EarthLink (ELNK) 10-Q 7 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EARTHLINK HOLDINGS CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	1,102,541
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		105,490,072

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 58,977	$ 91,296
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $3,537 and $2,941 as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively	70,920	74,724
Prepaid expenses	14,880	14,187
Other current assets	8,672	9,724
Total current assets	153,449	189,931
Property and equipment, net	333,507	372,504
Goodwill	141,887	137,751
Other intangible assets, net	3,315	25,325
Other long-term assets	11,482	9,141
Total assets	643,640	734,652
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	19,672	18,442
Accrued payroll and related expenses	22,377	50,532
Other accrued liabilities	65,365	64,305
Deferred revenue	37,122	40,229
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	4,401	6,787
Total current liabilities	148,937	180,295
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	438,109	505,613
Long-term deferred income taxes, net	4,448	3,876
Other long-term liabilities	25,539	22,022
Total liabilities	617,033	711,806
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 300,000 shares authorized, 200,207 and 201,842 shares issued as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively, and 103,880 and 105,515 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, respectively	2,018	2,002
Additional paid-in capital	2,018,171	2,026,638
Accumulated deficit	(1,248,725)	(1,260,937)
Treasury stock, at cost, 96,327 shares as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016	(744,857)	(744,857)
Total stockholders' equity	26,607	22,846
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 643,640	$ 734,652

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 2,941	$ 3,537
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	201,842,000	200,207,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	105,515,000	103,880,000
Treasury stock, shares	96,327,000	96,327,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 235,125	$ 270,904	$ 729,744	$ 837,015
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of revenues (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	109,540	122,391	335,680	378,901
Selling, general and administrative (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)	79,056	90,775	237,393	280,382
Depreciation and amortization	32,569	46,502	106,339	141,489
Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs	2,844	5,486	9,136	14,836
Total operating costs and expenses	224,009	265,154	688,548	815,608
Income from operations	11,116	5,750	41,196	21,407
Gain on sale of businesses	3,401	0	9,128	0
Interest expense and other, net	(9,877)	(11,731)	(31,810)	(39,780)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,365)	(2,482)	(4,823)	(9,734)
Income (loss) before income taxes	275	(8,463)	13,691	(28,107)
Income tax provision	(45)	(2,060)	(1,479)	(2,821)
Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)	$ 230	$ (10,523)	$ 12,212	$ (30,928)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share	$ 0	$ (0.10)	$ 0.12	$ (0.30)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$ 0	$ (0.10)	$ 0.11	$ (0.30)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	105,505	103,737	105,090	103,228
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	108,994	103,737	108,344	103,228
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 12,212	$ (30,928)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	106,339	141,489
Gain on sale of businesses	(9,128)	0
Non-cash income taxes	524	532
Stock-based compensation	12,156	10,864
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	2,433	2,872
Loss on extinguishment of debt	4,823	9,734
Other operating activities	(634)	571
Decrease in accounts receivable, net	1,299	9,752
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(4,777)	(1,019)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities	(32,437)	(15,628)
(Decrease) increase in deferred revenue	5,650	(2,150)
Net cash provided by operating activities	98,460	126,089
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(55,564)	(60,413)
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired	(10,359)	0
Proceeds from sale of business	30,427	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(35,496)	(60,413)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs	57,522	69,761
Repayment of debt and capital lease obligations	(136,336)	(162,475)
Payment of dividends	(16,720)	(21,164)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	251	1,692
Net cash used in financing activities	(95,283)	(112,186)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(32,319)	(46,510)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	91,296	134,133
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 58,977	$ 87,623

Organization

Organization	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization EarthLink Holdings Corp. (“EarthLink” or the “Company”), together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a leading managed network, security and cloud services provider to business and residential customers in the United States. The Company provides a broad range of data, voice and managed network services to retail and wholesale business customers. The Company also provides nationwide Internet access and related value-added services to residential customers. The Company operates an extensive network including more than 29,000 route fiber miles and 90 metro fiber rings. Through its owned and leased facilities, the Company provides data and voice IP service coverage across more than 90 percent of the United States. The Company operates four reportable segments aligned around distinct customer categories: Enterprise/Mid-Market, Small Business, Carrier/Transport and Consumer. For further information concerning the Company’s reportable segments, see Note 14, “Segment Information.”

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements of EarthLink for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 and the related footnote information are unaudited and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (the “Annual Report”). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in the Annual Report. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which management considers necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results anticipated for the entire year ending December 31, 2016 . Basis of Consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of EarthLink include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Revenue Recognition . In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued authoritative guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue contract assets and liabilities. The new standard also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance that deferred the effective date by one year. The standard is now required to be adopted by public business entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption at the original effective date is permitted. The Company has elected to adopt the standard in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Going Concern . In August 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements and to provide related footnote disclosures if so. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. Leases . In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. As of the lease commencement date, a lessee is required to recognize a liability for its lease obligation (initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments not yet paid over the lease term) and an asset for its right to use the underlying asset equal to the lease liability, adjusted for lease payments made at or before lease commencement, lease incentives, and any initial direct costs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the implementation of this standard on its financial statements. Share-Based Payments . In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the implementation of this standard on its financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows . In August 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share represents net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reported period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock, including stock options and restricted stock units (collectively "Common Stock Equivalents"), were exercised or converted into common stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock units is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. In applying the treasury stock method for stock-based compensation arrangements, the assumed proceeds are computed as the sum of the amount the employee must pay upon exercise, the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized and the amount of excess tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of the awards. The following table presents the computation for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net income (loss) $ (10,523 ) $ 230 $ (30,928 ) $ 12,212 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 103,737 105,505 103,228 105,090 Dilutive effect of Common Stock Equivalents — 3,489 — 3,254 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 103,737 108,994 103,228 108,344 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.10 ) $ — $ (0.30 ) $ 0.12 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.10 ) $ — $ (0.30 ) $ 0.11 The Company has not included the effect of Common Stock Equivalents in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 because such inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect due to the Company's net loss. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company had 8.8 million stock options and restricted stock units outstanding which were excluded from the determination of dilutive earnings per share. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , approximately 0.6 million stock options and restricted stock units were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive securities could be dilutive in future periods.

Sale of Businesses (Notes)

Sale of Businesses (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Sale of Business [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure	Sale of Businesses On February 1, 2016, the Company sold certain assets related to its IT services product offerings. The primary purpose of the sale was to simplify operations and provide more flexibility to invest in new capabilities and services to drive growth in the Company's core business. The purchase price in the transaction was $29.6 million , subject to post-closing contingencies that could increase or decrease the purchase price by up to $5.0 million . The Company received $26.6 million of cash. The other $3.0 million of consideration was deposited into an escrow account to fund potential indemnification obligations. The Company recognized a pretax gain of $6.3 million and recorded a $2.0 million deferred gain for contingent consideration. The gain is included in gain on sale of businesses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The carrying amount of the IT services assets was $17.5 million , which included $11.4 million of property and equipment, $2.3 million of goodwill, $3.5 million of other intangible assets and $0.3 million of other assets and liabilities. Total revenue of the Company's IT services business was approximately $34.9 million and $3.4 million , respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 . The sale of the IT services business did not represent a strategic shift in the Company's business nor did it have a major effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows, and accordingly, did not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation. The IT services business was previously included in the Company's Enterprise/Mid-Market and Small Business segments. On July 15, 2016, the Company sold approximately 12,000 consumer customer relationships to one of its network providers for $3.8 million of cash and recognized a pretax gain of $2.8 million . The gain is included in gain on sale of businesses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The carrying amount of the disposed assets was $1.0 million . The customer relationships were previously included in the Company's Consumer segment.

Acquisition (Notes)

Acquisition (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Acquisition [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisition On July 13, 2016, the Company acquired Boston Retail Partners, LLC (“BRP”), a privately-held management consulting firm focused on the retail industry, for initial consideration of approximately $11.2 million , plus possible earn-out payments which could increase the purchase price by up to $5.6 million . The primary purpose of the transaction was to provide additional professional services capabilities in connection with the Company's strategy to be a leading managed network, security and cloud services provider for multi-location retail and service businesses. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed of BRP were recognized at their acquisition date fair values. In allocating the purchase price based on estimated fair values, EarthLink recorded approximately $7.4 million of goodwill, $3.4 million of identifiable intangible assets, $1.5 million of net other assets and a $1.1 million liability for possible earn-out payments. The allocation of the consideration transferred was based upon a preliminary valuation and the Company’s estimates and assumptions are subject to change. The primary areas of the preliminary purchase price allocation that are not yet finalized relate to working capital adjustments, the fair value of intangible assets, income and non-income based taxes and residual goodwill. EarthLink has included the financial results of BRP in its consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Pro forma financial information for BRP has not been presented, as the effects were not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill The following table presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Enterprise/ Small Carrier/ Mid-Market Business Transport Consumer Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 237,982 $ 57,137 $ 98,290 $ 88,920 $ 482,329 Accumulated impairment loss (208,443 ) (50,045 ) (86,090 ) — (344,578 ) 29,539 7,092 12,200 88,920 137,751 Goodwill acquired 7,423 — — — 7,423 Goodwill disposed (1,516 ) (746 ) — (1,025 ) (3,287 ) Balance as of September 30, 2016 Goodwill 243,889 56,391 98,290 87,895 486,465 Accumulated impairment loss (208,443 ) (50,045 ) (86,090 ) — (344,578 ) $ 35,446 $ 6,346 $ 12,200 $ 87,895 $ 141,887 Other Intangible Assets The following table presents the components of the Company’s acquired identifiable intangible assets included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Customer relationships $ 346,825 $ (323,365 ) $ 23,460 $ 339,857 $ (337,709 ) $ 2,148 Developed technology and software 26,261 (24,396 ) 1,865 25,311 (25,008 ) 303 Trade name 1,521 (1,521 ) — 1,801 (1,541 ) 260 Other — — — 630 (26 ) 604 Other intangible assets, net $ 374,607 $ (349,282 ) $ 25,325 $ 367,599 $ (364,284 ) $ 3,315 Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. The Company amortizes its customer relationships using the straight-line method to match the estimated cash flow generated by such assets, and amortizes its developed technology and software, trade names and other identifiable intangible assets using the straight-line method because a pattern to which the expected benefits will be consumed or otherwise used up could not be reliably determined. As of September 30, 2016 , the weighted average amortization periods were 5.3 years for customer relationships, 3.8 years for developed technology and software, 4.7 years for trade names and 5.0 years for other identifiable intangible assets. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company sold intangible assets that had a gross carrying value of $10.4 million and a net carrying value of $3.5 million . Amortization of intangible assets, which is included in depreciation and amortization in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) , for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Amortization expense $ 16,597 $ 4,024 $ 49,873 $ 21,869 Based on the current amount of definite-lived intangible assets, the Company expects to record amortization expense of approximately $1.0 million during the remaining three months in the year ending December 31, 2016 and $0.8 million , $0.8 million , $0.5 million , $0.1 million and $0.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. Actual amortization expense to be reported in future periods could differ materially from these estimates as a result of acquisitions, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.

Other Accrued Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Other Accrued Liabilities	Other Accrued Liabilities The Company's other accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Accrued taxes and surcharges $ 14,663 $ 15,241 Accrued communications costs 23,201 17,545 Customer-related liabilities 7,854 6,562 Accrued interest 3,822 10,121 Other 14,765 15,896 Total other accrued liabilities $ 64,305 $ 65,365

Long-Term Debt and Capital Leas

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations The Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Senior secured notes due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Unamortized debt issue costs on senior secured notes due June 2020 (4,723 ) (3,921 ) Senior notes due May 2019 173,925 76,557 Unamortized discount and debt issue costs on senior notes due May 2019 (5,393 ) (1,880 ) Senior secured term loan — 49,375 Unamortized debt issue costs on senior secured term loan — (588 ) Senior secured revolving credit facility 35,000 10,000 Capital lease obligations 13,591 12,967 Carrying value of debt and capital lease obligations 512,400 442,510 Less current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (6,787 ) (4,401 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 505,613 $ 438,109 2016 Transactions During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repurchased $7.0 million outstanding principal of its 8.875% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “Senior Notes”) in the open market for $7.0 million , plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recognized a $0.2 million loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting of the write-off of unamortized discount on debt, the write-off of debt issuance costs and payment of premium on the repurchase. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company repaid $35.0 million of its senior secured revolving credit facility. On June 30, 2016, the Company refinanced its senior secured revolving credit facility. See "2016 Credit Facility" below for more information. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company redeemed $90.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 102.219% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Company used $34.0 million of existing cash, a $50.0 million term loan and $10.0 million under its senior secured revolving credit facility to fund the redemption, call premium and accrued interest. The Company recognized a $4.3 million loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting of the write-off of unamortized discount on debt, the write-off of debt issuance costs and payment of premium on the repurchase. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company repurchased $0.4 million outstanding principal of its Senior Notes in the open market for $0.4 million , plus accrued and unpaid interest. The above losses are included in loss on extinguishment of debt in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The payment of premiums is included in repayment of debt and capital lease obligations in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Debt Covenants The indenture governing the Company's 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the “Senior Secured Notes”) includes covenants which, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make certain types of restricted payments, create liens, transfer and sell assets, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, issue or sell stock of subsidiaries, engage in sale-leaseback transactions and create restrictions on dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries. Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture), the Company may be required to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Secured Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The indenture governing the Senior Secured Notes also contains customary events of default. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The indenture governing the Senior Notes includes covenants which, subject to certain exceptions, limit the ability of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make certain types of restricted payments, incur liens on assets of the Company or the Restricted Subsidiaries, engage in asset sales and enter into transactions with affiliates. Upon a change of control (as defined in the indenture), the Company may be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The indenture governing the Senior Notes also contains customary events of default. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company was in compliance with these covenants. The indentures governing the Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes contain covenants regarding the Company's ability to make Restricted Payments (as defined in the indentures), including certain dividends, stock purchases, debt repayments and investments. As of September 30, 2016 , the indentures governing the Company's Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes permitted approximately $197.5 million and $325.8 million , respectively, in Restricted Payments. The Company's ability to make Restricted Payments varies over time, and is determined, in part, by the extent that the Company's cumulative EBITDA exceeds 300% of its cumulative interest expense. 2016 Credit Facility General. In June 2016, the Company entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) providing for a new senior secured revolving credit facility with aggregate revolving commitments of up to $125.0 million and an up to $50.0 million delayed draw senior secured term loan (together, the "Credit Facility"). The senior secured revolving credit facility replaces the Company’s previous $135.0 million senior secured credit facility. The Company paid $2.5 million of transaction fees and expenses related to the new Credit Facility, which are being amortized to interest expense over the life of the Credit Facility using the straight-line method. The payment of transaction fees is included in proceeds (payments) from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company wrote-off $0.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the previous $135.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The loss is included in loss on extinguishment of debt in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Commitment fees and borrowing costs under this facility vary and are based on the Company’s most recent Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). As of September 30, 2016 , the Company’s commitment fee was 0.5% and the Company’s borrowing cost is LIBOR plus 3.25% for LIBOR Rate Loans and the Base Rate plus 2.25% for Base Rate Loans. As of September 30, 2016 , $1.4 million of letters of credit were outstanding under the Credit Agreement’s Letter of Credit Sublimit. The amended and restated credit facility matures on June 30, 2021 and all amounts outstanding thereunder shall be due and payable in full, except that if the Company's Senior Secured Notes have not been repaid in full by February 29, 2020, the maturity date will be February 29, 2020. The term loan is subject to quarterly amortization of principal, commencing with the first fiscal quarter ending after the term loan is funded, as set forth as follows with the remaining outstanding principal amount (and any accrued and unpaid interest) due on February 29, 2020: Year 1, 5.0%; Year 2, 5.0%; Year 3, 7.5%, Year 4, 7.5%; and Year 5, 10.0%. During the three months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company made quarterly principal payments of $0.6 million on the term loan. The Credit Facility may in the future be increased by up to $50.0 million (so long as the aggregate amount of the Credit Facility does not exceed $175.0 million ) with additional commitments from the current lenders or other financial institutions reasonably acceptable to the administrative agent and the satisfaction of conditions contained in the Credit Agreement. The Company is the borrower under the Credit Facility. All obligations of the borrower under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by each of the Company’s existing direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and will be guaranteed by certain of the Company’s future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (other than immaterial subsidiaries). The obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors under the Credit Facility, as well as obligations under any treasury management, interest protection or other hedging arrangements entered into with a lender (or affiliate thereof), are secured by (subject to certain liens permitted by the Credit Agreement) liens, which rank equally with the Company’s other senior secured indebtedness, on and security interests in, (i) substantially all of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ present and future personal property assets (subject to certain exclusions set forth in the Credit Agreement), (ii) certain of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ present and future real estate owned in fee simple that is required by the Credit Agreement to be mortgaged, (iii) all present and future shares of the capital stock of the Company’s and the subsidiary guarantors’ present and future subsidiaries (excluding any stock in excess of 66% of the voting stock of non-U.S. subsidiaries), and (iv) all proceeds and products of the foregoing property and assets. Prepayment . The Company may prepay the Credit Facility in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty, subject to reimbursement of the lenders’ breakage and redeployment costs in the case of prepayment of LIBOR borrowings. The Company may irrevocably reduce or terminate the unutilized portion of the revolving credit facility at any time without penalty. Covenants . The Credit Agreement contains representations and warranties, covenants and events of default with respect to the Company and its subsidiaries that are customarily applicable to senior secured credit facilities. The negative covenants contained in the Credit Agreement include restrictions on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, make capital expenditures, incur liens on assets, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions or divestitures, pay dividends or make other distributions, voluntarily prepay certain other indebtedness (including certain prepayments of the Company’s senior secured notes and senior notes), enter into transactions with affiliates, make investments, and change the nature of their businesses, and amend the terms of certain other indebtedness (including the Company’s existing notes), in each case subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Credit Agreement. Additionally, the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio of not greater than 3.5 to 1.0 (with restrictions on cash netting) and a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.5 to 1.0. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of September 30, 2016 . Financial Information Under Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X The Company’s Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic subsidiaries, other than certain subsidiaries that are minor (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). All of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Company and have, jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed, to each holder of the Notes, the full and prompt performance of the Company’s obligations under the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes, including the payment of principal (or premium, if any) and interest on the Notes, on an equal and ratable basis. Further, the Company has no independent assets or operations, and there are no significant restrictions on the ability of its consolidated subsidiaries to transfer funds to the Company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The Company’s assets consist solely of investments it has made in its consolidated subsidiaries, and its operations consist solely of changes in its investment in subsidiaries and interest associated with the Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes. Based on these facts, and in accordance with SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10, “Financial statements of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered,” the Company is not required to provide condensed consolidating financial information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity Share Repurchases Since the inception of the Company’s share repurchase program, the Board of Directors has authorized a total of $750.0 million for the repurchase of EarthLink’s common stock. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company had $65.7 million available under the current authorizations. The Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time in compliance with the SEC’s regulations and other legal requirements, including through the use of derivative transactions, and subject to market conditions and other factors. The share repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. In addition, the agreements governing the Company’s Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes and the Company's Credit Agreement contain restrictions on the ability of the Company to repurchase common stock. Dividends During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , cash dividends declared were $0.15 and $0.15 per common share, respectively. The Company also pays cash dividend amounts on each outstanding restricted stock unit to be paid at the time the restricted stock unit vests. Cash dividend amounts are forfeited if the restricted stock units do not vest. Total dividend payments were $21.2 million and $16.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively. The decision to declare future dividends is made at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, investment opportunities and other factors the Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, the agreements governing the Company’s Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes and the Company's Credit Agreement contain restrictions on the amount of dividends the Company can pay.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense was $3.6 million and $4.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively, and $10.9 million and $12.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively. The Company has classified stock-based compensation expense within selling, general and administrative expense, the same operating expense line item as cash compensation paid to employees. Options Outstanding The following table presents stock option activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (shares and dollars in thousands) Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 908 $ 6.52 Granted — — Exercised (41 ) 6.08 Forfeited and expired (169 ) 8.53 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 698 6.07 6.1 $ 390 Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2016 662 6.10 6.0 $ 361 Exercisable as of September 30, 2016 458 6.42 5.6 $ 195 The aggregate intrinsic value amounts in the table above represent the closing price of the Company’s common stock on September 30, 2016 in excess of the exercise price, multiplied by the number of stock options outstanding, exercisable or vested and expected to vest, when the closing price is greater than the exercise price. This represents the amount that would have been received by the stock option holders if they had all exercised their stock options on September 30, 2016 . The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $0.9 million . The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was not material. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised represents the difference between the market value of Company’s common stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of stock options exercised. As of September 30, 2016 , there was $0.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years . The following table presents the status of the Company’s stock options as of September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Range of Number Contractual Exercise Number Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price (in thousands) (in thousands) $ 4.97 to $ 4.97 300 7.3 $ 4.97 150 $ 4.97 6.08 to 6.08 179 6.4 6.08 89 6.08 6.90 to 9.23 219 4.2 7.56 219 7.56 4.97 to 9.23 698 6.1 6.07 458 6.42 Restricted Stock Units The following table presents restricted stock unit activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 7,751 $ 4.58 Granted 3,544 5.23 Vested (2,362 ) 4.89 Forfeited (684 ) 4.55 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 8,249 $ 4.77 The fair value of restricted stock units is determined based on the closing price of EarthLink’s common stock on the grant date. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 was $4.53 and $5.23 , respectively. As of September 30, 2016 , there was $22.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years . The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 was $8.6 million and $13.1 million , respectively, which represents the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the vesting date multiplied by the number of restricted stock units that vested.

Restructuring, Acquisition and

Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs	Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs consisted of the following during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Integration-related costs $ 1,526 $ 2,736 $ 4,501 $ 6,412 Severance, retention and other employee costs 2,986 547 6,935 2,105 Facility-related costs 974 (630 ) 3,400 428 Transaction-related costs — 191 — 191 Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs $ 5,486 $ 2,844 $ 14,836 $ 9,136 Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs consist of costs related to the Company's restructuring, acquisition and integration-related activities. The Company recognizes a liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity when the liability is incurred. The Company recognizes severance costs when they are both probable and reasonably estimable. Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs include the following: • Integration-related costs, such as system conversion and integration-related consulting and employee costs. The Company is also undertaking a long-term network optimization project designed to consolidate traffic onto network facilities operated by the Company and reduce the usage of other carriers’ networks. Integration-related costs associated with this initiative include costs to migrate traffic to lower cost circuits and to terminate existing contracts prior to their expiration; • Severance, retention and other employee termination costs associated with acquisition and integration activities and as a result of evaluations of our operating structure; • Facility-related costs, such as lease termination and asset impairments; and • Transaction-related costs, which are direct costs incurred to effect a business combination, such as advisory, legal, accounting, valuation and other professional fees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded $2.5 million of restructuring costs in connection with changes in its business strategy. The restructuring costs consisted of $2.1 million of severance due to reductions in workforce and $0.4 million of facilities-related costs primarily due to the closing of certain sales offices and other facilities. Restructuring costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 are included in restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The following table summarizes activity for liability balances associated with facility exit and restructuring liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Severance and Benefits Facilities Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,539 $ 5,542 $ 9,081 Accruals 2,105 428 2,533 Payments (4,949 ) (2,202 ) (7,151 ) Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 695 $ 3,768 $ 4,463 As of December 31, 2015 , $5.4 million of facility exit and restructuring liabilities were classified within current liabilities and $3.7 million were classified as other long-term liabilities. As of September 30, 2016 , $2.1 million of facility exit and restructuring liabilities were classified within current liabilities and $2.4 million were classified as other long-term liabilities.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , the Company recorded an income tax provision of $1.5 million , resulting in an effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 of approximately 10.8% . During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded an income tax provision of $2.8 million , resulting in an effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of approximately (10.0)% . The difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily relates to changes in the valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets. The income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 includes federal alternative minimum tax expense, tax expense for foreign and state taxes, amortization of intangibles with indefinite useful lives and a discrete expense of $0.1 million , primarily for accrued interest on uncertain tax positions and state taxes. The difference between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 primarily relates to changes in the valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 includes tax expense for foreign and state taxes, amortization of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and a discrete expense primarily for the recording of an uncertain tax position of $1.9 million , including applicable interest, related to certain tax positions that the Company had taken in prior years. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company had a valuation allowance of $343.1 million against its net deferred tax assets, exclusive of its deferred tax liabilities with indefinite useful lives. The Company continually reviews the adequacy of the valuation allowance and recognizes the benefits of deferred tax assets only as the reassessment indicates that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. As of September 30, 2016 , the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. Should the Company’s assessment change in a future period it may release all or a portion of the valuation allowance at such time, which would result in a deferred tax benefit in the period of adjustment.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The estimated fair value of the Company’s Senior Secured Notes and Senior Notes was determined based on Level 2 input using observable market prices in less active markets. The carrying amount of the Company’s senior secured term loan and senior secured revolving credit facility approximated its fair value as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 . The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s debt, excluding capital leases, as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 Carrying Carrying Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value (in thousands) Senior Secured Notes $ 295,277 $ 305,439 $ 296,079 $ 315,000 Senior Notes 168,532 177,404 74,677 77,698 Senior secured term loan — — 48,787 49,375 Senior secured revolving credit facility 35,000 35,000 10,000 10,000 Total debt, excluding capital leases $ 498,809 $ 517,843 $ 429,543 $ 452,073

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information General The Company reports segment information along the same lines that its Chief Operating Decision Maker reviews its operating results in assessing performance and allocating resources. The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that are aligned around distinct customer categories to optimize operations. The Company operates the following four reportable segments: • Enterprise/Mid-Market . The Company’s Enterprise/Mid-Market segment provides a broad range of data, voice and managed network services to distributed multi-site business customers. • Small Business . The Company’s Small Business segment provides a broad range of data, voice and managed network services to small, often single-site business customers. • Carrier/Transport . The Company’s Carrier/Transport segment provides transmission capacity and other data, voice and managed network services to telecommunications carriers and large enterprises. • Consumer . The Company’s Consumer segment provides nationwide Internet access and related value-added services to residential customers. Segment Results The following table presents segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Enterprise/Mid-Market Revenues $ 110,051 $ 97,972 $ 338,809 $ 300,247 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 54,574 51,314 167,062 153,384 Gross margin 55,477 46,658 171,747 146,863 Small Business Revenues 72,876 53,722 230,577 $ 173,124 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 34,059 25,953 106,577 82,892 Gross margin 38,817 27,769 124,000 90,232 Carrier/Transport Revenues 34,190 35,575 101,606 $ 106,768 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 14,839 16,393 46,124 47,146 Gross margin 19,351 19,182 55,482 59,622 Consumer Revenues 53,787 47,856 166,023 $ 149,605 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 18,919 15,880 59,138 52,258 Gross margin 34,868 31,976 106,885 97,347 Total Segments Revenues 270,904 235,125 837,015 729,744 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 122,391 109,540 378,901 335,680 Gross margin $ 148,513 $ 125,585 $ 458,114 $ 394,064 The following table presents a reconciliation of segment gross margin to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Segment gross margin $ 148,513 $ 125,585 $ 458,114 $ 394,064 Operating costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,775 79,056 280,382 237,393 Depreciation and amortization 46,502 32,569 141,489 106,339 Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs 5,486 2,844 14,836 9,136 Total operating costs and expenses 142,763 114,469 436,707 352,868 Income from operations 5,750 11,116 21,407 41,196 Gain on sale of business — 3,401 — 9,128 Interest expense and other, net (11,731 ) (9,877 ) (39,780 ) (31,810 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (2,482 ) (4,365 ) (9,734 ) (4,823 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (8,463 ) $ 275 $ (28,107 ) $ 13,691 The Company evaluates performance of its segments based on segment gross margin. Segment gross margin includes revenues from external customers and related cost of revenues. Costs excluded from segment gross margin include selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs, gain on sale of business, interest expense and other, net, and loss on extinguishment of debt, as they are not considered in the measurement of segment performance. Management periodically evaluates the segmentation of customers within the distinct customer categories, which may result in changes to segment information in the future. The Company manages its working capital on a consolidated basis and does not allocate long-lived assets to segments. In addition, segment assets are not reported to, or used by, the Chief Operating Decision Maker and therefore, total segment assets and expenditures for additions of long-lived assets have not been disclosed. The Company has not provided information about geographic segments because substantially all of the Company’s revenues, results of operations and identifiable assets are in the United States. Revenues by Type The Company generates revenues by providing a broad range of data, voice and managed network services to business and residential customers. The Company’s revenues primarily consist of the following: • Monthly recurring charges for providing data, voice and managed network services; transmission capacity; and Internet access and related value-added services; • Usage revenues; • Equipment revenues; and • Non-recurring and other revenues, such as installation fees, termination fees and administrative fees. The following table presents revenue detail for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Monthly recurring revenues $ 240,360 $ 205,285 $ 739,480 $ 641,380 Usage revenues 24,284 19,791 77,082 63,520 Equipment revenues 3,617 3,906 11,276 11,960 Non-recurring and other revenues 2,643 6,143 9,177 12,884 Total revenues $ 270,904 $ 235,125 $ 837,015 $ 729,744

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal proceedings and other disputes General . The Company is party to various legal proceedings and other disputes arising in the normal course of business, including, but not limited to, regulatory audits, E911 payments, trademark and patent infringement, billing disputes, rights of access, tax, consumer protection, employment and tort. The Company accrues for such matters when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Where it is probable that a liability has been incurred and there is a range of expected loss for which no amount in the range is more likely than any other amount, the Company accrues at the low end of the range. The Company reviews its accruals each reporting period. The Company's management believes that there are no disputes, litigation or other legal proceedings, audits or disputes asserted or pending against the Company that could have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and believes that adequate provision for any probable and estimable losses has been made in the Company's consolidated financial statements. However, the ultimate result of any current or future litigation or other legal proceedings, audits or disputes is inherently unpredictable and could result in liabilities that are higher than currently predicted. Regulatory audits . The Company is subject to regulatory audits in the ordinary course of business with respect to various matters, including audits by local municipalities for E911 charges and audits by the Universal Service Administrative Company on universal service fund assessments and payments. These audits can cover periods for several years prior to the date the audit is undertaken and could result in the imposition of liabilities, interest and penalties if the Company's positions are not accepted by the auditing entity. The Company's financial statements contain reserves for certain of such potential liabilities. Billing disputes . The Company is periodically involved in disputes related to its billings to other carriers for access to its network. The Company does not recognize revenue related to such matters until the period that revenues are determinable and it is reasonably assured of the collection of the amounts billed. In the event that a claim is made related to revenues previously recognized, the Company assesses the validity of the claim and adjusts the amount of revenue being recognized to the extent that the claim adjustment is considered probable and estimable. The Company recognized $1.2 million of net favorable disputes related to its billings to other carriers during the three months ended September 30, 2015 , and $4.3 million and $1.6 million of net favorable disputes related to its billings to other carriers during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively, which are included in revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). The Company periodically disputes network access charges that it is assessed by other companies with which the Company interconnects. The Company maintains adequate reserves for anticipated exposure associated with these billing disputes. The reserves are subject to changes in estimates and management judgment as new information becomes available. In view of the length of time historically required to resolve these disputes, they may be resolved or require adjustment in future periods and relate to costs invoiced, accrued or paid in prior periods. While the Company believes its reserves for billing disputes are adequate, it is reasonably possible that the Company could record additional expense of up to $9.6 million for unrecorded disputed amounts. The Company recognized $3.3 million and $3.6 million for favorable disputes with telecommunication vendors during the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively, $9.9 million and $11.1 million for favorable disputes with telecommunication vendors during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 , respectively, which are included in cost of revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). Regulation The Company's services are subject to varying degrees of federal, state and local regulation. These regulations are subject to ongoing proceedings at federal and state administrative agencies or within state and federal judicial systems. Results of these proceedings could change, in varying degrees, the manner in which the Company operates. The Company cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings or their effect on the Company's industry generally or upon the Company specifically.

Subsequent Event (Notes)

Subsequent Event (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Event On November 5, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement with Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream”) under which the Company and Windstream will merge in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion . Under the terms of the merger agreement, EarthLink’s shareholders will receive 0.818 shares of Windstream common stock for each EarthLink share owned. Upon closing of the transaction, Windstream shareholders will own approximately 51% and EarthLink shareholders will own approximately 49% of the combined company. The transaction is subject to approval by EarthLink and Windstream shareholders, receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to close in the first half of 2017.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The condensed consolidated financial statements of EarthLink for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 and the related footnote information are unaudited and have been prepared on a basis consistent with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (the “Annual Report”). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto contained in the Annual Report. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which management considers necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results anticipated for the entire year ending December 31, 2016 .
Basis of Consolidation	Basis of Consolidation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of EarthLink include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Revenue Recognition . In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued authoritative guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new guidance outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue contract assets and liabilities. The new standard also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. In August 2015, the FASB issued guidance that deferred the effective date by one year. The standard is now required to be adopted by public business entities in annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods, and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption at the original effective date is permitted. The Company has elected to adopt the standard in the first quarter of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact the new standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Going Concern . In August 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance related to the disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statements and to provide related footnote disclosures if so. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, ending after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements. Leases . In February 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on accounting for leases. The new guidance requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases. As of the lease commencement date, a lessee is required to recognize a liability for its lease obligation (initially measured at the present value of the future lease payments not yet paid over the lease term) and an asset for its right to use the underlying asset equal to the lease liability, adjusted for lease payments made at or before lease commencement, lease incentives, and any initial direct costs. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the implementation of this standard on its financial statements. Share-Based Payments . In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the implementation of this standard on its financial statements. Statement of Cash Flows . In August 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice related to eight specific cash flow issues. The new standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its financial statements.

Earnings per Share Earnings Per

Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table presents the computation for basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands, except per share data) Numerator Net income (loss) $ (10,523 ) $ 230 $ (30,928 ) $ 12,212 Denominator Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 103,737 105,505 103,228 105,090 Dilutive effect of Common Stock Equivalents — 3,489 — 3,254 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 103,737 108,994 103,228 108,344 Basic net income (loss) per share $ (0.10 ) $ — $ (0.30 ) $ 0.12 Diluted net income (loss) per share $ (0.10 ) $ — $ (0.30 ) $ 0.11

Goodwill and Other Intangible24

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The following table presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Enterprise/ Small Carrier/ Mid-Market Business Transport Consumer Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 Goodwill $ 237,982 $ 57,137 $ 98,290 $ 88,920 $ 482,329 Accumulated impairment loss (208,443 ) (50,045 ) (86,090 ) — (344,578 ) 29,539 7,092 12,200 88,920 137,751 Goodwill acquired 7,423 — — — 7,423 Goodwill disposed (1,516 ) (746 ) — (1,025 ) (3,287 ) Balance as of September 30, 2016 Goodwill 243,889 56,391 98,290 87,895 486,465 Accumulated impairment loss (208,443 ) (50,045 ) (86,090 ) — (344,578 ) $ 35,446 $ 6,346 $ 12,200 $ 87,895 $ 141,887
Schedule of gross carrying value and accumulated amortization by major intangible asset	The following table presents the components of the Company’s acquired identifiable intangible assets included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Carrying Value Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value (in thousands) Customer relationships $ 346,825 $ (323,365 ) $ 23,460 $ 339,857 $ (337,709 ) $ 2,148 Developed technology and software 26,261 (24,396 ) 1,865 25,311 (25,008 ) 303 Trade name 1,521 (1,521 ) — 1,801 (1,541 ) 260 Other — — — 630 (26 ) 604 Other intangible assets, net $ 374,607 $ (349,282 ) $ 25,325 $ 367,599 $ (364,284 ) $ 3,315
Schedule of amortization expense	Amortization of intangible assets, which is included in depreciation and amortization in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) , for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Amortization expense $ 16,597 $ 4,024 $ 49,873 $ 21,869

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Accrued Liabilities	The Company's other accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Accrued taxes and surcharges $ 14,663 $ 15,241 Accrued communications costs 23,201 17,545 Customer-related liabilities 7,854 6,562 Accrued interest 3,822 10,121 Other 14,765 15,896 Total other accrued liabilities $ 64,305 $ 65,365

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le26

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	The Company’s long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : December 31, 2015 September 30, 2016 (in thousands) Senior secured notes due June 2020 $ 300,000 $ 300,000 Unamortized debt issue costs on senior secured notes due June 2020 (4,723 ) (3,921 ) Senior notes due May 2019 173,925 76,557 Unamortized discount and debt issue costs on senior notes due May 2019 (5,393 ) (1,880 ) Senior secured term loan — 49,375 Unamortized debt issue costs on senior secured term loan — (588 ) Senior secured revolving credit facility 35,000 10,000 Capital lease obligations 13,591 12,967 Carrying value of debt and capital lease obligations 512,400 442,510 Less current portion of debt and capital lease obligations (6,787 ) (4,401 ) Long-term debt and capital lease obligations $ 505,613 $ 438,109

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Activity	The following table presents stock option activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (shares and dollars in thousands) Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 908 $ 6.52 Granted — — Exercised (41 ) 6.08 Forfeited and expired (169 ) 8.53 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 698 6.07 6.1 $ 390 Vested and expected to vest as of September 30, 2016 662 6.10 6.0 $ 361 Exercisable as of September 30, 2016 458 6.42 5.6 $ 195
Summary of the status of stock options by exercise price range	The following table presents the status of the Company’s stock options as of September 30, 2016 : Stock Options Outstanding Stock Options Exercisable Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Range of Number Contractual Exercise Number Exercise Exercise Prices Outstanding Life Price Exercisable Price (in thousands) (in thousands) $ 4.97 to $ 4.97 300 7.3 $ 4.97 150 $ 4.97 6.08 to 6.08 179 6.4 6.08 89 6.08 6.90 to 9.23 219 4.2 7.56 219 7.56 4.97 to 9.23 698 6.1 6.07 458 6.42
Restricted stock unit activity	The following table presents restricted stock unit activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Restricted Stock Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 7,751 $ 4.58 Granted 3,544 5.23 Vested (2,362 ) 4.89 Forfeited (684 ) 4.55 Outstanding as of September 30, 2016 8,249 $ 4.77

Restructuring, Acquisition an28

Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs	Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs consisted of the following during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Integration-related costs $ 1,526 $ 2,736 $ 4,501 $ 6,412 Severance, retention and other employee costs 2,986 547 6,935 2,105 Facility-related costs 974 (630 ) 3,400 428 Transaction-related costs — 191 — 191 Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs $ 5,486 $ 2,844 $ 14,836 $ 9,136
Rollforward of Restructuring and Related Costs	The following table summarizes activity for liability balances associated with facility exit and restructuring liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 : Severance and Benefits Facilities Total (in thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 3,539 $ 5,542 $ 9,081 Accruals 2,105 428 2,533 Payments (4,949 ) (2,202 ) (7,151 ) Balance as of September 30, 2016 $ 695 $ 3,768 $ 4,463

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value of debt, excluding capital leases	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s debt, excluding capital leases, as of December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016 : As of December 31, 2015 As of September 30, 2016 Carrying Carrying Amount Fair Value Amount Fair Value (in thousands) Senior Secured Notes $ 295,277 $ 305,439 $ 296,079 $ 315,000 Senior Notes 168,532 177,404 74,677 77,698 Senior secured term loan — — 48,787 49,375 Senior secured revolving credit facility 35,000 35,000 10,000 10,000 Total debt, excluding capital leases $ 498,809 $ 517,843 $ 429,543 $ 452,073

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information	The following table presents segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Enterprise/Mid-Market Revenues $ 110,051 $ 97,972 $ 338,809 $ 300,247 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 54,574 51,314 167,062 153,384 Gross margin 55,477 46,658 171,747 146,863 Small Business Revenues 72,876 53,722 230,577 $ 173,124 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 34,059 25,953 106,577 82,892 Gross margin 38,817 27,769 124,000 90,232 Carrier/Transport Revenues 34,190 35,575 101,606 $ 106,768 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 14,839 16,393 46,124 47,146 Gross margin 19,351 19,182 55,482 59,622 Consumer Revenues 53,787 47,856 166,023 $ 149,605 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 18,919 15,880 59,138 52,258 Gross margin 34,868 31,976 106,885 97,347 Total Segments Revenues 270,904 235,125 837,015 729,744 Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation and amortization) 122,391 109,540 378,901 335,680 Gross margin $ 148,513 $ 125,585 $ 458,114 $ 394,064
Reconciliation of Segment Gross Margin to Consolidated	The following table presents a reconciliation of segment gross margin to consolidated income (loss) before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Segment gross margin $ 148,513 $ 125,585 $ 458,114 $ 394,064 Operating costs and expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses 90,775 79,056 280,382 237,393 Depreciation and amortization 46,502 32,569 141,489 106,339 Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs 5,486 2,844 14,836 9,136 Total operating costs and expenses 142,763 114,469 436,707 352,868 Income from operations 5,750 11,116 21,407 41,196 Gain on sale of business — 3,401 — 9,128 Interest expense and other, net (11,731 ) (9,877 ) (39,780 ) (31,810 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (2,482 ) (4,365 ) (9,734 ) (4,823 ) Income (loss) before income taxes $ (8,463 ) $ 275 $ (28,107 ) $ 13,691
Schedule Revenues by Type of Services	The following table presents revenue detail for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2016 2015 2016 (in thousands) Monthly recurring revenues $ 240,360 $ 205,285 $ 739,480 $ 641,380 Usage revenues 24,284 19,791 77,082 63,520 Equipment revenues 3,617 3,906 11,276 11,960 Non-recurring and other revenues 2,643 6,143 9,177 12,884 Total revenues $ 270,904 $ 235,125 $ 837,015 $ 729,744

Organization (Details)

Organization (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of route fiber miles	29,000
Number of metro fiber rings	90
Minimum percentage of IP coverage in United States	90.00%
Number of reportable segments	4

Earnings per Share (Details)

Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 230	$ (10,523)	$ 12,212	$ (30,928)
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	105,505	103,737	105,090	103,228
Dilutive effect of Common Stock Equivalents	3,489		3,254	0
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	108,994	103,737	108,344	103,228
Basic net income (loss) per share	$ 0	$ (0.10)	$ 0.12	$ (0.30)
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$ 0	$ (0.10)	$ 0.11	$ (0.30)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			600	8,800

Sale of Businesses (Details)

Sale of Businesses (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business			$ 30,427	$ 0
Gain on sale of businesses	$ 3,401	$ 0	9,128	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets	3,500		3,500
IT Services
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Purchase Price Of Disposal Group	29,600		29,600
Proceeds from sale of business			26,600
Contingent Purchase Price Of Disposal Group	5,000		5,000
Gain on sale of businesses			6,300
Disposal Group, Deferred Gain on Disposal	2,000		2,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	17,500		17,500
Escrow Portion Of Purchase Price Of Disposal Group	3,000		3,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment	11,400		11,400
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill	2,300		2,300
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue			3,400	$ 34,900
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets	300		300
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets	3,500		3,500
Customer Relationships
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business			3,800
Gain on sale of businesses			2,800
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets	$ 1,000		$ 1,000
Number of Customer Relationships Sold	12,000		12,000

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Acquisition [Abstract]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross	$ 11.2
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Range of Outcomes, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Value, High	5.6
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	7.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	3.4
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	1.5
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 1.1

Goodwill and Other Intangible35

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross as of December 31, 2015	$ 486,465	$ 482,329
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of December 31, 2015	(344,578)
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015	137,751
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	7,423
Goodwill Disposed	(3,287)
Goodwill, Gross as of September 30, 2016	486,465
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of September 30, 2016	(344,578)
Goodwill as of September 30, 2016	141,887
Enterprise/Mid-Market
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross as of December 31, 2015	243,889	237,982
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of December 31, 2015	(208,443)
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015	29,539
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	7,423
Goodwill Disposed	(1,516)
Goodwill, Gross as of September 30, 2016	243,889
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of September 30, 2016	(208,443)
Goodwill as of September 30, 2016	35,446
Small Business
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross as of December 31, 2015	56,391	57,137
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of December 31, 2015	(50,045)
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015	7,092
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill Disposed	(746)
Goodwill, Gross as of September 30, 2016	56,391
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of September 30, 2016	(50,045)
Goodwill as of September 30, 2016	6,346
Carrier/Transport
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross as of December 31, 2015	98,290	98,290
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of December 31, 2015	(86,090)
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015	12,200
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill Disposed	0
Goodwill, Gross as of September 30, 2016	98,290
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of September 30, 2016	(86,090)
Goodwill as of September 30, 2016	12,200
Consumer
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross as of December 31, 2015	87,895	$ 88,920
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of December 31, 2015	0
Goodwill as of December 31, 2015	88,920
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill Disposed	(1,025)
Goodwill, Gross as of September 30, 2016	87,895
Accumulated Impairment Loss as of September 30, 2016	0
Goodwill as of September 30, 2016	$ 87,895

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 367,599		$ 367,599		$ 374,607
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(364,284)		(364,284)		(349,282)
Other intangible assets, net	3,315		3,315		25,325
Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Intangible Assets, Gross	10,400		10,400
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets	3,500		3,500
Amortization of Intangible Assets	4,024	$ 16,597	21,869	$ 49,873
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year	1,000		1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	800		800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	500		500
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	100		100
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	100		100
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	339,857		339,857		346,825
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(337,709)		(337,709)		(323,365)
Other intangible assets, net	2,148		$ 2,148		23,460
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			5 years 3 months
Developed Technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	25,311		$ 25,311		26,261
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(25,008)		(25,008)		(24,396)
Other intangible assets, net	303		$ 303		1,865
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			3 years 9 months
Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,801		$ 1,801		1,521
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(1,541)		(1,541)		(1,521)
Other intangible assets, net	260		$ 260		0
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			4 years 8 months
Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	630		$ 630		0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(26)		(26)		0
Other intangible assets, net	$ 604		$ 604		$ 0
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			5 years

Other Accrued Liabilities (Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued taxes and surcharges	$ 15,241	$ 14,663
Accrued communications costs	17,545	23,201
Customer-related liabilities	6,562	7,854
Accrued interest	10,121	3,822
Other	15,896	14,765
Total other accrued liabilities	$ 65,365	$ 64,305

Long-Term Debt and Capital Le38

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 442,510			$ 442,510		$ 512,400
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	(4,401)			(4,401)		(6,787)
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 438,109			438,109		505,613
Long Term Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal Amount From May 2016 To May 2017	102.219%
Repayments of Debt	$ 34,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	10,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	50,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,365)		$ (2,482)	(4,823)	$ (9,734)
Repayments of Lines of Credit				35,000
Term Loan Borrowing Capacity	50,000			50,000
Credit Facility, Amount That May be Increased	50,000			50,000
Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Amount	$ 175,000			$ 175,000
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.05		$ 0.05	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	100.00%			100.00%
Senior Secured Notes Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 300,000			$ 300,000		300,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ (3,921)			$ (3,921)		(4,723)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.375%			7.375%
Long-term Debt Redemption Price Due to Change of Control as Percentage of Principal Amount				101.00%
Amount permitted in debt covenants for Restricted Payments	$ 197,500			$ 197,500
Percent used in determining ability to make Restricted Payments				300.00%
Senior Notes Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	76,557			$ 76,557		173,925
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	(1,880)			(1,880)		(5,393)
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount	$ 400	$ 7,000		$ 400
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.875%			8.875%
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount	$ 400	7,000		$ 400
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 200		4,300
Debt Instrument Redeemed Face Amount	90,000			$ 90,000
Long-term Debt Redemption Price Due to Change of Control as Percentage of Principal Amount				101.00%
Amount permitted in debt covenants for Restricted Payments	325,800			$ 325,800
Senior Secured Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	49,375			49,375		0
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(588)			(588)		0
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	12,967			12,967		13,591
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt						35,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs				2,500
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost				200
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	125,000			$ 125,000		$ 135,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage				0.50%
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 1,400			$ 1,400
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base LIBOR | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%			3.25%
Debt Instrument Variable Rate Base | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.25%			2.25%

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share Repurchases
Repurchase of common stock, authorized amount	$ 750,000		$ 750,000
Repurchase of common stock, remaining authorization	$ 65,700		$ 65,700
Dividends
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.15	$ 0.15
Payment of dividends			$ 16,720	$ 21,164

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation	$ 4,000	$ 3,600	$ 12,156	$ 10,864
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 200		$ 200
Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost (in years)			1 year 2 months
Stock option activity
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)			908
Granted (in shares)			0
Exercised (in shares)			41
Forfeited and expired (in shares)			(169)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	698		698
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in shares)	662		662
Exercisable at the end of the period (in shares)	458		458
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)			$ 6.52
Granted (in dollars per share)			0
Exercised (in dollars per share)			6.08
Forfeited and expired (in dollars per share)			8.53
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 6.07		6.07
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	6.10		6.10
Exercisable at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 6.42		$ 6.42
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding at the end of the period (in years)			6 years 1 month
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period (in years)			6 years
Exercisable at the end of the period (in years)			5 years 7 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$ 390		$ 390
Vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	361		361
Exercisable at the end of the period	$ 195		$ 195

Stock-Based Compensation (Det41

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) - Stock Options shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016$ / sharesshares
Range of Exercise Prices from $4.97 to $4.97
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price, low end of the range	$ 4.97
Exercise price, high end of the range	$ 4.97
Stock Options Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	300
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 3 months
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.97
Stock Options Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	150
Stock Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 4.97
Range of Exercise Prices from $6.08 to $6.08
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price, low end of the range	6.08
Exercise price, high end of the range	$ 6.08
Stock Options Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	179
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 5 months
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.08
Stock Options Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	89
Stock Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 0
Range of Exercise Prices from $6.90 to $9.23
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price, low end of the range	6.90
Exercise price, high end of the range	$ 9.23
Stock Options Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	219
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	4 years 2 months
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 7.56
Stock Options Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	219
Stock Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 7.56
Range of Exercise Prices from $4.97 to $9.23
Stock options outstanding and exercisable by exercise price range
Exercise price, low end of the range	4.97
Exercise price, high end of the range	$ 9.23
Stock Options Outstanding - Number Outstanding (in shares) | shares	698
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 1 month
Stock Options Outstanding - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.07
Stock Options Exercisable - Number Exercisable (in shares) | shares	458
Stock Options Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 6.42

Stock-Based Compensation (Det42

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 3) - Restricted Stock Units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Restricted Stock Unit Activity
Nonvested, at the beginning of the period (in shares)	7,751
Granted (in shares)	3,544
Vested (in shares)	(2,362)
Forfeited (in shares)	(684)
Nonvested, at the end of the period (in shares)	8,249
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested, at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 4.58
Granted (in dollars per share)	5.23	$ 4.53
Vested (in dollars per share)	4.89
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	4.55
Nonvested, at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 4.77
Restricted Stock Units, Other Information
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 22.4
Weighted-average period for recognition of unrecognized compensation cost (in years)	1 year 11 months
Aggregate fair value of shares, vested	$ 13.1	$ 8.6

Restructuring, Acquisition an43

Restructuring, Acquisition and Integration-Related Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Integration Related Costs	$ 2,736	$ 1,526	$ 6,412	$ 4,501
Business Combination Severance and Retention Costs	547	2,986	2,105	6,935
Facility-related costs	(630)	974	428	3,400
Transaction-related costs	191	0	191	0
Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs	2,844	$ 5,486	9,136	$ 14,836
Balance as of December 31, 2015			9,081
Restructuring Costs			2,533
Payments			(7,151)
Balance as of September 30, 2016	4,463		4,463
Restructuring Reserve, Current	2,100		2,100		$ 5,400
Restructuring Reserve, Noncurrent	2,400		2,400		$ 3,700
Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2015			3,539
Restructuring Costs			2,105
Payments			(4,949)
Balance as of September 30, 2016	695		695
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of December 31, 2015			5,542
Restructuring Costs			428
Payments			(2,202)
Balance as of September 30, 2016	$ 3,768		$ 3,768

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Income tax provision	$ (45)	$ (2,060)	$ (1,479)	$ (2,821)
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations			10.80%	(10.00%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount			$ 100	$ 1,900
Valuation Allowance, Amount	$ 343,100		$ 343,100

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 429,543	$ 498,809
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes Due 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	296,079	295,277
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	74,677	168,532
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	48,787	0
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	10,000	35,000
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	452,073	517,843
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Notes Due 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	315,000	305,439
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	77,698	177,404
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Secured Term Loan
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	49,375	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	$ 10,000	$ 35,000

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information
Number of reportable segments			4
Revenues	$ 235,125	$ 270,904	$ 729,744	$ 837,015
Cost of Revenue	109,540	122,391	335,680	378,901
Gross margin	125,585	148,513	394,064	458,114
Enterprise/Mid-Market
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	97,972	110,051	300,247	338,809
Cost of Revenue	51,314	54,574	153,384	167,062
Gross margin	46,658	55,477	146,863	171,747
Small Business
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	53,722	72,876	173,124	230,577
Cost of Revenue	25,953	34,059	82,892	106,577
Gross margin	27,769	38,817	90,232	124,000
Carrier/Transport
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	35,575	34,190	106,768	101,606
Cost of Revenue	16,393	14,839	47,146	46,124
Gross margin	19,182	19,351	59,622	55,482
Consumer
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information
Revenues	47,856	53,787	149,605	166,023
Cost of Revenue	15,880	18,919	52,258	59,138
Gross margin	$ 31,976	$ 34,868	$ 97,347	$ 106,885

Segment Information (Details 2)

Segment Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract]
Gross Profit	$ 125,585	$ 148,513	$ 394,064	$ 458,114
Selling, general and administrative expenses	79,056	90,775	237,393	280,382
Depreciation and amortization	32,569	46,502	106,339	141,489
Restructuring, acquisition and integration-related costs	2,844	5,486	9,136	14,836
Other cost and expense, operating	114,469	142,763	352,868	436,707
Income from operations	11,116	5,750	41,196	21,407
Gain on sale of businesses	3,401	0	9,128	0
Interest expense and other, net	(9,877)	(11,731)	(31,810)	(39,780)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,365)	(2,482)	(4,823)	(9,734)
Income (loss) before income taxes	$ 275	$ (8,463)	$ 13,691	$ (28,107)

Segment Information (Details 3)

Segment Information (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Revenues by Type of Service
Revenue, Net	$ 235,125	$ 270,904	$ 729,744	$ 837,015
Monthly Recurring Revenues
Schedule of Revenues by Type of Service
Revenue, Net	205,285	240,360	641,380	739,480
Usage Revenues
Schedule of Revenues by Type of Service
Revenue, Net	19,791	24,284	63,520	77,082
Equipment Revenues
Schedule of Revenues by Type of Service
Revenue, Net	3,906	3,617	11,960	11,276
Non-Recurring and Other Revenues
Schedule of Revenues by Type of Service
Revenue, Net	$ 6,143	$ 2,643	$ 12,884	$ 9,177

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Billing Disputes, Revenue		$ 1.2	$ 1.6	$ 4.3
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued	$ 9.6		9.6
Billing Disputes, Cost of Revenues	$ 3.6	$ 3.3	$ 11.1	$ 9.9

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Billions	Nov. 05, 2016USD ($)shares
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Business Acquisition Transaction Value | $	$ 1.1
Business Acquisition Stock Conversion Ratio | shares	0.818
Business Acquisition Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	51.00%
Business Acquisition Percentage of Voting Interests of Acquiree	49.00%