Ribbit LEAP Limited 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 04, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LEAP WIRELESS INTERNATIONAL INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001065049	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	79,366,846

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$563,613		$515,550
Short-term investments	345,594		159,426
Inventories	82,803		121,601
Deferred charges	40,776		60,963
Other current assets	165,197		139,242
Total current assets	1,197,983		996,782
Property and equipment, net	1,381,043	[1]	1,762,090	[1]
Wireless licenses	2,091,248		1,947,333
Assets held for sale (Note 6)	3,091		136,222
Goodwill	31,886		31,886
Intangible assets, net	16,119		24,663
Other assets	73,873		68,284
Total assets	4,795,243		4,967,260
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	'		'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	287,833		396,110
Current maturities of long-term debt	266,454		4,000
Other current liabilities	238,525		216,880
Total current liabilities	792,812		616,990
Long-term debt, net	3,368,157		3,298,463
Deferred tax liabilities	417,268		385,111
Other long-term liabilities	161,567		169,047
Total liabilities	4,739,804		4,469,611
Redeemable non-controlling interests	69,721		64,517
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Preferred stock - authorized 10,000,000 shares, $.0001 par value; no shares issued and outstanding	0		0
Common stock - authorized 160,000,000 shares, $.0001 par value; 79,371,522 and 79,194,750 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	8		8
Additional paid-in capital	2,161,510		2,182,503
Accumulated deficit	-2,175,114		-1,748,694
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-686		-685
Total stockholders' equity (deficit)	-14,282		433,132
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$4,795,243		$4,967,260
[1]	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock - par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock - authorized shares	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock - shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock - shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock - par value per share	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock - shares authorized	160,000,000	160,000,000
Common stock - shares issued	79,371,522	79,194,750
Common stock - shares outstanding	79,371,522	79,194,750

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 24, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'
Service revenues	'	$646,272	$722,022	$2,009,391	$2,247,305
Equipment revenues	'	47,720	51,950	206,002	139,058
Total revenues	'	693,992	773,972	2,215,393	2,386,363
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'	'
Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)	'	252,144	266,401	752,373	784,267
Cost of equipment	'	197,150	203,846	639,776	623,366
Selling and marketing	'	69,868	88,111	218,103	260,912
General and administrative	'	103,014	85,997	268,641	270,588
Depreciation and amortization	'	148,630	161,821	452,059	462,847
Impairments and other charges (Note 8)	'	8,608	14,753	13,630	14,753
Total operating expenses	'	779,414	820,929	2,344,582	2,416,733
Gain on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net	4,200	2,039	128,366	8,897	127,565
Operating income (loss)	'	-83,383	81,409	-120,292	97,195
Equity in net loss of investees, net	'	-8,005	-203	-7,467	-69
Interest income	'	75	62	180	119
Interest expense	'	-59,219	-67,308	-190,795	-201,333
Loss on extinguishment of debt	'	0	0	-72,988	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	'	-150,532	13,960	-391,362	-104,088
Income tax benefit (expense)	'	-9,928	12,908	-35,058	-9,365
Net income (loss)	'	-160,460	26,868	-426,420	-113,453
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax	'	-24,949	-1,853	-33,410	-1,561
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	'	-185,409	25,015	-459,830	-115,014
Income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders:	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (usd per share)	'	($2.37)	$0.32	($5.90)	($1.49)
Diluted (usd per share)	'	($2.37)	$0.32	($5.90)	($1.49)
Shares used in per share calculations:	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	'	78,297	77,402	77,977	77,213
Diluted (shares)	'	78,297	77,524	77,977	77,213
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	'	-160,460	26,868	-426,420	-113,453
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments and other	'	12	11	-1	23
Comprehensive income (loss)	'	($160,448)	$26,879	($426,421)	($113,430)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	$71,746	$210,512
Investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-96,677	-428,628
Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	-5,894	-6,357
Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs	-3,274	-3,625
Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets, net	9,522	154,021
Purchases of investments	-509,215	-268,854
Sales and maturities of investments	322,837	497,762
Change in restricted cash	-63	-760
Net cash used in investing activities	-282,764	-56,441
Financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	1,414,313	0
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,108,359	-21,911
Payment of debt issuance costs	-15,800	-296
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	2,436	483
Payments made to joint venture partners	-28,207	-27,566
Other	-5,302	-3,662
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	259,081	-52,952
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	48,063	101,119
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	515,550	345,243
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	563,613	446,362
Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	-167,129	-151,519
Cash paid for income taxes	-4,225	-3,943
Supplementary disclosure of non-cash investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of property and equipment	15,378	35,474
Net wireless licenses received in exchange transaction	$6,809	$0

The_Company

The Company	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
The Company	'
	The Company
	Leap Wireless International, Inc. ("Leap"), a Delaware corporation, together with its subsidiaries and consolidated joint ventures, is a wireless communications carrier that offers digital wireless services in the United States under the "Cricket®" brand. Cricket service offerings provide customers with unlimited nationwide wireless services for a flat rate without requiring a fixed-term contract or a credit check. The Company's primary service is Cricket Wireless, which offers customers unlimited nationwide voice and data services for a flat monthly rate. Leap conducts operations through its subsidiaries and has no independent operations or sources of income other than through interest income and dividends, if any, from its subsidiaries.
	Cricket service is offered by Cricket Communications, Inc. ("Cricket"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap. Cricket service is also offered in South Texas by STX Wireless Operations, LLC ("STX Operations"), which Cricket controls through a 75.75% membership interest in STX Wireless, LLC ("STX Wireless"), the parent company of STX Operations. For more information regarding this joint venture, see "Note 11. Arrangement with Joint Venture."
	Leap, Cricket and their subsidiaries and consolidated joint ventures are collectively referred to herein as the "Company."

Restatement_of_Previously_Repo

Restatement of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Restatement of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
	Restatement of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The Company has restated its unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to a classification error related to the presentation of certain capital expenditures and operating cash flows.
	The classification error related to certain purchases of property and equipment that were unpaid at the balance sheet date (but that were scheduled to be settled in cash soon thereafter), which were incorrectly reflected as cash outflows from investing activities and cash inflows from operating activities. This classification error resulted in a misstatement of net cash provided by operating activities and net cash provided by (used in) investing activities as follows (unaudited, in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Restated
	Operating Activities
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	149,025		$	61,487		$	210,512
	Investing Activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	$	(371,558	)	$	(57,070	)	$	(428,628	)
	Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	(1,940		)	(4,417		)	(6,357		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,046			(61,487		)	(56,441		)
	The Company has also reflected these corrections as applicable in its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and also in the condensed consolidating statements of cash flows presented in "Note 15. Guarantor Financial Information."
	The resulting restatement had no impact on the total end-of-period cash and cash equivalents reported on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows or on the related condensed consolidated balance sheet or condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the affected period.

Proposed_Merger_Proposed_Merge

Proposed Merger Proposed Merger	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Proposed Merger	'
	Proposed Merger
	On July 12, 2013, AT&T Inc. ("AT&T") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 12, 2013 (the "Merger Agreement"), with Leap, Mariner Acquisition Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T ("Merger Sub"), and Laser, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the stockholders' representative), pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, AT&T will acquire Leap in a transaction in which Leap stockholders would receive $15.00 in cash for each outstanding share of Leap's common stock, plus one non-transferable contingent value right ("CVR") per share (together, the "Merger Consideration"). The CVR will entitle each Leap stockholder to a pro rata share of the net proceeds of the future sale of the Company's 700 MHz A block license in Chicago. The Merger Agreement provides that, on the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Leap (the "Merger") with Leap continuing as the surviving corporation in the Merger, and each outstanding share of common stock of Leap (other than excluded shares) will cease to be outstanding and will be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. The Company expects to complete the proposed Merger transaction with AT&T no later than mid-2014.
	Each outstanding stock option, whether vested or unvested, that was granted under one of Leap's stock plans and that has an exercise price equal to or below the $15.00 per share cash merger consideration will be cancelled at the effective time of the Merger and will entitle the holder to receive (1) cash equal to the product of the total number of shares underlying the stock option multiplied by the difference, if any, of the per share cash merger consideration and the exercise price per share underlying each stock option, less any applicable withholding taxes and (2) one CVR for each share underlying the stock option. Holders of an outstanding stock option, whether vested or unvested, with an exercise price greater than the per share cash merger consideration, will have the opportunity to exercise such stock option prior to the effective time of the Merger by providing Leap with a notice of exercise and, for each share underlying the stock option, a cash amount equal to the difference of the exercise price underlying the stock option less the per share cash merger consideration. Each stock option that is so exercised will be settled at the effective time of the Merger and the holder will receive one CVR in respect of each share underlying the stock option and, to the extent the stock option is not exercised prior to the effective time of the Merger, the stock option will be cancelled at the effective time of the Merger for no consideration to the holder. Each outstanding share of restricted stock granted under Leap's stock plans will be cancelled at the effective time of the Merger and the holder will receive the per share cash merger consideration, less any applicable withholding taxes, plus one CVR in respect of such share of restricted stock. Each outstanding stock unit granted under Leap's stock plans (including performance stock units, deferred stock units and deferred cash units but excluding any cash award with a value that is not determined based on the price of Leap common stock), whether vested or unvested, will be cancelled and will entitle the holder to receive an amount in cash equal to the product of the number of shares covered by the unit (assuming target level of performance for any incomplete performance periods) multiplied by the per share cash merger consideration, less any applicable withholding taxes, plus one CVR in respect of such unit.
	Leap has made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants, subject to certain exceptions applicable prior to the adoption of the Merger Agreement by Leap's stockholders, not to solicit proposals relating to alternative transactions or enter into discussions concerning or provide information in connection with alternative transactions. On October 30, 2013, the Merger Agreement was adopted and approved by the requisite vote of Leap's stockholders at the special meeting of stockholders.
	Consummation of the Merger is subject to various customary conditions, including, among others, expiration of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended; approval of the transaction by the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"); and approval of the transaction by applicable state public utility commissions. The parties have agreed to use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals for the Merger, provided that AT&T will not be obligated to agree to divestitures or other restrictions that would have any effect on AT&T or to divestitures or other restrictions that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Leap and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. It is a condition to AT&T's obligation to consummate the Merger that the FCC approval has been obtained by final order and that other regulatory approvals have been obtained, in each case without the imposition of an adverse regulatory condition.
	The Merger Agreement also provides for certain termination rights, including the right of either party to terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger is not consummated by July 11, 2014 (the "Termination Date," as it may be extended in certain circumstances to January 11, 2015). A termination fee of $46.3 million is payable by Leap to AT&T upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances following the making of a bona fide acquisition proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
	If the Merger Agreement is terminated because the Termination Date has been reached because there is an order of a governmental entity permanently preventing completion of the transaction or as a result of a breach by AT&T and AT&T's breach materially contributed to the failure to receive regulatory approval, and, at the time of such termination, all regulatory approvals have not been received or the transaction has been enjoined, Leap, subject to certain exceptions, will have the option within 30 days of termination of the Merger Agreement to enter into a three-year LTE data roaming agreement with AT&T, which will provide coverage in certain of Leap's markets not covered by Leap's LTE network. If Leap enters into the roaming agreement, AT&T will then have the option within 30 days after entry into the roaming agreement to purchase certain of Leap's spectrum assets. If AT&T does not exercise its right to purchase all of the specified spectrum assets, Leap may, within 60 days after expiration of AT&T's option, require AT&T to purchase all of the specified assets.
	More information regarding the Merger, including the CVR, is available in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on September 17, 2013 and the additional soliciting materials filed with the SEC on October 18, 2013.

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared without audit in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q, and therefore do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for a complete set of financial statements. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed on October 28, 2013. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial information for the interim periods presented reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Company's results for the periods presented, with such adjustments consisting only of normal recurring adjustments. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results could differ from management's estimates and operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of operating results for an entire fiscal year.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the operating results and financial position of Leap and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as the operating results and financial position of STX Wireless and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates STX Wireless in accordance with the authoritative guidance for consolidations based on the voting interest model. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Segment and Geographic Data
	The Company operates in a single operating segment and a single reporting unit as a wireless communications carrier that offers digital wireless services in the United States. As of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, all of the Company's revenues and long-lived assets related to operations in the United States.
	Revenues
	The Company's business revenues principally arise from the sale of wireless services, devices (handsets and broadband modems) and accessories. Wireless services are provided primarily on a month-to-month basis. The Company's customers are required to pay for their service in advance and the Company does not require customers to sign fixed-term contracts or pass a credit check. Service revenues are recognized only after payment has been received and services have been rendered.
	When the Company activates service for a new customer, it often sells that customer a device along with a period of service. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, the sale of a device along with service constitutes a multiple element arrangement. Under this guidance, once a company has determined the best estimate of selling price of the elements in the sales transaction, the total consideration received from the customer must be allocated among those elements on a relative selling price basis. Applying the guidance to these transactions results in the Company recognizing the total consideration received, less amounts allocated to the wireless service period (generally the customer's monthly service plan), as equipment revenue.
	Amounts allocated to equipment revenues and related costs from the sale of devices are recognized when service is activated by new customers. Revenues and related costs from the sale of devices and accessories to existing customers are recognized at the point of sale. The costs of devices and accessories sold are recorded in cost of equipment. In addition to devices that the Company sells directly to its customers at Cricket-owned stores, the Company sells devices to third-party dealers, including nationwide retailers. These dealers then sell the devices to the ultimate Cricket customer, similar to the sale made at a Cricket-owned store. Sales of devices to third-party dealers are recognized as equipment revenues only when service is activated by customers, since the level of price reductions and commissions ultimately available to such dealers is not reliably estimable until the devices are sold by such dealers to customers. Thus, revenues from devices sold to third-party dealers are recorded as deferred equipment revenue and the related costs of the devices are recorded as deferred charges upon shipment of the devices by the Company. The deferred charges are recognized as equipment costs when the related equipment revenue is recognized, which occurs when service is activated by the customer.
	Through a third-party provider, the Company's customers may elect to participate in an extended warranty program for devices they purchase. The Company recognizes revenue on replacement devices sold to its customers under the program when the customer purchases the device.
	The Company participates in the federal government's Lifeline program and is designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier in certain states in which it provides wireless services. Under this program, the Company offers discounted wireless services to qualified customers and generally receives reimbursement from the federal government for a portion of the subsidized services. The Company recognizes revenue under this program only after amounts eligible for reimbursement have been determined and services have been rendered.
	Sales incentives offered to customers and commissions and sales incentives offered to the Company's third-party dealers are recognized as a reduction of revenue when the related service or equipment revenue is recognized. Customers have limited rights to return devices and accessories based on time and/or usage, and customer returns of devices and accessories have historically been insignificant.
	Amounts billed by the Company in advance of customers' wireless service periods are not reflected in accounts receivable or deferred revenue since collectability of such amounts is not reasonably assured. Deferred revenue consists primarily of cash received from customers in advance of their service period and deferred equipment revenue related to devices sold to third-party dealers, including nationwide retailers.
	Universal Service Fund, E-911 and other telecommunications-related regulatory fees are assessed by various federal and state governmental agencies in connection with the services that the Company provides to its customers. The service plans the Company currently offers are "all-inclusive" of telecommunications and regulatory fees, in that the Company does not separately bill and collect amounts owed and remitted to government agencies from its customers. For the Company's legacy service plans that are not "all-inclusive," the Company separately bills and collects from its customers amounts owed and remitted to government agencies. Regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from the Company's customers are recorded in service revenues. Amounts owed to government agencies are recorded in cost of service. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the total amount of regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from customers and recorded in service revenues was $0.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the total amount of regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from customers and recorded in service revenues was $1.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Sales, use and excise taxes for all service plans are reported on a net basis.
	Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
	The Company has set aside certain amounts of cash, cash equivalents and short term investments to satisfy certain contractual obligations. Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are included in either other current assets or other assets, depending on the nature of the underlying contractual obligation. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $0.7 million and $11.4 million of restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments included in other current assets and other assets, respectively. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $0.7 million and $11.4 million of restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments included in other current assets and other assets, respectively.
	Goodwill
	The Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination as goodwill. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, goodwill of $31.9 million primarily represented the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired by STX Wireless in connection with the formation of the joint venture. For more information regarding this joint venture, see "Note 11. Arrangement with Joint Venture."
	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets, including property and equipment and certain intangible assets, when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that their respective carrying values may not be recoverable. An impairment loss may be required to be recognized when the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by a long-lived asset (or group of such assets) are less than its carrying value. Any required impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its fair value and would be recorded as a reduction in the carrying value of the related asset and charged to results of operations.
	Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	The Company assesses potential impairments to its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including wireless licenses and goodwill, on an annual basis or when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate an impairment condition may exist. The Company's annual impairment test is conducted each year during the third quarter. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" ("ASU 2012-02") in the first quarter of 2013. ASU 2012-02 simplified the requirements for testing indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative fair value test.
	Wireless Licenses
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the carrying value of the Company's wireless licenses (excluding assets held for sale) was $2.1 billion and $1.9 billion respectively. Wireless licenses to be disposed of by sale are carried at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell. As of September 30, 2013, no wireless licenses were classified as assets held for sale. As of December 31, 2012, wireless licenses with carrying values and fair values of $136.2 million and $143.0 million, respectively, were classified as assets held for sale, pursuant to transactions described in "Note 10. Significant Acquisitions and Other Transactions."
	For purposes of testing impairment, the Company's wireless licenses in its operating markets are combined into a single unit of account because management believes that utilizing these wireless licenses as a group represents the highest and best use of the assets, and the value of the wireless licenses would not be significantly impacted by a sale of one or a portion of the wireless licenses, among other factors. The Company's non-operating licenses are tested for impairment on an individual basis because these licenses are not functioning as part of a group with licenses in the Company's operating markets. As of September 30, 2013, the carrying values of the Company's operating and non-operating wireless licenses were $2,048.9 million and $42.3 million, respectively.
	In accordance with ASU 2012-02, for the 2013 annual impairment test, the Company elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it would be more likely than not that its wireless licenses were impaired. The Company considered a variety of relevant events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine fair value, most specifically, how the values of wireless licenses have generally increased over time. No adverse events or circumstances were identified that would significantly affect the fair values of the Company's wireless licenses. As a result, the Company determined that it was not more likely than not that an impairment to its wireless licenses existed and therefore that a quantitative impairment test was not necessary.
	Goodwill
	The Company assesses its goodwill for impairment annually at the reporting unit level by applying a fair value test. This fair
	value test involves a two-step process. The first step is to compare the book value of the Company's net assets to their fair value. If the fair value is determined to be less than book value, a second step is performed to measure the amount of the impairment, if any.
	In connection with the Company's annual impairment testing of its goodwill in 2013, the Company based its determination of fair value primarily upon its average market capitalization for the month of August 2013, which inherently included an assumed control premium due to the proposed Merger. Average market capitalization is calculated based upon the average number of shares of Leap common stock outstanding during such month and the average closing price of Leap common stock during such month. The Company considered the month of August to be an appropriate period over which to measure average market capitalization in 2013 because trading prices during that period reflected market reaction to the Company's most recently announced financial and operating results, as well as the proposed Merger.
	As of September 30, 2013, the carrying value of the Company’s goodwill was $31.9 million. Based upon its annual impairment test conducted during the third quarter of 2013, the value of the Company’s net assets as of August 31, 2013 was $58.4 million and the fair value of the Company, based upon its average market capitalization during the month of August was $1,267.1 million. As such, the Company determined that no impairment condition existed and that it was not required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2012-02 which simplified the requirements for testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative fair value test. The new guidance was adopted by the Company in the first quarter of 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company or its condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02, "Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2013-02"). ASU 2013-02 requires companies to present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. This new guidance became effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company or its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information	'
	Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Other current assets:
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debt of $1.8 million and $1.3	$	93,449		$	86,467
	million, respectively(1)
	Prepaid expenses	46,011			40,237
	Other	25,737			12,538
		$	165,197		$	139,242
	Property and equipment, net(2):
	Network equipment	$	3,366,084		$	3,348,122
	Computer hardware and software	566,574			526,348
	Construction-in-progress(3)	35,586			54,945
	Other	100,006			109,400
		4,068,250			4,038,815
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,687,207		)	(2,276,725		)
		$	1,381,043		$	1,762,090
	Intangible assets, net:
	Customer relationships	$	50,435		$	50,435
	Trademarks	37,000			37,000
		87,435			87,435
	Accumulated amortization of customer relationships	(47,090		)	(40,528		)
	Accumulated amortization of trademarks	(24,226		)	(22,244		)
		$	16,119		$	24,663
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
	Trade accounts payable	$	119,288		$	143,931
	Accrued payroll and related benefits	59,525			67,539
	Other accrued liabilities	109,020			184,640
		$	287,833		$	396,110
	Other current liabilities:
	Deferred service revenue(4)	$	91,717		$	100,276
	Deferred equipment revenue(5)	25,634			36,471
	Accrued sales, telecommunications, property and other taxes payable	17,861			4,267
	Accrued interest	59,776			44,653
	Other	43,537			31,213
		$	238,525		$	216,880
	____________
	-1	Accounts receivable, net, consists primarily of (i) amounts billed to third-party dealers for devices and accessories, (ii) amounts due from the federal government in connection with Lifeline and other regulatory programs, and (iii) amounts due from service providers related to interconnect and roaming agreements.
	-2	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	-3	See "Note 8. Impairments and Other Charges" for information regarding the impairment of certain amounts accumulated in construction-in-progress.
	-4	Deferred service revenue consists primarily of cash received from customers in advance of their service period.
	-5	Deferred equipment revenue relates to devices sold to third-party dealers and nationwide retailers that have not yet been purchased and activated by customers.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements defines fair value for accounting purposes, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and provides disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. The guidance defines fair value as an exit price, which is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Assets and liabilities with readily available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, assets and liabilities that are rarely traded or not quoted have less pricing observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability.
	The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1; assets and liabilities measured at fair value using observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data for similar assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 2; and assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by market data are generally categorized as Level 3. Assets and liabilities presented at fair value in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets are generally categorized as follows:
	Level 1:	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company did not have any Level 1 assets or liabilities presented at fair value as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
	Level 2:	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. The Company's Level 2 assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included its cash equivalents, its short-term investments in obligations of the U.S. government and government agencies and its short-term investments in commercial paper.
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Such assets and liabilities may have values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, and include instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, other than the financial and non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis discussed below.
	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's assets and liabilities that were recorded at fair value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands). As required by the guidance for fair value measurements, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Thus, assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 may be measured at fair value using inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
		At Fair Value as of September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	—	$	12,083	$	—	$	12,083
	Commercial paper	—		181,333		—		181,333
	U.S. government or government agency securities	—		286,922		—		286,922
	Total	$	—	$	480,338	$	—	$	480,338
		At Fair Value as of December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	—	$	126,617	$	—	$	126,617
	Commercial paper	—		82,346		—		82,346
	U.S. government or government agency securities	—		135,861		—		135,861
	Total	$	—	$	344,824	$	—	$	344,824
	Assets in the tables above are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as components of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, other current assets and other assets.
	Unrealized gains (losses) are presented in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity (deficit) in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Realized gains (losses) are presented in other income (expense), net in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
	Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, all of the Company's short-term investments were debt securities with contractual maturities of less than one year and were classified as available-for-sale. The fair values of the Company's cash equivalents, short-term investments in obligations of the U.S. government and government agencies, and short-term investments in commercial paper are determined using observable market-based inputs for similar assets, which primarily include yield curves and time-to-maturity factors. Such investments are therefore considered to be Level 2 items.
	Available-for-sale securities were comprised as follows as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Cost		Fair Value
	Money market funds	$	12,083	$	12,083
	Commercial paper	181,333		181,333
	U.S. government or government agency securities	286,909		286,922
		$	480,325	$	480,338
		As of December 31, 2012
		Cost		Fair Value
	Money market funds	$	126,617	$	126,617
	Commercial paper	82,345		82,346
	U.S. government or government agency securities	135,848		135,861
		$	344,810	$	344,824
	Long-Term Debt
	The Company reports its long-term debt obligations at amortized cost; however, the Company is required to disclose the fair value of outstanding debt at each reporting date. The fair value of the Company's outstanding long-term debt is determined primarily by using quoted prices in active markets and was $3,891.6 million and $3,421.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company's debt was considered to be a Level 1 item for disclosure purposes.
	Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, non-financial assets with a carrying value of $4.9 million and $13.6 million, respectively, accumulated in construction-in-progress had been reduced to a fair value of zero, resulting in an impairment charge of $4.9 million and $13.6 million, respectively.
	The Company reviews its investments accounted for under the equity method for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be fully recoverable. The Merger Agreement with AT&T requires that the Company sell its investments in certain regional wireless service providers, which investments the Company has accounted for under the equity method. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company commenced its plan to sell those investments. The investments met all of the criteria under the authoritative guidance to be classified as assets held for sale and, therefore, the Company reclassified the investments to assets held for sale as of September 30, 2013. In doing so, the Company was required to assess the fair value of the investments and determined that an other-than-temporary impairment existed as of September 30, 2013. As a result, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $6.6 million to reduce the carrying value of its equity method investments to their fair value as of September 30, 2013.
	There were no other non-financial or financial assets that were measured and recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

LongTerm_Debt_Net

Long-Term Debt, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt, Net	'
	Long-Term Debt, Net
	Long-term debt, net as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Convertible senior notes due 2014	$	248,204		$	250,000
	Senior secured notes due 2016	—			1,100,000
	Unamortized discount on $1,100 million senior secured notes due 2016	—			(23,767		)
	Term loans under Credit Agreement	1,818,438			400,000
	Unamortized discount on term loans under Credit Agreement	(13,575		)	(3,892		)
	Unsecured senior notes due 2020	1,600,000			1,600,000
	Unamortized discount on $1,600 million unsecured senior notes due 2020	(18,456		)	(19,878		)
		3,634,611			3,302,463
	Current maturities of long-term debt	(266,454		)	(4,000		)
		$	3,368,157		$	3,298,463
	Credit Agreement
	On October 10, 2012, Cricket entered into a credit agreement (as amended, the "Credit Agreement") with respect to a $400 million senior secured B term loan facility, which was fully drawn in October 2012 and matures in October 2019. B term loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement must be repaid in 27 quarterly installments of $1.0 million each, which commenced on March 31, 2013, followed by a final installment of $373.0 million at maturity.
	On March 8, 2013, Cricket amended the Credit Agreement to provide for an incremental $1,425 million senior secured C term loan facility, which was fully drawn on April 15, 2013 and matures in March 2020. C term loan borrowings under the Credit Agreement must be repaid in 26 quarterly installments of $3.6 million each, which commenced on September 30, 2013, followed by a final installment of $1,332.4 million at maturity. Approximately $1,185 million of the net proceeds from the C term loan facility were used to fund the redemption of all of Cricket's $1,100 million of 7.75% senior secured notes due 2016 (including accrued interest), as more fully described below. Remaining net proceeds may be used for general corporate purposes.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $1,818 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.50% (subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.25% per annum) or at the bank base rate plus 2.50% (subject to a base rate floor of 2.25% per annum), as selected by Cricket. At September 30, 2013, the weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement was 4.8%.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Leap and each of its existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (other than Cricket, which is the borrower) that guarantees any indebtedness of Leap, Cricket or any subsidiary guarantor or that constitutes a "significant subsidiary" as defined in Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (subject to certain exceptions).
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are effectively senior to all of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' existing and future unsecured indebtedness (including Cricket's $1,600 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes and, in the case of Leap, Leap's $248.2 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes), as well as to all of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' obligations under any permitted junior lien debt that may be incurred in the future, in each case to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the obligations under the Credit Agreement.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured on a first-priority basis, equally and ratably with any future parity lien debt that Leap, Cricket or the guarantors may incur, by liens on substantially all of the present and future personal property of Leap, Cricket and the guarantors, except for certain excluded assets and subject to permitted liens (including liens on the collateral securing any future permitted priority debt). Under the Credit Agreement, Leap, Cricket and the guarantors are permitted to incur liens securing indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate principal amount outstanding (including the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Credit Agreement) of up to the greater of $1,750 million and 3.5 times Leap's consolidated cash flow (excluding the consolidated cash flow of Cricket Music Holdco, LLC ("Cricket Music") (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cricket that holds certain hardware, software and intellectual property relating to Cricket's Muve Music® service)) for the prior four fiscal quarters.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are effectively junior to all of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' obligations under any permitted priority debt that may be incurred in the future (up to the lesser of 0.30 times Leap's consolidated cash flow (excluding the consolidated cash flow of STX Wireless and Cricket Music) for the prior four fiscal quarters and $300 million in aggregate principal amount outstanding), to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such permitted priority debt, as well as to existing and future liabilities of Leap's and Cricket's subsidiaries that are not guarantors (including STX Wireless and Cricket Music and their respective subsidiaries). In addition, borrowings under the Credit Agreement are senior in right of payment to any of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' future subordinated indebtedness.
	Cricket has the right to prepay borrowings under the Credit Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty, except that prepayments of C term loans in connection with a repricing transaction occurring on or prior to March 8, 2014 are subject to a prepayment premium of 1.00% of the principal amount of the borrowings so prepaid.
	Under the Credit Agreement, Leap and its restricted subsidiaries are subject to certain limitations, including limitations on their ability to: incur additional debt or sell assets, make certain investments, grant liens and pay dividends and make certain other restricted payments. In addition, Cricket will be required to pay down the facility under certain circumstances if Leap and its restricted subsidiaries issue debt, sell assets or property, receive certain extraordinary receipts or generate excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement).
	The Credit Agreement also provides for an event of default upon the occurrence of a change of control, which is defined to include the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 35% or more of Leap's equity securities (except for a transaction where immediately after such transaction Leap will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of a person of which no person or group is the beneficial owner of 35% or more of such person's voting stock), a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Leap and its restricted subsidiaries and a change in a majority of the members of Leap's board of directors that is not approved by the board. The change in control resulting from the Merger would not constitute a "change of control" as defined in the Credit Agreement because immediately after the transaction Leap would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of a person of which no person or group is the beneficial owner of 35% or more of such person's voting stock. If the indebtedness under the Credit Agreement was accelerated prior to maturity as a result of such change of control, this would give rise to an event of default under the indentures governing the Company's senior notes and convertible notes.
	Senior Notes
	Discharge of Indenture and Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
	On April 15, 2013, in connection with the borrowing of C term loans under the Credit Agreement, Cricket issued a notice of redemption to redeem all of its $1,100 million of 7.75% senior secured notes due 2016 in accordance with the optional redemption provisions governing the notes at a redemption price of 103.875% of the principal amount of outstanding notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date of May 15, 2013. Also on April 15, 2013, Cricket deposited approximately $1,185 million with the trustee for the notes to fund the redemption price (including accrued interest) and the indenture governing the notes was satisfied and discharged in accordance with its terms. As a result of this redemption, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $72.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, which was comprised of $42.6 million in redemption premium, $22.0 million in unamortized debt discount and $8.2 million in unamortized debt issuance costs.
	Convertible Senior Notes Due 2014
	In June 2008, Leap issued $250 million of 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014 in a private placement to institutional buyers. The notes bear interest at the rate of 4.50% per year, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, which interest payments commenced in January 2009. The notes are Leap's general unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of Leap's existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness and senior in right of payment to all indebtedness that is contractually subordinated to the notes. The notes are structurally subordinated to the existing and future claims of Leap's subsidiaries' creditors, including under the Credit Agreement and the senior notes described below. The notes are effectively junior to all of Leap's existing and future secured obligations, including those under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations.
	Holders may convert their notes into shares of Leap common stock at any time on or prior to the third scheduled trading day prior to the maturity date of the notes, July 15, 2014. If, at the time of conversion, the applicable stock price of Leap common stock is less than or equal to approximately $93.21 per share, the notes will be convertible into 10.7290 shares of Leap common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the notes (referred to as the "base conversion rate"), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. If, at the time of conversion, the applicable stock price of Leap common stock exceeds approximately $93.21 per share, the conversion rate will be determined pursuant to a formula based on the base conversion rate and an incremental share factor of 8.3150 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the notes, subject to adjustment. As set forth in the indenture governing the notes, following the consummation of the Merger, holders would receive cash and CVRs upon conversion in lieu of shares of Leap common stock.
	Leap may be required to repurchase all outstanding notes in cash at a repurchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the repurchase date if (1) any person acquires beneficial ownership, directly or indirectly, of shares of Leap's capital stock that would entitle the person to exercise 50% or more of the total voting power of all of Leap's capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, (2) Leap (i) merges or consolidates with or into any other person, another person merges with or into Leap, or Leap conveys, sells, transfers or leases all or substantially all of its assets to another person or (ii) engages in any recapitalization, reclassification or other transaction in which all or substantially all of Leap common stock is exchanged for or converted into cash, securities or other property, in each case subject to limitations and excluding in the case of (1) and (2) any merger or consolidation where at least 90% of the consideration consists of shares of common stock traded on NYSE, ASE or NASDAQ, (3) a majority of the members of Leap's board of directors ceases to consist of individuals who were directors on the date of original issuance of the notes or whose election or nomination for election was previously approved by the board of directors, (4) Leap is liquidated or dissolved or holders of common stock approve any plan or proposal for its liquidation or dissolution or (5) shares of Leap common stock are not listed for trading on any of the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Global Market or the NASDAQ Global Select Market (or any of their respective successors). Leap may not redeem the notes at its option. The consummation of the Merger would trigger the right of holders of Leap's 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014 to require Leap to repurchase holders' notes at a repurchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the repurchase date.
	On March 26, 2013, Leap launched a tender offer to purchase, for cash, any and all of its $250 million of 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014 at a purchase price of $1,005 per $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered plus accrued interest. On April 23, 2013, the Company purchased $1.8 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014 pursuant to the tender offer, which resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million. The Company may from time to time seek to purchase outstanding 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2014 through open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such purchases, if any, will depend on the consent of AT&T, prevailing market conditions, the Company's liquidity requirements and other factors.
	Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020
	In November 2010, Cricket issued $1,200 million of 7.75% senior notes due 2020 in a private placement to institutional buyers at an issue price of 98.323% of the principal amount, which were exchanged in January 2011 for identical notes that had been registered with the SEC. The $20.1 million discount to the net proceeds the Company received in connection with the issuance of the notes has been recorded in long-term debt, net in the condensed consolidated financial statements and is being accreted as an increase to interest expense over the term of the notes. In May 2011, Cricket issued an additional $400 million of 7.75% senior notes due 2020 in a private placement to institutional buyers at an issue price of 99.193% of the principal amount, which were exchanged in November 2011 for identical notes that had been registered with the SEC. The $3.2 million discount to the net proceeds the Company received in connection with the issuance of the additional notes was recorded in long-term debt, net in the condensed consolidated financial statements and is being accreted as an increase to interest expense over the term of the notes. At September 30, 2013, the effective interest rates on the initial $1,200 million tranche and the additional $400 million tranche of the notes were 7.85% and 7.80%, respectively, both of which include the effect of the discount accretion.
	The notes bear interest at the rate of 7.75% per year, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears, which interest payments commenced in April 2011. The notes are guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Leap and each of its existing and future domestic subsidiaries (other than Cricket, which is the issuer of the notes) that guarantees indebtedness of Leap, Cricket or any subsidiary guarantor. The notes and the guarantees are Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' general senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' existing and future unsubordinated unsecured indebtedness. The notes and the guarantees are effectively junior to Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' existing and future secured obligations, including those under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations, as well as to existing and future liabilities of Leap's and Cricket's subsidiaries that are not guarantors (including STX Wireless and Cricket Music and their respective subsidiaries). In addition, the notes and the guarantees are senior in right of payment to any of Leap's, Cricket's and the guarantors' future subordinated indebtedness.
	Prior to October 15, 2015, Cricket may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus the applicable premium and any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date. The applicable premium is calculated as the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such notes and (ii) the excess of (a) the present value at such date of redemption of (1) the redemption price of such notes at October 15, 2015 plus (2) all remaining required interest payments due on such notes through October 15, 2015 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the principal amount of such notes. The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2015, at a redemption price of 103.875%, 102.583% and 101.292% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve months beginning on October 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, or at 100% of the principal amount if redeemed during the twelve months beginning on October 15, 2018 or thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the redemption date.
	If a "change of control" occurs (which is defined to include the acquisition of beneficial ownership of 35% or more of Leap's equity securities (except for a transaction where immediately after such transaction Leap will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of a person of which no person or group is the beneficial owner of 35% or more of such person's voting stock), a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of Leap and its restricted subsidiaries and a change in a majority of the members of Leap's board of directors that is not approved by the board), each holder of the notes may require Cricket to repurchase all of such holder's notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon to the repurchase date. The change in control resulting from the Merger would not constitute a "change of control" as defined in the indenture governing the notes because immediately after the transaction Leap would be a wholly-owned subsidiary of a person of which no person or group is the beneficial owner of 35% or more of such person's voting stock.

Impairment_and_Other_Charges

Impairment and Other Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Impairments and Other Charges	'
	Impairment and other charges consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Property and equipment impairment	$	2,942		$	—		$	4,901		$	—
	Severance	(945		)	14,753			(1,684		)	14,753
	Restructuring activities	6,611			—			10,413			—
	Impairment and other charges	$	8,608		$	14,753		$	13,630		$	14,753
	During the second and third quarters of 2013, the Company determined that certain amounts accumulated in construction-in-progress were no longer recoverable, and as such, recorded an impairment charge of approximately $2.0 million and $2.9 million, respectively, reducing the carrying value of those capitalized amounts to zero. There were no other events or circumstances that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 or September 30, 2012 that indicated that the carrying value of any long-lived assets may not be recoverable.
	In the third and fourth quarters of 2012, the Company developed plans to reduce administrative and corporate support costs through a reduction in personnel and to reduce previously planned network expansion activities and capital expenditures. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company recorded a liability of $14.8 million representing severance expense and related costs. In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recognized restructuring charges of $11.0 million, primarily related to lease exit costs associated with cellular sites that were no longer being developed or utilized. During the first, second and third quarters of 2013, the Company recognized additional restructuring charges of $0.7 million, $3.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively, primarily related to contract terminations and lease exit costs.
	During 2011, the Company recognized $26.4 million of post-acquisition charges associated with the integration of certain operating assets in South Texas.
	The following table provides a rollforward of those amounts recorded as liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets:
		31-Dec-12			Accruals			Payments			30-Sep-13
	Post-acquisition charges	$	14,726		$	—		$	(2,659	)	$	12,067
	Severance	9,877			(1,684		)	(7,993		)	200
	Restructuring activities	10,393			14,812			(10,132		)	15,073
	Total amounts to be settled in cash	$	34,996		$	13,128		$	(20,784	)	$	27,340

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Los

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the weighted-average number of dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method and the if-converted method, where applicable. Dilutive common share equivalents are comprised of stock options, restricted stock awards, deferred stock units, employee stock purchase rights and convertible senior notes.
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the Company's computation of weighted-average number of dilutive common share equivalents outstanding to weighted-average number of basic common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Diluted shares outstanding used in earnings per share calculation
	Weighted-average basic shares outstanding	78,297			77,402		77,977			77,213
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock awards	—			115		—			—
	Deferred stock units	—			7		—			—
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	78,297			77,524		77,977			77,213
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(2.37	)	$	0.32	$	(5.90	)	$	(1.49	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(2.37	)	$	0.32	$	(5.90	)	$	(1.49	)
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, 6.9 million and 8.6 million common share equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, as their effect was anti-dilutive.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 8.2 million and 8.6 million common share equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, as their effect was anti-dilutive.

Significant_Acquisitions_and_O

Significant Acquisitions and Other Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Significant Acquisitions and Other Transactions	'
	Significant Acquisitions and Other Transactions
	On September 24, 2013, the Company completed the sale of its 10 MHz PCS wireless license in Biloxi, Mississippi to Cellular South Licenses, LLC for $6.0 million. The wireless license sold had a carrying value of $1.8 million and the Company recognized a gain of $4.2 million in connection with the sale.
	On March 25, 2013, the Company completed an intra-market license exchange with a subsidiary of T-Mobile USA, Inc. and Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless ("Verizon Wireless") involving various markets in Philadelphia, Wilmington and Atlantic City. The licenses involved in the exchange had a carrying value of $136.2 million and the Company recognized a gain of $6.8 million in connection with the transaction.
	On August 28, 2012, the Company acquired 12 MHz of 700 MHz A block spectrum in Chicago from Verizon Wireless for $204 million and the Company and Savary Island Wireless, LLC ("Savary Island"), a former designated entity of the Company, sold to Verizon Wireless excess PCS and AWS spectrum in various markets across the U.S. for $360 million. The Company recognized a net gain of $130.4 million in connection with these transactions.

Arrangements_with_Joint_Ventur

Arrangements with Joint Venture	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Arrangements with Joint Venture	'
	Arrangement with Joint Venture
	Cricket service is offered in South Texas by STX Operations, which Cricket controls through a 75.75% membership interest in STX Wireless, the parent company of STX Operations. The joint venture was created in October 2010 through the contribution by the Company and various entities doing business as Pocket Communications ("Pocket") of substantially all of their respective wireless spectrum and operating assets in the South Texas region. In exchange for such contributions, Cricket received a 75.75% controlling membership interest in STX Wireless and Pocket received a 24.25% non-controlling membership interest. Additionally, in connection with the transaction, the Company made payments to Pocket of $40.7 million in cash.
	Cricket controls and manages the joint venture under the terms of the amended and restated limited liability company agreement (the "STX LLC Agreement"). Under the STX LLC Agreement, Pocket has the right to put, and the Company has the right to call, all of Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless, which rights are generally exercisable on or after April 1, 2014. In addition, in the event of a change of control of Leap (including as a result of the consummation of the Merger), Pocket is obligated to sell to the Company all of its membership interests in STX Wireless. The purchase price for Pocket's membership interests would be equal to 24.25% of the product of Leap's enterprise value-to-revenue multiple for the four most recently completed fiscal quarters multiplied by the total revenues of STX Wireless and its subsidiaries over that same period, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The purchase price will be reduced by the total amount of optional cash distributions that have been made to Pocket pursuant to the STX LLC Agreement plus an amount equal to an 8.0% per annum return on each such distribution from the date it was made. The purchase price is payable in either cash, Leap common stock or a combination thereof, as determined by Cricket in its discretion (provided that, if permitted by Cricket's debt instruments, at least $25 million of the purchase price must be paid in cash). The Company has the right to deduct from or set off against the purchase price any obligations owed to the Company by Pocket. Under the STX LLC Agreement, Cricket is permitted to purchase Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless over multiple closings in the event that the block of shares of Leap common stock issuable to Pocket at the closing of the purchase would be greater than 9.9% of the total number of shares of Leap common stock then issued and outstanding.
	To the extent the redemption price for Pocket's non-controlling membership interest varies from the value of Pocket's net interest in STX Wireless at any period (after the attribution of profits or losses), the value of such interest is accreted to the redemption price for such interest with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and for the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a net accretion expense of $27.1 million and a net accretion benefit of $0.7 million, respectively, to bring the carrying value of Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless to its estimated redemption value. The net accretion expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 has been calculated using a Leap enterprise value-to-revenue multiple based on a share price of $15.71 per share of Leap common stock, which was the trailing average share price for the ten trading days ended on September 30, 2013.
	In accordance with the STX LLC Agreement, STX Wireless made pro-rata tax distributions of $25.9 million and $8.3 million to Cricket and Pocket, respectively, in connection with their estimated tax liabilities resulting from STX Wireless' earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, STX Wireless made pro-rata tax distributions of $9.1 million and $3.0 million to Cricket and Pocket, respectively. The Company recorded the tax distributions to Pocket as adjustments to additional paid-in-capital in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and as a component of accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The distributions made to Cricket were eliminated in consolidation.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, STX Wireless made optional pro-rata cash distributions of $50.7 million and $16.2 million to Cricket and Pocket, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, STX Wireless made optional pro-rata cash distributions of $41.7 million and $13.3 million to Cricket and Pocket, respectively. Under the STX LLC Agreement, optional distributions to Pocket (plus an annual return, as discussed above), reduce the purchase price payable to Pocket in the event of a put, call or mandatory buyout following a change of control of Leap.
	At the closing of the formation of the joint venture, STX Wireless entered into a loan and security agreement with Pocket pursuant to which, commencing in April 2012, STX Wireless agreed to make quarterly limited-recourse loans to Pocket out of excess cash in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30 million, which loans are secured by Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Pocket had $15.4 million and $8.3 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding borrowings under the loan and security agreement, respectively. Borrowings under the loan and security agreement bear interest at 8.0% per annum, compounded annually, and will mature on the earlier of October 2020 and the date on which Pocket ceases to hold any membership interests in STX Wireless. Cricket has the right to set off all outstanding principal and interest under this loan and security agreement against the payment of the purchase price for Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless in the event of a put, call or mandatory buyout following a change of control of Leap. Accordingly, outstanding borrowings and accrued interest under the loan and security agreement have been recorded as a deduction from the purchase price payable to Pocket as discussed above in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and as a component of accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax, in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The offset of the outstanding borrowings and accrued interest against the purchase price for Pocket's membership interest, coupled with the net accretion (expense) benefit recorded to adjust the redemption value of Pocket's net interest in STX Wireless, brought the carrying value of Pocket's membership interests in STX Wireless to an estimated redemption value of $69.7 million and $64.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	As described in Note 4, the Company consolidates its controlling membership interest in STX Wireless in accordance with the authoritative guidance for consolidations based on the voting interest model. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in value of the Company's redeemable non-controlling interests (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance, January 1,	$	64,517		$	95,910
	Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests, before tax	27,065			(2,035		)
	Loans made to joint venture partner	(6,585		)	(6,530		)
	Optional distributions made to joint venture partner	(13,338		)	(16,243		)
	Other	(1,938		)	(1,197		)
	Ending balance, September 30,	$	69,721		$	69,905

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries

Unrestricted Subsidiaries	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrestricted Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Unrestricted Subsidiaries	'
	Unrestricted Subsidiaries
	In July 2011, the Company's board of directors designated Cricket Music and Cricket Music's wholly-owned subsidiary Muve USA, LLC ("Muve USA") as "Unrestricted Subsidiaries" under the indentures governing Cricket's senior notes. Cricket Music, Muve USA and their subsidiaries are also designated as "Unrestricted Subsidiaries" under the Credit Agreement. Muve USA holds certain hardware, software and intellectual property relating to Cricket's Muve Music service. The financial position and results of operations of Cricket Music, Muve USA and their subsidiaries are included in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report. Together with STX Wireless, Cricket Music, Muve USA and their subsidiaries are presented as "Non-Guarantors" within the Company's condensed consolidating financial statements included in Note 15.
	As required by the Credit Agreement and the indenture governing Cricket's senior notes, the Company is presenting the aggregate carrying amount and classification of the components of the financial position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and results of operations of Cricket Music, Muve USA and their subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 in the following tables separately (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	698		$	1
	Property and equipment, net	1,564			4,937
	Total assets	$	2,262		$	4,938
	Liabilities and stockholders' equity
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	25		$	—
	Other current liabilities	349			5
	Other long-term liabilities	145			—
	Stockholders' equity	1,743			4,933
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,262		$	4,938
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	103		$	—		$	255		$	—
	Operating expenses
	Depreciation and amortization	1,124			1,124			3,373			3,372
	Other	(5		)	7			10			12
	Total operating expenses	1,119			1,131			3,383			3,384
	Operating loss	(1,016		)	(1,131		)	(3,128		)	(3,384		)
	Income tax expense	(23		)	—			(51		)	—
	Net loss	$	(1,039	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(3,179	)	$	(3,384	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The computation of the Company's annual effective tax rate includes a forecast of the Company's estimated "ordinary" income (loss), which is its annual income (loss) from continuing operations before tax, excluding unusual or infrequently occurring (discrete) items. Significant management judgment is required in projecting the Company's ordinary income (loss). The Company's projected ordinary income tax expense for the full year 2013 consists primarily of the deferred tax effect of the Company's investments in joint ventures that are in a deferred tax liability position and the amortization of wireless licenses for income tax purposes. Because the Company's projected 2013 income tax expense is a relatively fixed amount, a small change in the ordinary income (loss) projection can produce a significant variance in the effective tax rate, therefore making it difficult to determine a reliable estimate of the annual effective tax rate. As a result, and in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes in interim periods, the Company has computed its provision for income taxes as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 based upon the actual effective tax rate for those periods.
	The Company periodically assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recoverable from future taxable income. To the extent the Company believes it is more likely than not that its deferred tax assets will not be recovered, it must establish a valuation allowance. As part of this periodic assessment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company weighed the positive and negative factors and, at this time, does not believe there is sufficient positive evidence to support a conclusion that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of its deferred tax assets will be realized, except with respect to the realization of a $1.8 million Texas Margins Tax ("TMT") credit. Accordingly, at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company recorded a valuation allowance offsetting substantially all of its deferred tax assets. Deferred tax liabilities associated with wireless licenses and investments in certain joint ventures cannot be considered a source of taxable income to support the realization of deferred tax assets because these deferred tax liabilities will not reverse until some indefinite future period when these assets are either sold or impaired for book purposes.
	The Company has substantial federal and state net operating losses ("NOLs") for income tax purposes. Subject to certain requirements, the Company may "carry forward" its federal NOLs for up to 20 years to offset future taxable income and reduce its income tax liability. For state income tax purposes, the NOL carryforward period ranges from five to 20 years. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had federal and state NOLs of approximately $3.0 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, which begin to expire in 2022 for federal income tax purposes and of which $69.8 million will expire at the end of 2013 for state income tax purposes. While these NOL carryforwards have a potential to be used to offset future ordinary taxable income and reduce future cash tax liabilities by approximately $1.1 billion, the Company's ability to utilize these NOLs will depend upon the availability of future taxable income during the carryforward period along with any impact resulting from the Merger and, as such, there is no assurance the Company will be able to realize such tax savings.
	The Company's ability to utilize NOLs could be further limited if it were to experience an "ownership change," as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. In general terms, an ownership change can occur whenever there is a cumulative shift in the ownership of a company by more than 50 percentage points by one or more "5% stockholders" within a three-year period, which would include the ownership change that would result from the Merger. The occurrence of such a change generally limits the amount of NOL carryforwards a company could utilize in a given year to the aggregate fair market value of the company's common stock immediately prior to the ownership change, multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt interest rate in effect for the month of the ownership change.
	The determination of whether an ownership change has occurred for purposes of Section 382 is complex and requires significant judgment. The occurrence of such an ownership change would accelerate cash tax payments the Company would be required to make and likely result in a substantial portion of its NOLs expiring before the Company could fully utilize them.
	On August 30, 2011, the Company’s board of directors adopted a Tax Benefit Preservation Plan to help deter acquisitions of Leap common stock that could result in an ownership change under Section 382 and thus help preserve the Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards. The Tax Benefit Preservation Plan was approved by the Company's stockholders in May 2012. The Tax Benefit Preservation Plan is designed to deter acquisitions of Leap common stock that would result in a stockholder owning 4.99% or more of Leap common stock (as calculated under Section 382), or any existing holder of 4.99% or more of Leap common stock acquiring additional shares, by substantially diluting the ownership interest of any such stockholder unless the stockholder obtains an exemption from the Company’s board of directors. On July 12, 2013, Leap entered into an amendment to the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan to provide that neither the approval, execution or delivery of the Merger Agreement or any amendments thereof or agreements in connection therewith, nor the consummation of transactions or entry into any agreements contemplated thereby, including the Merger, will (i) cause the rights under the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan to become exercisable or entitle a holder of the rights to exercise such rights, (ii) cause AT&T or MHR Fund Management LLC (together with its affiliates, "MHR") or any of their affiliates or associates to become an "Acquiring Person" under the terms of the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan, or (iii) give rise to a Distribution Date or a Stock Acquisition Date (as such terms are defined in the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan). Other than as described above, the Tax Benefit Preservation Plan remains in effect and continues to apply to acquisitions of Leap common stock.
	The Company's unrecognized income tax benefits and uncertain tax positions, as well as any associated interest and penalties, are recorded through income tax expense; however, such amounts have not been significant in any period.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	From time to time, the Company is involved in a variety of legal proceedings, including lawsuits, claims, investigations and other proceedings concerning intellectual property, commercial disputes, business practices and other matters. Over the past several years, the Company has become subject to an increased number of these proceedings, including disputes alleging intellectual property infringement. These matters may seek monetary damages and other relief.
	The Company believes that any damage amounts alleged by plaintiffs in matters that may arise are not necessarily meaningful indicators of its potential liability. The Company determines whether it should accrue an estimated loss for a contingency in a particular legal proceeding by assessing whether a loss is deemed probable and whether the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company reassesses its views on estimated losses on a quarterly basis to reflect the impact of any developments in the matters in which it is involved.
	Legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable, and the matters in which the Company is involved often present complex legal and factual issues. The Company vigorously pursues defenses in legal proceedings and engages in discussions where possible to resolve these matters on favorable terms. The Company's policy is to recognize legal costs as incurred. It is possible, however, that the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations in future periods could be materially adversely affected by increased litigation expense, significant settlement costs and/or unfavorable damage awards.
	Merger-Related Litigation
	On July 15, 2013, following the announcement of the Merger, a lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery challenging the proposed Merger. The action is captioned Booth Family Trust v. Leap Wireless International, Inc. et al., C.A. No. 8730-VCN. It is a putative class action filed on behalf of purported stockholders of Leap, and it names Leap and its directors as defendants. The complaint alleges that the directors of Leap breached their fiduciary duties to Leap stockholders by engaging in a flawed sales process, by agreeing to sell Leap for inadequate consideration and by agreeing to improper deal protection terms in the Merger Agreement. The complaint seeks, among other relief, declaratory and injunctive relief against the Merger and costs and fees.
	On July 19, 2013, July 24, 2013 and July 26, 2013, additional lawsuits were filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego challenging the proposed Merger. The action filed on July 19, 2013 is captioned John Kim v. Leap Wireless International, Inc. et al., Case No. 37-2013-00058491-CU-BT-CTL; the actions filed on July 24, 2013 are captioned Wesley Decker v. Leap Wireless International, Inc. et al, Case No. 37-2013-00059095-CU-SL-CTL and Roxane Andrews v. Leap Wireless International, Inc. et al, Case No. 37-2013-00059141-CU-BT-CTL; and the action filed on July 26, 2013 is captioned Joseph Marino v. Leap Wireless International Inc. et al, Case No. 37-2013-00059565-CU-BT-CTL. Each lawsuit is a putative class action filed on behalf of purported stockholders of Leap and names Leap, its directors as well as AT&T and Merger Sub as defendants. The California complaints allege that Leap and its directors breached their fiduciary duties to Leap stockholders, and that AT&T and Merger Sub aided and abetted such breaches, by agreeing to improper deal protection terms in the Merger Agreement. The Decker, Andrews and Marino complaints further allege that Leap and its directors breached their fiduciary duties, and that AT&T and Merger Sub aided and abetted such breaches, by engaging in a flawed sales process and by agreeing to sell Leap for inadequate consideration. The Kim complaint seeks, among other relief, declaratory and injunctive relief against the Merger, imposition of a constructive trust and costs and fees. The Decker, Andrews and Marino complaints seek, among other relief, declaratory and injunctive relief against the Merger and costs and fees.
	On August 15, 2013, the Superior Court of the State of California entered an order consolidating the four California actions under the caption In re Leap Wireless International, Inc. Shareholder Litigation, Lead Case No. 37-2013-00058491-CU-BT-CTL. On August 19, 2013, plaintiffs in the consolidated Superior Court action filed a consolidated amended complaint against Leap, its directors, AT&T, and Merger Sub. Generally, the complaint alleges that the Leap directors breached fiduciary duties by agreeing to the Merger Agreement for insufficient consideration, on improper terms, and with inadequate disclosure, and it alleges that these purported breaches were aided by AT&T and Merger Sub. The complaint seeks, among other relief, an injunction against the proposed Merger and damages.
	On August 30, 2013, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered an order staying the Delaware action pending resolution of the consolidated action in California.
	On October 17, 2013, following stipulated expedited discovery and negotiations among counsel to the parties, the parties entered into a memorandum of understanding regarding the settlement of putative class actions (the “MOU”). Although the defendants believe that no further disclosure is required to supplement the proxy statement for the Merger and deny that they acted improperly and that the process by which the proposed transaction was negotiated or is being executed was or is insufficient in any way, the defendants agreed to enter into the MOU to avoid the risk that the putative stockholder class actions may delay or otherwise adversely affect the consummation of the Merger and to minimize the expense of defending such actions. Pursuant to the MOU Leap agreed to make certain supplemental disclosures related to the Merger. In addition, AT&T agreed to forbear from asserting its right to prevent termination of the voting agreement, dated July 12, 2013, among Leap, AT&T and MHR if a "Change of Recommendation" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) was made by Leap as a result of a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) as permitted by Section 6.2(f)(i) of the Merger Agreement, and to forbear from asserting its right to prevent a Change of Recommendation by Leap under Sections 6.2(f)(ii)(A), (B), (C), and (E) of the Merger Agreement.
	The MOU contemplates that the parties will enter into a stipulation of settlement. The stipulation of settlement will be subject to customary conditions, including completion of the Merger and court approval following notice to Leap’s stockholders. In the event that the parties enter into a stipulation of settlement, a hearing will be scheduled at which the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego will consider the fairness, reasonableness, and adequacy of the settlement. If the settlement is finally approved by the court, it will resolve and release all claims in all actions that were or could have been brought challenging any aspect of the proposed Merger, the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and any disclosure made in connection therewith (but excluding claims for appraisal under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law), among other claims. In addition, in connection with the settlement, the parties contemplate that plaintiffs’ counsel will file a petition in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses to be paid by Leap, its successor, or its insurer. The MOU also contemplates that Leap, its successor, or its insurer will pay or cause to be paid any attorneys’ fees and expenses, in an amount up to $990,000, awarded by the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego.
	There can be no assurance that the parties will ultimately enter into a stipulation of settlement or that the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Diego will approve the settlement even if the parties were to enter into such stipulation. In such event, the proposed settlement as contemplated by the MOU may be terminated. In the event that the parties do not enter into a stipulation of settlement or the MOU is terminated, the outcome of these lawsuits would be uncertain. An adverse monetary judgment could have a material adverse effect on the operations and liquidity of Leap, a preliminary injunction could delay or jeopardize the completion of the Merger, and an adverse judgment granting permanent injunctive relief could indefinitely enjoin completion of the Merger. Leap believes these lawsuits are meritless.
	Other Litigation
	The Company is party to a civil action brought in June 2012 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California by M Seven System Limited ("M Seven") against the Company, a third-party handset design firm and two employees of that design firm (one of whom is a former employee of the Company). M Seven alleges that the Company, the third-party firm and its employees engaged in trade secret misappropriation, copyright infringement and violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act in the design and distribution of the handsets. M Seven seeks compensatory damages in the form of lost profits or a reasonable royalty, disgorgement of defendants' profits, statutory damages, exemplary and/or punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs and injunctive relief. On October 8, 2013, the District Court set a final pretrial conference of February 27, 2015, with a trial date to follow thereafter. M Seven previously filed civil and criminal actions in South Korea with similar allegations against the former Company employee, the handset design firm and its subcontractors. The handset design firm and its subcontractors were found liable in the civil matter and the subcontractors were found liable in the criminal action in South Korea. The Company, however, was not party to those actions and those judgments are not binding upon the Company or the District Court in the current matter.
	Indemnification Agreements
	From time to time, the Company enters into indemnification agreements with certain parties in the ordinary course of business, including agreements with manufacturers, licensors and suppliers who provide it with equipment, software and technology that it uses in its business, as well as with purchasers of assets, lenders, lessors and other vendors. Indemnification agreements are generally entered into in commercial and other transactions in an attempt to allocate potential risk of loss.
	iPhone Purchase Commitment
	In May 2012, the Company entered into a three-year iPhone purchase commitment with Apple. The commitment began upon the Company's launch of sales of the iPhone in June 2012. Based on its current handset purchase and sales mix and current iPhone device pricing, the Company estimates that the commitment would require it to purchase approximately $800 million of iPhones, with annual commitments during the three-year period that increase moderately in the second and third years. The Company projects that the minimum number of iPhones that it is required to purchase from Apple over the term of the commitment would represent 10% or less of the total number of handsets it expects to sell to new and upgrading customers over the period of the commitment and for approximately 12 to 18 months thereafter. The actual amount the Company spends and the number of devices it purchases over the term of the commitment will depend on many factors, including customer acceptance and availability of current and future versions of the device, future costs for the device, the success of the Company's marketing and advertising efforts, customer demand for devices offered by other manufacturers and other factors.
	The Company purchased approximately one-half of its first-year minimum purchase commitment through June 2013, which purchases were approximately $100 million below its first-year minimum purchase commitment. At that purchase rate, the Company's iPhone purchases for the second year would be approximately $150 million below its second-year minimum purchase commitment and its purchases for the third year would be approximately $200 million below its third-year minimum purchase commitment. Due to the Company's efforts to expand sales volume for the iPhone, the Company has not been required to purchase additional handsets to meet its first-year minimum purchase commitment. Similar to other carriers, the Company’s iPhone purchase rate slowed during the second year in advance of Apple’s recent launch of new devices. However, the Company continues to believe that it will be able to increase its current iPhone sales rate and purchase and sell the total required number of devices over the three-year period of the commitment and for a subsequent inventory sell-through period of 12 to 18 months. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company introduced new device financing programs and the Company is continuing to work with Apple to increase the Company's advertising and promotional programs to increase awareness of the Company's iPhone offering. In addition, Apple recently released an AWS-compatible version of the iPhone, which the Company began offering in late October 2013 in additional markets where the Company did not previously sell the iPhone, which markets represent approximately 40% of the Company’s covered POPs. The Company may also seek to amend the requirements under, or extend the term of, the purchase commitment, although the Company's current capital and liquidity projections do not assume that such a modification will occur.
	Wholesale Agreement
	In August 2010, the Company entered into a wholesale agreement with an affiliate of Sprint, which the Company uses to offer Cricket services in a limited number of nationwide retailers outside of its current network footprint. The initial term of the wholesale agreement runs until December 31, 2015, and automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless either party provides 180-day advance notice to the other. Under the agreement, the Company pays Sprint a specified amount per month for each subscriber activated on its network, subject to periodic market-based adjustments. The Company has agreed, among other things, to purchase a minimum of $300 million of wholesale services over the initial five-year term of the agreement with the following annual minimum purchase commitments: $20 million in 2011; $75 million in 2012; $80 million in 2013; $75 million in 2014; and $50 million in 2015. The Company entered into an amendment to the wholesale agreement in February 2013 to enable the Company to purchase 4G LTE services. In addition, under the amendment, the Company can credit up to $162 million of revenue it provides Sprint under other existing commercial arrangements against the minimum purchase commitment. Any wholesale revenue provided to Sprint in a given year above the minimum purchase commitment for that particular year is credited to the next succeeding year. However, to the extent the Company's revenues were to fall beneath the applicable commitment amount for any given year, excess revenues from a subsequent year could not be carried back to offset such shortfall.
	In addition, in the event Leap is involved in a change-of-control transaction with another facilities-based wireless carrier with annual revenues of at least $500 million in the fiscal year preceding the date of the change of control agreement (other than T-Mobile US, Inc., as successor to MetroPCS Communications, Inc., or its affiliates ("T-Mobile US")), either the Company (or the Company's successor in interest) or Sprint may terminate the wholesale agreement within 60 days following the closing of such a transaction. In connection with any such termination, the Company (or its successor in interest) would be required to pay to Sprint a specified percentage of the remaining aggregate minimum purchase commitment, with the percentage to be paid depending on the year in which the change of control agreement was entered into, being 20% for any such agreement entered into in 2013 and 10% for any such agreement entered into in 2014 or 2015. This termination right would be triggered by the Merger, if consummated.
	In the event that Leap is involved in a change-of-control transaction with T-Mobile US during the term of the wholesale agreement, then the agreement would continue in full force and effect, subject to certain revisions, including, without limitation, an increase to the total minimum purchase commitment to $350 million, taking into account any revenue contributed by Cricket prior to the date thereof. In the event Sprint is involved in a change-of-control transaction, the agreement would bind Sprint's successor-in-interest.

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio

Guarantor Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Financial Information	'
	Guarantor Financial Information
	At September 30, 2013, all of the $1,600 million of senior notes issued by Cricket (the "Issuing Subsidiary") were comprised of 7.75% senior notes due 2020, which are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by Leap (the "Guarantor Parent Company") and Cricket License Company, LLC, a 100%-owned subsidiary of Cricket (the "Guarantor Subsidiary").
	The indenture governing the senior notes limits, among other things, the Guarantor Parent Company's, Cricket's and the Guarantor Subsidiary's ability to: incur additional debt; create liens or other encumbrances; place limitations on distributions from restricted subsidiaries; pay dividends; make investments; prepay subordinated indebtedness or make other restricted payments; issue or sell capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; issue guarantees; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; and make acquisitions or merge or consolidate with another entity.
	Condensed consolidating financial information of the Guarantor Parent Company, the Issuing Subsidiary, the Guarantor Subsidiary, Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries (STX Wireless, Cricket Music and their respective subsidiaries) and total consolidated Leap and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 is presented below. The equity method of accounting is used to account for ownership interests in subsidiaries, where applicable.
	Cricket formerly owned an 85% non-controlling membership interest in Savary Island, which held wireless spectrum in the upper Midwest portion of the U.S. and which leased a portion of that spectrum to Cricket. In October 2012, Cricket acquired the remaining 15% controlling interest for $5.3 million in cash. In December 2012, Savary Island and its subsidiaries were merged with and into Cricket, with Cricket as the surviving entity. As a result of these transactions, the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these entities have been consolidated into the Issuing Subsidiary. All prior period consolidating financial statements have been revised to reflect this reorganization.
	In connection with the restatement of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company has restated its condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 due to a classification error related to the presentation of certain capital expenditures and operating cash flows (see Note 2). The classification error related to certain purchases of property and equipment that were unpaid at the balance sheet date (but that were scheduled to be settled in cash soon thereafter), which were incorrectly reflected as cash outflows from investing activities and cash inflows from operating activities. This classification error resulted in a misstatement of net cash provided by operating activities and net cash provided by (used in) investing activities. The classification error has been reflected in the condensed consolidating statement of cash flows for the Issuing Subsidiary and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as follows:
	•	Issuing Subsidiary – Increased net cash provided by operating activities by $63.5 million with a corresponding decrease in net cash provided by investing activities for the same amount.
	•	Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries – Decreased net cash provided by operating activities by $2.0 million with a corresponding decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the same amount.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
		Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
		Company											Eliminating
													Adjustments
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	687		$	511,412		$	—	$	51,514		$	—		$	563,613
	Short-term investments	—			345,594			—		—			—			345,594
	Inventories	—			79,214			—		3,589			—			82,803
	Deferred charges	—			40,774			—		2			—			40,776
	Advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	245,786			30,881			23,793		—			(300,460		)	—
	Other current assets	1,958			155,350			3		8,376			(490		)	165,197
	Total current assets	248,431			1,163,225			23,796		63,481			(300,950		)	1,197,983
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,331,044			—		49,999			—			1,381,043
	Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	74,533			2,278,170			—		—			(2,352,703		)	—
	Wireless licenses	—			—			2,026,336		64,912			—			2,091,248
	Assets held for sale	—			3,091			—		—			—			3,091
	Goodwill	—			11,222			—		20,664			—			31,886
	Intangible assets, net	—			12,775			—		3,344			—			16,119
	Other assets	709			60,520			—		12,644			—			73,873
	Total assets	$	323,673		$	4,860,047		$	2,050,132	$	215,044		$	(2,653,653	)	$	4,795,243
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	8,942		$	275,846		$	—	$	3,505		$	(460	)	$	287,833
	Current maturities of long-term debt	248,204			18,250			—		—			—			266,454
	Intercompany payables	—			269,579			—		30,881			(300,460		)	—
	Other current liabilities	2,386			218,798			—		17,371			(30		)	238,525
	Total current liabilities	259,532			782,473			—		51,757			(300,950		)	792,812
	Long-term debt, net	—			3,368,157			—		—			—			3,368,157
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			417,268			—		—			—			417,268
	Long-term intercompany payables	78,423			—			—		43,664			(122,087		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			147,895			—		13,672			—			161,567
	Total liabilities	337,955			4,715,793			—		109,093			(423,037		)	4,739,804
	Redeemable non-controlling interests	—			69,721			—		—			—			69,721
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)	(14,282		)	74,533			2,050,132		105,951			(2,230,616		)	(14,282		)
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$	323,673		$	4,860,047		$	2,050,132	$	215,044		$	(2,653,653	)	$	4,795,243
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands):
		Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
		Company											Eliminating
													Adjustments
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	69		$	449,668		$	—	$	65,813		$	—		$	515,550
	Short-term investments	—			159,426			—		—			—			159,426
	Inventories	—			118,149			—		3,452			—			121,601
	Deferred charges	—			60,933			—		30			—			60,963
	Advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	11,182			23,592			49,407		—			(84,181		)	—
	Other current assets	707			129,346			—		13,519			(4,330		)	139,242
	Total current assets	11,958			941,114			49,407		82,814			(88,511		)	996,782
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,694,365			—		67,725			—			1,762,090
	Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	739,072			2,327,953			—		—			(3,067,025		)	—
	Wireless licenses	—			—			1,882,421		64,912			—			1,947,333
	Assets held for sale	—			—			136,222		—			—			136,222
	Goodwill	—			11,222			—		20,664			—			31,886
	Intangible assets, net	—			14,756			—		9,907			—			24,663
	Other assets	3,938			54,852			—		9,494			—			68,284
Total assets	$	754,968		$	5,044,262		$	2,068,050	$	255,516		$	(3,155,536	)	$	4,967,260
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	40		$	389,951		$	—	$	6,119		$	—		$	396,110
Current maturities of long-term debt	—			4,000			—		—			—			4,000
Intercompany payables	—			60,589			—		23,592			(84,181		)	—
Other current liabilities	5,247			202,740			—		13,223			(4,330		)	216,880
Total current liabilities	5,287			657,280			—		42,934			(88,511		)	616,990
Long-term debt, net	250,000			3,048,463			—		—			—			3,298,463
Deferred tax liabilities	—			385,111			—		—			—			385,111
Long-term intercompany payables	66,549			242,500			—		32,562			(341,611		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			149,819			—		19,228			—			169,047
Total liabilities	321,836			4,483,173			—		94,724			(430,122		)	4,469,611
Redeemable non-controlling interests	—			64,517			—		—			—			64,517
Stockholders' equity	433,132			496,572			2,068,050		160,792			(2,725,414		)	433,132
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	754,968		$	5,044,262		$	2,068,050	$	255,516		$	(3,155,536	)	$	4,967,260
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Revenues:
Service revenues	$	—		$	564,608		$	—	$	81,641		$	23		$	646,272
Equipment revenues	—			42,809			—		4,911			—			47,720
Other revenues	—			3,642			24,326		89			(28,057		)	—
Total revenues	—			611,059			24,326		86,641			(28,034		)	693,992
Operating expenses:
Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)	—			254,534			—		22,002			(24,392		)	252,144
Cost of equipment	—			169,178			—		27,972			—			197,150
Selling and marketing	—			61,675			—		8,193			—			69,868
General and administrative	15,717			78,506			190		12,243			(3,642		)	103,014
Depreciation and amortization	—			140,896			—		7,734			—			148,630
Impairments and other charges	—			8,503			—		105			—			8,608
Total operating expenses	15,717			713,292			190		78,249			(28,034		)	779,414
Gain (loss) on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net	—			(2,177		)	4,165		51			—			2,039
Operating income (loss)	(15,717		)	(104,410		)	28,301		8,443			—			(83,383		)
Equity in net income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries	(172,499		)	36,722			—		—			135,777			—
Equity in net loss of investees, net	—			(8,005		)	—		—			—			(8,005		)
Interest income	5,973			74			—		1			(5,973		)	75
Interest expense	(3,166		)	(62,026		)	—		—			5,973			(59,219		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(185,409		)	(137,645		)	28,301		8,444			135,777			(150,532		)
Income tax expense	—			(9,905		)	—		(23		)	—			(9,928		)
Net income (loss)	(185,409		)	(147,550		)	28,301		8,421			135,777			(160,460		)
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax	—			(24,949		)	—		—			—			(24,949		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(185,409	)	$	(172,499	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,777		$	(185,409	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	(185,409	)	$	(147,550	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,777		$	(160,460	)
Net unrealized holding gains on investments and other	12			12			—		—			(12		)	12
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(185,397	)	$	(147,538	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,765		$	(160,448	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Revenues:
Service revenues	$	—		$	638,394		$	—	$	83,607		$	21		$	722,022
Equipment revenues	—			44,088			—		7,862			—			51,950
Other revenues	—			3,841			27,239		81			(31,161		)	—
Total revenues	—			686,323			27,239		91,550			(31,140		)	773,972
Operating expenses:
Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)	—			269,050			—		24,650			(27,299		)	266,401
Cost of equipment	—			180,181			—		23,665			—			203,846
Selling and marketing	—			77,838			—		10,273			—			88,111
General and administrative	2,510			75,548			191		11,589			(3,841		)	85,997
Depreciation and amortization	—			151,695			—		10,126			—			161,821
Impairments and other charges	—			14,753			—		—			—			14,753
Total operating expenses	2,510			769,065			191		80,303			(31,140		)	820,929
Gain (loss) on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net	—			84,879			43,568		(81		)	—			128,366
Operating income (loss)	(2,510		)	2,137			70,616		11,166			—			81,409
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries	24,650			81,783			—		—			(106,433		)	—
Equity in net loss of investees, net	—			(203		)	—		—			—			(203		)
Interest income	6,064			3,269			—		1			(9,272		)	62
Interest expense	(3,189		)	(73,391		)	—		—			9,272			(67,308		)
Income before income taxes	25,015			13,595			70,616		11,167			(106,433		)	13,960
Income tax benefit	—			12,908			—		—			—			12,908
Net income	25,015			26,503			70,616		11,167			(106,433		)	26,868
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax	—			(1,853		)	—		—			—			(1,853		)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,015		$	24,650		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,433	)	$	25,015
Other comprehensive income:
Net income	$	25,015		$	26,503		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,433	)	$	26,868
Net unrealized holding gains on investments and other	11			11			—		—			(11		)	11
Comprehensive income	$	25,026		$	26,514		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,444	)	$	26,879
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	618		$	(14,483	)	$	—	$	85,611		$	—		$	71,746
Investing activities:
Purchases of and change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	—			(98,824		)	—		(4,274		)	527			(102,571		)
Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs	—			(3,274		)	—		—			—			(3,274		)
Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets	—			9,937			—		112			(527		)	9,522
Purchases of investments	—			(509,215		)	—		—			—			(509,215		)
Sales and maturities of investments	—			322,837			—		—			—			322,837
Payments received from joint venture	—			67,541			—		—			(67,541		)	—
Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	(2,436		)	—			—		—			2,436			—
Change in restricted cash	—			(63		)	—		—			—			(63		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,436		)	(211,061		)	—		(4,162		)	(65,105		)	(282,764		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			1,414,313			—		—			—			1,414,313
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(1,108,359		)	—		—			—			(1,108,359		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(15,800		)	—		—			—			(15,800		)
Capital contributions, net	—			2,436			—		—			(2,436		)	—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	2,436			—			—		—			—			2,436
Payments made to joint venture partners	—			—			—		(95,748		)	67,541			(28,207		)
Other	—			(5,302		)	—		—			—			(5,302		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,436			287,288			—		(95,748		)	65,105			259,081
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	618			61,744			—		(14,299		)	—			48,063
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	69			449,668			—		65,813			—			515,550
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	687		$	511,412		$	—	$	51,514		$	—		$	563,613
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands, as restated):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(47	)	$	145,631		$	—	$	73,665		$	(8,737	)	$	210,512
Investing activities:
Purchases of and change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	—			(415,394		)	—		(26,609		)	7,018			(434,985		)
Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs	—			(3,625		)	—		—			—			(3,625		)
Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets	—			153,507			—		7,532			(7,018		)	154,021
Purchases of investments	—			(268,854		)	—		—			—			(268,854		)
Sales and maturities of investments	—			497,762			—		—			—			497,762
Payments received from joint venture	—			51,061			—		—			(51,061		)	—
Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	(483		)	—			—		—			483			—
Change in restricted cash	—			(760		)	—		—			—			(760		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(483		)	13,697			—		(19,077		)	(50,578		)	(56,441		)
Financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(21,911		)	—		—			—			(21,911		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(296		)	—		—			—			(296		)
Capital contributions, net	—			483			—		—			(483		)	—
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net	483			—			—		—			—			483
Payments made to joint venture partners	—			(1,797		)	—		(85,567		)	59,798			(27,566		)
Other	—			(3,662		)	—		—			—			(3,662		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	483			(27,183		)	—		(85,567		)	59,315			(52,952		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(47		)	132,145			—		(30,979		)	—			101,119
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	91			270,056			—		75,096			—			345,243
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	44		$	402,201		$	—	$	44,117		$	—		$	446,362

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign1

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the operating results and financial position of Leap and its wholly-owned subsidiaries as well as the operating results and financial position of STX Wireless and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company consolidates STX Wireless in accordance with the authoritative guidance for consolidations based on the voting interest model. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Segment and Geographic Data	'
	Segment and Geographic Data
	The Company operates in a single operating segment and a single reporting unit as a wireless communications carrier that offers digital wireless services in the United States. As of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, all of the Company's revenues and long-lived assets related to operations in the United States.
Revenues	'
	Revenues
	The Company's business revenues principally arise from the sale of wireless services, devices (handsets and broadband modems) and accessories. Wireless services are provided primarily on a month-to-month basis. The Company's customers are required to pay for their service in advance and the Company does not require customers to sign fixed-term contracts or pass a credit check. Service revenues are recognized only after payment has been received and services have been rendered.
	When the Company activates service for a new customer, it often sells that customer a device along with a period of service. In accordance with the authoritative guidance for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables, the sale of a device along with service constitutes a multiple element arrangement. Under this guidance, once a company has determined the best estimate of selling price of the elements in the sales transaction, the total consideration received from the customer must be allocated among those elements on a relative selling price basis. Applying the guidance to these transactions results in the Company recognizing the total consideration received, less amounts allocated to the wireless service period (generally the customer's monthly service plan), as equipment revenue.
	Amounts allocated to equipment revenues and related costs from the sale of devices are recognized when service is activated by new customers. Revenues and related costs from the sale of devices and accessories to existing customers are recognized at the point of sale. The costs of devices and accessories sold are recorded in cost of equipment. In addition to devices that the Company sells directly to its customers at Cricket-owned stores, the Company sells devices to third-party dealers, including nationwide retailers. These dealers then sell the devices to the ultimate Cricket customer, similar to the sale made at a Cricket-owned store. Sales of devices to third-party dealers are recognized as equipment revenues only when service is activated by customers, since the level of price reductions and commissions ultimately available to such dealers is not reliably estimable until the devices are sold by such dealers to customers. Thus, revenues from devices sold to third-party dealers are recorded as deferred equipment revenue and the related costs of the devices are recorded as deferred charges upon shipment of the devices by the Company. The deferred charges are recognized as equipment costs when the related equipment revenue is recognized, which occurs when service is activated by the customer.
	Through a third-party provider, the Company's customers may elect to participate in an extended warranty program for devices they purchase. The Company recognizes revenue on replacement devices sold to its customers under the program when the customer purchases the device.
	The Company participates in the federal government's Lifeline program and is designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier in certain states in which it provides wireless services. Under this program, the Company offers discounted wireless services to qualified customers and generally receives reimbursement from the federal government for a portion of the subsidized services. The Company recognizes revenue under this program only after amounts eligible for reimbursement have been determined and services have been rendered.
	Sales incentives offered to customers and commissions and sales incentives offered to the Company's third-party dealers are recognized as a reduction of revenue when the related service or equipment revenue is recognized. Customers have limited rights to return devices and accessories based on time and/or usage, and customer returns of devices and accessories have historically been insignificant.
	Amounts billed by the Company in advance of customers' wireless service periods are not reflected in accounts receivable or deferred revenue since collectability of such amounts is not reasonably assured. Deferred revenue consists primarily of cash received from customers in advance of their service period and deferred equipment revenue related to devices sold to third-party dealers, including nationwide retailers.
	Universal Service Fund, E-911 and other telecommunications-related regulatory fees are assessed by various federal and state governmental agencies in connection with the services that the Company provides to its customers. The service plans the Company currently offers are "all-inclusive" of telecommunications and regulatory fees, in that the Company does not separately bill and collect amounts owed and remitted to government agencies from its customers. For the Company's legacy service plans that are not "all-inclusive," the Company separately bills and collects from its customers amounts owed and remitted to government agencies. Regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from the Company's customers are recorded in service revenues. Amounts owed to government agencies are recorded in cost of service. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the total amount of regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from customers and recorded in service revenues was $0.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the total amount of regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from customers and recorded in service revenues was $1.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively. Sales, use and excise taxes for all service plans are reported on a net basis.
Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Short-term Investments	'
	Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
	The Company has set aside certain amounts of cash, cash equivalents and short term investments to satisfy certain contractual obligations. Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments are included in either other current assets or other assets, depending on the nature of the underlying contractual obligation.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements defines fair value for accounting purposes, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and provides disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurements. The guidance defines fair value as an exit price, which is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid upon the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Assets and liabilities with readily available, actively quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices in active markets generally have more pricing observability and require less judgment in measuring fair value. Conversely, assets and liabilities that are rarely traded or not quoted have less pricing observability and are generally measured at fair value using valuation models that require more judgment. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency of the asset, liability or market and the nature of the asset or liability.
	The Company has categorized its assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy in accordance with the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 1; assets and liabilities measured at fair value using observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data for similar assets or liabilities are generally categorized as Level 2; and assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by market data are generally categorized as Level 3. Assets and liabilities presented at fair value in the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets are generally categorized as follows:
	Level 1:	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. The Company did not have any Level 1 assets or liabilities presented at fair value as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.
	Level 2:	Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. The Company's Level 2 assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 included its cash equivalents, its short-term investments in obligations of the U.S. government and government agencies and its short-term investments in commercial paper.
	Level 3:	Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Such assets and liabilities may have values determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, and include instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. The Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities as of September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, other than the financial and non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis discussed below.
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the weighted-average number of dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period, using the treasury stock method and the if-converted method, where applicable. Dilutive common share equivalents are comprised of stock options, restricted stock awards, deferred stock units, employee stock purchase rights and convertible senior notes.

Restatement_of_Previously_Repo1

Restatement of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Classification Error Resulted in a Misstatement of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities and Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	'
	This classification error resulted in a misstatement of net cash provided by operating activities and net cash provided by (used in) investing activities as follows (unaudited, in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Restated
	Operating Activities
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	149,025		$	61,487		$	210,512
	Investing Activities
	Purchases of property and equipment	$	(371,558	)	$	(57,070	)	$	(428,628	)
	Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	(1,940		)	(4,417		)	(6,357		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,046			(61,487		)	(56,441		)

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In1

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Additional Balance Sheet Information	'
	Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Other current assets:
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debt of $1.8 million and $1.3	$	93,449		$	86,467
	million, respectively(1)
	Prepaid expenses	46,011			40,237
	Other	25,737			12,538
		$	165,197		$	139,242
	Property and equipment, net(2):
	Network equipment	$	3,366,084		$	3,348,122
	Computer hardware and software	566,574			526,348
	Construction-in-progress(3)	35,586			54,945
	Other	100,006			109,400
		4,068,250			4,038,815
	Accumulated depreciation	(2,687,207		)	(2,276,725		)
		$	1,381,043		$	1,762,090
	Intangible assets, net:
	Customer relationships	$	50,435		$	50,435
	Trademarks	37,000			37,000
		87,435			87,435
	Accumulated amortization of customer relationships	(47,090		)	(40,528		)
	Accumulated amortization of trademarks	(24,226		)	(22,244		)
		$	16,119		$	24,663
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
	Trade accounts payable	$	119,288		$	143,931
	Accrued payroll and related benefits	59,525			67,539
	Other accrued liabilities	109,020			184,640
		$	287,833		$	396,110
	Other current liabilities:
	Deferred service revenue(4)	$	91,717		$	100,276
	Deferred equipment revenue(5)	25,634			36,471
	Accrued sales, telecommunications, property and other taxes payable	17,861			4,267
	Accrued interest	59,776			44,653
	Other	43,537			31,213
		$	238,525		$	216,880
	____________
	-1	Accounts receivable, net, consists primarily of (i) amounts billed to third-party dealers for devices and accessories, (ii) amounts due from the federal government in connection with Lifeline and other regulatory programs, and (iii) amounts due from service providers related to interconnect and roaming agreements.
	-2	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	-3	See "Note 8. Impairments and Other Charges" for information regarding the impairment of certain amounts accumulated in construction-in-progress.
	-4	Deferred service revenue consists primarily of cash received from customers in advance of their service period.
	-5	Deferred equipment revenue relates to devices sold to third-party dealers and nationwide retailers that have not yet been purchased and activated by customers.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value - Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's assets and liabilities that were recorded at fair value as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands). As required by the guidance for fair value measurements, financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Thus, assets and liabilities categorized as Level 3 may be measured at fair value using inputs that are observable (Levels 1 and 2) and unobservable (Level 3). Management's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, which may affect the valuation of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
		At Fair Value as of September 30, 2013
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	—	$	12,083	$	—	$	12,083
	Commercial paper	—		181,333		—		181,333
	U.S. government or government agency securities	—		286,922		—		286,922
	Total	$	—	$	480,338	$	—	$	480,338
		At Fair Value as of December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets:
	Money market funds	$	—	$	126,617	$	—	$	126,617
	Commercial paper	—		82,346		—		82,346
	U.S. government or government agency securities	—		135,861		—		135,861
	Total	$	—	$	344,824	$	—	$	344,824
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'
	Available-for-sale securities were comprised as follows as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 2013
		Cost		Fair Value
	Money market funds	$	12,083	$	12,083
	Commercial paper	181,333		181,333
	U.S. government or government agency securities	286,909		286,922
		$	480,325	$	480,338
		As of December 31, 2012
		Cost		Fair Value
	Money market funds	$	126,617	$	126,617
	Commercial paper	82,345		82,346
	U.S. government or government agency securities	135,848		135,861
		$	344,810	$	344,824

LongTerm_Debt_Net_Tables

Long-Term Debt, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Long-term debt, net as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was comprised of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Convertible senior notes due 2014	$	248,204		$	250,000
	Senior secured notes due 2016	—			1,100,000
	Unamortized discount on $1,100 million senior secured notes due 2016	—			(23,767		)
	Term loans under Credit Agreement	1,818,438			400,000
	Unamortized discount on term loans under Credit Agreement	(13,575		)	(3,892		)
	Unsecured senior notes due 2020	1,600,000			1,600,000
	Unamortized discount on $1,600 million unsecured senior notes due 2020	(18,456		)	(19,878		)
		3,634,611			3,302,463
	Current maturities of long-term debt	(266,454		)	(4,000		)
		$	3,368,157		$	3,298,463

Impairment_and_Other_Charges_T

Impairment and Other Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Asset Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Impairments and Other Charges	'
	Impairment and other charges consisted of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Property and equipment impairment	$	2,942		$	—		$	4,901		$	—
	Severance	(945		)	14,753			(1,684		)	14,753
	Restructuring activities	6,611			—			10,413			—
	Impairment and other charges	$	8,608		$	14,753		$	13,630		$	14,753
Schedule of Post-Acquisition Charges	'
	The following table provides a rollforward of those amounts recorded as liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets:
		31-Dec-12			Accruals			Payments			30-Sep-13
	Post-acquisition charges	$	14,726		$	—		$	(2,659	)	$	12,067
	Severance	9,877			(1,684		)	(7,993		)	200
	Restructuring activities	10,393			14,812			(10,132		)	15,073
	Total amounts to be settled in cash	$	34,996		$	13,128		$	(20,784	)	$	27,340

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Los1

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the Company's computation of weighted-average number of dilutive common share equivalents outstanding to weighted-average number of basic common shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Diluted shares outstanding used in earnings per share calculation
	Weighted-average basic shares outstanding	78,297			77,402		77,977			77,213
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Restricted stock awards	—			115		—			—
	Deferred stock units	—			7		—			—
	Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	78,297			77,524		77,977			77,213
	Basic earnings (loss) per share	$	(2.37	)	$	0.32	$	(5.90	)	$	(1.49	)
	Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$	(2.37	)	$	0.32	$	(5.90	)	$	(1.49	)

Arrangements_with_Variable_Int

Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in value of the Company's redeemable non-controlling interests (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Beginning balance, January 1,	$	64,517		$	95,910
	Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests, before tax	27,065			(2,035		)
	Loans made to joint venture partner	(6,585		)	(6,530		)
	Optional distributions made to joint venture partner	(13,338		)	(16,243		)
	Other	(1,938		)	(1,197		)
	Ending balance, September 30,	$	69,721		$	69,905

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Tabl

Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Unrestricted Subsidiaries [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Unrestricted Subsidiary Financial Information	'
	As required by the Credit Agreement and the indenture governing Cricket's senior notes, the Company is presenting the aggregate carrying amount and classification of the components of the financial position as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and results of operations of Cricket Music, Muve USA and their subsidiaries for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 in the following tables separately (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	698		$	1
	Property and equipment, net	1,564			4,937
	Total assets	$	2,262		$	4,938
	Liabilities and stockholders' equity
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	25		$	—
	Other current liabilities	349			5
	Other long-term liabilities	145			—
	Stockholders' equity	1,743			4,933
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	2,262		$	4,938
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	103		$	—		$	255		$	—
	Operating expenses
	Depreciation and amortization	1,124			1,124			3,373			3,372
	Other	(5		)	7			10			12
	Total operating expenses	1,119			1,131			3,383			3,384
	Operating loss	(1,016		)	(1,131		)	(3,128		)	(3,384		)
	Income tax expense	(23		)	—			(51		)	—
	Net loss	$	(1,039	)	$	(1,131	)	$	(3,179	)	$	(3,384	)

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio1

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
		Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
		Company											Eliminating
													Adjustments
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	687		$	511,412		$	—	$	51,514		$	—		$	563,613
	Short-term investments	—			345,594			—		—			—			345,594
	Inventories	—			79,214			—		3,589			—			82,803
	Deferred charges	—			40,774			—		2			—			40,776
	Advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	245,786			30,881			23,793		—			(300,460		)	—
	Other current assets	1,958			155,350			3		8,376			(490		)	165,197
	Total current assets	248,431			1,163,225			23,796		63,481			(300,950		)	1,197,983
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,331,044			—		49,999			—			1,381,043
	Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	74,533			2,278,170			—		—			(2,352,703		)	—
	Wireless licenses	—			—			2,026,336		64,912			—			2,091,248
	Assets held for sale	—			3,091			—		—			—			3,091
	Goodwill	—			11,222			—		20,664			—			31,886
	Intangible assets, net	—			12,775			—		3,344			—			16,119
	Other assets	709			60,520			—		12,644			—			73,873
	Total assets	$	323,673		$	4,860,047		$	2,050,132	$	215,044		$	(2,653,653	)	$	4,795,243
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	8,942		$	275,846		$	—	$	3,505		$	(460	)	$	287,833
	Current maturities of long-term debt	248,204			18,250			—		—			—			266,454
	Intercompany payables	—			269,579			—		30,881			(300,460		)	—
	Other current liabilities	2,386			218,798			—		17,371			(30		)	238,525
	Total current liabilities	259,532			782,473			—		51,757			(300,950		)	792,812
	Long-term debt, net	—			3,368,157			—		—			—			3,368,157
	Deferred tax liabilities	—			417,268			—		—			—			417,268
	Long-term intercompany payables	78,423			—			—		43,664			(122,087		)	—
	Other long-term liabilities	—			147,895			—		13,672			—			161,567
	Total liabilities	337,955			4,715,793			—		109,093			(423,037		)	4,739,804
	Redeemable non-controlling interests	—			69,721			—		—			—			69,721
	Stockholders' equity (deficit)	(14,282		)	74,533			2,050,132		105,951			(2,230,616		)	(14,282		)
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	$	323,673		$	4,860,047		$	2,050,132	$	215,044		$	(2,653,653	)	$	4,795,243
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands):
		Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
		Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
		Company											Eliminating
													Adjustments
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	69		$	449,668		$	—	$	65,813		$	—		$	515,550
	Short-term investments	—			159,426			—		—			—			159,426
	Inventories	—			118,149			—		3,452			—			121,601
	Deferred charges	—			60,933			—		30			—			60,963
	Advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	11,182			23,592			49,407		—			(84,181		)	—
	Other current assets	707			129,346			—		13,519			(4,330		)	139,242
	Total current assets	11,958			941,114			49,407		82,814			(88,511		)	996,782
	Property and equipment, net	—			1,694,365			—		67,725			—			1,762,090
	Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	739,072			2,327,953			—		—			(3,067,025		)	—
	Wireless licenses	—			—			1,882,421		64,912			—			1,947,333
	Assets held for sale	—			—			136,222		—			—			136,222
	Goodwill	—			11,222			—		20,664			—			31,886
	Intangible assets, net	—			14,756			—		9,907			—			24,663
	Other assets	3,938			54,852			—		9,494			—			68,284
	Total assets	$	754,968		$	5,044,262		$	2,068,050	$	255,516		$	(3,155,536	)	$	4,967,260
	Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	40		$	389,951		$	—	$	6,119		$	—		$	396,110
	Current maturities of long-term debt	—			4,000			—		—			—			4,000
	Intercompany payables	—			60,589			—		23,592			(84,181		)	—
	Other current liabilities	5,247			202,740			—		13,223			(4,330		)	216,880
	Total current liabilities	5,287			657,280			—		42,934			(88,511		)	616,990
	Long-term debt, net	250,000			3,048,463			—		—			—			3,298,463
Deferred tax liabilities	—			385,111			—		—			—			385,111
Long-term intercompany payables	66,549			242,500			—		32,562			(341,611		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—			149,819			—		19,228			—			169,047
Total liabilities	321,836			4,483,173			—		94,724			(430,122		)	4,469,611
Redeemable non-controlling interests	—			64,517			—		—			—			64,517
Stockholders' equity	433,132			496,572			2,068,050		160,792			(2,725,414		)	433,132
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	754,968		$	5,044,262		$	2,068,050	$	255,516		$	(3,155,536	)	$	4,967,260
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Revenues:
Service revenues	$	—		$	564,608		$	—	$	81,641		$	23		$	646,272
Equipment revenues	—			42,809			—		4,911			—			47,720
Other revenues	—			3,642			24,326		89			(28,057		)	—
Total revenues	—			611,059			24,326		86,641			(28,034		)	693,992
Operating expenses:
Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)	—			254,534			—		22,002			(24,392		)	252,144
Cost of equipment	—			169,178			—		27,972			—			197,150
Selling and marketing	—			61,675			—		8,193			—			69,868
General and administrative	15,717			78,506			190		12,243			(3,642		)	103,014
Depreciation and amortization	—			140,896			—		7,734			—			148,630
Impairments and other charges	—			8,503			—		105			—			8,608
Total operating expenses	15,717			713,292			190		78,249			(28,034		)	779,414
Gain (loss) on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net	—			(2,177		)	4,165		51			—			2,039
Operating income (loss)	(15,717		)	(104,410		)	28,301		8,443			—			(83,383		)
Equity in net income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries	(172,499		)	36,722			—		—			135,777			—
Equity in net loss of investees, net	—			(8,005		)	—		—			—			(8,005		)
Interest income	5,973			74			—		1			(5,973		)	75
Interest expense	(3,166		)	(62,026		)	—		—			5,973			(59,219		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(185,409		)	(137,645		)	28,301		8,444			135,777			(150,532		)
Income tax expense	—			(9,905		)	—		(23		)	—			(9,928		)
Net income (loss)	(185,409		)	(147,550		)	28,301		8,421			135,777			(160,460		)
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax	—			(24,949		)	—		—			—			(24,949		)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	(185,409	)	$	(172,499	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,777		$	(185,409	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net income (loss)	$	(185,409	)	$	(147,550	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,777		$	(160,460	)
Net unrealized holding gains on investments and other	12			12			—		—			(12		)	12
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	(185,397	)	$	(147,538	)	$	28,301	$	8,421		$	135,765		$	(160,448	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Revenues:
Service revenues	$	—		$	638,394		$	—	$	83,607		$	21		$	722,022
Equipment revenues	—			44,088			—		7,862			—			51,950
Other revenues	—			3,841			27,239		81			(31,161		)	—
Total revenues	—			686,323			27,239		91,550			(31,140		)	773,972
Operating expenses:
Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)	—			269,050			—		24,650			(27,299		)	266,401
Cost of equipment	—			180,181			—		23,665			—			203,846
Selling and marketing	—			77,838			—		10,273			—			88,111
General and administrative	2,510			75,548			191		11,589			(3,841		)	85,997
Depreciation and amortization	—			151,695			—		10,126			—			161,821
Impairments and other charges	—			14,753			—		—			—			14,753
Total operating expenses	2,510			769,065			191		80,303			(31,140		)	820,929
Gain (loss) on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net	—			84,879			43,568		(81		)	—			128,366
Operating income (loss)	(2,510		)	2,137			70,616		11,166			—			81,409
Equity in net income of consolidated subsidiaries	24,650			81,783			—		—			(106,433		)	—
Equity in net loss of investees, net	—			(203		)	—		—			—			(203		)
Interest income	6,064			3,269			—		1			(9,272		)	62
Interest expense	(3,189		)	(73,391		)	—		—			9,272			(67,308		)
Income before income taxes	25,015			13,595			70,616		11,167			(106,433		)	13,960
Income tax benefit	—			12,908			—		—			—			12,908
Net income	25,015			26,503			70,616		11,167			(106,433		)	26,868
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax	—			(1,853		)	—		—			—			(1,853		)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,015		$	24,650		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,433	)	$	25,015
Other comprehensive income:
Net income	$	25,015		$	26,503		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,433	)	$	26,868
Net unrealized holding gains on investments and other	11			11			—		—			(11		)	11
Comprehensive income	$	25,026		$	26,514		$	70,616	$	11,167		$	(106,444	)	$	26,879
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (unaudited and in thousands):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	618		$	(14,483	)	$	—	$	85,611		$	—		$	71,746
Investing activities:
Purchases of and change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	—			(98,824		)	—		(4,274		)	527			(102,571		)
Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs	—			(3,274		)	—		—			—			(3,274		)
Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets	—			9,937			—		112			(527		)	9,522
Purchases of investments	—			(509,215		)	—		—			—			(509,215		)
Sales and maturities of investments	—			322,837			—		—			—			322,837
Payments received from joint venture	—			67,541			—		—			(67,541		)	—
Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	(2,436		)	—			—		—			2,436			—
Change in restricted cash	—			(63		)	—		—			—			(63		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,436		)	(211,061		)	—		(4,162		)	(65,105		)	(282,764		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			1,414,313			—		—			—			1,414,313
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(1,108,359		)	—		—			—			(1,108,359		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(15,800		)	—		—			—			(15,800		)
Capital contributions, net	—			2,436			—		—			(2,436		)	—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	2,436			—			—		—			—			2,436
Payments made to joint venture partners	—			—			—		(95,748		)	67,541			(28,207		)
Other	—			(5,302		)	—		—			—			(5,302		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,436			287,288			—		(95,748		)	65,105			259,081
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	618			61,744			—		(14,299		)	—			48,063
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	69			449,668			—		65,813			—			515,550
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	687		$	511,412		$	—	$	51,514		$	—		$	563,613
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 (unaudited and in thousands, as restated):
	Guarantor			Issuing			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
	Parent			Subsidiary			Subsidiary		Subsidiaries			and
	Company											Eliminating
												Adjustments
Operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(47	)	$	145,631		$	—	$	73,665		$	(8,737	)	$	210,512
Investing activities:
Purchases of and change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	—			(415,394		)	—		(26,609		)	7,018			(434,985		)
Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs	—			(3,625		)	—		—			—			(3,625		)
Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets	—			153,507			—		7,532			(7,018		)	154,021
Purchases of investments	—			(268,854		)	—		—			—			(268,854		)
Sales and maturities of investments	—			497,762			—		—			—			497,762
Payments received from joint venture	—			51,061			—		—			(51,061		)	—
Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries	(483		)	—			—		—			483			—
Change in restricted cash	—			(760		)	—		—			—			(760		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(483		)	13,697			—		(19,077		)	(50,578		)	(56,441		)
Financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(21,911		)	—		—			—			(21,911		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(296		)	—		—			—			(296		)
Capital contributions, net	—			483			—		—			(483		)	—
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net	483			—			—		—			—			483
Payments made to joint venture partners	—			(1,797		)	—		(85,567		)	59,798			(27,566		)
Other	—			(3,662		)	—		—			—			(3,662		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	483			(27,183		)	—		(85,567		)	59,315			(52,952		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(47		)	132,145			—		(30,979		)	—			101,119
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	91			270,056			—		75,096			—			345,243
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	44		$	402,201		$	—	$	44,117		$	—		$	446,362

The_Company_Details

The Company (Details) (STX Wireless [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
STX Wireless [Member]	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'
Controlling membership percentage	75.75%

Restatement_of_Previously_Repo2

Restatement of Previously Reported Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net cash provided by operating activities	$71,746	$210,512
Purchases of property and equipment	-96,677	-428,628
Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	-5,894	-6,357
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-282,764	-56,441
As Previously Reported [Member]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	149,025
Purchases of property and equipment	'	-371,558
Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	'	-1,940
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	5,046
Adjustment [Member]	'	'
Net cash provided by operating activities	'	61,487
Purchases of property and equipment	'	-57,070
Change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment	'	-4,417
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	'	($61,487)

Proposed_Merger_Details

Proposed Merger (Details) (AT&T Inc. [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 12, 2013
	right
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Cash received per share	$15
Contingent value right received per share	1
Period to enter into roaming agreement upon termination of merger	'30 days
Roaming agreement, period	'3 years
Option to purchase Leap assets, period	'30 days
Period to require AT&T purchase assets	'60 days
Superior Proposal [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Termination fee	$46.30

Basis_of_Presentation_and_Sign2

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 25, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Regulatory fees and telecommunications taxes separately billed and collected from customers	$600,000	$1,500,000	$2,200,000	$8,300,000	'	'	'
Restricted Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, included in other current assets	700,000	'	700,000	'	'	'	700,000
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, included in other assets	11,400,000	'	11,400,000	'	'	'	11,400,000
Goodwill	31,886,000	'	31,886,000	'	'	'	31,886,000
Wireless licenses	2,091,248,000	'	2,091,248,000	'	'	136,200,000	1,947,333,000
Wireless licenses at carrying value	3,091,000	'	3,091,000	'	'	'	136,222,000
Assets held for sale	3,091,000	'	3,091,000	'	'	'	136,222,000
Assets held for sale, fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'	142,974,000
Net assets	'	'	'	'	58,400,000	'	'
Net assets, fair value	'	'	'	'	$1,267,100,000	'	'

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In2

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other current assets:	'		'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for bad debt of $1.8 million and $1.3 million, respectively(1)	$93,449	[1]	$86,467	[1]
Prepaid expenses	46,011		40,237
Other	25,737		12,538
Other current assets	165,197		139,242
Property and equipment, net:	'		'
Network equipment	3,366,084	[2]	3,348,122	[2]
Computer hardware and software	566,574	[2]	526,348	[2]
Construction-in-progress	35,586	[2],[3]	54,945	[2],[3]
Other	100,006	[2]	109,400	[2]
Property and equipment, gross	4,068,250	[2]	4,038,815	[2]
Accumulated depreciation	-2,687,207	[2]	-2,276,725	[2]
Property and equipment, net	1,381,043	[2]	1,762,090	[2]
Intangible assets, net:	'		'
Customer relationships	50,435		50,435
Trademarks	37,000		37,000
Intangible assets, gross	87,435		87,435
Intangible assets, net	16,119		24,663
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:	'		'
Trade accounts payable	119,288		143,931
Accrued payroll and related benefits	59,525		67,539
Other accrued liabilities	109,020		184,640
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	287,833		396,110
Other current liabilities:	'		'
Accrued sales, telecommunications, property and other taxes payable	17,861		4,267
Accrued interest	59,776		44,653
Other	43,537		31,213
Other current liabilities	238,525		216,880
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]	'		'
Property and equipment, net:	'		'
Property and equipment, gross	48,200		45,800
Accumulated depreciation	-26,900		-22,900
Nonsoftware Service, Support and Maintenance Arrangement [Member]	'		'
Other current liabilities:	'		'
Deferred revenue	91,717	[4]	100,276	[4]
Distributor Arrangement [Member]	'		'
Other current liabilities:	'		'
Deferred revenue	25,634	[5]	36,471	[5]
Customer Relationships [Member]	'		'
Intangible assets, net:	'		'
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	-47,090		-40,528
Trademarks [Member]	'		'
Intangible assets, net:	'		'
Accumulated amortization of intangible assets	($24,226)		($22,244)
[1]	Accounts receivable, net, consists primarily of (i) amounts billed to third-party dealers for devices and accessories, (ii) amounts due from the federal government in connection with Lifeline and other regulatory programs, and (iii) amounts due from service providers related to interconnect and roaming agreements.
[2]	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
[3]	See "Note 8. Impairments and Other Charges" for information regarding the impairment of certain amounts accumulated in construction-in-progress.
[4]	Deferred service revenue consists primarily of cash received from customers in advance of their service period.
[5]	Deferred equipment revenue relates to devices sold to third-party dealers and nationwide retailers that have not yet been purchased and activated by customers.

Supplementary_Balance_Sheet_In3

Supplementary Balance Sheet Information (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Supplementary Balance Sheet Information [Abstract]	'	'
Allowances for bad debt	$1.80	$1.30

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets - Measured on a Nonrecurring Basis (Details) (USD $)

Aug. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Money Market Funds [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

Commercial Paper [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 1 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 2 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Level 3 [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Fair Value [Member]

Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Money market funds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

$0

$12,083

$126,617

$0

$0

$12,083

$126,617

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-sale Securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

181,333

82,346

0

0

181,333

82,346

0

0

286,922

135,861

0

0

286,922

135,861

Total Available-for-sale Debt Securities - Fair Value

$1,267,100

$0

$0

$480,338

$344,824

$0

$0

$480,338

$344,824

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets - Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Money market funds - Cost	$563,613	'	$515,550	$446,362	$345,243
Available-for-sale securities - Cost	480,325	'	344,810	'	'
Total Available-for-sale Debt Securities - Fair Value	'	1,267,100	'	'	'
Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Money market funds - Cost	12,083	'	126,617	'	'
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities - Cost	181,333	'	82,345	'	'
U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities - Cost	286,909	'	135,848	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total Available-for-sale Debt Securities - Fair Value	480,338	'	344,824	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Money market funds - Fair Value	12,083	'	126,617	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities - Fair Value	181,333	'	82,346	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Government or Government Agency Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities - Fair Value	$286,922	'	$135,861	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Non-Financial Assets - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$3,891,600,000	'	'	$3,891,600,000	'	$3,421,500,000
Wireless licenses, fair value	4,900,000	'	'	4,900,000	'	13,600,000
Impairment charges	2,942,000	1,959,000	0	4,901,000	0	13,600,000
Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment	$6,600,000	'	'	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_Net_Details

Long-Term Debt, Net (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Mar. 08, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

Oct. 10, 2012

Apr. 23, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 15, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-11

Sep. 30, 2013

installment

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2014 [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

Convertible Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Term loans under Credit Agreement (2) [Member]

Term loans under Credit Agreement (2) [Member]

Term loans under Credit Agreement (2) [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

installment

LIBOR [Member]

LIBOR [Member]

Bank Base Rate [Member]

Bank Base Rate [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2014 [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2014 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2014 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2020 First Tranche [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2020 First Tranche [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2020 Second Tranche [Member]

Senior Notes Due in 2020 Second Tranche [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Redemption Period Two [Member]

Credit Agreement [Member]

Cricket Communications [Member]

Redemption Period One [Member]

Redemption Period Two [Member]

Redemption Period Three [Member]

Redemption Period Thereafter [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$248,200,000

$248,204,000

$250,000,000

'

$0

$1,100,000,000

'

'

'

$1,818,438,000

$400,000,000

$1,600,000,000

$250,000,000

$1,600,000,000

$1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

$1,200,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

Unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-23,767,000

'

'

'

-13,575,000

-3,892,000

'

'

-18,456,000

-19,878,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

'

3,634,611,000

'

3,634,611,000

'

3,302,463,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current maturities of long-term debt

'

-266,454,000

'

-266,454,000

'

-4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

'

3,368,157,000

'

3,368,157,000

'

3,298,463,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior secured term loan facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of quarterly installment payments

26

'

'

'

'

'

27

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly installment payment amount

3,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Final installment payment

1,332,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

373,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,425,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments for Deposits Applied to Debt Retirements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,185,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

'

7.75%

Description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'bank base rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.50%

1.25%

2.50%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average effective interest rate

'

4.80%

'

4.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of debt allowed under guarantee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,750,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flow multiple, allowed for calculation of total debt borrowings allowed under guarantee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flow multiple for priority debt borrowings allowed under guarantees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount for calculation of priority debt borrowings allowed under guarantees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prepayment premium fee (as a percentage)

'

1.00%

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Prohibited change of control (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price percentage of principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

101.00%

'

100.00%

103.88%

102.58%

101.29%

'

'

'

'

Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt

'

0

0

72,988,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

-72,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt redemption premium

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized debt discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized debt issuance cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, stock price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93.21

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, shares convertible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.729

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, base conversion rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, incremental share factor

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.315

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, repurchase percent of principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, voting power percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible debt instrument, merger consideration of shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Redemption Price

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,005

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayments of convertible debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issuance price (as a percentage)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

98.32%

'

99.19%

'

Debt discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,100,000

'

3,200,000

'

Repayment of long-term debt

'

'

'

$1,108,359,000

$21,911,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.85%

'

7.80%

Applicable premium, as a percentage of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Applicable premium, basis spread (in basis points)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change of control threshold (as a percentage)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment_and_Other_Charges_D

Impairment and Other Charges (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Post-acquisition charges [Member]

Post-acquisition charges [Member]

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring activities [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment impairment

$2,942,000

$1,959,000

'

$0

$4,901,000

$0

$13,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Certain capitalized constrution in progress, carrying value

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Post-acquisition charges

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

26,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Restructuring Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,611,000

3,067,000

735,000

0

10,413,000

0

Impairments and other charges

8,608,000

'

'

14,753,000

13,630,000

14,753,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance

'

'

'

'

34,996,000

'

'

'

14,726,000

14,800,000

'

'

9,877,000

'

'

'

10,393,000

'

10,393,000

'

Accruals

'

'

11,000,000

'

13,128,000

'

'

'

0

'

-945,000

14,753,000

-1,684,000

14,753,000

'

'

'

'

14,812,000

'

Payments

'

'

'

'

-20,784,000

'

'

'

-2,659,000

'

'

'

-7,993,000

'

'

'

'

'

-10,132,000

'

Ending balance

$27,340,000

'

$34,996,000

'

$27,340,000

'

$34,996,000

'

$12,067,000

$14,800,000

$200,000

'

$200,000

'

$15,073,000

'

'

'

$15,073,000

'

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Los2

Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding	78,297,000	77,402,000	77,977,000	77,213,000
Restricted stock awards	0	115,000	0	0
Deferred stock units	0	7,000	0	0
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding	78,297,000	77,524,000	77,977,000	77,213,000
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	($2.37)	$0.32	($5.90)	($1.49)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	($2.37)	$0.32	($5.90)	($1.49)
Common share equivalents excluded from computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share	6,900,000	8,200,000	8,600,000	8,600,000

Significant_Acquisitions_and_O1

Significant Acquisitions and Other Transactions (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 24, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 28, 2012

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Verizon Wireless [Member]

Business Combinations [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sales price of property held-for-sale

$6,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Wireless license held for sale

'

1,800,000

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Wireless licenses

'

2,091,248,000

'

2,091,248,000

'

136,200,000

1,947,333,000

2,026,336,000

'

'

2,026,336,000

'

1,882,421,000

'

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net wireless licenses received in exchange transaction

-4,200,000

-2,039,000

-128,366,000

-8,897,000

-127,565,000

'

'

-4,165,000

-6,800,000

-43,568,000

-10,929,000

-43,568,000

'

-130,400,000

Purchase agreement, value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

204,000,000

Sales of excess capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$360,000,000

Arrangements_with_Variable_Int1

Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share price (usd per share)	$15.71	'	'	'
Cricket Communications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, pro rata distributions received	$25,900,000	$9,100,000	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Optional Pro Rata Distributions Received	41,700,000	50,700,000	'	'
Pocket Wireless [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, pro rata distributions received	8,300,000	3,000,000	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Optional Pro Rata Distributions Received	13,300,000	16,200,000	'	'
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest redemption price minimum cash payment	25,000,000	'	'	'
Threshold of shares issuable in a redemption as a percentage of entitys common stock issued and outstanding over which multiple closing is permitted	9.90%	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, change in redemption value	27,065,000	-2,035,000	-700,000	'
Due to related parties	6,585,000	6,530,000	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interest, equity, carrying amount	69,721,000	69,905,000	64,517,000	95,910,000
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage acquired	40,700,000	'	'	'
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member] | Loan and Security Agreement With Pocket [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	8.00%	'	'	'
Maximum loan committed to joint venture partner	30,000,000	'	'	'
Due to related parties	$15,400,000	'	$8,300,000	'
STX Wireless [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Controlling membership percentage	75.75%	'	'	'
STX Wireless [Member] | Pocket Wireless [Member]	'	'	'	'
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by non controlling interest	24.25%	'	'	'

Arrangements_with_Variable_Int2

Arrangements with Variable Interest Entities and Joint Ventures - Noncontrolling Interest (Details) (STX Wireless Acquisition [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
STX Wireless Acquisition [Member]	'	'	'
Change in Value of Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$64,517	$95,910	$95,910
Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests, before tax	27,065	-2,035	-700
Loans made to joint venture partner	-6,585	-6,530	'
Optional distributions made to joint venture partner	-13,338	-16,243	'
Other	-1,938	-1,197	'
Ending balance	$69,721	$69,905	$64,517

Unrestricted_Subsidiaries_Deta

Unrestricted Subsidiaries (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$563,613		$446,362	$563,613		$446,362	$515,550		$345,243
Other current assets	25,737		'	25,737		'	12,538		'
Property and equipment, net	1,381,043	[1]	'	1,381,043	[1]	'	1,762,090	[1]	'
Total assets	4,795,243		'	4,795,243		'	4,967,260		'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	287,833		'	287,833		'	396,110		'
Other current liabilities	238,525		'	238,525		'	216,880		'
Other long-term liabilities	161,567		'	161,567		'	169,047		'
Stockholders' equity	-14,282		'	-14,282		'	433,132		'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	4,795,243		'	4,795,243		'	4,967,260		'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Revenues	693,992		773,972	2,215,393		2,386,363	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	148,630		161,821	452,059		462,847	'		'
Total operating expenses	779,414		820,929	2,344,582		2,416,733	'		'
Operating income (loss)	-83,383		81,409	-120,292		97,195	'		'
Income tax benefit (expense)	-9,928		12,908	-35,058		-9,365	'		'
Net loss	-160,460		26,868	-426,420		-113,453	'		'
Cricket Music and Cricket Music Operations [Member]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	698		'	698		'	1		'
Property and equipment, net	1,564		'	1,564		'	4,937		'
Total assets	2,262		'	2,262		'	4,938		'
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	25		'	25		'	0		'
Other current liabilities	349		'	349		'	5		'
Other long-term liabilities	145		'	145		'	0		'
Stockholders' equity	1,743		'	1,743		'	4,933		'
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)	2,262		'	2,262		'	4,938		'
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'		'
Revenues	103		0	255		0	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	1,124		1,124	3,373		3,372	'		'
Other	-5		7	10		12	'		'
Total operating expenses	1,119		1,131	3,383		3,384	'		'
Operating income (loss)	-1,016		-1,131	-3,128		-3,384	'		'
Income tax benefit (expense)	-23		0	-51		0	'		'
Net loss	($1,039)		($1,131)	($3,179)		($3,384)	'		'
[1]	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]	State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]	Texas Margins Tax [Member]
				Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred tax assets, operating loss carryforwards, tax effect	'	'	'	'	'	$1,800,000
Operating loss carryforward period	'	'20 years	'	'5 years	'20 years	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	'	3,000,000,000	2,300,000,000	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards, expiration dates	'	'2022	'2013	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards, amount expiring in current year	'	'	69,800,000	'	'	'
Potential reduction in future cash tax liabilities	$1,100,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward limitations on use, ownership change amount (as a percentage)	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward limitations on use, ownership change significant stockholder ownership (as a percentage)	5.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward limitation on use, period for change in control	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward limitations on use, ownership threshold under tax benefit preservation plan (as a percentage)	4.99%	'	'	'	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	31-May-12	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
		Wholesale Agreement With Sprint [Member]	Wholesale Agreement With Sprint [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Apple Inc. [Member]	Apple Inc. [Member]	Apple Inc. [Member]
							Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Possible attorney fees and expenses	$990,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase commitment period	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Estimated purchase commitment	'	'	'	'	'	800,000,000	'	'
Purchase obligation, minimum percentage of expected sales to new and upgrading customers	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'
Purchase Obligation, Period Beyond Obligation	'	'	'	'12 years	'18 years	'	'	'
Estimated increase in purchase obligation in 2013	'	'	'	'	'	100,000,000	'	'
Estimated increase in purchase obligation in 2014	'	'	'	'	'	150,000,000	'	'
Estimated increase in purchase obligation in 2015	'	'	'	'	'	200,000,000	'	'
Purchase Obligation, Sell Through Period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'12 months	'18 months
Market coverage percentage	'	'	'	'	'	40.00%	'	'
Extension periods of agreement (in years)	'	'1 year	'	'	'	'	'	'
Advance notice required for contract termination (in days)	'	'180 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement	'	300,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Initial term of agreement (in years)	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement in 2012	'	'	20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement in 2013	'	'	75,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement in 2014	'	'	80,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement in 2015	'	'	75,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue under agreement in 2016	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Amount of service revenue which can be credited against minimum revenue requirement	'	'	162,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum revenues of service provided in change of control transaction	'	'	500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Time period for contract termination with Metro PCS (in days)	'	'	'60 days	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of minimum revenue requirements to be paid after change of control in 2013	'	'	20.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of minimum revenue requirements to be paid after change of control in 2014 or 2015	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum revenue upon change of control with Metro PCS	'	'	$350,000,000	'	'	'	'	'

Guarantor_Financial_Informatio2

Guarantor Financial Information (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 24, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 25, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 01, 2012

Oct. 01, 2012

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Savary Island [Member]

Guarantor Parent Company [Member]

Guarantor Parent Company [Member]

Guarantor Parent Company [Member]

Guarantor Parent Company [Member]

Guarantor Parent Company [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Guarantor Subsidiary [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]

Consolidating and Eliminating Adjustments [Member]

Adjustment [Member]

Adjustment [Member]

Ring Island [Member]

Savary Island Acquisition [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes Due In 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Issuing Subsidiary [Member]

Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross long-term debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,600,000,000

$1,600,000,000

$0

$1,100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,600,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, stated interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

'

Ownership percentage acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,300,000

Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

'

563,613,000

446,362,000

563,613,000

446,362,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

687,000

44,000

687,000

44,000

'

511,412,000

402,201,000

511,412,000

402,201,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

51,514,000

44,117,000

51,514,000

44,117,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Short-term investments

'

345,594,000

'

345,594,000

'

'

159,426,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

345,594,000

'

345,594,000

'

159,426,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Inventories

'

82,803,000

'

82,803,000

'

'

121,601,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

79,214,000

'

79,214,000

'

118,149,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

3,589,000

'

3,589,000

'

3,452,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Deferred charges

'

40,776,000

'

40,776,000

'

'

60,963,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

40,774,000

'

40,774,000

'

60,933,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

2,000

'

2,000

'

30,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

245,786,000

'

245,786,000

'

11,182,000

30,881,000

'

30,881,000

'

23,592,000

'

23,793,000

'

'

23,793,000

'

49,407,000

0

'

0

'

0

-300,460,000

'

-300,460,000

'

-84,181,000

'

'

'

'

Other current assets

'

165,197,000

'

165,197,000

'

'

139,242,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,958,000

'

1,958,000

'

707,000

155,350,000

'

155,350,000

'

129,346,000

'

3,000

'

'

3,000

'

0

8,376,000

'

8,376,000

'

13,519,000

-490,000

'

-490,000

'

-4,330,000

'

'

'

'

Total current assets

'

1,197,983,000

'

1,197,983,000

'

'

996,782,000

'

'

'

'

'

248,431,000

'

248,431,000

'

11,958,000

1,163,225,000

'

1,163,225,000

'

941,114,000

'

23,796,000

'

'

23,796,000

'

49,407,000

63,481,000

'

63,481,000

'

82,814,000

-300,950,000

'

-300,950,000

'

-88,511,000

'

'

'

'

Property and equipment, net

'

1,381,043,000

[1]

'

1,381,043,000

[1]

'

'

1,762,090,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

1,331,044,000

'

1,331,044,000

'

1,694,365,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

49,999,000

'

49,999,000

'

67,725,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

74,533,000

'

74,533,000

'

739,072,000

2,278,170,000

'

2,278,170,000

'

2,327,953,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

-2,352,703,000

'

-2,352,703,000

'

-3,067,025,000

'

'

'

'

Wireless licenses

'

2,091,248,000

'

2,091,248,000

'

136,200,000

1,947,333,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

2,026,336,000

'

'

2,026,336,000

'

1,882,421,000

64,912,000

'

64,912,000

'

64,912,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Assets held for sale

'

3,091,000

'

3,091,000

'

'

136,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

3,091,000

'

3,091,000

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

136,222,000

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Assets held for sale

'

3,091,000

'

3,091,000

'

'

136,222,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

31,886,000

'

31,886,000

'

'

31,886,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

11,222,000

'

11,222,000

'

11,222,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

20,664,000

'

20,664,000

'

20,664,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, net

'

16,119,000

'

16,119,000

'

'

24,663,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

12,775,000

'

12,775,000

'

14,756,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

3,344,000

'

3,344,000

'

9,907,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Other assets

'

73,873,000

'

73,873,000

'

'

68,284,000

'

'

'

'

'

709,000

'

709,000

'

3,938,000

60,520,000

'

60,520,000

'

54,852,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

12,644,000

'

12,644,000

'

9,494,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Total assets

'

4,795,243,000

'

4,795,243,000

'

'

4,967,260,000

'

'

'

'

'

323,673,000

'

323,673,000

'

754,968,000

4,860,047,000

'

4,860,047,000

'

5,044,262,000

'

2,050,132,000

'

'

2,050,132,000

'

2,068,050,000

215,044,000

'

215,044,000

'

255,516,000

-2,653,653,000

'

-2,653,653,000

'

-3,155,536,000

'

'

'

'

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

'

287,833,000

'

287,833,000

'

'

396,110,000

'

'

'

'

'

8,942,000

'

8,942,000

'

40,000

275,846,000

'

275,846,000

'

389,951,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

3,505,000

'

3,505,000

'

6,119,000

-460,000

'

-460,000

'

0

'

'

'

'

Current maturities of long-term debt

'

266,454,000

'

266,454,000

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

248,204,000

'

248,204,000

'

0

18,250,000

'

18,250,000

'

4,000,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Intercompany payables

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

269,579,000

'

269,579,000

'

60,589,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

30,881,000

'

30,881,000

'

23,592,000

-300,460,000

'

-300,460,000

'

-84,181,000

'

'

'

'

Other current liabilities

'

238,525,000

'

238,525,000

'

'

216,880,000

'

'

'

'

'

2,386,000

'

2,386,000

'

5,247,000

218,798,000

'

218,798,000

'

202,740,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

17,371,000

'

17,371,000

'

13,223,000

-30,000

'

-30,000

'

-4,330,000

'

'

'

'

Total current liabilities

'

792,812,000

'

792,812,000

'

'

616,990,000

'

'

'

'

'

259,532,000

'

259,532,000

'

5,287,000

782,473,000

'

782,473,000

'

657,280,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

51,757,000

'

51,757,000

'

42,934,000

-300,950,000

'

-300,950,000

'

-88,511,000

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, net

'

3,368,157,000

'

3,368,157,000

'

'

3,298,463,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

250,000,000

3,368,157,000

'

3,368,157,000

'

3,048,463,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax liabilities

'

417,268,000

'

417,268,000

'

'

385,111,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

417,268,000

'

417,268,000

'

385,111,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Long-term intercompany payables

'

0

'

0

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

78,423,000

'

78,423,000

'

66,549,000

0

'

0

'

242,500,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

43,664,000

'

43,664,000

'

32,562,000

-122,087,000

'

-122,087,000

'

-341,611,000

'

'

'

'

Other long-term liabilities

'

161,567,000

'

161,567,000

'

'

169,047,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

147,895,000

'

147,895,000

'

149,819,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

13,672,000

'

13,672,000

'

19,228,000

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities

'

4,739,804,000

'

4,739,804,000

'

'

4,469,611,000

'

'

'

'

'

337,955,000

'

337,955,000

'

321,836,000

4,715,793,000

'

4,715,793,000

'

4,483,173,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

109,093,000

'

109,093,000

'

94,724,000

-423,037,000

'

-423,037,000

'

-430,122,000

'

'

'

'

Redeemable non-controlling interests

'

69,721,000

'

69,721,000

'

'

64,517,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

0

'

0

69,721,000

'

69,721,000

'

64,517,000

'

0

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

0

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

Stockholders' equity

'

-14,282,000

'

-14,282,000

'

'

433,132,000

'

'

'

'

'

-14,282,000

'

-14,282,000

'

433,132,000

74,533,000

'

74,533,000

'

496,572,000

'

2,050,132,000

'

'

2,050,132,000

'

2,068,050,000

105,951,000

'

105,951,000

'

160,792,000

-2,230,616,000

'

-2,230,616,000

'

-2,725,414,000

'

'

'

'

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)

'

4,795,243,000

'

4,795,243,000

'

'

4,967,260,000

'

'

'

'

'

323,673,000

'

323,673,000

'

754,968,000

4,860,047,000

'

4,860,047,000

'

5,044,262,000

'

2,050,132,000

'

'

2,050,132,000

'

2,068,050,000

215,044,000

'

215,044,000

'

255,516,000

-2,653,653,000

'

-2,653,653,000

'

-3,155,536,000

'

'

'

'

Revenues:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Service revenues

'

646,272,000

722,022,000

2,009,391,000

2,247,305,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

564,608,000

638,394,000

1,760,685,000

1,990,431,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

81,641,000

83,607,000

248,602,000

256,817,000

'

23,000

21,000

104,000

57,000

'

'

'

'

'

Equipment revenues

'

47,720,000

51,950,000

206,002,000

139,058,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

42,809,000

44,088,000

177,733,000

120,608,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

4,911,000

7,862,000

28,269,000

18,450,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Other revenues

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

3,642,000

3,841,000

11,642,000

11,554,000

'

'

24,326,000

'

27,239,000

75,322,000

85,702,000

'

89,000

81,000

267,000

108,000

'

-28,057,000

-31,161,000

-87,231,000

-97,364,000

'

'

'

'

'

Total revenues

'

693,992,000

773,972,000

2,215,393,000

2,386,363,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

611,059,000

686,323,000

1,950,060,000

2,122,593,000

'

'

24,326,000

'

27,239,000

75,322,000

85,702,000

'

86,641,000

91,550,000

277,138,000

275,375,000

'

-28,034,000

-31,140,000

-87,127,000

-97,307,000

'

'

'

'

'

Operating expenses:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of service (exclusive of items shown separately below)

'

252,144,000

266,401,000

752,373,000

784,267,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

254,534,000

269,050,000

765,291,000

800,301,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

22,002,000

24,650,000

62,567,000

69,719,000

'

-24,392,000

-27,299,000

-75,485,000

-85,753,000

'

'

'

'

'

Cost of equipment

'

197,150,000

203,846,000

639,776,000

623,366,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

169,178,000

180,181,000

553,627,000

552,265,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

27,972,000

23,665,000

86,149,000

71,101,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Selling and marketing

'

69,868,000

88,111,000

218,103,000

260,912,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

61,675,000

77,838,000

191,903,000

231,309,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

8,193,000

10,273,000

26,200,000

29,603,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

General and administrative

'

103,014,000

85,997,000

268,641,000

270,588,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,717,000

2,510,000

20,890,000

8,060,000

'

78,506,000

75,548,000

223,254,000

237,849,000

'

'

190,000

'

191,000

572,000

572,000

'

12,243,000

11,589,000

35,567,000

35,661,000

'

-3,642,000

-3,841,000

-11,642,000

-11,554,000

'

'

'

'

'

Depreciation and amortization

'

148,630,000

161,821,000

452,059,000

462,847,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

140,896,000

151,695,000

427,273,000

425,767,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

7,734,000

10,126,000

24,786,000

37,080,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Impairments and other charges

'

8,608,000

14,753,000

13,630,000

14,753,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

8,503,000

14,753,000

12,856,000

14,753,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

105,000

0

774,000

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Total operating expenses

'

779,414,000

820,929,000

2,344,582,000

2,416,733,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,717,000

2,510,000

20,890,000

8,060,000

'

713,292,000

769,065,000

2,174,204,000

2,262,244,000

'

'

190,000

'

191,000

572,000

572,000

'

78,249,000

80,303,000

236,043,000

243,164,000

'

-28,034,000

-31,140,000

-87,127,000

-97,307,000

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale, exchange or disposal of assets, net

4,200,000

2,039,000

128,366,000

8,897,000

127,565,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

-2,177,000

84,879,000

-1,894,000

83,255,000

'

'

4,165,000

6,800,000

43,568,000

10,929,000

43,568,000

'

51,000

-81,000

-138,000

742,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Operating income (loss)

'

-83,383,000

81,409,000

-120,292,000

97,195,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,717,000

-2,510,000

-20,890,000

-8,060,000

'

-104,410,000

2,137,000

-226,038,000

-56,396,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,443,000

11,166,000

40,957,000

32,953,000

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in net income (loss) of consolidated subsidiaries

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-172,499,000

24,650,000

-447,445,000

-115,590,000

'

36,722,000

81,783,000

126,586,000

161,656,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

135,777,000

-106,433,000

320,859,000

-46,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

Equity in net income of investees, net

'

-8,005,000

-203,000

-7,467,000

-69,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

-8,005,000

-203,000

-7,467,000

-69,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Interest income

'

75,000

62,000

180,000

119,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,973,000

6,064,000

18,099,000

18,189,000

'

74,000

3,269,000

178,000

12,349,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

1,000

1,000

1,000

5,000

'

-5,973,000

-9,272,000

-18,098,000

-30,424,000

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

-59,219,000

-67,308,000

-190,795,000

-201,333,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,166,000

-3,189,000

-9,585,000

-9,553,000

'

-62,026,000

-73,391,000

-199,308,000

-222,204,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

5,973,000

9,272,000

18,098,000

30,424,000

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

'

0

0

-72,988,000

0

'

'

'

'

72,800,000

'

'

'

'

-9,000

'

'

'

'

-72,979,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) before income taxes

'

-150,532,000

13,960,000

-391,362,000

-104,088,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185,409,000

25,015,000

-459,830,000

-115,014,000

'

-137,645,000

13,595,000

-379,028,000

-104,664,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,444,000

11,167,000

40,958,000

32,958,000

'

135,777,000

-106,433,000

320,859,000

-46,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit (expense)

'

-9,928,000

12,908,000

-35,058,000

-9,365,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

-9,905,000

12,908,000

-35,007,000

-9,365,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

-23,000

0

-51,000

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

-160,460,000

26,868,000

-426,420,000

-113,453,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185,409,000

25,015,000

-459,830,000

-115,014,000

'

-147,550,000

26,503,000

-414,035,000

-114,029,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,421,000

11,167,000

40,907,000

32,958,000

'

135,777,000

-106,433,000

320,859,000

-46,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion of redeemable non-controlling interests and distributions, net of tax

'

-24,949,000

-1,853,000

-33,410,000

-1,561,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

0

'

-24,949,000

-1,853,000

-33,410,000

-1,561,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

'

-185,409,000

25,015,000

-459,830,000

-115,014,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185,409,000

25,015,000

-459,830,000

-115,014,000

'

-172,499,000

24,650,000

-447,445,000

-115,590,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,421,000

11,167,000

40,907,000

32,958,000

'

135,777,000

-106,433,000

320,859,000

-46,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

Other comprehensive (income) loss:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss)

'

-160,460,000

26,868,000

-426,420,000

-113,453,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185,409,000

25,015,000

-459,830,000

-115,014,000

'

-147,550,000

26,503,000

-414,035,000

-114,029,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,421,000

11,167,000

40,907,000

32,958,000

'

135,777,000

-106,433,000

320,859,000

-46,066,000

'

'

'

'

'

Net unrealized holding gains on investments and other

'

12,000

11,000

-1,000

23,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,000

11,000

-1,000

23,000

'

12,000

11,000

-1,000

23,000

'

'

0

'

0

0

0

'

0

0

0

0

'

-12,000

-11,000

1,000

-23,000

'

'

'

'

'

Comprehensive income (loss)

'

-160,448,000

26,879,000

-426,421,000

-113,430,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-185,397,000

25,026,000

-459,831,000

-114,991,000

'

-147,538,000

26,514,000

-414,036,000

-114,006,000

'

'

28,301,000

'

70,616,000

85,679,000

128,698,000

'

8,421,000

11,167,000

40,907,000

32,958,000

'

135,765,000

-106,444,000

320,860,000

-46,089,000

'

'

'

'

'

Operating activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

'

'

'

71,746,000

210,512,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

618,000

-47,000

'

'

'

-14,483,000

145,631,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

85,611,000

73,665,000

'

'

'

0

-8,737,000

'

-63,500,000

-2,000,000

'

'

Investing activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of and change in prepayments for purchases of property and equipment

'

'

'

-102,571,000

-434,985,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-98,824,000

-415,394,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-4,274,000

-26,609,000

'

'

'

527,000

7,018,000

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of wireless licenses and spectrum clearing costs

'

'

'

-3,274,000

-3,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-3,274,000

-3,625,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from sales of wireless licenses and operating assets, net

'

'

'

9,522,000

154,021,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

9,937,000

153,507,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

112,000

7,532,000

'

'

'

-527,000

-7,018,000

'

'

'

'

'

Purchases of investments

'

'

'

-509,215,000

-268,854,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-509,215,000

-268,854,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Sales and maturities of investments

'

'

'

322,837,000

497,762,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

322,837,000

497,762,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Payments received from joint venture

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

67,541,000

51,061,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-67,541,000

-51,061,000

'

'

'

'

'

Investments in and advances to affiliates and consolidated subsidiaries

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,436,000

-483,000

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

2,436,000

483,000

'

'

'

'

'

Change in restricted cash

'

'

'

-63,000

-760,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-63,000

-760,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash used in investing activities

'

'

'

-282,764,000

-56,441,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,436,000

-483,000

'

'

'

-211,061,000

13,697,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-4,162,000

-19,077,000

'

'

'

-65,105,000

-50,578,000

'

'

'

'

'

Financing activities:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

'

'

'

1,414,313,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

1,414,313,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repayment of long-term debt

'

'

'

-1,108,359,000

-21,911,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-1,108,359,000

-21,911,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Payment of debt issuance costs

'

'

'

-15,800,000

-296,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-15,800,000

-296,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Capital contributions, net

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

2,436,000

483,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-2,436,000

-483,000

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

'

'

'

2,436,000

483,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,436,000

483,000

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Payments made to joint venture partners

'

'

'

-28,207,000

-27,566,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

-1,797,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-95,748,000

-85,567,000

'

'

'

67,541,000

59,798,000

'

'

'

'

'

Other

'

'

'

-5,302,000

-3,662,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-5,302,000

-3,662,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

259,081,000

-52,952,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,436,000

483,000

'

'

'

287,288,000

-27,183,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-95,748,000

-85,567,000

'

'

'

65,105,000

59,315,000

'

'

'

'

'

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

48,063,000

101,119,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

618,000

-47,000

'

'

'

61,744,000

132,145,000

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

-14,299,000

-30,979,000

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

'

'

'

515,550,000

345,243,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69,000

91,000

'

'

'

449,668,000

270,056,000

'

'

'

0

'

0

0

'

'

'

65,813,000

75,096,000

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

'

$563,613,000

$446,362,000

$563,613,000

$446,362,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$687,000

$44,000

$687,000

$44,000

'

$511,412,000

$402,201,000

$511,412,000

$402,201,000

'

'

$0

'

$0

$0

$0

'

$51,514,000

$44,117,000

$51,514,000

$44,117,000

'

$0

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $48.2 million and $45.8 million of assets were held by the Company under capital lease arrangements, respectively. Accumulated amortization relating to these assets totaled $26.9 million and $22.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.