Consolidated Communications (CNSL) 10-Q 2 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 23, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001304421	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	40,287,654
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'	'
Net revenues	$149,648	$151,528
Operating expense:	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	55,300	55,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,864	33,305
Depreciation and amortization	35,542	34,841
Income from operations	25,942	28,330
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-19,831	-24,600
Investment income	8,336	8,784
Other, net	-903	-107
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	13,544	12,407
Income tax expense	5,122	5,549
Income from continuing operations	8,422	6,858
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	24
Net income	8,422	6,882
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	99
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$8,324	$6,783
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.17
Net income per basic and diluted common share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.17
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.39

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'
Net income	$8,422	$6,882
Pension and post-retirement obligations:	'	'
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses and prior service credit to earnings, net of tax	-136	474
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	-32
Reclassification of realized loss to earnings, net of tax	408	2,290
Comprehensive income	8,694	9,614
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	99
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$8,596	$9,515

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,829	$5,551
Accounts receivable, net	52,368	52,033
Income tax receivable	4,689	9,796
Deferred income taxes	7,960	7,960
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,151	12,380
Total current assets	85,997	87,720
Property, plant and equipment, net	875,467	885,362
Investments	112,585	113,099
Goodwill	603,446	603,446
Other intangible assets	37,628	40,084
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	17,891	17,667
Total assets	1,733,014	1,747,378
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	7,775	4,885
Advance billings and customer deposits	26,527	25,934
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520
Accrued compensation	17,333	22,252
Accrued interest	12,124	3,524
Accrued expense	31,008	35,173
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	9,773	9,751
Current portion of derivative liability	694	660
Total current liabilities	120,841	117,699
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,204,873	1,212,134
Deferred income taxes	180,023	179,859
Pension and other postretirement obligations	71,066	75,754
Other long-term liabilities	10,000	9,593
Total liabilities	1,586,803	1,595,039
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 40,287,654 and 40,065,246 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	403	401
Additional paid-in capital	141,933	148,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	-728	-1,000
Noncontrolling interest	4,603	4,505
Total shareholders' equity	146,211	152,339
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,733,014	$1,747,378

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	40,287,654	40,065,246

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by continuing operations	$48,394	$37,723
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-1,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	48,394	36,192
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net	-25,405	-27,506
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,241	21
Other	'	-84
Net cash used in continuing operations	-24,164	-27,569
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-24,164	-27,580
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	10,000	13,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-157	-85
Payment on long-term debt	-17,275	-15,310
Dividends on common stock	-15,520	-15,447
Net cash used in financing activities	-22,952	-17,842
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,278	-9,230
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,551	17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$6,829	$8,624

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	1.              SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Business and Basis of Accounting
	Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “we” or “our”) is a holding company with operating subsidiaries (collectively “Consolidated”) that provide communications services to residential and business customers in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Kansas and Missouri.
	We offer a wide range of telecommunications services to residential and business customers in the areas we serve. Our telecommunications services include local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, digital telephone service (“VOIP”), custom calling features, private line services, carrier grade access services, network capacity services over our regional fiber optic networks, directory publishing, Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (“CLEC”) services and equipment sales.  As of March 31, 2014, we had approximately 254 thousand access lines, 122 thousand voice connections, 258 thousand data and Internet connections and 111 thousand video connections.
	We historically operated our business as two separate reportable segments: Telephone Operations and Other Operations.  Based on changes in our business structure, during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 we concluded that we operate our business as one reportable segment. See the “Recent Business Developments” section below for a more detailed discussion regarding the circumstances that resulted in the change to our segment reporting.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations and accounting principles applicable for interim periods. Events subsequent to the balance sheet date have been evaluated for inclusion in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date of issuance.  Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  The information presented in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements (“Notes”) thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
	Recent Business Developments
	Segment Reporting
	Historically, we classified our operations into two separate reportable business segments: Telephone Operations and Other Operations.  Our Telephone Operations consisted of a wide range of telecommunications services to residential and business customers, including local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, VOIP services, custom calling features, private line services, carrier access services, network capacity services over a regional fiber optic network, mobile services and directory publishing.  Our Other Operations segment operated two complementary non-core businesses including telephone services to state and county correctional facilities (“Prison Services”) and equipment sales.  As discussed below, our contract to provide telephone services to correctional facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections was not renewed and the process of transitioning those services to another service provider was completed during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.  The remaining Prison Services assets and operations were classified as discontinued operations during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and subsequently sold during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.  Prison Services comprised nearly all of the Other Operations segment revenue and results of operations.  Consequently, with the cessation of our Prison Services business and based on the segment accounting guidance, we concluded that we operate as one segment as of the quarter ended June 30, 2013. As required by the authoritative guidance for segment presentation, segment results of operations have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this change for all periods presented.
	Prison Services Contract
	We previously provided telephone service to inmates incarcerated at facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and to certain county jails.  On June 27, 2012, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services announced its intent to replace us as the provider of those services with a competitor. Although we challenged our competitor’s bid and the State’s decision to accept that bid in a variety of different forums, during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the process of transitioning these services to another service provider was completed. All related assets have been assessed for recoverability in light of this change and we determined that no impairment was necessary.
	Discontinued Operations
	On September 13, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights used to provide communications services to inmates in thirteen county jails located in Illinois for a total purchase price of $2.5 million.  In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20, “Discontinued Operations”, the financial results of the Prison Services business have been reported as a discontinued operation in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. For a more complete discussion of the transaction, refer to Note 2.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in our 2013 condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of our 2014 condensed consolidated financial statements, which consists of the effects of reclassifications from the presentation of Prison Services as a discontinued operation.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 revises the definition of a discontinued operation to limit the circumstances under which a disposal or classification as held for sale qualifies for presentation as a discontinued operation. Amendments in this ASU require expanded disclosures concerning a discontinued operation and the disposal of an individually-material component of an entity not qualifying as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and should be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 (“ASU 2013-11”), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 provides guidance concerning the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is present. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
	2.  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In September 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights of our Prison Services business for a total cash purchase price of $2.5 million, which included the settlement of any pending legal matters.  The financial results of the operations for Prison Services, which were previously reported in the Other Operations segment, have been reported as a discontinued operation in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
	The following table summarizes the financial information for the Prison Services operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2013:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2013
	Operating revenues	$	4,767
	Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization	4,699
	Income from operations	68
	Income tax expense	44
	Income from discontinued operations	$	24

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to common shareholders computed using the two-class method is as follows:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	8,422	$	6,858
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98		99
	Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	8,324		6,759
	Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153		132
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	8,171		6,627
	Net income from discontinued operations	-		24
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	8,171	$	6,651
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	39,877		39,755
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.2	$	0.17
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		0
	Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.2	$	0.17
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, excludes 0.2 million shares of potential common shares that could be issued under our share-based compensation plan, because the inclusion of the potential common shares would have had an antidilutive effect.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	4. INVESTMENTS
	Our investments are as follows:
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$	2,362	$	2,183
	Cost method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (2.34% interest)	21,450		21,450
	Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (3.60% interest)	22,950		22,950
	CoBank, ACB Stock	5,147		5,112
	Other	200		200
	Equity method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (20.51% interest)	27,141		27,467
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (16.6725% interest)	7,533		7,696
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (23.67% interest)	23,866		24,105
	CVIN, LLC (13.455% interest)	1,936		1,936
	Totals	$	112,585	$	113,099
	Cost Method
	We own 2.34% of GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (the “Mobilnet South Partnership”).  The principal activity of the Mobilnet South Partnership is providing cellular service in the Houston, Galveston, and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas.  We also own 3.60% of Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (“Pittsburgh SMSA”), which provides cellular service in and around the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  Because of our limited influence over these partnerships, we use the cost method to account for both of these investments.  It is not practicable to estimate fair value of these investments.  We did not evaluate any of the investments for impairment during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 or 2013 as no factors indicating impairment existed.  For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $3.5 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
	CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) is a cooperative bank owned by its customers.  On an annual basis, CoBank distributes patronage in the form of cash and stock in the cooperative based on the Company’s outstanding loan balance with CoBank, which has traditionally been a significant lender in the Company’s credit facility.  The investment in CoBank represents the accumulation of the equity patronage paid by CoBank to the Company.
	Equity Method
	We own 20.51% of GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (“RSA #17”), 16.6725% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(I)”) and 23.67% of Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (“RSA 6(II)”).  RSA #17 provides cellular service to a limited rural area in Texas.  RSA 6 (I) and RSA 6 (II) provide cellular service in and around our Pennsylvania service territory.  Because we have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of these three entities, we account for the investments using the equity method.  For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $5.6 million and $4.1 million, respectively.
	We have a 13.455% interest in Central Valley Independent Network, LLC (“CVIN”), a joint enterprise comprised of affiliates of several independent telephone companies located in central and northern California. CVIN provides network services and oversees a broadband infrastructure project designed to expand and improve the availability of network services to counties in central California.  Because we have significant influence over the operating and financial policies of this entity, we account for this investment using the equity method.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, we made an additional capital investment of $0.1 million in this partnership.  We did not receive any distributions from this partnership during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The combined unaudited results of operations and financial position of our three equity investments in the cellular limited partnerships are summarized below:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Total revenues	$	80,816	$	76,719
	Income from operations	25,562		23,973
	Net income before taxes	25,585		23,985
	Net income	25,585		23,985
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Current assets	$	52,843	$	54,837
	Non-current assets	88,635		87,968
	Current liabilities	14,584		15,221
	Non-current liabilities	2,166		1,786
	Partnership equity	124,731		125,799

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	5.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Our derivative instruments related to interest rate swap agreements are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  The fair values of the interest rate swaps are determined using valuation models which rely on the expected London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based yield curve and estimates of counterparty and Consolidated’s non-performance risk as the most significant inputs.  Because each of these inputs are directly observable or can be corroborated by observable market data, we have categorized these interest rate swaps as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 7 for further discussion regarding our interest rate swap agreements.
	Our interest rate swap liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and subject to disclosure requirements at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
				As of March 31, 2014
				Quoted Prices In		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
				for Identical		Observable		Inputs
				Assets		Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-694	$	–	$	-694	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities		-1,727		–		-1,727		–
	Total	$	-2,421	$	–	$	-2,421	$	–
				As of December 31, 2013
				Quoted Prices In		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
				for Identical		Observable		Inputs
				Assets		Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-660	$	–	$	-660	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-1,959		–		-1,959		–
	Total	$	-2,619	$	–	$	-2,619	$	–
	We have not elected the fair value option for any of our financial assets or liabilities.  The carrying value of other financial instruments, including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities or variable-rate nature of the respective balances.  The following table presents the other financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investments, equity basis	$	60,476	n/a		$	61,204	n/a
	Investments, at cost	$	49,747	n/a		$	49,712	n/a
	Long-term debt	$	1,209,681	$	1,265,299	$	1,216,764	$	1,261,508
	Cost & Equity Method Investments
	Our investments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 accounted for under both the equity and cost methods consisted primarily of minority positions in various cellular telephone limited partnerships and our investment in CoBank.  These investments are recorded using either the equity or cost methods. It is impracticable to determine fair value of these investments.
	Long-term Debt
	The fair value of our long-term debt was estimated using a discounted cash flow analyses based on incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.  We have categorized the long-term debt as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.

LONGTERM_DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	6.              LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt, presented net of unamortized discounts, consisted of the following:
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Senior secured credit facility:
	Term Loan 4, net of discount of $4,391 and $4,537 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$	903,334	$	905,463
	Revolving loan	8,000		13,000
	Senior notes, net of discount of $1,653 and $1,699 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	298,347		298,301
	Capital leases	4,965		5,121
		1,214,646		1,221,885
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	-9,773		-9,751
	Total long-term debt	$	1,204,873	$	1,212,134
	Credit Agreement
	In December 2013, the Company, through certain of its wholly owned subsidiaries, entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with various financial institutions (the “Credit Agreement”) to replace the Company’s previously amended credit agreement.  The Credit Agreement consists of a $75.0 million revolving credit facility and initial term loans in the aggregate amount of $910.0 million (“Term 4”).  The proceeds from the Credit Agreement were used to repay the outstanding term loans from the previous agreement in its entirety.  The Credit Agreement also includes an incremental term loan facility which provides the ability to borrow up to $300.0 million of incremental term loans subject to certain terms and conditions.  Borrowings under the senior secured credit facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, with the exception of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and our majority-owned subsidiary, East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated.
	The Term 4 loan was issued in an original aggregate principal amount of $910.0 million with a maturity date of December 23, 2020, but is subject to earlier maturity on December 31, 2019 if the Company’s unsecured Senior Notes due in 2020 (“Senior Notes”) are not repaid or redeemed in full by December 31, 2019.  The Term 4 loan contains an original issuance discount of $4.6 million, which is being amortized over the term of the loan.  The Term 4 loan requires quarterly principal payments of $2.3 million, which commenced March 31, 2014, and has an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.25% subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor.
	Our revolving credit facility has a maturity date of December 23, 2018 and an applicable margin (at our election) of between 2.50% and 3.25% for LIBOR-based borrowings or between 1.50% and 2.25% for alternate base rate borrowings, depending on our leverage ratio.  Based on our leverage ratio at March 31, 2014, the borrowing margin for the next three month period ending June 30, 2014 will be at a weighted-average margin of 3.00% for a LIBOR-based loan or 2.00% for an alternate base rate loan.  The applicable borrowing margin for the revolving credit facility is adjusted quarterly to reflect the leverage ratio from the prior quarter-end.  As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, borrowings of $8.0 million and $13.0 million were outstanding under the revolving credit facility, respectively.  A stand-by letter of credit of $0.9 million, issued in connection with the Company’s insurance coverage, was outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2014.  The stand-by letter of credit is renewable annually and reduces the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility.
	The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under our credit facility was 4.24% and 4.23% at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  Interest is payable at least quarterly.
	Net proceeds from asset sales exceeding certain thresholds, to the extent not reinvested, are required to be used to repay loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement.
	Credit Agreement Covenant Compliance
	The Credit Agreement contains various provisions and covenants, including, among other items, restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital stock.  We have agreed to maintain certain financial ratios, including interest coverage and total net leverage ratios, all as defined in the Credit Agreement.  As of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the Credit Agreement covenants.
	In general, our Credit Agreement restricts our ability to pay dividends to the amount of our Available Cash as defined in our Credit Agreement.  As of March 31, 2014, and including the $15.6 million dividend declared in February 2014 and paid on May 1, 2014, we had $215.6 million in dividend availability under the credit facility covenant.
	Under our Credit Agreement, if our total net leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement), as of the end of any fiscal quarter, is greater than 5.10:1.00, we will be required to suspend dividends on our common stock unless otherwise permitted by an exception for dividends that may be paid from the portion of proceeds of any sale of equity not used to fund acquisitions, or make other investments.  During any dividend suspension period, we will be required to repay debt in an amount equal to 50.0% of any increase in Available Cash, among other things.  In addition, we will not be permitted to pay dividends if an event of default under the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing.  Among other things, it will be an event of default if our total net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio as of the end of any fiscal quarter is greater than 5.25:1.00 and less than 2.25:1.00, respectively.  As of March 31, 2014, our total net leverage ratio under the Credit Agreement was 4.27:1.00, and our interest coverage ratio was 3.52:1.00.
	Senior Notes
	On May 30, 2012, we completed an offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 10.875% unsecured Senior Notes, due 2020 through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Consolidated Communications Finance Co. (“Finance Co.”) for the acquisition of SureWest Communications (“SureWest”).  The Senior Notes will mature on June 1, 2020 and earn interest at a rate of 10.875% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 2012.  The Senior Notes were sold in the United States to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.  In addition, some of the Senior Notes were sold to certain “accredited investors” (as defined in Rule 501 under the Securities Act).  The Senior Notes were sold to investors at a price equal to 99.345% of the principal amount thereof, for a yield to maturity of 11.00%.  This discount is being amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.  Upon closing of the SureWest acquisition on July 2, 2012, Finance Co. merged with and into our wholly-owned subsidiary Consolidated Communications, Inc., (“CCI”) which assumed the Senior Notes, and we and certain of our subsidiaries fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Senior Notes.  On August 3, 2012, SureWest and its subsidiaries guaranteed the Senior Notes.
	In 2013, we completed an exchange offer to issue registered notes (“Exchange Notes”) for $287.3 million of the original Senior Notes.  The terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the Senior Notes, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act and the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the Senior Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes.  The exchange offer did not impact the aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the Senior Notes outstanding.
	Senior Notes Covenant Compliance
	The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary covenants for high yield notes, which limits CCI’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur debt or issue certain preferred stock; pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or prepay subordinated indebtedness; purchase or redeem any equity interests; make investments; create liens; sell assets; enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; engage in transactions with its affiliates; or enter into any sale and leaseback transactions.
	Among other matters, the Senior Notes indenture provides that CCI may not pay dividends or make other “restricted payments” to the Company if its total net leverage ratio is 4.25:1.00 or greater.  This ratio is calculated differently than the comparable ratio under the Credit Agreement; among other differences, it takes into account on a pro forma basis synergies expected to be achieved as a result of the SureWest acquisition but not yet reflected in historical results.  At March 31, 2014, this ratio was 4.23:1.00.  If this ratio is met, dividends and other restricted payments may be made from cumulative consolidated cash flow since the date the Senior Notes were issued, less 1.75 times fixed charges, less dividends and other restricted payments made since the date the Senior Notes were issued.  Dividends may be paid and other restricted payments may also be made from a “basket” of $50.0 million, none of which has been used to date, and pursuant to other exceptions identified in the Senior Notes indenture.  Since dividends of $124.1 million have been paid since May 30, 2012, at March 31, 2014 there was $178.6 million of the $302.7 million of cumulative consolidated cash flow since May 30, 2012 available to pay dividends.
	On March 19, 2014, CCI commenced a solicitation of consents from the eligible holders of the Senior Notes in order to amend the indenture governing the Senior Notes to (i) modify CCI’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the Senior Notes) level required before CCI (subject to certain other conditions specified in the indenture) can make Restricted Payments (as defined in the indenture) otherwise available under the consolidated cash flow builder basket from 4.25:1.00 to 4.50:1.00 and (ii) modify the size of a permitted lien basket for liens securing Indebtedness (as defined in the indenture) by amending the multiplier for CCI’s Consolidated Cash Flow (as defined in the indenture) in the calculation of such permitted lien basket from 2.50 to 2.75.  On April 1, 2014, the required consent of the holders of the Senior Notes was obtained and the consent solicitation expired, and we entered into a supplemental indenture effecting the proposed amendments as provided in the consent solicitation.  The amendment to the indenture with respect to modifying the size of a permitted lien basket for liens securing Indebtedness modified such provision in the indenture so that it would be the same as the equivalent provision in our Credit Agreement.  In connection with entering into the supplemental indenture, we paid consent fees of approximately $2.5 million, during the second quarter ended June 30, 2014, to the holders of the Senior Notes who validly consented to the proposed amendment.  The consent fees will be capitalized as deferred debt issuance costs and amortized over the term of the Senior Notes.
	Capital Leases
	As of March 31, 2014, we had seven capital leases which expire between 2015 and 2021.  As of March 31, 2014, the present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments was approximately $5.0 million, of which $0.7 million was due and payable within the next twelve months.  The leases require total remaining rental payments of $7.5 million as of March 31, 2014, of which $5.6 million will be paid to LATEL LLC, a related party entity.

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	7.              DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. Our interest rate swap agreements effectively convert a portion of our floating-rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thereby reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future cash interest payments.  Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  We may designate certain of our interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges of our expected future interest payments.  For derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value is recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and is recognized as an adjustment to earnings over the period in which the hedged item impacts earnings. When an interest rate swap agreement terminates, any resulting gain or loss is recognized over the shorter of the remaining original term of the hedging instrument or the remaining life of the underlying debt obligation.  If a derivative instrument is de-designated, the remaining gain or loss in AOCI on the date of de-designation is amortized to earnings over the remaining term of the hedging instrument. For derivative financial instruments that are not designated as a hedge, including those that have been de-designated, changes in fair value are recognized on a current basis in earnings.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of any hedging derivative is recognized immediately in earnings.  Cash flows from hedging activities are classified under the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items in our condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
	The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at March 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Notional		2014 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
		Amount
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	150,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-1,581
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	125,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-694
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-146
	Total Fair Values					$	-2,421
	The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Notional		2013 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
		Amount
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	175,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-1,897
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	100,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-660
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-62
	Total Fair Values					$	-2,619
	As of March 31, 2014, the counterparties to our various swaps are four major U.S. and European banks.  None of the swap agreements provide for either us or the counterparties to post collateral nor do the agreements include any covenants related to the financial condition of Consolidated or the counterparties.  The swaps of any counterparty that is a “Lender” as defined in our credit facility are secured along with the other creditors under the credit facility.  Each of the swap agreements provides that in the event of a bankruptcy filing by either Consolidated or the counterparty, any amounts owed between the two parties would be offset in order to determine the net amount due between parties.  This provision allows us to partially mitigate the risk of non-performance by a counterparty.
	In December 2013, $325.0 million notional interest rate swaps previously designated as cash flow hedges were de-designated as a result of the amendment to our Credit Agreement on December 23, 2013 as discussed in Note 6.  The interest rate swap agreements mature on various dates through September 2016.  In December 2012, interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional value of $660.0 million were de-designated as cash flow hedges in connection with the amendment to our previous credit agreement on December 4, 2012.  Of these agreements, $200.0 million notional interest rate swap agreements expired on December 31, 2012 and the remainder expired on March 31, 2013.  Prior to de-designation, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps were recognized in AOCI.  The balance of the unrealized loss included in AOCI as of the date the swaps were de-designated is amortized to earnings over the remaining term of the swap agreements.  Changes in fair value of the de-designated swaps are immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense.  During the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, a gain of $0.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, was recognized as a reduction to interest expense for the change in fair value of the de-designated swaps.
	At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the pre-tax deferred losses related to our interest rate swap agreements included in AOCI were $2.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  The estimated amount of losses included in AOCI as of March 31, 2014 that will be recognized in earnings in the next twelve months is approximately $1.6 million.
	Information regarding our cash flow hedge transactions is as follows:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Loss recognized in AOCI, pretax	$	-	$	-52
	Deferred losses reclassed from AOCI to interest expense	$	-659	$	-3,641

EQUITY

EQUITY	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EQUITY	'
EQUITY	'
	8.              EQUITY
	Share-Based Compensation
	The following table summarizes total compensation costs recognized for share-based payments during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Restricted stock	$	517		$	456
	Performance shares	267			200
	Total	$	784		$	656
	Stock-based compensation expense is included in “selling, general and administrative expenses” in the accompanying statements of income.
	As of March 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested Restricted Stock Awards (“RSAs”) and Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) was $7.0 million and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.
	The following table summarizes the RSA and PSA activity for the quarter ended March 31, 2014:
		RSAs					PSAs
		Shares		Weighted			Shares		Weighted
				Average Grant					Average Grant
				Date Fair Value					Date Fair Value
	Non-vested shares outstanding - January 1, 2014	123,501		$	17.32		64,266		$	17.96
	Shares granted	131,281		$	19.74		91,127		$	17.13
	Non-vested shares outstanding - March 31, 2014	254,782					155,393
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the quarter ended March 31, 2014:
		Pension and
		Post-Retirement			Derivative
	(In thousands)	Obligations			Instruments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	643		$	-1,643		$	-1,000
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-136			408			272
	Net current period other comprehensive income	-136			408			272
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	507		$	-1,235		$	-728
	The following table summarizes reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Amount Reclassified from AOCI
		Quarter Ended March 31,						Affected Line Item in the
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			Statement of Income
	Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
	Prior service credit	$	80		$	116		(a)
	Actuarial gain (loss)	142			-891			(a)
		222			-775			Total before tax
		-86			301			Tax (expense) benefit
		$	136		$	-474		Net of tax
	Loss on cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate derivatives	$	-659		$	-3,641		Interest expense
		251			1,351			Tax benefit
		$	-408		$	-2,290		Net of tax
	(a)  These items are included in the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans.  See Note 9 for additional details.

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
	9.              PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
	Defined Benefit Plans
	We sponsor a qualified defined benefit pension plan (“Retirement Plan”) that is non-contributory covering certain of our hourly employees who fulfill minimum age and service requirements.  Certain salaried employees are also covered by the Retirement Plan, although these benefits have previously been frozen.  In April 2013, the Retirement Plan was amended for certain employees under collective bargaining agreements to among other things: (i) change the benefit formula to a cash balance account as of May 1, 2013 and (ii) freeze entrance into the Retirement Plan so that no person is eligible to become a participant on or following May 1, 2013.  As of May 2013, all employees under collective bargaining agreements that include a defined benefit plan are on a cash balance plan.
	In connection with our acquisition of SureWest, we assumed sponsorship in 2012 of a frozen non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the “SureWest Plan”).  The SureWest Plan covers certain eligible employees and benefits are based on years of service and the employee’s average compensation during the five highest consecutive years of the last ten years of credited service.  This plan has previously been frozen so that no person is eligible to become a new participant and all future benefit accruals for existing participants have ceased.   As of January 1, 2014, the SureWest Plan was merged into and consolidated with the Retirement Plan.
	We also have two non-qualified supplemental retirement plans (“Supplemental Plans”): the Restoration Plan, which we acquired as part of our North Pittsburgh Systems, Inc. (“North Pittsburgh”) and TXU Communications Venture Company (“TXUCV”) acquisitions, and a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), which we acquired as part of our acquisition of SureWest.  The Supplemental Plans provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain former employees by providing for incremental pension payments to partially offset the reduction that would have been payable under the qualified defined benefit pension plans if it were not for limitations imposed by federal income tax regulations. Both plans have previously been frozen so that no person is eligible to become a new participant in the Supplemental Plans.  These plans are unfunded and have no assets.  The benefits paid under the Supplemental Plans are paid from the general operating funds of the Company.
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost for our defined benefit plans for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Service cost	$	140	$	304
	Interest cost	4,073		3,862
	Expected return on plan assets	-5,777		-5,151
	Net amortization loss	5		891
	Prior service credit amortization	-115		-71
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	-1,674	$	-165
	Other Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Agreements
	We also are liable for deferred compensation agreements with former members of the board of directors and certain other former employees of a subsidiary of TXUCV, which was acquired in 2004.  The benefits are payable for up to the life of the participant or to the beneficiary upon the death of the participant and may begin as early as age 55.  Participants accrue no new benefits as these plans had previously been frozen by TXUCV’s predecessor company prior to our acquisition of TXUCV.  Payments related to the deferred compensation agreements totaled approximately $0.1 million for each of the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.  The net present value of the remaining obligations was approximately $1.7 million and $1.8 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and is included in pension and post-retirement benefit obligations in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	We also maintain 34 life insurance policies on certain of the participating former directors and employees.  The excess of the cash surrender value of the remaining life insurance policies over the notes payable balances related to these policies is determined by an independent consultant, and totaled $2.4 million at March 31, 2014 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2013.  These amounts are included in investments in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Cash principal payments for the policies and any proceeds from the policies are classified as operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.  We did not recognize any life insurance proceeds during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Post-retirement Benefit Obligations
	We sponsor a healthcare and life insurance plan (“Post-retirement Plan”) that provides post-retirement medical benefits and life insurance to certain groups of retired employees.  Retirees share in the cost of healthcare benefits, making contributions that are adjusted periodically—either based upon collective bargaining agreements or because total costs of the program have changed.  Covered expenses for retiree health benefits are paid as they are incurred.  Post-retirement life insurance benefits are fully insured.  The Post-retirement Plan is unfunded and has no assets, and benefits are paid from the general operating funds of the Company.
	In connection with the acquisition of SureWest in 2012, we acquired its post-retirement benefit plan which provides life insurance benefits and a stated reimbursement for Medicare supplemental insurance to certain eligible retired participants.  This plan has previously been frozen so that no person is eligible to become a new participant.  Employer contributions for retiree medical benefits are separately designated within the SureWest Plan pension trust for the sole purpose of providing payments of retiree medical benefits.  The nature of the assets used to provide payment of retiree medical benefits is the same as that of the SureWest Plan.
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Service cost	$	90	$	232
	Interest cost	355		391
	Expected return on plan assets	-55		-58
	Net amortization (gain) loss	-147		-
	Net prior service cost (credit) amortization	35		-45
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	278	$	520
	Contributions
	We expect to contribute approximately $15.5 million to our pension plans and $2.5 million to our other post-retirement plans in 2014.  As of March 31, 2014, we have contributed $2.7 million and $0.7 million of the annual contribution to the pension plans and other post-retirement plans, respectively.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	10.  INCOME TAXES
	We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in interest expense and general and administrative expense, respectively.  At March 31, 2014, we did not have a material liability for interest or penalties and had no material interest or penalty expense.
	The periods subject to examination for our federal return are years 2010 through 2012.  The periods subject to examination for our state returns are years 2005 through 2012.  We are currently under examination by federal and state taxing authorities.  We have received proposed assessments in connection with our federal examination for tax years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011.  We are in the process of responding to the IRS and providing support for our tax position.  We believe that our tax position will more likely than not be upheld based on the technical merits of our position.  Accordingly, we have not made any adjustments to our unrecognized tax benefits for the proposed assessments.  We do not expect any settlement or payment that may result from the audits to have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows.
	Our effective tax rate was 37.8% and 44.7% for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the effective tax rate differed from the federal and state statutory rates primarily due to non-deductible compensation in relation to the acquisition of SureWest.  Exclusive of this adjustment, our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 would have been approximately 37.0%.
	On September 13, 2013, Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 162, 167 and 263(a) apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property as well as dispositions of such property and are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014.  We have evaluated these regulations and we do not expect they will have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	On April 15, 2008, Salsgiver Inc., a Pennsylvania-based telecommunications company, and certain of its affiliates (“Salsgiver”) filed a lawsuit against us and our subsidiaries North Pittsburgh Telephone Company and North Pittsburgh Systems Inc. in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania alleging that we have prevented Salsgiver from connecting their fiber optic cables to our utility poles.  Salsgiver seeks compensatory and punitive damages as the result of alleged lost projected profits, damage to its business reputation, and other costs.  Salsgiver originally claimed to have sustained losses of approximately $125 million.  We believe that these claims are without merit and that the alleged damages are completely unfounded.  Discovery concluded and Consolidated filed a motion for summary judgment on June 18, 2012 and the court heard oral arguments on August 30, 2012.  On February 12, 2013, the court, in part, granted our motion.  The court ruled that Salsgiver could not recover prejudgment interest and could not use as a basis of liability any actions prior to April 14, 2006. In September 2013, in order to avoid the distraction and uncertainty of further litigation, we reached an agreement in principle (the “Agreement”) with Salsgiver, Inc.  In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, we will pay Salsgiver approximately $0.9 million in cash and grant approximately $0.3 million in credits that may be used for make-ready charges (the “Credits”).  The Credits will be available for services performed in connection with the pole attachment applications within five years of the execution of the agreement. We had previously recorded approximately $0.4 million in 2011 in anticipation of the settlement of this case.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, per the terms of the agreement we recorded an additional $0.9 million, which included estimated legal fees.  The agreement is contingent on appropriate documentation and there is no assurance that the agreement will be finalized.
	Two of our subsidiaries, Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company LLC (“CCPA”) and Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services Inc. (“CCES”), have, at various times, received assessment notices from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue (“DOR”) increasing the amounts owed for Pennsylvania Gross Receipt Taxes, and/or have had audits performed for the tax years of 2008, 2009, and 2010.  For the calendar years for which we received both additional assessment notices and audit actions, those issues have been combined by the DOR into a single Docket for each year.  For the CCES subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for calendar years 2008, 2009, and 2010 is approximately $1.9 million.  As of March 2013, all three of these cases have been appealed, and have received continuance pending the outcome of present litigation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Commonwealth, Docket No. 266 F.R. 2008).  For the CCPA subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for calendar years 2008, 2009, and 2010 is approximately $2.0 million.  As of December 2013, the cases for calendar years 2009 and 2010 have been appealed, and have received continuance pending the outcome of present litigation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. v. Commonwealth, Docket No. 266 F.R. 2008).  The calendar year 2008 audit result was appealed to the Board of Finance and Revenue on March 19, 2014.  We anticipate that the 2008 case will be continued pending the outcome of the Verizon litigation as well.  The Gross Receipts Tax issues in the Verizon Pennsylvania case are substantially the same as those presently facing CCPA and CCES.  In addition, there are numerous telecommunications carriers with Gross Receipts Tax matters dealing with the same issues that are in various stages of appeal before the Board of Finance and Revenue and the Commonwealth Court.  Those appeals by other similarly situated telecommunications carriers have been continued until resolution of the Verizon Pennsylvania case.  We believe that these assessments and the positions taken by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are without substantial merit.  We do not believe that the outcome of these claims will have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
	On January 18, 2012, we filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to review the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) Order issued November 18, 2011 that reformed intercarrier compensation (“ICC”) and core parts of the Universal Service Fund (“USF”).  We are appealing five core issues in the November 18, 2011 FCC Order. This matter was heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit on November 19, 2013; however a decision is not expected before the third quarter of 2014.
	In order for eligible telecommunications carriers (“ETCs”) to receive high-cost support, the USF/ICC Transformation Order requires states to certify on an annual basis that federal universal service high-cost support is used “only for the provision, maintenance, and upgrading of facilities and services for which the support is intended”.  States, in turn, require that ETCs file certifications with them as the basis for the state filings with the FCC. Failure to meet the annual data and certification deadlines can result in reduced support to the ETC based on the length of the delay in certification.  For the calendar year 2013, the California state certification was due to be filed with the FCC on or before October 1, 2012. We were notified in January 2013 that SureWest did not submit the required certification to the California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) in time to be included in its October 1, 2012, submission to the FCC.  On January 24, 2013, we filed a certification with the CPUC and filed a petition with the FCC for a waiver of the filing deadline for the annual state certification. On February 19, 2013, the CPUC filed a certification with the FCC with respect to SureWest. On October 29, 2013, the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC denied our petition for a waiver of the annual certification deadline.  On November 26, 2013, we applied for a review of the decision made by the FCC staff by the full Commission.  Management believes, based on the change in SureWest Telephone’s USF filing status caused by the change in the ownership of SureWest Telephone, the lack of formal notice by the FCC regarding this change in filing status, the fact that SureWest Telephone had a previously-filed certification of compliance in effect with the FCC for the two quarters for which USF was withheld, and the FCC’s past practice of granting waivers to accept late filings in similar situations, that the Company should prevail in its application to the Commission and receive USF funding for the period January 1, 2013, through June 30, 2013. However, due to the denial of our petition by the Wireline Competition Bureau and the uncertainty of the collectability of the previously recognized revenues, in December 2013, we reversed the $3.0 million of previously recognized revenues of which $1.1 million was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2013, until such time that the Commission has the opportunity to reach a decision on our application for review.
	We are from time to time involved in various other legal proceedings and regulatory actions arising out of our operations.  We do not believe that any of these, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results or financial condition.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
	12.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Consolidated Communications, Inc. is the primary obligor under the unsecured Senior Notes it issued on May 30, 2012. We and the following of our subsidiaries: Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services, Inc., Consolidated Communications Services Company, Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company, Consolidated Communications of Texas Company, Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company, LLC, SureWest Communications, SureWest Long Distance, SureWest Telephone, SureWest TeleVideo, SureWest Kansas, Inc., SureWest Fiber Ventures, LLC, have jointly and severally guaranteed the Senior Notes.  All of the subsidiary guarantors are our 100% direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, and all guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several with respect to principal, interest and liquidated damages, if any.  As such, we present condensed consolidating balance sheets as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and condensed consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 for each of the Company (Parent), Consolidated Communications, Inc. (Subsidiary Issuer), guarantor subsidiaries and other non-guarantor subsidiaries with any consolidating adjustments.  See Note 6 for more information regarding our Senior Notes.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	(amounts in thousands)
		March 31, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	1,851	$	2,250	$	2,728		$	-		$	6,829
	Accounts receivable, net	-		122		44,039		8,207			-			52,368
	Income taxes receivable	19,308		-		-		-			-14,619			4,689
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		7,533		495						7,960
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		13,621		530			-			14,151
	Total current assets	19,247		1,966		67,443		11,960			-14,619			85,997
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		825,064		50,403			-			875,467
	Intangibles and other assets:
	Investments	-		3,765		108,820		-			-			112,585
	Investments in subsidiaries	1,126,932		353,737		12,393		-			-1,493,062			-
	Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181			-			603,446
	Other intangible assets	-		-		28,541		9,087			-			37,628
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	-		13,181		4,710		-			-			17,891
	Total assets	$	1,146,179	$	372,649	$	1,584,236	$	137,631		$	-1,507,681		$	1,733,014
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	7,775	$	-		$	-		$	7,775
	Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		24,168		2,359			-			26,527
	Dividends payable	15,607		-		-		-			-			15,607
	Accrued compensation	-		-		15,606		1,727			-			17,333
	Accrued interest	-		12,114		6		4			-			12,124
	Accrued expense	43		-		29,292		1,673			-			31,008
	Income tax payable	-		4,265		7,681		2,673			-14,619			-
	Current portion of long term debt and capital
	lease obligations	-		9,100		605		68			-			9,773
	Current portion of derivative liability	-		694		-		-			-			694
	Total current liabilities	15,650		26,173		85,133		8,504			-14,619			120,841
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,200,580		3,499		794			-			1,204,873
	Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,010,493		-1,981,985		1,013,048		-41,556			-			-
	Deferred income taxes	-21,598		-778		184,143		18,256						180,023
	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		58,604		12,462			-			71,066
	Other long-term liabilities	26		1,727		7,970		277			-			10,000
	Total liabilities	1,004,571		-754,283		1,352,397		-1,263			-14,619			1,586,803
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Common Stock	403		-		17,411		30,000			-47,411			403
	Other shareholders’ equity	141,205		1,126,932		209,825		108,894			-1,445,651			141,205
	Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	141,608		1,126,932		227,236		138,894			-1,493,062			141,608
	Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,603		-			-			4,603
	Total shareholders’ equity	141,608		1,126,932		231,839		138,894			-1,493,062			146,211
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,146,179	$	372,649	$	1,584,236	$	137,631		$	-1,507,681		$	1,733,014
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	(amounts in thousands)
		December 31, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors				Eliminations				Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	86	$	2,366	$		3,099		$			-	$	5,551
	Accounts receivable, net	-		502		44,521		7,010				-				52,033
	Income taxes receivable	9,346		-		370		80				-				9,796
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		7,533		495				-				7,960
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		11,862		518				-				12,380
	Total current assets	9,285		581		66,652		11,202				-				87,720
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		834,199		51,163				-				885,362
Intangibles and other assets:
Investments	-		3,729		109,370		-				-				113,099
Investments in subsidiaries	1,101,039		335,659		12,130		-				-1,448,828				-
Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181				-				603,446
Other intangible assets	-		-		30,997		9,087				-				40,084
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	-		13,620		4,047		-				-				17,667
Total assets	$	1,110,324	$	353,589	$	1,594,660	$		137,633		$		-1,448,828		$	1,747,378
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	4,885	$		-		$			-	$	4,885
Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		23,699		2,235				-				25,934
Dividends payable	15,520		-		-		-				-				15,520
Accrued compensation	-		-		20,447		1,805				-				22,252
Accrued interest	-		3,514		6		4				-				3,524
Accrued expense	224		875		32,703		1,371				-				35,173
Current portion of long term debt and capital
lease obligations	-		9,100		586		65				-				9,751
Current portion of derivative liability	-		660		-		-				-				660
Total current liabilities	15,744		14,149		82,326		5,480				-				117,699
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,207,663		3,659		812				-				1,212,134
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	968,319		-1,970,192		1,037,969		-36,096				-				-
Deferred income taxes	-21,598		-1,029		184,209		18,277				-				179,859
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		61,053		14,701				-				75,754
Other long-term liabilities	25		1,960		7,328		280				-				9,593
Total liabilities	962,490		-747,449		1,376,544		3,454				-				1,595,039
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	401		-		17,411		30,000				-47,411				401
Other shareholders’ equity	147,433		1,101,038		196,200		104,179				-1,401,417				147,433
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	147,834		1,101,038		213,611		134,179				-1,448,828				147,834
Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,505		-				-				4,505
Total shareholders’ equity	147,834		1,101,038		218,116		134,179				-1,448,828				152,339
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,110,324	$	353,589	$	1,594,660	$		137,633		$	-1,448,828			$	1,747,378
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands)
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	69	$	136,255	$	16,758		$	-3,434		$	149,648
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		55,252		3,304			-3,256			55,300
Selling, general and administrative expenses	877		39		27,631		4,495			-178			32,864
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		33,647		1,895			-			35,542
Operating income (loss)	-877		30		19,725		7,064			-			25,942
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	-2		-19,820		-2		-7			-			-19,831
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-26,380		31,425		-5,496		451			-			-
Investment income	-		36		8,300		-			-			8,336
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	25,621		18,215		263		-			-44,099			-
Other, net	-		-		-899		-4			-			-903
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,638		29,886		21,891		7,504			-44,099			13,544
Income tax expense (benefit)	-9,962		4,265		8,066		2,753			-			5,122
Income (loss) from continuing operations	8,324		25,621		13,825		4,751			-44,099			8,422
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-				-			-			-
Net income (loss)	8,324		25,621		13,825		4,751			-44,099			8,422
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		98		-			-			98
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	8,324	$	25,621	$	13,727	$	4,751		$	-44,099		$	8,324
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	8,324	$	26,029	$	13,653	$	4,689		$	-44,099		$	8,596
	Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	-7	$	138,055	$	17,028		$	-3,548		$	151,528
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		54,861		3,444			-3,253			55,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,127		31		27,713		4,729			-295			33,305
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		32,582		2,259			-			34,841
Operating income (loss)	-1,127		-38		22,899		6,596			-			28,330
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	6		-24,497		-110		1			-			-24,600
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-20,433		27,608		-7,329		154			-			-
Investment income	-		-37		8,821		-			-			8,784
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	20,300		18,393		276		-			-38,969			-
Other, net	-		-		-98		-9			-			-107
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,254		21,429		24,459		6,742			-38,969			12,407
Income tax expense (benefit)	-8,037		1,129		9,943		2,514			-			5,549
Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,783		20,300		14,516		4,228			-38,969			6,858
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		24		-			-			24
Net income (loss)	6,783		20,300		14,540		4,228			-38,969			6,882
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		99		-			-			99
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	6,783	$	20,300	$	14,441	$	4,228		$	-38,969		$	6,783
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	6,783	$	22,558	$	14,759	$	4,384		$	-38,969		$	9,515
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Consolidated
			Issuer
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-26,654	$	20,833	$	48,063	$	6,152		$	48,394
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-		-			-
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-26,654		20,833		48,063		6,152			48,394
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-24,316		-1,089			-25,405
Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		1,200		41			1,241
Other	-		-		-		-			-
Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-23,116		-1,048			-24,164
Net cash provided by discontinued operations			-		-		-			-
Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-23,116		-1,048			-24,164
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		10,000		-		-			10,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-142		-15			-157
Payment on long-term debt	-		-17,275		-		-			-17,275
Dividends on common stock	-15,520		-		-		-			-15,520
Transactions with affiliates, net	42,174		-11,793		-24,921		-5,460			-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	26,654		-19,068		-25,063		-5,475			-22,952
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-		1,765		-116		-371			1,278
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		86		2,366		3,099			5,551
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	1,851	$	2,250	$	2,728		$	6,829
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Consolidated
			Issuer
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-20,835	$	14,062	$	37,499	$	6,997		$	37,723
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	-		-		-1,531		-			-1,531
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-20,835		14,062		35,968		6,997			36,192
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-25,371		-2,135			-27,506
Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		4		17			21
Other	-		-		-84		-			-84
Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-25,451		-2,118			-27,569
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-11		-			-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-25,462		-2,118			-27,580
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		13,000		-		-			13,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-73		-12			-85
Payment on long-term debt	-		-15,310		-		-			-15,310
Dividends on common stock	-15,447		-		-		-			-15,447
Transactions with affiliates, net	36,282		-14,935		-15,748		-5,599			-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,835		-17,245		-15,821		-5,611			-17,842
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-		-3,183		-5,315		-732			-9,230
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		6,577		8,530		2,747			17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	3,394	$	3,215	$	2,015		$	8,624

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
Business and Basis of Accounting	'
	Business and Basis of Accounting
	Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”, “we” or “our”) is a holding company with operating subsidiaries (collectively “Consolidated”) that provide communications services to residential and business customers in Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, Kansas and Missouri.
	We offer a wide range of telecommunications services to residential and business customers in the areas we serve. Our telecommunications services include local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, digital telephone service (“VOIP”), custom calling features, private line services, carrier grade access services, network capacity services over our regional fiber optic networks, directory publishing, Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (“CLEC”) services and equipment sales.  As of March 31, 2014, we had approximately 254 thousand access lines, 122 thousand voice connections, 258 thousand data and Internet connections and 111 thousand video connections.
	We historically operated our business as two separate reportable segments: Telephone Operations and Other Operations.  Based on changes in our business structure, during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 we concluded that we operate our business as one reportable segment. See the “Recent Business Developments” section below for a more detailed discussion regarding the circumstances that resulted in the change to our segment reporting.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and related condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such SEC rules and regulations and accounting principles applicable for interim periods. Events subsequent to the balance sheet date have been evaluated for inclusion in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements through the date of issuance.  Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.  The information presented in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes to the financial statements (“Notes”) thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	Historically, we classified our operations into two separate reportable business segments: Telephone Operations and Other Operations.  Our Telephone Operations consisted of a wide range of telecommunications services to residential and business customers, including local and long-distance service, high-speed broadband Internet access, video services, VOIP services, custom calling features, private line services, carrier access services, network capacity services over a regional fiber optic network, mobile services and directory publishing.  Our Other Operations segment operated two complementary non-core businesses including telephone services to state and county correctional facilities (“Prison Services”) and equipment sales.  As discussed below, our contract to provide telephone services to correctional facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections was not renewed and the process of transitioning those services to another service provider was completed during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.  The remaining Prison Services assets and operations were classified as discontinued operations during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and subsequently sold during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.  Prison Services comprised nearly all of the Other Operations segment revenue and results of operations.  Consequently, with the cessation of our Prison Services business and based on the segment accounting guidance, we concluded that we operate as one segment as of the quarter ended June 30, 2013. As required by the authoritative guidance for segment presentation, segment results of operations have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect this change for all periods presented.
Prison Services Contract	'
	Prison Services Contract
	We previously provided telephone service to inmates incarcerated at facilities operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and to certain county jails.  On June 27, 2012, the Illinois Department of Central Management Services announced its intent to replace us as the provider of those services with a competitor. Although we challenged our competitor’s bid and the State’s decision to accept that bid in a variety of different forums, during the quarter ended March 31, 2013, the process of transitioning these services to another service provider was completed. All related assets have been assessed for recoverability in light of this change and we determined that no impairment was necessary.
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	On September 13, 2013, we completed the sale of the assets and contractual rights used to provide communications services to inmates in thirteen county jails located in Illinois for a total purchase price of $2.5 million.  In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20, “Discontinued Operations”, the financial results of the Prison Services business have been reported as a discontinued operation in our condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. For a more complete discussion of the transaction, refer to Note 2.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in our 2013 condensed consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of our 2014 condensed consolidated financial statements, which consists of the effects of reclassifications from the presentation of Prison Services as a discontinued operation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”), Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. ASU 2014-08 revises the definition of a discontinued operation to limit the circumstances under which a disposal or classification as held for sale qualifies for presentation as a discontinued operation. Amendments in this ASU require expanded disclosures concerning a discontinued operation and the disposal of an individually-material component of an entity not qualifying as a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and should be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-11 (“ASU 2013-11”), Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. ASU 2013-11 provides guidance concerning the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward is present. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Tables

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'
Summary of the financial information for the prison services operations	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2013
	Operating revenues	$	4,767
	Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization	4,699
	Income from operations	68
	Income tax expense	44
	Income from discontinued operations	$	24

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	8,422	$	6,858
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98		99
	Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	8,324		6,759
	Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153		132
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	8,171		6,627
	Net income from discontinued operations	-		24
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	8,171	$	6,651
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	39,877		39,755
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.2	$	0.17
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0		0
	Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.2	$	0.17

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
INVESTMENTS	'
Schedule of investments	'
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	$	2,362	$	2,183
	Cost method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (2.34% interest)	21,450		21,450
	Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership (3.60% interest)	22,950		22,950
	CoBank, ACB Stock	5,147		5,112
	Other	200		200
	Equity method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (20.51% interest)	27,141		27,467
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (16.6725% interest)	7,533		7,696
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (23.67% interest)	23,866		24,105
	CVIN, LLC (13.455% interest)	1,936		1,936
	Totals	$	112,585	$	113,099
Summary of combined unaudited results of operations and financial position of our three equity investments in the cellular limited partnerships	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Total revenues	$	80,816	$	76,719
	Income from operations	25,562		23,973
	Net income before taxes	25,585		23,985
	Net income	25,585		23,985
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Current assets	$	52,843	$	54,837
	Non-current assets	88,635		87,968
	Current liabilities	14,584		15,221
	Non-current liabilities	2,166		1,786
	Partnership equity	124,731		125,799

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
Schedule of interest rate swap liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
				As of March 31, 2014
				Quoted Prices In		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
				for Identical		Observable		Inputs
				Assets		Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-694	$	–	$	-694	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities		-1,727		–		-1,727		–
	Total	$	-2,421	$	–	$	-2,421	$	–
				As of December 31, 2013
				Quoted Prices In		Significant		Significant
				Active Markets		Other		Unobservable
				for Identical		Observable		Inputs
				Assets		Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-660	$	–	$	-660	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-1,959		–		-1,959		–
	Total	$	-2,619	$	–	$	-2,619	$	–
Schedule of other financial instruments that are not carried at fair value but which require fair value disclosure	'
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investments, equity basis	$	60,476	n/a		$	61,204	n/a
	Investments, at cost	$	49,747	n/a		$	49,712	n/a
	Long-term debt	$	1,209,681	$	1,265,299	$	1,216,764	$	1,261,508

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
Schedule of components of long-term debt outstanding, presented net of unamortized discounts	'
		March 31,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Senior secured credit facility:
	Term Loan 4, net of discount of $4,391 and $4,537 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$	903,334	$	905,463
	Revolving loan	8,000		13,000
	Senior notes, net of discount of $1,653 and $1,699 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	298,347		298,301
	Capital leases	4,965		5,121
		1,214,646		1,221,885
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	-9,773		-9,751
	Total long-term debt	$	1,204,873	$	1,212,134

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
Schedule of outstanding interest rate swaps	'
	The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at March 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Notional		2014 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
		Amount
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	150,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-1,581
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	125,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-694
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-146
	Total Fair Values					$	-2,421
	The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at December 31, 2013:
	(In thousands)	Notional		2013 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
		Amount
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	175,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-1,897
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	100,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-660
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-62
	Total Fair Values					$	-2,619
Schedule of gains and losses on cash flow hedge transactions	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Loss recognized in AOCI, pretax	$	-	$	-52
	Deferred losses reclassed from AOCI to interest expense	$	-659	$	-3,641

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
EQUITY	'
Summary of total compensation costs recognized for share-based payments	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Restricted stock	$	517		$	456
	Performance shares	267			200
	Total	$	784		$	656
Summary of RSA and PSA activity	'
		RSAs					PSAs
		Shares		Weighted			Shares		Weighted
				Average Grant					Average Grant
				Date Fair Value					Date Fair Value
	Non-vested shares outstanding - January 1, 2014	123,501		$	17.32		64,266		$	17.96
	Shares granted	131,281		$	19.74		91,127		$	17.13
	Non-vested shares outstanding - March 31, 2014	254,782					155,393
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'
		Pension and
		Post-Retirement			Derivative
	(In thousands)	Obligations			Instruments			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	643		$	-1,643		$	-1,000
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-136			408			272
	Net current period other comprehensive income	-136			408			272
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	507		$	-1,235		$	-728
Summary of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
		Amount Reclassified from AOCI
		Quarter Ended March 31,						Affected Line Item in the
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			Statement of Income
	Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
	Prior service credit	$	80		$	116		(a)
	Actuarial gain (loss)	142			-891			(a)
		222			-775			Total before tax
		-86			301			Tax (expense) benefit
		$	136		$	-474		Net of tax
	Loss on cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate derivatives	$	-659		$	-3,641		Interest expense
		251			1,351			Tax benefit
		$	-408		$	-2,290		Net of tax
	(a)  These items are included in the components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and post-retirement benefit plans.  See Note 9 for additional details.

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET1

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans	'
Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
Schedule of the components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Service cost	$	140	$	304
	Interest cost	4,073		3,862
	Expected return on plan assets	-5,777		-5,151
	Net amortization loss	5		891
	Prior service credit amortization	-115		-71
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	-1,674	$	-165
Post-retirement Benefit Obligations	'
Pension Plans and Other Post-retirement Benefits	'
Schedule of the components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income	'
		Quarter Ended
		March 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Service cost	$	90	$	232
	Interest cost	355		391
	Expected return on plan assets	-55		-58
	Net amortization (gain) loss	-147		-
	Net prior service cost (credit) amortization	35		-45
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	278	$	520

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheets	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	(amounts in thousands)
		March 31, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	1,851	$	2,250	$	2,728		$	-		$	6,829
	Accounts receivable, net	-		122		44,039		8,207			-			52,368
	Income taxes receivable	19,308		-		-		-			-14,619			4,689
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		7,533		495						7,960
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		13,621		530			-			14,151
	Total current assets	19,247		1,966		67,443		11,960			-14,619			85,997
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		825,064		50,403			-			875,467
	Intangibles and other assets:
	Investments	-		3,765		108,820		-			-			112,585
	Investments in subsidiaries	1,126,932		353,737		12,393		-			-1,493,062			-
	Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181			-			603,446
	Other intangible assets	-		-		28,541		9,087			-			37,628
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	-		13,181		4,710		-			-			17,891
	Total assets	$	1,146,179	$	372,649	$	1,584,236	$	137,631		$	-1,507,681		$	1,733,014
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	7,775	$	-		$	-		$	7,775
	Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		24,168		2,359			-			26,527
	Dividends payable	15,607		-		-		-			-			15,607
	Accrued compensation	-		-		15,606		1,727			-			17,333
	Accrued interest	-		12,114		6		4			-			12,124
	Accrued expense	43		-		29,292		1,673			-			31,008
	Income tax payable	-		4,265		7,681		2,673			-14,619			-
	Current portion of long term debt and capital
	lease obligations	-		9,100		605		68			-			9,773
	Current portion of derivative liability	-		694		-		-			-			694
	Total current liabilities	15,650		26,173		85,133		8,504			-14,619			120,841
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,200,580		3,499		794			-			1,204,873
	Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,010,493		-1,981,985		1,013,048		-41,556			-			-
	Deferred income taxes	-21,598		-778		184,143		18,256						180,023
	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		58,604		12,462			-			71,066
	Other long-term liabilities	26		1,727		7,970		277			-			10,000
	Total liabilities	1,004,571		-754,283		1,352,397		-1,263			-14,619			1,586,803
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Common Stock	403		-		17,411		30,000			-47,411			403
	Other shareholders’ equity	141,205		1,126,932		209,825		108,894			-1,445,651			141,205
	Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	141,608		1,126,932		227,236		138,894			-1,493,062			141,608
	Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,603		-			-			4,603
	Total shareholders’ equity	141,608		1,126,932		231,839		138,894			-1,493,062			146,211
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,146,179	$	372,649	$	1,584,236	$	137,631		$	-1,507,681		$	1,733,014
		December 31, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors				Eliminations				Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	86	$	2,366	$		3,099		$			-	$	5,551
	Accounts receivable, net	-		502		44,521		7,010				-				52,033
	Income taxes receivable	9,346		-		370		80				-				9,796
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		7,533		495				-				7,960
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		11,862		518				-				12,380
	Total current assets	9,285		581		66,652		11,202				-				87,720
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		834,199		51,163				-				885,362
	Intangibles and other assets:
	Investments	-		3,729		109,370		-				-				113,099
	Investments in subsidiaries	1,101,039		335,659		12,130		-				-1,448,828				-
	Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181				-				603,446
Other intangible assets	-		-		30,997		9,087				-				40,084
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	-		13,620		4,047		-				-				17,667
Total assets	$	1,110,324	$	353,589	$	1,594,660	$		137,633		$		-1,448,828		$	1,747,378
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	4,885	$		-		$			-	$	4,885
Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		23,699		2,235				-				25,934
Dividends payable	15,520		-		-		-				-				15,520
Accrued compensation	-		-		20,447		1,805				-				22,252
Accrued interest	-		3,514		6		4				-				3,524
Accrued expense	224		875		32,703		1,371				-				35,173
Current portion of long term debt and capital
lease obligations	-		9,100		586		65				-				9,751
Current portion of derivative liability	-		660		-		-				-				660
Total current liabilities	15,744		14,149		82,326		5,480				-				117,699
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,207,663		3,659		812				-				1,212,134
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	968,319		-1,970,192		1,037,969		-36,096				-				-
Deferred income taxes	-21,598		-1,029		184,209		18,277				-				179,859
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		61,053		14,701				-				75,754
Other long-term liabilities	25		1,960		7,328		280				-				9,593
Total liabilities	962,490		-747,449		1,376,544		3,454				-				1,595,039
Shareholders’ equity:
Common Stock	401		-		17,411		30,000				-47,411				401
Other shareholders’ equity	147,433		1,101,038		196,200		104,179				-1,401,417				147,433
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	147,834		1,101,038		213,611		134,179				-1,448,828				147,834
Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,505		-				-				4,505
Total shareholders’ equity	147,834		1,101,038		218,116		134,179				-1,448,828				152,339
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,110,324	$	353,589	$	1,594,660	$		137,633		$	-1,448,828			$	1,747,378
Schedule of condensed consolidating statements of operations	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	(amounts in thousands)
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net revenues	$	-	$	69	$	136,255	$	16,758		$	-3,434		$	149,648
	Operating expenses:
	Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		55,252		3,304			-3,256			55,300
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	877		39		27,631		4,495			-178			32,864
	Depreciation and amortization	-		-		33,647		1,895			-			35,542
	Operating income (loss)	-877		30		19,725		7,064			-			25,942
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net of interest income	-2		-19,820		-2		-7			-			-19,831
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	-26,380		31,425		-5,496		451			-			-
	Investment income	-		36		8,300		-			-			8,336
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	25,621		18,215		263		-			-44,099			-
	Other, net	-		-		-899		-4			-			-903
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,638		29,886		21,891		7,504			-44,099			13,544
	Income tax expense (benefit)	-9,962		4,265		8,066		2,753			-			5,122
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	8,324		25,621		13,825		4,751			-44,099			8,422
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-				-			-			-
	Net income (loss)	8,324		25,621		13,825		4,751			-44,099			8,422
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		98		-			-			98
	Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	8,324	$	25,621	$	13,727	$	4,751		$	-44,099		$	8,324
	Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	8,324	$	26,029	$	13,653	$	4,689		$	-44,099		$	8,596
		Quarter Ended March 31, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net revenues	$	-	$	-7	$	138,055	$	17,028		$	-3,548		$	151,528
	Operating expenses:
	Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		54,861		3,444			-3,253			55,052
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,127		31		27,713		4,729			-295			33,305
	Depreciation and amortization	-		-		32,582		2,259			-			34,841
	Operating income (loss)	-1,127		-38		22,899		6,596			-			28,330
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net of interest income	6		-24,497		-110		1			-			-24,600
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	-20,433		27,608		-7,329		154			-			-
	Investment income	-		-37		8,821		-			-			8,784
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	20,300		18,393		276		-			-38,969			-
	Other, net	-		-		-98		-9			-			-107
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,254		21,429		24,459		6,742			-38,969			12,407
	Income tax expense (benefit)	-8,037		1,129		9,943		2,514			-			5,549
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	6,783		20,300		14,516		4,228			-38,969			6,858
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		24		-			-			24
	Net income (loss)	6,783		20,300		14,540		4,228			-38,969			6,882
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		99		-			-			99
	Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated
	Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	6,783	$	20,300	$	14,441	$	4,228		$	-38,969		$	6,783
	Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	6,783	$	22,558	$	14,759	$	4,384		$	-38,969		$	9,515
Schedule of condensed consolidating statements of cash flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	(amounts in thousands)
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-26,654	$	20,833	$	48,063	$	6,152		$	48,394
	Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-		-			-
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-26,654		20,833		48,063		6,152			48,394
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-24,316		-1,089			-25,405
	Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		1,200		41			1,241
	Other	-		-		-		-			-
	Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-23,116		-1,048			-24,164
	Net cash provided by discontinued operations			-		-		-			-
	Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-23,116		-1,048			-24,164
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		10,000		-		-			10,000
	Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-142		-15			-157
	Payment on long-term debt	-		-17,275		-		-			-17,275
	Dividends on common stock	-15,520		-		-		-			-15,520
	Transactions with affiliates, net	42,174		-11,793		-24,921		-5,460			-
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	26,654		-19,068		-25,063		-5,475			-22,952
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-		1,765		-116		-371			1,278
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		86		2,366		3,099			5,551
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	1,851	$	2,250	$	2,728		$	6,829
		Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors			Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-20,835	$	14,062	$	37,499	$	6,997		$	37,723
	Net cash provided by discontinued operations	-		-		-1,531		-			-1,531
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-20,835		14,062		35,968		6,997			36,192
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-25,371		-2,135			-27,506
	Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		4		17			21
	Other	-		-		-84		-			-84
	Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-25,451		-2,118			-27,569
	Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-11		-			-11
	Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-25,462		-2,118			-27,580
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		13,000		-		-			13,000
	Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-73		-12			-85
	Payment on long-term debt	-		-15,310		-		-			-15,310
	Dividends on common stock	-15,447		-		-		-			-15,447
	Transactions with affiliates, net	36,282		-14,935		-15,748		-5,599			-
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	20,835		-17,245		-15,821		-5,611			-17,842
	(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-		-3,183		-5,315		-732			-9,230
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		6,577		8,530		2,747			17,854
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	3,394	$	3,215	$	2,015		$	8,624

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 13, 2013
	item	segment	segment		item
Business and Basis of Accounting	'	'	'	'	'
Number of access lines	254,000	'	'	'	'
Number of voice connections	122,000	'	'	'	'
Number of data and internet connections	258,000	'	'	'	'
Number of video connections	111,000	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable business segments	'	1	2	'	'
Number of non-core businesses	2	'	'	'	'
Discontinued Operations	'	'	'	'	'
Number of county jails where communication services for inmates were provided	'	'	'	'	13
Total purchase price for the sale of the assets and contractual rights related to prison services	'	'	'	$2.50	$2.50

DISCONTINUED_OPERATIONS_Detail

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 13, 2013
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS	'	'	'
Total purchase price for the sale of the assets and contractual rights related to prison services	'	$2,500,000	$2,500,000
Summary of the financial information for the prison services operations	'	'	'
Operating revenues	4,767,000	'	'
Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization	4,699,000	'	'
Income from operations	68,000	'	'
Income tax expense	44,000	'	'
Income from discontinued operations	$24,000	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Using Two-class Method:	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$8,422	$6,858
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	99
Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	8,324	6,759
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153	132
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	8,171	6,627
Net income from discontinued operations	'	24
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$8,171	$6,651
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	39,877,000	39,755,000
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.17
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Net income per basic and diluted common share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.20	$0.17
Common shares excluded from computation of potentially dilutive shares because of anti-dilutive effect	200,000	200,000

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Investments	'	'	'
Cash distributions received from partnerships treated as cost method investees	$3,500,000	$4,000,000	'
Cash distributions received from partnerships treated as equity method investees	5,600,000	4,100,000	'
Purchase of additional ownership interest	'	100,000	'
Number of entity's investments which is accounted for using equity method	3	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	2,362,000	'	2,183,000
Total	112,585,000	'	113,099,000
Summary of unaudited summarized income statement information	'	'	'
Total revenues	80,816,000	76,719,000	'
Income from operations	25,562,000	23,973,000	'
Net income before taxes	25,585,000	23,985,000	'
Net income	25,585,000	23,985,000	'
Summary of unaudited summarized balance sheet information	'	'	'
Current assets	52,843,000	'	54,837,000
Non-current assets	88,635,000	'	87,968,000
Current liabilities	14,584,000	'	15,221,000
Non-current liabilities	2,166,000	'	1,786,000
Partnership equity	124,731,000	'	125,799,000
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of cost method investee	2.34%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	21,450,000	'	21,450,000
Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of cost method investee	3.60%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	22,950,000	'	22,950,000
CoBank, ACB Stock	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	5,147,000	'	5,112,000
Other	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	200,000	'	200,000
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	20.51%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	27,141,000	'	27,467,000
Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	16.67%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	7,533,000	'	7,696,000
Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	23.67%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	23,866,000	'	24,105,000
CVIN, LLC	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	13.46%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	$1,936,000	'	$1,936,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	($694)	($660)
Recurring | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	-694	-660
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-1,727	-1,959
Total	-2,421	-2,619
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	-694	-660
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-1,727	-1,959
Total	($2,421)	($2,619)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Investments, equity basis	$60,476	$61,204
Investments, at cost	49,747	49,712
Long-term debt	1,209,681	1,216,764
Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,265,299	$1,261,508

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

22 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

1-May-14

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

30-May-12

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Apr. 02, 2014

2-May-14

Mar. 31, 2014

Apr. 02, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Subsequent event

Minimum

Maximum

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Term loan 4

Term loan 4

Term loan 4

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Senior Notes due 2020

Capital leases

Capital leases

Weighted average

Weighted average

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Alternate base rate

Alternate base rate

Alternate base rate

Subsequent event

Subsequent event

Maximum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Subsequent event

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt and capital leases

'

$1,214,646,000

$1,221,885,000

'

'

'

'

'

$903,334,000

$905,463,000

'

$8,000,000

$13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$298,347,000

$298,301,000

$298,347,000

'

'

'

'

$4,965,000

$5,121,000

Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases

'

-9,773,000

-9,751,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt

'

1,204,873,000

1,212,134,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

910,000,000

910,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,000,000

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stand-by letter of credit outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Margin (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

'

'

2.50%

3.25%

3.00%

1.50%

2.25%

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reference rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'LIBOR

'Alternative base rate

'Alternative base rate

'Alternative base rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate basis, floor (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly principal payments required

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.24%

4.23%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend declared

15,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid

'

'

'

15,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

124,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining consolidated cash available for dividends and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

178,600,000

'

178,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends available for distribution

'

215,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.23

'

4.23

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio

'

4.27

'

'

'

5.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio for an event of default

'

'

'

'

'

5.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest coverage ratio

'

3.52

'

'

2.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of increase in available cash used in repayment of debt during dividend suspension period

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issue price as a percentage of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.35%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Yield to maturity (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio covenant for dividend and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.25

4.5

'

'

Multiplier used in the calculation of permitted lien basket for liens securing indebtedness

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.5

'

'

2.75

'

'

'

'

'

Consent fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

Number of times to be applied to fixed charges for calculating the deduction from cumulative consolidated net cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75

'

1.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative consolidated cash available to pay dividends and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

302,700,000

'

302,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends and other restricted payments available for distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4,391,000)

($4,537,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($1,653,000)

($1,699,000)

($1,653,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_2

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
	item
Capital leases	'
Number of capital leases which expire between 2015 and 2021	7
Present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments	$5
Capital lease commitments due and payable within the next 12 months	0.7
Total remaining rental payments	7.5
LATEL LLC	'
Capital leases	'
Total remaining rental payments	$5.60

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 04, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

item

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

De-designated Hedges

Cash flow hedges

Cash flow hedges

bank

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR, one

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR, one

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR, two

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR, two

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)

Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps

Derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reference rate for receiving interest

'

'

'1-month floating LIBOR

'1-month floating LIBOR

'1-month floating LIBOR

'1-month floating LIBOR

'1-month floating LIBOR

'1-month floating LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

'

'

$150,000,000

$175,000,000

$125,000,000

$100,000,000

$50,000,000

$50,000,000

'

'

'

$325,000,000

$660,000,000

'

'

Fair Value, Current portion of long-term liabilities

-694,000

-660,000

'

'

-694,000

-660,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Other long-term liabilities

'

'

-1,581,000

-1,897,000

'

'

-146,000

-62,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,421,000

-2,619,000

Number of U.S. and European banks which are counterparties

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of swap agreements that provide for the entity or the counterparties to post collateral

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivatives expired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

Gain recognized as a reduction to interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200,000

$2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	Loss on cash flow hedges	Loss on cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges
Derivatives	'	'	'	'
Deferred losses included in AOCI (pretax)	$2,000,000	$2,600,000	'	'
Losses included in AOCI to be recognized in the next 12 months	1,600,000	'	'	'
Loss recognized in AOCI, pretax	'	'	'	-52,000
Deferred losses reclassified from AOCI to interest expense	'	'	($659,000)	($3,641,000)

EQUITY_Details

EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Stock-based compensation plans	'	'
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	$784,000	$656,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation	'	'
Unrecognized compensation costs	7,000,000	'
Weighted-average period of recognition	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'
Restricted stock	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans	'	'
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	517,000	456,000
Number of shares	'	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	123,501	'
Shares granted	131,281	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the end of the period	254,782	'
Price	'	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$17.32	'
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$19.74	'
Performance shares	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans	'	'
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	$267,000	$200,000
Number of shares	'	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	64,266	'
Shares granted	91,127	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the end of the period	155,393	'
Price	'	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$17.96	'
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$17.13	'

EQUITY_Details_2

EQUITY (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($1,000)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	272
Net current period other comprehensive income	272
Balance at the end of the period	-728
Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	643
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-136
Net current period other comprehensive income	-136
Balance at the end of the period	507
Derivative Instruments	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,643
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	408
Net current period other comprehensive income	408
Balance at the end of the period	($1,235)

EQUITY_Details_3

EQUITY (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
EQUITY	'	'
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$13,544	$12,407
Interest expense	-19,831	-24,600
Tax (expense) benefit	-5,122	-5,549
Net income	8,422	6,882
Amortization of pension and post-retirement items | Amount Reclassified from AOCI	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Prior service credit	80	116
Actuarial gain (loss)	142	-891
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	222	-775
Tax (expense) benefit	-86	301
Net income	136	-474
Loss on cash flow hedges | Amount Reclassified from AOCI	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Interest expense	-659	-3,641
Tax (expense) benefit	251	1,351
Net income	($408)	($2,290)

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET2

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
	item
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'
Components of net periodic pension costs	'	'
Service costs	$140,000	$304,000
Interest costs	4,073,000	3,862,000
Expected return on plan assets	-5,777,000	-5,151,000
Net amortization (gain) loss	5,000	891,000
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	-115,000	-71,000
Net periodic pension benefit	-1,674,000	-165,000
Expected contribution to pension plan	15,500,000	'
Contribution to the plans	2,700,000	'
Supplemental Plans	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'
Number of non-qualified plans	2	'
SureWest Plan	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'
Number of highest consecutive years for computing employee's average compensation	'5 years	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'
Period of credit service for computing employee's average compensation	'10 years	'
Post-retirement Benefit Obligations	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'
Post-retirement Plan unfunded assets	0	'
Components of net periodic pension costs	'	'
Service costs	90,000	232,000
Interest costs	355,000	391,000
Expected return on plan assets	-55,000	-58,000
Net amortization (gain) loss	-147,000	'
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	35,000	-45,000
Net periodic pension benefit	278,000	520,000
Expected contribution to pension plan	2,500,000	'
Contribution to the plans	700,000	'
Pension and SERP Plans	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'
Post-retirement Plan unfunded assets	$0	'

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET3

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Other Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Agreements	'	'	'
Minimum age at which payments under deferred compensation agreements may begin	'55 years	'	'
Payment related to deferred compensation agreements	$0.10	$0.10	'
Net present value of the remaining obligations	1.7	'	1.8
Number of life insurance policies	34	'	'
Excess of cash surrender value of remaining life insurance policies over notes payable	$2.40	'	$2.20

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at federal statutory rates to the effective rates	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	37.80%	44.70%
Effective tax rate exclusive of non-deductible compensation adjustment (as a percent)	'	37.00%

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jan. 18, 2012	Apr. 15, 2008	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
			item	Salsgiver Inc.	Salsgiver Inc.	Salsgiver Inc.	Salsgiver Inc.	Assessment by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue	Assessment by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue	Assessment by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
								item	Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services Inc. (CCES)	Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company LLC (CCPA)
Litigation and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Original amount of sustained losses claimed by plaintiff	'	'	'	$125	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amount agreed to be paid in cash as per agreement	'	'	'	'	0.9	'	'	'	'	'
Credits granted as per agreement	'	'	'	'	0.3	'	'	'	'	'
Term of credits utilization for make ready work performed	'	'	'	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'	'
Settlement amount previously accrued	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.4	'	'	'
Additional accrual per agreement	'	'	'	'	'	0.9	'	'	'	'
Number of subsidiaries that received assessment notice	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2	'	'
Total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for calendar years 2008, 2009, and 2010	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.9	2
Number of core issues appealed	'	'	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reversal of previously recognized revenues	3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenue recognized that was later reversed	'	$1.10	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$6,829	$5,551	$8,624	$17,854
Accounts receivable, net	52,368	52,033	'	'
Income taxes receivable	4,689	9,796	'	'
Deferred income taxes	7,960	7,960	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	14,151	12,380	'	'
Total current assets	85,997	87,720	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	875,467	885,362	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	112,585	113,099	'	'
Goodwill	603,446	603,446	'	'
Other intangible assets	37,628	40,084	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	17,891	17,667	'	'
Total assets	1,733,014	1,747,378	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	7,775	4,885	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	26,527	25,934	'	'
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520	'	'
Accrued compensation	17,333	22,252	'	'
Accrued interest	12,124	3,524	'	'
Accrued expense	31,008	35,173	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	9,773	9,751	'	'
Current portion of derivative liability	694	660	'	'
Total current liabilities	120,841	117,699	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,204,873	1,212,134	'	'
Deferred income taxes	180,023	179,859	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	71,066	75,754	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	10,000	9,593	'	'
Total liabilities	1,586,803	1,595,039	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	403	401	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	141,205	147,433	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	141,608	147,834	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	4,603	4,505	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	146,211	152,339	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,733,014	1,747,378	'	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Income taxes receivable	-14,619	'	'	'
Total current assets	-14,619	'	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-1,493,062	-1,448,828	'	'
Total assets	-1,507,681	-1,448,828	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Income tax payable	-14,619	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	-14,619	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-14,619	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	-47,411	-47,411	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	-1,445,651	-1,401,417	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	-1,493,062	-1,448,828	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	-1,493,062	-1,448,828	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	-1,507,681	-1,448,828	'	'
Parent | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Income taxes receivable	19,308	9,346	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-61	-61	'	'
Total current assets	19,247	9,285	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	1,126,932	1,101,039	'	'
Total assets	1,146,179	1,110,324	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520	'	'
Accrued expense	43	224	'	'
Total current liabilities	15,650	15,744	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,010,493	968,319	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-21,598	-21,598	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	26	25	'	'
Total liabilities	1,004,571	962,490	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	403	401	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	141,205	147,433	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	141,608	147,834	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	141,608	147,834	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,146,179	1,110,324	'	'
Subsidiary Issuer	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,851	86	3,394	6,577
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,851	86	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	122	502	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-7	-7	'	'
Total current assets	1,966	581	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	3,765	3,729	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	353,737	335,659	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	13,181	13,620	'	'
Total assets	372,649	353,589	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued interest	12,114	3,514	'	'
Accrued expense	'	875	'	'
Income tax payable	4,265	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	9,100	9,100	'	'
Current portion of derivative liability	694	660	'	'
Total current liabilities	26,173	14,149	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,200,580	1,207,663	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	-1,981,985	-1,970,192	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-778	-1,029	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	1,727	1,960	'	'
Total liabilities	-754,283	-747,449	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	1,126,932	1,101,038	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,126,932	1,101,038	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	1,126,932	1,101,038	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	372,649	353,589	'	'
Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	100.00%	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,250	2,366	3,215	8,530
Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,250	2,366	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	44,039	44,521	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	370	'	'
Deferred income taxes	7,533	7,533	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,621	11,862	'	'
Total current assets	67,443	66,652	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	825,064	834,199	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	108,820	109,370	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	12,393	12,130	'	'
Goodwill	537,265	537,265	'	'
Other intangible assets	28,541	30,997	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	4,710	4,047	'	'
Total assets	1,584,236	1,594,660	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	7,775	4,885	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	24,168	23,699	'	'
Accrued compensation	15,606	20,447	'	'
Accrued interest	6	6	'	'
Accrued expense	29,292	32,703	'	'
Income tax payable	7,681	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	605	586	'	'
Total current liabilities	85,133	82,326	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	3,499	3,659	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,013,048	1,037,969	'	'
Deferred income taxes	184,143	184,209	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	58,604	61,053	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	7,970	7,328	'	'
Total liabilities	1,352,397	1,376,544	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	17,411	17,411	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	209,825	196,200	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	227,236	213,611	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	4,603	4,505	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	231,839	218,116	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,584,236	1,594,660	'	'
Non-Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,728	3,099	2,015	2,747
Non-Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,728	3,099	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	8,207	7,010	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	80	'	'
Deferred income taxes	495	495	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	530	518	'	'
Total current assets	11,960	11,202	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	50,403	51,163	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	66,181	66,181	'	'
Other intangible assets	9,087	9,087	'	'
Total assets	137,631	137,633	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	2,359	2,235	'	'
Accrued compensation	1,727	1,805	'	'
Accrued interest	4	4	'	'
Accrued expense	1,673	1,371	'	'
Income tax payable	2,673	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	68	65	'	'
Total current liabilities	8,504	5,480	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	794	812	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	-41,556	-36,096	'	'
Deferred income taxes	18,256	18,277	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	12,462	14,701	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	277	280	'	'
Total liabilities	-1,263	3,454	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	30,000	30,000	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	108,894	104,179	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	138,894	134,179	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	138,894	134,179	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$137,631	$137,633	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'
Net revenues	$149,648	$151,528
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	55,300	55,052
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,864	33,305
Depreciation and amortization	35,542	34,841
Income from operations	25,942	28,330
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-19,831	-24,600
Investment income	8,336	8,784
Other, net	-903	-107
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	13,544	12,407
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,122	5,549
Income from continuing operations	8,422	6,858
Discontinued operations, net of tax	'	24
Net income	8,422	6,882
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	99
Net income attributable to common shareholders	8,324	6,783
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	8,596	9,515
Eliminations	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'
Net revenues	-3,434	-3,548
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-3,256	-3,253
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-178	-295
Other income (expense):	'	'
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	-44,099	-38,969
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-44,099	-38,969
Income from continuing operations	-44,099	-38,969
Net income	-44,099	-38,969
Net income attributable to common shareholders	-44,099	-38,969
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	-44,099	-38,969
Parent | Reportable legal entity	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	877	1,127
Income from operations	-877	-1,127
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-2	6
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-26,380	-20,433
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	25,621	20,300
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-1,638	-1,254
Income tax expense (benefit)	-9,962	-8,037
Income from continuing operations	8,324	6,783
Net income	8,324	6,783
Net income attributable to common shareholders	8,324	6,783
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	8,324	6,783
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable legal entity	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'
Net revenues	69	-7
Operating expenses:	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	39	31
Income from operations	30	-38
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-19,820	-24,497
Intercompany interest income (expense)	31,425	27,608
Investment income	36	-37
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	18,215	18,393
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	29,886	21,429
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,265	1,129
Income from continuing operations	25,621	20,300
Net income	25,621	20,300
Net income attributable to common shareholders	25,621	20,300
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	26,029	22,558
Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'
Net revenues	136,255	138,055
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	55,252	54,861
Selling, general and administrative expenses	27,631	27,713
Depreciation and amortization	33,647	32,582
Income from operations	19,725	22,899
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-2	-110
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-5,496	-7,329
Investment income	8,300	8,821
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	263	276
Other, net	-899	-98
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	21,891	24,459
Income tax expense (benefit)	8,066	9,943
Income from continuing operations	13,825	14,516
Discontinued operations, net of tax	'	24
Net income	13,825	14,540
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	98	99
Net income attributable to common shareholders	13,727	14,441
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	13,653	14,759
Non-Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'
Net revenues	16,758	17,028
Operating expenses:	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	3,304	3,444
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,495	4,729
Depreciation and amortization	1,895	2,259
Income from operations	7,064	6,596
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-7	1
Intercompany interest income (expense)	451	154
Other, net	-4	-9
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	7,504	6,742
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,753	2,514
Income from continuing operations	4,751	4,228
Net income	4,751	4,228
Net income attributable to common shareholders	4,751	4,228
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$4,689	$4,384

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$48,394	$37,723
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-1,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	48,394	36,192
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-25,405	-27,506
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,241	21
Other	'	-84
Net cash used in continuing operations	-24,164	-27,569
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-24,164	-27,580
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	10,000	13,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-157	-85
Payment on long-term debt	-17,275	-15,310
Dividends on common stock	-15,520	-15,447
Net cash used in financing activities	-22,952	-17,842
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,278	-9,230
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,551	17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	6,829	8,624
Parent	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	-26,654	-20,835
Net cash provided by operating activities	-26,654	-20,835
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-15,520	-15,447
Transactions with affiliates, net	42,174	36,282
Net cash used in financing activities	26,654	20,835
Subsidiary Issuer	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	20,833	14,062
Net cash provided by operating activities	20,833	14,062
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	10,000	13,000
Payment on long-term debt	-17,275	-15,310
Transactions with affiliates, net	-11,793	-14,935
Net cash used in financing activities	-19,068	-17,245
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,765	-3,183
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	86	6,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,851	3,394
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	48,063	37,499
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-1,531
Net cash provided by operating activities	48,063	35,968
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-24,316	-25,371
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,200	4
Other	'	-84
Net cash used in continuing operations	-23,116	-25,451
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	-11
Net cash used in investing activities	-23,116	-25,462
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of capital lease obligation	-142	-73
Transactions with affiliates, net	-24,921	-15,748
Net cash used in financing activities	-25,063	-15,821
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-116	-5,315
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,366	8,530
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,250	3,215
Non-Guarantors	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	6,152	6,997
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,152	6,997
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-1,089	-2,135
Proceeds from sale of assets	41	17
Net cash used in continuing operations	-1,048	-2,118
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,048	-2,118
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of capital lease obligation	-15	-12
Transactions with affiliates, net	-5,460	-5,599
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,475	-5,611
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-371	-732
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,099	2,747
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$2,728	$2,015