NTELOS 10-Q 28 Jul 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jul. 24, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	NTELOS HOLDINGS CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	1,328,571
Trading Symbol	ntls
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,234,599
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current Assets
Cash	$ 144,293	$ 73,546
Restricted cash	2,167	2,167
Accounts receivable, net	52,771	43,668
Inventories and supplies	16,282	18,297
Deferred income taxes	24,034	24,770
Prepaid expenses	14,684	13,543
Other current assets	336	4,626
Total current assets	254,567	180,617
Assets Held for Sale	1,454	64,271
Securities and Investments	1,522	1,522
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	308,422	289,947
Intangible Assets
Goodwill	63,700	63,700
Radio spectrum licenses	44,933	44,933
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	4,688	5,084
Deferred charges and other assets	20,869	18,474
TOTAL ASSETS	700,155	668,548
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	5,728	5,816
Accounts payable	15,474	24,541
Advance billings and customer deposits	12,266	14,553
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	35,522	27,153
Total current liabilities	68,990	72,063
Long-term Liabilities
Long-Term Debt	517,111	519,592
Retirement Benefits	24,996	25,209
Deferred Income Taxes	36,282	39,620
Other Long-Term Liabilities	67,073	45,016
Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total	$ 645,462	$ 629,437
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 100 shares, none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 55,000 shares; 22,261 shares issued and 22,234 shares outstanding (21,634 shares issued and 21,616 shares outstanding at December 31, 2014)	214	214
Additional paid in capital	30,449	28,663
Treasury stock, at cost, 27 shares (18 shares at December 31, 2014)	(325)	(285)
Accumulated deficit	(37,228)	(53,634)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,855)	(9,090)
Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)	(15,745)	(34,132)
Noncontrolling interests	1,448	1,180
Total Stockholders' Equity, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest	(14,297)	(32,952)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 700,155	$ 668,548

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	55,000,000	55,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	22,261,000	21,634,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	22,234,000	21,616,000
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	27,000	18,000

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Retail Revenue	$ 58,223	$ 72,935	$ 124,757	$ 146,811
Wholesale and other revenue	37,647	38,300	73,930	79,015
Equipment sales	12,454	6,560	29,843	14,051
Operating Revenues	108,324	117,795	228,530	239,877
Operating Expenses
Cost of services	32,017	29,180	61,675	57,085
Cost of equipment sold	20,038	22,144	43,673	45,997
Customer operations	20,499	25,377	44,848	53,000
Corporate operations	9,975	11,261	19,387	23,032
Restructuring	1,602	0	3,610	0
Depreciation and amortization	14,485	19,929	28,359	38,996
Gain on sale of assets	(802)	0	(16,749)	0
Operating expenses, total	97,814	107,891	184,803	218,110
Operating income	10,510	9,904	43,727	21,767
Other Expense
Interest expense	(7,574)	(8,315)	(15,491)	(16,274)
Other income (expense), net	35	(92)	31	(1,164)
Nonoperating income (expense)	(7,539)	(8,407)	(15,460)	(17,438)
Income before Income Taxes	2,971	1,497	28,267	4,329
Income Taxes	1,090	640	11,099	1,750
Net Income	1,881	857	17,168	2,579
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(271)	(373)	(762)	(809)
Net Income Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	$ 1,610	$ 484	$ 16,406	$ 1,770
Earnings per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ 0.74	$ 0.08
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	21,242	21,099	21,218	21,090
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.07	$ 0.02	$ 0.71	$ 0.08
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares)	22,564	22,039	22,347	22,037
Cash Dividends Declared per Share - Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0.42	$ 0	$ 0.84

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	$ 1,610	$ 484	$ 16,406	$ 1,770
Other Comprehensive Income:
Amortization of unrealized (gain) loss from defined benefit plans, net of $75 and $150 of deferred income taxes in 2015, respectively ($172 and $344 in 2014, respectively)	117	(270)	235	(541)
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans, net of $243 of deferred income taxes in 2014	0	(382)	0	(382)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	1,727	(168)	16,641	847
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	271	373	762	809
Comprehensive Income	$ 1,998	$ 205	$ 17,403	$ 1,656

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans taxes	$ 75	$ 172	$ 150	$ 344
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$ 0	$ 243	$ 0	$ 243

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 17,168	$ 2,579
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	28,359	38,996
Gain on sale of assets	(16,749)	0
Deferred income taxes	(2,752)	136
Equity-based compensation	1,769	2,594
Amortization of loan origination costs and debt discount	1,187	1,442
Write off of unamortized debt issuance costs	0	895
Retirement benefits and other	1,509	1,158
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	(9,103)	(4,207)
Inventories and supplies	2,015	8,461
Income taxes	7,838	146
Prepaid expenses and other assets	1,812	(955)
Accounts payable	(7,835)	(6,989)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(722)	2,298
Retirement benefit distributions	144	424
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,640	46,978
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(47,108)	(43,844)
Proceeds from sale of assets	96,633	0
Other, net	0	2,381
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	49,525	(41,463)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	0	187,655
Debt issuance and refinancing costs	0	(3,551)
Repayments on senior secured term loans	(2,703)	(150,822)
Cash dividends paid on common stock	0	(18,130)
Capital distributions to noncontrolling interests	(494)	(551)
Other, net	(221)	(217)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(3,418)	14,384
Increase in cash	70,747	19,899
Cash, beginning of period	73,546	88,441
Cash, end of period	$ 144,293	$ 108,340

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ (32,952)	$ 214	$ (285)	$ 28,663	$ (53,634)	$ (9,090)	$ (34,132)	$ 1,180
Beginning balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2014			21,616	18
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	[1]	1,746		$ (40)	1,786			1,746
Equity-based compensation (shares)	[1]		618	9
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests		(494)							(494)
Net income attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.		16,406				16,406		16,406
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, net of $150 of deferred income taxes		235						235
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		762						0	762
Ending balance at Jun. 30, 2015		$ (14,297)	$ 214	$ (325)	$ 30,449	$ (37,228)	$ (8,855)	$ (15,745)	$ 1,448
Ending balance (shares) at Jun. 30, 2015			22,234	27
[1]	*Includes restricted shares issued, employee stock purchase plan issuances, shares issued through 401(k) matching contributions, stock options exercised and other activity.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans taxes	$ 75	$ 172	$ 150	$ 344

Organization

Organization	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization NTELOS Holdings Corp. (hereafter referred to as “Holdings Corp.” or the “Company”), through NTELOS Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary (“NTELOS Inc.”) and its subsidiaries, is a regional provider of digital wireless communications services to consumers and businesses primarily in Virginia, West Virginia and certain portions of surrounding states. The Company’s primary services are wireless voice and data digital personal communications services (“PCS”) provided through NTELOS-branded retail operations and on a wholesale basis to other PCS providers, most notably through an arrangement with Sprint Spectrum L.P. (“Sprint Spectrum”), and Sprint Spectrum on behalf of and as an agent for SprintCom, Inc. (“SprintCom”) (Sprint Spectrum and SprintCom collectively, “Sprint”), which arrangement is referred to herein as the “Strategic Network Alliance” or "SNA." See Note 13 for additional information regarding this arrangement. The Company does not have any independent operations. On December 1, 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell our wireless spectrum licenses in our eastern Virginia and Outer Banks of North Carolina markets (“Eastern Markets”) valued at approximately $56.0 million . The transaction closed on April 15, 2015. We plan to operate in our Eastern Markets until November 15, 2015. In conjunction with the agreement to sell, the Company has taken an impairment charge for wireless spectrum and fixed assets, and has incurred restructuring charges.

Basis of Presentation and Other

Basis of Presentation and Other Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Other Information	Basis of Presentation and Other Information Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position have been included. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2014 has been derived from the audited financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”). These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K. Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Effective September 30, 2014, the Company changed the classification of certain costs related to equipment incentives to retain existing customers from customer operations to cost of sales to better align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in an increase of $8.4 million and $17.4 million in cost of sales and a corresponding decrease in customer operations expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Additionally, certain information technology (“IT”) costs attributable to supporting billing and internal network and communication services were changed from cost of services to customer operations and corporate operations also to align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in a decrease of $2.3 million and $5.6 million in cost of services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively, and an increase in customer operations expenses of $0.6 million and $1.4 million and an increase in corporate operations expenses of $1.7 million and $4.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Net income has not been affected by these reclassifications. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when services are rendered or when products are delivered and functional, as applicable. Certain services of the Company require payment in advance of service performance. In such cases, the Company records a service liability at the time of billing and subsequently recognizes revenue ratably over the service period. The Company bills customers certain transactional taxes on service revenues. These transactional taxes are not included in reported revenues as they are recognized as liabilities at the time customers are billed. The Company earns retail and wholesale revenues by providing access to and usage of its networks. Retail and certain wholesale revenues are recognized as services are provided. In long-term contracts certain fixed elements are required to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. Wireless handsets and other devices sold with service contracts are generally sold at prices below cost, based on the terms of the service contracts. The Company recognizes the entire cost of the handsets at the time of sale. On August 15, 2014, the Company launched its Equipment Installment Plan (“EIP”), which offers customers the option to pay for their devices over 24 months with no service contract. Additionally, after a specified period of time, customers have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect the EIP option, the Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale for the full retail price of the device, net of the estimated fair value of imputed interest and the estimated loss on trade-in. The Company evaluates related transactions to determine whether they should be viewed as multiple deliverable arrangements, which impact revenue recognition. Multiple deliverable arrangements are presumed to be bundled transactions and the total consideration is measured and allocated to the separate units based on their relative selling price with certain limitations. The Company has determined that sales of handsets with service contracts related to these sales generated from Company-operated retail stores are multiple deliverable arrangements. Accordingly, substantially all of the nonrefundable activation fee revenues (as well as the associated direct costs) are allocated to the wireless handset and are recognized at the time of the sale, based on the fact that the handsets are generally sold well below cost and thus appropriately allocated to the point of sale based on the relative selling price evaluation. However, revenue and certain associated direct costs for activations sold at third-party retail locations are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the customer relationship as the Company is not a principal in the transaction to sell the handset and therefore any activation fees charged are fully attributable to the service revenues. The Company recognizes revenue in the period that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred or services have been rendered, it is able to determine the amount and when the collection of such amount is considered probable. Cash The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. The total held in market rate savings accounts at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $109.6 million and $28.5 million , respectively. The remaining $34.7 million and $45.0 million of cash at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, was held in non-interest bearing deposit accounts. Restricted Cash The Company is eligible to receive up to $5.0 million in connection with its winning bid in the Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction ("Auction 901"). Pursuant to the terms of Auction 901, the Company was required to obtain a Letter of Credit (“LOC”) for the benefit of the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) to cover each disbursement plus the amount of the performance default penalty ( 10% of the total eligible award). USAC may draw upon the LOC in the event the Company fails to demonstrate the required coverage by the applicable deadline in 2016. The Company obtained the LOC in the amount of $2.2 million , representing the first disbursement of $1.7 million received in September 2013, plus the performance default penalty of $0.5 million . In accordance with the terms of the LOC, the Company deposited $2.2 million into a separate account at the issuing bank to serve as cash collateral. Such funds will be released when the LOC is terminated without being drawn upon by USAC. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. Bad debt expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $5.6 million and $3.3 million , respectively. Bad debt expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $11.1 million and $7.3 million , respectively. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts was $12.9 million and $8.7 million at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. At June 30, 2015 , the allowance for doubtful accounts included $6.2 million related to unbilled equipment receivables. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Accrued payroll $ 5,042 $ 6,545 Accrued taxes 12,431 5,383 Accrued restructuring 3,521 3,400 Other 14,528 11,825 Total $ 35,522 $ 27,153 Pension Benefits and Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions The total expense recognized for the Company’s defined benefit and nonqualified pension plans was $0.1 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $0.2 million, for both the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, a portion of which related to the amortization of unrealized loss. The total amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to actuarial (gains)/losses from the defined benefit plans was $0.1 million and $(0.3) million for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and $0.2 million and $(0.5) million for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, all of which has been reclassified to cost of services, customer operations, and corporate operations on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the respective periods. Defined benefit pension plan assets were valued at $23.4 million at June 30, 2015 . The Company also sponsors a contributory defined contribution plan under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 401(k) for substantially all employees. The Company’s current policy is to make matching contributions in shares of the Company’s common stock. Equity-Based Compensation The Company accounts for equity-based compensation plans under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Stock Compensation . Equity-based compensation expense from stock-based awards is recorded with an offsetting increase to additional paid in capital on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award and credits compensation for any forfeitures in the reporting period in which the forfeiture occurs. Total equity-based compensation expense related to all of the Company’s stock-based equity awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions was allocated as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of services $ 177 $ 167 $ 338 $ 318 Customer operations 216 259 335 509 Corporate operations 510 857 1,096 1,767 Equity-based compensation expense $ 903 $ 1,283 $ 1,769 $ 2,594 Future charges for equity-based compensation related to securities outstanding at June 30, 2015 for the remainder of 2015 and for the years 2016 through 2019 are estimated to be $1.4 million , $1.6 million , $1.0 million , $0.2 million and less than $0.1 million , respectively. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The standard was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015 and has been applied to relevant transactions. In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . This ASU provides a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance and is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption being prohibited. The impact of application of this ASU on the Company's financial statements has not been determined. In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern , which requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied retrospectively to each period presented. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its financial statements. In April 2015, FASB ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides additional guidance regarding cloud computing arrangements. The guidance requires registrants to account for a cloud computing arrangement that includes a software license element consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. Cloud computing arrangement without software licenses are to be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 : Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 Cash payments for: Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 14,757 $ 14,276 Income taxes 6,100 701 Cash received from income tax refunds 3,971 239 Supplemental investing and financing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable 7,281 3,266 Borrowings under capital leases 35 292 Dividends declared not paid — 9,262 The amount of interest capitalized was immaterial for each of the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 .

Equipment Installment Plan Rece

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Equipment Installment Plan Receivables	Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Certain subscribers have the option to pay for their devices in installments over a 24-month period. The carrying value of installment receivables approximates sales price, net of the deferred interest and estimated losses at time of trade-in. At the time of sale, we impute the interest on the installment receivable using current market interest rate estimates and calculate the allowance for trade-in losses using estimates based on current trade-in values, then record them as a reduction to equipment revenue and as a reduction to the face amount of the related receivable. The estimates for interest rates and trade-in values are subject to change based on assumptions related to economic conditions, subscriber credit trends, trade-in probability and timing and the handset trade-in value. Interest income is recognized over the term of the installment contract as operating revenue. Short-term installment receivables are recorded in "Accounts receivable, net" and long-term installment receivables are recorded in "Deferred charges and other assets" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The following table summarizes the EIP receivables at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 EIP receivables, gross $ 32,201 $ 16,109 Deferred interest (1,600 ) (807 ) EIP receivables, net of deferred interest 30,601 15,302 Allowance for credit and trade-in losses (6,151 ) (2,450 ) EIP receivables, net $ 24,450 $ 12,852 Classified on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as: Accounts receivable, net $ 14,656 $ 5,551 Deferred charges and other assets 11,394 8,108 Advance billings and customer deposits (957 ) (807 ) Other Long-Term Liabilities (643 ) — EIP receivables, net $ 24,450 $ 12,852

Property, Plan And Equipment

Property, Plan And Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment The components of property, plant and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation, were as follows: (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Land and buildings * 39 to 50 years $ 30,689 $ 30,772 Network plant and equipment 5 to 17 years 459,893 445,940 Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 2 to 18 years 94,714 91,512 585,296 568,224 Under construction 42,133 18,213 627,429 586,437 Less: accumulated depreciation 319,007 296,490 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 308,422 $ 289,947 * Leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms. Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $13.9 million and $19.2 million , respectively. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $27.8 million and $37.5 million , respectively. During the three months ended June 30, 2015, the Company began negotiating to sell certain facilities in the Eastern Markets. Based on bids received for these facilities, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $0.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2015 .

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Goodwill and radio spectrum licenses are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but instead are tested for impairment annually, on October 1, or more frequently if an event indicates that the asset might be impaired. The Company believes that no impairment indicators existed as of June 30, 2015 that would require it to perform impairment testing. In conjunction with the agreement to sell the Company's wireless spectrum licenses in the Eastern Markets, the Company calculated the fair value to be $57.9 million , which includes the sales price plus the implied value of the non-cash spectrum leaseback. Accordingly, an impairment charge of $29.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, the Company transferred these intangible assets to assets held for sale in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The transaction closed in April 2015 and the assets are no longer reflected in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2015. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , goodwill and radio spectrum licenses were comprised of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Goodwill Radio Spectrum Licenses Goodwill Radio Spectrum Licenses Balance at beginning of the period $ 63,700 $ 44,933 $ 63,700 $ 131,834 Impairment loss in the period — — — (28,990 ) Transferred to assets held for sale — — — (57,911 ) Total $ 63,700 $ 44,933 $ 63,700 $ 44,933 Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life Gross Amount Accumulated Net Gross Amount Accumulated Net Customer relationships 17.5 years $ 36,900 $ (34,468 ) $ 2,432 $ 36,900 $ (34,305 ) $ 2,595 Trademarks 15 years 7,000 (4,744 ) 2,256 7,000 (4,511 ) 2,489 Total $ 43,900 $ (39,212 ) $ 4,688 $ 43,900 $ (38,816 ) $ 5,084 The Company amortizes its amortizable intangible assets using the straight-line method. Amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.2 million and $0.8 million , respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.4 million and $1.5 million , respectively.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following: (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount $ 522,156 $ 524,504 Capital lease obligations 683 904 522,839 525,408 Less: current portion of long-term debt 5,728 5,816 Long-term debt $ 517,111 $ 519,592 Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Lease Obligations On November 9, 2012, NTELOS Inc. entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated, in its entirety, that certain Credit Agreement dated August 7, 2009 (the “Original Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided for (1) a term loan A in the aggregate amount of $150.0 million (the “Term Loan A”); and (2) a term loan B in the aggregate amount of $350.0 million (the “Term Loan B” and, together with the Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”). On January 31, 2014, the Company completed the refinancing of Term Loan A, which converted the outstanding principal balance of $148.1 million of Term Loan A into Term Loan B, and borrowed an additional $40.0 million under Term Loan B. The additional Term Loan B borrowings bear the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Company’s existing Term Loan B borrowings. In connection with the refinancing, the Company incurred approximately $3.8 million in creditor and third party fees, of which $3.7 million was deferred and is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest method. The Company also deferred $0.5 million in debt discounts related to the new Term Loan B borrowings, which are being accreted to the Term Loan B using the effective interest method over the life of the debt and are reflected in interest expense. Additionally, the Company wrote off a proportionate amount of the unamortized deferred fees and debt discount from the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement totaling $0.5 million and $0.2 million , respectively, which are reflected in other expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2015 , excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments were as follows: (In thousands) Term Loan Remainder of 2015 $ 2,702 2016 5,405 2017 5,405 2018 5,405 2019 506,725 Total $ 525,642 The Company’s blended average effective interest rate on its long-term debt was approximately 6.3% and 6.4% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a Restricted Payments basket, which can be used to make Restricted Payments (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), including the ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock or advance funds to the Company. NTELOS Inc. may not make Restricted Payments if its Leverage Ratio (calculated on a pro forma basis) is greater than 4.25 :1.00. This Restricted Payments basket increases by $6.5 million per quarter and decreases by any actual Restricted Payments and by certain investments and any mandatory prepayments on the Term Loans, to the extent the lenders decline to receive such prepayment. In addition, on a quarterly basis the Restricted Payments basket increases by the positive amount, if any, of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement). For the three months ended June 30, 2015 there was no Excess Cash Flow. The balance of the Restricted Payments basket as of June 30, 2015 was $73.1 million and the Leverage Ratio for the Company was 4.45 :1.00. Capital Lease Obligations In addition to the long-term debt discussed above, the Company has entered into capital leases on vehicles with original lease terms of four to five years. At June 30, 2015 , the carrying value and accumulated depreciation of these assets was $2.4 million and $1.4 million , respectively. The total net present value of the Company’s future minimum lease payments is $0.7 million . At June 30, 2015 , the principal portion of these capital lease obligations was payable as follows: $0.2 million for the remainder of 2015 , $0.3 million in 2016 , $0.1 million in 2017 , $0.1 million in 2018 and less than $0.1 million in 2019 and 2020 .

Restructuring Charges

Restructuring Charges	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges In December 2014, the Company announced its intention to sell its wireless spectrum and wind down its operations in the Eastern Markets, and to reduce related corporate operating expenses during fiscal year 2015. In conjunction, restructuring liabilities have been established for employee separations, lease abandonments, operating lease terminations, and other related costs, which are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. A summary of the restructuring liabilities is presented below: (In thousands) Employee Separation Contract Terminations Other Total Expected period of recognition 2014-2015 2014-2015 2014-2015 Projected range at completion $3,000 - $5,000 $40,000 - $45,000 $2,000 - $5,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Cumulative charges incurred as of June 30, 2015 $ 3,714 $ 2,479 $ 1,081 $ 7,274 Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 1,496 $ 917 $ 987 $ 3,400 Charges 1,654 338 17 2,009 Utilization (1,480 ) (688 ) (30 ) (2,198 ) Balance as of March 31, 2015 $ 1,670 $ 567 $ 974 $ 3,211 Charges 479 1,113 10 1,602 Utilization (789 ) (493 ) (10 ) (1,292 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 1,360 $ 1,187 $ 974 $ 3,521 Employee separation costs consist of severance for certain Eastern Markets and corporate employees to be paid in accordance with the Company’s written severance plan and certain management contracts. Severance payments are expected to be paid through 2015. Contract termination costs represent lease abandonment costs for retail stores and other termination costs for contractual network services obligations. Lease abandonment costs represent future minimum lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income. Contract termination costs are expected to be paid through 2019 absent any settlements with vendors. Other costs include legal and advisory fees expected to be paid during 2015.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company is exposed to market risks with respect to certain of the financial instruments that it holds. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reflected in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair values of other financial instruments are determined using observable market prices or using a valuation model, which is based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilizes assumptions of current market conditions. The following is a summary by balance sheet category: Long-Term Investments At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had an investment in CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) of $1.5 million . This investment is primarily related to a required investment under the Original Credit Agreement and declared and unpaid patronage distributions of restricted equity related to the portion of the term loans previously held by CoBank. This investment is carried under the cost method as it is not practicable to estimate fair value. This investment is subject to redemption in accordance with CoBank’s capital recovery plans. Interest Rate Derivatives In February 2013, the Company purchased an interest rate cap for $0.9 million with a notional amount of $350.0 million , which caps the three month Eurodollar rate at 1.0% and expires in August 2015. The Company did not designate the interest rate cap agreement as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. Therefore, the change in market value of the agreement is recorded as a gain or loss in other expense. The Company recorded an immaterial loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Face Carrying Fair (In thousands) Amount Amount Value June 30, 2015 Nonderivatives: Financial assets: Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value N/A 1,522 N/A Financial liabilities: Term Loans 525,642 522,156 459,937 Capital lease obligations 683 683 683 Derivative related to debt: Interest rate cap asset 350,000 * 0 0 December 31, 2014 Nonderivatives: Financial assets: Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value N/A 1,522 N/A Financial liabilities: Term Loans 528,345 525,504 459,660 Capital lease obligations 904 904 904 Derivative related to debt: Interest rate cap asset 350,000 * 0 0 * Notional amount The carrying values of cash, restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The fair value of the Term Loans under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement were derived based on bid prices at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The fair value of the derivative instrument was based on a quoted market price at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. These instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy described in FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures .

Equity and Earnings Per Share

Equity and Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity and Earnings Per Share	Equity and Earnings Per Share The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. $ 1,610 $ 484 $ 16,406 $ 1,770 Net income applicable to participating securities 70 — 611 — Net income applicable to common shares $ 1,540 $ 484 $ 15,795 $ 1,770 Denominator: Total shares outstanding 22,234 21,685 22,234 21,685 Less: unvested shares (965 ) (574 ) (965 ) (574 ) Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares (27 ) (12 ) (51 ) (21 ) Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding 21,242 21,099 21,218 21,090 Plus: weighted average unvested shares 965 578 821 522 Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options 357 362 308 425 Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding 22,564 22,039 22,347 22,037 In accordance with FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share , unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered a “participating security” for purposes of computing earnings or loss per common share pursuant to the two-class method. T he Company's unvested restricted stock awards have rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , the Company has calculated basic earnings per share using weighted average shares outstanding and the two-class method and determined there was no significant difference in the per share amounts calculated under the two methods. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , the denominator for diluted earnings per common share excludes approximately 1.6 million and 1.8 million shares, respectively, which were related to stock options that were antidilutive for the respective periods presented. In addition, the performance-based portion of the performance stock units ("PSUs") is excluded from diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria are satisfied.

Stock Plans

Stock Plans	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Plans	Stock Plans The Company has employee equity incentive plans (referred to as the “Employee Equity Incentive Plans”) administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Committee”), which permits the grant of long-term incentives to employees, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, incentive awards, other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. The Company also has a non-employee director equity plan (the “Non-Employee Director Equity Plan”). The Non-Employee Director Equity Plan together with the Employee Equity Incentive Plans are referred to as the “Equity Incentive Plans.” Awards under these plans are issuable to employees or non-employee directors as applicable. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company issued 261,503 stock options under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans. The options issued under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans vest one-fourth annually beginning one year after the grant date. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company issued 415,401 shares of restricted stock under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 87,525 shares of restricted stock under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. The restricted shares granted under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The restricted shares granted under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan cliff vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Dividend and voting rights applicable to restricted stock are equivalent to the Company’s common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company granted 28,031 PSUs under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans to certain key employees. These PSUs vest on December 31, 2016 and are subject to certain performance and market conditions. Each PSU represents the contingent right to receive one share (or more based on maximum achievement) of the Company’s common stock if vesting is satisfied. The PSUs have no voting rights. Dividends, if any, that would have been paid on the underlying shares will be paid as dividend equivalent units on PSUs that vest, on or after the vesting date. At June 30, 2015 , the Company had accrued approximately $0.2 million in dividend equivalent units. The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s stock option awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Options Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,583 $ 19.09 Granted during the period 261 6.00 Exercised during the period (1 ) 0.58 Forfeited during the period (272 ) 20.97 Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,571 $ 16.60 5.9 years $ — Exercisable at June 30, 2015 910 $ 20.16 5.9 years $ — Total expected to vest after June 30, 2015 595 $ 13.01 The fair value of each common stock option award granted during the six months ended June 30, 2015 was estimated on the respective grant date using a generally accepted valuation model with assumptions related to risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and expected terms. The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $1.72 and $1.02 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was less than $0.1 million . The total fair value of options that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $0.5 million and $1.3 million , respectively. As of June 30, 2015 , there was $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years . The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Restricted stock awards outstanding at January 1, 2015 245 $ 14.93 Granted during the period 503 5.37 Vested during the period (75 ) 18.97 Forfeited during the period (7 ) 16.10 Restricted stock awards outstanding at June 30, 2015 666 $ 7.24 At June 30, 2015 , there was $3.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. The fair value of the restricted stock award is equal to the market value of common stock on the date of grant. The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s performance stock unit awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per PSU Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2015 99 $ 11.24 Granted during the period 28 7.33 Vested during the period (1 ) 12.47 Forfeited during the period (10 ) 11.22 Performance stock units outstanding at June 30, 2015 116 $ 10.29 At June 30, 2015 , there was $0.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years . The fair value of the PSU is estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model. In addition to the Equity Incentive Plans discussed above, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan, which commenced in July 2006 with 100,000 shares available. Shares are priced at 85% of the closing price on the last trading day of the month before settlement and settlement is done semi-annually. During the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , 6,635 shares and 4,101 shares, respectively, were issued under the employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense associated with the employee stock purchase plan for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was immaterial.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 was $1.1 million and $11.1 million , respectively, representing the statutory tax rate applied to pre-tax income and the effects of certain non-deductible compensation, non-controlling interest, and state minimum taxes. The Company expects its recurring non-deductible expenses to relate primarily to certain non-cash equity-based compensation and other non-deductible compensation. The Company has provided for income taxes using a year to date calculation as it is unable to reliably estimate the annual effective income tax rate.

Strategic Network Alliance

Strategic Network Alliance	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stategic Network Alliance [Abstract]
Strategic Network Alliance	Strategic Network Alliance The Company provides PCS services and has contracted to provide LTE Services on a wholesale basis to other wireless communication providers, most notably through the Strategic Network Alliance ("SNA") with Sprint in which the Company is the exclusive PCS/LTE service provider in the Company’s western Virginia and West Virginia service area (“SNA service area”) for all Sprint Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) and LTE wireless customers. In May 2014 the parties entered into an amended agreement to extend the SNA. Pursuant to the terms of the SNA, the Company is required to upgrade its network in the SNA service area to provide LTE Services. As part of the amendment, the Company leases spectrum, on a non-cash basis, from Sprint in order to enhance the PCS/LTE services. The non-cash consideration attributable to the leased spectrum is approximately $4.9 million per year. The lease expense is recognized over the term of the lease and recorded within cost of sales and services, with the offsetting consideration recorded within wholesale and other revenue. Additionally, the amended SNA provides the Company access to Sprint’s nationwide 3G and 4G LTE network at rates that are reciprocal to rates paid by Sprint under the amended SNA. The amended SNA provides that a portion of the amount paid by Sprint thereunder is fixed. The fixed fee element of the amended SNA is subject to contractual reductions on August 1, 2015 and annually thereafter starting on January 1, 2016 that will result in a decrease of payments for the fixed fee element. The Company accounts for this fixed fee portion of the revenue earned from the SNA revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. In addition, these reductions are subject to further upward or downward resets in the fixed fee element. These resets, if any, will be recognized in the period in which it occurs. The Company generated 33.3% and 31.2% of its revenue from the SNA for the three months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company generated 31.0% and 31.7% of its revenue from the SNA for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Tower Sale and Leaseback

Tower Sale and Leaseback	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Tower Sale and Leaseback	Tower Sale and Leaseback During the six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company completed its sale leaseback transaction for 96 of 103 towers committed to be sold. The Company intends to sell and leaseback the remaining towers during 2015. For the towers sold during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , the Company received net proceeds of $1.6 million and $40.4 million , respectively. The Company applied the guidance under FASB ASC 840, Leases , to the sale and leaseback and recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $0.8 million and $16.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 , respectively, which is included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income as "Gain on sale of assets." The leasebacks are generally for a term of 10 years with options to renew and are accounted for as operating leases. The deferred gain is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the lease of approximately 10 years at June 30, 2015 and will be included as a reduction in the "Cost of services" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. At June 30, 2015 , the Company recorded on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets $2.7 million of deferred gain under "Accrued expenses and other current liabilities" and $14.7 million in "Other Long-Term Liabilities."

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies On occasion, the Company makes claims or receives disputes related to its billings to other carriers, including billings under the SNA agreement, for access to the Company’s network. These disputes may involve amounts which, if resolved unfavorably to the Company, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The Company does not recognize revenue related to such matters until the period that it is reasonably assured of the collection of these claims. In the event that a claim is made related to revenues previously recognized, the Company assesses the validity of the claim and adjusts the amount of revenue recognized to the extent that the claim adjustment is considered probable and reasonably estimable. In accordance with the tower sale and leaseback transaction discussed in Note 14, the Company entered into operating leases, generally for a term of 10 years, with future minimum lease payments totaling approximately $21.0 million . The Company is involved in disputes, claims, either asserted or unasserted, and legal and tax proceedings and filings arising from normal business activities. While the outcome of such matters is currently not determinable, and it is reasonably possible that the cost to resolve such matters could be material, management believes that adequate provision for any probable and reasonably estimable losses has been made in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Oth25

Basis of Presentation and Other Information (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Effective September 30, 2014, the Company changed the classification of certain costs related to equipment incentives to retain existing customers from customer operations to cost of sales to better align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in an increase of $8.4 million and $17.4 million in cost of sales and a corresponding decrease in customer operations expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Additionally, certain information technology (“IT”) costs attributable to supporting billing and internal network and communication services were changed from cost of services to customer operations and corporate operations also to align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in a decrease of $2.3 million and $5.6 million in cost of services for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively, and an increase in customer operations expenses of $0.6 million and $1.4 million and an increase in corporate operations expenses of $1.7 million and $4.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 , respectively. Net income has not been affected by these reclassifications.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when services are rendered or when products are delivered and functional, as applicable. Certain services of the Company require payment in advance of service performance. In such cases, the Company records a service liability at the time of billing and subsequently recognizes revenue ratably over the service period. The Company bills customers certain transactional taxes on service revenues. These transactional taxes are not included in reported revenues as they are recognized as liabilities at the time customers are billed. The Company earns retail and wholesale revenues by providing access to and usage of its networks. Retail and certain wholesale revenues are recognized as services are provided. In long-term contracts certain fixed elements are required to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. Wireless handsets and other devices sold with service contracts are generally sold at prices below cost, based on the terms of the service contracts. The Company recognizes the entire cost of the handsets at the time of sale. On August 15, 2014, the Company launched its Equipment Installment Plan (“EIP”), which offers customers the option to pay for their devices over 24 months with no service contract. Additionally, after a specified period of time, customers have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect the EIP option, the Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale for the full retail price of the device, net of the estimated fair value of imputed interest and the estimated loss on trade-in. The Company evaluates related transactions to determine whether they should be viewed as multiple deliverable arrangements, which impact revenue recognition. Multiple deliverable arrangements are presumed to be bundled transactions and the total consideration is measured and allocated to the separate units based on their relative selling price with certain limitations. The Company has determined that sales of handsets with service contracts related to these sales generated from Company-operated retail stores are multiple deliverable arrangements. Accordingly, substantially all of the nonrefundable activation fee revenues (as well as the associated direct costs) are allocated to the wireless handset and are recognized at the time of the sale, based on the fact that the handsets are generally sold well below cost and thus appropriately allocated to the point of sale based on the relative selling price evaluation. However, revenue and certain associated direct costs for activations sold at third-party retail locations are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the customer relationship as the Company is not a principal in the transaction to sell the handset and therefore any activation fees charged are fully attributable to the service revenues. The Company recognizes revenue in the period that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred or services have been rendered, it is able to determine the amount and when the collection of such amount is considered probable.
Cash	Cash The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Pension Benefits And Retirement Benefits Other Than Pensions	The Company also sponsors a contributory defined contribution plan under Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 401(k) for substantially all employees. The Company’s current policy is to make matching contributions in shares of the Company’s common stock.
Equity-Based Compensation	Equity-Based Compensation The Company accounts for equity-based compensation plans under FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Stock Compensation . Equity-based compensation expense from stock-based awards is recorded with an offsetting increase to additional paid in capital on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award and credits compensation for any forfeitures in the reporting period in which the forfeiture occurs.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The standard was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015 and has been applied to relevant transactions. In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . This ASU provides a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance and is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption being prohibited. The impact of application of this ASU on the Company's financial statements has not been determined. In August 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern , which requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires an entity to present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The guidance will be applied retrospectively to each period presented. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of the ASU on its financial statements. In April 2015, FASB ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides additional guidance regarding cloud computing arrangements. The guidance requires registrants to account for a cloud computing arrangement that includes a software license element consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. Cloud computing arrangement without software licenses are to be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Basis of Presentation and Oth26

Basis of Presentation and Other Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Accrued payroll $ 5,042 $ 6,545 Accrued taxes 12,431 5,383 Accrued restructuring 3,521 3,400 Other 14,528 11,825 Total $ 35,522 $ 27,153
Schedule Of Equity-Based Compensation Expense	Total equity-based compensation expense related to all of the Company’s stock-based equity awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 and the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions was allocated as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Cost of services $ 177 $ 167 $ 338 $ 318 Customer operations 216 259 335 509 Corporate operations 510 857 1,096 1,767 Equity-based compensation expense $ 903 $ 1,283 $ 1,769 $ 2,594

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform27

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule Of Supplementary Cash Flow Information	The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 : Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 Cash payments for: Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 14,757 $ 14,276 Income taxes 6,100 701 Cash received from income tax refunds 3,971 239 Supplemental investing and financing activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable 7,281 3,266 Borrowings under capital leases 35 292 Dividends declared not paid — 9,262

Equipment Installment Plan Re28

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Financing Receivable	The following table summarizes the EIP receivables at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014: (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 EIP receivables, gross $ 32,201 $ 16,109 Deferred interest (1,600 ) (807 ) EIP receivables, net of deferred interest 30,601 15,302 Allowance for credit and trade-in losses (6,151 ) (2,450 ) EIP receivables, net $ 24,450 $ 12,852 Classified on the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as: Accounts receivable, net $ 14,656 $ 5,551 Deferred charges and other assets 11,394 8,108 Advance billings and customer deposits (957 ) (807 ) Other Long-Term Liabilities (643 ) — EIP receivables, net $ 24,450 $ 12,852

Property, Plan And Equipment (T

Property, Plan And Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	The components of property, plant and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation, were as follows: (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Land and buildings * 39 to 50 years $ 30,689 $ 30,772 Network plant and equipment 5 to 17 years 459,893 445,940 Furniture, fixtures and other equipment 2 to 18 years 94,714 91,512 585,296 568,224 Under construction 42,133 18,213 627,429 586,437 Less: accumulated depreciation 319,007 296,490 Property, plant and equipment, net $ 308,422 $ 289,947 * Leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms.

Intangible Assets (Tables)

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , goodwill and radio spectrum licenses were comprised of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Goodwill Radio Spectrum Licenses Goodwill Radio Spectrum Licenses Balance at beginning of the period $ 63,700 $ 44,933 $ 63,700 $ 131,834 Impairment loss in the period — — — (28,990 ) Transferred to assets held for sale — — — (57,911 ) Total $ 63,700 $ 44,933 $ 63,700 $ 44,933
Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following: June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life Gross Amount Accumulated Net Gross Amount Accumulated Net Customer relationships 17.5 years $ 36,900 $ (34,468 ) $ 2,432 $ 36,900 $ (34,305 ) $ 2,595 Trademarks 15 years 7,000 (4,744 ) 2,256 7,000 (4,511 ) 2,489 Total $ 43,900 $ (39,212 ) $ 4,688 $ 43,900 $ (38,816 ) $ 5,084

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Long-Term Debt	At June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following: (In thousands) June 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount $ 522,156 $ 524,504 Capital lease obligations 683 904 522,839 525,408 Less: current portion of long-term debt 5,728 5,816 Long-term debt $ 517,111 $ 519,592
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2015 , excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments were as follows: (In thousands) Term Loan Remainder of 2015 $ 2,702 2016 5,405 2017 5,405 2018 5,405 2019 506,725 Total $ 525,642

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Costs	A summary of the restructuring liabilities is presented below: (In thousands) Employee Separation Contract Terminations Other Total Expected period of recognition 2014-2015 2014-2015 2014-2015 Projected range at completion $3,000 - $5,000 $40,000 - $45,000 $2,000 - $5,000 $45,000 - $55,000 Cumulative charges incurred as of June 30, 2015 $ 3,714 $ 2,479 $ 1,081 $ 7,274 Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 1,496 $ 917 $ 987 $ 3,400 Charges 1,654 338 17 2,009 Utilization (1,480 ) (688 ) (30 ) (2,198 ) Balance as of March 31, 2015 $ 1,670 $ 567 $ 974 $ 3,211 Charges 479 1,113 10 1,602 Utilization (789 ) (493 ) (10 ) (1,292 ) Balance as of June 30, 2015 $ 1,360 $ 1,187 $ 974 $ 3,521

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	The Company recorded an immaterial loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . Face Carrying Fair (In thousands) Amount Amount Value June 30, 2015 Nonderivatives: Financial assets: Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value N/A 1,522 N/A Financial liabilities: Term Loans 525,642 522,156 459,937 Capital lease obligations 683 683 683 Derivative related to debt: Interest rate cap asset 350,000 * 0 0 December 31, 2014 Nonderivatives: Financial assets: Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value N/A 1,522 N/A Financial liabilities: Term Loans 528,345 525,504 459,660 Capital lease obligations 904 904 904 Derivative related to debt: Interest rate cap asset 350,000 * 0 0 * Notional amount

Equity and Earnings Per Share (

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (In thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Numerator: Net income attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. $ 1,610 $ 484 $ 16,406 $ 1,770 Net income applicable to participating securities 70 — 611 — Net income applicable to common shares $ 1,540 $ 484 $ 15,795 $ 1,770 Denominator: Total shares outstanding 22,234 21,685 22,234 21,685 Less: unvested shares (965 ) (574 ) (965 ) (574 ) Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares (27 ) (12 ) (51 ) (21 ) Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding 21,242 21,099 21,218 21,090 Plus: weighted average unvested shares 965 578 821 522 Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options 357 362 308 425 Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding 22,564 22,039 22,347 22,037

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary Of Stock Options Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s stock option awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Options Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2015 1,583 $ 19.09 Granted during the period 261 6.00 Exercised during the period (1 ) 0.58 Forfeited during the period (272 ) 20.97 Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015 1,571 $ 16.60 5.9 years $ — Exercisable at June 30, 2015 910 $ 20.16 5.9 years $ — Total expected to vest after June 30, 2015 595 $ 13.01
Summary Of Restricted Stock Awards Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share Restricted stock awards outstanding at January 1, 2015 245 $ 14.93 Granted during the period 503 5.37 Vested during the period (75 ) 18.97 Forfeited during the period (7 ) 16.10 Restricted stock awards outstanding at June 30, 2015 666 $ 7.24
Summary of Performance Stock Units Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s performance stock unit awards for the six months ended June 30, 2015 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per PSU Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2015 99 $ 11.24 Granted during the period 28 7.33 Vested during the period (1 ) 12.47 Forfeited during the period (10 ) 11.22 Performance stock units outstanding at June 30, 2015 116 $ 10.29

Organization Organization (Deta

Organization Organization (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 01, 2014USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Wireless spectrum license agreement value	$ 56

Basis of Presentation and Oth37

Basis of Presentation and Other Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Customer operations		$ (20,499,000)	$ (25,377,000)	$ (44,848,000)	$ (53,000,000)
Corporate operations		9,975,000	11,261,000	19,387,000	23,032,000
Market rate savings account		109,600,000		109,600,000		$ 28,500,000
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts insured by FDIC		34,700,000		34,700,000		45,000,000
Bad debt expense		5,600,000	3,300,000	11,100,000	7,300,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		12,900,000		12,900,000		$ 8,700,000
Unbilled equipment receivables		6,200,000		6,200,000
Defined benefit expense		100,000	100,000	200,000	200,000
Pension plan assets value		23,400,000		23,400,000
Future charges for equity-based compensation, remainder of 2015		1,400,000		1,400,000
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2016		1,600,000		1,600,000
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2017		1,000,000		1,000,000
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2018		200,000		200,000
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2019		100,000		100,000
Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Performance default penalty under Government funding auction, as a percentage of total funding						10.00%
Line of credit obtained pursuant to the terms of the Government funding auction, current borrowing capacity						$ 2,200,000
First scheduled disbursement under Government funding auction	$ 1,700,000
Performance default penalty under Government funding auction, amount						500,000
Cash collateral under the terms of the line of credit						2,200,000
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Total amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income related to actuarial losses		$ 100,000	(300,000)	$ 200,000	(500,000)
Maximum [Member] | Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Amount Company is eligible to receive under Government funding auction						$ 5,000,000
Equipment Incentive [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Cost of sales and services			8,400,000		17,400,000
IT Cost [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Supplemental Financial Information [Line Items]
Cost of sales and services			(2,300,000)		(5,600,000)
Customer operations			(600,000)		(1,400,000)
Corporate operations			$ 1,700,000		$ 4,200,000

Basis of Presentation and Oth38

Basis of Presentation and Other Information (Schedule Of Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accrued payroll	$ 5,042	$ 6,545
Accrued taxes	12,431	5,383
Accrued restructuring	3,521	3,400
Other	14,528	11,825
Total	$ 35,522	$ 27,153

Basis of Presentation and Oth39

Basis of Presentation and Other Information (Schedule Of Equity-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 903	$ 1,283	$ 1,769	$ 2,594
Cost Of Sales and Services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	177	167	338	318
Customer Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	216	259	335	509
Corporate Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$ 510	$ 857	$ 1,096	$ 1,767

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform40

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Supplementary Disclosures Of Condensed Consolidated statements of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Additional Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$ 14,757	$ 14,276
Income taxes	6,100	701
Cash received from income tax refunds	3,971	239
Supplemental investing and financing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable	7,281	3,266
Borrowings under capital leases	35	292
Dividends declared not paid	$ 0	$ 9,262

Equipment Installment Plan Re41

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables Allowance for Credit and Trade-in Lossses (Details) - Equipment Installment Plan Receivable [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
EIP receivables, gross	$ 32,201	$ 16,109
Deferred interest	(1,600)	(807)
EIP receivables, net of deferred interest	30,601	15,302
Allowance for credit and trade-in losses	(6,151)	(2,450)
EIP receivables, net	$ 24,450	$ 12,852

Equipment Installment Plan Re42

Equipment Installment Plan Receivables EIP Receivables, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 52,771	$ 43,668
Deferred charges and other assets	20,869	18,474
Advance billings and customer deposits	(12,266)	(14,553)
Other Long-Term Liabilities	(67,073)	(45,016)
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	14,656	5,551
Deferred charges and other assets	11,394	8,108
Advance billings and customer deposits	(957)	(807)
Other Long-Term Liabilities	(643)	0
EIP receivables, net	$ 24,450	$ 12,852

Property, Plan And Equipment (N

Property, Plan And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation	$ 13.9	$ 19.2	$ 27.8	$ 37.5

Property, Plan And Equipment (D

Property, Plan And Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
		Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment		$ 585,296	$ 585,296	$ 568,224
Under construction		42,133	42,133	18,213
Property, plant and equipment, gross		627,429	627,429	586,437
Less: accumulated depreciation		319,007	319,007	296,490
Property, plant and equipment, net		308,422	308,422	289,947
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment		94,714	$ 94,714	91,512
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			2 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			18 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment		459,893	$ 459,893	445,940
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			5 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life			17 years
Land and Building [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment		$ 30,689	$ 30,689	$ 30,772
Land and Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life	[1]	39 years
Land and Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Estimated Useful Life		50 years
[1]	* Leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms.

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 200		$ 800	$ 400	$ 1,500
Radio Spectrum License [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Assets transferred to assets held for sale		$ 57,911		0		$ 57,900
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of		$ 28,990		$ 0		$ 29,000

Intangible Assets Schedule of i

Intangible Assets Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 63,700	$ 63,700
Radio spectrum licenses		44,933
Goodwill	63,700	63,700	$ 63,700
Radio spectrum licenses	44,933	44,933	44,933
Radio Spectrum License [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Radio spectrum licenses	131,834	44,933
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of	(28,990)	0	(29,000)
Assets transferred to assets held for sale	(57,911)	0	(57,900)
Radio spectrum licenses	$ 44,933	$ 44,933	$ 44,933

Intangible Assets (Finite-Lived

Intangible Assets (Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$ 43,900		$ 43,900		$ 43,900
Accumulated Amortization	(39,212)		(39,212)		(38,816)
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	4,688		4,688		5,084
Amortization of Intangible Assets	200	$ 800	$ 400	$ 1,500
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life			17 years 6 months
Gross Amount	36,900		$ 36,900		36,900
Accumulated Amortization	(34,468)		(34,468)		(34,305)
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	2,432		$ 2,432		2,595
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life			15 years
Gross Amount	7,000		$ 7,000		7,000
Accumulated Amortization	(4,744)		(4,744)		(4,511)
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	$ 2,256		$ 2,256		$ 2,489

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Det

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details)	Nov. 09, 2012USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Blended average interest rate		6.30%	6.40%	6.30%	6.40%
Maximum restricted payments leverage ratio		4.25		4.25
Addition to restricted payment basket	$ 6,500,000
Balance of restricted payment basket		$ 73,100,000		$ 73,100,000
Restricted payments leverage ratio, current		4.45		4.45
Vehicles [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of capital leases		$ 2,400,000		$ 2,400,000
Accumulated depreciation		1,400,000		1,400,000
Total future minimum lease payments		700,000		700,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
remainder of 2015		200,000		200,000
2,016		300,000		300,000
2,017		100,000		100,000
2,018		100,000		100,000
2,019		$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	150,000,000
Term Loan A balance outstanding transferred to Term Loan B						$ 148,100,000
Term A Loan, unamortized deferred fees written off						500,000
Term A Loan, unamortized discount written off						200,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	$ 350,000,000
Additional borrowings						40,000,000
Fee amount						3,800,000
Deferred finance costs						3,700,000
Unamortized discount						$ 500,000

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Lon

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$ 522,156	$ 524,504
Capital lease obligations	683	904
Debt and capital lease obligations, Total	522,839	525,408
Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,728	5,816
Long-term debt	$ 517,111	$ 519,592

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Fut

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - Term Loan B [Member] $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2015	$ 2,702
2,016	5,405
2,017	5,405
2,018	5,405
2,019	506,725
Total	$ 525,642

Restructuring Charges Restructu

Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	$ 7,274,000			$ 7,274,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	3,211,000	$ 3,400,000		3,400,000
Restructuring	1,602,000	2,009,000	$ 0	3,610,000	$ 0
Utilization	(1,292,000)	(2,198,000)
Restructuring Reserve	3,521,000	3,211,000		3,521,000
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	3,714,000			3,714,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	1,670,000	1,496,000		1,496,000
Restructuring	479,000	1,654,000
Utilization	(789,000)	(1,480,000)
Restructuring Reserve	1,360,000	1,670,000		1,360,000
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	2,479,000			2,479,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	567,000	917,000		917,000
Restructuring	1,113,000	338,000
Utilization	(493,000)	(688,000)
Restructuring Reserve	1,187,000	567,000		1,187,000
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date	1,081,000			1,081,000
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	974,000	987,000		987,000
Restructuring	10,000	17,000
Utilization	(10,000)	(30,000)
Restructuring Reserve	974,000	$ 974,000		974,000
Minimum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	45,000,000			45,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	3,000,000			3,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	40,000,000			40,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	2,000,000			2,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	55,000,000			55,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	5,000,000			5,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	45,000,000			45,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 5,000,000			$ 5,000,000

Financial Instruments (Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Interest rate cap purchased, cost	$ 900,000
Notional amount of interest rate cap	$ 350,000,000
Interest rate cap rate	1.00%
CoBank [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Equity method investments		$ 1,500,000	$ 1,500,000

Financial Instruments (Schedule

Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Face Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans		$ 525,642	$ 528,345
Capital lease obligations		683	904
Interest rate cap asset	[1]	350,000	350,000
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value		1,522	1,522
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans		522,156	525,504
Capital lease obligations		683	904
Interest rate cap asset		0	0
Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans		459,937	459,660
Capital lease obligations		683	904
Interest rate cap asset		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	* Notional amount

Equity and Earnings Per Share54

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share (shares)	1.6	1.8	1.6	1.8

Equity and Earnings Per Share55

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income applicable to participating securities	$ 1,610	$ 484	$ 16,406	$ 1,770
Denominator:
Total shares outstanding (shares)	22,234	21,685	22,234	21,685	21,616
Less: unvested shares (shares)	(965)	(574)	(965)	(574)
Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares (shares)	(27)	(12)	(51)	(21)
Denominator for basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding (shares)	21,242	21,099	21,218	21,090
Plus: weighted average unvested shares (shares)	965	578	821	522
Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options (shares)	357	362	308	425
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share - weighted average shares outstanding (shares)	22,564	22,039	22,347	22,037
Restricted Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Net income applicable to participating securities	$ 70	$ 0	$ 611	$ 0
Common Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Net income applicable to participating securities	$ 1,540	$ 484	$ 15,795	$ 1,770

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Detail

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted	$ 1.72	$ 1.02
Total intrinsic value of options exercised (less than $0.1 million)	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Total fair value of options vested	$ 0.5	$ 1.3
Shares available for employee stock purchase plan	100,000
Shares price percentage	85.00%
Shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan	6,635	4,101
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	$ 0.7
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period, in years	2 years 8 months 23 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	503,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	$ 3
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period, in years	2 years 1 month 4 days
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	28,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	$ 0.5
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period, in years	1 year 7 months 29 days
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock options issued	261,503
Beginning of vesting period after grant date for Employee Equity Incentive Plan, in years	1 year
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	415,401
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	28,031
Dividend equivalent units accrued	$ 0.2
Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options issued under Employee Equity Incentive Plan vest fractionally annually	25.00%
Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	87,525

Stock Plans (Summary Of Stock O

Stock Plans (Summary Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total
Options
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	1,583
Granted during the period (in shares)	261
Exercised during the period (in shares)	(1)
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	(272)
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	1,571
Exercisable at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	910
Total expected to vest after June 30, 2015 (in shares)	595
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 19.09
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	6
Exercised during the period (in dollars per share)	0.58
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	20.97
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in dollars per share)	16.60
Exercisable at June 30, 2015 (in dollars per share)	20.16
Total expected to vest after June 30, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 13.01
Additional Stock Options Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 11 months 2 days
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 11 months 2 days
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Exercisable at June 30, 2015, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 0

Stock Plans (Summary Of Restric

Stock Plans (Summary Of Restricted Stock Awards Activity) (Details) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Total
Units
Number of shares outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	245
Granted during the period (in shares)	503
Vested during the period (in shares)	(75)
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	(7)
Number of shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	666
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per PSU
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 14.93
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	5.37
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	18.97
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	16.10
Shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 7.24

Stock Plans (Summary of Perform

Stock Plans (Summary of Performance Stock Awards Activity) (Details) - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2015 - Performance Shares [Member] - $ / shares shares in Thousands	Total
Units
Number of shares outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in shares)	99
Granted during the period (in shares)	28
Vested during the period (in shares)	(1)
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	(10)
Number of shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in shares)	116
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per PSU
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 11.24
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	7.33
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	12.47
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	11.22
Shares outstanding at June 30, 2015 (in dollars per share)	$ 10.29

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Total
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax reconciliation of statutory tax rate	$ 1.1	$ 11.1

Strategic Network Alliance (Det

Strategic Network Alliance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Stategic Network Alliance [Abstract]
Attributable Annual Non-Cash Spectrum Lease Expense			$ 4.9
Percentage of revenue	33.30%	31.20%	31.00%	31.70%

Tower Sale and Leaseback (Detai

Tower Sale and Leaseback (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)tower	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Description of sale leaseback transaction			the Company completed its sale leaseback transaction for 96 of 103 towers
Number of properties sold | tower			91
Number of properties committed to being sold | tower			103
Net proceeds from sale leaseback transaction	$ 1,600		$ 40,400
Gain on sale of assets	802	$ 0	$ 16,749	$ 0
Leaseback term			10 years
Description of accounting for leaseback			The deferred gain is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the lease of approximately 10 years
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred gain	14,700		$ 14,700
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Deferred gain	2,700		2,700
Gain on Sale of Assets [Member]
Sale Leaseback Transaction [Line Items]
Gain on sale of assets	$ 800		$ 16,700

Commitments And Contingencies O

Commitments And Contingencies Other Commitments (Details) - Jun. 30, 2015 - Tower Leases [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Term of contract	10 years
Future minimum payments due	$ 21