Windstream 10-Q 8 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 06, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Windstream Holdings, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,282,266
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,935,942
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Windstream Services, LLC
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Windstream Services, LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,585,644
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSO

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	$ 1,420.6	$ 1,497.7	$ 4,319.3	$ 4,355
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	225.8	231.8	679.1	672
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total costs and expenses	1,345	1,456.5	4,086.4	4,167.2
Operating income	75.6	41.2	232.9	187.8
Other income, net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
Income (loss) before income taxes	39.1	(168.3)	(241.4)	(444.3)
Income tax benefit	(2.2)	(66.8)	(67.6)	(163.4)
Net income (loss)	$ 41.3	$ (101.5)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)	$ 0.97	$ (2.76)	$ (4.32)	$ (8.50)
Service [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	$ 1,400.1	$ 1,472.4	$ 4,260.1	$ 4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Cost of products sold	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Product [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	19.7	22.3	54.7	72.8
Cost of products sold	$ 19.7	$ 22.3	$ 54.7	$ 72.8

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CON_2

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net income (loss)	$ 41.3	$ (101.5)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain on designated interest rate swaps	1.9	5.5	21.6	3.6
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps	0.7	1.3	2.4	4.2
Income tax expense	(0.6)	(2.6)	(6.1)	(3)
Change in interest rate swaps	2	4.2	17.9	4.8
Postretirement and pension plans:
Prior service credit arising during the period	0	0	2.7	0
Change in net actuarial gain for employee benefit plans	0	0	5.4	1.4
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0.1	0	0.2	0.1
Amortization of prior service credits	(1.2)	(0.1)	(3.8)	(0.5)
Income tax expense	(0.5)	0	(1.1)	(0.4)
Change in postretirement and pension plans	(1.6)	(0.1)	3.4	0.6
Other comprehensive income	0.4	4.1	21.3	5.4
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 41.7	$ (97.4)	$ (152.5)	$ (275.5)

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CON_3

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37.3		$ 43.4	$ 56.5	$ 59.1
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $24.8 and $29.7, respectively)	649	$ 643	643
Inventories	87		93
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3	180.3	154.3
Total current assets	957.6		933.7
Goodwill	2,876.8		2,842.4
Other intangibles, net	1,300.3		1,454.4
Net property, plant and equipment	5,049.2		5,391.8
Deferred income taxes	418	358.8	370.8
Other assets	108.2	112.1	91.2
Total Assets	10,710.1		11,084.3
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	206		188.6
Accounts payable	483.4		494
Advance payments and customer deposits	195.2	206.8	207.3
Accrued taxes	93.5		89.5
Accrued interest	69.9		52.6
Other current liabilities	308.8	341.8	342.1
Total current liabilities	1,374.7		1,543.4
Long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Long-term lease obligations	4,486.5		4,643.3
Other liabilities	488.5	522.3	521.9
Total liabilities	12,071		12,383.2
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Shareholders’ Deficit:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 75.0 shares authorized, 42.9 and 36.5 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	1,247.1		1,191.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income	44.4		21.4
Accumulated deficit	(2,652.4)	$ (2,476.9)	(2,512.2)
Total shareholders’ deficit	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit	$ 10,710.1		$ 11,084.3

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CON_4

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 24.8	$ 29.7
Shareholders’ Deficit:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	75	75
Common stock, shares issued	42.9	36.5
Common stock, shares outstanding	42.9	36.5

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CON_5

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	1,136.3	1,066.3
Provision for doubtful accounts	26.3	33.5
Share-based compensation expense	25.5	45.2
Deferred income taxes	(67.6)	(145.3)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	2
Other, net	10.1	15.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
Accounts receivable	(25.9)	(8.9)
Prepaid income taxes	(4.1)	(5.6)
Prepaid expenses and other	4.6	(20.3)
Accounts payable	(12.7)	(31.2)
Accrued interest	17.6	25
Accrued taxes	(3.4)	3.6
Other current liabilities	(2.5)	(13.2)
Other liabilities	7.1	1.2
Other, net	9	(36.3)
Net cash provided from operating activities	756.2	646.6
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(603.2)	(724.2)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink	0	5
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Other, net	(7.6)	(9.4)
Net cash used in investing activities	(657.7)	(791.9)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Dividends paid to shareholders	0	(64.4)
Proceeds from issuance of stock	12.2	9.6
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Stock repurchases	0	(19)
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(139.5)	(124.9)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(38.1)	(29.2)
Other, net	(2.3)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(104.6)	142.7
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6.1)	(2.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	43.4	59.1
End of period	37.3	56.5
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized	640.4	597.5
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	(15.1)	1.5
Broadview [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	$ 0	$ (63.3)

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CON_6

WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Deficit
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ (1,298.9)	$ 1,191.9	$ 21.4	$ (2,512.2)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(173.8)	0	0	(173.8)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in postretirement and pension plans	3.4	0	3.4	0
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps	1.8	0	1.8	0
Change in designated interest rate swaps	16.1	0	16.1	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(152.5)	0	21.3	(173.8)
Share-based compensation	10.2	10.2	0	0
Stock issued under equity distribution agreement	12.2	12.2	0	0
Stock issued for pension contribution	5.8	5.8	0	0
Stock issued to employee savings plan	28.3	28.3	0	0
Taxes withheld on vested restricted stock and other	(1.3)	(1.3)	0	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	(1,360.9)	1,247.1	44.4	(2,652.4)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]	35.3	0	0	35.3
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1.7	$ (1.7)

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOL

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	$ 1,420.6	$ 1,497.7	$ 4,319.3	$ 4,355
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	225.8	231.8	679.1	672
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total costs and expenses	1,345	1,456.5	4,086.4	4,167.2
Operating income	75.6	41.2	232.9	187.8
Other income, net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
Income (loss) before income taxes	39.1	(168.3)	(241.4)	(444.3)
Income tax benefit	(2.2)	(66.8)	(67.6)	(163.4)
Net income (loss)	41.3	(101.5)	(173.8)	(280.9)
Service [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Product [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	19.7	22.3	54.7	72.8
Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	1,420.6	1,497.7	4,319.3	4,355
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	225.5	231.3	677.6	670.4
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total costs and expenses	1,344.7	1,456	4,084.9	4,165.6
Operating income	75.9	41.7	234.4	189.4
Other income, net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
Income (loss) before income taxes	39.4	(167.8)	(239.9)	(442.7)
Income tax benefit	(2.1)	(66.6)	(67.2)	(162.8)
Net income (loss)	41.5	(101.2)	(172.7)	(279.9)
Windstream Services, LLC | Service [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Windstream Services, LLC | Product [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	$ 19.7	$ 22.3	$ 54.7	$ 72.8

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONS_2

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net income (loss)	$ 41.3	$ (101.5)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain on designated interest rate swaps	1.9	5.5	21.6	3.6
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps	0.7	1.3	2.4	4.2
Income tax expense	(0.6)	(2.6)	(6.1)	(3)
Change in interest rate swaps	2	4.2	17.9	4.8
Postretirement and pension plans:
Prior service credit arising during the period	0	0	(2.7)	0
Change in net actuarial gain for employee benefit plans	0	0	5.4	1.4
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0.1	0	0.2	0.1
Amortization of prior service credits	(1.2)	(0.1)	(3.8)	(0.5)
Income tax expense	(0.5)	0	(1.1)	(0.4)
Change in postretirement and pension plans	(1.6)	(0.1)	3.4	0.6
Other comprehensive income	0.4	4.1	21.3	5.4
Comprehensive income (loss)	41.7	(97.4)	(152.5)	(275.5)
Windstream Services, LLC
Net income (loss)	41.5	(101.2)	(172.7)	(279.9)
Interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gain on designated interest rate swaps	1.9	5.5	21.6	3.6
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps	0.7	1.3	2.4	4.2
Income tax expense	(0.6)	(2.6)	(6.1)	(3)
Change in interest rate swaps	2	4.2	17.9	4.8
Postretirement and pension plans:
Prior service credit arising during the period	0	0	(2.7)	0
Change in net actuarial gain for employee benefit plans	0	0	5.4	1.4
Amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:
Amortization of net actuarial loss	0.1	0	0.2	0.1
Amortization of prior service credits	(1.2)	(0.1)	(3.8)	(0.5)
Income tax expense	(0.5)	0	(1.1)	(0.4)
Change in postretirement and pension plans	(1.6)	(0.1)	3.4	0.6
Other comprehensive income	0.4	4.1	21.3	5.4
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 41.9	$ (97.1)	$ (151.4)	$ (274.5)

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONS_3

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37.3		$ 43.4	$ 56.5	$ 59.1
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $24.8 and $29.7, respectively)	649	$ 643	643
Inventories	87		93
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3	180.3	154.3
Total current assets	957.6		933.7
Goodwill	2,876.8		2,842.4
Other intangibles, net	1,300.3		1,454.4
Net property, plant and equipment	5,049.2		5,391.8
Deferred income taxes	418	358.8	370.8
Other assets	108.2	112.1	91.2
Total Assets	10,710.1		11,084.3
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	206		188.6
Accounts payable	483.4		494
Advance payments and customer deposits	195.2	206.8	207.3
Accrued taxes	93.5		89.5
Accrued interest	69.9		52.6
Other current liabilities	308.8	341.8	342.1
Total current liabilities	1,374.7		1,543.4
Long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Long-term lease obligations	4,486.5		4,643.3
Other liabilities	488.5	522.3	521.9
Total liabilities	12,071		12,383.2
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Additional paid-in capital	1,247.1		1,191.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income	44.4		21.4
Accumulated deficit	(2,652.4)	$ (2,476.9)	(2,512.2)
Total member deficit	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Member Deficit	10,710.1		11,084.3
Windstream Services, LLC
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	37.3		43.4	$ 56.5	$ 59.1
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $24.8 and $29.7, respectively)	649		643
Inventories	87		93
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3		154.3
Total current assets	957.6		933.7
Goodwill	2,876.8		2,842.4
Other intangibles, net	1,300.3		1,454.4
Net property, plant and equipment	5,049.2		5,391.8
Deferred income taxes	418		370.8
Other assets	108.2		91.2
Total Assets	10,710.1		11,084.3
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	206		188.6
Accounts payable	483.4		494
Advance payments and customer deposits	195.2		207.3
Accrued taxes	93.5		89.5
Accrued interest	69.9		52.6
Other current liabilities	308.8		342.1
Total current liabilities	1,374.7		1,543.4
Long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Long-term lease obligations	4,486.5		4,643.3
Other liabilities	488.5		521.9
Total liabilities	12,071		12,383.2
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Additional paid-in capital	1,241.2		1,187.1
Accumulated other comprehensive income	44.4		21.4
Accumulated deficit	(2,646.5)		(2,507.4)
Total member deficit	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Member Deficit	$ 10,710.1		$ 11,084.3

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONS_4

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 24.8	$ 29.7
Windstream Services, LLC
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 24.8	$ 29.7

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONS_5

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	1,136.3	1,066.3
Provision for doubtful accounts	26.3	33.5
Share-based compensation expense	25.5	45.2
Deferred income taxes	(67.6)	(145.3)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	2
Other, net	10.1	15.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
Accounts receivable	(25.9)	(8.9)
Prepaid income taxes	(4.1)	(5.6)
Prepaid expenses and other	4.6	(20.3)
Accounts payable	(12.7)	(31.2)
Accrued interest	17.6	25
Accrued taxes	(3.4)	3.6
Other current liabilities	(2.5)	(13.2)
Other liabilities	7.1	1.2
Other, net	9	(36.3)
Net cash provided from operating activities	756.2	646.6
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(603.2)	(724.2)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink	0	5
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Other, net	(7.6)	(9.4)
Net cash used in investing activities	(657.7)	(791.9)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(139.5)	(124.9)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(38.1)	(29.2)
Other, net	(2.3)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(104.6)	142.7
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6.1)	(2.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	43.4	59.1
End of period	37.3	56.5
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized	640.4	597.5
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	(15.1)	1.5
Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	(172.7)	(279.9)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	1,136.3	1,066.3
Provision for doubtful accounts	26.3	33.5
Share-based compensation expense	25.5	45.2
Deferred income taxes	(67.6)	(145.3)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	2
Other, net	10.1	15.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
Accounts receivable	(25.9)	(8.9)
Prepaid income taxes	(4.1)	(5.6)
Prepaid expenses and other	4.6	(20.3)
Accounts payable	(12.7)	(31.2)
Accrued interest	17.6	25
Accrued taxes	(3.4)	3.6
Other current liabilities	(2.4)	(14.2)
Other liabilities	7.1	1.2
Other, net	9	(36.3)
Net cash provided from operating activities	757.4	646.6
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(603.2)	(724.2)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink	0	5
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Other, net	(7.6)	(9.4)
Net cash used in investing activities	(657.7)	(791.9)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	(1.2)	(83.4)
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	12.2	9.6
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(139.5)	(124.9)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(38.1)	(29.2)
Other, net	(2.3)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(105.8)	142.7
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(6.1)	(2.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	43.4	59.1
End of period	37.3	56.5
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures:
Interest paid, net of interest capitalized	640.4	597.5
Income taxes (refunded) paid, net	(15.1)	1.5
Broadview [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Broadview [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	$ 0	$ (63.3)

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONS_6

WINDSTREAM SERVICES, LLC CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER EQUITY (UNAUDITED) Statement - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Deficit	Windstream Services, LLC	Windstream Services, LLCAdditional Paid-In Capital	Windstream Services, LLCAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Windstream Services, LLCAccumulated Deficit
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ (1,298.9)	$ 1,191.9	$ 21.4	$ (2,512.2)	$ (1,298.9)	$ 1,187.1	$ 21.4	$ (2,507.4)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(173.8)	0	0	(173.8)	(172.7)	0	0	(172.7)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in postretirement and pension plans	3.4	0	3.4	0	3.4	0	3.4	0
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps	1.8	0	1.8	0	1.8	0	1.8	0
Change in designated interest rate swaps	16.1	0	16.1	0	16.1	0	16.1	0
Comprehensive income (loss)	(152.5)	0	21.3	(173.8)	(151.4)	0	21.3	(172.7)
Share-based compensation	10.2	10.2	0	0	10.2	10.2	0	0
Stock issued under equity distribution agreement	12.2	12.2	0	0	12.2	12.2	0	0
Stock issued for pension contribution	5.8	5.8	0	0	5.8	5.8	0	0
Stock issued to employee savings plan	28.3	28.3	0	0	28.3	28.3	0	0
Taxes withheld on vested restricted stock and other	(1.3)	(1.3)	0	0	(1.3)	(1.3)	0	0
Distributions payable to Windstream Holdings, Inc.					(1.1)	(1.1)	0	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	(1,360.9)	1,247.1	44.4	(2,652.4)	(1,360.9)	1,241.2	44.4	(2,646.5)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]	35.3	0	0	35.3	35.3	0	0	35.3
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1.7	$ (1.7)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 1.7	$ (1.7)

Preparation of Interim Financia

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background, Basis of Presentation and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:	Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: In these consolidated financial statements, unless the context requires otherwise, the use of the terms “Windstream,” “we,” “us” or “our” shall refer to Windstream Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, LLC, and the term “Windstream Services” shall refer to Windstream Services, LLC and its subsidiaries. Organizational Structure – Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings”) is a publicly traded holding company incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 23, 2013, and the parent of Windstream Services, LLC (“Windstream Services”), a Delaware limited liability company organized on March 1, 2004. Windstream Holdings common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) under the ticker symbol “WIN”. Windstream Holdings owns a 100 percent interest in Windstream Services. Windstream Services and its guarantor subsidiaries are the sole obligors of all outstanding debt obligations and, as a result, also file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Windstream Holdings is not a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants included in any of Windstream Services’ debt agreements. The Windstream Holdings board of directors and officers oversee both companies. Description of Business – We are a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses across the U.S. We also offer broadband, entertainment and security solutions to consumers and small businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additionally, we supply core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Consumer service revenues are generated from the provisioning of high-speed Internet, voice and video services to consumers. Enterprise service revenues include revenues from integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services provided to enterprise, mid-market and small business customers. Wholesale revenues include revenues from other communications services providers for special access circuits and fiber connections, voice and data transport services, and revenues from the reselling of our services. Service revenues also include switched access revenues, federal and state Universal Service Fund (“USF”) revenues, amounts received from Connect America Fund (“CAF”) - Phase II, USF surcharges and revenues from providing other miscellaneous services. Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon SEC rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 , was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In our opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods presented including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018 . On May 23, 2018, we amended our certificate of incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common and preferred stock from 375.0 million to 75.0 million and from 33.3 million to 6.7 million , respectively, and enacted a one -for- five reverse stock split with respect to all of our outstanding shares of common stock which became effective on May 25, 2018. All per share data of Windstream Holdings presented herein has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the decrease in authorized shares and the reverse stock split, as appropriate. Windstream Holdings and its domestic subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, file a consolidated federal income tax return. As such, Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are not separate taxable entities for federal and certain state income tax purposes. In instances when Windstream Services does not file a separate return, income taxes as presented within the accompanying consolidated financial statements attribute current and deferred income taxes of Windstream Holdings to Windstream Services and its subsidiaries in a manner that is systematic, rational and consistent with the asset and liability method. Income tax provisions presented for Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are prepared under the “separate return method.” The separate return method represents a hypothetical computation assuming that the reported revenue and expenses of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries were incurred by separate taxable entities. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and such differences could be material. There are no significant differences between the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of Windstream Holdings and those of Windstream Services other than for certain expenses incurred directly by Windstream Holdings principally consisting of audit, legal and board of director fees, NASDAQ listing fees, other shareholder-related costs, income taxes, common stock activity, and payables from Windstream Services to Windstream Holdings. Earnings per share data has not been presented for Windstream Services because that entity has not issued publicly held common stock as defined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, the note disclosures included herein pertain to both Windstream Holdings and Windstream Services. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss). Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) as modified by subsequently issued ASU Nos. 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12 and 2016-20 (collectively “ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also provided new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts which were not complete as of January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective transition method, we recognized the cumulative effect of initial adoption as an adjustment to our opening accumulated deficit balance. Comparative information for prior periods has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Under the new revenue recognition guidance, a substantial portion of our service revenues continue to be recognized when services are provided. Changes to the timing of recognition of certain installation services, discounts and promotional credits given to customers under the new guidance resulted in the recognition of incremental contract assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet at the date of adoption. In addition, the new requirement to defer incremental contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, including sales commissions and installation costs, and recognize such costs over the period where control of goods and services are transferred resulted in the recognition of additional deferred contract costs in our consolidated balance sheet at the date of adoption. We evaluated the effect of the time value of money and determined it to be immaterial. The following table presents the cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017: (Millions) December 31, 2017 ASU 2014-09 Adjustments January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable $ 643.0 $ — $ 643.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.3 $ 26.0 $ 180.3 Other assets $ 91.2 $ 20.9 $ 112.1 Deferred income taxes $ 370.8 $ (12.0 ) $ 358.8 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 207.3 $ (0.5 ) $ 206.8 Other current liabilities $ 342.1 $ (0.3 ) $ 341.8 Other liabilities $ 521.9 $ 0.4 $ 522.3 Accumulated deficit $ (2,512.2 ) $ 35.3 $ (2,476.9 ) 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: The impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our 2018 consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheet are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 1,401.0 $ (0.9 ) $ 1,400.1 Product sales $ 20.5 $ — $ 20.5 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 699.9 $ 0.3 $ 700.2 Selling, general and administrative $ 227.0 $ (1.2 ) $ 225.8 Income tax benefit $ (2.2 ) $ — $ (2.2 ) Net income $ 41.3 $ — $ 41.3 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 4,259.9 $ 0.2 $ 4,260.1 Product sales $ 59.2 $ — $ 59.2 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 2,159.2 $ 0.7 $ 2,159.9 Selling, general and administrative $ 680.7 $ (1.6 ) $ 679.1 Income tax benefit $ (67.9 ) $ 0.3 $ (67.6 ) Net loss $ (174.6 ) $ 0.8 $ (173.8 ) September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Assets Accounts receivable $ 649.0 $ — $ 649.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.0 $ 30.3 $ 184.3 Other assets $ 90.8 $ 17.4 $ 108.2 Deferred income taxes $ 430.3 $ (12.3 ) $ 418.0 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 195.9 $ (0.7 ) $ 195.2 Other current liabilities $ 308.8 $ — $ 308.8 Other liabilities $ 488.5 $ — $ 488.5 Accumulated deficit $ (2,688.5 ) $ 36.1 $ (2,652.4 ) The new revenue recognition standard also requires additional disclosures related to performance obligations; contract asset and liability balances; deferred commissions and costs to fulfill; disaggregation of revenue and use of practical expedients in applying the new guidance. See Note 2 for these additional disclosures. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Statement of Cash Flows – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). This standard provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, including among others, debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. The standard also clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use of the underlying cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The effect of the retrospective adoption of this standard was to change previously reported amounts within the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 due to reclassifying $21.2 million of debt prepayment penalties and fees paid to lenders in conjunction with the early termination of long-term debt obligations from operating activities to financing activities. Other than this change in classification of debt prepayment penalties and fees, adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. The following table presents the effect of the changes made to our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 : (Millions) As Previously Reported Reclassification Adjustments As Revised Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations: Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ (20.2 ) $ 20.2 $ — Net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ — $ (2.0 ) $ (2.0 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Other, net $ (39.3 ) $ 3.0 $ (36.3 ) Net cash provided from operating activities $ 625.4 $ 21.2 $ 646.6 Cash Flows from Financing Activities : Repayments of debt and swaps $ (1,689.4 ) $ (21.2 ) $ (1,710.6 ) Net cash provided from financing activities $ 163.9 $ (21.2 ) $ 142.7 Definition of a Business – In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). The standard clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance an integrated set of activities must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output to be considered a business. ASU 2017-01 provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present and removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. Although outputs are not required for an integrated set of activities to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business; therefore, the new guidance provides more stringent criteria for an integrated sets of activities without outputs. Furthermore, ASU 2017-01 narrows the definition of the term output so that it is consistent with how outputs are described in Topic 606. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Following adoption, we expect fewer transactions will be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of businesses. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Presentation of Defined Benefit Retirement Costs – In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). This standard changes the income statement presentation of defined benefit plan expense by requiring separation between operating expense (service cost component) and non-operating expense (all other components, including interest cost, amortization of prior service cost, actuarial gains and losses, curtailments and settlements). The operating expense component will be reported in the same income statement line item(s) as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period while the non-operating components will be reported in other income and expense. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization as part of an asset such as inventory or property, plant and equipment. Retrospective application of the change in income statement presentation is required, while the change in capitalized benefit cost is to be applied prospectively. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The effect of the retrospective adoption of this standard was to change previously reported amounts within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, for operating income and other income, net, resulting in decreases in operating income from $43.0 million to $41.2 million and from $195.8 million to $187.8 million , respectively, with corresponding increases to other (expense) income, net from $(0.1) million to $1.7 million and $0.5 million to $8.5 million , respectively. There was no change to our reported net loss for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 . The impact of only capitalizing service cost on a prospective basis was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 . Hedging Activities – In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). This standard modifies hedge accounting to allow more hedging strategies to qualify for hedge accounting, amends presentation and disclosure requirements, and changes how entities assess effectiveness of their hedging transactions. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. As permitted, we early adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $(1.7) million , net of tax, to the opening balance of our accumulated deficit with an offsetting increase to accumulated comprehensive income. Comparative prior-period information has not been restated. See Note 6 for additional information regarding our hedging activities and derivative financial instruments. Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance Leases – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which will require that virtually all lease arrangements that do not meet the criteria of a short-term lease be presented on the lessee’s balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the related future lease payments. The income statement impacts of the leases will depend on the nature of the leasing arrangement and will be similar to existing accounting for operating and capital leases. The new standard does not substantially change the accounting for lessors. The new standard will also require additional disclosures regarding an entity’s leasing arrangements and will be effective for the first interim reporting period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). This amendment provides an optional transition method that permits an entity to initially apply the new guidance at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and not recast comparative periods. As a result, prior period financial statements and disclosures will continue to be presented in accordance with ASC 840. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2018-11, lessees and lessors would have been required to apply the new standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which they first apply the new guidance, using a modified retrospective transition method. In addition, ASU 2018-11 also includes a practical expedient for lessors to not separate the lease and nonlease components of a contract. The effective date for this amendment is the same as ASU 2016-02 discussed above. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, using the optional transition method available under ASU 2018-11. Our existing operating lease portfolio primarily consists of network, real estate and equipment leases. Upon adoption of this standard, we expect to record in our consolidated balance sheet a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all of our operating lease arrangements. We have established a cross-functional team to determine the scope of arrangements subject to this standard as well as to assess the impact to our systems, processes and internal controls that will be necessary to meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Financial Instruments - Credit Losses – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This standard introduces a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This new standard also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and the guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We intend to adopt this standard update in the first quarter of 2020. We are currently assessing the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement Disclosures - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This standard modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing the requirements to disclose: (i) amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; (ii) timing of recognizing transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy; and (iii) valuation processes used for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, the standard now requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of each reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity is permitted to early adopt all of the disclosure changes or early adopt only the removed disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date of this amendment. Except for changes to certain disclosures related to fair value measurements, we do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Disclosures - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (“ASU 2018-14”). This standard modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing the requirements to disclose: (i) amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year; (ii) amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer; and (iii) effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. Additionally, the standard now requires disclosure of an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Except for changes to certain disclosures related to our pension and postretirement plans, we do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Implementation Costs in Cloud Computing Arrangements - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). This standard requires entities that are customers in cloud computing arrangements to defer implementation costs if they would be capitalized by the entity in software licensing arrangements under the internal-use software guidance. The guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenues_ (Notes)

Revenues: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	Revenues: As previously discussed in Note 1, we adopted ASU 2014-09 effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. The majority of our revenue is derived from providing access to or usage of our networks and facilities we operate. Performance Obligations – A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and represents the unit of account in applying the new revenue recognition guidance. A contract’s transaction price, considering discounts given for bundled purchases and promotional credits, is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The majority of our contracts have multiple performance obligations. While many contracts include one or more performance obligations, the revenue recognition pattern is generally not impacted by the allocation since the performance obligations are generally satisfied over the same period of time. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate the contract’s transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation in the contract. The standalone selling price is the estimated price we would charge for the good or service in a separate transaction with similar customers in similar circumstances. Identifying distinct performance obligations and determining the standalone selling price for each performance obligation within a contract with multiple performance obligations requires management judgment. Our performance obligations are satisfied over time as services are rendered or at a point in time depending on our evaluation of when the customer obtains control of the promised goods. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs when services are rendered or control of our communication products is transferred. Service revenues are recognized over the period that the corresponding services are rendered to customers. Revenues that are billed in advance include monthly recurring network access and data services, special access and monthly recurring voice, Internet and other related charges. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including interconnection, long-distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Telecommunications network maintenance revenue from indefeasible rights to use fiber optic network facility arrangements (“IRUs”) are generally recognized over the term of the related contract. Sales of communications products including customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers. In determining whether installation is a separate performance obligation, we evaluate, among other factors, whether other performance obligations are highly dependent upon installation requiring significant integration or customization or whether a customer can benefit from the installation with other readily available resources. In circumstances where customers can benefit from the installation with other readily available resources, installation is a separate performance obligation. We recognize installation revenue when the installation is complete. In circumstances where other telecommunication service performance obligations are highly dependent upon installation, installation is not a separate purchase obligation, and accordingly, we include the installation fees in the transaction price allocated to and recognized with other telecommunication service performance obligations. Fees assessed to customers for service activation are considered a material right in a month-to-month contract. These service activation fees are deferred and recognized as service revenue on a straight-line basis over the estimated life of the customer. As a practical expedient, we group similar contracts or performance obligations together into portfolios of contracts or performance obligations for the following: service activations, installation services, certain promotional credits, commissions and other costs to fulfill a contract. Portfolios are recognized over the estimated life of the customer. Determining the estimated life of the customer requires management judgment. The estimated life of our customer relationships varies by business segment. Wholesale customer lives are estimated based on the average number of months each individual circuit was active. Enterprise and small business customer lives are based on average contract terms. Consumer lives are estimated based on average customer tenure. 2. Revenues, Continued: Our contracts include discounts and promotional credits given to customers. We include discounts and promotional credits in the transaction price. These estimates are based on historical experience and anticipated performance. In determining whether to include in revenues and expenses, the taxes and surcharges assessed and collected from customers and remitted to government authorities, including USF charges, sales, use, value added and excise taxes, we evaluate, among other factors, whether we are the primary obligor or principal tax payer for the fees and taxes assessed in each jurisdiction in which we operate. In those jurisdictions for which we are the primary obligor, we record the taxes and surcharges on a gross basis and include in revenues and costs of services and products. In jurisdictions in which we function as a collection agent for the government authority, we record the taxes on a net basis and exclude the amounts from our revenues and costs of services and products . We offer third-party video services to our customers. The third-party service provider retains control of the service and is the primary obligor. We record commissions received on a net basis. Accounts Receivable – Accounts receivable, principally consist of amounts billed and currently due from customers and are generally unsecured and due within 30 days. The amounts due are stated at their net estimated realizable value. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to provide for the estimated amount of receivables that will not be collected. The allowance is based upon an assessment of historical collection experience, age of outstanding receivables, current economic conditions and a specific customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is limited because a large number of geographically diverse customers make up our customer base. Due to varying customer monthly billing cycle cut-off, we must estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed at the end of each reporting period. Included in accounts receivable are unbilled revenues related to communication services and product sales of $24.8 million and $23.8 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Contract Balances – Contract assets include unbilled amounts resulting when revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer, and right to payment is not just subject to the passage of time. Contract assets principally consist of discounts and promotional credits given to customers. The current and noncurrent portion of contract assets is included in prepaid expenses and other and other assets, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Our contract liabilities consist of services billed in excess of revenue recognized. Our contract assets and liabilities are reported in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. The change in our contract liabilities is primarily related to customer activity associated with services billed in advance, the receipt of cash payments and the satisfaction of our performance obligations. We classify these amounts as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue. Contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers were as follows at: (Millions) September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Contract assets (a) $ 13.2 $ 13.1 Contract liabilities (b) $ (197.7 ) $ (209.3 ) Revenues recognized included in the opening contract liability balance $ 186.3 (a) Includes $8.7 million and $3.6 million in prepaid expense and other and $4.5 million and $9.5 million in other assets as of September 30, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively. (b) Includes $185.6 million and $198.3 million in advance payments and customer deposits and $12.1 million and $11.0 million in other liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively. 2. Revenues, Continued: Remaining Performance Obligations – Our remaining performance obligations represent services we are required to provide to customers under bundled or discounted arrangements, which are satisfied as services are provided over the contract term. Certain contracts provide customers the option to purchase additional services or usage based services. The fees related to the additional services or usage based services are recognized when the customer exercises the option, typically on a month-to-month basis. In determining the transaction price allocated, we do not include these non-recurring fees and estimates for usage, nor do we consider arrangements with an original expected duration of less than one year. Remaining performance obligations reflect recurring charges billed, adjusted for discounts and promotional credits and revenue adjustments. At September 30, 2018 , the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was approximately $3.4 billion for contracts with original expected durations of more than one year remaining. We expect to recognize approximately 11.3 percent , 39.7 percent and 28.8 percent of our remaining performance obligations as revenue during the remainder of 2018, 2019 and 2020, with the remaining balance thereafter. Revenue by Category – We disaggregate our revenue from contracts with customers by product type for each of our segments, as we believe it best depicts the nature, amount and timing of our revenue. Revenues recognized from contracts with customers by customer and product type for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Type of service: High-speed Internet bundles $ 239.2 $ — $ — $ 22.0 $ 261.2 Voice and long-distance 29.7 233.6 — — 263.3 Video and miscellaneous 11.1 — — — 11.1 Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous — — — 21.7 21.7 Data and integrated services — 380.7 — — 380.7 Small business services 75.0 — — — 75.0 Core wholesale (a) — — 136.7 — 136.7 Resale (b) — — 19.5 — 19.5 Wireless TDM (c) — — 2.3 — 2.3 Switched access 6.7 — 8.4 — 15.1 Miscellaneous — 39.8 — — 39.8 Service revenues from contracts with customers 361.7 654.1 166.9 43.7 1,226.4 Product sales 7.5 12.6 0.2 0.2 20.5 Total revenue from contracts with customers 369.2 666.7 167.1 43.9 1,246.9 Other service revenues (d) 97.2 62.4 14.0 0.1 173.7 Total revenues and sales $ 466.4 $ 729.1 $ 181.1 $ 44.0 $ 1,420.6 2. Revenues, Continued: Revenues recognized from contracts with customers by customer and product type for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Type of service: High-speed Internet bundles $ 725.2 $ — $ — $ 69.6 $ 794.8 Voice and long-distance 91.8 716.6 — — 808.4 Video and miscellaneous 33.8 — — — 33.8 Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous — — — 67.0 67.0 Data and integrated services — 1,156.8 — — 1,156.8 Small business services 229.0 — — — 229.0 Core wholesale (a) — — 415.3 — 415.3 Resale (b) — — 60.9 — 60.9 Wireless TDM (c) — — 7.4 — 7.4 Switched access 21.8 — 27.2 — 49.0 Miscellaneous — 117.5 — — 117.5 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,101.6 1,990.9 510.8 136.6 3,739.9 Product sales 19.6 38.8 0.4 0.4 59.2 Total revenue from contracts with customers 1,121.2 2,029.7 511.2 137.0 3,799.1 Other service revenues (d) 294.2 188.6 36.1 1.3 520.2 Total revenues and sales $ 1,415.4 $ 2,218.3 $ 547.3 $ 138.3 $ 4,319.3 (a) Core wholesale revenues primarily include revenues from providing special access circuits, fiber connections, data transport and wireless backhaul services. (b) Revenues represent voice and data services sold to other communications services providers on a resale basis. (c) Revenues represent Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”) private line transport services. (d) Other service revenues primarily include end user surcharges, CAF – Phase II funding, state USF and access recovery mechanism (“ARM”) support and lease revenue. Deferred Commissions and Other Costs to Fulfill a Contract – Our direct incremental costs of obtaining a contract, consisting of sales commissions and certain costs associated with activating services, including costs to develop customized solutions and provision services, are deferred and recognized as an operating expense using a portfolio approach over the estimated life of the customer, which ranges from 18 to 36 months. Determining the amount of costs to fulfill requires judgment. In determining costs to fulfill, consideration is given to periodic time studies, management estimates and statistics from internal information systems. Collectively, deferred commissions and other costs to fulfill a contract are referred to as deferred contract costs. We classify deferred contract costs as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize the expense. The current and noncurrent portions of deferred contract costs are included in prepaid expenses and other and other assets, respectively, in our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred contract costs totaled $45.6 million at September 30, 2018 , of which $30.8 million and $14.8 million was included in prepaid expenses and other and other assets, respectively. At January 1, 2018, deferred contract costs were $44.6 million , of which $30.3 million and $14.3 million was included in prepaid expenses and other and other assets, respectively. Amortization of deferred contract costs was $31.9 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 . There was no impairment loss recognized for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 , related to deferred contract cost.

Acquisitions_ (Notes)

Acquisitions: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions: Completed in 2018 American Telephone Company On August 31, 2018, Windstream Holdings completed its acquisition of American Telephone Company, LLC (“ATC”), a reseller of a broad range of voice and data communications services to businesses mainly headquartered in the greater New York metropolitan area, for cash consideration of approximately $10.0 million , net of cash acquired. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change based on receipt of information currently not available to us, including the tax basis of the assets acquired. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the tangible net assets acquired of $9.8 million was assigned to customer list of $7.0 million and goodwill of $2.8 million . All of the goodwill recorded in this acquisition will be deductible for income tax purposes. The results of ATC’s operations were not material to our consolidated results of operations, and accordingly, no pro forma financial information has been presented. MASS Communications On March 27, 2018, Windstream Holdings acquired MASS Communications (“MASS”), a privately held telecommunications network management company focused on providing custom engineered voice, data and networking solutions to small and mid-sized global enterprises in the financial, legal, healthcare, technology, education and government sectors for cash consideration of approximately $37.1 million , net of cash acquired, and included $2.5 million of expected earn-out payments which have been funded into an escrow account. The acquisition was accounted using the acquisition method and accordingly, the cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. In allocating the purchase price, we recorded approximately $1.3 million of tangible assets, consisting primarily of accounts receivable, $10.0 million associated with a customer list intangible asset, $4.0 million of trade accounts payable and other current liabilities, $2.5 million of deferred income tax liabilities, and $32.3 million of goodwill. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change based on receipt of information currently not available to us, including the tax basis of the assets acquired. Any changes to the initial estimates of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed will be recorded as adjustments to those asset and liabilities with the offset charged to goodwill. Goodwill associated with this acquisition was primarily attributable to the MASS workforce and expected synergies. None of the goodwill recorded in this acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The results of MASS’ operations were not material to our consolidated results of operations, and accordingly, no pro forma financial information has been presented. Completed in 2017 Broadview Network Holdings, Inc. On July 28, 2017, Windstream Holdings completed its merger with Broadview Networks Holdings, Inc. (“Broadview”), pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Broadview Merger Agreement”) dated April 12, 2017, whereby Broadview merged into Beethoven Merger Subsidiary, Inc., with Broadview surviving as an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, and changing its name to Windstream BV Holdings, Inc. Broadview is a leading provider of cloud-based unified communications solutions to small and medium-sized businesses and offers a broad suite of cloud-based services, which will improve our competitiveness and ability to provide enhanced services to business customers. Upon completion of the merger, Windstream added approximately 20,000 small and medium-sized business customers and approximately 3,000 incremental route fiber miles. Pursuant to the terms of the Broadview Merger Agreement, each share of Broadview’s common stock, par value $.01 per share that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger was automatically converted into the right to receive cash consideration of $6.98 per share. In completing the merger, Windstream Services paid $69.8 million in cash to Broadview shareholders and assumed $160.2 million of Broadview’s short-term debt obligations, which Windstream Services subsequently repaid using amounts available under its senior secured revolving credit facility. The transaction is valued at approximately $230.0 million . 3. Acquisitions, Continued: We accounted for the merger using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, the cost of the acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values as of the merger date. During 2018, we finalized our preliminary purchase price allocation for changes in the estimated fair value of certain acquired assets, resulting from new information about facts and circumstances that existed at the time of acquisition. The adjustments primarily consisted of an increase of $4.2 million in property, plant and equipment, reflecting updates to replacement cost information applicable to the valuation of these assets. The impact of this change on depreciation expense was not material to our consolidated results of operations. We also adjusted deferred income tax assets based on receipt of the final tax basis of assets acquired and adjusted certain state gross receipts and sales tax liabilities based on additional information received subsequent to the acquisition date, resulting in increases in deferred income tax assets of $1.4 million and other current liabilities of $4.7 million . The adjustments to the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in an offsetting decrease to goodwill of $0.7 million . Goodwill associated with this acquisition was primarily attributable to the Broadview workforce and expected synergies. As a result of past acquisitions completed by Broadview, approximately $10.8 million of goodwill recorded in the merger is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Broadview. (Millions) Allocation as of December 31, 2017 Adjustments Final Allocation Fair value of assets acquired: Accounts receivable $ 17.4 $ 0.2 $ 17.6 Other current assets 7.1 (0.3 ) 6.8 Property, plant and equipment 37.1 4.2 41.3 Goodwill 121.3 (0.7 ) 120.6 Customer lists (a) 45.0 — 45.0 Trade names (b) 21.0 — 21.0 Developed technology (c) 10.0 — 10.0 Deferred income taxes 9.7 1.4 11.1 Other assets 2.6 (0.1 ) 2.5 Total assets acquired 271.2 4.7 275.9 Fair value of liabilities assumed: Short-term debt obligations 160.2 — 160.2 Other current liabilities 46.9 4.7 51.6 Other liabilities 0.8 — 0.8 Total liabilities assumed 207.9 4.7 212.6 Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 63.3 $ — $ 63.3 (a) Customer lists are amortized using the sum-of-years digits methodology over a weighted average life of 10 years . (b) Trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 1 and 10 years . (c) Internally developed technology is amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 5 years . The fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined utilizing income, cost and market approaches with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm. The customer list was valued based on the present value of future cash flows and the trade names and developed technology were valued using the relief-from-royalty method, both of which are income approaches. Significant assumptions utilized in these income approaches were based on our specific information and projections, which are not observable in the market and are thus considered Level 3 measurements as defined by authoritative guidance. The cost approach, which estimates value by determining the current cost of replacing an asset with another of equivalent economic utility, was used as appropriate for valuing property, plant and equipment. The cost to replace a given asset reflects the estimated reproduction or replacement cost for the asset, less an allowance for loss in value due to depreciation. The fair value of Broadview’s short-term debt obligations, consisting of a revolving credit facility and 10.5 percent senior notes due November 15, 2017 (“Broadview 2017 Notes”), were based on redemption cost and quoted market prices, respectively. 3. Acquisitions, Continued: The results of Broadview’s operations are included in our consolidated results of operations beginning on July 28, 2017. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, our consolidated results of operations include revenues and sales of $49.2 million and operating income of $2.5 million attributable to Broadview. We incurred $0.5 million and $3.9 million of merger and integration expenses during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $7.9 million for the same periods in 2017 related to the completion of this acquisition (see Note 10). Pro forma financial information for Broadview has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to our consolidated results of operations. EarthLink Holdings Corp. On February 27, 2017, Windstream Holdings completed its merger with EarthLink Holdings Corp. (“EarthLink”), pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated November 5, 2016, whereby EarthLink merged into Europa Merger Sub, Inc., an wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Services, LLC, and survived, and immediately following, merged with Europa Merger Sub, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Services, LLC, with Merger Sub surviving and changing its name to EarthLink Holdings, LLC (the “Merger”). EarthLink Holdings, LLC is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Services and provides data, voice and managed network services to retail and wholesale business customers and nationwide Internet access and related value-added services to residential customers. In the Merger, we added approximately 700,000 customers and approximately 16,000 incremental route fiber miles, which expanded our national footprint to approximately 150,000 fiber route miles and enhanced our ability to offer customers expanded products, services and enhanced enterprise solutions. We also expect to achieve operating expense and capital expenditure synergies in integrating the acquired operations. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, each share of EarthLink common stock was exchanged, on a post-reverse stock split basis, for .1636 of Windstream Holdings common stock. No fractional shares were issued in the Merger, with a cash payment being made in lieu of fractional shares. Employee restricted stock units issued by EarthLink that were outstanding as of the merger date were exchanged for an equivalent number of Windstream Holdings restricted stock units based on the same exchange ratio of EarthLink common stock to Windstream Holdings common stock. The replacement restricted stock units remain subject to the vesting and other terms and conditions prescribed by the EarthLink equity plans that were assumed by us in the Merger. In the aggregate, on a post-reverse stock split basis,Windstream Holdings issued 17.6 million shares of its common stock and 1.0 million of replacement equity awards. Windstream also assumed $435.3 million aggregate principal amount of EarthLink’s long-term debt, which we refinanced, as further discussed in Note 5. The Merger qualifies as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is valued at approximately $1.1 billion . The results of EarthLink’s operations are included in our consolidated results of operations beginning on February 27, 2017. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, our consolidated results of operations include revenues and sales of $222.6 million and $529.7 million and operating income of $6.0 million and $10.0 million attributable to EarthLink. We incurred $2.0 million and $13.0 million of merger and integration expenses during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $23.6 million and $90.1 million for the same period in 2017 related to the completion of the Merger (see Note 10). The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of Windstream for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 assume that the Merger occurred as of January 1, 2016: (Millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Revenues and sales $ 1,497.7 $ 4,504.5 Operating income $ 41.2 $ 212.5 Net loss $ (104.9 ) $ (267.9 ) Loss per share ($2.87 ) ($7.28 ) The pro forma information presents our historical results of operations adjusted to include EarthLink, with the results prior to the merger closing date adjusted to include the pro forma effect of the elimination of transactions between Windstream and EarthLink, the adjustment to revenues and sales to change EarthLink’s reporting of USF fees billed to customers and the related payments from a net basis to a gross basis to conform to Windstream’s reporting of such customer billings, the adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense associated with the estimated acquired fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, the adjustment to interest expense to reflect the refinancing of EarthLink’s long-term debt obligations, the impact of merger expenses related to the acquisition and the related income tax effects of the pro forma adjustments. 3. Acquisitions, Continued: The pro forma results are presented for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect either the realization of potential cost savings or any additional integration costs. These pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the Merger had occurred as of the date indicated, nor do the pro forma results intend to be a projection of results that may be obtained in the future.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired through various business combinations. The cost of acquired entities at the date of the acquisition is allocated to identifiable assets and liabilities, and the excess of the total purchase price over the amounts assigned to net identifiable assets has been recorded as goodwill. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: (Millions) Balance at December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 4,683.2 Accumulated impairment loss (1,840.8 ) Balance at December 31, 2017, net 2,842.4 Changes during the period: Broadview measurement period adjustments (0.7 ) MASS acquisition 32.3 ATC acquisition 2.8 Balance at September 30, 2018: Goodwill 4,717.6 Accumulated impairment loss (1,840.8 ) Balance at September 30, 2018, net $ 2,876.8 Goodwill assigned to our operating segments and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Balance at December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 2,321.2 $ 961.8 $ 1,297.1 $ 103.1 $ 4,683.2 Accumulated impairment loss (1,417.8 ) — (423.0 ) — (1,840.8 ) Balance at December 31, 2017, net 903.4 961.8 874.1 103.1 2,842.4 Changes during the period: Broadview measurement period adjustments — (0.7 ) — — (0.7 ) MASS acquisition — 32.3 — — 32.3 ATC acquisition — 2.8 — — 2.8 Balance at September 30, 2018: Goodwill 2,321.2 996.2 1,297.1 103.1 4,717.6 Accumulated impairment loss (1,417.8 ) — (423.0 ) — (1,840.8 ) Balance at September 30, 2018, net $ 903.4 $ 996.2 $ 874.1 $ 103.1 $ 2,876.8 4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Continued: Intangible assets were as follows at: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Millions) Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Franchise rights $ 1,285.1 $ (403.9 ) $ 881.2 $ 1,285.1 $ (371.8 ) $ 913.3 Customer lists 2,121.6 (1,752.7 ) 368.9 2,104.6 (1,626.6 ) 478.0 Cable franchise rights 17.3 (10.0 ) 7.3 17.3 (9.1 ) 8.2 Trade names 29.0 (5.2 ) 23.8 29.0 (2.2 ) 26.8 Developed technology and software 33.0 (14.4 ) 18.6 33.0 (7.1 ) 25.9 Patents 10.6 (10.1 ) 0.5 10.6 (8.4 ) 2.2 Balance $ 3,496.6 $ (2,196.3 ) $ 1,300.3 $ 3,479.6 $ (2,025.2 ) $ 1,454.4 Intangible asset amortization methodology and useful lives were as follows as of September 30, 2018 : Intangible Assets Amortization Methodology Estimated Useful Life Franchise rights straight-line 30 years Customer lists sum of years digits 5.5 - 15 years Cable franchise rights straight-line 15 years Trade names straight-line 1-10 years Developed technology and software straight-line 3-5 years Patents straight-line 3 years Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $56.1 million and $171.2 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $64.8 million and $177.5 million for the same periods in 2017 . Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was estimated to be as follows for each of the five years ended December 31: Year (Millions) 2018 $ 225.8 2019 $ 183.6 2020 $ 142.2 2021 $ 106.3 2022 $ 74.1

Long-term Debt_ Long-term Debt_

Long-term Debt: Long-term Debt: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Long-term Debt: Windstream Holdings has no debt obligations. All debt, including the senior secured credit facility described below, have been incurred by Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Windstream Holdings is neither a guarantor of nor subject to the restrictive covenants imposed by such debt. Long-term debt was as follows at: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Issued by Windstream Services: Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B6 – variable rates, due March 29, 2021 (a) $ 1,183.6 $ 1,192.6 Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7 – variable rates, due February 17, 2024 569.8 574.2 Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit – variable rates, due April 24, 2020 1,030.0 775.0 Senior First Lien Notes – 8.625%, due October 31, 2025 (b) (e) 600.0 600.0 Senior Second Lien Notes – 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e) 414.9 — Senior Second Lien Notes – 9.000%, due June 30, 2025 (c) (e) 802.0 — Debentures and notes, without collateral: 2020 Notes – 7.750%, due October 15, 2020 (e) 78.1 492.9 2021 Notes – 7.750%, due October 1, 2021 (e) 70.1 88.9 2022 Notes – 7.500%, due June 1, 2022 (e) 36.2 41.6 2023 Notes – 7.500%, due April 1, 2023 (e) 34.3 120.4 2023 Notes – 6.375%, due August 1, 2023 (e) 806.9 1,147.6 2024 Notes – 8.750%, due December 15, 2024 (e) 105.8 834.3 Issued by subsidiaries of Windstream Services: Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. – 6.75%, due April 1, 2028 (d) (e) 100.0 100.0 Net discount on long-term debt (f) (31.7 ) (61.6 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs (f) (60.8 ) (62.0 ) 5,739.2 5,843.9 Less current maturities (17.9 ) (169.3 ) Total long-term debt $ 5,721.3 $ 5,674.6 (a) If the maturity of the revolving line of credit is not extended prior to April 24, 2020, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be April 24, 2020; provided further, if the 2020 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced prior to July 15, 2020 with indebtedness having a maturity date no earlier than March 29, 2021, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be July 15, 2020. (b) The notes are guaranteed by each of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantees debt under Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. The notes and the guarantees are secured by a first priority lien on Windstream Services’ and the guarantors’ assets that secure the obligations under the senior secured credit facility. (c) The notes are guaranteed by each of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantees debt under Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. The notes and the guarantees are secured by a second priority lien on Windstream Services’ and the guarantors’ assets that secure the obligations under the senior secured credit facility. (d) These bonds are secured equally with the senior secured credit facility with respect to the assets of Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. (e) Windstream Services may call the remaining aggregate principal amounts of these debentures and notes at various premiums upon early redemption. (f) The net discount balance and unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized using the interest method over the life of the related debt instrument. 5. Long-term Debt, Continued: Senior Secured Credit Facility - The amended credit facility provides that Windstream Services may seek to obtain incremental revolving or term loans in an unlimited amount subject to maintaining a maximum secured leverage ratio and other customary conditions, including obtaining commitments and pro forma compliance with financial maintenance covenants consisting of a maximum debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio. In addition, Windstream Services may request extensions of the maturity date under any of its existing revolving or term loan facilities. On February 17, 2017, Windstream Services issued an aggregate principal amount of $580.0 million in borrowings under Tranche B7 of its senior secured credit facility, the proceeds of which were used to pay down amounts outstanding under Tranche B5, including accrued interest, and to pay related fees and expenses. The incremental Tranche B7 term loan matures on February 17, 2024 and was issued at a price of 99.5 percent of the principal amount of the loan. Interest rates applicable to the Tranche B7 term loan are, at Windstream Services’ option, equal to either a base rate plus a margin of 2.25 percent per annum or LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25 percent per annum. LIBOR for the Tranche B7 term loan shall at no time be less than 0.75 percent . The Tranche B7 term loan is subject to quarterly amortization payments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25 percent of the initial principal amount of such term loans, with the remaining balance payable at maturity. At the time of repayment, unamortized debt issuance and discount related to Tranche B5 totaled $6.3 million , of which $1.2 million were included in the loss on debt extinguishment, while the remaining $5.1 million continue to be deferred and amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of Tranche B7 in accordance with debt modification accounting. On the date of closing of the merger with EarthLink, Windstream Services amended its existing senior secured credit agreement to provide for the issuance of an aggregate principal amount of $450.0 million in incremental borrowings under Tranche B6, the proceeds of which were used to repay amounts outstanding under EarthLink’s credit facility and to redeem EarthLink’s outstanding 8.875 percent Senior Notes due 2019 (“EarthLink 2019 Notes”) and 7.375 percent Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (“EarthLink 2020 Notes”). The incremental loans were issued at a price of 99.0 percent of the principal amount of the loan. The incremental loans are repayable at any time. Revolving line of credit - Under the amended senior secured credit facility, Windstream Services may obtain revolving loans and may issue up to $50.0 million of letters of credit, which upon issuance reduce the amount available for other extensions of credit. Accordingly, the total amount outstanding under the letters of credit and the indebtedness incurred under the revolving line of credit may not exceed $1,250.0 million . Borrowings under the revolving line of credit may be used for permitted acquisitions, working capital and other general corporate purposes of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Windstream Services will pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the commitments under the revolving credit facility that will range from 0.40 percent to 0.50 percent per annum, depending on the debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. Revolving loans made under the credit facility are not subject to interim amortization and such loans are not required to be repaid prior to April 24, 2020, other than to the extent the outstanding borrowings exceed the aggregate commitments under the revolving credit facility. Interest rates applicable to loans under the revolving line of credit are, at Windstream Services’ option, equal to either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25 percent to 1.00 percent per annum or LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25 percent to 2.00 percent per annum, based on the debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries. During the first nine months of 2018 , Windstream Services borrowed $627.0 million under the revolving line of credit in its senior secured credit facility and retired $372.0 million of these borrowings through September 30, 2018 . Borrowings under the revolving line of credit include $150.0 million for the one-time mandatory redemption payment applicable to the 2024 Notes paid on February 26, 2018. Considering letters of credit of $23.4 million , the amount available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit was $196.6 million at September 30, 2018 . During the first nine months of 2018 , the variable interest rate on the revolving line of credit ranged from 3.40 percent to 6.25 percent , and the weighted average rate on amounts outstanding was 3.90 percent during the period. Comparatively, the variable interest rate ranged from 2.65 percent to 5.25 percent during the first nine months of 2017 , with a weighted average rate on amounts outstanding during the period of 3.09 percent . 5. Long-term Debt, Continued: Consent Solicitation and Amendments to 2025 Notes and Senior Secured Credit Facility - During the second quarter of 2018, Windstream Services and Windstream Finance Corp. (together the “issuers”) received the requisite consents to amend the indenture governing the 8.625 percent senior first lien notes due October 31, 2025 (“2025 Notes”). Holders of the 2025 Notes who validly delivered (and did not validly revoke) consents to the amendments to the indenture received a one-time consent payment equal to $2.50 per $1,000 principal amount of 2025 Notes provided that such consent was received prior to the expiration of the consent solicitation on June 6, 2018. The consent solicitation (i) permitted the issuers and guarantors under the indenture to issue or incur indebtedness on a junior lien basis and (ii) authorized the collateral agent under the indenture to enter into a junior lien intercreditor agreement upon the issuance or incurrence of junior lien secured indebtedness by the issuers and the guarantors under the indenture. In conjunction with receiving the requisite consents, the amendments to the indenture became effective and operative. All holders of the 2025 Notes are bound by the terms thereof, even if they did not deliver consents to the amendments. Except for the amendments, all existing terms of the 2025 Notes and the Indenture remain unchanged. Concurrent with the consent solicitation, Windstream Services also sought and obtained an amendment to its senior secured credit facility to, among other things, (i) permit the issuance or incurrence of second-priority lien secured indebtedness, (ii) allow Windstream Services to use the proceeds from the issuance or incurrence of such second-priority lien secured indebtedness and other secured indebtedness to repay certain of its outstanding secured and unsecured indebtedness, (iii) permit the execution of a first-lien/second-lien intercreditor agreement, (iv) allow for the incurrence of first-priority lien secured indebtedness if the proceeds of such indebtedness are used to prepay or repay revolving loans or term loans under the senior secured credit facility (and, for revolving loans, permanently reduce the commitments), even if Windstream Services does not meet the typical test of having a pro forma first lien leverage ratio of not more than 2.25 to 1.0, and (v) limit the ability of Windstream Services to declare and pay dividends in some respects. In completing the consent solicitation and amendments, Windstream Services incurred $11.5 million in fees, consisting of $8.8 million in consent fees payable to lenders and $2.7 million in arrangement, legal and other third-party fees. In accordance with debt modification accounting, the $2.7 million in arrangement, legal and other third-party fees were expensed as additional interest expense and the $8.8 million in consent fees were capitalized as debt issuance costs and amortized over the respective terms of the 2025 Notes and senior secured credit facility. New Debt Issuances and Debt Exchanges Completed in 2018 On August 2, 2018, Windstream Services completed the settlement of exchange offers, which expired on July 31, 2018, for (1) its 7.75 percent senior notes due October 15, 2020 (“2020 Notes”) for new 10.500 percent senior second lien notes due June 30, 2024 (the “New 2024 Notes”) and (2) its 7.75 percent senior notes due October 1, 2021 (“2021 Notes”), 7.50 percent senior notes due June 1, 2022 (“2022 Notes”), 7.50 percent senior notes due April 1, 2023 (“2023 Notes”), 6.375 percent senior notes due August 1, 2023 (“August 2023 Notes”) and 8.75 percent senior notes due December 15, 2024 (“2024 Notes”) for new 9.00 percent senior second lien notes due June 30, 2025 (the “New 2025 Notes”) as follows: • accepted for exchange $414.9 million aggregate principal amount of 2020 Notes in exchange for $414.9 million aggregate principal amount of New 2024 Notes. • accepted for exchange $18.8 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes, $5.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes, $86.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2023 Notes, $340.7 million aggregate principal amount of August 2023 Notes, and $578.6 million aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes, in exchange for $802.0 million aggregate principal amount of New 2025 Notes. The New 2024 Notes and New 2025 Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws. As such, these notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. 5. Long-term Debt, Continued: In completing the exchange transactions, Windstream Services incurred $18.4 million in arrangement, legal and other third-party fees. The exchanges of the 2020 and 2021 Notes were accounted for as a debt modification, and the remaining exchanges of 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, August 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes were accounted for as a debt extinguishment. For the exchanges accounted for under the extinguishment method of accounting, Windstream Services recognized a net gain of $190.3 million , consisting of the net principal reduction of $226.0 million reduced by the write-off of a portion of the unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to the original notes of $35.7 million . Of the total legal and other third-party fees incurred, $6.5 million were expensed as additional interest expense under debt modification accounting while the remaining $11.9 million of fees were capitalized and amortized over the terms of the new notes in accordance with the extinguishment method of accounting. Debentures and Notes Repaid in 2017 Pursuant to a debt repurchase program authorized by Windstream Services’ board of directors, during the third quarter of 2017, Windstream Services repurchased in the open market $49.1 million aggregate principal amount of its 2020 Notes at a repurchase price of $45.3 million , including accrued and unpaid interest. At the time of repurchase, there was $0.3 million in unamortized net premium and debt issuance costs related to the repurchased notes. The repurchases were funded utilizing available borrowings under the amended revolving line of credit. Net Gain on Early Extinguishment of Debt The net gain on early extinguishment of debt was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Broadview 2017 Notes: Unamortized premium recorded in the acquisition $ — $ 0.2 $ — $ 0.2 Gain on early extinguishment — 0.2 — 0.2 EarthLink 2019 and 2020 Notes: Premium on early redemption — — — (18.3 ) Unamortized premium recorded in the Merger — — — 16.3 Loss on early extinguishment — — — (2.0 ) Senior secured credit facility: Unamortized discount on original issuance — — — (0.3 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance — — — (0.9 ) Loss on early extinguishment — — — (1.2 ) 2020 Notes: Discount on repurchases — 5.3 — 5.3 Unamortized premium on original issuance — 0.1 — 0.1 Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance — (0.4 ) — (0.4 ) Gain on early extinguishment — 5.0 — 5.0 Exchanges of 2021, 2022, 2023, August 2023 and 2024 Notes: Discount on early redemption 226.0 — 226.0 — Unamortized discount on original issuance (22.9 ) — (22.9 ) — Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance (12.8 ) — (12.8 ) — Gain on early extinguishment 190.3 — 190.3 — Net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ 190.3 $ 5.2 $ 190.3 $ 2.0 5. Long-term Debt, Continued: Maturities of Long-Term Debt Maturities for long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2018 , excluding $31.7 million of unamortized net discount and $60.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, were as follows: Twelve-month period ended: (Millions) September 30, 2019 $ 17.9 September 30, 2020 1,047.9 September 30, 2021 1,243.3 September 30, 2022 112.1 September 30, 2023 847.1 Thereafter 2,563.4 Total $ 5,831.7 Interest Expense Interest expense was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest expense - long-term debt $ 112.5 $ 92.3 $ 320.1 $ 266.6 Interest expense - long-term lease obligations: Telecommunications network assets 116.2 120.7 352.1 365.2 Real estate contributed to pension plan 1.5 1.5 4.6 4.6 Impact of interest rate swaps (1.3 ) 2.2 (1.3 ) 8.2 Interest on capital leases and other 1.9 1.2 4.4 3.6 Less capitalized interest expense (0.8 ) (1.5 ) (2.4 ) (5.6 ) Total interest expense $ 230.0 $ 216.4 $ 677.5 $ 642.6 Debt Compliance The terms of Windstream Services’ credit facility and indentures include customary covenants that, among other things, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and restrict Windstream Services’ ability to incur additional indebtedness. These financial ratios include a maximum leverage ratio of 4.5 to 1.0 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 2.75 to 1.0 . In addition, the covenants include restrictions on dividend and certain other types of payments, including restricted payments to Windstream Holdings by Windstream Services. As of September 30, 2018 , Windstream Services was in compliance with all of these covenants. In addition, certain of Windstream Services’ debt agreements contain various covenants and restrictions specific to the subsidiary that is the legal counterparty to the agreement. The 2024 Notes include certain provisions that prohibit Windstream Services’ ability to issue restricted payments to Windstream Holdings, if its consolidated leverage ratio, as defined in the 2024 Notes, exceeds 3.50 to 1.0, except for purposes of allowing restricted payments to Windstream Holdings for the purposes of making rent payments under the master lease with Uniti and to pay certain administrative expenses. Under Windstream Services’ long-term debt agreements, acceleration of principal payments would occur upon payment default, violation of debt covenants not cured within 30 days, a change in control including a person or group obtaining 50 percent or more ownership interest in Windstream Services subject to meeting additional conditions, or breach of certain other conditions set forth in the borrowing agreements. Windstream Services and its subsidiaries were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2018 . 5. Long-term Debt, Continued: As further discussed in Note 15, on September 22, 2017, Windstream Services received a purported notice of default dated September 21, 2017 (the “Original Notice”) from a noteholder that claims to hold greater than 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the 6.375 percent 2023 Notes issued under the indenture dated January 23, 2013 (as amended and supplemented, the “2013 Indenture”), between Windstream Services, as issuer, Windstream Finance Corp., as co-issuer, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”). The Original Notice alleged that the transfer of certain assets and the subsequent lease of those assets in connection with the spin-off of Uniti in April 2015 constituted a “sale and leaseback transaction” (as defined in the 2013 Indenture) which did not comply with the Sale and Leaseback covenant under the 2013 Indenture. The Original Notice further alleged that Windstream Services violated the restricted payment covenant under the 2013 Indenture by not delivering an officers’ certificate as required by the 2013 Indenture and that it made a restricted payment in reliance on the restricted payment builder basket during the pendency of an alleged default which is prohibited by the 2013 Indenture. On November 6, 2017, Windstream Services completed an exchange of certain of its existing senior notes for additional August 2023 Notes and received consents from holders representing a majority of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the August 2023 Notes to certain waivers and amendments relating to the defaults alleged in the Original Notice (the “Exchange and Consent Transactions”). On November 6, 2017, Windstream Services, the co-issuer, the guarantors party thereto and the Trustee executed a supplemental indenture to the 2013 Indenture giving effect to such waivers and amendments. Additionally during the fourth quarter of 2017, Windstream Services completed consent solicitations with respect to its 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes and the existing August 2023 Notes (collectively “the Windstream Services Notes”), pursuant to which noteholders agreed to waive alleged defaults with respect to the transactions related to the spin-off of Uniti and amend the indentures governing the Windstream Services Notes to give effect to such waivers and amendments. Windstream Services received such consents from the holders representing a majority of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Windstream Services Notes. Windstream Services, the trustee under the indentures governing the Windstream Services Notes and the other parties to such indentures executed supplemental indentures giving effect to the waivers and amendments pursuant to the consent solicitation. The waivers and amendments are now effective and operative and, as such, are binding on all holders of the Windstream Services Notes. Consent delivered pursuant to the consent solicitations may not be revoked. As a result of the debt exchanges and the consent transactions, Windstream Services has been, and remains, in compliance with all of the covenants under the 2013 Indenture.

Derivatives_

Derivatives:	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Derivatives: Windstream Services enters into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in its variable rate senior secured credit facility. Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance for recognition, measurement and disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities, including when a derivative or other financial instrument can be designated as a hedge. This guidance requires recognition of all derivative instruments at fair value, and accounting for the changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative has been designated as, qualifies as and is effective as a hedge. Windstream Services does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes and currently does not have any derivatives that are not designated as hedges. For our derivatives which have been designated and qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on Windstream Services’ variable-rate debt. 6. Derivatives, Continued: Windstream Services is party to six pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swap agreements. Windstream Services has designated each of the six swaps as cash flow hedges of the interest rate risk inherent in borrowings outstanding under its senior secured credit facility due to changes in the LIBOR benchmark interest rate. The variable rate received on the six swaps is based on one-month LIBOR and resets on the seventeenth day of each month. All of the interest rate swap agreements mature on October 17, 2021. Three of the interest rate swaps are off-market swaps, meaning they contain an embedded financing element, which the swap counterparties recover through an incremental charge in the fixed rate over what would be charged for an at-market swap. As such, a portion of the cash payment on the swaps represents the rate that Windstream Services would pay on a hypothetical at-market interest rate swap and is recognized in interest expense. The remaining portion represents the repayment of the embedded financing element and reduces the initial swap liability. These three swaps have a total notional value of $675.0 million and the average fixed interest rate paid is 2.984 percent . The fourth interest rate swap agreement has a notional value of $200.0 million and the fixed interest rate paid is 1.1275 percent . The remaining two interest rate swap agreements have a total notional value of $500.0 million and the fixed interest rate paid is 1.8812 percent . All of the swaps are hedging probable variable cash flows which extend up to one year beyond the maturity of certain components of Windstream Services’ variable rate debt. Consistent with past practice, Windstream Services expects to extend or otherwise replace these components of its debt with variable rate debt. As a result of previous refinancing transactions, Windstream Services de-designated certain interest rate swaps and froze the accumulated net gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income related to those swaps. The frozen balance is amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense over the remaining life of the original swaps. All derivative instruments are recognized at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as either assets or liabilities, depending on the rights or obligations under the related contracts. Set forth below is information related to interest rate swap agreements: (Millions, except for percentages) September 30, December 31, Designated portion, measured at fair value: Other current assets $ 6.3 $ 1.2 Other assets $ 20.0 $ 10.6 Other current liabilities $ 2.4 $ 7.8 Other non-current liabilities $ 1.2 $ 10.5 Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 57.6 $ 33.7 De-designated portion, unamortized value: Accumulated other comprehensive income $ (3.0 ) $ (5.4 ) Weighted average fixed rate paid 0.15 % 0.82 % Variable rate received 2.16 % 1.49 % Prior to the adoption of ASU 2017-12, effective as of January 1, 2018, derivatives were assessed for effectiveness each quarter and any ineffectiveness was recognized in other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations. There was $(0.1) million and $(0.2) million of ineffectiveness recognized on the cash flow hedges in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. All or a portion of the change in fair value of Windstream Services’ interest rate swap agreements recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income may be recognized in earnings in certain situations. If Windstream Services extinguishes all of its variable rate debt, or a portion of its variable rate debt such that the variable rate interest received on the swaps exceeds the variable rate interest paid on its debt, all or a portion of the change in fair value of the swaps may be recognized in earnings. In addition, the change in fair value of the swaps may be recognized in earnings if Windstream Services determines it is no longer probable that it will have future variable rate cash flows to hedge against or if a swap agreement is terminated prior to maturity. Windstream Services has assessed the counterparty risk and determined that no substantial risk of default exists as of September 30, 2018 . Each counterparty is a bank with a current credit rating at or above A , as determined by Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Fitch Ratings. 6. Derivatives, Continued: Windstream Services expects to recognize net gains of $10.2 million , net of taxes, in interest expense in the next twelve months related to the unamortized value of the de-designated portion of interest rate swap agreements and the interest settlements for its six interest swap agreements at September 30, 2018 . Payments on the swaps are presented in the financing activities section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows due to the embedded financing element discussed above. Changes in derivative instruments were as follows for the nine-month periods ended September 30: (Millions) 2018 2017 Changes in fair value, net of tax (a) $ 16.1 $ 2.2 Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps, net of tax (a) $ 1.8 $ 2.6 (a) Included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and will be reclassified into earnings as the hedged transaction affects earnings. For 2017, this amount reflects only the effective portion of the change in fair value of the cash flow hedges. The agreements with each of the derivative counterparties contain cross-default provisions, whereby if Windstream Services were to default on certain indebtedness, it could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations and may be required to net settle any outstanding derivative liability positions with its counterparties at the swap termination value of $3.0 million including accrued interest and excluding the credit valuation adjustment to measure non-performance risk. In addition, certain of the agreements with the counterparties contain provisions where if a specified event or condition, such as a merger, occurs that materially changes Windstream Services’ creditworthiness in an adverse manner, Windstream Services may be required to fully collateralize its derivative obligations. At September 30, 2018 , Windstream Services had not posted any collateral related to its interest rate swap agreements. Balance Sheet Offsetting Windstream Services is party to master netting arrangements, which are designed to reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of transactions with counterparties. For financial statement presentation purposes, Windstream Services does not offset assets and liabilities under these arrangements. The following tables presents the assets and liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Information pertaining to derivative assets was as follows: Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions) Gross Amount of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount September 30, 2018: Interest rate swaps $ 26.3 $ (1.8 ) $ — $ 24.5 December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps $ 11.8 $ (2.9 ) $ — $ 8.9 6. Derivatives, Continued: Information pertaining to derivative liabilities was as follows: Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions) Gross Amount of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount September 30, 2018: Interest rate swaps $ 2.7 $ (1.8 ) $ — $ 0.9 December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps $ 18.3 $ (2.9 ) $ — $ 15.4

Fair Value Measurements_ (Notes

Fair Value Measurements: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements:	Fair Value Measurements: Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Authoritative guidance defines the following three tier hierarchy for assessing the inputs used in fair value measurements: Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities Level 3 – Unobservable inputs The highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurement). Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the determination of fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. Our non-financial assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets and asset retirement obligations, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. No event occurred during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 requiring our non-financial assets and liabilities to be subsequently recognized at fair value. Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable was estimated by management to approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time to maturity for those instruments. Cash equivalents, long-term debt and interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Cash equivalents were not significant as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 . The fair values of interest rate swaps and long-term debt were determined using the following inputs at: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements: Derivatives - Interest rate swap assets - Level 2 $ 26.3 $ 11.8 Derivatives - Interest rate swap liabilities - Level 2 $ 2.7 $ 18.3 Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements: (a) Long-term debt, including current maturities - Level 2 $ 4,842.0 $ 4,824.2 (a) Recognized at carrying value of $5,800.0 million and $5,905.9 million in long-term debt, including current maturities, and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. 7. Fair Value Measurements, Continued: The fair values of interest rate swaps are determined based on the present value of expected future cash flows using observable, quoted LIBOR swap rates for the full term of the swaps and also incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both Windstream Services’ own non-performance risk and non-performance risk of the respective counterparties. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the fair values of the interest rate swaps were reduced by $0.5 million and $4.8 million , respectively, to reflect non-performance risk. In calculating the fair value of Windstream Services’ long-term debt, the fair value of the debentures and notes was calculated based on quoted market prices of the specific issuances in an active market when available. The fair value of the other debt obligations was estimated based on appropriate market interest rates applied to the debt instruments. In calculating the fair value of the Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. notes, an appropriate market price of similar instruments in an active market considering credit quality, nonperformance risk and maturity of the instrument was used. We do not have any assets or liabilities measured for purposes of the fair value hierarchy at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). We recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy as of the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers within the fair value hierarchy during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 .

Employee Benefit Plans and Post

Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions:	Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits: We maintain a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan. Future benefit accruals for all eligible nonbargaining employees covered by the pension plan have ceased. We also maintain supplemental executive retirement plans that provide unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement benefits to a select group of management employees. Additionally, we provide postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible employees. Employees share in, and we fund, the costs of these plans as benefits are paid. The components of pension benefit income, including provision for executive retirement agreements, were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Benefits earned during the period (a) $ 0.4 $ 2.0 $ 2.3 $ 6.1 Interest cost on benefit obligation (b) 11.4 11.6 32.0 34.7 Net actuarial gain (0.1 ) — (5.7 ) (2.3 ) Amortization of prior service credit (b) (1.2 ) — (3.6 ) (0.2 ) Expected return on plan assets (b) (13.1 ) (13.6 ) (41.4 ) (40.8 ) Curtailment gain (b) — — (2.7 ) — Net periodic benefit income $ (2.6 ) $ — $ (19.1 ) $ (2.5 ) (a) Included in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expense. (b) Included in other income, net. During the second quarter of 2018, we amended the qualified defined benefit pension plan for certain eligible bargaining participants, the effects of which (i) froze benefit accruals upon reaching 30 years of service, (ii) provided for an unreduced early retirement benefit for participants with 30 years of service and (iii) added a lump-sum payment option. Changes to these benefit provisions required re-measurement of the pension plan’s funded status as of June 30, 2018 based on updated census data and actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, which increased from 3.68 percent to 4.31 percent , and fair value of plan assets. As a result of the remeasurement, we recognized a curtailment gain of $2.7 million , prior service credits of $2.7 million and a net actuarial gain of $5.6 million . For 2018, the expected employer contributions for pension benefits consists of $17.7 million to the qualified pension plan to satisfy our remaining 2017 and 2018 funding requirements and $0.9 million necessary to fund the expected benefit payments of our unfunded supplemental executive retirement pension plans to avoid certain benefit restrictions. On January 12, 2018, we made our required quarterly employer contribution of $5.2 million in cash to the qualified pension plan. On February 27, 2018, we contributed 0.8 million shares of our common stock with a value of approximately $5.8 million to the qualified pension plan. 8. Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits, Continued: During the third quarter of 2018, we made additional cash contributions of $3.6 million to the qualified pension plan. We intend to fund the remaining 2018 contributions using our common stock, cash, or a combination thereof. The components of postretirement benefits expense were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost on benefit obligation (a) $ 0.1 $ 0.3 $ 0.5 $ 0.8 Amortization of net actuarial loss (a) 0.1 — 0.2 0.1 Amortization of prior service credit (a) — (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.3 ) Net periodic benefit expense $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.5 $ 0.6 (a) Included in other income, net. We contributed $1.1 million to the postretirement plan during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 , excluding amounts that were funded by participant contributions to the plan. We also sponsor an employee savings plan under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers substantially all salaried employees and certain bargaining unit employees. Windstream matches on an annual basis up to a maximum of 4.0 percent of employee pre-tax contributions to the plan for employees contributing up to 5.0 percent of their eligible pre-tax compensation. We recorded expenses of $4.7 million and $16.8 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $6.0 million and $17.5 million for the same periods in 2017 related to our matching contribution under the employee savings plan, which was included in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Expense related to our 2018 and 2017 matching contribution expected to be made in Windstream Holdings common stock is included in share-based compensation expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow. In March 2018, we contributed 3.4 million shares of our common stock with a fair value of $26.9 million to the plan for the 2017 annual matching contribution.

Share-Based Compensation Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans: Share-Based Compensation Plans: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Plans:	Share-Based Compensation Plans: All share-based compensation award information presented has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effects of the one -for- five reverse stock split, which became effective on May 25, 2018 (see Note 1). In May 2018, our stockholders approved amendments to our Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) which (i) extended the term of the Incentive Plan through February 6, 2023 and (ii) increased the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance or delivery under the Incentive Plan on a post-reverse stock split basis from 4.9 million to 6.8 million . Under the Incentive Plan, we may issue equity stock awards in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights or stock options. As of September 30, 2018, the Incentive Plan had remaining capacity of approximately 2.1 million awards. Stock Options – At December 31, 2017, we had fewer than 0.1 million of vested stock option awards outstanding, all of which had been issued in conjunction with past acquisitions as replacement awards to former employees of the acquired companies. Substantially all of these options have exercise prices that are significantly higher than the current market price of our common stock and therefore are not likely to be exercised during the next twelve months. Prior to 2018, no other stock options had been granted by us. During 2018, our Board of Directors granted 1.1 million stock options to certain officers, executives and other key management employees. Under terms of the grant award, the stock options vest ratably over a three-year period from the date of grant and the exercise price of the option equals the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The maximum term for each option granted is 10 years . Our practice is to issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. We measure the cost of employee stock options based on the grant-date fair value and recognize that cost on a straight-line basis over the period in which a recipient is required to provide services in exchange for the options, which is equal to the vesting period. 9. Share-Based Compensation Plans, Continued: The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was $4.25 per share using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions: Expected life 6.1 years Expected volatility 58.7 % Dividend yield — Risk-free interest rate 2.6 % Because we do not have historical exercise experience for non-replacement stock options to reasonably estimate future exercise patterns, we used the simplified method available under current SEC rules to derive the expected life assumption, which was computed based on the average of the vesting and contractual terms of the stock options. Expected volatility was based on the historical volatility of our common stock using the weighted average of historical daily price changes of our common stock including the most recent period equal to the expected life of the stock option on the date of grant. The expected dividend yield reflects the elimination of our quarterly common stock dividend in the third quarter of 2017. The risk-free interest rate was determined using the implied yield currently available for zero-coupon U.S. government issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the stock options. The following table summarizes stock option activity as of September 30, 2018 : (Thousands) Number of Shares Underlying Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (Years) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Millions) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2017 34.2 $ 68.20 Granted 1,079.3 $ 7.50 Exercised — $ — Canceled and forfeited (88.6 ) $ 20.87 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 1,024.9 $ 8.37 9.2 $ — Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018 904.0 $ 8.74 9.2 $ — Exercisable at September 30, 2018 18.1 $ 56.70 2.0 $ — The following table summarizes stock option information as of September 30, 2018 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices (Thousands) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (Thousands) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $7.50 - $7.60 1,006.8 $ 7.50 — $ — $14.70 - $35.05 1.3 $ 21.55 1.3 $ 21.55 $47.10 - $91.35 16.8 $ 59.43 16.8 $ 59.43 1,024.9 $ 8.37 18.1 $ 56.70 At September 30, 2018 , total unamortized compensation cost for non-vested stock option awards amounted to $3.0 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years . Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units – Our board of directors may approve grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units to officers, executives, non-employee directors and certain management employees. Grants may include time-based and performance-based awards. Time-based awards granted to employees generally vest over a service period of two or three years. Performance-based restricted stock units may vest in a number of shares from zero to 150.0 percent of their award based on attainment of specified targets over a three-year period. 9. Share-Based Compensation Plans, Continued: The vesting periods and grant date fair value for restricted stock and restricted stock units issued were as follows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 : (Number of shares in thousands) Service-based restricted stock and restricted units: Vest one year from date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors 109.6 Vest immediately on date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors 41.1 Total granted 150.7 Grant date fair value (Dollars in millions) $ 1.1 Service-based restricted stock and restricted unit activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares Per Share Weighted Average Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2017 1,022.8 $ 31.45 Granted 150.7 $ 7.30 Vested (572.3 ) $ 32.86 Forfeited (73.6 ) $ 28.39 Non-vested at September 30, 2018 527.6 $ 23.43 Performance restricted stock unit activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares Per Share Weighted Average Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2017 520.7 $ 32.90 Granted — $ — Vested (103.7 ) $ 36.09 Forfeited (91.6 ) $ 27.70 Non-vested at September 30, 2018 325.4 $ 28.35 At September 30, 2018 , unrecognized compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock units totaled $9.7 million and is expected to be recognized over the weighted average vesting period of 1.0 years. The total fair value of shares vested was $22.5 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 , as compared to $36.5 million for the same period in 2017 . Share-based compensation expense for restricted stock and restricted stock units was $2.4 million and $8.7 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $6.8 million and $27.7 million for the same periods in 2017 . In addition to including amounts related to restricted stock and restricted units, share-based compensation expense presented in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flow also includes amounts related to the matching contribution to the employee savings plan for which payments to eligible participants are expected to be made in Windstream Holdings common stock. A summary of share-based compensation expense was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Restricted stock, restricted units and stock options $ 2.4 $ 6.8 $ 8.7 $ 27.7 Employee savings plan (See Note 8) 4.7 6.0 16.8 17.5 Share-based compensation expense $ 7.1 $ 12.8 $ 25.5 $ 45.2

Merger, Integration and Other C

Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges:	Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges: We incur costs to complete a merger or acquisition and integrate its operations into our business, which are presented as merger and integration expense in our consolidated results of operations. These costs include transaction costs, such as accounting, legal, consulting and broker fees; severance and related costs; IT and network conversion; rebranding and marketing; and contract termination fees. During 2017, we incurred investment banking fees, legal, accounting and other consulting fees, severance and employee benefit costs, contract and lease termination costs, and other integration expenses related to our mergers with EarthLink and Broadview. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we completed a network optimization project designed to consolidate traffic onto network facilities operated by us and reduce the usage of other carriers’ networks in our acquired competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) markets. In undertaking this initiative, we incurred, in the first nine months of 2017, exit costs to migrate traffic to existing lower cost circuits and to terminate existing contracts prior to their expiration. Restructuring charges are primarily incurred as a result of evaluations of our operating structure. Among other things, these evaluations explore opportunities to provide greater flexibility in managing and financing existing and future strategic operations, for task automation and the balancing of our workforce based on the current needs of our customers. Severance, lease exit costs and other related charges are included in restructuring charges. During the three and nine month periods of 2018, we completed restructurings of our workforce to improve our overall cost structure and gain operational efficiencies. In undertaking these efforts, we eliminated approximately 200 and 750 positions, respectively, and incurred restructuring charges of $3.2 million and $22.1 million , respectively, consisting of severance and employee benefit costs. We also incurred lease termination costs of $3.3 million and $3.9 million during the three and nine month periods of 2018, respectively, as a result of vacating certain facilities. Comparatively, during the third quarter of 2017, we eliminated approximately 700 positions and incurred a restructuring charge of $22.8 million . In addition to this initiative, we completed reductions in our workforce eliminating approximately 375 positions in our incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) small business and enterprise segments as well as in our engineering, finance and information technology workgroups to more efficiently manage our operations during the first nine months of 2017. In completing these workforce reductions, we incurred severance and other employee benefit costs of $31.6 million . A summary of the merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges recorded was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Merger, integration and other costs: Information technology conversion costs $ 0.2 $ 0.6 $ 0.8 $ 2.1 Costs related to merger with EarthLink (a) 2.0 23.6 13.0 90.1 Costs related to merger with Broadview (b) 0.5 7.9 3.9 7.9 Costs related to acquisitions of MASS and ATC 0.7 — 1.9 — Network optimization and contract termination costs — 1.6 — 6.5 Legal fees related to Uniti spin-off litigation (see Note 15) 5.1 — 9.9 0.5 Other costs 0.5 — 0.9 0.3 Total merger, integration and other costs 9.0 33.7 30.4 107.4 Restructuring charges 6.5 22.8 26.0 33.7 Total merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges $ 15.5 $ 56.5 $ 56.4 $ 141.1 (a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for EarthLink employees terminated after the Merger of $1.0 million and $5.8 million , respectively, contract and lease termination costs of $0.1 million and $4.8 million , respectively, as a result of vacating certain facilities related to the acquired operations of EarthLink, and other miscellaneous expenses of $0.9 million and $2.4 million , respectively. 10. Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges, Continued: Comparatively, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for employees terminated after the Merger were $5.3 million and $34.8 million , share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million and $10.1 million attributable to the accelerated vesting of replacement equity awards for terminated EarthLink employees, and other miscellaneous expenses of $2.0 million and $4.0 million , respectively. During the third quarter of 2017, we incurred contract and lease termination costs of $17.8 million related to the acquired operations of EarthLink. For the three and nine month periods of 2017, we also incurred investment banking, legal, accounting and other consulting fees of $0.6 million and $23.4 million , respectively. (b) For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for Broadview employees terminated after the acquisition of $1.9 million and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, other miscellaneous expenses of $0.5 million and $2.0 million , respectively. Comparatively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, severance and employee benefit costs for Broadview employees terminated after the acquisition were $3.1 million and we incurred investment banking, legal and other consulting costs of $4.8 million . After giving consideration to tax benefits on deductible items, merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges increased our reported net income (loss) $11.6 million and $42.1 million for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, as compared to $32.4 million and $90.4 million for the same periods in 2017 . The following is a summary of the activity related to the liabilities associated with merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges at September 30 : Restructuring Charges (Millions) Merger, Integration and Other Charges Severance and Benefit Costs Other Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 10.3 $ 5.0 $ 4.2 $ 19.5 Expenses incurred in period 30.4 22.1 3.9 56.4 Cash outlays during the period (28.3 ) (20.1 ) (7.3 ) (55.7 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 12.4 $ 7.0 $ 0.8 $ 20.2 Payments of these liabilities will be funded through operating cash flows.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, were as follows: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Pension and postretirement plans $ 7.4 $ 4.0 Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps: Designated portion 38.5 20.7 De-designated portion (1.5 ) (3.3 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 44.4 $ 21.4 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Continued: Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, were as follows: (Millions) Net Gains on Interest Rate Swaps Pension and Postretirement Plans Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 17.4 $ 4.0 $ 21.4 Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2017-12 1.7 — 1.7 Prior service credit arising during the period — 2.7 2.7 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 16.1 3.4 19.5 Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income (a) 1.8 (2.7 ) (0.9 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 37.0 $ 7.4 $ 44.4 (a) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications. Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows: (Millions) Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps: Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps $ 0.7 $ 1.3 $ 2.4 $ 4.2 Interest expense 0.7 1.3 2.4 4.2 Income (loss) before income taxes (0.1 ) (0.5 ) (0.6 ) (1.6 ) Income tax benefit 0.6 0.8 1.8 2.6 Net income (loss) Pension and postretirement plans: Amortization of net actuarial loss 0.1 — 0.2 0.1 (a) Amortization of prior service credits (1.2 ) (0.1 ) (3.8 ) (0.5 ) (a) (1.1 ) (0.1 ) (3.6 ) (0.4 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.2 Income tax benefit (1.0 ) — (2.7 ) (0.2 ) Net income (loss) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (0.4 ) $ 0.8 $ (0.9 ) $ 2.4 Net income (loss) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit expense (see Note 8).

Earnings (Loss) Per Share_ Earn

Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Earnings Per Share Text Block (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings (Loss) per Share: All per share information presented has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the effects of the one -for- five reverse stock split, which became effective on May 25, 2018 (see Note 1). We compute basic earnings (loss) per share by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Our non-vested restricted shares containing a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends on a one-to-one per share ratio to common shares are considered participating securities, and the impact is included in the computation of earnings (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method. Calculations of earnings (loss) per share under the two-class method exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities. The related participating securities are similarly excluded from the denominator. Commencing in the third quarter of 2017, we eliminated our quarterly common stock dividend. Dividends declared were $.75 per share in each of the first two quarters of 2017, for a total of $1.50 per share. Diluted earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares adjusted to include the effect of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities include incremental shares issuable upon vesting of restricted stock units and from exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants. Diluted earnings (loss) per share excludes all potentially dilutive securities if their effect is anti-dilutive. We also issue performance-based restricted stock units as part of our share-based compensation plan. Certain of these restricted stock units contain a forfeitable right to receive dividends. Because dividends attributable to these shares are forfeited if the vesting provisions are not met, they are considered non-participating restricted shares and are not considered to be potentially dilutive under the two-class method until the performance conditions have been satisfied. As of September 30, 2018 , the performance conditions for the outstanding restricted stock units have not yet been satisfied. Restricted stock units, stock options and warrants are included in the computation of dilutive earnings (loss) per share using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of net income (loss) and number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (280.9 ) Income allocable to participating securities — — — (1.3 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common shares $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (282.2 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted shares outstanding Weighted average shares outstanding 42.5 37.5 40.2 33.9 Weighted average participating securities — (0.7 ) — (0.7 ) Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding 42.5 36.8 40.2 33.2 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $.97 ($2.76 ) ($4.32 ) ($8.50 ) For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we excluded restricted stock units and options to purchase shares issuable under stock-based compensation plans from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive in applying the treasury stock method. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , we excluded from the computation of diluted shares the effect of restricted stock units and options to purchase shares of our common stock because their inclusion would have an anti-dilutive effect due to our reported net losses. We had 0.9 million restricted stock units and 1.0 million stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2018 , compared to 0.8 million restricted stock units and fewer than 0.1 million stock options outstanding at September 30, 2017 .

Segment Information_ (Notes)

Segment Information: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Information: Effective November 1, 2017, we reorganized our business operations and changed the composition of our business segments. Prior period segment information has been revised to reflect these changes, which had no impact on our consolidated results of operations. We disaggregate our operations between customers located in service areas in which we are the ILEC and provide services over network facilities operated by us and those customers located in service areas in which we are a CLEC and provide services over network facilities primarily leased from other carriers. We have further disaggregated our CLEC operations between enterprise, wholesale and consumer customers. Following our reorganization, we now operate and report the following four segments: • Consumer & Small Business – We manage as one business our residential and small business operations in those markets in which we are the ILEC due to the similarities with respect to service offerings, marketing strategies and customer service delivery. Products and services offered to customers include traditional local and long-distance voice services, high-speed Internet services, and value-added services such as security and online back-up, which are delivered primarily over network facilities operated by us. We offer consumer video services through relationships with DirecTV and Dish Network LLC and we also own and operate cable television franchises in some of our service areas. We offer Kinetic, a premium broadband and video entertainment offering in several of our markets. Residential customers can bundle voice, high-speed Internet and video services, to provide one convenient billing solution and receive bundle discounts. Small Business services offer a wide range of advanced Internet, voice, and web conferencing products. These services are equipped to deliver high-speed Internet with competitive speeds, value added services to enhance business productivity and options to bundle services for a global business solution to meet our small business customer needs. • Enterprise – Products and services offered to our business customers include integrated voice and data services, which deliver voice and broadband services over a single Internet connection, data transport services, multi-site networking services which provide a fast and private connection between business locations, Software Defined Wide Area Network (“SD-WAN”), which optimizes application performance, Unified Communications as a Service (“UCaaS”), a next generation voice solution, as well as a variety of other data services, including cloud computing and collocation and managed services as an alternative to traditional information technology infrastructure. • Wholesale – Our wholesale operations are focused on providing network bandwidth to other telecommunications carriers, network operators, and content providers. These services include special access services, which provide access and network transport services to end users, Ethernet and Wave transport up to 100 Gbps, and dark fiber and colocation services. Wholesale services also include fiber-to-the-tower connections to support the wireless backhaul market. In addition, we offer voice and data carrier services to other communications providers and to larger-scale purchasers of network capacity. We also offer traditional services including special access services and TDM private line transport. The combination of these services allow wholesale customers to provide voice and data services to their customers through the use of our network or in combination with their own networks. • Consumer CLEC – Products and services offered to customers include traditional voice and long-distance services, nationwide Internet access services, both dial-up and high-speed, as well as value added services including online backup and various e-mail services. We evaluate performance of the segments based on contribution margin or segment income, which is computed as segment revenues and sales less segment operating expenses. Segment revenues are based upon each customer’s classification to an individual segment and include all services provided to that customer. Segment revenues also include revenue from federal and state USF, CAF – Phase II support, funds received from federal access recovery mechanisms, revenues from providing switched access services, including usage-based revenues from long-distance companies and other carriers for access to our network to complete long-distance calls, reciprocal compensation received from wireless and other local connecting carriers for the use of network facilities, certain surcharges assessed to our customers, including billings for our required contributions to federal and state USF programs, and product sales to contractors. There are no differences between total segment revenues and sales and total consolidated revenues and sales. 13. Segment Information, Continued: Segment expenses include specific expenses incurred as a direct result of providing services and products to segment customers; selling, general and administrative expenses that are directly associated with specific segment customers or activities; and certain allocated expenses which include network expenses, facilities expenses and other expenses, such as vehicle and real estate-related expenses. Operating expenses associated with regulatory and other revenues have also been assigned to our segments. We do not assign depreciation and amortization expense, goodwill impairment, merger, integration and other costs, restructuring charges, share-based compensation, pension expense, business transformation expenses and costs related to network optimization projects to our segments, because these expenses are centrally managed and are not monitored by or reported to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) by segment. Similarly, certain costs related to centrally-managed administrative functions, such as accounting and finance, information technology, network management, legal and human resources, are not assigned to our segments. Interest expense and net gain on early extinguishment of debt have also been excluded from segment operating results because we manage our financing activities on a total company basis and have not assigned any long-term debt obligations to the segments. Other income, net, and income tax benefit are not monitored as a part of our segment operations and, therefore, these items also have been excluded from our segment operating results. Asset information by segment is not monitored or reported to the CODM and therefore has not been presented. All of our customers are located in the United States and we do not have any single customer that provides more than 10 percent of our total consolidated revenues and sales. The following table summarizes our segment results: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consumer & Small Business: Revenues and sales $ 466.4 $ 487.3 $ 1,415.4 $ 1,496.6 Costs and expenses 200.3 217.3 593.8 648.6 Segment income $ 266.1 $ 270.0 $ 821.6 $ 848.0 Enterprise: Revenues and sales $ 729.1 $ 767.1 $ 2,218.3 $ 2,167.3 Cost and expenses 568.2 620.0 1,750.4 1,754.5 Segment income $ 160.9 $ 147.1 $ 467.9 $ 412.8 Wholesale: Revenues and sales $ 181.1 $ 191.3 $ 547.3 $ 566.7 Costs and expenses 54.5 58.1 163.6 171.4 Segment income $ 126.6 $ 133.2 $ 383.7 $ 395.3 Consumer CLEC: Revenues and sales $ 44.0 $ 52.0 $ 138.3 $ 124.4 Costs and expenses 19.1 27.2 59.6 62.9 Segment income $ 24.9 $ 24.8 $ 78.7 $ 61.5 Total segment revenues and sales $ 1,420.6 $ 1,497.7 $ 4,319.3 $ 4,355.0 Total segment costs and expenses 842.1 922.6 2,567.4 2,637.4 Total segment income $ 578.5 $ 575.1 $ 1,751.9 $ 1,717.6 13. Segment Information, Continued: The following table reconciles segment income to consolidated net income (loss): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total segment income $ 578.5 $ 575.1 $ 1,751.9 $ 1,717.6 Depreciation and amortization (383.8 ) (365.4 ) (1,136.3 ) (1,066.3 ) Merger, integration and other costs (9.0 ) (33.7 ) (30.4 ) (107.4 ) Restructuring charges (6.5 ) (22.8 ) (26.0 ) (33.7 ) Other unassigned operating expenses (103.6 ) (112.0 ) (326.3 ) (322.4 ) Other income, net 3.2 1.7 12.9 8.5 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 5.2 190.3 2.0 Interest expense (230.0 ) (216.4 ) (677.5 ) (642.6 ) Income tax benefit 2.2 66.8 67.6 163.4 Net income (loss) $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (280.9 )

Supplemental Guarantor Informat

Supplemental Guarantor Information: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information:	Supplemental Guarantor Information: Debentures and notes, without collateral, issued by Windstream Services, LLC In connection with the issuance of the 7.750 percent senior notes due October 15, 2020, the 7.750 percent senior notes due October 1, 2021, the 7.500 percent senior notes due June 1, 2022, the 7.500 percent senior notes due April 1, 2023, and the 6.375 percent senior notes due August 1, 2023 (“the guaranteed notes”), certain of Windstream Services’ wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), provide guarantees of those debentures. These guarantees are full and unconditional, subject to certain customary release provisions, as well as joint and several. All personal property assets and related operations of the Guarantors are pledged as collateral on the senior secured credit facility of Windstream Services. Certain Guarantors may be subject to restrictions on their ability to distribute earnings to Windstream Services. The remaining subsidiaries of Windstream Services (the “Non-Guarantors”) are not guarantors of the guaranteed notes. Windstream Holdings is not a guarantor of any Windstream Services debt instruments. Following the acquisitions, the acquired legal entities of EarthLink, Broadview, MASS and ATC have been designated as either Guarantors or Non-Guarantors. Accordingly, the financial information presented herein includes the acquired EarthLink operations beginning on February 27, 2017, the acquired Broadview operations beginning on July 28, 2017, the acquired MASS operations as of March 27, 2018, and the acquired ATC operations as of August 31, 2018. The following information presents condensed consolidating and combined statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , condensed consolidating and combined balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , and condensed consolidating and combined statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 of Windstream Services, the Guarantors and the Non-Guarantors. Investments consist of investments in net assets of subsidiaries held by Windstream Services and other subsidiaries, and have been presented using the equity method of accounting. 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 285.5 $ 1,139.9 $ (25.3 ) $ 1,400.1 Product sales — 19.0 1.5 — 20.5 Total revenues and sales — 304.5 1,141.4 (25.3 ) 1,420.6 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 105.7 619.8 (25.3 ) 700.2 Cost of products sold — 17.1 2.6 — 19.7 Selling, general and administrative — 34.7 190.8 — 225.5 Depreciation and amortization 1.5 111.8 270.5 — 383.8 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.2 8.8 — 9.0 Restructuring charges — 0.7 5.8 — 6.5 Total costs and expenses 1.5 270.2 1,098.3 (25.3 ) 1,344.7 Operating (loss) income (1.5 ) 34.3 43.1 — 75.9 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (33.0 ) 23.5 20.7 (11.2 ) — Other income, net 0.1 — 3.1 — 3.2 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 — — — 190.3 Intercompany interest income (expense) 13.6 (12.1 ) (1.5 ) — — Interest expense (109.7 ) (35.2 ) (85.1 ) — (230.0 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 59.8 10.5 (19.7 ) (11.2 ) 39.4 Income tax expense (benefit) 18.3 (8.9 ) (11.5 ) — (2.1 ) Net income (loss) $ 41.5 $ 19.4 $ (8.2 ) $ (11.2 ) $ 41.5 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 41.9 $ 19.4 $ (8.2 ) $ (11.2 ) $ 41.9 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 306.8 $ 1,192.9 $ (27.3 ) $ 1,472.4 Product sales — 21.9 3.4 — 25.3 Total revenues and sales — 328.7 1,196.3 (27.3 ) 1,497.7 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 159.0 648.5 (27.0 ) 780.5 Cost of products sold — 19.1 3.2 — 22.3 Selling, general and administrative — 44.0 187.6 (0.3 ) 231.3 Depreciation and amortization 2.1 72.1 291.2 — 365.4 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.5 33.2 — 33.7 Restructuring charges — 0.7 22.1 — 22.8 Total costs and expenses 2.1 295.4 1,185.8 (27.3 ) 1,456.0 Operating (loss) income (2.1 ) 33.3 10.5 — 41.7 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (57.5 ) (22.3 ) 0.8 79.0 — Other (expense) income, net — (0.2 ) 1.9 — 1.7 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 4.9 — 0.3 — 5.2 Intercompany interest income (expense) 17.7 (10.2 ) (7.5 ) — — Interest expense (91.5 ) (36.5 ) (88.4 ) — (216.4 ) Loss before income taxes (128.5 ) (35.9 ) (82.4 ) 79.0 (167.8 ) Income tax benefit (27.3 ) (5.0 ) (34.3 ) — (66.6 ) Net loss $ (101.2 ) $ (30.9 ) $ (48.1 ) $ 79.0 $ (101.2 ) Comprehensive loss $ (97.1 ) $ (30.9 ) $ (48.1 ) $ 79.0 $ (97.1 ) 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 872.2 $ 3,469.0 $ (81.1 ) $ 4,260.1 Product sales — 55.1 4.1 — 59.2 Total revenues and sales — 927.3 3,473.1 (81.1 ) 4,319.3 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 371.4 1,868.5 (80.0 ) 2,159.9 Cost of products sold — 48.1 6.6 — 54.7 Selling, general and administrative — 121.0 557.7 (1.1 ) 677.6 Depreciation and amortization 4.2 359.5 772.6 — 1,136.3 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.2 30.2 — 30.4 Restructuring charges — 3.8 22.2 — 26.0 Total costs and expenses 4.2 904.0 3,257.8 (81.1 ) 4,084.9 Operating (loss) income (4.2 ) 23.3 215.3 — 234.4 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (112.3 ) 94.2 59.3 (41.2 ) — Other income (expense), net 0.5 (0.5 ) 12.9 — 12.9 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 — — — 190.3 Intercompany interest income (expense) 44.2 (32.9 ) (11.3 ) — — Interest expense (314.0 ) (107.1 ) (256.4 ) — (677.5 ) (Loss) income before income taxes (195.5 ) (23.0 ) 19.8 (41.2 ) (239.9 ) Income tax benefit (22.8 ) (33.7 ) (10.7 ) — (67.2 ) Net (loss) income $ (172.7 ) $ 10.7 $ 30.5 $ (41.2 ) $ (172.7 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (151.4 ) $ 10.7 $ 30.5 $ (41.2 ) $ (151.4 ) 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 885.5 $ 3,468.2 $ (71.3 ) $ 4,282.4 Product sales — 64.8 7.8 — 72.6 Total revenues and sales — 950.3 3,476.0 (71.3 ) 4,355.0 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 420.6 1,863.9 (69.5 ) 2,215.0 Cost of products sold — 60.3 12.5 — 72.8 Selling, general and administrative — 127.1 545.1 (1.8 ) 670.4 Depreciation and amortization 7.0 282.0 777.3 — 1,066.3 Merger, integration and other costs — 1.5 105.9 — 107.4 Restructuring charges — 5.7 28.0 — 33.7 Total costs and expenses 7.0 897.2 3,332.7 (71.3 ) 4,165.6 Operating (loss) income (7.0 ) 53.1 143.3 — 189.4 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (152.4 ) (23.0 ) 33.1 142.3 — Other income, net — 0.9 7.6 — 8.5 Net gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt 3.7 (2.0 ) 0.3 — 2.0 Intercompany interest income (expense) 65.7 (32.3 ) (33.4 ) — — Interest expense (266.1 ) (112.8 ) (263.7 ) — (642.6 ) Loss before income taxes (356.1 ) (116.1 ) (112.8 ) 142.3 (442.7 ) Income tax benefit (76.2 ) (34.9 ) (51.7 ) — (162.8 ) Net loss $ (279.9 ) $ (81.2 ) $ (61.1 ) $ 142.3 $ (279.9 ) Comprehensive loss $ (274.5 ) $ (81.2 ) $ (61.1 ) $ 142.3 $ (274.5 ) 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As of September 30, 2018 (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3.7 $ — $ 33.8 $ (0.2 ) $ 37.3 Accounts receivable, net — 198.0 454.3 (3.3 ) 649.0 Notes receivable - affiliate — 5.0 — (5.0 ) — Affiliates receivable, net — 141.8 1,852.9 (1,994.7 ) — Inventories — 70.0 17.0 — 87.0 Prepaid expenses and other 21.2 37.7 125.4 — 184.3 Total current assets 24.9 452.5 2,483.4 (2,003.2 ) 957.6 Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 5,433.8 701.4 591.1 (6,726.3 ) — Notes receivable - affiliate — 304.2 — (304.2 ) — Goodwill 657.2 1,712.7 506.9 — 2,876.8 Other intangibles, net 457.2 390.4 452.7 — 1,300.3 Net property, plant and equipment 0.6 1,232.0 3,816.6 — 5,049.2 Deferred income taxes — 482.3 189.7 (254.0 ) 418.0 Other assets 33.0 17.5 57.7 — 108.2 Total Assets $ 6,606.7 $ 5,293.0 $ 8,098.1 $ (9,287.7 ) $ 10,710.1 Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 17.9 $ — $ — $ — $ 17.9 Current portion of long-term lease obligations — 60.3 145.7 — 206.0 Accounts payable — 262.3 221.1 — 483.4 Affiliates payable, net 1,994.7 — — (1,994.7 ) — Notes payable - affiliate — — 5.0 (5.0 ) — Advance payments and customer deposits — 38.4 160.1 (3.3 ) 195.2 Accrued taxes 0.2 19.8 73.5 — 93.5 Accrued interest 66.0 3.4 0.5 — 69.9 Other current liabilities 3.1 91.7 214.0 — 308.8 Total current liabilities 2,081.9 475.9 819.9 (2,003.0 ) 1,374.7 Long-term debt 5,621.7 99.6 — — 5,721.3 Long-term lease obligations — 1,304.2 3,182.3 — 4,486.5 Notes payable - affiliate — — 304.2 (304.2 ) — Deferred income taxes 254.0 — — (254.0 ) — Other liabilities 10.0 68.9 409.6 — 488.5 Total liabilities 7,967.6 1,948.6 4,716.0 (2,561.2 ) 12,071.0 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15) Equity (Deficit): Common stock — 39.4 81.9 (121.3 ) — Additional paid-in capital 1,241.2 3,958.3 1,404.9 (5,363.2 ) 1,241.2 Accumulated other comprehensive income 44.4 — 7.4 (7.4 ) 44.4 (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,646.5 ) (653.3 ) 1,887.9 (1,234.6 ) (2,646.5 ) Total equity (deficit) (1,360.9 ) 3,344.4 3,382.1 (6,726.5 ) (1,360.9 ) Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) $ 6,606.7 $ 5,293.0 $ 8,098.1 $ (9,287.7 ) $ 10,710.1 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As of December 31, 2017 (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 2.5 $ 40.9 $ — $ 43.4 Accounts receivable, net — 185.2 461.1 (3.3 ) 643.0 Notes receivable - affiliate — 5.0 — (5.0 ) — Affiliates receivable, net — 18.3 1,949.8 (1,968.1 ) — Inventories — 76.9 16.1 — 93.0 Prepaid expenses and other 26.8 44.3 83.2 — 154.3 Total current assets 26.8 332.2 2,551.1 (1,976.4 ) 933.7 Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 5,603.7 575.9 401.0 (6,580.6 ) — Notes receivable - affiliate — 306.9 — (306.9 ) — Goodwill 657.2 1,712.8 472.4 — 2,842.4 Other intangibles, net 479.8 461.7 512.9 — 1,454.4 Net property, plant and equipment 5.8 1,318.3 4,067.7 — 5,391.8 Deferred income taxes — 460.7 205.2 (295.1 ) 370.8 Other assets 24.5 15.5 51.2 — 91.2 Total Assets $ 6,797.8 $ 5,184.0 $ 8,261.5 $ (9,159.0 ) $ 11,084.3 Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 169.3 $ — $ — $ — $ 169.3 Current portion of long-term lease obligations — 55.2 133.4 — 188.6 Accounts payable — 123.4 370.6 — 494.0 Affiliates payable, net 1,968.1 — — (1,968.1 ) — Notes payable - affiliate — — 5.0 (5.0 ) — Advance payments and customer deposits — 40.7 169.9 (3.3 ) 207.3 Accrued taxes — 23.8 65.7 — 89.5 Accrued interest 50.2 1.8 0.6 — 52.6 Other current liabilities 15.6 102.7 223.8 — 342.1 Total current liabilities 2,203.2 347.6 969.0 (1,976.4 ) 1,543.4 Long-term debt 5,575.0 99.6 — — 5,674.6 Long-term lease obligations — 1,350.1 3,293.2 — 4,643.3 Notes payable - affiliate — — 306.9 (306.9 ) — Deferred income taxes 295.1 — — (295.1 ) — Other liabilities 23.4 77.1 421.4 — 521.9 Total liabilities 8,096.7 1,874.4 4,990.5 (2,578.4 ) 12,383.2 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15) Equity (Deficit): Common stock — 39.4 81.9 (121.3 ) — Additional paid-in capital 1,187.1 3,958.6 1,358.1 (5,316.7 ) 1,187.1 Accumulated other comprehensive income 21.4 — 4.0 (4.0 ) 21.4 (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,507.4 ) (688.4 ) 1,827.0 (1,138.6 ) (2,507.4 ) Total equity (deficit) (1,298.9 ) 3,309.6 3,271.0 (6,580.6 ) (1,298.9 ) Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) $ 6,797.8 $ 5,184.0 $ 8,261.5 $ (9,159.0 ) $ 11,084.3 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash (used in) provided from operating activities $ (259.9 ) $ 397.3 $ 620.0 $ — $ 757.4 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment (0.1 ) (132.7 ) (470.4 ) — (603.2 ) Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired (46.9 ) — — — (46.9 ) Other, net 1.2 0.5 (9.3 ) — (7.6 ) Net cash used in investing activities (45.8 ) (132.2 ) (479.7 ) — (657.7 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc. (1.2 ) — — — (1.2 ) Contributions from Windstream Holdings, Inc. 12.2 — — — 12.2 Repayments of debt and swaps (540.4 ) — — — (540.4 ) Proceeds from debt issuance 627.0 — — — 627.0 Debt issuance costs (23.5 ) — — — (23.5 ) Intercompany transactions, net 237.3 (194.3 ) (42.8 ) (0.2 ) — Payments under long-term lease obligations — (40.8 ) (98.7 ) — (139.5 ) Payments under capital lease obligations — (34.9 ) (3.2 ) — (38.1 ) Other, net (2.0 ) 2.4 (2.7 ) — (2.3 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 309.4 (267.6 ) (147.4 ) (0.2 ) (105.8 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3.7 (2.5 ) (7.1 ) (0.2 ) (6.1 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Beginning of period — 2.5 40.9 — 43.4 End of period $ 3.7 $ — $ 33.8 $ (0.2 ) $ 37.3 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash (used in) provided from operating activities $ (175.8 ) $ 265.7 $ 556.7 $ — $ 646.6 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment (0.3 ) (109.2 ) (614.7 ) — (724.2 ) Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired (63.3 ) — — — (63.3 ) Cash acquired from EarthLink — 0.7 4.3 — 5.0 Other, net — — (9.4 ) — (9.4 ) Net cash used in investing activities (63.6 ) (108.5 ) (619.8 ) — (791.9 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc. (83.4 ) — — — (83.4 ) Contributions from Windstream Holdings, Inc. 9.6 — — — 9.6 Repayments of debt and swaps (1,097.0 ) (453.6 ) (160.0 ) — (1,710.6 ) Proceeds from debt issuance 2,099.6 — — — 2,099.6 Debt issuance costs (7.3 ) — — — (7.3 ) Intercompany transactions, net (671.0 ) 355.1 315.9 — — Payments under long-term lease obligations — (36.6 ) (88.3 ) — (124.9 ) Payments under capital lease obligations — (25.1 ) (4.1 ) — (29.2 ) Other, net (11.1 ) 2.5 (2.5 ) — (11.1 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 239.4 (157.7 ) 61.0 — 142.7 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents — (0.5 ) (2.1 ) — (2.6 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Beginning of period — 2.2 56.9 — 59.1 End of period $ — $ 1.7 $ 54.8 $ — $ 56.5

Commitments and Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies: (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies:	Commitments and Contingencies: Litigation In a notice letter received September 22, 2017 (the “Original Notice”), Aurelius Capital Master, Ltd. ("Aurelius") asserted an alleged default of certain senior unsecured notes, the 6.375 percent Senior Notes due 2023 of Windstream Services, based on alleged violations of the associated indenture (the "2013 Indenture"). Aurelius primarily alleged that Windstream Services violated the 2013 Indenture by executing the spin-off of Uniti in April 2015 that, according to Aurelius, constituted a Sale and Leaseback Transaction that was prohibited under Section 4.19 of the 2013 Indenture and that violated Section 4.07 of the 2013 Indenture by not delivering certain required Officers' Certificates associated with alleged Restricted Payments. The Original Notice purported to constitute a written notice of default, which would trigger a sixty-day grace or cure period after which the Indenture trustee or holders of at least 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes could declare the principal amount of all outstanding 6.375 percent Notes to be immediately due and payable. If an “Event of Default” is found to have occurred under the 2013 Indenture, then such “Event of Default” could also constitute an “Event of Default” under the Windstream Services’ Credit Agreement. In addition, if an “Event of Default” is deemed to have occurred under the 2013 Indenture and Windstream Services’ obligations under the 2013 Indenture and the 6.375 percent 2023 Notes are accelerated, this could also constitute an “Event of Default” under the indentures governing the Windstream Services’ other senior notes. In light of the allegations in the Original Notice, Windstream Services filed suit against U.S. Bank N.A., the Indenture Trustee (the “Trustee”), in Delaware Chancery Court seeking a declaration that it had not violated any provision of the 2013 Indenture and injunctive relief. On October 12, 2017, the Trustee filed suit in the Southern District of New York seeking a declaration that defaults had occurred. Windstream Services filed an answer and affirmative defenses in response to the Trustee’s complaint the following day, as well as counterclaims against the Trustee and Aurelius for declaratory relief. The Delaware action was subsequently dismissed. Additionally, as outlined in Note 5, on October 18, 2017, Windstream Services launched debt exchange offers with respect to its senior notes, including the Notes, and on October 31, 2017, learned that based on tenders of notes in the exchange offers and consents delivered in the consent solicitation, upon early settlement of the exchange offers, holders representing the requisite percentage of the Notes needed to waive the defaults alleged in the Original Notice would be received. On November 6, 2017, Windstream Services and the Trustee executed a supplemental indenture, and new 6.375 percent Notes were issued, which gave effect to the waivers and consents for the Notes, is binding on all noteholders, and negates assertions made by Aurelius and the Indenture Trustee. During the fourth quarter of 2017, Windstream Services also completed consent solicitations with respect to each of its series of outstanding Notes, pursuant to which noteholders agreed to waive alleged defaults with respect to the transactions related to the spin-off of Uniti and amend the indentures governing the Notes to give effect to such waivers and amendments. Windstream Services received such consents from the holders representing a majority of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes. Windstream Services, the trustee under the indentures governing the Notes and the other parties to such indentures executed supplemental indentures giving effect to the waivers and amendments pursuant to the consent solicitation. On November 22, 2017, Windstream Services filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings seeking dismissal of the Trustee’s complaint, which motion was denied without prejudice. On the same date, Aurelius filed counterclaims seeking a declaration that the new 6.375 percent Notes were improperly issued and that the debt exchange offers and consent solicitation were void. Windstream Services asserted that such counterclaims should be dismissed pursuant to Section 6.06 of the 2013 Indenture, which contains a "no-action" clause. Aurelius amended its counterclaims, and on February 2, 2018, Windstream Services filed an answer and affirmative defenses in response to the amended counterclaims. On November 27, 2017, Windstream Services received a second purported notice of default dated November 27, 2017 (the “Second Notice”) from Aurelius which alleged that certain of the Exchange and Consent Transactions violated the terms of the 2013 Indenture. Aurelius withdrew the Second Notice on December 6, 2017, and served an alleged notice of an Event of Default and acceleration on December 7, 2017 (“Notice of Acceleration”). The Notice of Acceleration claimed that the principal amount, and all accrued interest, owed under the note associated with the 2013 Indenture was now due and payable as result of Windstream Services allegedly not curing the alleged defaults set forth in the Original Notice within the sixty-day cure period. Windstream Services disputes that any amounts are due and owing and has denied all allegations made in the Original Notice, the Second Notice (now withdrawn) and the Notice of Acceleration, and asserted the allegations are without merit in the pending litigation. 15. Commitments and Contingencies, Continued: Trial in this matter occurred July 23-25, 2018, and the court heard final arguments on July 31, 2018. At this time, the court has not yet issued a ruling in the matter. Windstream Services maintains that claims asserted by Aurelius and the Trustee are mooted in light of the debt exchanges and consent transactions discussed herein and that Windstream Services has been, and remains, in compliance with all of the covenants under the 2013 Indenture. However, there is no guarantee of success in the litigation and any adverse ruling could have a material adverse effect on our future consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Windstream Holdings, its current and former directors, and certain of its executive officers are the subject of shareholder-related lawsuits arising out of the merger with EarthLink Holdings Corp. in February 2017. Two putative shareholders have filed separate purported shareholder class action complaints in federal court in Arkansas and state court in Georgia, captioned Murray v. Earthlink Holdings Corp., et. al., and Yadegarian v. Windstream Holdings, Inc., et. al., respectively. Additionally, two separate shareholder derivative actions were filed during the quarter in Arkansas federal court on behalf of Windstream Holdings, Inc., styled Cindy Graham v. Wells, et. al., and Larry Graham v. Thomas, et. al. All four of the complaints contain similar assertions and claims of alleged securities law violations and breaches of fiduciary duties related to the disclosures in the joint proxy statement/prospectus soliciting shareholder approval of the merger, which the plaintiffs allege were inadequate and misleading. We believe that we have valid defenses for each of the lawsuits, and we plan to vigorously defend the pursuit of all matters. While the ultimate resolution of the matters is not currently predictable, if there is an adverse ruling in any of these matters, the ruling could constitute a material adverse outcome on the future consolidated results of our income, cash flows, or financial condition. We are party to various other legal proceedings and the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings cannot be determined at this time. However, based on current circumstances, management does not believe such proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our future consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. Finally, management is currently not aware of any environmental matters, individually or in the aggregate, that would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of our operations. Other Matters Windstream and one of its business customers had an agreement pursuant to which Windstream provided communication services to several of the customer’s locations. The majority of funding for the services is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) pursuant to the Universal Service Rural Health Care Telecommunications Program that offers reduced rates for broadband and telecommunications services to rural health care facilities. In March 2017, USAC issued a funding denial to the customer on the basis that certain rules of the FCC were violated with the selection of Windstream as the service provider. Due to an alleged conflict of interest created by a third-party Windstream channel partner that acted as a consultant for the customer regarding the agreement, USAC asserted that Windstream’s selection was not based upon a fair and open competitive bidding process. USAC’s denial addressed accrued funding of approximately $16.6 million , as well as funding of approximately $6.0 million previously remitted to us. Windstream, along with the customer, appealed the denial; USAC rejected the appeal on June 29, 2018, and Windstream appealed USAC’s denial to the FCC on August 23, 2018. While the ultimate resolution and timing of any decision is not currently predictable, if there is a future adverse legal ruling against us, the ruling could result in financial exposure to Windstream for the total amounts listed above.

Preparation of Interim Financ_2

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	Description of Business – We are a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses across the U.S. We also offer broadband, entertainment and security solutions to consumers and small businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Additionally, we supply core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Consumer service revenues are generated from the provisioning of high-speed Internet, voice and video services to consumers. Enterprise service revenues include revenues from integrated voice and data services, advanced data and traditional voice and long-distance services provided to enterprise, mid-market and small business customers. Wholesale revenues include revenues from other communications services providers for special access circuits and fiber connections, voice and data transport services, and revenues from the reselling of our services. Service revenues also include switched access revenues, federal and state Universal Service Fund (“USF”) revenues, amounts received from Connect America Fund (“CAF”) - Phase II, USF surcharges and revenues from providing other miscellaneous services. Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared based upon SEC rules that permit reduced disclosure for interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted in accordance with those rules and regulations. The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 , was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In our opinion, these financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair statement of results of operations and financial condition for the interim periods presented including normal recurring accruals and other items. The results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies and certain other information, this report should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2018 . On May 23, 2018, we amended our certificate of incorporation to decrease the number of authorized shares of our common and preferred stock from 375.0 million to 75.0 million and from 33.3 million to 6.7 million , respectively, and enacted a one -for- five reverse stock split with respect to all of our outstanding shares of common stock which became effective on May 25, 2018. All per share data of Windstream Holdings presented herein has been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the decrease in authorized shares and the reverse stock split, as appropriate. Windstream Holdings and its domestic subsidiaries, including Windstream Services, file a consolidated federal income tax return. As such, Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are not separate taxable entities for federal and certain state income tax purposes. In instances when Windstream Services does not file a separate return, income taxes as presented within the accompanying consolidated financial statements attribute current and deferred income taxes of Windstream Holdings to Windstream Services and its subsidiaries in a manner that is systematic, rational and consistent with the asset and liability method. Income tax provisions presented for Windstream Services and its subsidiaries are prepared under the “separate return method.” The separate return method represents a hypothetical computation assuming that the reported revenue and expenses of Windstream Services and its subsidiaries were incurred by separate taxable entities. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions used in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are based upon management’s evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements, and such differences could be material. There are no significant differences between the consolidated results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows of Windstream Holdings and those of Windstream Services other than for certain expenses incurred directly by Windstream Holdings principally consisting of audit, legal and board of director fees, NASDAQ listing fees, other shareholder-related costs, income taxes, common stock activity, and payables from Windstream Services to Windstream Holdings. Earnings per share data has not been presented for Windstream Services because that entity has not issued publicly held common stock as defined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Unless otherwise indicated, the note disclosures included herein pertain to both Windstream Holdings and Windstream Services. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact net income (loss) or comprehensive income (loss).
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition – In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) as modified by subsequently issued ASU Nos. 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-11, 2016-12 and 2016-20 (collectively “ASU 2014-09”). The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also provided new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts which were not complete as of January 1, 2018. Under the modified retrospective transition method, we recognized the cumulative effect of initial adoption as an adjustment to our opening accumulated deficit balance. Comparative information for prior periods has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. Under the new revenue recognition guidance, a substantial portion of our service revenues continue to be recognized when services are provided. Changes to the timing of recognition of certain installation services, discounts and promotional credits given to customers under the new guidance resulted in the recognition of incremental contract assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet at the date of adoption. In addition, the new requirement to defer incremental contract acquisition and fulfillment costs, including sales commissions and installation costs, and recognize such costs over the period where control of goods and services are transferred resulted in the recognition of additional deferred contract costs in our consolidated balance sheet at the date of adoption. We evaluated the effect of the time value of money and determined it to be immaterial. The following table presents the cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017: (Millions) December 31, 2017 ASU 2014-09 Adjustments January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable $ 643.0 $ — $ 643.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.3 $ 26.0 $ 180.3 Other assets $ 91.2 $ 20.9 $ 112.1 Deferred income taxes $ 370.8 $ (12.0 ) $ 358.8 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 207.3 $ (0.5 ) $ 206.8 Other current liabilities $ 342.1 $ (0.3 ) $ 341.8 Other liabilities $ 521.9 $ 0.4 $ 522.3 Accumulated deficit $ (2,512.2 ) $ 35.3 $ (2,476.9 ) 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: The impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our 2018 consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheet are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 1,401.0 $ (0.9 ) $ 1,400.1 Product sales $ 20.5 $ — $ 20.5 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 699.9 $ 0.3 $ 700.2 Selling, general and administrative $ 227.0 $ (1.2 ) $ 225.8 Income tax benefit $ (2.2 ) $ — $ (2.2 ) Net income $ 41.3 $ — $ 41.3 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 4,259.9 $ 0.2 $ 4,260.1 Product sales $ 59.2 $ — $ 59.2 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 2,159.2 $ 0.7 $ 2,159.9 Selling, general and administrative $ 680.7 $ (1.6 ) $ 679.1 Income tax benefit $ (67.9 ) $ 0.3 $ (67.6 ) Net loss $ (174.6 ) $ 0.8 $ (173.8 ) September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Assets Accounts receivable $ 649.0 $ — $ 649.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.0 $ 30.3 $ 184.3 Other assets $ 90.8 $ 17.4 $ 108.2 Deferred income taxes $ 430.3 $ (12.3 ) $ 418.0 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 195.9 $ (0.7 ) $ 195.2 Other current liabilities $ 308.8 $ — $ 308.8 Other liabilities $ 488.5 $ — $ 488.5 Accumulated deficit $ (2,688.5 ) $ 36.1 $ (2,652.4 ) The new revenue recognition standard also requires additional disclosures related to performance obligations; contract asset and liability balances; deferred commissions and costs to fulfill; disaggregation of revenue and use of practical expedients in applying the new guidance. See Note 2 for these additional disclosures. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Statement of Cash Flows – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). This standard provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, including among others, debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. The standard also clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use of the underlying cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The effect of the retrospective adoption of this standard was to change previously reported amounts within the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 due to reclassifying $21.2 million of debt prepayment penalties and fees paid to lenders in conjunction with the early termination of long-term debt obligations from operating activities to financing activities. Other than this change in classification of debt prepayment penalties and fees, adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. The following table presents the effect of the changes made to our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 : (Millions) As Previously Reported Reclassification Adjustments As Revised Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations: Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ (20.2 ) $ 20.2 $ — Net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ — $ (2.0 ) $ (2.0 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Other, net $ (39.3 ) $ 3.0 $ (36.3 ) Net cash provided from operating activities $ 625.4 $ 21.2 $ 646.6 Cash Flows from Financing Activities : Repayments of debt and swaps $ (1,689.4 ) $ (21.2 ) $ (1,710.6 ) Net cash provided from financing activities $ 163.9 $ (21.2 ) $ 142.7 Definition of a Business – In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU 2017-01”). The standard clarifies the definition of a business when evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. Under the new guidance an integrated set of activities must include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output to be considered a business. ASU 2017-01 provides a framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and a substantive process are present and removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. Although outputs are not required for an integrated set of activities to be a business, outputs generally are a key element of a business; therefore, the new guidance provides more stringent criteria for an integrated sets of activities without outputs. Furthermore, ASU 2017-01 narrows the definition of the term output so that it is consistent with how outputs are described in Topic 606. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Following adoption, we expect fewer transactions will be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of businesses. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Presentation of Defined Benefit Retirement Costs – In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU 2017-07”). This standard changes the income statement presentation of defined benefit plan expense by requiring separation between operating expense (service cost component) and non-operating expense (all other components, including interest cost, amortization of prior service cost, actuarial gains and losses, curtailments and settlements). The operating expense component will be reported in the same income statement line item(s) as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period while the non-operating components will be reported in other income and expense. In addition, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization as part of an asset such as inventory or property, plant and equipment. Retrospective application of the change in income statement presentation is required, while the change in capitalized benefit cost is to be applied prospectively. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The effect of the retrospective adoption of this standard was to change previously reported amounts within the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, for operating income and other income, net, resulting in decreases in operating income from $43.0 million to $41.2 million and from $195.8 million to $187.8 million , respectively, with corresponding increases to other (expense) income, net from $(0.1) million to $1.7 million and $0.5 million to $8.5 million , respectively. There was no change to our reported net loss for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 . The impact of only capitalizing service cost on a prospective basis was immaterial to our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 . Hedging Activities – In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). This standard modifies hedge accounting to allow more hedging strategies to qualify for hedge accounting, amends presentation and disclosure requirements, and changes how entities assess effectiveness of their hedging transactions. ASU 2017-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. As permitted, we early adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $(1.7) million , net of tax, to the opening balance of our accumulated deficit with an offsetting increase to accumulated comprehensive income. Comparative prior-period information has not been restated. See Note 6 for additional information regarding our hedging activities and derivative financial instruments. Recently Issued Authoritative Guidance Leases – In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which will require that virtually all lease arrangements that do not meet the criteria of a short-term lease be presented on the lessee’s balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the related future lease payments. The income statement impacts of the leases will depend on the nature of the leasing arrangement and will be similar to existing accounting for operating and capital leases. The new standard does not substantially change the accounting for lessors. The new standard will also require additional disclosures regarding an entity’s leasing arrangements and will be effective for the first interim reporting period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”). This amendment provides an optional transition method that permits an entity to initially apply the new guidance at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and not recast comparative periods. As a result, prior period financial statements and disclosures will continue to be presented in accordance with ASC 840. Prior to the issuance of ASU 2018-11, lessees and lessors would have been required to apply the new standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which they first apply the new guidance, using a modified retrospective transition method. In addition, ASU 2018-11 also includes a practical expedient for lessors to not separate the lease and nonlease components of a contract. The effective date for this amendment is the same as ASU 2016-02 discussed above. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 effective January 1, 2019, using the optional transition method available under ASU 2018-11. Our existing operating lease portfolio primarily consists of network, real estate and equipment leases. Upon adoption of this standard, we expect to record in our consolidated balance sheet a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all of our operating lease arrangements. We have established a cross-functional team to determine the scope of arrangements subject to this standard as well as to assess the impact to our systems, processes and internal controls that will be necessary to meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Financial Instruments - Credit Losses – In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). This standard introduces a new forward-looking approach, based on expected losses, to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The estimate of expected credit losses will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This new standard also expands the disclosure requirements to enable users of financial statements to understand the entity’s assumptions, models and methods for estimating expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and the guidance is to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We intend to adopt this standard update in the first quarter of 2020. We are currently assessing the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement Disclosures - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). This standard modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing the requirements to disclose: (i) amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; (ii) timing of recognizing transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy; and (iii) valuation processes used for Level 3 fair value measurements. Additionally, the standard now requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of each reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity is permitted to early adopt all of the disclosure changes or early adopt only the removed disclosure requirements and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date of this amendment. Except for changes to certain disclosures related to fair value measurements, we do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Pension and Other Postretirement Plan Disclosures - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Topic 715-20): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans (“ASU 2018-14”). This standard modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans by removing the requirements to disclose: (i) amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year; (ii) amount and timing of plan assets expected to be returned to the employer; and (iii) effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates. Additionally, the standard now requires disclosure of an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. ASU 2018-14 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. Except for changes to certain disclosures related to our pension and postretirement plans, we do not expect this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Implementation Costs in Cloud Computing Arrangements - In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (“ASU 2018-15”). This standard requires entities that are customers in cloud computing arrangements to defer implementation costs if they would be capitalized by the entity in software licensing arrangements under the internal-use software guidance. The guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively to implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. ASU 2018-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the timing of adoption and the impact the new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Preparation of Interim Financ_3

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: New Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	The following table presents the cumulative effect of the changes made to our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017: (Millions) December 31, 2017 ASU 2014-09 Adjustments January 1, 2018 Assets Accounts receivable $ 643.0 $ — $ 643.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.3 $ 26.0 $ 180.3 Other assets $ 91.2 $ 20.9 $ 112.1 Deferred income taxes $ 370.8 $ (12.0 ) $ 358.8 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 207.3 $ (0.5 ) $ 206.8 Other current liabilities $ 342.1 $ (0.3 ) $ 341.8 Other liabilities $ 521.9 $ 0.4 $ 522.3 Accumulated deficit $ (2,512.2 ) $ 35.3 $ (2,476.9 ) 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: The impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our 2018 consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheet are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 1,401.0 $ (0.9 ) $ 1,400.1 Product sales $ 20.5 $ — $ 20.5 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 699.9 $ 0.3 $ 700.2 Selling, general and administrative $ 227.0 $ (1.2 ) $ 225.8 Income tax benefit $ (2.2 ) $ — $ (2.2 ) Net income $ 41.3 $ — $ 41.3 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Revenue and sales Service revenues $ 4,259.9 $ 0.2 $ 4,260.1 Product sales $ 59.2 $ — $ 59.2 Costs and expenses Cost of services $ 2,159.2 $ 0.7 $ 2,159.9 Selling, general and administrative $ 680.7 $ (1.6 ) $ 679.1 Income tax benefit $ (67.9 ) $ 0.3 $ (67.6 ) Net loss $ (174.6 ) $ 0.8 $ (173.8 ) September 30, 2018 (Millions) Under ASC 605 Effect of Adoption of ASU 2014-09 As reported Assets Accounts receivable $ 649.0 $ — $ 649.0 Prepaid expenses and other $ 154.0 $ 30.3 $ 184.3 Other assets $ 90.8 $ 17.4 $ 108.2 Deferred income taxes $ 430.3 $ (12.3 ) $ 418.0 Liabilities Advance payments and customer deposits $ 195.9 $ (0.7 ) $ 195.2 Other current liabilities $ 308.8 $ — $ 308.8 Other liabilities $ 488.5 $ — $ 488.5 Accumulated deficit $ (2,688.5 ) $ 36.1 $ (2,652.4 ) The new revenue recognition standard also requires additional disclosures related to performance obligations; contract asset and liability balances; deferred commissions and costs to fulfill; disaggregation of revenue and use of practical expedients in applying the new guidance. See Note 2 for these additional disclosures. 1. Preparation of Interim Financial Statements, Continued: Statement of Cash Flows – In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU 2016-15”). This standard provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments should be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows, including among others, debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims and distributions received from equity method investees. The standard also clarifies that when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows and cannot be separated, classification will depend on the predominant source or use of the underlying cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018. The effect of the retrospective adoption of this standard was to change previously reported amounts within the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 due to reclassifying $21.2 million of debt prepayment penalties and fees paid to lenders in conjunction with the early termination of long-term debt obligations from operating activities to financing activities. Other than this change in classification of debt prepayment penalties and fees, adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated statement of cash flows. The following table presents the effect of the changes made to our consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 : (Millions) As Previously Reported Reclassification Adjustments As Revised Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided from operations: Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ (20.2 ) $ 20.2 $ — Net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ — $ (2.0 ) $ (2.0 ) Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: Other, net $ (39.3 ) $ 3.0 $ (36.3 ) Net cash provided from operating activities $ 625.4 $ 21.2 $ 646.6 Cash Flows from Financing Activities : Repayments of debt and swaps $ (1,689.4 ) $ (21.2 ) $ (1,710.6 ) Net cash provided from financing activities $ 163.9 $ (21.2 ) $ 142.7

Revenues_ (Tables)

Revenues: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]	(Millions) September 30, 2018 January 1, 2018 Contract assets (a) $ 13.2 $ 13.1 Contract liabilities (b) $ (197.7 ) $ (209.3 ) Revenues recognized included in the opening contract liability balance $ 186.3 (a) Includes $8.7 million and $3.6 million in prepaid expense and other and $4.5 million and $9.5 million in other assets as of September 30, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively. (b) Includes $185.6 million and $198.3 million in advance payments and customer deposits and $12.1 million and $11.0 million in other liabilities as of September 30, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	Revenues recognized from contracts with customers by customer and product type for the three-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Type of service: High-speed Internet bundles $ 239.2 $ — $ — $ 22.0 $ 261.2 Voice and long-distance 29.7 233.6 — — 263.3 Video and miscellaneous 11.1 — — — 11.1 Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous — — — 21.7 21.7 Data and integrated services — 380.7 — — 380.7 Small business services 75.0 — — — 75.0 Core wholesale (a) — — 136.7 — 136.7 Resale (b) — — 19.5 — 19.5 Wireless TDM (c) — — 2.3 — 2.3 Switched access 6.7 — 8.4 — 15.1 Miscellaneous — 39.8 — — 39.8 Service revenues from contracts with customers 361.7 654.1 166.9 43.7 1,226.4 Product sales 7.5 12.6 0.2 0.2 20.5 Total revenue from contracts with customers 369.2 666.7 167.1 43.9 1,246.9 Other service revenues (d) 97.2 62.4 14.0 0.1 173.7 Total revenues and sales $ 466.4 $ 729.1 $ 181.1 $ 44.0 $ 1,420.6 2. Revenues, Continued: Revenues recognized from contracts with customers by customer and product type for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Revenue from contracts with customers: Type of service: High-speed Internet bundles $ 725.2 $ — $ — $ 69.6 $ 794.8 Voice and long-distance 91.8 716.6 — — 808.4 Video and miscellaneous 33.8 — — — 33.8 Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous — — — 67.0 67.0 Data and integrated services — 1,156.8 — — 1,156.8 Small business services 229.0 — — — 229.0 Core wholesale (a) — — 415.3 — 415.3 Resale (b) — — 60.9 — 60.9 Wireless TDM (c) — — 7.4 — 7.4 Switched access 21.8 — 27.2 — 49.0 Miscellaneous — 117.5 — — 117.5 Service revenues from contracts with customers 1,101.6 1,990.9 510.8 136.6 3,739.9 Product sales 19.6 38.8 0.4 0.4 59.2 Total revenue from contracts with customers 1,121.2 2,029.7 511.2 137.0 3,799.1 Other service revenues (d) 294.2 188.6 36.1 1.3 520.2 Total revenues and sales $ 1,415.4 $ 2,218.3 $ 547.3 $ 138.3 $ 4,319.3 (a) Core wholesale revenues primarily include revenues from providing special access circuits, fiber connections, data transport and wireless backhaul services. (b) Revenues represent voice and data services sold to other communications services providers on a resale basis. (c) Revenues represent Time Division Multiplexing (“TDM”) private line transport services. (d) Other service revenues primarily include end user surcharges, CAF – Phase II funding, state USF and access recovery mechanism (“ARM”) support and lease revenue.

Acquisitions_ (Tables)

Acquisitions: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Broadview. (Millions) Allocation as of December 31, 2017 Adjustments Final Allocation Fair value of assets acquired: Accounts receivable $ 17.4 $ 0.2 $ 17.6 Other current assets 7.1 (0.3 ) 6.8 Property, plant and equipment 37.1 4.2 41.3 Goodwill 121.3 (0.7 ) 120.6 Customer lists (a) 45.0 — 45.0 Trade names (b) 21.0 — 21.0 Developed technology (c) 10.0 — 10.0 Deferred income taxes 9.7 1.4 11.1 Other assets 2.6 (0.1 ) 2.5 Total assets acquired 271.2 4.7 275.9 Fair value of liabilities assumed: Short-term debt obligations 160.2 — 160.2 Other current liabilities 46.9 4.7 51.6 Other liabilities 0.8 — 0.8 Total liabilities assumed 207.9 4.7 212.6 Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 63.3 $ — $ 63.3 (a) Customer lists are amortized using the sum-of-years digits methodology over a weighted average life of 10 years . (b) Trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 1 and 10 years . (c) Internally developed technology is amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 5 years .
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations of Windstream for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 assume that the Merger occurred as of January 1, 2016: (Millions) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Revenues and sales $ 1,497.7 $ 4,504.5 Operating income $ 41.2 $ 212.5 Net loss $ (104.9 ) $ (267.9 ) Loss per share ($2.87 ) ($7.28 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows: (Millions) Balance at December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 4,683.2 Accumulated impairment loss (1,840.8 ) Balance at December 31, 2017, net 2,842.4 Changes during the period: Broadview measurement period adjustments (0.7 ) MASS acquisition 32.3 ATC acquisition 2.8 Balance at September 30, 2018: Goodwill 4,717.6 Accumulated impairment loss (1,840.8 ) Balance at September 30, 2018, net $ 2,876.8 Goodwill assigned to our operating segments and changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows: (Millions) Consumer & Small Business Enterprise Wholesale Consumer CLEC Total Balance at December 31, 2017: Goodwill $ 2,321.2 $ 961.8 $ 1,297.1 $ 103.1 $ 4,683.2 Accumulated impairment loss (1,417.8 ) — (423.0 ) — (1,840.8 ) Balance at December 31, 2017, net 903.4 961.8 874.1 103.1 2,842.4 Changes during the period: Broadview measurement period adjustments — (0.7 ) — — (0.7 ) MASS acquisition — 32.3 — — 32.3 ATC acquisition — 2.8 — — 2.8 Balance at September 30, 2018: Goodwill 2,321.2 996.2 1,297.1 103.1 4,717.6 Accumulated impairment loss (1,417.8 ) — (423.0 ) — (1,840.8 ) Balance at September 30, 2018, net $ 903.4 $ 996.2 $ 874.1 $ 103.1 $ 2,876.8
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Intangible assets were as follows at: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (Millions) Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Value Franchise rights $ 1,285.1 $ (403.9 ) $ 881.2 $ 1,285.1 $ (371.8 ) $ 913.3 Customer lists 2,121.6 (1,752.7 ) 368.9 2,104.6 (1,626.6 ) 478.0 Cable franchise rights 17.3 (10.0 ) 7.3 17.3 (9.1 ) 8.2 Trade names 29.0 (5.2 ) 23.8 29.0 (2.2 ) 26.8 Developed technology and software 33.0 (14.4 ) 18.6 33.0 (7.1 ) 25.9 Patents 10.6 (10.1 ) 0.5 10.6 (8.4 ) 2.2 Balance $ 3,496.6 $ (2,196.3 ) $ 1,300.3 $ 3,479.6 $ (2,025.2 ) $ 1,454.4
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Methodology and Estimated Useful Life [Table Text Block]	Intangible asset amortization methodology and useful lives were as follows as of September 30, 2018 : Intangible Assets Amortization Methodology Estimated Useful Life Franchise rights straight-line 30 years Customer lists sum of years digits 5.5 - 15 years Cable franchise rights straight-line 15 years Trade names straight-line 1-10 years Developed technology and software straight-line 3-5 years Patents straight-line 3 years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was estimated to be as follows for each of the five years ended December 31: Year (Millions) 2018 $ 225.8 2019 $ 183.6 2020 $ 142.2 2021 $ 106.3 2022 $ 74.1

Long-term Debt_ (Tables)

Long-term Debt: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt was as follows at: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Issued by Windstream Services: Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B6 – variable rates, due March 29, 2021 (a) $ 1,183.6 $ 1,192.6 Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7 – variable rates, due February 17, 2024 569.8 574.2 Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit – variable rates, due April 24, 2020 1,030.0 775.0 Senior First Lien Notes – 8.625%, due October 31, 2025 (b) (e) 600.0 600.0 Senior Second Lien Notes – 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e) 414.9 — Senior Second Lien Notes – 9.000%, due June 30, 2025 (c) (e) 802.0 — Debentures and notes, without collateral: 2020 Notes – 7.750%, due October 15, 2020 (e) 78.1 492.9 2021 Notes – 7.750%, due October 1, 2021 (e) 70.1 88.9 2022 Notes – 7.500%, due June 1, 2022 (e) 36.2 41.6 2023 Notes – 7.500%, due April 1, 2023 (e) 34.3 120.4 2023 Notes – 6.375%, due August 1, 2023 (e) 806.9 1,147.6 2024 Notes – 8.750%, due December 15, 2024 (e) 105.8 834.3 Issued by subsidiaries of Windstream Services: Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. – 6.75%, due April 1, 2028 (d) (e) 100.0 100.0 Net discount on long-term debt (f) (31.7 ) (61.6 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs (f) (60.8 ) (62.0 ) 5,739.2 5,843.9 Less current maturities (17.9 ) (169.3 ) Total long-term debt $ 5,721.3 $ 5,674.6 (a) If the maturity of the revolving line of credit is not extended prior to April 24, 2020, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be April 24, 2020; provided further, if the 2020 Notes have not been repaid or refinanced prior to July 15, 2020 with indebtedness having a maturity date no earlier than March 29, 2021, the maturity date of the Tranche B6 term loan will be July 15, 2020. (b) The notes are guaranteed by each of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantees debt under Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. The notes and the guarantees are secured by a first priority lien on Windstream Services’ and the guarantors’ assets that secure the obligations under the senior secured credit facility. (c) The notes are guaranteed by each of our domestic subsidiaries that guarantees debt under Windstream Services’ senior secured credit facility. The notes and the guarantees are secured by a second priority lien on Windstream Services’ and the guarantors’ assets that secure the obligations under the senior secured credit facility. (d) These bonds are secured equally with the senior secured credit facility with respect to the assets of Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. (e) Windstream Services may call the remaining aggregate principal amounts of these debentures and notes at various premiums upon early redemption. (f) The net discount balance and unamortized debt issuance costs are amortized using the interest method over the life of the related debt instrument.
Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table Text Block]	The net gain on early extinguishment of debt was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Broadview 2017 Notes: Unamortized premium recorded in the acquisition $ — $ 0.2 $ — $ 0.2 Gain on early extinguishment — 0.2 — 0.2 EarthLink 2019 and 2020 Notes: Premium on early redemption — — — (18.3 ) Unamortized premium recorded in the Merger — — — 16.3 Loss on early extinguishment — — — (2.0 ) Senior secured credit facility: Unamortized discount on original issuance — — — (0.3 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance — — — (0.9 ) Loss on early extinguishment — — — (1.2 ) 2020 Notes: Discount on repurchases — 5.3 — 5.3 Unamortized premium on original issuance — 0.1 — 0.1 Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance — (0.4 ) — (0.4 ) Gain on early extinguishment — 5.0 — 5.0 Exchanges of 2021, 2022, 2023, August 2023 and 2024 Notes: Discount on early redemption 226.0 — 226.0 — Unamortized discount on original issuance (22.9 ) — (22.9 ) — Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance (12.8 ) — (12.8 ) — Gain on early extinguishment 190.3 — 190.3 — Net gain on early extinguishment of debt $ 190.3 $ 5.2 $ 190.3 $ 2.0
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	Maturities for long-term debt outstanding as of September 30, 2018 , excluding $31.7 million of unamortized net discount and $60.8 million of unamortized debt issuance costs, were as follows: Twelve-month period ended: (Millions) September 30, 2019 $ 17.9 September 30, 2020 1,047.9 September 30, 2021 1,243.3 September 30, 2022 112.1 September 30, 2023 847.1 Thereafter 2,563.4 Total $ 5,831.7
Interest Expense, Net Disclosure	Interest expense was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest expense - long-term debt $ 112.5 $ 92.3 $ 320.1 $ 266.6 Interest expense - long-term lease obligations: Telecommunications network assets 116.2 120.7 352.1 365.2 Real estate contributed to pension plan 1.5 1.5 4.6 4.6 Impact of interest rate swaps (1.3 ) 2.2 (1.3 ) 8.2 Interest on capital leases and other 1.9 1.2 4.4 3.6 Less capitalized interest expense (0.8 ) (1.5 ) (2.4 ) (5.6 ) Total interest expense $ 230.0 $ 216.4 $ 677.5 $ 642.6

Derivatives_ Schedule of Deriva

Derivatives: Schedule of Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments	Set forth below is information related to interest rate swap agreements: (Millions, except for percentages) September 30, December 31, Designated portion, measured at fair value: Other current assets $ 6.3 $ 1.2 Other assets $ 20.0 $ 10.6 Other current liabilities $ 2.4 $ 7.8 Other non-current liabilities $ 1.2 $ 10.5 Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 57.6 $ 33.7 De-designated portion, unamortized value: Accumulated other comprehensive income $ (3.0 ) $ (5.4 ) Weighted average fixed rate paid 0.15 % 0.82 % Variable rate received 2.16 % 1.49 %
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance	Changes in derivative instruments were as follows for the nine-month periods ended September 30: (Millions) 2018 2017 Changes in fair value, net of tax (a) $ 16.1 $ 2.2 Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps, net of tax (a) $ 1.8 $ 2.6 (a) Included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) and will be reclassified into earnings as the hedged transaction affects earnings. For 2017, this amount reflects only the effective portion of the change in fair value of the cash flow hedges.
Offsetting Assets	Information pertaining to derivative assets was as follows: Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions) Gross Amount of Assets Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount September 30, 2018: Interest rate swaps $ 26.3 $ (1.8 ) $ — $ 24.5 December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps $ 11.8 $ (2.9 ) $ — $ 8.9
Offsetting Liabilities	Information pertaining to derivative liabilities was as follows: Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets (Millions) Gross Amount of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount September 30, 2018: Interest rate swaps $ 2.7 $ (1.8 ) $ — $ 0.9 December 31, 2017: Interest rate swaps $ 18.3 $ (2.9 ) $ — $ 15.4

Fair Value Measurements_ (Table

Fair Value Measurements: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of cash equivalents and interest rate swaps	The fair values of interest rate swaps and long-term debt were determined using the following inputs at: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements: Derivatives - Interest rate swap assets - Level 2 $ 26.3 $ 11.8 Derivatives - Interest rate swap liabilities - Level 2 $ 2.7 $ 18.3 Not Recorded at Fair Value in the Financial Statements: (a) Long-term debt, including current maturities - Level 2 $ 4,842.0 $ 4,824.2 (a) Recognized at carrying value of $5,800.0 million and $5,905.9 million in long-term debt, including current maturities, and excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans and Po_2

Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits, Net Periodic Benefit Costs, Disclosure	The components of pension benefit income, including provision for executive retirement agreements, were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Benefits earned during the period (a) $ 0.4 $ 2.0 $ 2.3 $ 6.1 Interest cost on benefit obligation (b) 11.4 11.6 32.0 34.7 Net actuarial gain (0.1 ) — (5.7 ) (2.3 ) Amortization of prior service credit (b) (1.2 ) — (3.6 ) (0.2 ) Expected return on plan assets (b) (13.1 ) (13.6 ) (41.4 ) (40.8 ) Curtailment gain (b) — — (2.7 ) — Net periodic benefit income $ (2.6 ) $ — $ (19.1 ) $ (2.5 ) (a) Included in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expense. (b) Included in other income, net. During the second quarter of 2018, we amended the qualified defined benefit pension plan for certain eligible bargaining participants, the effects of which (i) froze benefit accruals upon reaching 30 years of service, (ii) provided for an unreduced early retirement benefit for participants with 30 years of service and (iii) added a lump-sum payment option. Changes to these benefit provisions required re-measurement of the pension plan’s funded status as of June 30, 2018 based on updated census data and actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, which increased from 3.68 percent to 4.31 percent , and fair value of plan assets. As a result of the remeasurement, we recognized a curtailment gain of $2.7 million , prior service credits of $2.7 million and a net actuarial gain of $5.6 million . For 2018, the expected employer contributions for pension benefits consists of $17.7 million to the qualified pension plan to satisfy our remaining 2017 and 2018 funding requirements and $0.9 million necessary to fund the expected benefit payments of our unfunded supplemental executive retirement pension plans to avoid certain benefit restrictions. On January 12, 2018, we made our required quarterly employer contribution of $5.2 million in cash to the qualified pension plan. On February 27, 2018, we contributed 0.8 million shares of our common stock with a value of approximately $5.8 million to the qualified pension plan. 8. Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits, Continued: During the third quarter of 2018, we made additional cash contributions of $3.6 million to the qualified pension plan. We intend to fund the remaining 2018 contributions using our common stock, cash, or a combination thereof. The components of postretirement benefits expense were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest cost on benefit obligation (a) $ 0.1 $ 0.3 $ 0.5 $ 0.8 Amortization of net actuarial loss (a) 0.1 — 0.2 0.1 Amortization of prior service credit (a) — (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.3 ) Net periodic benefit expense $ 0.2 $ 0.2 $ 0.5 $ 0.6 (a) Included in other income, net.

Share-Based Compensation Plan_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was $4.25 per share using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following weighted average assumptions: Expected life 6.1 years Expected volatility 58.7 % Dividend yield — Risk-free interest rate 2.6 %
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock option activity as of September 30, 2018 : (Thousands) Number of Shares Underlying Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (Years) Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Millions) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at December 31, 2017 34.2 $ 68.20 Granted 1,079.3 $ 7.50 Exercised — $ — Canceled and forfeited (88.6 ) $ 20.87 Outstanding at September 30, 2018 1,024.9 $ 8.37 9.2 $ — Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018 904.0 $ 8.74 9.2 $ — Exercisable at September 30, 2018 18.1 $ 56.70 2.0 $ —
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes stock option information as of September 30, 2018 : Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices (Thousands) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price (Thousands) Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price $7.50 - $7.60 1,006.8 $ 7.50 — $ — $14.70 - $35.05 1.3 $ 21.55 1.3 $ 21.55 $47.10 - $91.35 16.8 $ 59.43 16.8 $ 59.43 1,024.9 $ 8.37 18.1 $ 56.70
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The vesting periods and grant date fair value for restricted stock and restricted stock units issued were as follows for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 : (Number of shares in thousands) Service-based restricted stock and restricted units: Vest one year from date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors 109.6 Vest immediately on date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors 41.1 Total granted 150.7 Grant date fair value (Dollars in millions) $ 1.1
Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]	Service-based restricted stock and restricted unit activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares Per Share Weighted Average Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2017 1,022.8 $ 31.45 Granted 150.7 $ 7.30 Vested (572.3 ) $ 32.86 Forfeited (73.6 ) $ 28.39 Non-vested at September 30, 2018 527.6 $ 23.43 Performance restricted stock unit activity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 was as follows: (Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares Per Share Weighted Average Fair Value Non-vested at December 31, 2017 520.7 $ 32.90 Granted — $ — Vested (103.7 ) $ 36.09 Forfeited (91.6 ) $ 27.70 Non-vested at September 30, 2018 325.4 $ 28.35
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	A summary of share-based compensation expense was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Restricted stock, restricted units and stock options $ 2.4 $ 6.8 $ 8.7 $ 27.7 Employee savings plan (See Note 8) 4.7 6.0 16.8 17.5 Share-based compensation expense $ 7.1 $ 12.8 $ 25.5 $ 45.2

Merger, Integration and Other_2

Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges [Abstract]
Schedule of Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Activities	A summary of the merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges recorded was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Merger, integration and other costs: Information technology conversion costs $ 0.2 $ 0.6 $ 0.8 $ 2.1 Costs related to merger with EarthLink (a) 2.0 23.6 13.0 90.1 Costs related to merger with Broadview (b) 0.5 7.9 3.9 7.9 Costs related to acquisitions of MASS and ATC 0.7 — 1.9 — Network optimization and contract termination costs — 1.6 — 6.5 Legal fees related to Uniti spin-off litigation (see Note 15) 5.1 — 9.9 0.5 Other costs 0.5 — 0.9 0.3 Total merger, integration and other costs 9.0 33.7 30.4 107.4 Restructuring charges 6.5 22.8 26.0 33.7 Total merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges $ 15.5 $ 56.5 $ 56.4 $ 141.1 (a) For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 , these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for EarthLink employees terminated after the Merger of $1.0 million and $5.8 million , respectively, contract and lease termination costs of $0.1 million and $4.8 million , respectively, as a result of vacating certain facilities related to the acquired operations of EarthLink, and other miscellaneous expenses of $0.9 million and $2.4 million , respectively. 10. Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Charges, Continued: Comparatively, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for employees terminated after the Merger were $5.3 million and $34.8 million , share-based compensation expense of $0.4 million and $10.1 million attributable to the accelerated vesting of replacement equity awards for terminated EarthLink employees, and other miscellaneous expenses of $2.0 million and $4.0 million , respectively. During the third quarter of 2017, we incurred contract and lease termination costs of $17.8 million related to the acquired operations of EarthLink. For the three and nine month periods of 2017, we also incurred investment banking, legal, accounting and other consulting fees of $0.6 million and $23.4 million , respectively. (b) For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, these amounts include severance and employee benefit costs for Broadview employees terminated after the acquisition of $1.9 million and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, other miscellaneous expenses of $0.5 million and $2.0 million , respectively. Comparatively, for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, severance and employee benefit costs for Broadview employees terminated after the acquisition were $3.1 million and we incurred investment banking, legal and other consulting costs of $4.8 million .
Schedule of Restructuring and Reorganization Costs (Benefits), Net	The following is a summary of the activity related to the liabilities associated with merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges at September 30 : Restructuring Charges (Millions) Merger, Integration and Other Charges Severance and Benefit Costs Other Exit Costs Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 10.3 $ 5.0 $ 4.2 $ 19.5 Expenses incurred in period 30.4 22.1 3.9 56.4 Cash outlays during the period (28.3 ) (20.1 ) (7.3 ) (55.7 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 12.4 $ 7.0 $ 0.8 $ 20.2

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, were as follows: (Millions) September 30, December 31, Pension and postretirement plans $ 7.4 $ 4.0 Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps: Designated portion 38.5 20.7 De-designated portion (1.5 ) (3.3 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 44.4 $ 21.4
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax [Table Text Block]	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax, were as follows: (Millions) Net Gains on Interest Rate Swaps Pension and Postretirement Plans Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 17.4 $ 4.0 $ 21.4 Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2017-12 1.7 — 1.7 Prior service credit arising during the period — 2.7 2.7 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 16.1 3.4 19.5 Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive income (a) 1.8 (2.7 ) (0.9 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 37.0 $ 7.4 $ 44.4 (a) See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Table Text Block]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows: (Millions) Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Operations 2018 2017 2018 2017 Interest rate swaps: Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps $ 0.7 $ 1.3 $ 2.4 $ 4.2 Interest expense 0.7 1.3 2.4 4.2 Income (loss) before income taxes (0.1 ) (0.5 ) (0.6 ) (1.6 ) Income tax benefit 0.6 0.8 1.8 2.6 Net income (loss) Pension and postretirement plans: Amortization of net actuarial loss 0.1 — 0.2 0.1 (a) Amortization of prior service credits (1.2 ) (0.1 ) (3.8 ) (0.5 ) (a) (1.1 ) (0.1 ) (3.6 ) (0.4 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 0.1 0.1 0.9 0.2 Income tax benefit (1.0 ) — (2.7 ) (0.2 ) Net income (loss) Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax $ (0.4 ) $ 0.8 $ (0.9 ) $ 2.4 Net income (loss) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic benefit expense (see Note 8).

Earnings (Loss) Per Share_ Sche

Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Schedule of Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of net income (loss) and number of shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Numerator: Net income (loss) $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (280.9 ) Income allocable to participating securities — — — (1.3 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common shares $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (282.2 ) Denominator: Basic and diluted shares outstanding Weighted average shares outstanding 42.5 37.5 40.2 33.9 Weighted average participating securities — (0.7 ) — (0.7 ) Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding 42.5 36.8 40.2 33.2 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Net income (loss) $.97 ($2.76 ) ($4.32 ) ($8.50 )

Segment Information_ (Tables)

Segment Information: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes our segment results: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Consumer & Small Business: Revenues and sales $ 466.4 $ 487.3 $ 1,415.4 $ 1,496.6 Costs and expenses 200.3 217.3 593.8 648.6 Segment income $ 266.1 $ 270.0 $ 821.6 $ 848.0 Enterprise: Revenues and sales $ 729.1 $ 767.1 $ 2,218.3 $ 2,167.3 Cost and expenses 568.2 620.0 1,750.4 1,754.5 Segment income $ 160.9 $ 147.1 $ 467.9 $ 412.8 Wholesale: Revenues and sales $ 181.1 $ 191.3 $ 547.3 $ 566.7 Costs and expenses 54.5 58.1 163.6 171.4 Segment income $ 126.6 $ 133.2 $ 383.7 $ 395.3 Consumer CLEC: Revenues and sales $ 44.0 $ 52.0 $ 138.3 $ 124.4 Costs and expenses 19.1 27.2 59.6 62.9 Segment income $ 24.9 $ 24.8 $ 78.7 $ 61.5 Total segment revenues and sales $ 1,420.6 $ 1,497.7 $ 4,319.3 $ 4,355.0 Total segment costs and expenses 842.1 922.6 2,567.4 2,637.4 Total segment income $ 578.5 $ 575.1 $ 1,751.9 $ 1,717.6
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles segment income to consolidated net income (loss): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (Millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Total segment income $ 578.5 $ 575.1 $ 1,751.9 $ 1,717.6 Depreciation and amortization (383.8 ) (365.4 ) (1,136.3 ) (1,066.3 ) Merger, integration and other costs (9.0 ) (33.7 ) (30.4 ) (107.4 ) Restructuring charges (6.5 ) (22.8 ) (26.0 ) (33.7 ) Other unassigned operating expenses (103.6 ) (112.0 ) (326.3 ) (322.4 ) Other income, net 3.2 1.7 12.9 8.5 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 5.2 190.3 2.0 Interest expense (230.0 ) (216.4 ) (677.5 ) (642.6 ) Income tax benefit 2.2 66.8 67.6 163.4 Net income (loss) $ 41.3 $ (101.5 ) $ (173.8 ) $ (280.9 )

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_2

Supplemental Guarantor Information: (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 285.5 $ 1,139.9 $ (25.3 ) $ 1,400.1 Product sales — 19.0 1.5 — 20.5 Total revenues and sales — 304.5 1,141.4 (25.3 ) 1,420.6 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 105.7 619.8 (25.3 ) 700.2 Cost of products sold — 17.1 2.6 — 19.7 Selling, general and administrative — 34.7 190.8 — 225.5 Depreciation and amortization 1.5 111.8 270.5 — 383.8 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.2 8.8 — 9.0 Restructuring charges — 0.7 5.8 — 6.5 Total costs and expenses 1.5 270.2 1,098.3 (25.3 ) 1,344.7 Operating (loss) income (1.5 ) 34.3 43.1 — 75.9 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (33.0 ) 23.5 20.7 (11.2 ) — Other income, net 0.1 — 3.1 — 3.2 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 — — — 190.3 Intercompany interest income (expense) 13.6 (12.1 ) (1.5 ) — — Interest expense (109.7 ) (35.2 ) (85.1 ) — (230.0 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 59.8 10.5 (19.7 ) (11.2 ) 39.4 Income tax expense (benefit) 18.3 (8.9 ) (11.5 ) — (2.1 ) Net income (loss) $ 41.5 $ 19.4 $ (8.2 ) $ (11.2 ) $ 41.5 Comprehensive income (loss) $ 41.9 $ 19.4 $ (8.2 ) $ (11.2 ) $ 41.9 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Three Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 306.8 $ 1,192.9 $ (27.3 ) $ 1,472.4 Product sales — 21.9 3.4 — 25.3 Total revenues and sales — 328.7 1,196.3 (27.3 ) 1,497.7 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 159.0 648.5 (27.0 ) 780.5 Cost of products sold — 19.1 3.2 — 22.3 Selling, general and administrative — 44.0 187.6 (0.3 ) 231.3 Depreciation and amortization 2.1 72.1 291.2 — 365.4 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.5 33.2 — 33.7 Restructuring charges — 0.7 22.1 — 22.8 Total costs and expenses 2.1 295.4 1,185.8 (27.3 ) 1,456.0 Operating (loss) income (2.1 ) 33.3 10.5 — 41.7 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (57.5 ) (22.3 ) 0.8 79.0 — Other (expense) income, net — (0.2 ) 1.9 — 1.7 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 4.9 — 0.3 — 5.2 Intercompany interest income (expense) 17.7 (10.2 ) (7.5 ) — — Interest expense (91.5 ) (36.5 ) (88.4 ) — (216.4 ) Loss before income taxes (128.5 ) (35.9 ) (82.4 ) 79.0 (167.8 ) Income tax benefit (27.3 ) (5.0 ) (34.3 ) — (66.6 ) Net loss $ (101.2 ) $ (30.9 ) $ (48.1 ) $ 79.0 $ (101.2 ) Comprehensive loss $ (97.1 ) $ (30.9 ) $ (48.1 ) $ 79.0 $ (97.1 ) 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 872.2 $ 3,469.0 $ (81.1 ) $ 4,260.1 Product sales — 55.1 4.1 — 59.2 Total revenues and sales — 927.3 3,473.1 (81.1 ) 4,319.3 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 371.4 1,868.5 (80.0 ) 2,159.9 Cost of products sold — 48.1 6.6 — 54.7 Selling, general and administrative — 121.0 557.7 (1.1 ) 677.6 Depreciation and amortization 4.2 359.5 772.6 — 1,136.3 Merger, integration and other costs — 0.2 30.2 — 30.4 Restructuring charges — 3.8 22.2 — 26.0 Total costs and expenses 4.2 904.0 3,257.8 (81.1 ) 4,084.9 Operating (loss) income (4.2 ) 23.3 215.3 — 234.4 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (112.3 ) 94.2 59.3 (41.2 ) — Other income (expense), net 0.5 (0.5 ) 12.9 — 12.9 Net gain on early extinguishment of debt 190.3 — — — 190.3 Intercompany interest income (expense) 44.2 (32.9 ) (11.3 ) — — Interest expense (314.0 ) (107.1 ) (256.4 ) — (677.5 ) (Loss) income before income taxes (195.5 ) (23.0 ) 19.8 (41.2 ) (239.9 ) Income tax benefit (22.8 ) (33.7 ) (10.7 ) — (67.2 ) Net (loss) income $ (172.7 ) $ 10.7 $ 30.5 $ (41.2 ) $ (172.7 ) Comprehensive (loss) income $ (151.4 ) $ 10.7 $ 30.5 $ (41.2 ) $ (151.4 ) 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues and sales: Service revenues $ — $ 885.5 $ 3,468.2 $ (71.3 ) $ 4,282.4 Product sales — 64.8 7.8 — 72.6 Total revenues and sales — 950.3 3,476.0 (71.3 ) 4,355.0 Costs and expenses: Cost of services — 420.6 1,863.9 (69.5 ) 2,215.0 Cost of products sold — 60.3 12.5 — 72.8 Selling, general and administrative — 127.1 545.1 (1.8 ) 670.4 Depreciation and amortization 7.0 282.0 777.3 — 1,066.3 Merger, integration and other costs — 1.5 105.9 — 107.4 Restructuring charges — 5.7 28.0 — 33.7 Total costs and expenses 7.0 897.2 3,332.7 (71.3 ) 4,165.6 Operating (loss) income (7.0 ) 53.1 143.3 — 189.4 (Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries (152.4 ) (23.0 ) 33.1 142.3 — Other income, net — 0.9 7.6 — 8.5 Net gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt 3.7 (2.0 ) 0.3 — 2.0 Intercompany interest income (expense) 65.7 (32.3 ) (33.4 ) — — Interest expense (266.1 ) (112.8 ) (263.7 ) — (642.6 ) Loss before income taxes (356.1 ) (116.1 ) (112.8 ) 142.3 (442.7 ) Income tax benefit (76.2 ) (34.9 ) (51.7 ) — (162.8 ) Net loss $ (279.9 ) $ (81.2 ) $ (61.1 ) $ 142.3 $ (279.9 ) Comprehensive loss $ (274.5 ) $ (81.2 ) $ (61.1 ) $ 142.3 $ (274.5 )
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As of September 30, 2018 (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 3.7 $ — $ 33.8 $ (0.2 ) $ 37.3 Accounts receivable, net — 198.0 454.3 (3.3 ) 649.0 Notes receivable - affiliate — 5.0 — (5.0 ) — Affiliates receivable, net — 141.8 1,852.9 (1,994.7 ) — Inventories — 70.0 17.0 — 87.0 Prepaid expenses and other 21.2 37.7 125.4 — 184.3 Total current assets 24.9 452.5 2,483.4 (2,003.2 ) 957.6 Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 5,433.8 701.4 591.1 (6,726.3 ) — Notes receivable - affiliate — 304.2 — (304.2 ) — Goodwill 657.2 1,712.7 506.9 — 2,876.8 Other intangibles, net 457.2 390.4 452.7 — 1,300.3 Net property, plant and equipment 0.6 1,232.0 3,816.6 — 5,049.2 Deferred income taxes — 482.3 189.7 (254.0 ) 418.0 Other assets 33.0 17.5 57.7 — 108.2 Total Assets $ 6,606.7 $ 5,293.0 $ 8,098.1 $ (9,287.7 ) $ 10,710.1 Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 17.9 $ — $ — $ — $ 17.9 Current portion of long-term lease obligations — 60.3 145.7 — 206.0 Accounts payable — 262.3 221.1 — 483.4 Affiliates payable, net 1,994.7 — — (1,994.7 ) — Notes payable - affiliate — — 5.0 (5.0 ) — Advance payments and customer deposits — 38.4 160.1 (3.3 ) 195.2 Accrued taxes 0.2 19.8 73.5 — 93.5 Accrued interest 66.0 3.4 0.5 — 69.9 Other current liabilities 3.1 91.7 214.0 — 308.8 Total current liabilities 2,081.9 475.9 819.9 (2,003.0 ) 1,374.7 Long-term debt 5,621.7 99.6 — — 5,721.3 Long-term lease obligations — 1,304.2 3,182.3 — 4,486.5 Notes payable - affiliate — — 304.2 (304.2 ) — Deferred income taxes 254.0 — — (254.0 ) — Other liabilities 10.0 68.9 409.6 — 488.5 Total liabilities 7,967.6 1,948.6 4,716.0 (2,561.2 ) 12,071.0 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15) Equity (Deficit): Common stock — 39.4 81.9 (121.3 ) — Additional paid-in capital 1,241.2 3,958.3 1,404.9 (5,363.2 ) 1,241.2 Accumulated other comprehensive income 44.4 — 7.4 (7.4 ) 44.4 (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,646.5 ) (653.3 ) 1,887.9 (1,234.6 ) (2,646.5 ) Total equity (deficit) (1,360.9 ) 3,344.4 3,382.1 (6,726.5 ) (1,360.9 ) Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) $ 6,606.7 $ 5,293.0 $ 8,098.1 $ (9,287.7 ) $ 10,710.1 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) As of December 31, 2017 (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ — $ 2.5 $ 40.9 $ — $ 43.4 Accounts receivable, net — 185.2 461.1 (3.3 ) 643.0 Notes receivable - affiliate — 5.0 — (5.0 ) — Affiliates receivable, net — 18.3 1,949.8 (1,968.1 ) — Inventories — 76.9 16.1 — 93.0 Prepaid expenses and other 26.8 44.3 83.2 — 154.3 Total current assets 26.8 332.2 2,551.1 (1,976.4 ) 933.7 Investments in consolidated subsidiaries 5,603.7 575.9 401.0 (6,580.6 ) — Notes receivable - affiliate — 306.9 — (306.9 ) — Goodwill 657.2 1,712.8 472.4 — 2,842.4 Other intangibles, net 479.8 461.7 512.9 — 1,454.4 Net property, plant and equipment 5.8 1,318.3 4,067.7 — 5,391.8 Deferred income taxes — 460.7 205.2 (295.1 ) 370.8 Other assets 24.5 15.5 51.2 — 91.2 Total Assets $ 6,797.8 $ 5,184.0 $ 8,261.5 $ (9,159.0 ) $ 11,084.3 Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 169.3 $ — $ — $ — $ 169.3 Current portion of long-term lease obligations — 55.2 133.4 — 188.6 Accounts payable — 123.4 370.6 — 494.0 Affiliates payable, net 1,968.1 — — (1,968.1 ) — Notes payable - affiliate — — 5.0 (5.0 ) — Advance payments and customer deposits — 40.7 169.9 (3.3 ) 207.3 Accrued taxes — 23.8 65.7 — 89.5 Accrued interest 50.2 1.8 0.6 — 52.6 Other current liabilities 15.6 102.7 223.8 — 342.1 Total current liabilities 2,203.2 347.6 969.0 (1,976.4 ) 1,543.4 Long-term debt 5,575.0 99.6 — — 5,674.6 Long-term lease obligations — 1,350.1 3,293.2 — 4,643.3 Notes payable - affiliate — — 306.9 (306.9 ) — Deferred income taxes 295.1 — — (295.1 ) — Other liabilities 23.4 77.1 421.4 — 521.9 Total liabilities 8,096.7 1,874.4 4,990.5 (2,578.4 ) 12,383.2 Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15) Equity (Deficit): Common stock — 39.4 81.9 (121.3 ) — Additional paid-in capital 1,187.1 3,958.6 1,358.1 (5,316.7 ) 1,187.1 Accumulated other comprehensive income 21.4 — 4.0 (4.0 ) 21.4 (Accumulated deficit) retained earnings (2,507.4 ) (688.4 ) 1,827.0 (1,138.6 ) (2,507.4 ) Total equity (deficit) (1,298.9 ) 3,309.6 3,271.0 (6,580.6 ) (1,298.9 ) Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) $ 6,797.8 $ 5,184.0 $ 8,261.5 $ (9,159.0 ) $ 11,084.3
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block]	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash (used in) provided from operating activities $ (259.9 ) $ 397.3 $ 620.0 $ — $ 757.4 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment (0.1 ) (132.7 ) (470.4 ) — (603.2 ) Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired (46.9 ) — — — (46.9 ) Other, net 1.2 0.5 (9.3 ) — (7.6 ) Net cash used in investing activities (45.8 ) (132.2 ) (479.7 ) — (657.7 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc. (1.2 ) — — — (1.2 ) Contributions from Windstream Holdings, Inc. 12.2 — — — 12.2 Repayments of debt and swaps (540.4 ) — — — (540.4 ) Proceeds from debt issuance 627.0 — — — 627.0 Debt issuance costs (23.5 ) — — — (23.5 ) Intercompany transactions, net 237.3 (194.3 ) (42.8 ) (0.2 ) — Payments under long-term lease obligations — (40.8 ) (98.7 ) — (139.5 ) Payments under capital lease obligations — (34.9 ) (3.2 ) — (38.1 ) Other, net (2.0 ) 2.4 (2.7 ) — (2.3 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 309.4 (267.6 ) (147.4 ) (0.2 ) (105.8 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3.7 (2.5 ) (7.1 ) (0.2 ) (6.1 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Beginning of period — 2.5 40.9 — 43.4 End of period $ 3.7 $ — $ 33.8 $ (0.2 ) $ 37.3 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information, Continued: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (Millions) Windstream Services Guarantors Non- Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net cash (used in) provided from operating activities $ (175.8 ) $ 265.7 $ 556.7 $ — $ 646.6 Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment (0.3 ) (109.2 ) (614.7 ) — (724.2 ) Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired (63.3 ) — — — (63.3 ) Cash acquired from EarthLink — 0.7 4.3 — 5.0 Other, net — — (9.4 ) — (9.4 ) Net cash used in investing activities (63.6 ) (108.5 ) (619.8 ) — (791.9 ) Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc. (83.4 ) — — — (83.4 ) Contributions from Windstream Holdings, Inc. 9.6 — — — 9.6 Repayments of debt and swaps (1,097.0 ) (453.6 ) (160.0 ) — (1,710.6 ) Proceeds from debt issuance 2,099.6 — — — 2,099.6 Debt issuance costs (7.3 ) — — — (7.3 ) Intercompany transactions, net (671.0 ) 355.1 315.9 — — Payments under long-term lease obligations — (36.6 ) (88.3 ) — (124.9 ) Payments under capital lease obligations — (25.1 ) (4.1 ) — (29.2 ) Other, net (11.1 ) 2.5 (2.5 ) — (11.1 ) Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities 239.4 (157.7 ) 61.0 — 142.7 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents — (0.5 ) (2.1 ) — (2.6 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents: Beginning of period — 2.2 56.9 — 59.1 End of period $ — $ 1.7 $ 54.8 $ — $ 56.5

Preparation of Interim Financ_4

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: New Accounting Standards - Cumulative Effect of Changes due to Adoption of ASU 2014-09 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$ 649		$ 649		$ 643	$ 643
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3		184.3		180.3	154.3
Other assets	108.2		108.2		112.1	91.2
Deferred income taxes	(418)		(418)		(358.8)	(370.8)
Liabilities
Advance payments and customer deposits	(195.2)		(195.2)		(206.8)	(207.3)
Other current liabilities	(308.8)		(308.8)		(341.8)	(342.1)
Other liabilities	488.5		488.5		522.3	521.9
Accumulated deficit	(2,652.4)		(2,652.4)		(2,476.9)	$ (2,512.2)
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	(225.8)	$ (231.8)	(679.1)	$ (672)
Income tax benefit	(2.2)	(66.8)	(67.6)	(163.4)
Net income (loss)	41.3	(101.5)	(173.8)	(280.9)
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other	30.3		30.3
Other assets	17.4		17.4
Deferred income taxes	(12.3)		(12.3)
Liabilities
Advance payments and customer deposits	(0.7)		(0.7)
Other current liabilities	0		0
Other liabilities	0		0
Accumulated deficit	36.1		36.1
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	(1.2)		(1.6)
Income tax benefit	0		0.3
Net income (loss)	0		0.8
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	649		649
Prepaid expenses and other	154		154
Other assets	90.8		90.8
Deferred income taxes	(430.3)		(430.3)
Liabilities
Advance payments and customer deposits	(195.9)		(195.9)
Other current liabilities	(308.8)		(308.8)
Other liabilities	488.5		488.5
Accumulated deficit	(2,688.5)		(2,688.5)
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	(227)		(680.7)
Income tax benefit	(2.2)		(67.9)
Net income (loss)	41.3		(174.6)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Assets
Accounts receivable, net					0
Prepaid expenses and other					26
Other assets					20.9
Deferred income taxes					(12)
Liabilities
Advance payments and customer deposits					(0.5)
Other current liabilities					(0.3)
Other liabilities					0.4
Accumulated deficit					$ 35.3
Service [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Service [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	0.9		0.2
Product sales	0.9		0.2
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	0.3		0.7
Service [Member] | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,401		4,259.9
Product sales	1,401		4,259.9
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	699.9		2,159.2
Product [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization included below)	19.7	$ 22.3	54.7	$ 72.8
Product [Member] | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Product [Member] | Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5		59.2
Product sales	$ 20.5		$ 59.2

Preparation of Interim Financ_5

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: New Accounting Standards - Reclassification Adjustment due to ASU 2016-15 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt				$ 0
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	$ 190.3	$ 5.2	$ 190.3	2
Other, net			(9)	36.3
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities			756.2	646.6
Repayments of debt and swaps			(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities			$ (104.6)	142.7
Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt				20.2
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt				2
Other, net				(3)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities				21.2
Repayments of debt and swaps				(21.2)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities				(21.2)
Previously Reported [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-15 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Noncash portion of net gain on early extinguishment of debt				(20.2)
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt				0
Other, net				39.3
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities				625.4
Repayments of debt and swaps				(1,689.4)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities				$ 163.9

Preparation of Interim Financ_6

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: New Accounting Standards - Retrospective Adjustment due to ASU 2017-07 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 75.6	$ 41.2	$ 232.9	$ 187.8
Other income, net	$ 3.2	1.7	$ 12.9	8.5
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] | Previously Reported [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income		43		195.8
Other income, net		$ (0.1)		$ 0.5

Preparation of Interim Financ_7

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: New Accounting Standards - Cumulative Effect Adjustment due to ASU 2017-12 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit	$ (2,652.4)	$ (2,476.9)	$ (2,512.2)
Scenario, Adjustment [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit		$ (1.7)

Preparation of Interim Financ_8

Preparation of Interim Financial Statements: (Details)	May 25, 2018shares	Sep. 30, 2018Mistatesshares	May 23, 2018shares	May 22, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2017shares
Number of States in which Entity Operates | states		18
Number of Fiber Route Miles | Mi		150,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized, Before Reverse Stock Split				375,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized		75,000,000	75,000,000		75,000,000
Preferred Stock Split, Shares Authorized, Before Reverse Stock Split				33,300,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			6,700,000
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Post Split	1
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Pre Split	5
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest		100.00%

Revenues_ (Details)

Revenues: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs	$ 45.6	$ 44.6
Deferred contract costs, amortization	31.9
Unbilled Contracts Receivable	24.8		$ 23.8
Prepaid expenses and other
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs	30.8	30.3
Other assets
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Deferred contract costs	$ 14.8	$ 14.3
Minimum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Estimated Customer Life	18 months
Maximum
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Estimated Customer Life	36 months

Revenues_ Contract with Custome

Revenues: Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net
Contract assets (a)	$ 13.2	$ 13.1
Change in Contract with Customer, Liabilities
Contract liabilities (b)	197.7	209.3
Revenues recognized included in the opening contract liability balance	186.3
Prepaid expenses and other
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net
Contract assets (a)	8.7	3.6
Other assets
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net
Contract assets (a)	4.5	9.5
Customer Advances and Deposits, Current [Member]
Change in Contract with Customer, Liabilities
Contract liabilities (b)	185.6	198.3
Other liabilities
Change in Contract with Customer, Liabilities
Contract liabilities (b)	$ 12.1	$ 11

Revenues_ Revenue Performance O

Revenues: Revenue Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2018-10-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 3.4
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Recognized	39.70%
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage Recognized	28.80%

Revenues_ Revenue by Category (

Revenues: Revenue by Category (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues from contracts with customers	$ 1,226.4		$ 3,739.9
Total revenue from contracts with customers	1,246.9		3,799.1
Other service revenues (d)	173.7		520.2
Total revenues and sales	1,420.6	$ 1,497.7	4,319.3	$ 4,355
High-speed Internet bundles
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	261.2		794.8
Product sales	261.2		794.8
Voice and long-distance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	263.3		808.4
Product sales	263.3		808.4
Video and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	11.1		33.8
Product sales	11.1		33.8
Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	21.7		67
Product sales	21.7		67
Data and integrated services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	380.7		1,156.8
Product sales	380.7		1,156.8
Small business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	75		229
Product sales	75		229
Core wholesale (a)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	136.7		415.3
Product sales	136.7		415.3
Resale (b)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	19.5		60.9
Product sales	19.5		60.9
Wireless TDM (c)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	2.3		7.4
Product sales	2.3		7.4
Switched access
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	15.1		49
Product sales	15.1		49
Miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	39.8		117.5
Product sales	39.8		117.5
Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Consumer & Small Business
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues from contracts with customers	361.7		1,101.6
Total revenue from contracts with customers	369.2		1,121.2
Other service revenues (d)	97.2		294.2
Total revenues and sales	466.4	487.3	1,415.4	1,496.6
Consumer & Small Business | High-speed Internet bundles
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	239.2		725.2
Product sales	239.2		725.2
Consumer & Small Business | Voice and long-distance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	29.7		91.8
Product sales	29.7		91.8
Consumer & Small Business | Video and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	11.1		33.8
Product sales	11.1		33.8
Consumer & Small Business | Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Data and integrated services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Small business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	75		229
Product sales	75		229
Consumer & Small Business | Core wholesale (a)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Resale (b)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Wireless TDM (c)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Switched access
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	6.7		21.8
Product sales	6.7		21.8
Consumer & Small Business | Miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer & Small Business | Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	7.5		19.6
Product sales	7.5		19.6
Enterprise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues from contracts with customers	654.1		1,990.9
Total revenue from contracts with customers	666.7		2,029.7
Other service revenues (d)	62.4		188.6
Total revenues and sales	729.1	767.1	2,218.3	2,167.3
Enterprise | High-speed Internet bundles
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Voice and long-distance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	233.6		716.6
Product sales	233.6		716.6
Enterprise | Video and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Data and integrated services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	380.7		1,156.8
Product sales	380.7		1,156.8
Enterprise | Small business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Core wholesale (a)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Resale (b)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Wireless TDM (c)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Switched access
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Enterprise | Miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	39.8		117.5
Product sales	39.8		117.5
Enterprise | Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	12.6		38.8
Product sales	12.6		38.8
Wholesale
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues from contracts with customers	166.9		510.8
Total revenue from contracts with customers	167.1		511.2
Other service revenues (d)	14		36.1
Total revenues and sales	181.1	191.3	547.3	566.7
Wholesale | High-speed Internet bundles
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Voice and long-distance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Video and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Data and integrated services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Small business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Core wholesale (a)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	136.7		415.3
Product sales	136.7		415.3
Wholesale | Resale (b)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	19.5		60.9
Product sales	19.5		60.9
Wholesale | Wireless TDM (c)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	2.3		7.4
Product sales	2.3		7.4
Wholesale | Switched access
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	8.4		27.2
Product sales	8.4		27.2
Wholesale | Miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Wholesale | Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0.2		0.4
Product sales	0.2		0.4
Consumer CLEC
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues from contracts with customers	43.7		136.6
Total revenue from contracts with customers	43.9		137
Other service revenues (d)	0.1		1.3
Total revenues and sales	44	$ 52	138.3	$ 124.4
Consumer CLEC | High-speed Internet bundles
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	22		69.6
Product sales	22		69.6
Consumer CLEC | Voice and long-distance
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Video and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Dial-up, e-mail and miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	21.7		67
Product sales	21.7		67
Consumer CLEC | Data and integrated services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Small business services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Core wholesale (a)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Resale (b)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Wireless TDM (c)
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Switched access
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Miscellaneous
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0		0
Product sales	0		0
Consumer CLEC | Product [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Service revenues	0.2		0.4
Product sales	$ 0.2		$ 0.4

Acquisitions_ (Details)

Acquisitions: (Details)	Aug. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2018USD ($)	Jul. 28, 2017USD ($)$ / shares	Feb. 27, 2017Mishares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Mi$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Mi$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of MASS, net of cash acquired							$ 46,900,000	$ 0
Expected earn out payments related to acquisition of MASS		$ 2,500,000
Number of Fiber Route Miles | Mi					150,000		150,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares					$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001		$ 0.0001
Costs related to merger with Broadview					$ 500,000	$ 7,900,000	$ 3,900,000	7,900,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, deferred income taxes							1,400,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Current Liabilities							4,700,000
Costs related to merger with EarthLink (a)					2,000,000	23,600,000	13,000,000	90,100,000
ATC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of MASS, net of cash acquired	$ 10,000,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	9,800,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other	(7,000,000)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 2,800,000						2,800,000
Mass Communications [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of MASS, net of cash acquired		$ 37,100,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets					1,300,000		1,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other					(4,000,000)		(4,000,000)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities					2,500,000		2,500,000
Goodwill, Acquired During Period							32,300,000
Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of MASS, net of cash acquired							0	63,300,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets					275,900,000		275,900,000		$ 271,200,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other					(51,600,000)		(51,600,000)		(46,900,000)
Goodwill, Acquired During Period							700,000
Number of Customers			20,000
Number of Fiber Route Miles			3,000
Common stock, par value | $ / shares			$ 0.01
Business Acquisition, Share Price | $ / shares			$ 6.98
Acquisitions of Broadview, net of cash acquired			$ (69,800,000)
Short-term debt obligations			160,200,000		160,200,000		160,200,000		160,200,000
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount					10,800,000		10,800,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 230,000,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment							4,200,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, deferred income taxes							1,400,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Current Liabilities							4,700,000
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill							700,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual					49,200,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual					2,500,000
EarthLink [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Customers | Mi				700,000
Number of Fiber Route Miles | Mi				16,000
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred							435,300,000
Business Combination, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable | shares				0.1636
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred							1,100,000,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						222,600,000		529,700,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual						$ 6,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Common Stock [Member] | EarthLink [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares				17,600,000
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | EarthLink [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares				1,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			10.50%
Customer Lists [Member] | Mass Communications [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					10,000,000		10,000,000
Customer Lists [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets acquired					$ 45,000,000		$ 45,000,000		$ 45,000,000

Acquisitions_ Preliminary Alloc

Acquisitions: Preliminary Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jul. 28, 2017
Fair value of assets acquired:
Goodwill	$ 2,876.8	$ 2,842.4
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, deferred income taxes	1.4
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Current Liabilities	4.7
Broadview [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	17.6	17.4
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Accounts Receivable	0.2
Other current assets	6.8	7.1
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other current assets	(0.3)
Property, plant and equipment	41.3	37.1
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment	4.2
Goodwill	120.6	121.3
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Goodwill	(0.7)
Deferred income taxes	11.1	9.7
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, deferred income taxes	1.4
Other assets	2.5	2.6
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets	(0.1)
Total assets acquired	275.9	271.2
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Assumed	4.7
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
Short-term debt obligations	160.2	160.2	$ 160.2
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities	0
Other current liabilities	51.6	46.9
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Current Liabilities	4.7
Other liabilities	0.8	0.8
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Liabilities	0
Total liabilities assumed	212.6	207.9
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Liabilities Assumed	4.7
Cash paid, net of cash acquired	63.3	63.3
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Paid, net of Cash Acquired	$ 0
Customer Lists [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Fair value of assets acquired:
Intangible assets acquired	$ 45	45
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles	0
Trade Names [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired:
Intangible assets acquired	21	21
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles	0
Developed Technology Rights [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Fair value of assets acquired:
Intangible assets acquired	10	$ 10
Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles	$ 0
Developed technology and software [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum | Customer Lists [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years 6 months
Minimum | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum | Trade Names [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum | Developed technology and software [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum | Customer Lists [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Maximum | Trade Names [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum | Trade Names [Member] | Broadview [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum | Developed technology and software [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years

Acquisitions_ Pro Forma Consoli

Acquisitions: Pro Forma Consolidated Resullts of Operations (Details) - EarthLink [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues and sales	$ 1,497.7	$ 4,504.5
Operating income	41.2	212.5
Net loss	$ (104.9)	$ (267.9)
Loss per share	$ (2.87)	$ (7.28)

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		$ 4,683.2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(1,840.8)
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		2,842.4
Goodwill, Gross		4,717.6
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(1,840.8)
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		2,876.8
Broadview [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		121.3
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(0.7)
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		120.6
Mass Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(32.3)
ATC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ (2.8)	(2.8)
Consumer & Small Business
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		2,321.2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(1,417.8)
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		903.4
Goodwill, Gross		2,321.2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(1,417.8)
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		903.4
Consumer & Small Business | Broadview [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Consumer & Small Business | Mass Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Consumer & Small Business | ATC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Enterprise
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		961.8
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		961.8
Goodwill, Gross		996.2
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		996.2
Enterprise | Broadview [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(0.7)
Enterprise | Mass Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(32.3)
Enterprise | ATC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		(2.8)
Wholesale
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		1,297.1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(423)
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		874.1
Goodwill, Gross		1,297.1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		(423)
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		874.1
Wholesale | Broadview [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Wholesale | Mass Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Wholesale | ATC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Consumer CLEC
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Gross		103.1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0
Balance at December 31, 2017, net		103.1
Goodwill, Gross		103.1
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		0
Balance at September 30, 2018, net		103.1
Consumer CLEC | Broadview [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Consumer CLEC | Mass Communications [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		0
Consumer CLEC | ATC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period		$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	$ 3,496.6		$ 3,496.6		$ 3,479.6
Accumulated Amortization	(2,196.3)		(2,196.3)		(2,025.2)
Net carrying value	1,300.3		1,300.3		1,454.4
Amortization of Intangible Assets	56.1	$ 64.8	171.2	$ 177.5
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	1,285.1		1,285.1		1,285.1
Accumulated Amortization	(403.9)		(403.9)		(371.8)
Net carrying value	881.2		881.2		913.3
Customer Lists [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	2,121.6		2,121.6		2,104.6
Accumulated Amortization	(1,752.7)		(1,752.7)		(1,626.6)
Net carrying value	368.9		368.9		478
Cable Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	17.3		17.3		17.3
Accumulated Amortization	(10)		(10)		(9.1)
Net carrying value	7.3		7.3		8.2
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	29		29		29
Accumulated Amortization	(5.2)		(5.2)		(2.2)
Net carrying value	23.8		23.8		26.8
Developed technology and software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	33		33		33
Accumulated Amortization	(14.4)		(14.4)		(7.1)
Net carrying value	18.6		18.6		25.9
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	10.6		10.6		10.6
Accumulated Amortization	(10.1)		(10.1)		(8.4)
Net carrying value	$ 0.5		$ 0.5		$ 2.2

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Intangible assets - Amortization Methodology (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	straight-line
Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	sum of years digits
Cable Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	straight-line
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	straight-line
Developed technology and software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	straight-line
Patents [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	straight-line
Minimum | Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years 6 months
Minimum | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Minimum | Developed technology and software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Maximum | Customer Lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Maximum | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Maximum | Developed technology and software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Intangible Assets - Future Amortization (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
2,018	$ 225.8
2,019	183.6
2,020	142.2
2,021	106.3
2,022	$ 74.1

Long-Term Debt (Details)

Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Aug. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net discount on long-term debt, net (c)	$ (31.7)		$ (61.6)
Unamortized debt issuance costs (c)	(60.8)		(62)
Carrying value	5,739.2		5,843.9
Less current maturities	(17.9)		(169.3)
Total long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B6 – variable rates, due March 29, 2021 (a) | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility	1,183.6		1,192.6
Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7 - variable rates, due February 17, 2024 | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility	569.8		574.2
Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit - variable rates, due April 24, 2020 | Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit	1,030		775
Senior First Lien Notes – 8.625%, due October 31, 2025 (b) (e) | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	600		600
Senior Second Lien Notes - 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e) | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	414.9	$ 414.9	0
Senior Second Lien Notes - 9.000%, due June30, 2025 (c) (e) | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	802	802	0
2020 Notes - 7.750%, due October 15, 2020 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	78.1	414.9	492.9
2021 Notes - 7.750% due October 1, 2021 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	70.1	18.8	88.9
2022 Notes - 7.500% due June 1, 2022 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	36.2	5.3	41.6
2023 Notes - 7.500% due April 1, 2023 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	34.3	86	120.4
2023 Notes - 6.375%, due August 1, 2023 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	806.9	340.7	1,147.6
2024 Notes - 8.750% due December 15, 2024 | Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	105.8	$ 578.6	834.3
Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. | Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. - 6.75%, due April 1, 2028 | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debentures and notes issued by subsidiaries	$ 100		$ 100

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate (D

Long-Term Debt Interest Rate (Details)	Sep. 30, 2018
Unsecured Debt | Senior First Lien Notes – 8.625%, due October 31, 2025 (b) (e)
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.625%
Unsecured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e)
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	10.50%
Unsecured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 9.000%, due June30, 2025 (c) (e)
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	9.00%
Unsecured Debt | 2020 Notes - 7.750%, due October 15, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.75%
Unsecured Debt | 2021 Notes - 7.750% due October 1, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.75%
Unsecured Debt | 2022 Notes - 7.500% due June 1, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.50%
Unsecured Debt | 2023 Notes - 7.500% due April 1, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.50%
Unsecured Debt | 2023 Notes - 6.375%, due August 1, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.375%
Unsecured Debt | 2024 Notes - 8.750% due December 15, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.75%
Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. | Secured Debt | Windstream Holdings of the Midwest, Inc. - 6.75%, due April 1, 2028
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.75%

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2018	Feb. 17, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 27, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense - long-term debt			$ 112,500,000	$ 92,300,000	$ 320,100,000	$ 266,600,000
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt			(190,300,000)	(5,200,000)	(190,300,000)	(2,000,000)
One-time Consent Payment per $1,000 principal amount of 2025 Notes			2.50		2.50
Total Consent Fees Paid for Solicitation and Amendment			11,500,000		11,500,000
Consent Fees including Arrangement, Legal and Third-Party Fees			2,700,000		2,700,000
Consent Fees Payable to Lenders			8,800,000		8,800,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs			$ (60,800,000)		$ (60,800,000)		$ (62,000,000)
Leverage ration under covenant			4.5		4.5
Interest coverage ratio under covenant			2.75		2.75
Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.25%
Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, new borrowings		$ 580,000,000
Senior secured credit facility, new borrowings, issuance percent		99.50%
Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B6 – variable rates, due March 29, 2021 (a)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured credit facilities, new borrowings								$ 450,000,000
Senior secured credit facility, new borrowings, issuance percent								99.00%
Secured Debt | EarthLink 2020 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								7.375%
Secured Debt | EarthLink 2019 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage								8.875%
Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B5 - variable rates, due August 8, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ 6,300,000
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt		$ 1,200,000
Secured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$ 414,900,000		$ 414,900,000		$ 414,900,000		0
Secured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 9.000%, due June30, 2025 (c) (e)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable	802,000,000		802,000,000		802,000,000		0
Secured Debt | Exchanges of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, August 2023 and 2024 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net	35,700,000
Interest expense - long-term debt	6,500,000
Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs	11,900,000
Exchange transaction fees including arrangement, legal, and third-party fees	18,400,000
Unsecured Debt | 2020 Notes - 7.750%, due October 15, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net				300,000		300,000
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt			$ 0	(5,000,000)	$ 0	(5,000,000)
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.75%		7.75%
Notes Payable	414,900,000		$ 78,100,000		$ 78,100,000		492,900,000
Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount				49,100,000		49,100,000
Repayments of Debt				45,300,000
Unsecured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 10.500%, due June 30, 2024 (c) (e)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			10.50%		10.50%
Unsecured Debt | 2021 Notes - 7.750% due October 1, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.75%		7.75%
Notes Payable	18,800,000		$ 70,100,000		$ 70,100,000		88,900,000
Unsecured Debt | 2022 Notes - 7.500% due June 1, 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.50%		7.50%
Notes Payable	5,300,000		$ 36,200,000		$ 36,200,000		41,600,000
Unsecured Debt | 2023 Notes - 7.500% due April 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			7.50%		7.50%
Notes Payable	86,000,000		$ 34,300,000		$ 34,300,000		120,400,000
Unsecured Debt | 2023 Notes - 6.375%, due August 1, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.375%		6.375%
Notes Payable	340,700,000		$ 806,900,000		$ 806,900,000		1,147,600,000
Unsecured Debt | 2024 Notes - 8.750% due December 15, 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			8.75%		8.75%
Repayments of Lines of Credit					$ 150,000,000
Notes Payable	$ 578,600,000		$ 105,800,000		$ 105,800,000		$ 834,300,000
Unsecured Debt | Senior Second Lien Notes - 9.000%, due June30, 2025 (c) (e)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			9.00%		9.00%
Unsecured Debt | Exchanges of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, August 2023 and 2024 Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt			$ (190,300,000)	$ 0	$ (190,300,000)	$ 0
Repayments of Debt					226,000,000
Line of Credit | Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit - variable rates, due April 24, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit under Revolving Line of Credit, Maximum			50,000,000		50,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			1,250,000,000		1,250,000,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit					627,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit					372,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			23,400,000		23,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity			$ 196,600,000		$ 196,600,000
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time			3.90%	3.09%	3.90%	3.09%
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage					0.40%
Minimum | Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly Amortization Payment on Term Loans, Stated As A Percent of Initial Principal Amount		0.25%
Minimum | Line of Credit | Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit - variable rates, due April 24, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.40%	2.65%	3.40%	2.65%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage					0.50%
Maximum | Line of Credit | Senior secured credit facility, Revolving line of credit - variable rates, due April 24, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			6.25%	5.25%	6.25%	5.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					0.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum | Secured Debt | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B7
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		0.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					1.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					2.00%
Long-term Debt [Member] | Senior secured credit facility, Tranche B5 - variable rates, due August 8, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net		$ 5,100,000

Long-term Debt_ Schedule of Ext

Long-term Debt: Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	$ (190.3)	$ (5.2)	$ (190.3)	$ (2)
Secured Debt | Senior Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Unamortized (discount) premium on original issuance	0	0	0	0.3
Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance	0	0	0	(0.9)
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(1.2)
Unsecured Debt | 2020 Notes - 7.750%, due October 15, 2020
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Discount (Premium) on early redemption	0	(5.3)	0	(5.3)
Unamortized (discount) premium on original issuance	0	0.1	0	0.1
Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance	0	(0.4)	0	(0.4)
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	(5)	0	(5)
Unsecured Debt | Exchanges of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, August 2023 and 2024 Notes [Member]
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Discount (Premium) on early redemption	(226)	0	(226)	0
Unamortized (discount) premium on original issuance	22.9	0	22.9	0
Unamortized debt issuance costs on original issuance	(12.8)	0	(12.8)	0
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	(190.3)	0	(190.3)	0
Broadview [Member] | Secured Debt
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Unamortized (discount) premium on original issuance	0	0.2	0	0.2
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	(0.2)	0	(0.2)
EarthLink [Member] | Secured Debt
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Discount (Premium) on early redemption	0	0	0	(18.3)
Unamortized (discount) premium on original issuance	0	0	0	16.3
Net (loss) gain on early extinguishment of debt	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2)

Long-term Debt_ Maturity of Lon

Long-term Debt: Maturity of Long-term Debt (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
September 30, 2019	$ 17.9
September 30, 2020	1,047.9
September 30, 2021	1,243.3
September 30, 2022	112.1
September 30, 2023	847.1
Thereafter	2,563.4
Total	$ 5,831.7

Interest Expense (Details)

Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest expense - long-term debt	$ 112.5	$ 92.3	$ 320.1	$ 266.6
Interest expense - long-term lease obligation - Telecommunications network assets	116.2	120.7	352.1	365.2
Interest expense - long-term lease obligation - Real estate contributed to pension plan	1.5	1.5	4.6	4.6
Impact of interest rate swaps	(1.3)	2.2	(1.3)	8.2
Interest on capital leases and other	1.9	1.2	4.4	3.6
Less capitalized interest expense	(0.8)	(1.5)	(2.4)	(5.6)
Total interest expense	$ 230	$ 216.4	$ 677.5	$ 642.6

Derivatives_ Additional informa

Derivatives: Additional information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 27, 2017	Sep. 21, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Changes in fair value of effective portion, net of tax (a)	$ (1,900,000)	$ (5,500,000)	$ (21,600,000)	$ (3,600,000)
Assets Needed for Immediate Settlement, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 3,000,000		$ 3,000,000
Other Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net		$ (100,000)		(200,000)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Number of Instruments Held	6		6
Notional Amount of Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives					$ 675,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate					2.984%
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate						1.8812%	1.1275%
Derivative, Weighted Average Fixed Interest Rate	0.15%		0.15%		0.82%
Variable rate received	2.16%		2.16%		1.49%
Debt Instrument, Credit Rating			A
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Changes in fair value of effective portion, net of tax (a)			$ 16,100,000	2,200,000
De-Designated Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	$ (10,200,000)		(10,200,000)
De-Designated Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amortization of net unrealized losses on de-designated interest rate swaps, net of tax (a)			1,800,000	$ 2,600,000
Other current assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	6,300,000		6,300,000		$ 1,200,000
Other assets | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	20,000,000		20,000,000		10,600,000
Other current liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	2,400,000		2,400,000		7,800,000
Other noncurrent liabilities | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	1,200,000		1,200,000		10,500,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	57,600,000		57,600,000		33,700,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | De-Designated Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	$ (3,000,000)		$ (3,000,000)		$ (5,400,000)

Derivatives_ Offsetting assets

Derivatives: Offsetting assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Gross Amount of Assets presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 26.3	$ 11.8
Financial Instruments, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Derivative Assets	(1.8)	(2.9)
Cash Collateral Received, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Derivative Assets	0	0
Net Amount	$ 24.5	$ 8.9

Derivatives_ Offsetting liabili

Derivatives: Offsetting liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Gross Amount of Liabilities Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	$ 2.7	$ 18.3
Financial Instruments, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Derivative Liabilities	(1.8)	(2.9)
Cash Collateral Received, Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Net Amount	$ 0.9	$ 15.4

Fair Value Measurements_ (Detai

Fair Value Measurements: (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Level 2 measurements: - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Item]
Long-term debt, including current maturities - Level 2	$ 4,842	$ 4,824.2
Other liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Item]
Derivatives - Interest rate swap assets - Level 2	26.3	11.8
Derivatives - Interest rate swap liabilities - Level 2	$ 2.7	$ 18.3

Fair Value Measurements_ Fair V

Fair Value Measurements: Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value, Option, Events Triggering Election, Reasons	No
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$ 5,800	$ 5,905.9
Other liabilities | Interest rate swaps
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Decrease in fair value of interest rate swaps to reflect non-performance risk	$ 0.5	$ 4.8

Employee Benefit Plans and Po_3

Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits: Components of Pension Expense and Postretirement Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Benefits earned during the period (a)	$ 0.4	$ 2	$ 2.3	$ 6.1
Interest cost on benefit obligation (b)	11.4	11.6	32	34.7
Net actuarial gain	(0.1)	0	(5.7)	(2.3)
Amortization of prior service credit (b)	(1.2)	0	(3.6)	(0.2)
Expected return on plan assets (b)	(13.1)	(13.6)	(41.4)	(40.8)
Curtailment gain (b)	0	0	(2.7)	0
Net periodic benefit income	(2.6)	0	(19.1)	(2.5)
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost on benefit obligation (b)	0.1	0.3	0.5	0.8
Amortization of net actuarial loss (a)	0.1	0	0.2	0.1
Amortization of prior service credit (b)	0	(0.1)	(0.2)	(0.3)
Net periodic benefit income	$ 0.2	$ 0.2	$ 0.5	$ 0.6

Employee Benefit Plans and Po_4

Employee Benefit Plans and Postretirement Benefits: (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	Feb. 27, 2018	Jan. 12, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Years of Service					30 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate			4.31%		4.31%		3.68%
Prior service credit arising during the period			$ 0	$ 0	$ (2.7)	$ 0
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match					4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay					5.00%
Company's 401(k) Employer Match Expense			4.7	6	$ 16.8	17.5
Annual matching contribution to defined contribution plan, Common Stock					3.4
Defined Contribution Plan, Contributions by Employer, Common Stock, Value					$ 26.9
Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement Benefit Contributions					1.1
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment			0	0	2.7	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)					5.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss), Immediate Recognition as Component in Net Periodic Benefit (Cost) Credit			0.1	$ 0	5.7	$ 2.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year			17.7		17.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer		$ 5.2	3.6
Annual matching contribution to defined contribution plan, Common Stock	0.8
Defined Contribution Plan, Contributions by Employer, Common Stock, Value	$ 5.8
Other Pension, Postretirement and Supplemental Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year			$ 0.9		$ 0.9

Share-Based Compensation Plan_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans: Stock Options (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Opions, Maximum GrantTerm	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 4.25
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options | $	$ 3
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average vesting period (in years)	1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Expected life	6 years 1 month
Expected volatility	58.70%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Risk-free interest rate	2.60%
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	1,024,900
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.37
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	18,100
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 56.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number | shares	904,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number | shares	18,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.74
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 56.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 2 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 years 2 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value | $	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | shares	34,200
Granted | shares	1,079,300
Exercised | shares	0
Canceled and forfeited | shares	(88,600)
Outstanding at September 30, 2018 | shares	1,024,900
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Options, Outstanding at December 31, 2017, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 8.37
Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	7.50
Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	0
Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	20.87
Options, Outstanding at June 30, 2018, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 68.20
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average vesting period (in years)	2 years 5 months
Range of Exercise Price $7.50 to $7.60[Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 7.60
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 7.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	1,006,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 7.50
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	0
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 0
Range of Exercise Price $14.70 to $35.05 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	35.05
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 14.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	1,300
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 21.55
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	1,300
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 21.55
Range of Exercise Price $47.10 - $95.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	95
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 47.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	16,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 59.43
(Thousands) Number of Options | shares	16,800
Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 59.43
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | shares	100,000

Share-Based Compensation Plan_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans: Vesting Periods and Grant Date Fair Value of Shares Issued (Details) - Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	527,600	1,022,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	150,700
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other than Options Grants in Period Total Fair Value	$ 1.1
Vest one year from date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	109,600
Vest immediately on date of grant, service based - granted to non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	41,100

Share-Based Compensation Plan_5

Share-Based Compensation Plans: Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
(Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, Underlying Number of Shares	1,022,800
Granted	150,700
Vested	(572,300)
Forfeited	(73,600)
Ending balance, Underlying Number of Shares	527,600
Weighted Average Fair Value
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 31.45
Granted | $ / shares	7.30
Vested | $ / shares	32.86
Forfeited | $ / shares	28.39
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 23.43
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
(Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, Underlying Number of Shares	520,700
Vested	(103,700)
Forfeited	(91,600)
Ending balance, Underlying Number of Shares	325,400
Weighted Average Fair Value
Beginning Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 32.90
Granted | $ / shares	0
Vested | $ / shares	36.09
Forfeited | $ / shares	27.70
Ending Balance, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | $ / shares	$ 28.35
Windstream Holdings, Inc. | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
(Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted	150,700
Windstream Holdings, Inc. | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
(Thousands) Underlying Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Granted	0

Share-Based Compensation Plan_6

Share-Based Compensation Plans: Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Employee savings plan (See Note 8)	$ 4.7	$ 6	$ 16.8	$ 17.5
Share-based compensation expense	7.1	12.8	25.5	45.2
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member] | Additional Paid-In Capital
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Restricted stock, restricted units and stock options	$ 2.4	$ 6.8	$ 8.7	$ 27.7

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	May 25, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Post Split	1
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Pre Split	5
Operating Target Consideration Period				3 years
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 9.7		$ 9.7
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted average vesting period (in years)				1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value				$ 22.5	$ 36.5
Share-based compensation expense				$ 10.2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		1,024,900		1,024,900		34,200
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based restricted stock units, as a percentage of the award				0.00%
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance-based restricted stock units, as a percentage of the award				150.00%
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for issuance under the Windstream 2006 Equity Incentive Plan		6,800,000		6,800,000		4,900,000
Available shares for grant		2,100,000		2,100,000
Additional Paid-In Capital
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense				$ 10.2
Additional Paid-In Capital | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation expense		$ 2.4	$ 6.8	$ 8.7	$ 27.7
Windstream Holdings, Inc.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number						100,000

Merger, Integration and Restruc

Merger, Integration and Restructuring Charges: (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)position	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)position	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)position	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)position
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated | position	200	700	750	375
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date		$ 31.6		$ 31.6
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Abstract]
Information technology conversion costs	$ 0.2	0.6	$ 0.8	2.1
Costs related to merger with EarthLink (a)	2	23.6	13	90.1
Costs related to merger with Broadview (b)	0.5	7.9	3.9	7.9
Costs related to acquisitions of MASS and ATC	0.7	0	1.9	0
Network optimization and contract termination costs	0	1.6	0	6.5
Legal fees related to Uniti spin-off litigation (see Note 15)	5.1	0	9.9	0.5
Other costs	0.5	0	0.9	0.3
Merger and Integration Costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total merger, integration and other costs and restructuring charges	15.5	56.5	56.4	141.1
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			19.5
Expenses incurred during the period			56.4
Cash outlays during the period			(55.7)
Balance, end of period	20.2		20.2
Merger, Integration and Other Costs and Restructuring Cost, Cost Incurred to Date, Net of Tax	11.6	32.4	42.1	90.4
Workforce Reduction [Domain]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	22.1	22.8	22.1	22.8
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	3.2
Merger, integration and other charges [Member]
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			10.3
Cash outlays during the period			(28.3)
Balance, end of period	12.4		12.4
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			5
Expenses incurred during the period			22.1
Cash outlays during the period			(20.1)
Balance, end of period	7		7
Contract and lease termination costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	3.3		3.9
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Integration and Merger Cost [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period			4.2
Expenses incurred during the period			3.9
Cash outlays during the period			(7.3)
Balance, end of period	0.8		0.8
EarthLink [Member] | Investment banking, legal and other consulting fees [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	0.6			23.4
EarthLink [Member] | Accelerated vesting, share based compensation [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs		0.4		10.1
EarthLink [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	1	5.3	5.8	34.8
EarthLink [Member] | Contract and lease termination costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	0.1	17.8	4.8
EarthLink [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	0.9	2	2.4	4
Broadview [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs		$ 1.9		3.1
Broadview [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Costs	$ 0.5		$ 2	$ 4.8

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pension and postretirement plans	$ 7.4	$ 4
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps:
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	44.4	21.4
Interest rate swaps
Unrealized net gains (losses) on interest rate swaps:
Designated portion	38.5	20.7
De-designated portion	$ (1.5)	$ (3.3)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Roll-Forward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 21.4
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2017-12			1.7
Prior service credit arising during the period			2.7
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			19.5
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive loss (a)	$ (0.4)	$ 0.8	(0.9)	$ 2.4
Ending balance	44.4		44.4
Net Gains on Interest Rate Swaps
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			17.4
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2017-12			1.7
Prior service credit arising during the period			0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			16.1
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive loss (a)			1.8
Ending balance	37		37
Pension and Postretirement Plans
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			4
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2017-12			0
Prior service credit arising during the period			2.7
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			3.4
Amounts reclassified from other accumulated comprehensive loss (a)	(1)	$ 0	(2.7)	$ (0.2)
Ending balance	$ 7.4		$ 7.4

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Reclassifications) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 230	$ 216.4	$ 677.5	$ 642.6
Income tax benefit	(2.2)	(66.8)	(67.6)	(163.4)
Net loss	41.3	(101.5)	(173.8)	(282.2)
Net loss	(0.4)	0.8	(0.9)	2.4
Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net loss			1.8
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	0.1	0	0.2	0.1
Amortization of prior service credits
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(1.2)	(0.1)	(3.8)	(0.5)
Pension and postretirement plans:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax	(1.1)	(0.1)	(3.6)	(0.4)
Income tax benefit	0.1	0.1	0.9	0.2
Net loss	(1)	0	(2.7)	(0.2)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Loss before income taxes	0.7	1.3	2.4	4.2
Income tax benefit	(0.1)	(0.5)	(0.6)	(1.6)
Net loss	0.6	0.8	1.8	2.6
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest rate swaps | Interest rate swaps:
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$ 0.7	$ 1.3	$ 2.4	$ 4.2

Reconciliation of Net Income an

Reconciliation of Net Income and Number of Shares Used in Computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.75		$ 1.50
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$ 41.3	$ (101.5)	$ (173.8)	$ (280.9)
Income allocable to participating securities	0	0	0	(1.3)
Net income (loss) attributable to common shares	$ 41.3	$ (101.5)	$ (173.8)	$ (282.2)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding	42.5	37.5	40.2	33.9
Weighted average participating securities	0	(0.7)	0	(0.7)
Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding	42.5	36.8	40.2	33.2
Net income (loss)	$ 0.97	$ (2.76)	$ (4.32)	$ (8.50)
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			0.9	0.8
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			1	0.1

Earnings (Loss) Per Share_ Addi

Earnings (Loss) Per Share: Additional details (Details)	May 25, 2018shares
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Post Split	1
Stockholders' Equity Note, Reverse Stock Split, One-for-Five, Pre Split	5

Segment Information_ (Details)

Segment Information: (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments | segment			4
Total revenues and sales	$ 1,420.6	$ 1,497.7	$ 4,319.3	$ 4,355
Costs and Expenses	1,345	1,456.5	4,086.4	4,167.2
Operating income	75.6	41.2	232.9	187.8
Consumer & Small Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and sales	466.4	487.3	1,415.4	1,496.6
Costs and Expenses	200.3	217.3	593.8	648.6
Operating income	266.1	270	821.6	848
Enterprise
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and sales	729.1	767.1	2,218.3	2,167.3
Costs and Expenses	568.2	620	1,750.4	1,754.5
Operating income	160.9	147.1	467.9	412.8
Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and sales	181.1	191.3	547.3	566.7
Costs and Expenses	54.5	58.1	163.6	171.4
Operating income	126.6	133.2	383.7	395.3
Consumer CLEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and sales	44	52	138.3	124.4
Costs and Expenses	19.1	27.2	59.6	62.9
Operating income	24.9	24.8	78.7	61.5
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues and sales	1,420.6	1,497.7	4,319.3	4,355
Costs and Expenses	842.1	922.6	2,567.4	2,637.4
Operating income	$ 578.5	$ 575.1	$ 1,751.9	$ 1,717.6

Segment Information_ Reconcilia

Segment Information: Reconciliation of Segment Income to Consolidated Net (Loss) Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 75.6	$ 41.2	$ 232.9	$ 187.8
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	(9)	(33.7)	(30.4)	(107.4)
Restructuring Charges	(6.5)	(22.8)	(26)	(33.7)
Other unassigned operating expenses	(1,345)	(1,456.5)	(4,086.4)	(4,167.2)
Other income, net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
Income tax benefit	2.2	66.8	67.6	163.4
Net income (loss)	41.3	(101.5)	(173.8)	(280.9)
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Operating income	578.5	575.1	1,751.9	1,717.6
Other unassigned operating expenses	(842.1)	(922.6)	(2,567.4)	(2,637.4)
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Other unassigned operating expenses	$ (103.6)	$ (112)	$ (326.3)	$ (322.4)

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_3

Supplemental Guarantor Information: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	$ 1,420.6	$ 1,497.7	$ 4,319.3	$ 4,355
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	225.8	231.8	679.1	672
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total costs and expenses	1,345	1,456.5	4,086.4	4,167.2
Operating income	75.6	41.2	232.9	187.8
Other income (expense), net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
(Loss) income before income taxes	39.1	(168.3)	(241.4)	(444.3)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2.2)	(66.8)	(67.6)	(163.4)
Net (loss) income	41.3	(101.5)	(173.8)	(280.9)
Comprehensive income (loss)	41.7	(97.4)	(152.5)	(275.5)
Eliminations
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	(25.3)	(27.3)	(81.1)	(71.3)
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	0	(0.3)	(1.1)	(1.8)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Merger, integration and other costs	0	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0
Total costs and expenses	(25.3)	(27.3)	(81.1)	(71.3)
Operating income	0	0	0	0
(Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	(11.2)	79	(41.2)	142.3
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	0
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
(Loss) income before income taxes	(11.2)	79	(41.2)	142.3
Income tax (benefit) expense	0	0	0	0
Net (loss) income	(11.2)	79	(41.2)	142.3
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11.2)	79	(41.2)	142.3
Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	0	0	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	1.5	2.1	4.2	7
Merger, integration and other costs	0	0	0	0
Restructuring charges	0	0	0	0
Total costs and expenses	1.5	2.1	4.2	7
Operating income	(1.5)	(2.1)	(4.2)	(7)
(Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	(33)	(57.5)	(112.3)	(152.4)
Other income (expense), net	0.1	0	0.5	0
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	4.9	190.3	3.7
Intercompany interest income (expense)	13.6	17.7	44.2	65.7
Interest expense	(109.7)	(91.5)	(314)	(266.1)
(Loss) income before income taxes	59.8	(128.5)	(195.5)	(356.1)
Income tax (benefit) expense	18.3	(27.3)	(22.8)	(76.2)
Net (loss) income	41.5	(101.2)	(172.7)	(279.9)
Comprehensive income (loss)	41.9	(97.1)	(151.4)	(274.5)
Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	304.5	328.7	927.3	950.3
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	34.7	44	121	127.1
Depreciation and amortization	111.8	72.1	359.5	282
Merger, integration and other costs	0.2	0.5	0.2	1.5
Restructuring charges	0.7	0.7	3.8	5.7
Total costs and expenses	270.2	295.4	904	897.2
Operating income	34.3	33.3	23.3	53.1
(Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	23.5	(22.3)	94.2	(23)
Other income (expense), net	0	(0.2)	(0.5)	0.9
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	(2)
Intercompany interest income (expense)	(12.1)	(10.2)	(32.9)	(32.3)
Interest expense	(35.2)	(36.5)	(107.1)	(112.8)
(Loss) income before income taxes	10.5	(35.9)	(23)	(116.1)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(8.9)	(5)	(33.7)	(34.9)
Net (loss) income	19.4	(30.9)	10.7	(81.2)
Comprehensive income (loss)	19.4	(30.9)	10.7	(81.2)
Non-Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	1,141.4	1,196.3	3,473.1	3,476
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	190.8	187.6	557.7	545.1
Depreciation and amortization	270.5	291.2	772.6	777.3
Merger, integration and other costs	8.8	33.2	30.2	105.9
Restructuring charges	5.8	22.1	22.2	28
Total costs and expenses	1,098.3	1,185.8	3,257.8	3,332.7
Operating income	43.1	10.5	215.3	143.3
(Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	20.7	0.8	59.3	33.1
Other income (expense), net	3.1	1.9	12.9	7.6
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	0	0.3	0	0.3
Intercompany interest income (expense)	(1.5)	(7.5)	(11.3)	(33.4)
Interest expense	(85.1)	(88.4)	(256.4)	(263.7)
(Loss) income before income taxes	(19.7)	(82.4)	19.8	(112.8)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(11.5)	(34.3)	(10.7)	(51.7)
Net (loss) income	(8.2)	(48.1)	30.5	(61.1)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(8.2)	(48.1)	30.5	(61.1)
Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Total revenues and sales	1,420.6	1,497.7	4,319.3	4,355
Costs and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	225.5	231.3	677.6	670.4
Depreciation and amortization	383.8	365.4	1,136.3	1,066.3
Merger, integration and other costs	9	33.7	30.4	107.4
Restructuring charges	6.5	22.8	26	33.7
Total costs and expenses	1,344.7	1,456	4,084.9	4,165.6
Operating income	75.9	41.7	234.4	189.4
(Losses) earnings from consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	3.2	1.7	12.9	8.5
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt	190.3	5.2	190.3	2
Intercompany interest income (expense)	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	(230)	(216.4)	(677.5)	(642.6)
(Loss) income before income taxes	39.4	(167.8)	(239.9)	(442.7)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(2.1)	(66.6)	(67.2)	(162.8)
Net (loss) income	41.5	(101.2)	(172.7)	(279.9)
Comprehensive income (loss)	41.9	(97.1)	(151.4)	(274.5)
Service [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Service [Member] | Eliminations
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	(25.3)	(27.3)	(81.1)	(71.3)
Product sales	(25.3)	(27.3)	(81.1)	(71.3)
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	(25.3)	(27)	(80)	(69.5)
Service [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	0	0	0	0
Product sales	0	0	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	0	0	0	0
Service [Member] | Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	285.5	306.8	872.2	885.5
Product sales	285.5	306.8	872.2	885.5
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	105.7	159	371.4	420.6
Service [Member] | Non-Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,139.9	1,192.9	3,469	3,468.2
Product sales	1,139.9	1,192.9	3,469	3,468.2
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	619.8	648.5	1,868.5	1,863.9
Service [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Product sales	1,400.1	1,472.4	4,260.1	4,282.4
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	700.2	780.5	2,159.9	2,215
Product [Member]
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	19.7	22.3	54.7	72.8
Product [Member] | Eliminations
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	0	0	0	0
Product sales	0	0	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	0	0	0	0
Product [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	0	0	0	0
Product sales	0	0	0	0
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	0	0	0	0
Product [Member] | Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	19	21.9	55.1	64.8
Product sales	19	21.9	55.1	64.8
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	17.1	19.1	48.1	60.3
Product [Member] | Non-Guarantors
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	1.5	3.4	4.1	7.8
Product sales	1.5	3.4	4.1	7.8
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	2.6	3.2	6.6	12.5
Product [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Revenues and sales:
Service revenues	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Product sales	20.5	25.3	59.2	72.6
Costs and expenses:
Cost of products sold	$ 19.7	$ 22.3	$ 54.7	$ 72.8

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_4

Supplemental Guarantor Information: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 37.3		$ 43.4	$ 56.5	$ 59.1
Accounts receivable, net	649	$ 643	643
Inventories	87		93
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3	180.3	154.3
Total current assets	957.6		933.7
Goodwill	2,876.8		2,842.4
Other intangibles, net	1,300.3		1,454.4
Net property, plant and equipment	5,049.2		5,391.8
Deferred income taxes	418	358.8	370.8
Other assets	108.2	112.1	91.2
Total Assets	10,710.1		11,084.3
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	206		188.6
Accounts payable	483.4		494
Advance payments and customer deposits	195.2	206.8	207.3
Accrued taxes	93.5		89.5
Accrued interest	69.9		52.6
Other current liabilities	308.8	341.8	342.1
Total current liabilities	1,374.7		1,543.4
Long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Long-term lease obligations	4,486.5		4,643.3
Other liabilities	488.5	522.3	521.9
Total liabilities	12,071		12,383.2
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	1,247.1		1,191.9
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	44.4		21.4
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(2,652.4)	$ (2,476.9)	(2,512.2)
Total equity (deficit)	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	10,710.1		11,084.3
Eliminations
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	(0.2)		0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	(3.3)		(3.3)
Notes receivable - affiliate	(5)		(5)
Affiliates receivable, net	(1,994.7)		(1,968.1)
Inventories	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other	0		0
Total current assets	(2,003.2)		(1,976.4)
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	(6,726.3)		(6,580.6)
Notes receivable - affiliate	(304.2)		(306.9)
Goodwill	0		0
Other intangibles, net	0		0
Net property, plant and equipment	0		0
Deferred income taxes	(254)		(295.1)
Other assets	0		0
Total Assets	(9,287.7)		(9,159)
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Affiliates payable, net	(1,994.7)		(1,968.1)
Notes payable - affiliate	(5)		(5)
Advance payments and customer deposits	(3.3)		(3.3)
Accrued taxes	0		0
Accrued interest	0		0
Other current liabilities	0		0
Total current liabilities	(2,003)		(1,976.4)
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term lease obligations	0		0
Notes payable - affiliate	(304.2)		(306.9)
Deferred income taxes	(254)		(295.1)
Other liabilities	0		0
Total liabilities	(2,561.2)		(2,578.4)
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	(121.3)		(121.3)
Additional paid-in capital	(5,363.2)		(5,316.7)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	(7.4)		(4)
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(1,234.6)		(1,138.6)
Total equity (deficit)	(6,726.5)		(6,580.6)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	(9,287.7)		(9,159)
Windstream Services, LLC
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	3.7		0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0		0
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Affiliates receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other	21.2		26.8
Total current assets	24.9		26.8
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	5,433.8		5,603.7
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Goodwill	657.2		657.2
Other intangibles, net	457.2		479.8
Net property, plant and equipment	0.6		5.8
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Other assets	33		24.5
Total Assets	6,606.7		6,797.8
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	0		0
Accounts payable	0		0
Affiliates payable, net	1,994.7		1,968.1
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Advance payments and customer deposits	0		0
Accrued taxes	0.2		0
Accrued interest	66		50.2
Other current liabilities	3.1		15.6
Total current liabilities	2,081.9		2,203.2
Long-term debt	5,621.7		5,575
Long-term lease obligations	0		0
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Deferred income taxes	254		295.1
Other liabilities	10		23.4
Total liabilities	7,967.6		8,096.7
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	1,241.2		1,187.1
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	44.4		21.4
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(2,646.5)		(2,507.4)
Total equity (deficit)	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	6,606.7		6,797.8
Guarantors
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		2.5	1.7	2.2
Accounts receivable, net	198		185.2
Notes receivable - affiliate	5		5
Affiliates receivable, net	141.8		18.3
Inventories	70		76.9
Prepaid expenses and other	37.7		44.3
Total current assets	452.5		332.2
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	701.4		575.9
Notes receivable - affiliate	304.2		306.9
Goodwill	1,712.7		1,712.8
Other intangibles, net	390.4		461.7
Net property, plant and equipment	1,232		1,318.3
Deferred income taxes	482.3		460.7
Other assets	17.5		15.5
Total Assets	5,293		5,184
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	60.3		55.2
Accounts payable	262.3		123.4
Affiliates payable, net	0		0
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Advance payments and customer deposits	38.4		40.7
Accrued taxes	19.8		23.8
Accrued interest	3.4		1.8
Other current liabilities	91.7		102.7
Total current liabilities	475.9		347.6
Long-term debt	99.6		99.6
Long-term lease obligations	1,304.2		1,350.1
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Other liabilities	68.9		77.1
Total liabilities	1,948.6		1,874.4
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	39.4		39.4
Additional paid-in capital	3,958.3		3,958.6
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	0		0
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(653.3)		(688.4)
Total equity (deficit)	3,344.4		3,309.6
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	5,293		5,184
Non-Guarantors
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	33.8		40.9	54.8	56.9
Accounts receivable, net	454.3		461.1
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Affiliates receivable, net	1,852.9		1,949.8
Inventories	17		16.1
Prepaid expenses and other	125.4		83.2
Total current assets	2,483.4		2,551.1
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	591.1		401
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Goodwill	506.9		472.4
Other intangibles, net	452.7		512.9
Net property, plant and equipment	3,816.6		4,067.7
Deferred income taxes	189.7		205.2
Other assets	57.7		51.2
Total Assets	8,098.1		8,261.5
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	0		0
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	145.7		133.4
Accounts payable	221.1		370.6
Affiliates payable, net	0		0
Notes payable - affiliate	5		5
Advance payments and customer deposits	160.1		169.9
Accrued taxes	73.5		65.7
Accrued interest	0.5		0.6
Other current liabilities	214		223.8
Total current liabilities	819.9		969
Long-term debt	0		0
Long-term lease obligations	3,182.3		3,293.2
Notes payable - affiliate	304.2		306.9
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Other liabilities	409.6		421.4
Total liabilities	4,716		4,990.5
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	81.9		81.9
Additional paid-in capital	1,404.9		1,358.1
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	7.4		4
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	1,887.9		1,827
Total equity (deficit)	3,382.1		3,271
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	8,098.1		8,261.5
Windstream Services, LLC
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	37.3		43.4	$ 56.5	$ 59.1
Accounts receivable, net	649		643
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Affiliates receivable, net	0		0
Inventories	87		93
Prepaid expenses and other	184.3		154.3
Total current assets	957.6		933.7
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	0		0
Notes receivable - affiliate	0		0
Goodwill	2,876.8		2,842.4
Other intangibles, net	1,300.3		1,454.4
Net property, plant and equipment	5,049.2		5,391.8
Deferred income taxes	418		370.8
Other assets	108.2		91.2
Total Assets	10,710.1		11,084.3
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt	17.9		169.3
Current portion of long-term lease obligations	206		188.6
Accounts payable	483.4		494
Affiliates payable, net	0		0
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Advance payments and customer deposits	195.2		207.3
Accrued taxes	93.5		89.5
Accrued interest	69.9		52.6
Other current liabilities	308.8		342.1
Total current liabilities	1,374.7		1,543.4
Long-term debt	5,721.3		5,674.6
Long-term lease obligations	4,486.5		4,643.3
Notes payable - affiliate	0		0
Deferred income taxes	0		0
Other liabilities	488.5		521.9
Total liabilities	12,071		12,383.2
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 15)
Member Deficit:
Common stock	0		0
Additional paid-in capital	1,241.2		1,187.1
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	44.4		21.4
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(2,646.5)		(2,507.4)
Total equity (deficit)	(1,360.9)		(1,298.9)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)	$ 10,710.1		$ 11,084.3

Supplemental Guarantor Inform_5

Supplemental Guarantor Information: Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	$ 756.2	$ 646.6
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(603.2)	(724.2)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink	0	5
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Other, net	(7.6)	(9.4)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(657.7)	(791.9)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(139.5)	(124.9)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(38.1)	(29.2)
Other, net	(2.3)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(104.6)	142.7
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(6.1)	(2.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	43.4	59.1
End of period	37.3	56.5
Eliminations
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	0	0
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink		0
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	0	0
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Repayments of debt and swaps	0	0
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Intercompany transactions, net	(0.2)	0
Payments under long-term lease obligations	0	0
Payments under capital lease obligations	0	0
Other, net	0	0
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(0.2)	0
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(0.2)	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	0	0
End of period	(0.2)	0
Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(259.9)	(175.8)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(0.1)	(0.3)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)
Cash acquired from EarthLink		0
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)
Other, net	1.2	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(45.8)	(63.6)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	(1.2)	(83.4)
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	12.2	9.6
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,097)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Intercompany transactions, net	237.3	(671)
Payments under long-term lease obligations	0	0
Payments under capital lease obligations	0	0
Other, net	(2)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	309.4	239.4
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3.7	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	0	0
End of period	3.7	0
Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	397.3	265.7
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(132.7)	(109.2)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink		0.7
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0
Other, net	0.5	0
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(132.2)	(108.5)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Repayments of debt and swaps	0	(453.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Intercompany transactions, net	(194.3)	355.1
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(40.8)	(36.6)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(34.9)	(25.1)
Other, net	2.4	2.5
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(267.6)	(157.7)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2.5)	(0.5)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	2.5	2.2
End of period	0	1.7
Non-Guarantors
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	620	556.7
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(470.4)	(614.7)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink		4.3
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0
Other, net	(9.3)	(9.4)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(479.7)	(619.8)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	0	0
Repayments of debt and swaps	0	(160)
Proceeds from debt issuance	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Intercompany transactions, net	(42.8)	315.9
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(98.7)	(88.3)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(3.2)	(4.1)
Other, net	(2.7)	(2.5)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(147.4)	61
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(7.1)	(2.1)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	40.9	56.9
End of period	33.8	54.8
Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	757.4	646.6
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(603.2)	(724.2)
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Cash acquired from EarthLink	0	5
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	(46.9)	0
Other, net	(7.6)	(9.4)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(657.7)	(791.9)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Distributions to Windstream Holdings, Inc.	(1.2)	(83.4)
Contribution from Windstream Holdings, Inc.	12.2	9.6
Repayments of debt and swaps	(540.4)	(1,710.6)
Proceeds from debt issuance	627	2,099.6
Debt issuance costs	(23.5)	(7.3)
Intercompany transactions, net	0	0
Payments under long-term lease obligations	(139.5)	(124.9)
Payments under capital lease obligations	(38.1)	(29.2)
Other, net	(2.3)	(11.1)
Net cash (used in) provided from financing activities	(105.8)	142.7
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(6.1)	(2.6)
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Beginning of period	43.4	59.1
End of period	37.3	56.5
Broadview [Member]
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Broadview [Member] | Eliminations
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired		0
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired		0
Broadview [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired		(63.3)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired		(63.3)
Broadview [Member] | Guarantors
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired		0
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired		0
Broadview [Member] | Non-Guarantors
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired		0
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired		0
Broadview [Member] | Windstream Services, LLC
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of MASS and ATC, net of cash acquired	0	(63.3)
Acquisition of Broadview, net of cash acquired	$ 0	$ (63.3)

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies: Other Matters (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
USAC accrued funding	$ 16.6
USAC funding previously remitted	$ 6