Consolidated Communications (CNSL) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 27, 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	30-Sep-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	'	50,433,553
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$149,040	$150,773	$449,724	$453,621
Operating expense:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	56,435	55,780	167,653	166,774
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,659	33,715	97,945	100,385
Financing and other transaction costs	729	355	1,995	712
Depreciation and amortization	34,968	34,756	106,515	104,306
Income from operations	24,249	26,167	75,616	81,444
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-20,721	-20,632	-60,280	-65,929
Investment income	8,315	9,687	25,964	27,164
Other, net	293	-687	-862	-712
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	12,136	14,535	40,438	41,967
Income tax expense	4,387	4,205	14,380	15,219
Income from continuing operations	7,749	10,330	26,058	26,748
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	'	92	'	-156
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	'	1,333	'	1,333
Discontinued operations, net of tax	'	1,425	'	1,177
Net income	7,749	11,755	26,058	27,925
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107	61	285	254
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$7,642	$11,694	$25,773	$27,671
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.26	$0.63	$0.65
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	'	$0.03	'	$0.03
Net income per basic and diluted common share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.29	$0.63	$0.68
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.39	$1.16	$1.16

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'	'	'
Net income	$7,749	$11,755	$26,058	$27,925
Pension and post-retirement obligations:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of actuarial (gains) losses and prior service credit to earnings, net of tax	-136	433	-408	1,381
Derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges:	'	'	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	'	-417	'	-285
Reclassification of realized loss to earnings, net of tax	290	566	1,001	3,411
Comprehensive income	7,903	12,337	26,651	32,432
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107	61	285	254
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$7,796	$12,276	$26,366	$32,178

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,890	$5,551
Restricted cash	204,803	'
Accounts receivable, net	51,388	52,033
Income tax receivable	804	9,796
Deferred income taxes	8,905	7,960
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,756	12,380
Total current assets	284,546	87,720
Property, plant and equipment, net	859,620	885,362
Investments	113,594	113,099
Goodwill	603,446	603,446
Other intangible assets	33,018	40,084
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	19,231	17,667
Total assets	1,913,455	1,747,378
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	4,991	4,885
Advance billings and customer deposits	23,512	25,934
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520
Accrued compensation	17,534	22,252
Accrued interest	12,433	3,524
Accrued expense	33,008	35,173
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	9,809	9,751
Current portion of derivative liability	877	660
Total current liabilities	117,771	117,699
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,407,354	1,212,134
Deferred income taxes	180,204	179,859
Pension and other postretirement obligations	60,822	75,754
Other long-term liabilities	12,463	9,593
Total liabilities	1,778,614	1,595,039
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 40,289,154 and 40,065,246 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	403	401
Additional paid-in capital	130,055	148,433
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	-407	-1,000
Noncontrolling interest	4,790	4,505
Total shareholders' equity	134,841	152,339
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,913,455	$1,747,378

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	40,289,154	40,065,246

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash provided by continuing operations	$133,364	$124,053
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-3,412
Net cash provided by operating activities	133,364	120,641
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net	-76,038	-80,584
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,563	111
Restricted cash related to acquisition	-149,917	'
Other	'	-238
Net cash used in continuing operations	-224,392	-80,711
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	2,331
Net cash used in investing activities	-224,392	-78,380
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from bond offering	200,000	'
Restricted cash on bond offering	-54,886	'
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt	28,000	57,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-481	-368
Payment on long-term debt	-32,825	-63,930
Payment of financing costs	-2,707	'
Dividends on common stock	-46,734	-46,526
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	90,367	-53,824
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-661	-11,563
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,551	17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$4,890	$6,291

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014, we had approximately 245 thousand access lines, 119 thousand voice connections, 261 thousand data and Internet connections and 111 thousand video connections.
	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 thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
	Recent Business Developments
	Enventis Merger
	On June 29, 2014, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Enventis Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (“Enventis”), to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. On October 16, 2014, the merger was completed and Enventis became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. For a more complete discussion of the transaction, refer to Note 2.
	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.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 (“ASU 2014-15”), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt that an entity has the ability to continue as a going concern within one year following issuance of the financial statements and requires specific disclosures regarding the conditions or events leading to substantial doubt. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 provides guidance requiring a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period has ended to be treated as a performance condition affecting vesting of the award and therefore not reflected in estimating the fair value of the award at the date of grant. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides new, globally applicable converged guidance concerning recognition and measurement of revenue. As a result, significant additional disclosures are required about nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Companies are allowed to transition using either the modified retrospective or full retrospective adoption method. If full retrospective adoption is chosen, three years of financial information must be presented in accordance with the new standard as well as summarized financial data for five years. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements as well as the transition method we will use.
	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.
	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.

ACQUISITION_AND_DISPOSITIONS

ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS	'
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS	'
	2. ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS
	Merger with Enventis Corporation
	On June 29, 2014, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Sky Merger Sub Inc., a newly formed Minnesota corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Enventis, to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. Enventis is an advanced communications provider, which services business and residential customers primarily in the upper Midwest. On October 16, 2014, the acquisition of Enventis was completed, and as a result, Enventis became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The acquisition reflects our strategy to diversify revenue and cash flows amongst multiple products and to expand our network to new markets.
	At the effective time of the merger, each share of common stock, no par value, of Enventis owned immediately prior to the effective time of the merger converted into and became the right to receive 0.7402 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, of our common stock plus cash in lieu of fractional shares, as set forth in the Merger Agreement. Based on the closing price of our common stock on the date preceding the merger, the total value of the purchase consideration to be exchanged is approximately $257.7 million, excluding the assumption of debt of approximately $149.9 million. On the date of the merger, we issued an approximate aggregate total of 10.1 million shares of our common stock to the former Enventis shareholders.
	The acquisition will be accounted for in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed will be recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The results of operations of Enventis will be reported in our consolidated financial statements beginning as of the effective date of the acquisition. Due to the limited time between the acquisition date and this filing, the initial accounting for the business combination and the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has not been completed, including the measurement of certain intangible assets and goodwill and the preparation of supplemental pro forma information. We have not included pro forma revenue or earnings information of the combined entity as the information required to determine any pro forma adjustments is not available as of the date of this filing.
	Upon closing of the Enventis acquisition or shortly thereafter, various triggering events occurred which will result in the payment of various change in control payments and other contingent payments to certain Enventis employees. The estimated cash payments under these agreements will be approximately $7.0 million and are expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2015.
	Transaction costs related to the acquisition of Enventis were $0.7 million and $1.7 million during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which are included in financing and other transaction costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
	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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Quarter Ended			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	373		$	5,622
	Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization	306			5,883
	Income (loss) from operations	67			(261		)
	Income tax benefit	(25		)	(105		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	92		$	(156	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	$	1,333		$	1,333

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	7,749	$	10,330	$	26,058	$	26,748
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107		61		285		254
	Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	7,642		10,269		25,773		26,494
	Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153		131		459		394
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	7,489		10,138		25,314		26,100
	Net income from discontinued operations	-		1,425		-		1,177
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	7,489	$	11,563	$	25,314	$	27,277
		39,877		39,755		39,877		39,755
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.19	$	0.26	$	0.63	$	0.65
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-		0.03		-		0.03
	Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.19	$	0.29	$	0.63	$	0.68
	Diluted earnings per common share attributable to common shareholders for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 excludes 0.4 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. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, diluted earnings per share excluded 0.4 million and 0.3 million potential common shares, respectively.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	4. INVESTMENTS
	Our investments are as follows:
			September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		$	1,898	$	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		5,107		5,112
	Other		200		200
	Equity method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (20.51% interest)		28,020		27,467
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (16.67% interest)		7,448		7,696
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (23.67% interest)		24,585		24,105
	CVIN, LLC (12.09% interest)		1,936		1,936
	Totals		$	113,594	$	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 practical to estimate fair value of these investments. We did not evaluate any of the investments for impairment during the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013 as no factors indicating impairment existed. For the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $3.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $11.1 million and $12.1 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”), 16.67% 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $3.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we received cash distributions from these partnerships totaling $14.2 million and $12.2 million, respectively.
	We have a 12.09% 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we made additional capital investments of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, in this partnership. We did not receive any distributions from this partnership during the quarters or nine months ended September 30, 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				Nine Months
			September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)		2014(1)		2013		2014(2)		2013
	Total revenues		$	69,219	$	82,394	$	233,263	$	238,455
	Income from operations		18,473		25,874		67,779		74,762
	Net income before taxes		24,273		25,896		73,635		74,808
	Net income		24,273		25,896		73,635		74,808
			September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)		2014(3)		2013
	Current assets		$	56,915	$	54,837
	Non-current assets		92,414		87,968
	Current liabilities		14,816		15,221
	Non-current liabilities		3,001		1,786
	Partnership equity		131,512		125,799
		-1		Quarter ended September 30, 2014 excludes total revenue and income from operations of RSA 6(I), as the information was not available at the time of this filing; however estimated net income before taxes and net income are included.
		-2		Nine months ended September 30, 2014 excludes total revenue and income from operations of RSA 6(I) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as the information was not available at the time of this filing; however, estimated net income before taxes and net income are included.
		-3		Financial position as of September 30, 2014 for RSA 6(I) is as of June 30, 2014, which was the most recent available data at the time of this filing.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows:
				As of September 30, 2014
				Quoted Prices In				Significant
				Active Markets		Significant		Unobservable
				for Identical		Other		Inputs
				Assets		Observable
						Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-877	$	–	$	-877	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-583			–	-583			–
	Total	$	-1,460	$	–	$	-1,460	$	–
				As of December 31, 2013
				Quoted Prices In				Significant
				Active Markets		Significant		Unobservable
				for Identical		Other		Inputs
				Assets		Observable
						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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		As of September 30, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investments, equity basis	$	61,989	n/a		$	61,204	n/a
	Investments, at cost	$	49,707	n/a		$	49,712	n/a
	Long-term debt	$	1,412,522	$	1,456,281	$	1,216,764	$	1,261,508
	Cost & Equity Method Investments
	Our investments at September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
	6.LONG-TERM DEBT
	Long-term debt, presented net of unamortized discounts, consisted of the following:
		September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Senior secured credit facility:
	Term Loan 4, net of discount of $4,096 and $4,537 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$	899,079	$	905,463
	Revolving loan	15,000		13,000
	10.875% Senior notes due 2020, net of discount of $1,557 and $1,699 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	298,443		298,301
	6.50% Senior notes due 2022	200,000		-
	Capital leases	4,641		5,121
		1,417,163		1,221,885
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	-9,809		-9,751
	Total long-term debt	$	1,407,354	$	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 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 September 30, 2014, the borrowing margin for the next three month period ending December 31, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, borrowings of $15.0 million and $13.0 million, respectively, were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. 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 September 30, 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 4.23% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2014, we had $230.4 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 September 30, 2014, our total net leverage ratio under the Credit Agreement was 4.35:1.00, and our interest coverage ratio was 3.51:1.00.
	Senior Notes
	6.50% Senior Notes
	On September 18, 2014, Consolidated Communications Finance II Co., a wholly–owned subsidiary of the Company completed an offering of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes due in 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). Interest on the 2022 Notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1, commencing on April 1, 2015. The 2022 Notes were priced at par, which resulted in total gross proceeds of $200.0 million.
	The proceeds from the sale of the 2022 Notes with interest payable through January 31, 2015 were held in an escrow account pending the completion of the Enventis acquisition. At September 30, 2014, restricted cash consisted of the $200.0 million of gross proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Notes plus $4.8 million of interest held in the escrow account.
	Upon closing of the Enventis acquisition, the obligations under the 2022 Notes were assumed by Consolidated Communications, Inc. (“CCI”) and were guaranteed by the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. On October 16, 2014, the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Notes were released from escrow and used to finance the acquisition of Enventis including related fees and expenses, to repay the existing indebtedness of Enventis and to repurchase a portion of our 10.875% Senior Notes due 2020, as described below.
	A portion of the 2022 Notes were sold to a trust, the beneficiary of which is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (“related party”). The related party purchased $5.0 million of the 2022 Notes on the same terms available to other investors.
	10.875% 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 (the “2020 Notes”). The 2020 Notes 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 2020 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 2020 Notes. CCI is the primary obligor under the 2020 Notes, and we and certain of our subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2020 Notes.
	In 2013, we completed an exchange offer to issue registered notes (“Exchange Notes”) for $287.3 million of the original 2020 Notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the 2020 Notes, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and the transfer restrictions and registration rights applicable to the 2020 Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes. The exchange offer did not impact the aggregate principal amount or the remaining terms of the 2020 Notes outstanding.
	On October 16, 2014, we redeemed $46.8 million of the original aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes at a price of 116.75%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.  In connection with the repurchase of the 2020 Notes, we paid $56.5 million and recognized a loss of approximately $9.4 million on the partial extinguishment of debt during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014.
	Senior Notes Covenant Compliance
	The indenture governing the 2020 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 2020 Notes indenture provides that CCI may not pay dividends or make other “restricted payments” to the Company if its total net leverage ratio is 4.50:1.00 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 certain acquisitions but not yet reflected in historical results.  At September 30, 2014, this ratio was 4.38:1.00.  If this ratio is met, dividends and other restricted payments may be made from cumulative consolidated cash flow since the date the 2020 Notes were issued, less 1.75 times fixed charges, less dividends and other restricted payments made since the date the 2020 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 indenture.  Since dividends of $139.7 million have been paid since May 30, 2012, at September 30, 2014 there was $231.5 million of the $371.2 million of cumulative consolidated cash flow since May 30, 2012 available to pay dividends, exclusive of the quarterly dividend declared in July 2014 and payable on November 1, 2014.
	On March 19, 2014, CCI commenced a solicitation of consents from the eligible holders of the 2020 Notes in order to amend the indenture governing the 2020 Notes to (i) modify CCI’s Consolidated Leverage Ratio (as defined in the indenture governing the 2020 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 2020 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, consent fees of $2.5 million paid to the holders of the 2020 Notes who validly consented to the proposed amendment were capitalized during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 as deferred debt issuance costs and amortized over the remaining term of the 2020 Notes.  Solicitation fees of $0.5 million were recognized as other expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The indenture governing the 2022 Notes contains substantially the same covenants as the indenture governing the 2020 notes, except that the indenture governing the 2022 Notes provides that CCI may not pay dividends or make other “restricted payments” to the Company if its total net leverage ratio is 4.75:1.00 or greater.
	Bridge Loan Facility
	In connection with the acquisition of Enventis, the Company entered into a $140.0 million senior unsecured bridge loan facility (“Bridge Facility”) on June 29, 2014 in order to fund the anticipated acquisition including the related fees and expenses and to repay the existing indebtedness of Enventis.  As anticipated, financing for the Enventis acquisition was completed through the 2022 Note offering, as described above, replacing the Bridge Facility on the closing date of the acquisition.  No amounts were drawn or funded under the Bridge Facility prior to replacement.  In connection with entering into the Bridge Facility, commitment fees of $1.4 million were capitalized during the quarter ended June 30, 2014 as deferred debt issuance costs and amortized over the expected life of the Bridge Facility through October 2014.
	Capital Leases
	As of September 30, 2014, we had seven capital leases which expire between 2015 and 2021.  As of September 30, 2014, the present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments was approximately $4.6 million, of which $0.7 million was due and payable within the next twelve months. The leases require total remaining rental payments of $6.9 million as of September 30, 2014, of which $5.2 million will be paid to LATEL LLC, a related party entity.

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Notional Amount		2014 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	50,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-465
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	225,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-877
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-118
	Total Fair Values					$	-1,460
	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 September 30, 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.  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.  Subsequent to the de-designation of the interest rate swaps, changes in fair value of the de-designated swaps are immediately recognized in earnings as interest expense.  During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014, a gain of $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively, was recognized as a reduction to interest expense for the change in fair value of the de-designated swaps.
	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.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a gain of $2.1 million was recognized as a reduction to interest expense for the change in fair value of the de-designated swaps.
	At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the pre-tax deferred losses related to our interest rate swap agreements included in AOCI were $1.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.  The estimated amount of losses included in AOCI as of September 30, 2014 that will be recognized in earnings in the next twelve months is approximately $1.0 million.
	Information regarding our cash flow hedge transactions is as follows:
		Quarter Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Gain recognized in AOCI, pretax	$	-	$	-673		$	-	$	-460
	Deferred losses reclassed from AOCI to interest expense	$	-468	$	-913		$	-1,616	$	-5,450

EQUITY

EQUITY	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EQUITY	'
EQUITY	'
	8.EQUITY
	Share-Based Compensation
	The following table summarizes total compensation costs recognized for share-based payments during the quarters and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Quarter Ended						Nine Months
			September 30,						Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Restricted stock		$	531		$	466		$	1,575		$	1,383
	Performance shares		417			328			1,097			851
	Total		$	948		$	794		$	2,672		$	2,234
	Stock-based compensation expense is included in “selling, general and administrative expenses” in the accompanying statements of income.
	As of September 30, 2014, total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested Restricted Stock Awards (“RSAs”) and Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) was $5.2 million and will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.2 years.
	The following table summarizes the RSA and PSA activity for the nine month period ended September 30, 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		132,781		$	19.74		91,127		$	17.13
	Non-vested shares outstanding - September 30, 2014		256,282					155,393
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component for the nine month period ended September 30, 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		-408			1,001			593
	Net current period other comprehensive income		-408			1,001			593
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	235		$	-642		$	-407
	The following table summarizes reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss during the quarters and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
			Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,					Affected Line Item in the
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013		Statement of Income
	Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
	Prior service credit		$	80		$	247		$	239		$	478	(a)
	Actuarial gain (loss)		142			-957			426			-2,739		(a)
			222			-710			665			-2,261		Total before tax
			-86			277			-257			880		Tax (expense) benefit
			$	136		$	-433		$	408		$	-1,381	Net of tax
	Loss on cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate derivatives		$	-468		$	-913		$	-1,616		$	-5,450	Interest expense
			178			347			615			2,039		Tax benefit
			$	-290		$	-566		$	-1,001		$	-3,411	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 Communications (“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 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months
		September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	140	$	-51	$	420	$	557
	Interest cost	4,074		3,758		12,221		11,480
	Expected return on plan assets	-5,776		-5,188		-17,329		-15,490
	Net amortization loss	4		957		14		2,739
	Prior service credit amortization	-114		-202		-343		-343
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	-1,672	$	-726	$	-5,017	$	-1,057
	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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 and $0.3 million and $0.4 million for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The net present value of the remaining obligations was approximately $1.5 million and $1.8 million at September 30, 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 28 life insurance policies on certain of the participating former directors and employees.  We recognized $0.2 million in life insurance proceeds as other non-operating income during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014.  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 $1.9 million at September 30, 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.
	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.
	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic pension cost for our post-retirement plans for the quarters and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months
		September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	91	$	231	$	271	$	694
	Interest cost	354		398		1,064		1,181
	Expected return on plan assets	-54		-58		-164		-174
	Net amortization gain	-146		-		-440		-
	Net prior service cost (credit) amortization	34		-45		104		-135
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	279	$	526	$	835	$	1,566
	Contributions
	We expect to contribute approximately $11.1 million to our pension plans and $2.5 million to our other post-retirement plans in 2014.  As of September 30, 2014, we have contributed $9.3 million and $1.9 million of the annual contribution to the pension plans and other post-retirement plans, respectively.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INCOME TAXES	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	10.INCOME TAXES
	We did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 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 September 30, 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 2013.  The periods subject to examination for our state returns are years 2009 through 2013.  We are currently under examination by federal 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 Internal Revenue Service (“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 36.2% and 28.9% for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and 35.6% and 36.3% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, the effective tax rate differed from the federal and state statutory rates primarily due to the release of a $0.5 million valuation allowance set up on Federal NOL carryforwards subject to separate return limitation year restrictions.  We also recognized approximately $0.01 million of tax benefit in the third quarter of 2014 to adjust our 2013 provision to match our 2013 returns compared to $0.7 million of tax expense in the third quarter of 2013 to adjust our 2012 provision to match our 2012 returns.  In the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2013, we recorded a decrease of $1.2 million to our unrecognized tax benefits, which reduced our tax expense by $0.8 million, due to the expiration of a state statute of limitations.  Exclusive of these adjustments, our effective tax rate would have been approximately 36.2% for each of the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and 36.8% and 36.5% for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	On September 13, 2013, Treasury and the IRS 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	11.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Five putative class action lawsuits have been filed by alleged Enventis shareholders challenging the Company’s proposed merger with Enventis in which the Company, Sky Merger Sub Inc., Enventis and members of the Enventis board of directors have been named as defendants.  The shareholder actions were filed in the Fifth Judicial District, Blue Earth County, Minnesota.  The actions are called: Hoepner v. Enventis Corp. et al, filed July 15, 2014, Case No. 07-CV-14-2489, Bockley v. Finke et al, filed July 18, 2014, Case No. 07-CV-14-2551, Kaplan et al v. Enventis Corp. et al, filed July 21, 2014, Case No. 07-CV-14-2575, Marcial v. Enventis Corp. et al., filed July 25, 2014, Case No. 07-CV-14-2628, and Barta v. Finke et al, filed August 14, 2014, Case No. 07-CV-14-2854.  The actions generally allege, among other things, that each member of the Enventis board of directors breached fiduciary duties to Enventis and its shareholders by authorizing the sale of Enventis to the Company for consideration that allegedly is unfair to the Enventis shareholders, agreeing to terms that allegedly unduly restrict other bidders from making a competing offer, as well as allegations regarding disclosure deficiencies in the joint proxy statement/prospectus.  The complaints also allege that the Company and Sky Merger Sub Inc. aided and abetted the breaches of fiduciary duties allegedly committed by the members of the Enventis board of directors.  The lawsuits seek, amongst other things, equitable relief, including an order to prevent the defendants from consummating the merger on the agreed-upon terms.  The Enventis board of directors appointed a Special Litigation Committee to address the claims.  We believe that these claims are without merit.  On September 19, 2014, the District Court entered an order consolidating the five lawsuits as In Re: Enventis Corporation Shareholder Litigation, Case No. 07-CV-14-2489.  On September 23, 2014, the District Court entered an order that denied the plaintiffs’ request for expedited proceedings and stayed all proceedings “pending the completion of the Special Litigation Committee and the issuance of its decision.”
	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 would 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 would 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.  In October 2014, Salsgiver rejected the Agreement, remanding the case back to the court.  A trial is anticipated to occur in the first quarter of 2015; however, we believe that despite the rejection, the $1.3 million currently accrued represents management’s best estimate of the probable payment.
	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 through 2013.  In addition, a re-audit was performed on CCPA for the 2010 calendar year.  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 the tax years 2008-2013 is approximately $5.0 million.  Audits for calendar years 2008-2010 have been filed for appeal 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 preliminary audit findings for the calendar years 2011-2013 were received on September 16, 2014.  We are waiting invoicing for each of these years, at which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
	For the CCPA subsidiary, the total additional tax liability calculated by the auditors for calendar years 2008-2013 (using the re-audited 2010 number) is approximately $7.2 million.  Appeals of cases for calendar years 2008, 2009, and the original 2010 audit have been filed 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 preliminary audit findings for the calendar years 2011-2013, as well as the re-audit of 2010 were received on September 16, 2014.  We are awaiting invoicing for each of these years, at which time we will prepare to file an appeal with the DOR.
	We anticipate that the outstanding audits and subsequent appeals 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 or cash flows.
	In order for eligible telecommunications carriers (“ETCs”) to receive high-cost support, the Universal Service Fund (“USF”)/intercarrier compensation (“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 Federal Communications Commission (“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 is optimistic, 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 may 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 in the nine months ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
	12.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	Consolidated Communications, Inc. is the primary obligor under the unsecured 2020 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., and SureWest Fiber Ventures, LLC, have jointly and severally guaranteed the 2020 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  September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, condensed consolidating statements of operations for the quarters and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 and condensed consolidating statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 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 2020 Notes.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	(amounts in thousands)
		September 30, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	773	$	2,494	$	1,623	$	-	$	4,890
	Restricted cash	-		204,803		-		-		-		204,803
	Accounts receivable, net	-		-		44,183		7,205		-		51,388
	Income taxes receivable	44,701		-		-		-		-43,897		804
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		8,469		504		-		8,905
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		13,359		397		-		13,756
	Total current assets	44,640		205,569		68,505		9,729		-43,897		284,546
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		810,209		49,411		-		859,620
	Intangibles and other assets:
	Investments	-		3,724		109,870		-		-		113,594
	Investments in subsidiaries	1,181,888		394,207		12,900		-		-1,588,995		-
	Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181		-		603,446
	Other intangible assets	-		-		23,931		9,087		-		33,018
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	115		15,196		3,920		-		-		19,231
	Total assets	$	1,226,643	$	618,696	$	1,566,600	$	134,408	$	-1,632,892	$	1,913,455
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	4,991	$	-	$	-	$	4,991
	Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		21,748		1,764		-		23,512
	Dividends payable	15,607		-		-		-		-		15,607
	Accrued compensation	-		-		15,844		1,690		-		17,534
	Accrued interest	-		12,424		6		3		-		12,433
	Accrued expense	180		1,399		28,922		1,326		1,181		33,008
	Income tax payable	-		12,031		25,637		7,410		-45,078		-
	Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	-		9,100		635		74		-		9,809
	Current portion of derivative liability	-		877		-		-		-		877
	Total current liabilities	15,787		35,831		97,783		12,267		-43,897		117,771
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,403,422		3,177		755		-		1,407,354
	Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,101,842		-2,002,184		950,625		-50,283		-		-
	Deferred income taxes	-21,067		-844		183,901		18,214		-		180,204
	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		55,518		5,304		-		60,822
	Other long-term liabilities	30		583		11,289		561		-		12,463
	Total liabilities	1,096,592		-563,192		1,302,293		-13,182		-43,897		1,778,614
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Common Stock	403		-		17,411		30,000		-47,411		403
	Other shareholders’ equity	129,648		1,181,888		242,106		117,590		-1,541,584		129,648
	Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	130,051		1,181,888		259,517		147,590		-1,588,995		130,051
	Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,790		-		-		4,790
	Total shareholders’ equity	130,051		1,181,888		264,307		147,590		-1,588,995		134,841
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,226,643	$	618,696	$	1,566,600	$	134,408	$	-1,632,892	$	1,913,455
	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 September 30, 2014
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	-68	$	136,743	$	15,800	$	-3,435	$	149,040
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		56,141		3,563		-3,269		56,435
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,071		7		27,379		4,368		-166		32,659
Financing and other transaction costs	635		-		94		-		-		729
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		33,024		1,944		-		34,968
Operating income (loss)	-1,706		-75		20,105		5,925		-		24,249
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	-		-20,850		128		1		-		-20,721
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-27,602		31,550		-4,535		587		-		-
Investment income	-		-		8,315		-		-		8,315
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	26,388		19,588		289		-		-46,265		-
Other, net	-		-		295		-2		-		293
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,920		30,213		24,597		6,511		-46,265		12,136
Income tax expense (benefit)	-10,562		3,825		8,800		2,324		-		4,387
Net income (loss)	7,642		26,388		15,797		4,187		-46,265		7,749
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		107		-		-		107
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	7,642	$	26,388	$	15,690	$	4,187	$	-46,265	$	7,642
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	7,642	$	26,678	$	15,616	$	4,125	$	-46,265	$	7,796
	Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	-56	$	137,394	$	16,961	$	-3,526	$	150,773
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		55,257		3,742		-3,219		55,780
Selling, general and administrative expenses	872		39		28,457		4,654		-307		33,715
Financing and other transaction costs	36		-		319		-		-		355
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		32,478		2,278		-		34,756
Operating income (loss)	-908		-95		20,883		6,287		-		26,167
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	55		-20,879		172		20		-		-20,632
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-27,199		32,585		-5,785		399		-		-
Investment income	-		42		9,645		-		-		9,687
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	30,243		19,378		170		-		-49,791		-
Other, net	-		-		-696		9		-		-687
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	2,191		31,031		24,389		6,715		-49,791		14,535
Income tax expense (benefit)	-9,503		788		10,464		2,456		-		4,205
Income (loss) from continuing operations	11,694		30,243		13,925		4,259		-49,791		10,330
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		1,425		-		-		1,425
Net income (loss)	11,694		30,243		15,350		4,259		-49,791		11,755
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		61		-		-		61
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	11,694	$	30,243	$	15,289	$	4,259	$	-49,791	$	11,694
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	11,694	$	30,392	$	15,591	$	4,390	$	-49,791	$	12,276
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
(amounts in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	6	$	411,190	$	48,853	$	-10,325	$	449,724
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		167,148		10,308		-9,803		167,653
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,955		85		82,283		13,144		-522		97,945
Financing and other transaction costs	1,592		-		403		-		-		1,995
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		100,755		5,760		-		106,515
Operating income (loss)	-4,547		-79		60,601		19,641		-		75,616
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	-4		-60,451		184		-9		-		-60,280
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-80,765		94,382		-15,143		1,526		-		-
Investment income	-		-5		25,969		-		-		25,964
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	80,257		58,958		770		-		-139,985		-
Other, net	-		-500		-354		-8		-		-862
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,059		92,305		72,027		21,150		-139,985		40,438
Income tax expense (benefit)	-30,832		12,048		25,531		7,633		-		14,380
Net income (loss)	25,773		80,257		46,496		13,517		-139,985		26,058
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		285		-		-		285
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	25,773	$	80,257	$	46,211	$	13,517	$	-139,985	$	25,773
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	25,773	$	81,258	$	45,990	$	13,330	$	-139,985	$	26,366
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	-82	$	412,996	$	51,349	$	-10,642	$	453,621
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		165,599		10,919		-9,744		166,774
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,561		132		84,541		14,049		-898		100,385
Financing and other transaction costs	393		-		319		-		-		712
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		97,547		6,759		-		104,306
Operating income (loss)	-2,954		-214		64,990		19,622		-		81,444
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	48		-66,048		43		28		-		-65,929
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-75,966		94,455		-19,364		875		-		-
Investment income	-		47		27,117		-		-		27,164
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	78,402		57,037		691		-		-136,130		-
Other, net	-18		-		-694		-		-		-712
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-488		85,277		72,783		20,525		-136,130		41,967
Income tax expense (benefit)	-28,159		6,875		28,979		7,524		-		15,219
Income (loss) from continuing operations	27,671		78,402		43,804		13,001		-136,130		26,748
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		1,177		-		-		1,177
Net income (loss)	27,671		78,402		44,981		13,001		-136,130		27,925
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		254		-		-		254
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	27,671	$	78,402	$	44,727	$	13,001	$	-136,130	$	27,671
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	27,671	$	81,528	$	45,665	$	13,444	$	-136,130	$	32,178
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in thousands)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	-86,789	$	45,014	$	158,850	$	16,289	$	133,364
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-72,459		-3,579		-76,038
Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		1,514		49		1,563
Restricted cash related to acquisition	-		-149,917		-		-		-149,917
Net cash used in investing activities	-		-149,917		-70,945		-3,530		-224,392
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bond offering	-		200,000		-		-		200,000
Restricted cash on bond offering	-		-54,886		-		-		-54,886
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		28,000		-		-		28,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-433		-48		-481
Payment on long-term debt	-		-32,825		-		-		-32,825
Payment of financing costs	-		-2,707		-		-		-2,707
Dividends on common stock	-46,734		-		-		-		-46,734
Transactions with affiliates, net	133,523		-31,992		-87,344		-14,187		-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	86,789		105,590		-87,777		-14,235		90,367
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-		687		128		-1,476		-661
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		86		2,366		3,099		5,551
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	773	$	2,494	$	1,623	$	4,890
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-77,198	$	40,016	$	143,053	$	18,182	$	124,053
Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-3,412		-		-3,412
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-77,198		40,016		139,641		18,182		120,641
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-74,643		-5,941		-80,584
Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		94		17		111
Other	-		-		-238		-		-238
Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-74,787		-5,924		-80,711
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	-		-		2,331		-		2,331
Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-72,456		-5,924		-78,380
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		57,000		-		-		57,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-328		-40		-368
Payment on long-term debt	-		-63,930		-		-		-63,930
Dividends on common stock	-46,526		-		-		-		-46,526
Transactions with affiliates, net	123,724		-38,845		-71,560		-13,319		-
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	77,198		-45,775		-71,888		-13,359		-53,824
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-		-5,759		-4,703		-1,101		-11,563
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		6,577		8,530		2,747		17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	818	$	3,827	$	1,646	$	6,291

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014, we had approximately 245 thousand access lines, 119 thousand voice connections, 261 thousand data and Internet connections and 111 thousand video connections.
	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 thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
Recent Business Developments	'
	Recent Business Developments
	Enventis Merger
	On June 29, 2014, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Enventis Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (“Enventis”), to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares of Enventis in exchange for shares of our common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares. On October 16, 2014, the merger was completed and Enventis became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. For a more complete discussion of the transaction, refer to Note 2.
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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In August 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-15 (“ASU 2014-15”), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern. ASU 2014-15 requires management to evaluate for each annual and interim reporting period whether conditions or events give rise to substantial doubt that an entity has the ability to continue as a going concern within one year following issuance of the financial statements and requires specific disclosures regarding the conditions or events leading to substantial doubt. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In June 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. ASU 2014-12 provides guidance requiring a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period has ended to be treated as a performance condition affecting vesting of the award and therefore not reflected in estimating the fair value of the award at the date of grant. The amended guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, FASB issued the Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2014-09 provides new, globally applicable converged guidance concerning recognition and measurement of revenue. As a result, significant additional disclosures are required about nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. Companies are allowed to transition using either the modified retrospective or full retrospective adoption method. If full retrospective adoption is chosen, three years of financial information must be presented in accordance with the new standard as well as summarized financial data for five years. We are currently evaluating the impact this update will have on our condensed consolidated financial statements as well as the transition method we will use.
	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.
	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.

ACQUISITION_AND_DISPOSITIONS_T

ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS	'
Summary of the financial information for the prison services operations	'
		Quarter Ended			Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013			September 30, 2013
	Operating revenues	$	373		$	5,622
	Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization	306			5,883
	Income (loss) from operations	67			(261		)
	Income tax benefit	(25		)	(105		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	92		$	(156	)
	Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	$	1,333		$	1,333

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
Schedule of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income from continuing operations	$	7,749	$	10,330	$	26,058	$	26,748
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107		61		285		254
	Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	7,642		10,269		25,773		26,494
	Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153		131		459		394
	Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	7,489		10,138		25,314		26,100
	Net income from discontinued operations	-		1,425		-		1,177
	Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	7,489	$	11,563	$	25,314	$	27,277
		39,877		39,755		39,877		39,755
	Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
	Basic and diluted earnings per common share:
	Income from continuing operations	$	0.19	$	0.26	$	0.63	$	0.65
	Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	-		0.03		-		0.03
	Net income per common share attributable to common shareholders	$	0.19	$	0.29	$	0.63	$	0.68

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
INVESTMENTS	'
Schedule of investments	'
			September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)		2014		2013
	Cash surrender value of life insurance policies		$	1,898	$	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		5,107		5,112
	Other		200		200
	Equity method investments:
	GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (20.51% interest)		28,020		27,467
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership (16.67% interest)		7,448		7,696
	Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership (23.67% interest)		24,585		24,105
	CVIN, LLC (12.09% interest)		1,936		1,936
	Totals		$	113,594	$	113,099
Summary of combined unaudited results of operations and financial position of our three equity investments in the cellular limited partnerships	'
			Quarter Ended				Nine Months
			September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)		2014(1)		2013		2014(2)		2013
	Total revenues		$	69,219	$	82,394	$	233,263	$	238,455
	Income from operations		18,473		25,874		67,779		74,762
	Net income before taxes		24,273		25,896		73,635		74,808
	Net income		24,273		25,896		73,635		74,808
			September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)		2014(3)		2013
	Current assets		$	56,915	$	54,837
	Non-current assets		92,414		87,968
	Current liabilities		14,816		15,221
	Non-current liabilities		3,001		1,786
	Partnership equity		131,512		125,799
		-1		Quarter ended September 30, 2014 excludes total revenue and income from operations of RSA 6(I), as the information was not available at the time of this filing; however estimated net income before taxes and net income are included.
		-2		Nine months ended September 30, 2014 excludes total revenue and income from operations of RSA 6(I) for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, as the information was not available at the time of this filing; however, estimated net income before taxes and net income are included.
		-3		Financial position as of September 30, 2014 for RSA 6(I) is as of June 30, 2014, which was the most recent available data at the time of this filing.

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
Schedule of interest rate swap liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
				As of September 30, 2014
				Quoted Prices In				Significant
				Active Markets		Significant		Unobservable
				for Identical		Other		Inputs
				Assets		Observable
						Inputs
	(In thousands)	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Current interest rate swap liabilities	$	-877	$	–	$	-877	$	–
	Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-583			–	-583			–
	Total	$	-1,460	$	–	$	-1,460	$	–
				As of December 31, 2013
				Quoted Prices In				Significant
				Active Markets		Significant		Unobservable
				for Identical		Other		Inputs
				Assets		Observable
						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 September 30, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Investments, equity basis	$	61,989	n/a		$	61,204	n/a
	Investments, at cost	$	49,707	n/a		$	49,712	n/a
	Long-term debt	$	1,412,522	$	1,456,281	$	1,216,764	$	1,261,508

LONGTERM_DEBT_Tables

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT	'
Schedule of components of long-term debt outstanding, presented net of unamortized discounts	'
		September 30,		December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Senior secured credit facility:
	Term Loan 4, net of discount of $4,096 and $4,537 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$	899,079	$	905,463
	Revolving loan	15,000		13,000
	10.875% Senior notes due 2020, net of discount of $1,557 and $1,699 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	298,443		298,301
	6.50% Senior notes due 2022	200,000		-
	Capital leases	4,641		5,121
		1,417,163		1,221,885
	Less: current portion of long-term debt and capital leases	-9,809		-9,751
	Total long-term debt	$	1,407,354	$	1,212,134

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
Schedule of outstanding interest rate swaps	'
	The following interest rate swaps were outstanding at September 30, 2014:
	(In thousands)	Notional Amount		2014 Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	De-designated Hedges:
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	$	50,000	Other long-term liabilities		$	-465
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR	225,000		Current portion of derivative liability		-877
	Fixed to 1-month floating LIBOR (with floor)	50,000		Other long-term liabilities		-118
	Total Fair Values					$	-1,460
	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					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013			2014		2013
	Gain recognized in AOCI, pretax	$	-	$	-673		$	-	$	-460
	Deferred losses reclassed from AOCI to interest expense	$	-468	$	-913		$	-1,616	$	-5,450

EQUITY_Tables

EQUITY (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
EQUITY	'
Summary of total compensation costs recognized for share-based payments	'
			Quarter Ended						Nine Months
			September 30,						Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Restricted stock		$	531		$	466		$	1,575		$	1,383
	Performance shares		417			328			1,097			851
	Total		$	948		$	794		$	2,672		$	2,234
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		132,781		$	19.74		91,127		$	17.13
	Non-vested shares outstanding - September 30, 2014		256,282					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		-408			1,001			593
	Net current period other comprehensive income		-408			1,001			593
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	235		$	-642		$	-407
Summary of reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
			Amount Reclassified from AOCI
			Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,					Affected Line Item in the
	(In thousands)		2014			2013			2014			2013		Statement of Income
	Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
	Prior service credit		$	80		$	247		$	239		$	478	(a)
	Actuarial gain (loss)		142			-957			426			-2,739		(a)
			222			-710			665			-2,261		Total before tax
			-86			277			-257			880		Tax (expense) benefit
			$	136		$	-433		$	408		$	-1,381	Net of tax
	Loss on cash flow hedges:
	Interest rate derivatives		$	-468		$	-913		$	-1,616		$	-5,450	Interest expense
			178			347			615			2,039		Tax benefit
			$	-290		$	-566		$	-1,001		$	-3,411	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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans	'
Post-retirement benefit obligation	'
Schedule of the components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income	'
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months
		September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	140	$	-51	$	420	$	557
	Interest cost	4,074		3,758		12,221		11,480
	Expected return on plan assets	-5,776		-5,188		-17,329		-15,490
	Net amortization loss	4		957		14		2,739
	Prior service credit amortization	-114		-202		-343		-343
	Net periodic pension benefit	$	-1,672	$	-726	$	-5,017	$	-1,057
Post-retirement Benefit Obligations	'
Post-retirement benefit obligation	'
Schedule of the components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the consolidated statements of income	'
		Quarter Ended				Nine Months
		September 30,				Ended September 30,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Service cost	$	91	$	231	$	271	$	694
	Interest cost	354		398		1,064		1,181
	Expected return on plan assets	-54		-58		-164		-174
	Net amortization gain	-146		-		-440		-
	Net prior service cost (credit) amortization	34		-45		104		-135
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost	$	279	$	526	$	835	$	1,566

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'
Schedule of condensed consolidating balance sheets	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	(amounts in thousands)
		September 30, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
				Issuer
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	-	$	773	$	2,494	$	1,623	$	-	$	4,890
	Restricted cash	-		204,803		-		-		-		204,803
	Accounts receivable, net	-		-		44,183		7,205		-		51,388
	Income taxes receivable	44,701		-		-		-		-43,897		804
	Deferred income taxes	-61		-7		8,469		504		-		8,905
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-		-		13,359		397		-		13,756
	Total current assets	44,640		205,569		68,505		9,729		-43,897		284,546
	Property, plant and equipment, net	-		-		810,209		49,411		-		859,620
	Intangibles and other assets:
	Investments	-		3,724		109,870		-		-		113,594
	Investments in subsidiaries	1,181,888		394,207		12,900		-		-1,588,995		-
	Goodwill	-		-		537,265		66,181		-		603,446
	Other intangible assets	-		-		23,931		9,087		-		33,018
	Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	115		15,196		3,920		-		-		19,231
	Total assets	$	1,226,643	$	618,696	$	1,566,600	$	134,408	$	-1,632,892	$	1,913,455
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable	$	-	$	-	$	4,991	$	-	$	-	$	4,991
	Advance billings and customer deposits	-		-		21,748		1,764		-		23,512
	Dividends payable	15,607		-		-		-		-		15,607
	Accrued compensation	-		-		15,844		1,690		-		17,534
	Accrued interest	-		12,424		6		3		-		12,433
	Accrued expense	180		1,399		28,922		1,326		1,181		33,008
	Income tax payable	-		12,031		25,637		7,410		-45,078		-
	Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	-		9,100		635		74		-		9,809
	Current portion of derivative liability	-		877		-		-		-		877
	Total current liabilities	15,787		35,831		97,783		12,267		-43,897		117,771
	Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	-		1,403,422		3,177		755		-		1,407,354
	Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,101,842		-2,002,184		950,625		-50,283		-		-
	Deferred income taxes	-21,067		-844		183,901		18,214		-		180,204
	Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	-		-		55,518		5,304		-		60,822
	Other long-term liabilities	30		583		11,289		561		-		12,463
	Total liabilities	1,096,592		-563,192		1,302,293		-13,182		-43,897		1,778,614
	Shareholders’ equity:
	Common Stock	403		-		17,411		30,000		-47,411		403
	Other shareholders’ equity	129,648		1,181,888		242,106		117,590		-1,541,584		129,648
	Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	130,051		1,181,888		259,517		147,590		-1,588,995		130,051
	Noncontrolling interest	-		-		4,790		-		-		4,790
	Total shareholders’ equity	130,051		1,181,888		264,307		147,590		-1,588,995		134,841
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,226,643	$	618,696	$	1,566,600	$	134,408	$	-1,632,892	$	1,913,455
	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
Schedule of condensed consolidating statements of operations	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	(amounts in thousands)
		Quarter Ended September 30, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net revenues	$	-	$	-68	$	136,743	$	15,800	$	-3,435	$	149,040
	Operating expenses:
	Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		56,141		3,563		-3,269		56,435
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,071		7		27,379		4,368		-166		32,659
	Financing and other transaction costs	635		-		94		-		-		729
	Depreciation and amortization	-		-		33,024		1,944		-		34,968
	Operating income (loss)	-1,706		-75		20,105		5,925		-		24,249
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net of interest income	-		-20,850		128		1		-		-20,721
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	-27,602		31,550		-4,535		587		-		-
	Investment income	-		-		8,315		-		-		8,315
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	26,388		19,588		289		-		-46,265		-
	Other, net	-		-		295		-2		-		293
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,920		30,213		24,597		6,511		-46,265		12,136
	Income tax expense (benefit)	-10,562		3,825		8,800		2,324		-		4,387
	Net income (loss)	7,642		26,388		15,797		4,187		-46,265		7,749
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		107		-		-		107
	Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	7,642	$	26,388	$	15,690	$	4,187	$	-46,265	$	7,642
	Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	7,642	$	26,678	$	15,616	$	4,125	$	-46,265	$	7,796
		Quarter Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net revenues	$	-	$	-56	$	137,394	$	16,961	$	-3,526	$	150,773
	Operating expenses:
	Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		55,257		3,742		-3,219		55,780
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	872		39		28,457		4,654		-307		33,715
	Financing and other transaction costs	36		-		319		-		-		355
	Depreciation and amortization	-		-		32,478		2,278		-		34,756
	Operating income (loss)	-908		-95		20,883		6,287		-		26,167
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net of interest income	55		-20,879		172		20		-		-20,632
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	-27,199		32,585		-5,785		399		-		-
	Investment income	-		42		9,645		-		-		9,687
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	30,243		19,378		170		-		-49,791		-
	Other, net	-		-		-696		9		-		-687
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	2,191		31,031		24,389		6,715		-49,791		14,535
	Income tax expense (benefit)	-9,503		788		10,464		2,456		-		4,205
	Income (loss) from continuing operations	11,694		30,243		13,925		4,259		-49,791		10,330
	Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		1,425		-		-		1,425
	Net income (loss)	11,694		30,243		15,350		4,259		-49,791		11,755
	Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		61		-		-		61
	Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	11,694	$	30,243	$	15,289	$	4,259	$	-49,791	$	11,694
	Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	11,694	$	30,392	$	15,591	$	4,390	$	-49,791	$	12,276
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
	(amounts in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net revenues	$	-	$	6	$	411,190	$	48,853	$	-10,325	$	449,724
	Operating expenses:
	Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		167,148		10,308		-9,803		167,653
	Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,955		85		82,283		13,144		-522		97,945
	Financing and other transaction costs	1,592		-		403		-		-		1,995
	Depreciation and amortization	-		-		100,755		5,760		-		106,515
	Operating income (loss)	-4,547		-79		60,601		19,641		-		75,616
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense, net of interest income	-4		-60,451		184		-9		-		-60,280
	Intercompany interest income (expense)	-80,765		94,382		-15,143		1,526		-		-
Investment income	-		-5		25,969		-		-		25,964
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	80,257		58,958		770		-		-139,985		-
Other, net	-		-500		-354		-8		-		-862
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-5,059		92,305		72,027		21,150		-139,985		40,438
Income tax expense (benefit)	-30,832		12,048		25,531		7,633		-		14,380
Net income (loss)	25,773		80,257		46,496		13,517		-139,985		26,058
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		285		-		-		285
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	25,773	$	80,257	$	46,211	$	13,517	$	-139,985	$	25,773
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	25,773	$	81,258	$	45,990	$	13,330	$	-139,985	$	26,366
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Eliminations		Consolidated
			Issuer
Net revenues	$	-	$	-82	$	412,996	$	51,349	$	-10,642	$	453,621
Operating expenses:
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-		-		165,599		10,919		-9,744		166,774
Selling, general and administrative expenses	2,561		132		84,541		14,049		-898		100,385
Financing and other transaction costs	393		-		319		-		-		712
Depreciation and amortization	-		-		97,547		6,759		-		104,306
Operating income (loss)	-2,954		-214		64,990		19,622		-		81,444
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net of interest income	48		-66,048		43		28		-		-65,929
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-75,966		94,455		-19,364		875		-		-
Investment income	-		47		27,117		-		-		27,164
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	78,402		57,037		691		-		-136,130		-
Other, net	-18		-		-694		-		-		-712
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	-488		85,277		72,783		20,525		-136,130		41,967
Income tax expense (benefit)	-28,159		6,875		28,979		7,524		-		15,219
Income (loss) from continuing operations	27,671		78,402		43,804		13,001		-136,130		26,748
Discontinued operations, net of tax	-		-		1,177		-		-		1,177
Net income (loss)	27,671		78,402		44,981		13,001		-136,130		27,925
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-		-		254		-		-		254
Net income (loss) attributable to Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.	$	27,671	$	78,402	$	44,727	$	13,001	$	-136,130	$	27,671
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to common shareholders	$	27,671	$	81,528	$	45,665	$	13,444	$	-136,130	$	32,178
Schedule of condensed consolidating statements of cash flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
	(amounts in thousands)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	-86,789	$	45,014	$	158,850	$	16,289	$	133,364
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-72,459		-3,579		-76,038
	Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		1,514		49		1,563
	Restricted cash related to acquisition	-		-149,917		-		-		-149,917
	Net cash used in investing activities	-		-149,917		-70,945		-3,530		-224,392
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from bond offering	-		200,000		-		-		200,000
	Restricted cash on bond offering	-		-54,886		-		-		-54,886
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		28,000		-		-		28,000
	Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-433		-48		-481
	Payment on long-term debt	-		-32,825		-		-		-32,825
	Payment of financing costs	-		-2,707		-		-		-2,707
	Dividends on common stock	-46,734		-		-		-		-46,734
	Transactions with affiliates, net	133,523		-31,992		-87,344		-14,187		-
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	86,789		105,590		-87,777		-14,235		90,367
	Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-		687		128		-1,476		-661
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		86		2,366		3,099		5,551
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	773	$	2,494	$	1,623	$	4,890
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent		Subsidiary		Guarantors		Non-Guarantors		Consolidated
				Issuer
	Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$	-77,198	$	40,016	$	143,053	$	18,182	$	124,053
	Net cash used in discontinued operations	-		-		-3,412		-		-3,412
	Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-77,198		40,016		139,641		18,182		120,641
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-		-		-74,643		-5,941		-80,584
	Proceeds from sale of assets	-		-		94		17		111
	Other	-		-		-238		-		-238
	Net cash used in continuing operations	-		-		-74,787		-5,924		-80,711
	Net cash provided by discontinued operations	-		-		2,331		-		2,331
	Net cash used in investing activities	-		-		-72,456		-5,924		-78,380
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	-		57,000		-		-		57,000
	Payment of capital lease obligation	-		-		-328		-40		-368
	Payment on long-term debt	-		-63,930		-		-		-63,930
	Dividends on common stock	-46,526		-		-		-		-46,526
	Transactions with affiliates, net	123,724		-38,845		-71,560		-13,319		-
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	77,198		-45,775		-71,888		-13,359		-53,824
	(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-		-5,759		-4,703		-1,101		-11,563
	Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	-		6,577		8,530		2,747		17,854
	Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	-	$	818	$	3,827	$	1,646	$	6,291

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 16, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 13, 2013
	item				item
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'	'	'	'	'
Number of access lines	245,000	'	'	'	'
Number of voice connections	119,000	'	'	'	'
Number of data and internet connections	261,000	'	'	'	'
Number of video connections	111,000	'	'	'	'
Recent Business Developments	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01	'	'
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

ACQUISITION_AND_DISPOSITIONS_D

ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITIONS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 16, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 13, 2013

Oct. 16, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Oct. 16, 2014

Jun. 30, 2015

Enventis

Enventis

Enventis

Enventis

Enventis

Forecast

Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

Business combination exchange ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.7402

'

'

'

'

Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)

$0.01

'

$0.01

'

$0.01

$0.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase consideration at acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$257,700,000

'

'

'

'

Assumption of debt at acquisition

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

149,900,000

'

Number of shares issued on date of merger

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.1

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

729,000

355,000

1,995,000

712,000

'

'

'

'

700,000

1,700,000

'

7,000,000

Summary of the financial information for the prison services operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating revenues

'

373,000

'

5,622,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Operating expenses including depreciation and amortization

'

306,000

'

5,883,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income (loss) from operations

'

67,000

'

-261,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax expense

'

-25,000

'

-105,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income from discontinued operations

'

92,000

'

-156,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax

'

1,333,000

'

1,333,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total purchase price for the sale of the assets and contractual rights related to prison services

'

$2,500,000

'

$2,500,000

'

'

$2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Using Two-class Method:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$7,749	$10,330	$26,058	$26,748
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107	61	285	254
Income attributable to common shareholders before allocation of earnings to participating securities	7,642	10,269	25,773	26,494
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities	153	131	459	394
Income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders	7,489	10,138	25,314	26,100
Net income from discontinued operations	'	1,425	'	1,177
Net income attributable to common shareholders	7,489	11,563	25,314	27,277
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding	39,877,000	39,755,000	39,877,000	39,755,000
Basic and diluted earnings per common share:	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.26	$0.63	$0.65
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic and Diluted Share	'	$0.03	'	$0.03
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	'	$1,333	'	$1,333
Net income per basic and diluted common share attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share)	$0.19	$0.29	$0.63	$0.68
Common shares excluded from computation of potentially dilutive shares because of anti-dilutive effect	400,000	400,000	400,000	300,000

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item		item
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cash distributions received from partnerships treated as cost method investees	$3,800,000	$4,300,000	$11,100,000	$12,100,000	'
Cash distributions received from partnerships treated as equity method investees	3,800,000	4,200,000	14,200,000	12,200,000	'
Purchase of additional ownership interest	'	100,000	'	200,000	'
Number of entity's investments which is accounted for using equity method	3	'	3	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies	1,898,000	'	1,898,000	'	2,183,000
Total	113,594,000	'	113,594,000	'	113,099,000
Summary of unaudited summarized income statement information	'	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	69,219,000	82,394,000	233,263,000	238,455,000	'
Income from operations	18,473,000	25,874,000	67,779,000	74,762,000	'
Net income before taxes	24,273,000	25,896,000	73,635,000	74,808,000	'
Net income	24,273,000	25,896,000	73,635,000	74,808,000	'
Summary of unaudited summarized balance sheet information	'	'	'	'	'
Current assets	56,915,000	'	56,915,000	'	54,837,000
Non-current assets	92,414,000	'	92,414,000	'	87,968,000
Current liabilities	14,816,000	'	14,816,000	'	15,221,000
Non-current liabilities	3,001,000	'	3,001,000	'	1,786,000
Partnership equity	131,512,000	'	131,512,000	'	125,799,000
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of cost method investee	2.34%	'	2.34%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	21,450,000	'	21,450,000	'	21,450,000
Pittsburgh SMSA Limited Partnership	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of cost method investee	3.60%	'	3.60%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	22,950,000	'	22,950,000	'	22,950,000
CoBank, ACB Stock	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	5,107,000	'	5,107,000	'	5,112,000
Other	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Cost method investments:	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	20.51%	'	20.51%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	28,020,000	'	28,020,000	'	27,467,000
Pennsylvania RSA 6(I) Limited Partnership	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	16.67%	'	16.67%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	7,448,000	'	7,448,000	'	7,696,000
Pennsylvania RSA 6(II) Limited Partnership	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	23.67%	'	23.67%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	24,585,000	'	24,585,000	'	24,105,000
CVIN, LLC	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage of equity method investee	12.09%	'	12.09%	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investments:	$1,936,000	'	$1,936,000	'	$1,936,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	($877)	($660)
Recurring | Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	-877	-660
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-583	-1,959
Total	-1,460	-2,619
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Current interest rate swap liabilities	-877	-660
Long-term interest rate swap liabilities	-583	-1,959
Total	($1,460)	($2,619)

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Investments, equity basis	$61,989	$61,204
Investments, at cost	49,707	49,712
Long-term debt	1,412,522	1,216,764
Fair Value	'	'
Fair Value Measurements	'	'
Long-term debt	$1,456,281	$1,261,508

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

28 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Jun. 29, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 15, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

30-May-12

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

30-May-12

Oct. 16, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Enventis

Enventis

Minimum

Maximum

Bridge financing

Bridge financing

Term loan 4

Term loan 4

Term loan 4

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 6.50 Percent Due 2022

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Notes 10.875 Percent Due 2020

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior Secured Credit Facility

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

Senior secured credit facility - revolving loan

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Alternate base rate

Alternate base rate

Alternate base rate

Capital leases

Capital leases

Enventis

Enventis

Maximum

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Subsequent event

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Weighted average

Weighted average

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

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Minimum

Maximum

Weighted average

Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Total

$1,417,163,000

'

$1,417,163,000

'

$1,221,885,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$899,079,000

$905,463,000

'

'

$200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$298,301,000

$298,443,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,000,000

$13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,641,000

$5,121,000

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

-9,809,000

'

-9,809,000

'

-9,751,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total long-term debt

1,407,354,000

'

1,407,354,000

'

1,212,134,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum borrowing capacity of credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

140,000,000

910,000,000

910,000,000

910,000,000

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

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%

'

'

Variable rate basis, floor (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly principal payments required

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.23%

4.23%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross proceeds

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

200,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest held in escrow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend declared

'

'

230,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

139,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining consolidated cash available for dividends and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

231,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.38

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio

4.35

'

4.35

'

'

'

'

'

5.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio for an event of default

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest coverage ratio

3.51

'

3.51

'

'

'

'

2.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.50%

6.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.88%

10.88%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issue price as a percentage of principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99.35%

'

'

'

'

116.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Yield to maturity (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

287,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio covenant for dividend and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.5

4.5

4.25

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75

2.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Consent fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument Solicitation Fee

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cumulative consolidated cash available to pay dividends and other restricted payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

371,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends and other restricted payments available for distribution

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,096,000

4,537,000

4,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,699,000

1,557,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Related Commitment Fees and Debt Issuance Costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of debt redeemed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

46,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Partial extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

56,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes Payable, Related Parties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transaction costs

$729,000

$355,000

$1,995,000

$712,000

'

$700,000

$1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LONGTERM_DEBT_Details_2

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
	item
Capital leases	'
Number of capital leases which expire between 2015 and 2021	7
Present value of the minimum remaining lease commitments	$4.60
Capital lease commitments due and payable within the next 12 months	0.7
Total remaining rental payments	6.9
LATEL	'
Capital leases	'
Total remaining rental payments	$5.20

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 23, 2013

Dec. 04, 2012

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

De-designated Hedges

Cash flow hedges

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount

'

'

$50,000

$175,000,000

$225,000

$100,000,000

$50,000

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

$325,000,000

$660,000,000

'

Fair Value, Current portion of long-term liabilities

-877,000

-660,000

'

'

-877,000

-660,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair Value, Other long-term liabilities

'

'

-465,000

-1,897,000

'

'

-118,000

-62,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,460,000

-1,460,000

'

'

'

-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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$700,000

$1,200,000

$2,100,000

'

'

'

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details 2) (Interest rate swaps, USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments	Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges	Cash flow hedges
Derivatives	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred losses included in AOCI (pretax)	$1,000,000	$2,600,000	'	'	'	'
Losses included in AOCI to be recognized in the next 12 months	1,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Loss recognized in AOCI, pretax	'	'	'	-673,000	'	-460,000
Deferred losses reclassified from AOCI to interest expense	'	'	($468,000)	($913,000)	($1,616,000)	($5,450,000)

EQUITY_Details

EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-based compensation plans	'	'	'	'
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	$948,000	$794,000	$2,672,000	$2,234,000
Unrecognized share-based compensation	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation costs	5,200,000	'	5,200,000	'
Weighted-average period of recognition	'	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days	'
Restricted stock	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation plans	'	'	'	'
Pretax stock-based compensation expense	531,000	466,000	1,575,000	1,383,000
Number of shares	'	'	'	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the beginning of the period	'	'	123,501	'
Shares granted	'	'	132,781	'
Non-vested shares outstanding at the end of the period	256,282	'	256,282	'
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	$417,000	$328,000	$1,097,000	$851,000
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	'	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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
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	593
Net current period other comprehensive income	593
Balance at the end of the period	-407
Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, by component	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	643
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-408
Net current period other comprehensive income	-408
Balance at the end of the period	235
Derivative Instruments	'
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	1,001
Net current period other comprehensive income	1,001
Balance at the end of the period	($642)

EQUITY_Details_3

EQUITY (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	$12,136	$14,535	$40,438	$41,967
Interest expense	-20,721	-20,632	-60,280	-65,929
Tax (expense) benefit	-4,387	-4,205	-14,380	-15,219
Net income	7,749	11,755	26,058	27,925
Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations | Amount Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	'	'
EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Prior service credit	80	247	239	478
Actuarial gain (loss)	142	-957	426	-2,739
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	222	-710	665	-2,261
Tax (expense) benefit	-86	277	-257	880
Net income	136	-433	408	-1,381
Derivative Instruments | Amount Reclassified from AOCI	'	'	'	'
EQUITY	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-468	-913	-1,616	-5,450
Tax (expense) benefit	178	347	615	2,039
Net income	($290)	($566)	($1,001)	($3,411)

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET2

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	item		item
Defined Benefit Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'	0	'
Components of net periodic pension costs	'	'	'	'
Service costs	$140,000	($51,000)	$420,000	$557,000
Interest costs	4,074,000	3,758,000	12,221,000	11,480,000
Expected return on plan assets	-5,776,000	-5,188,000	-17,329,000	-15,490,000
Net amortization (gain) loss	4,000	957,000	14,000	2,739,000
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	-114,000	-202,000	-343,000	-343,000
Net periodic pension benefit	-1,672,000	-726,000	-5,017,000	-1,057,000
Expected contribution to pension plan	'	'	11,100,000	'
Contribution to the plans	'	'	9,300,000	'
Supplemental Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Number of persons eligible to become a new participant	0	'	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	'	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	'	0	'
Post-retirement Plan unfunded assets	0	'	0	'
Components of net periodic pension costs	'	'	'	'
Service costs	91,000	231,000	271,000	694,000
Interest costs	354,000	398,000	1,064,000	1,181,000
Expected return on plan assets	-54,000	-58,000	-164,000	-174,000
Net amortization (gain) loss	-146,000	'	-440,000	'
Prior service cost (credit) amortization	34,000	-45,000	104,000	-135,000
Net periodic pension benefit	279,000	526,000	835,000	1,566,000
Expected contribution to pension plan	'	'	2,500,000	'
Contribution to the plans	'	'	1,900,000	'
Pension and SERP Plans	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plans	'	'	'	'
Post-retirement Plan unfunded assets	$0	'	$0	'

PENSION_PLAN_AND_OTHER_POSTRET3

PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	$0.30	$0.40	'
Net present value of the remaining obligations	1.5	'	1.5	'	1.8
Number of life insurance policies	'	'	28	'	'
Excess of cash surrender value of remaining life insurance policies over notes payable	1.9	'	1.9	'	2.2
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policies	'	'	$0.20	'	'

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at federal statutory rates to the effective rates	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (as a percent)	36.20%	28.90%	35.60%	36.30%
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Exclusive of Valuation Allowance Adjustment	36.20%	36.20%	36.80%	36.50%
Amount of valuation allowance resulting in a change in the effective tax rate	'	'	$0.50	'
Adjustment related to prior year tax returns	0.01	0.7	'	'
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	'	1.2	'	1.2
Unrecognized tax benefits recognized due to expiration of state statute of limitations	'	$0.80	'	$0.80

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 15, 2008	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
		Proposed Merger With Enventis	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					item	Consolidated Communications Enterprise Services Inc. (CCES)	Consolidated Communications of Pennsylvania Company LLC (CCPA)
Litigation and Contingencies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of class action lawsuits filed	'	5	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
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 accrued	'	'	'	'	1.3	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 - 2013	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	7.2
Reversal of previously recognized revenues	$3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$4,890	$5,551	$6,291	$17,854
Restricted cash	204,803	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	51,388	52,033	'	'
Income taxes receivable	804	9,796	'	'
Deferred income taxes	8,905	7,960	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,756	12,380	'	'
Total current assets	284,546	87,720	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	859,620	885,362	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	113,594	113,099	'	'
Goodwill	603,446	603,446	'	'
Other intangible assets	33,018	40,084	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	19,231	17,667	'	'
Total assets	1,913,455	1,747,378	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	4,991	4,885	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	23,512	25,934	'	'
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520	'	'
Accrued compensation	17,534	22,252	'	'
Accrued interest	12,433	3,524	'	'
Accrued expense	33,008	35,173	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	9,809	9,751	'	'
Current portion of derivative liability	877	660	'	'
Total current liabilities	117,771	117,699	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,407,354	1,212,134	'	'
Deferred income taxes	180,204	179,859	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	60,822	75,754	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	12,463	9,593	'	'
Total liabilities	1,778,614	1,595,039	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	403	401	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	129,648	147,433	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	130,051	147,834	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	4,790	4,505	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	134,841	152,339	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,913,455	1,747,378	'	'
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Income taxes receivable	-43,897	'	'	'
Total current assets	-43,897	'	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	-1,588,995	-1,448,828	'	'
Total assets	-1,632,892	-1,448,828	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued expense	1,181	'	'	'
Income tax payable	-45,078	'	'	'
Total current liabilities	-43,897	'	'	'
Total liabilities	-43,897	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	-47,411	-47,411	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	-1,541,584	-1,401,417	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	-1,588,995	-1,448,828	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	-1,588,995	-1,448,828	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	-1,632,892	-1,448,828	'	'
Parent | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Income taxes receivable	44,701	9,346	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-61	-61	'	'
Total current assets	44,640	9,285	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	1,181,888	1,101,039	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	115	'	'	'
Total assets	1,226,643	1,110,324	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Dividends payable	15,607	15,520	'	'
Accrued expense	180	224	'	'
Total current liabilities	15,787	15,744	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	1,101,842	968,319	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-21,067	-21,598	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	30	25	'	'
Total liabilities	1,096,592	962,490	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	403	401	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	129,648	147,433	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	130,051	147,834	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	130,051	147,834	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,226,643	1,110,324	'	'
Subsidiary Issuer	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	773	86	818	6,577
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	773	86	'	'
Restricted cash	204,803	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	'	502	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-7	-7	'	'
Total current assets	205,569	581	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	3,724	3,729	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	394,207	335,659	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	15,196	13,620	'	'
Total assets	618,696	353,589	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accrued interest	12,424	3,514	'	'
Accrued expense	1,399	875	'	'
Income tax payable	12,031	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	9,100	9,100	'	'
Current portion of derivative liability	877	660	'	'
Total current liabilities	35,831	14,149	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	1,403,422	1,207,663	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	-2,002,184	-1,970,192	'	'
Deferred income taxes	-844	-1,029	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	583	1,960	'	'
Total liabilities	-563,192	-747,449	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	1,181,888	1,101,038	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,181,888	1,101,038	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	1,181,888	1,101,038	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	618,696	353,589	'	'
Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	100.00%	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,494	2,366	3,827	8,530
Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	2,494	2,366	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	44,183	44,521	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	370	'	'
Deferred income taxes	8,469	7,533	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,359	11,862	'	'
Total current assets	68,505	66,652	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	810,209	834,199	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Investments	109,870	109,370	'	'
Investments in subsidiaries	12,900	12,130	'	'
Goodwill	537,265	537,265	'	'
Other intangible assets	23,931	30,997	'	'
Deferred debt issuance costs, net and other assets	3,920	4,047	'	'
Total assets	1,566,600	1,594,660	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	4,991	4,885	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	21,748	23,699	'	'
Accrued compensation	15,844	20,447	'	'
Accrued interest	6	6	'	'
Accrued expense	28,922	32,703	'	'
Income tax payable	25,637	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	635	586	'	'
Total current liabilities	97,783	82,326	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	3,177	3,659	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	950,625	1,037,969	'	'
Deferred income taxes	183,901	184,209	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	55,518	61,053	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	11,289	7,328	'	'
Total liabilities	1,302,293	1,376,544	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	17,411	17,411	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	242,106	196,200	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	259,517	213,611	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	4,790	4,505	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	264,307	218,116	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,566,600	1,594,660	'	'
Non-Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,623	3,099	1,646	2,747
Non-Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Current assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,623	3,099	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	7,205	7,010	'	'
Income taxes receivable	'	80	'	'
Deferred income taxes	504	495	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	397	518	'	'
Total current assets	9,729	11,202	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	49,411	51,163	'	'
Intangibles and other assets:	'	'	'	'
Goodwill	66,181	66,181	'	'
Other intangible assets	9,087	9,087	'	'
Total assets	134,408	137,633	'	'
Current liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Advance billings and customer deposits	1,764	2,235	'	'
Accrued compensation	1,690	1,805	'	'
Accrued interest	3	4	'	'
Accrued expense	1,326	1,371	'	'
Income tax payable	7,410	'	'	'
Current portion of long term debt and capital lease obligations	74	65	'	'
Total current liabilities	12,267	5,480	'	'
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	755	812	'	'
Advances due to/from affiliates, net	-50,283	-36,096	'	'
Deferred income taxes	18,214	18,277	'	'
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations	5,304	14,701	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	561	280	'	'
Total liabilities	-13,182	3,454	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	30,000	30,000	'	'
Other shareholders' equity	117,590	104,179	'	'
Total Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. shareholders' equity	147,590	134,179	'	'
Total shareholders' equity	147,590	134,179	'	'
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$134,408	$137,633	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	$149,040	$150,773	$449,724	$453,621
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	56,435	55,780	167,653	166,774
Selling, general and administrative expenses	32,659	33,715	97,945	100,385
Financing and other transaction costs	729	355	1,995	712
Depreciation and amortization	34,968	34,756	106,515	104,306
Income from operations	24,249	26,167	75,616	81,444
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-20,721	-20,632	-60,280	-65,929
Investment income	8,315	9,687	25,964	27,164
Other, net	293	-687	-862	-712
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	12,136	14,535	40,438	41,967
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,387	4,205	14,380	15,219
Income from continuing operations	7,749	10,330	26,058	26,748
Discontinued operations, net of tax	'	1,425	'	1,177
Net income	7,749	11,755	26,058	27,925
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107	61	285	254
Net income attributable to common shareholders	7,642	11,694	25,773	27,671
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	7,796	12,276	26,366	32,178
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	-3,435	-3,526	-10,325	-10,642
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	-3,269	-3,219	-9,803	-9,744
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-166	-307	-522	-898
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	-46,265	-49,791	-139,985	-136,130
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-46,265	-49,791	-139,985	-136,130
Income from continuing operations	'	-49,791	'	-136,130
Net income	-46,265	-49,791	-139,985	-136,130
Net income attributable to common shareholders	-46,265	-49,791	-139,985	-136,130
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	-46,265	-49,791	-139,985	-136,130
Parent | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	1,071	872	2,955	2,561
Financing and other transaction costs	635	36	1,592	393
Income from operations	-1,706	-908	-4,547	-2,954
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	'	55	-4	48
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-27,602	-27,199	-80,765	-75,966
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	26,388	30,243	80,257	78,402
Other, net	'	'	'	-18
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	-2,920	2,191	-5,059	-488
Income tax expense (benefit)	-10,562	-9,503	-30,832	-28,159
Income from continuing operations	'	11,694	'	27,671
Net income	7,642	11,694	25,773	27,671
Net income attributable to common shareholders	7,642	11,694	25,773	27,671
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	7,642	11,694	25,773	27,671
Subsidiary Issuer | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	-68	-56	6	-82
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	7	39	85	132
Income from operations	-75	-95	-79	-214
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	-20,850	-20,879	-60,451	-66,048
Intercompany interest income (expense)	31,550	32,585	94,382	94,455
Investment income	'	42	-5	47
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	19,588	19,378	58,958	57,037
Other, net	'	'	-500	'
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	30,213	31,031	92,305	85,277
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,825	788	12,048	6,875
Income from continuing operations	'	30,243	'	78,402
Net income	26,388	30,243	80,257	78,402
Net income attributable to common shareholders	26,388	30,243	80,257	78,402
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	26,678	30,392	81,258	81,528
Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	136,743	137,394	411,190	412,996
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	56,141	55,257	167,148	165,599
Selling, general and administrative expenses	27,379	28,457	82,283	84,541
Financing and other transaction costs	94	319	403	319
Depreciation and amortization	33,024	32,478	100,755	97,547
Income from operations	20,105	20,883	60,601	64,990
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	128	172	184	43
Intercompany interest income (expense)	-4,535	-5,785	-15,143	-19,364
Investment income	8,315	9,645	25,969	27,117
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net	289	170	770	691
Other, net	295	-696	-354	-694
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	24,597	24,389	72,027	72,783
Income tax expense (benefit)	8,800	10,464	25,531	28,979
Income from continuing operations	'	13,925	'	43,804
Discontinued operations, net of tax	'	1,425	'	1,177
Net income	15,797	15,350	46,496	44,981
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	107	61	285	254
Net income attributable to common shareholders	15,690	15,289	46,211	44,727
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	15,616	15,591	45,990	45,665
Non-Guarantors | Reportable legal entity	'	'	'	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION	'	'	'	'
Net revenues	15,800	16,961	48,853	51,349
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	3,563	3,742	10,308	10,919
Selling, general and administrative expenses	4,368	4,654	13,144	14,049
Depreciation and amortization	1,944	2,278	5,760	6,759
Income from operations	5,925	6,287	19,641	19,622
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense, net of interest income	1	20	-9	28
Intercompany interest income (expense)	587	399	1,526	875
Other, net	-2	9	-8	'
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	6,511	6,715	21,150	20,525
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,324	2,456	7,633	7,524
Income from continuing operations	'	4,259	'	13,001
Net income	4,187	4,259	13,517	13,001
Net income attributable to common shareholders	4,187	4,259	13,517	13,001
Total comprehensive income attributable to common shareholders	$4,125	$4,390	$13,330	$13,444

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATING_FINANC4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	$133,364	$124,053
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-3,412
Net cash provided by operating activities	133,364	120,641
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-76,038	-80,584
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,563	111
Restricted cash related to acquisition	-149,917	'
Other	'	-238
Net cash used in continuing operations	-224,392	-80,711
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	2,331
Net cash used in investing activities	-224,392	-78,380
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from bond offering	200,000	'
Restricted cash on bond offering	-54,886	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	28,000	57,000
Payment of capital lease obligation	-481	-368
Payment on long-term debt	-32,825	-63,930
Payment of financing costs	-2,707	'
Dividends on common stock	-46,734	-46,526
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	90,367	-53,824
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-661	-11,563
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	5,551	17,854
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4,890	6,291
Parent	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	'	-77,198
Net cash provided by operating activities	-86,789	-77,198
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Dividends on common stock	-46,734	-46,526
Transactions with affiliates, net	133,523	123,724
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	86,789	77,198
Subsidiary Issuer	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	'	40,016
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,014	40,016
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Restricted cash related to acquisition	-149,917	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-149,917	'
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from bond offering	200,000	'
Restricted cash on bond offering	-54,886	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	28,000	57,000
Payment on long-term debt	-32,825	-63,930
Payment of financing costs	-2,707	'
Transactions with affiliates, net	-31,992	-38,845
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	105,590	-45,775
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	687	-5,759
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	86	6,577
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	773	818
Guarantors	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	'	143,053
Net cash used in discontinued operations	'	-3,412
Net cash provided by operating activities	158,850	139,641
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-72,459	-74,643
Proceeds from sale of assets	1,514	94
Other	'	-238
Net cash used in continuing operations	'	-74,787
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	'	2,331
Net cash used in investing activities	-70,945	-72,456
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of capital lease obligation	-433	-328
Transactions with affiliates, net	-87,344	-71,560
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-87,777	-71,888
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	128	-4,703
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,366	8,530
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,494	3,827
Non-Guarantors	'	'
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operations	'	18,182
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,289	18,182
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-3,579	-5,941
Proceeds from sale of assets	49	17
Net cash used in continuing operations	'	-5,924
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,530	-5,924
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Payment of capital lease obligation	-48	-40
Transactions with affiliates, net	-14,187	-13,319
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-14,235	-13,359
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-1,476	-1,101
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,099	2,747
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$1,623	$1,646