| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Windstream Holdings, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32422 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 46-2847717 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4001 Rodney Parham Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Little Rock, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | AR |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 72212 |
| City Area Code | (501) |
| Local Phone Number | 748-7000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001282266 |
| No Trading Symbol Flag | true |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | NONE |
| Windstream Services, LLC [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 6, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Windstream Services, LLC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-36093 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-0792300 |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001585644 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
