000 300,000 301,890 Total $ 912,068 $ 933,000 $ 914,590 $ 921,258 (a) The Company estimated fair value based on market prices of the Company's debt securities at the balance sheet date, which falls within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. (b) The carrying amount of the Term Loan is net of the unamortized discount of $11.9 million and $14.2 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	A summary of plan assets, projected benefit obligation and funded status of the plans are as follows (in thousands): Qualified Pension Plans Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Value of plan assets: Beginning fair value of plan assets $ 195,410 Expected return on plan assets 14,445 Plan settlements (6,416 ) Employer contributions 8,780 Benefits paid (7,702 ) Ending value of plan assets 204,517 Projected benefit obligation: Beginning projected benefit obligation $ 408,216 Service cost 6,822 Interest cost 11,146 Plan amendment (40,049 ) Plan settlements (21,847 ) Plan curtailment (2,426 ) Benefits paid (7,702 ) Actuarial gain (4,768 ) Ending projected benefit obligation 349,392 Funded status $ (144,875 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 349,392 Net amount recognized in long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet $ (144,875 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ 33,772 Net actuarial loss (98,106 ) Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ (64,334 ) Other Post-employment Benefit Plans Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Value of plan assets: Beginning fair value of plan assets $ — Employer contributions 4,092 Benefits paid (4,092 ) Ending value of plan assets — Projected benefit obligation: Beginning projected benefit obligation $ 741,372 Service cost 4,479 Interest cost 6,683 Plan amendments (609,619 ) Plan curtailment (5,409 ) Benefits paid (4,092 ) Actuarial gain (27,075 ) Ending projected benefit obligation 106,339 Funded status $ (106,339 ) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet: Current liabilities $ (5,166 ) Long-term liabilities (101,173 ) Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet $ (106,339 ) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss): Net prior service credit $ 439,872 Net actuarial loss (140,607 ) Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 299,265
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Costs of Pension and Post-Retirement Healthcare	Components of the net periodic benefit cost related to the Company's qualified pension plans and other post-employment benefit plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Three Months ended September 30, 2014 Qualified Pension Plans Other Post- employment Benefit Plans Qualified Other Post- Service cost $ 1,653 $ 62 $ 3,514 $ 6,279 Interest cost 3,702 1,005 3,862 7,897 Expected return on plan assets (3,688 ) — (3,368 ) — Amortization of actuarial loss 1,570 32,775 556 1,729 Amortization of prior service cost (863 ) (89,550 ) — — Plan curtailment (4,207 ) — — — Plan settlement 110 — 650 — Net periodic benefit cost (1,723 ) (55,708 ) 5,214 15,905 Less capitalized portion (137 ) — (322 ) (965 ) Other post-employment benefit and pension expense $ (1,860 ) $ (55,708 ) $ 4,892 $ 14,940 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2014 Qualified Pension Plans Other Post- employment Benefit Plans Qualified Other Post- Service cost $ 6,822 $ 4,479 $ 11,664 $ 18,968 Interest cost 11,146 6,683 11,788 22,520 Expected return on plan assets (10,911 ) — (10,179 ) — Amortization of actuarial loss 5,311 80,649 1,634 3,576 Amortization of prior service cost (2,070 ) (215,076 ) — — Plan curtailment (4,207 ) — — — Plan settlement 717 — 650 — Net periodic benefit cost 6,808 (123,265 ) 15,557 45,064 Less capitalized portion (469 ) — (1,112 ) (3,192 ) Other post-employment benefit and pension expense $ 6,339 $ (123,265 ) $ 14,445 $ 41,872
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss). Other pre-tax changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows (in thousands): Qualified Pension Plans Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ — $ 40,049 Net gain arising during the period — 8,302 Amortization of prior service credit (863 ) (2,070 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,570 5,311 Plan curtailment (1,781 ) (1,781 ) Plan settlement 16,151 16,149 Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss) $ 15,077 $ 65,960 Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months: Prior service credit $ (863 ) Net actuarial loss 1,407 Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months $ 544 Other Post-employment Benefit Plans Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss): Prior service credit $ — $ 619,454 Prior service cost — (9,835 ) Plan curtailment — 5,409 Net gain arising during the period — 27,075 Amortization of prior service credit (89,550 ) (215,076 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 32,775 80,649 Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income $ (56,775 ) $ 507,676 Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months: Net prior service credit $ (89,550 ) Net actuarial loss 32,775 Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months $ (56,775 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used	Projected Benefit Obligation Assumptions. The weighted average assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations for these plans at their respective measurement dates are as follows: September 30, 2015 Qualified Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.34 % Other Post-employment Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.77 % Net Periodic Benefit Cost Assumptions. The weighted average assumptions used in determining net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Three Months ended September 30, 2015 2014 Qualified Pension Plans: Discount rate 4.34 % 4.92 % Expected return on plan assets (a) 7.31 % 7.66 % Other Post-employment Benefit Plans: Discount rate 3.29 % 4.98 % (a) The expected return on plan assets is the long-term rate-of-return the Company expects to earn on the plan assets. In developing the expected return on plan asset assumption, the Company evaluated historical investment performance, the plans' asset allocation strategies and return forecasts for each asset class and input from its advisors. Projected returns by such advisors were based on broad equity and fixed income indices. The expected return on plan assets is reviewed annually in conjunction with other plan assumptions and, if considered necessary, revised to reflect changes in the financial markets and the investment strategy.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi28

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of income tax, were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes: Fair value of interest rate swaps $ (2,536 ) Qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans 256,651 Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes $ 254,115
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table provides a reconciliation of adjustments reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to the condensed consolidated statement of operations (in thousands): Three Months ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 Employee benefits: Amortization of actuarial loss (1.5 years to 12.1 years) (a) $ 34,345 $ 85,960 Amortization of net prior service credit (1.72 years to 24.9 years) (a) (90,413 ) (217,146 ) Plan settlement (a) 16,151 16,149 Plan curtailment (a) (1,781 ) (1,781 ) Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) (41,698 ) (116,818 ) Tax benefit (b) — — Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net $ (41,698 ) $ (116,818 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See note (9) "Employee Benefit Plans" for details. (b) See note (5) "Income Taxes" for details.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	The following table provides a reconciliation of the common shares used for basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share: Three Months ended September 30, Nine Months ended September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 Weighted average number of common shares used for basic earnings per share 26,676,385 26,472,162 26,640,103 26,439,870 Effect of potential dilutive shares 327,448 — 312,193 — Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive shares used for diluted earnings per share 27,003,833 26,472,162 26,952,296 26,439,870 Weighted average number of anti-dilutive shares outstanding at period-end that are excluded from the above reconciliation 4,146,782 4,548,565 4,148,613 4,443,933

Organization and Principles o30

Organization and Principles of Consolidation (Details) subscriptions in Thousands, mi in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015subscriptionsStatesmi
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of operating states | States	17
Communication Services
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of route miles in fiber network, more than | mi	20
Number of data subscribers	314
Communication Services | Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of route miles in fiber network, more than | mi	17
Ethernet Circuits
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of data subscribers	14
Residential Voice Lines
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of data subscribers	424,000

Accounting Policies (Details)

Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)segmentStates	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Current customer deposits	$ 2.2	$ 2.4
Estimated fair value exceeded the carrying value, percent		4.00%
Number of operating segments | segment	1
Number of operating states | States	17
Other Accrued Liabilities
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 21.5	$ 19
Other Long Term Liabilities
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Non-current deferred revenue	$ 7.6	$ 9.3

Recent Accounting Pronounceme32

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of debt issue costs, to long-term debt	$ 5.9

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (658)	$ (11,249)	$ (581)	$ (28,053)
Effective tax rate	(1.20%)	22.90%	(1.20%)	23.20%
NOL carryforwards	$ 258,900		$ 258,900
State NOL deferred tax asset	13,500		13,500
State tax credit carryover	$ 4,900		$ 4,900
Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate					(1.20%)
Federal statutory rate					35.00%
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective tax rate	0.00%		0.00%
Employee Benefit Plan | Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Reduction of deferred tax asset					$ 270,000
Reduction in valuation allowance against deferred tax assets					$ 229,000
Minimum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period of NOL carryforwards			Dec. 31, 2019
Maximum
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Expiration period of NOL carryforwards			Dec. 31, 2035

Income Taxes (Effective Rate Re

Income Taxes (Effective Rate Reconciliation) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	(1.20%)	22.90%	(1.20%)	23.20%
Scenario, Forecast
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Statutory federal income tax rate					35.00%
State income tax, net of federal income tax					8.50%
Other, net					0.90%
Valuation allowance					(45.60%)
Effective income tax rate					(1.20%)

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 14, 2013
Long term debt for the Company
Debt issuance costs	$ (5,034)	$ (5,949)
Total long-term debt	907,034	908,641
Less: current portion	(6,400)	(6,400)
Total long-term debt, net of current portion	900,634	902,241
Term Loan, due 2019
Long term debt for the Company
Term Loan, due 2019 (weighted average rate of 7.50%)	624,000	628,800
Discount on Term Loan	$ (11,932)	(14,210)
Weighted average interest rate	7.50%
Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Long term debt for the Company
Notes, 8.75%, due 2019	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Stated interest rate	8.75%		8.75%

Long-Term Debt (Maturities of L

Long-Term Debt (Maturities of Long-term Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Approximate Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt
2,016	$ 6,400
2,017	6,400
2,018	6,400
2,019	904,800
Total long-term debt, including current portion	$ 924,000

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 14, 2013USD ($)covenants	Feb. 14, 2013USD ($)covenants	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Feb. 15, 2013
Long Term Debt [Abstract]
Remaining borrowing capacity			$ 58,800,000
Letter of credit outstanding			16,200,000
Refinancing [Abstract]
Long-term debt			$ 907,034,000	$ 908,641,000
Repayments of debt		$ 946,500,000
Interest paid		7,700,000
Payments of debt issuance costs		32,600,000
Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Stated interest rate	8.75%	8.75%	8.75%
Revolving Credit Facility | Letter of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Line of of credit facility oustanding	$ 40,000,000	$ 40,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Line of of credit facility oustanding	75,000,000	75,000,000
Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Long-term debt	640,000,000	640,000,000
Proceeds from line of credit	640,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	200,000,000	200,000,000
Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Debt instrument face amount	$ 300,000,000	$ 300,000,000
Stated interest rate	8.75%	8.75%	8.75%
Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	5.50%	5.50%
Maximum | Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	6.25%	6.25%
Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	4.50%	4.50%
Fronting fee percent	0.125%	0.125%
Minimum | Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Stated interest rate	5.25%	5.25%
Federal Funds Effective Rate
Refinancing [Abstract]
Point in addition to base interest rate under condition	0.50%
LIBOR
Refinancing [Abstract]
Point in addition to base interest rate under condition	1.00%
LIBOR | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Term Loan, due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Point in addition to base interest rate under condition	1.25%
Commitment Fee, Period One | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Percentage commitment fee on average daily unused portion of exit revolving facility	0.50%
Commitment Fee, Period Two | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Percentage commitment fee on average daily unused portion of exit revolving facility	0.375%
Mandatory Repayments, Period One | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Mandatory repayments as a percent of excess cash flow	50.00%	50.00%
Mandatory Repayments, Subsequent Periods | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Mandatory repayments as a percent of excess cash flow	25.00%	25.00%
Redemption prior to February 15, 2016 | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Redemption price percent	108.75%
Default redemption, percent of principal					100.00%
Maximum principal redemption percent					35.00%
Redemption on or after February 15, 2016 and prior to February 15, 2017 | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Redemption price percent	104.375%
Redemption on or prior to February 14, 2016 | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Term Loan, due 2019 | Notes Payable to Banks
Refinancing [Abstract]
Periodic principal payment	$ 1,600,000
Redemption price percent	101.00%
Redemption on or after February 15, 2017 and prior to February 15, 2018 | Senior Secured Notes Due 2019 | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Refinancing [Abstract]
Redemption price percent	102.188%
Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio Covenant | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Refinancing [Abstract]
Number of restrictive covenants | covenants	2	2

Interest Rate Swap Agreements38

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)counterparties
Interest rate swaps, Current
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount	$ 170
Number of counterparties | counterparties	3
Fixed rate	2.665%
LIBOR | Interest rate swaps, Current
Derivative [Line Items]
Floor interest rate	1.25%
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Derivative [Line Items]
Interest reclassified	$ 2.4

Interest Rate Swap Agreements39

Interest Rate Swap Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Amount of Loss/(Gain) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) on Derivative (Effective Portion) (Pre-Tax)	$ 460	$ (260)	$ 1,503	$ 1,141
Interest rate swaps, Current | Other accrued liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	2,384		2,384
Interest rate swaps, Current | Other long-term liabilities
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 1,861		$ 1,861		$ 2,742

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 14, 2013
Term Loan, due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unamortized discount	$ (11,932,000)	$ (14,210,000)
Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	8.75%		8.75%
Carrying Amount
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 912,068,000	914,590,000
Carrying Amount | Term Loan, due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	612,068,000	614,590,000
Carrying Amount | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	300,000,000	300,000,000
Fair Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	933,000,000	921,258,000
Fair Value | Term Loan, due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	624,000,000	619,368,000
Fair Value | Senior Secured Notes due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	309,000,000	301,890,000
Current | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Current	2,384,000
Current | Interest rate swaps | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Current	0
Current | Interest rate swaps | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Current	0
Long-term | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Long-term	1,861,000	2,742,000
Long-term | Interest rate swaps | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Long-term	0	0
Long-term | Interest rate swaps | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Interest rate swaps, Long-term	$ 0	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 22, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 28, 2014USD ($)employee	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2014collective_bargaining_agreement
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual return for qualified pension plan assets			(5.60%)	(6.10%)	(3.70%)	4.90%
Qualified Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan settlement			$ 110,000	$ 650,000	$ 717,000	$ 650,000
Benefit obligation			349,392,000		349,392,000		$ 408,216,000
Net actuarial loss			(1,407,000)
Prior service credit			(863,000)
Curtailment gain			4,207,000	$ 0	4,207,000	0
Amortization of net actuarial loss			1,570,000		$ 5,311,000
Weighted average annualized expected return on qualified pension plan assets				7.66%	7.31%
Employer contributions					$ 8,780,000
Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan settlement			0	$ 0	0	0
Benefit obligation			106,339,000		106,339,000		$ 741,372,000
Net actuarial loss			(32,775,000)
Prior service credit			(89,550,000)
Curtailment gain			0	$ 0	0	$ 0
Amortization of net actuarial loss			32,775,000		80,649,000
Employer contributions					4,092,000
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit, Represented Employees | Qualified Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Agreements with labor unions | collective_bargaining_agreement								2
Benefit accrual rate, percent of prior rate	50.00%
Length of credited service, maximum							30 years
Maximum monthly medical reimbursement per employee		$ 800
Maximum medical reimbursement per employee spouse		$ 400
Medical insurance premiums reimbursement, maximum age of beneficiary							65 years
Number of participants | employee		290
Continuing OPEB Plan | Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation			91,300,000		91,300,000
Net actuarial loss					29,500,000
Prior service credit					45,300,000
Curtailment gain					5,400,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$ 9,800,000
Remaining gross prior service credit to be amortized			619,400,000		619,400,000
Remaining gross prior service cost to be amortized			9,800,000		9,800,000
Remaining net prior service cost to be amortized			609,600,000		$ 609,600,000
Remaining net prior service credit to be amortized, amortization period					1 year 8 months 19 days
Prior service credit recognized from plan amendment					$ 40,000,000
Continuing OPEB Plan | Post-retirement Healthcare Plans | Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Remaining net prior service credit to be amortized, amortization period					11 years 8 months 1 day
OPEB Plan | Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Remaining unrecognized loss to be amortized			$ 192,200,000		$ 192,200,000
Remaining unrecognized loss to be amortized, amortization period					1 year 6 months

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Plan) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 256,651		$ 256,651
Qualified Pension Plans
Value of plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets			195,410
Expected return on plan assets			14,445
Plan settlements			(6,416)
Employer contributions			8,780
Benefits paid			(7,702)
Ending value of plan assets	204,517		204,517
Projected benefit obligation:
Beginning projected benefit obligation			408,216
Service cost	1,653	$ 3,514	6,822	$ 11,664
Interest cost	3,702	3,862	11,146	11,788
Plan amendment			(40,049)
Plan settlements			(21,847)
Benefits paid			(7,702)
Actuarial gain			(4,768)
Ending projected benefit obligation	349,392		349,392
Funded status	(144,875)		(144,875)
Accumulated benefit obligation	349,392		349,392
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Long-term liabilities	(144,875)		(144,875)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
Prior service credit	33,772		33,772
Net actuarial loss	(98,106)		(98,106)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(64,334)		(64,334)
Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Value of plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets			0
Employer contributions			4,092
Benefits paid			(4,092)
Ending value of plan assets	0		0
Projected benefit obligation:
Beginning projected benefit obligation			741,372
Service cost	62	6,279	4,479	18,968
Interest cost	1,005	$ 7,897	6,683	$ 22,520
Plan amendment			(609,619)
Plan curtailment			(5,409)
Benefits paid			(4,092)
Actuarial gain			(27,075)
Ending projected benefit obligation	106,339		106,339
Funded status	(106,339)		(106,339)
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
Current liabilities	(5,166)		(5,166)
Long-term liabilities	(101,173)		(101,173)
Net amount recognized in long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet	106,339		106,339
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
Prior service credit	439,872		439,872
Net actuarial loss	(140,607)		(140,607)
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ 299,265		$ 299,265

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Per

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and post-retirement healthcare
Other post-employment benefit and pension expense	$ (57,568)	$ 19,832	$ (116,926)	$ 56,317
Qualified Pension Plans
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and post-retirement healthcare
Service cost	1,653	3,514	6,822	11,664
Interest cost	3,702	3,862	11,146	11,788
Expected return on plan assets	(3,688)	(3,368)	(10,911)	(10,179)
Amortization of actuarial loss	1,570	556	5,311	1,634
Amortization of prior service cost	(863)	0	(2,070)	0
Plan curtailment	(4,207)	0	(4,207)	0
Plan settlement	110	650	717	650
Net periodic benefit cost	(1,723)	5,214	6,808	15,557
Less capitalized portion	(137)	(322)	(469)	(1,112)
Other post-employment benefit and pension expense	(1,860)	4,892	6,339	14,445
Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Schedule of net periodic benefit cost related to pension and post-retirement healthcare
Service cost	62	6,279	4,479	18,968
Interest cost	1,005	7,897	6,683	22,520
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	32,775	1,729	80,649	3,576
Amortization of prior service cost	(89,550)	0	(215,076)	0
Plan curtailment	0	0	0	0
Plan settlement	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	(55,708)	15,905	(123,265)	45,064
Less capitalized portion	0	(965)	0	(3,192)
Other post-employment benefit and pension expense	$ (55,708)	$ 14,940	$ (123,265)	$ 41,872

Employee Benefit Plans (Defin44

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Plan - AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Qualified Pension Plans
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
Prior service credit	$ 0	$ 40,049
Net gain arising during the period	0	8,302
Amortization of prior service credit	(863)	(2,070)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,570	5,311
Plan curtailment	(1,781)	(1,781)
Plan settlement	16,151	16,149
Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	15,077	65,960
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months:
Prior service credit	(863)
Net actuarial loss	1,407
Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months	544
Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss):
Prior service credit	0	619,454
Prior service cost	0	(9,835)
Net gain arising during the period	0	27,075
Amortization of prior service credit	(89,550)	(215,076)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	32,775	80,649
Plan curtailment	0	5,409
Total amount recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(56,775)	$ 507,676
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months:
Prior service credit	(89,550)
Net actuarial loss	32,775
Total amount estimated to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in the next three months	$ (56,775)

Employee Benefit Plans (Defin45

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Plan - Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation) (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015
Qualified Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate		4.34%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.92%	4.34%
Expected return on plan assets	7.66%	7.31%
Post-retirement Healthcare Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate		3.77%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.98%	3.29%

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Components of AOCI) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Fair value of interest rate swaps	$ (2,536)
Qualified pension and other post-employment benefit plans	256,651
Total accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes	$ 254,115	$ (318,623)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi47

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Other - Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome [Line Items]
Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net	$ (41,698)	$ 1,752	$ 573,635	$ 3,500
Minimum
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome [Line Items]
Remaining unrecognized loss to be amortized, amortization period			1 year 6 months
Remaining net prior service credit to be amortized, amortization period			1 year 8 months 19 days
Maximum
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome [Line Items]
Remaining unrecognized loss to be amortized, amortization period			12 years 1 month 6 days
Remaining net prior service credit to be amortized, amortization period			24 years 10 months 24 days
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome [Line Items]
Amortization of actuarial loss	34,345		$ 85,960
Amortization of prior service credit	(90,413)		(217,146)
Plan settlement	16,151		16,149
Plan curtailment	(1,781)		(1,781)
Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(41,698)		(116,818)
Tax benefit	0		0
Total employee benefit amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net	$ 41,698		$ 116,818

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share
Weighted average number of common shares used for basic earnings per share	26,676,385	26,472,162	26,640,103	26,439,870
Effect of potential dilutive shares	327,448	0	312,193
Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilutive shares used for diluted earnings per share	27,003,833	26,472,162	26,952,296	26,439,870
Anti-dilutive shares outstanding at period-end excluded from the above reconciliation.	4,146,782	4,548,565	4,148,613	4,443,933
Weighted average shares of non-vested restricted stock excluded from basic earnings per share	226,900	234,370	232,884	236,616

Stockholders' Equity_(Deficit)

Stockholders' Equity/(Deficit) (Details) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	37,500,000	37,500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	26,905,398	26,710,569
Warrants, outstanding	3,582,402
Common Stock
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$ 48.81

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Oct. 30, 2015USD ($)Plaintiff	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)PlaintiffLawsuit	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Restricted cash | $		$ 0.7	$ 0.7
Subsequent Event
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Bankruptcy claims pending litigation	1
Claims disallowed and appealed by claimant | $	$ 0.2
IntraMTA
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of plantiffs		2
Pending Litigation
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of pending claims | Lawsuit		16
Pending Litigation | IntraMTA
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Number of pending claims | Lawsuit		60