NTELOS 10-K 27 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 24, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NTELOS HOLDINGS CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001328571	'	'
Trading Symbol	'ntls	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	21,527,846	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$253.30
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash	$88,441	$76,197
Restricted cash	2,167	0
Accounts receivable, net	37,740	51,301
Inventories and supplies	23,962	9,581
Deferred income taxes	10,650	4,297
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,808	17,695
Total current assets	183,768	159,071
Securities and Investments	1,499	1,499
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	319,376	303,103
Intangible Assets	'	'
Goodwill	63,700	63,700
Radio spectrum licenses	131,834	132,033
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	6,985	9,996
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	9,089	10,712
TOTAL ASSETS	716,251	680,114
Current Liabilities	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	5,410	5,429
Accounts payable	33,677	23,445
Dividends payable	9,034	0
Advance billings and customer deposits	13,333	12,085
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	18,056	22,372
Total current liabilities	79,510	63,331
Long-Term Debt	484,956	488,650
Retirement Benefits	11,995	21,029
Deferred Income Taxes	62,893	35,231
Other Long-Term Liabilities	33,104	27,338
Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total	592,948	572,248
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; 21,511 shares issued and 21,503 shares outstanding (21,262 shares issued and 21,261 shares outstanding at December 31, 2012)	214	212
Additional paid in capital	44,462	51,005
Treasury stock, at cost, 8 shares (1 share at December 31, 2012)	-147	-3
Retained earnings	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-1,246	-6,689
Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity	43,283	44,525
Noncontrolling Interests	510	10
Stockholders' Equity, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest, Total	43,793	44,535
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$716,251	$680,114

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	55,000,000	55,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,519,000	21,262,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,510,000	21,261,000
Treasury stock, shares	9,000	1,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$491,882	$453,989	$422,629
Operating Expenses	'	'	'
Cost of sales and services	184,590	174,683	143,323
Customer operations	130,650	120,150	117,105
Corporate operations	32,304	32,756	32,864
Depreciation and amortization	72,944	63,258	63,083
Gain on sale of intangible assets	-4,442	0	0
Operating expenses, total	416,046	390,847	356,375
Operating Income	75,836	63,142	66,254
Other Expense	'	'	'
Interest expense	-29,743	-22,944	-23,380
Other expense, net	-810	-7,194	-3,071
Other Expense, Total	-30,553	-30,138	-26,451
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes	45,283	33,004	39,803
Income Taxes	18,544	12,676	16,363
Income from Continuing Operations	26,739	20,328	23,440
Discontinued Operations, net	'	0	-45,386	[1]
Net Income (Loss)	26,739	20,328	-21,946
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-2,061	-1,941	-1,769
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	$24,678	$18,387	($23,715)
Basic	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.17	$0.88	$1.04
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	'	$0	($2.18)
Total (in dollars per share)	$1.17	$0.88	($1.14)
Diluted	'	'	'
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$1.13	$0.86	$1.02
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$0	$0	($2.13)
Total (in dollars per share)	$1.13	$0.86	($1.11)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	21,026	20,889	20,779
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,826	21,337	21,276
Cash Dividends Declared per Share - Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$1.68	$1.68	$2.10
[1]	(1) Includes results through October 31, 2011.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	$24,678	$18,387	($23,715)
Other Comprehensive Income:	'	'	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, net of $167, $335 and $254 of deferred income taxes in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively	263	526	399
Unrecognized gain (loss) from defined benefit plans, net of $3,299, $1,756, and $7,764 of deferred income taxes in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively	5,180	2,758	-12,198
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	30,121	21,671	-35,514
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	2,061	1,941	1,769
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$32,182	$23,612	($33,745)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$167	$335	$254
Unrecognized gain (loss) from defined benefit plans, tax	$3,299	$1,756	$7,764

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$26,739	$20,328	($21,946)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Loss from discontinued operations	'	0	45,386	[1]
Depreciation and amortization	72,944	63,258	63,083
Gain on sale of intangible assets	-4,442	0	0
Deferred income taxes	16,968	16,147	15,325
Equity-based compensation	5,553	6,029	6,072
Amortization of loan origination costs and debt discount	2,814	3,284	4,357
Write off unamortized debt issuance costs	0	6,816	1,854
Retirement benefits and other	2,346	3,642	4,716
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	13,561	-15,009	-769
Inventories and supplies	-14,381	-2,011	-512
Other current assets	-1,577	-3,464	-2,119
Income taxes	0	-1,668	11,317
Accounts payable	10,232	3,660	-998
Other current liabilities	-4,147	12,189	-4,802
Retirement benefit contributions and distributions	-206	-4,184	-4,947
Net cash provided by operating activities	126,404	109,017	116,017
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-80,708	-71,760	-58,251
Restricted cash pledged for letter of credit	-2,167	0	0
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	4,644	0	0
Business separation cash received	0	0	315,000
Other, net	-2,613	127	366
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-80,844	-71,633	257,115
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	0	495,000	0
Debt issuance and refinancing costs	0	-7,464	-1,637
Repayments on senior secured term loans	-5,000	-462,087	-290,600
Cash dividends paid on common stock	-27,054	-44,526	-47,153
Capital distributions to noncontrolling interests	-1,561	-1,481	-1,539
Proceeds from stock option exercises and employee stock purchase plan	0	85	1,133
Other, net	299	-664	-1,091
Net cash used in financing activities	-33,316	-21,137	-340,887
Net cash provided by operating activities from discontinued operations	0	0	63,874
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations	0	0	-52,497
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations	0	0	21,072
Cash taken at Business Separation	0	0	-19,931
Net cash provided by discontinued operations	0	0	12,518
Increase in cash	12,244	16,247	44,763
Cash, beginning of period	76,197	59,950	15,187
Cash, end of period	$88,441	$76,197	$59,950
[1]	(1) Includes results through October 31, 2011.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$178,859	$212	$173,377	($12,862)	$30,210	($11,398)	$179,539	($680)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	21,246	'	264	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation	7,514	'	2,880	4,634	'	'	7,514	'
Equity-based compensation (in shares)	'	-51	'	-156	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-44,306	'	'	'	-44,306	'	-44,306	'
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,539	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,539
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	-23,715	'	'	'	-23,715	'	-23,715	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	399	'	'	'	'	399	399	'
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	-12,198	'	'	'	'	-12,198	-12,198	'
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,769	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,769
Spin-off of Lumos Networks	-55,649	'	-110,666	'	41,793	13,224	-55,649	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	51,134	212	65,591	-8,228	3,982	-9,973	51,584	-450
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	21,195	'	108	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation	5,484	'	-2,741	8,225	'	'	5,484	'
Equity-based compensation (in shares)	'	67	'	-107	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-35,624	'	-13,255	'	-22,369	'	-35,624	'
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,481	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,481
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	18,387	'	'	'	18,387	'	18,387	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	526	'	'	'	'	526	526	'
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	2,758	'	'	'	'	2,758	2,758	'
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,941	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,941
Spin-off of Lumos Networks	1,410	'	1,410	'	'	'	1,410	'
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	44,535	212	51,005	-3	0	-6,689	44,525	10
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	21,262	'	1	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation	4,912	2	5,054	-144	'	'	4,912	'
Equity-based compensation (in shares)	'	257	'	8	'	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared	-36,275	'	-11,597	'	-24,678	'	-36,275	'
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,561	'	'	'	'	'	0	-1,561
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	24,678	'	'	'	24,678	'	24,678	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	263	'	'	'	'	263	263	'
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	5,180	'	'	'	'	5,180	5,180	'
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,061	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,061
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$43,793	$214	$44,462	($147)	$0	($1,246)	$43,283	$510
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	21,519	'	9	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$167	$335	$254
Recognized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$3,299	$1,756	$7,764

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business
	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 14 for additional information regarding this arrangement. The Company does not have any independent operations.
	Holdings Corp. was formed in January 2005 for the purpose of acquiring NTELOS Inc. On January 18, 2005, Holdings Corp. entered into an agreement with NTELOS Inc. and certain of its stockholders to acquire the common stock of NTELOS Inc. On February 24, 2005, Holdings Corp. purchased 24.9% of NTELOS Inc. common stock and stock warrants. By May 2005, the Company had acquired all of NTELOS Inc.’s common shares, warrants and vested options. During the first quarter of 2006, Holdings Corp. completed an initial public offering of its common stock. Quadrangle Capital Partners LLP and certain of its affiliates (“Quadrangle”), a founding member of Holdings Corp., owns approximately 19% of the Company’s common shares as of December 31, 2013.
	On October 31, 2011, the Company completed the spin-off of Lumos Networks Corp. (“Lumos Networks”), which constituted the Company’s competitive wireline and rural local exchange carrier operations as reported in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in prior periods. The results of operations and cash flows from the Company’s former wireline business are presented as discontinued operations for all periods presented. The footnotes accompanying these consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations and, unless otherwise noted, exclude information related to Lumos Networks. See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Company’s discontinued operations.

Business_Separation

Business Separation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Separation [Abstract]	'
Business Separation	'
	Business Separation
	On December 7, 2010, the Company’s board of directors approved a plan to create separate wireless and wireline businesses (hereinafter referred to as the “Business Separation”) by spinning off the wireline business into a newly formed publicly traded company Lumos Networks. On October 14, 2011, the Company announced a distribution date of October 31, 2011 for the spin-off of all the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Lumos Networks. Prior to and in connection with the Business Separation, following the market close of October 31, 2011, the Company effectuated a 1-for-2 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value. The spin-off of Lumos Networks was in the form of a tax-free stock distribution to the Company’s stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 24, 2011, the record date.
	The results for discontinued operations were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2011(1)
	Operating revenues	$	166,566
	Loss before income taxes	(52,522		)
	Income tax benefit	(7,136		)
	Loss from discontinued operations	(45,386		)
	(1)	Includes results through October 31, 2011.
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations in 2011 includes an $86.3 million impairment charge, which was allocated as follows: goodwill $33.4 million, franchise rights $32.0 million, property, plant and equipment $16.0 million, customer relationships $4.7 million and trademarks $0.2 million. The primary factor contributing to the impairment charge was the expectation of lower revenues in the future from other telecommunication carriers for originating and terminating interstate and intrastate long distance calls due to the Federal Communication Commission’s October 27, 2011 order, comprehensively reforming its Universal Service Fund and intercarrier compensation systems, together with carrier network grooming efforts.
	Income (loss) before income taxes includes an interest expense charge related to the incremental interest allocated to discontinued operations attributable to the $283.0 million required debt pay down for 2011 pursuant to terms of the agreement.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information	'
	Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The results of operations and operating cash flows from the former wireline business are presented as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011. The footnotes accompanying these consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations and, unless otherwise noted, exclude information related to Lumos Networks. See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Business Separation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those limited liability corporations where the Company or certain of its subsidiaries, as managing member, exercises control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 and 2011 consolidated financial statements and notes to conform to the 2013 presentation.
	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. Revenues are recognized as services are provided. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. PCS handset equipment 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.
	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.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company sells its PCS services to individuals and commercial end-users and to other communication carriers primarily in Virginia, West Virginia and parts of Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. The Company has credit and collection policies to maximize collection of trade receivables and requires deposits on certain sales. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical results, current and expected trends and changes in credit policies. Management believes the allowance adequately covers all anticipated losses with respect to trade receivables. Actual credit losses could differ from such estimates. The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	4,811		$	15,666		$	14,134
	Charged to operating expenses (1)	15,511			9,453			10,433
	Deductions (2)	(13,781		)	(20,308		)	(8,901		)
	Balance at end of year	$	6,541		$	4,811		$	15,666
	(1)	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded primarily in customer operations expense.
	(2)	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012
	Accrued interest	4,584			300
	Accrued payroll	5,760			4,056
	Accrued taxes	3,842			3,318
	Other *	3,870			14,698
	Total	$	18,056		$	22,372
	* Included in this category is an accrual of $10.0 million at December 31, 2012 relating to disputes associated with the SNA which were settled in September 2013. See Note 14.
	Inventories and Supplies
	The Company’s inventories and supplies consist primarily of items held for resale such as devices and accessories. The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis). Market value is determined by reviewing current replacement cost, marketability and obsolescence.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
	Goodwill and radio spectrum licenses are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but are instead tested for impairment annually, on October 1, or more frequently if an event indicates that the asset might be impaired.
	Before employing detailed impairment testing, the Company first evaluates the likelihood of impairment by considering relevant qualitative factors that may have a significant bearing on fair value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, we apply detailed testing methodologies. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment exists. For detailed testing, the Company uses a two-step process to test for goodwill impairment. Step one requires a determination of the fair value of each of the reporting units and, to the extent that this fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value (including goodwill), the step two calculation of implied fair value of goodwill is not required and no impairment loss is recognized. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company utilizes a combination of a discounted cash flow model and an analysis which allocates enterprise value to the reporting units.
	The radio spectrum licenses relate primarily to PCS licenses in the markets that we serve. The Company considers a number of valuation methods, including market based and the Greenfield cash flow method, in its impairment testing for these assets.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. The application of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed for year ended December 31, 2013.
	In September 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An organization that elects to perform a qualitative assessment is required to perform the quantitative impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company has applied the requirements of this ASU to its impairment testing beginning with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. The application of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's annual goodwill impairment test performed for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU clarifies how to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and interim periods within those years and requires footnote disclosures regarding significant changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and the line items affected in the statement of operations. The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 13 for additional disclosure.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Financial Information	'
	Note 4. Supplemental Financial Information
	Cash
	The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. The total held in the market rate savings accounts at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $36.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively. The remaining $51.9 million and $66.5 million of cash at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 wireless service coverage by the applicable deadline in 2016. The Company obtained the first 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.
	Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
	An asset retirement obligation is evaluated and recorded as appropriate on assets for which the Company has a legal obligation to retire. The Company records a liability for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost at the time the underlying asset is acquired. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation, if any.
	The Company enters into long-term leasing arrangements primarily for tower sites and retail store locations. The Company constructs assets at these locations and, in accordance with the terms of many of these agreements, the Company is obligated to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the agreements, generally at the demand of the other party to these agreements. The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and capitalizes that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset, depreciating it over the useful life of the related asset.
	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2013		2012
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	16,767	$	15,686
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	5,181		438
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	680		643
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	22,628	$	16,767
	At December 31, 2013, the Company revised cost estimates used to determine the fair value of its asset retirement obligations resulting in a $5.0 million increase in the liability and related assets.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs and marketing production costs as incurred (included within customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations). Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $17.3 million, $16.2 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Cash payments for:
	Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	22,693	$	19,870	$	34,561
	Income taxes	4,087		1,761		2,036
	Cash received from income tax refunds	3,704		56		11,064
	Supplemental investing and financing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,272		6,127		4,460
	Borrowings under capital leases	380		638		752
	Dividends declared not paid	9,221		—		8,902
	The amount of interest capitalized was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Property_Plan_And_Equipment

Property, Plan And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Land and buildings	$	34,223	$	33,556
	Network plant and equipment	471,032		475,090
	Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	103,181		102,862
		608,436		611,508
	Under construction	6,430		6,565
		614,866		618,073
	Less: accumulated depreciation	295,490		314,970
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	319,376	$	303,103
	Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which the Company reviews and updates based on historical experiences and future expectations. Buildings are depreciated over a 50-year life and leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms. Network plant and equipment, which includes cell towers and site costs, and switch, cell site and other network equipment, are depreciated over various lives ranging from 5 to 17 years, with a weighted average life of approximately 10 years. Furniture, fixtures and other equipment are depreciated over various lives ranging from 2 to 18 years.
	The Company formally evaluates the appropriateness of estimated useful lives on at least an annual basis. Consideration is given to the trends in technological evolution and the telecommunications industry, the Company’s maintenance practices and the functional condition of long-lived assets in relation to the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. When necessary, adjustments are made to the applicable useful life of an asset class or depreciation is accelerated for assets that have been identified for retirement prior to the expiration of the original useful life. In December 2012, the Company decided to replace all remaining legacy Single-Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (“1xRTT”) base stations with new base stations that support Evolution Data Optimized Revision A (“EV-DO”) technology and in 2013, the Company upgraded several markets to 4G/LTE, resulting in an adjustment to the applicable useful life for these assets. The incremental depreciation expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $10.3 million and $9.1 million, respectively.
	The Company reviews property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be evaluated pursuant to the subsequent measurement guidance described in FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to management’s best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value is recorded as an impairment charge. The Company believes that no impairment exists as of December 31, 2013.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 or more frequently if an event indicates that the asset might be impaired. The Company assesses the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually on October 1 and whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. The Company believes that no impairment exists as of December 31, 2013.
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following:
				31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
	(In thousands)	Estimated		Gross Amount				Accumulated				Gross Amount		Accumulated
		Useful Life						Amortization						Amortization
	Customer relationships	7 to 8 years		$	36,900			$	(32,871	)		$	36,900	$	(30,326	)
	Trademarks	15 years		7,000				(4,044		)		7,000		(3,578		)
	Total			$	43,900			$	(36,915	)		$	43,900	$	(33,904	)
	The Company amortizes its amortizable intangible assets using the straight-line method unless it determines that another systematic method is more appropriate.
	The estimated life of amortizable intangible assets is determined from the unique factors specific to each asset and the Company reviews and updates estimated lives based on later events and future expectations. The Company capitalizes costs incurred to renew or extend the term of a recognized intangible asset and amortizes such costs over the remaining life of the asset. No such costs were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2011 through 2013, respectively. Amortization expense was $3.0 million, $3.3 million, $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be as follows:
	(In thousands)	Customer				Trademarks				Total
		Relationships
	2014	$	2,544			$	467			$	3,011
	2015	1,485				467				1,952
	2016	—				467				467
	2017	—				467				467
	Thereafter	—				1,088				1,088
		$	4,029			$	2,956			$	6,985

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$	489,441	$	492,984
	Capital lease obligations	925		1,095
		490,366		494,079
	Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,410		5,429
	Long-term debt	$	484,956	$	488,650
	Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Lease Obligations
	On November 9, 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to its Credit Agreement dated as of August 7, 2009 (the “Original Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the Original Credit Agreement in its entirety (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement were used by the Company to refinance amounts outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement and to pay closing costs and other expenses, with the remaining proceeds of $30.2 million available for working capital and other corporate purposes. Aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, based on the contractual terms of the instruments, were $493.8 million as of December 31, 2013.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for (1) a new term loan A in the aggregate amount of $150.0 million (the “Term Loan A”); and (2) a new 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”). The Term Loan A matures in August 2015, with quarterly payments of approximately $0.4 million beginning December 31, 2013 and continuing through June 30, 2015, and the remainder due on August 7, 2015. The Term Loan B matures in November 2019, with quarterly payments of approximately $0.9 million beginning December 31, 2013 and continuing through September 30, 2019, and the remainder due on November 9, 2019.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also permits incremental commitments of up to $125.0 million (the “Incremental Commitments”) of which up to $35.0 million can be in the form of a revolving credit facility. The ability to incur the Incremental Commitments is subject to various restrictions and conditions, including having a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) not in excess of 4.50:1.00 at the time of incurrence (calculated on a pro forma basis). As of December 31, 2013, there were no commitments associated with the Incremental Commitments.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided that the Term Loan A be issued at a 1.0% discount ($1.5 million) and bear interest at a rate equal to either 3.5% above the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) or 2.5% above the Base Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), and the Term Loan B be issued at a 1.0% discount ($3.5 million) and bear interest at a rate equal to either 4.75% above the Eurodollar Rate or 3.75% above the Base Rate. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides that the Eurodollar Rate shall never be less than 1.0% per annum and the Base Rate shall never be less than 2.0% per annum.
	All loans outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority pledge of substantially all property and assets of NTELOS Inc. and all material subsidiaries, as guarantors. The Term Loan A provides for a maximum Leverage Ratio of 5.00:1.00. A breach by NTELOS Inc. of the maximum Leverage Ratio will not constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Term Loan B until the earlier of (x) 180 days after delivery by NTELOS Inc. of a compliance certificate showing such breach unless (A) such default has been waived by the lenders holding the Term Loan A or otherwise ceases to exist or (B) the Term Loan A has been repaid in full and (y) the date the lenders holding the Term Loan A accelerate the maturity of the Term Loan A as a result of such breach. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, restrict the ability of NTELOS Inc. and its guarantors to incur additional debt, grant liens, make investments, sell assets and make Restricted Payments (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which include paying dividends).
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a Restricted Payments basket, initially set at $50.0 million, which can be used to make Restricted Payments, including the ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock or advance funds to the Company. This Restricted Payment basket increases by $6.5 million per quarter and decreases by actual Restricted Payments made after the date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and by certain investments and debt prepayments made after the date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	In addition, the Restricted Payment basket increases by the positive amount, if any, of 50% (or, if the Leverage Ratio as of the most recently ended twelve month period, was less than 2.75:1.0, 75%) of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), for the most recently ended fiscal quarter in excess of $10.0 million. NTELOS Inc. may not make Restricted Payments if its Leverage Ratio (calculated on a pro forma basis) is greater than to 4.25:1.00. In addition, this Restricted Payments basket increases by the amount of any mandatory prepayments on the Term Loans to the extent the lenders decline to receive such prepayment. There was no additional Excess Cash Flow for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. The balance of the Restricted Payments basket as of December 31, 2013 was $61.4 million.
	Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, mandatory debt prepayments of 50% of Excess Cash Flow for the most recently ended fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013) must be made by the 90th day of the following year, if the Leverage Ratio is above 4.50:1.00. Mandatory debt prepayments of 25% of Excess Cash Flow for a fiscal year must be made by the 90th day of the following year, if the Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 4.50:1.00 but above 3.75:1.00. If NTELOS Inc.’s Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 3.75:1.00 for a fiscal year, NTELOS Inc. is not required to make an Excess Cash Flow mandatory debt prepayment for that fiscal year. At December 31, 2013, NTELOS Inc.’s Leverage Ratio (as defined under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) was 3.27:1.00.
	In connection with the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and other financing activities, the Company incurred approximately $7.5 million in creditor and third-party fees, of which $7.0 million was deferred and is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest method. Amortization of these costs for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $2.1 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The Company also deferred $5.0 million in debt discounts related to the Term Loans noted above, which are being accreted to the Term Loans using the effective interest method over the life of the debt and are reflected in interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Accretion of these discounts for each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.9 million. Additionally, the Company wrote off a proportionate amount of the unamortized deferred fees and discount from the Original Credit Agreement, as amended, totaling $5.0 million of deferred issuance costs and $1.8 million of debt discount for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are reflected in Other Expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2013, excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Term		Term		Total
		Loan A		Loan B
	2014	$	1,500	$	3,500	$	5,000
	2015	146,625		3,500		150,125
	2016	—		3,500		3,500
	2017	—		3,500		3,500
	2018	—		3,500		3,500
	Thereafter	—		328,125		328,125
	Total	$	148,125	$	345,625	$	493,750
	The Company’s blended average interest rate on its long-term debt was approximately 6.1% and 4.9% for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	On January 31, 2014, the Company completed the refinancing of the existing Term Loan A, which converted the outstanding principal balance of $148.1 million of Term Loan A into Term Loan B and an additional $40.0 million was borrowed under Term Loan B. See Note 16 for further information.
	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 December 31, 2013, the carrying value and accumulated depreciation of these assets was $2.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total net present value of the Company’s future minimum lease payments is $0.9 million. As of December 31, 2013, the principal portion of these capital lease obligations is due as follows: $0.4 million in 2014, $0.3 million in 2015, $0.2 million in 2016 and less than $0.1 million in 2017.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 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 December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had an investment in CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) of $1.5 million. This investment is primarily related to patronage distributions of restricted equity and was a required investment related to the portion of the Term Loans held by CoBank. This investment is carried under the cost method as it is not practicable to estimate fair value.
	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 a $0.7 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2013. The Company recorded an immaterial loss on the previous interest rate cap for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
	The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
		Face			Carrying		Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Amount		Value
	31-Dec-13
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	88,441		$	88,441	$	88,441
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term Loans	493,750			489,441		495,848
	Capital lease obligations	925			925		925
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000		*	229		229
	31-Dec-12
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	76,197		$	76,197	$	76,197
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Original Credit Agreement	498,750			492,984		481,418
	Capital lease obligations	1,095			1,095		1,095
	*	Notional amount
	The fair values of the Term Loans under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement were derived based on bid prices at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The fair value of the derivative instrument was based on a quoted market price at December 31, 2013. These instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy described in FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which are inputs, other than quoted prices, observable by a marketplace participant either directly or indirectly.

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share

Equity and Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Equity and Earnings Per Share	'
	Equity and Earnings Per Share
	On February 24, 2014, the Company’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock in the amount of $0.42 per share to be paid on April 11, 2014 to stockholders of record on March 14, 2014.
	On August 24, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to $40.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company may conduct its purchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through derivative transactions or through purchases made in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The share repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. Through December 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased 523,233 shares for $16.9 million. The Company did not repurchase any of its common shares during fiscal years 2011 through 2013 under the authorization. Additionally, during the fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the Company repurchased $0.1 million of restricted common stock in order to satisfy certain minimum tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock.
	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation	$	24,678		$	18,387		$	(23,715	)
	Denominator:
	Total shares outstanding	21,510			21,261			21,087
	Less: unvested shares	(443		)	(332		)	(252		)
	Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares	(41		)	(40		)	(56		)
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,026			20,889			20,779
	Plus: weighted average unvested shares	422			322			454
	Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options	285			126			43
	Plus: performance stock units	93			—			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,826			21,337			21,276
	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. The Company's unvested restricted stock awards have rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the denominator for diluted earnings per common share excludes approximately 1.8 million shares, 1.8 million shares and 0.8 million shares, respectively, 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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, which permits the grant of long-term incentives to employees, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock units, incentive awards, other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans is 4,025,000. The Company also has a non-employee director equity plan (the “Non-Employee Director Equity Plan”). The total number of shares of common stock originally available for grant under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan is 200,000. 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 year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued 751,089 stock options under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 43,000 stock options under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued 796,337 stock options under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 32,434 stock options under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. The options issued under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans generally vest one-fourth annually beginning one year after the grant date and the options issued under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan cliff vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued 153,372 shares of restricted stock under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 14,455 shares of restricted stock under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company issued 117,073 shares of restricted stock under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 10,729 shares of restricted stock under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. The restricted shares granted under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans generally cliff vest on the first or 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 year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 110,327 performance stock units ("PSUs") under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans to certain key employees. The PSUs cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date 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.
	Stock options must be granted under the Equity Incentive Plans at not less than 100% of fair value on the date of grant and have a maximum life of ten years from the date of grant. Stock options and other awards under the Equity Incentive Plans may be exercised in compliance with such requirements as determined by the Compensation Committee.
	Effective in 2010, upon the exercise of stock options or upon the grant of restricted stock under the Equity Incentive Plans, shares have been and are expected to continue to be issued from the treasury stock balance, if any. If no treasury shares are available for issuance, new common shares are expected to be issued.
	The Company accounts for share-based employee compensation plans under FASB ASC 718, Stock Compensation. Equity-based compensation expense from share-based equity awards is recorded with an offsetting increase to additional paid in capital on the consolidated balance sheet. For equity awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
	The fair value of each common stock option award granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was estimated on the respective grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant, with a term equal to the expected life of the options. The Company uses its post-February 2006 initial public offering volatility to estimate volatility assumptions for each year. The expected option life represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical experience. The expected dividend yield is estimated based on the Company’s historical and expected dividend yields at the date of the grant.
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	1.3% to 1.5%		1.0% to 1.7%		1.4% to 3.1%
	Expected volatility	39.3% to 39.6%		37.9% to 39.4%		37.9% to 39.5%
	Weighted-average expected volatility	39.40%		38.50%		38.70%
	Expected dividend yield	12.9% to 14.2%		7.2% to 11.6%		5.8% to 7.9%
	Weighted-average expected dividend yield	13.50%		7.70%		5.90%
	Expected term	7 years		7 years		7 years
	Total equity-based compensation expense related to all of the Company’s share-based equity awards for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions was allocated as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Cost of sales and services	$	634			$	1,199		$	799
	Customer operations	1,067				1,072			1,067
	Corporate operations	3,852				3,758			4,206
	Equity-based compensation expense	$	5,553			$	6,029		$	6,072
	Future charges for equity-based compensation related to instruments outstanding at December 31, 2013 for the years 2014 through 2016 are estimated to be $3.3 million, $2.3 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Upon the Business Separation on October 31, 2011, all outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards for the Company’s employees and non-employee directors were replaced with 1,057,737 and 269,844 Company stock options and restricted stock awards, respectively, based on a formula designed to preserve the intrinsic value and fair value of the awards immediately prior to the Business Separation. These awards had substantially the same terms and conditions as the underlying former stock options and restricted stock awards. There was no incremental compensation expense to the Company related to the replacement of the former share-based compensation awards. Any unrecognized compensation expense related to the replaced awards will be recognized by the Company over the remaining vesting period of the awards.
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s stock option awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price per			Contractual
					Share			Term
	Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,826			$	22.47
	Granted during the period	794			12.44
	Exercised during the period	(11	)		12.16
	Forfeited during the period	(6	)		23.7
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,603			$	19.45		7.6		$	6,533
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,018			$	22.67		6.1		$	161
	Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013	1,427			$	19.31
	The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.71, $3.32 and $4.90, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was less than $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $1.6 million, $1.2 million and $1.7 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was approximately $2.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.3 years.
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 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, 2013	284			$	22.38
	Granted during the period	167			12.57
	Vested during the period	(126	)		22.19
	Forfeited during the period	—			—
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2013	325			$	17.41
	As of December 31, 2013, there was $2.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 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 year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
	Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2013	—
	Granted during the period	110			12.79
	Vested during the period	—
	Forfeited during the period	—
	Performance stock units outstanding at December 31, 2013	110			$	12.79
	At December 31, 2013, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 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 purchased under this plan have been issued from the treasury stock balance. If treasury shares are not available, new common shares have been issued for purchases under this plan. Shares are priced at 85% of the closing price on the last trading day of the month and settle on the second business day of the following month. During fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011, 6,183 shares, 4,601 shares and 5,968 shares, respectively, were issued under the employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense associated with the employee stock purchase plan for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was immaterial.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense from continuing operations are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	589			$	(3,390	)	$	—
	State	987				(81		)	1,038
		1,576				(3,471		)	1,038
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal	13,437				14,271			13,410
	State	3,531				1,876			1,915
		16,968				16,147			15,325
		$	18,544			$	12,676		$	16,363
	Total income tax expense was different than an amount computed by applying the graduated statutory federal income tax rates to income before taxes. The reasons for the differences are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	15,849			$	11,551		$	13,931
	Nondeductible compensation	273				206			311
	Noncontrolling interests	(721		)		(679		)	(619		)
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2,937				1,167			1,919
	Other	206				431			821
		$	18,544			$	12,676		$	16,363
	Income tax benefit allocated to other items was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2011
	Discontinued operations		$	(7,136	)
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a tax (benefit)/expense of approximately $0.7 million, ($0.1) million, and ($0.3) million, respectively, in stockholders’ equity associated with the excess tax benefit realized by the Company for stock compensation plans. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized a tax (benefit)/expense of $3.5 million, $2.1 million and ($7.5) million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with the adjustments to various employee benefit plan liabilities in accordance with FASB ASC 715.
	Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012
	Deferred income tax assets
	Retirement benefits other than pension	$	778			$	802
	Pension and related plans	3,685				5,853
	Net operating loss	43,347				58,931
	Accrued expenses	3,644				3,623
	Other	4,002				2,523
		55,456				71,732
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	Property and equipment	69,897				70,081
	Intangible assets	1,567				2,498
	Licenses	36,235				30,087
		107,699				102,666
		$	(52,243	)		$	(30,934	)
	The Company has certain Federal prior year unused net operating losses (“NOLs”), including certain built-in losses that are subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”) Section 382. These prior year NOLs are subject to an adjusted annual maximum limit (the “IRC 382 Limit”) of approximately $8.9 million. Based on the IRC 382 Limit, the Company expects that $110.2 million of these prior year NOLs will be available to the Company as follows: $15.9 million in 2014 (with $7.0 million anticipated carryover from 2013), $8.9 million per year in 2015 through 2024, $4.9 million in 2025 and $0.4 million in 2026. The Company also has certain state NOLs that will be available to the Company substantially similar to the Federal NOLs. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that its results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits (“UTBs”) in interest expense and penalties on UTBs in income tax expense. The Company did not have any UTBs as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be greater than its accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved. In general, the tax years that remain open and subject to federal and state audit examinations are 2010-2013 and 2009-2013, respectively.

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	'
	Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
	The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the qualified plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets and a statement of the funded status as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the classification of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
		Defined Benefit								Other Postretirement
		Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations, beginning of period	$	32,176			$	33,705			$	2,045		$	1,647
	Service cost	—				1,838				54			41
	Interest cost	1,325				1,489				84			73
	Curtailment	—				(7,459		)		—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,116		)		3,739				(187		)	295
	Benefits paid, net	(389		)		(375		)		(16		)	(11		)
	Benefit obligations transferred	(222		)		(761		)		—			—
	Benefit obligations, end of period	$	27,774			$	32,176			$	1,980		$	2,045
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	20,837			$	15,343			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	4,255				2,329				—			—
	Employer contributions	32				3,999				16			11
	Benefits paid	(425		)		(386		)		(16		)	(11		)
	Plan assets transferred	(89		)		(448		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	24,610			$	20,837			$	—		$	—
	Funded status:
	Total liability at December 31,	$	(3,164	)		$	(11,339	)		$	(1,980	)	$	(2,045	)
	In accordance with the terms of Employee Matters Agreement, in connection with the Business Separation, the Company transferred total assets of $0.5 million and total benefit obligations of $1.0 million between 2012 and 2013 related to Lumos Networks employees into a new defined benefit pension plan adopted by Lumos Networks. In addition, the transfer of the benefit obligation triggered the transfer of $0.2 million of unrealized actuarial loss classified in other comprehensive income between 2012 and 2013. No additional transfers will be required in future periods for either plan.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $27.8 million and $32.2 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation represents the present value of pension benefits based on service and salary earned to date. As of December 31, 2012, the Company froze future benefit accruals, resulting in a $7.5 million reduction in the Company’s projected benefit obligations due to the curtailment. Accordingly, the accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation.
	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plan											Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011			2013				2012		2011
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—			$	1,838			$	2,790		$	54			$	41	$	89
	Interest cost	1,325				1,489				3,637			78				88		600
	Recognized net actuarial loss	131				734				563			16				28		—
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,595		)		(1,293		)		(4,131		)	—				—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(139	)		$	2,768			$	2,859		$	148			$	157	$	689
	Defined benefit pension plan net periodic benefit cost outlined above contained $1.3 million of cost related to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011. Additionally, other postretirement benefit plan net periodic benefit cost outlined above contained $0.6 million of cost related to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.
	Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants. Gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation and the market-related value of assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of active participants.
	Unrecognized actuarial gains in 2013 were $(7.7) million and $(0.2) million for the defined benefit pension plan and the other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized actuarial (gain)/loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013 related to these respective plans was $(0.7) million, net of a $0.4 million deferred tax liability, and $0.4 million, net of a $0.3 million deferred tax asset.
	The total amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income related to actuarial losses from the defined benefit plans was $0.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, all of which has been reclassified to cost of sales and services, customer operations, and corporate operations on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of income for the respective periods.
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the following table:
		Defined						Other
		Benefit						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Discount rate	5	%		4.15	%		5	%		4.15	%
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s net cost for the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are:
		Defined Benefit									Other
		Pension Plan									Postretirement
											Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
	Discount rate	4.15	%		4.45	%		5.5	%		4.15	%	4.45	%		5.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.75	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—		—			—
	Rate of compensation increase	—			3	%		3	%		—		—			—
	The Company reviews the assumptions noted in the above table annually or more frequently to reflect anticipated future changes in the underlying economic factors used to determine these assumptions. The discount rates assumed reflect the rate at which the Company could invest in high quality corporate bonds in order to settle future obligations. In doing so, the Company utilizes a Citigroup Pension Discount Curve applied against the Company’s estimated defined benefit payments to derive a blended rate. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve is derived from over 350 Aa rated corporate bonds. The Company also compares this to a Moody’s ten-year Aa rated bond index for reasonableness.
	For measurement purposes, a 6.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2014 for the obligation as of December 31, 2013. The rate was assumed to decrease one-half percent per year to a rate of 5.0% for 2017 and remain at that level thereafter.
	Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change on the medical trend rate per future year, while holding all other assumptions constant, to the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit costs and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would be less than a $0.1 million increase and a $0.4 million increase, respectively, for a 1% increase in medical trend rate and less than a $0.1 million decrease and a $0.3 million decrease, respectively, for a 1% decrease in medical trend rate.
	In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption for the assets of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, the Company evaluated input from its third-party pension plan administrator, including its review of asset class return expectations and long-term inflation assumptions. The Company also considered the related historical ten-year average asset return at December 31, 2013 as well as considered input from its third-party pension plan asset managers.
	The weighted average actual asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and the fair value by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Actual Allocation as of			Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Asset Category (dollars in thousands)	31-Dec-13			2013				2012
	Large Cap Value	33	%		$	8,097			$	6,627
	Large Cap Blend	16	%		4,022				3,301
	Mid Cap Blend	6	%		1,500				1,271
Small Cap Blend	4	%		1,005				862
Foreign Stock – Large Cap	7	%		1,706				1,493
Bond	31	%		7,548				6,638
Cash and cash equivalents	3	%		732				645
Total	100	%		$	24,610			$	20,837
The actual and target allocation for plan assets is broadly defined and measured as follows:
Asset Category	Actual			Target
	Allocation			Allocation
Equity securities	66	%		70	%
Bond securities and cash equivalents	34	%		30	%
Total	100	%		100	%
It is the Company’s policy to invest pension plan assets in a diversified portfolio consisting of an array of asset classes. The investment risk of the assets is limited by appropriate diversification both within and between asset classes. The assets are primarily invested in investment funds that invest in a broad mix of publicly traded equities, bonds and cash equivalents (and fair value is based on quoted market prices (“Level 1” input)). The allocation between equity and bonds is reset quarterly to the target allocations. Updates to the allocation are considered in the normal course and changes may be made when appropriate. The bond holdings consist of three bond funds split relatively evenly between these funds at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The maximum holdings of any one asset within these funds is under 3% of this fund and thus is well under 1% of the total portfolio. At December 31, 2013, the Company believes that there are no material concentrations of risk within the portfolio of plan assets.
The assumed long-term return noted above is the target long-term return. Overall return, risk adjusted return, and management fees are assessed against a peer group and benchmark indices. There are minimum performance standards that must be attained within the investment portfolio. Reporting on asset performance is provided quarterly and review meetings are held semi-annually. In addition to normal rebalancing to maintain an adequate cash reserve, projected cash flow needs of the plan are reviewed at least annually to ensure liquidity is properly managed.
The Company does not expect to contribute to the pension plan in 2014. The Company expects the net periodic benefit gain for the defined benefit pension plan in 2014 to be $(0.5) million and expects the periodic benefit cost for the other postretirement benefit plans in 2014 to be $0.1 million.
The following estimated future pension benefit payments and other postretirement benefit plan payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated:
(In thousands)	Defined				Other
	Benefit				Postretirement
	Pension				Benefit Plans
	Plan
2014	$	550			$	58
2015	608				59
2016	645				58
2017	694				65
2018	753				56
Aggregate of next five years	5,152				433
Other Benefit Plans
The Company also sponsors a supplemental executive retirement plan. This nonqualified plan, which has no plan assets, was closed to new participants in 2003. The projected benefit obligation of this nonqualified plan was $7.3 million and $8.1 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total expense recognized related to this plan was $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 and $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011.
The Company recognized $0.1 million of expense from previously unrecognized loss related to the supplemental executive retirement plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Unrecognized actuarial (gain)loss was $(0.6) million and $0.3 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total balance of unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to this plan was $1.7 million, net of a $1.0 million deferred tax asset, and $2.1 million, net of a $1.3 million deferred tax asset, respectively. The total expense to be recognized in 2014 for the nonqualified pension plan is approximately $0.4 million and the estimated payments are expected to be approximately $0.5 million.
Estimated future benefit payments are expected to be paid in the years indicated: $0.5 million annually for each of the years 2014 through 2018 and $2.5 million in aggregate for the years 2019 through 2023.
The Company also sponsors a contributory defined contribution plan under IRC Section 401(k) for substantially all employees. The Company’s matching contributions to this plan were $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The Company’s policy is to make matching contributions in shares of the Company’s common stock. All of the matching contributions for 2013, 2012 and 2011 represented equity contributions.

Strategic_Network_Alliance

Strategic Network Alliance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stategic Network Alliance [Abstract]	'
Strategic Network Alliance	'
	Strategic Network Alliance
	The Company provides wireless digital PCS services on a wholesale basis to other PCS providers, most notably through the SNA with Sprint in which the Company is the exclusive PCS service provider in the Company’s western Virginia and West Virginia service area for all Sprint Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) wireless customers through July 31, 2015, subject to subsequent automatic three-year extensions unless the termination notice provisions are exercised.
	The Company generated 34.1%, 35.8% and 32.4% of its revenue from the SNA for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Revenues under the SNA have an effective minimum amount of $9.3 million per month subject to annual adjustments.
	In September 2013 the Company reached a settlement with Sprint over the disputes related to the SNA. The settlement resolved the open disputes under the SNA, including the data rate reset dispute that began in the fourth quarter 2011 and the unrelated historical billing disputes that were asserted by Sprint in the third quarter 2012. In connection with the settlement, the Company recognized an additional $9.6 million in Operating Income, consisting of $9.0 million increase in revenue (primarily related to a reversal of the previously disclosed accrual) and $0.6 million decrease in cost of sales and services, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	The Company has various contractual obligations such as purchase commitments and other executory contracts, which may affect its financial condition, but are not recognized as liabilities in its consolidated financial statements. The Company is contractually committed to acquire handsets, network equipment and make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property under operating lease agreements for administrative office space, retail space, tower space and equipment, certain of which have renewal options. The leases for retail and tower space have initial lease periods of one to thirty years. These leases, with few exceptions, provide for automatic renewal options and escalations that are either fixed or based on the consumer price index. Any rent abatements, along with rent escalations, are included in the computation of rent expense calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
	The Company’s minimum lease term for most leases includes the initial non-cancelable term plus at least one renewal period, as the exercise of the related renewal option or options based on the premise that failure to renew the leases imposes an economic penalty on the Company in such amount that a renewal appears to be reasonably assured. The Company’s cell site leases generally provide for an initial non-cancelable term of 5 to 7 years with three renewal options of 5 years each. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the assets’ useful life or the lease term, including renewal option periods that are reasonably assured.
	Rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $35.8 million, $33.2 million and $32.2 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, and commercial commitments for network capital expenditures, handset equipment and other materials to support its operations, at December 31, 2013:
		Operating		Other
	(In thousands)	Leases		Commitments		Total
	2014	$	36,198	$	115,015	$	151,213
	2015	36,132		6,952		43,084
	2016	35,607		—		35,607
	2017	34,917		—		34,917
	2018	34,147		—		34,147
	Thereafter	137,077		—		137,077
		$	314,078	$	121,967	$	436,045
	Reserve for 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.
	The Company periodically disputes network access charges it is assessed by other companies with which the Company interconnects, and is involved in other 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.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	Subsequent Event
	On January 31, 2014, the Company completed the refinancing of the existing Term Loan A, which converted the outstanding principal balance of $148.1 million of Term Loan A into Term Loan B and an additional $40.0 million was borrowed under Term Loan B. The new Term Loan B bears the same terms and interest rate as the Company's existing Term Loan B, however, the quarterly Leverage Ratio financial covenant that was previously applicable to Term Loan A will not apply. All other terms and financial covenants of the existing Term Loan B remained the same. The new aggregate amount of Term Loan B is $533.8 million and matures in November 2019 with quarterly principal payments of $1.4 million beginning in March 2014.

Quarterly_Financial_Summary

Quarterly Financial Summary	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Summary	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
	(Unaudited)
		Fiscal Year 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	119,345	$	119,859	$	130,912	$	121,766
	Operating Income	17,496		23,554		27,422		7,364
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (1)	6,022		9,927		11,171		(381		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (1)	5,493		9,386		10,583		(784		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.26	$	0.45	$	0.5	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	0.25		0.43		0.48		(0.04		)
		Fiscal Year 2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	110,540	$	111,585	$	114,466	$	117,398
	Operating Income	18,851		16,573		13,719		13,999
	Income from Continuing Operations (2)	7,981		6,487		5,096		764
	Net Income Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (2)	7,852		5,606		4,608		321
	Earnings per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.38	$	0.27	$	0.22	$	0.02
	Diluted	0.37		0.26		0.22		0.02

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The results of operations and operating cash flows from the former wireline business are presented as discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2011. The footnotes accompanying these consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s continuing operations and, unless otherwise noted, exclude information related to Lumos Networks. See Note 2 for additional information regarding the Business Separation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those limited liability corporations where the Company or certain of its subsidiaries, as managing member, exercises control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made in the 2012 and 2011 consolidated financial statements and notes to conform to the 2013 presentation.
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. Revenues are recognized as services are provided. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. PCS handset equipment 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.
	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.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company sells its PCS services to individuals and commercial end-users and to other communication carriers primarily in Virginia, West Virginia and parts of Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky. The Company has credit and collection policies to maximize collection of trade receivables and requires deposits on certain sales. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical results, current and expected trends and changes in credit policies. Management believes the allowance adequately covers all anticipated losses with respect to trade receivables. Actual credit losses could differ from such estimates. The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories and Supplies	'
	Inventories and Supplies
	The Company’s inventories and supplies consist primarily of items held for resale such as devices and accessories. The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis). Market value is determined by reviewing current replacement cost, marketability and obsolescence.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount before applying the two-step goodwill impairment test. If an entity concludes it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it need not perform the two-step impairment test. The application of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test performed for year ended December 31, 2013.
	In September 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU allows an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. An organization that elects to perform a qualitative assessment is required to perform the quantitative impairment test for an indefinite-lived intangible asset if it is more likely than not that the asset is impaired. The ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company has applied the requirements of this ASU to its impairment testing beginning with the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2013. The application of this ASU did not have a material effect on the Company's annual goodwill impairment test performed for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU clarifies how to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012 and interim periods within those years and requires footnote disclosures regarding significant changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and the line items affected in the statement of operations. The amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income were insignificant for the year ended December 31, 2013. See Note 13 for additional disclosure.
Cash	'
	Cash
	The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. The total held in the market rate savings accounts at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $36.5 million and $9.7 million, respectively. The remaining $51.9 million and $66.5 million of cash at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, was held in non-interest bearing deposit accounts.
Restricted Cash	'
	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 wireless service coverage by the applicable deadline in 2016. The Company obtained the first 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.
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
	An asset retirement obligation is evaluated and recorded as appropriate on assets for which the Company has a legal obligation to retire. The Company records a liability for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost at the time the underlying asset is acquired. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation, if any.
	The Company enters into long-term leasing arrangements primarily for tower sites and retail store locations. The Company constructs assets at these locations and, in accordance with the terms of many of these agreements, the Company is obligated to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the agreements, generally at the demand of the other party to these agreements. The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and capitalizes that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset, depreciating it over the useful life of the related asset.
	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2013		2012
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	16,767	$	15,686
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	5,181		438
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	680		643
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	22,628	$	16,767
	At December 31, 2013, the Company revised cost estimates used to determine the fair value of its asset retirement obligations resulting in a $5.0 million increase in the liability and related assets.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs and marketing production costs as incurred (included within customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations). Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $17.3 million, $16.2 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

Business_Separation_Tables

Business Separation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Separation [Abstract]	'
Results For Discontinued Operations	'
	The results for discontinued operations were as follows:
	(In thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2011(1)
	Operating revenues	$	166,566
	Loss before income taxes	(52,522		)
	Income tax benefit	(7,136		)
	Loss from discontinued operations	(45,386		)
	(1)	Includes results through October 31, 2011.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Changes in Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	'
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	4,811		$	15,666		$	14,134
	Charged to operating expenses (1)	15,511			9,453			10,433
	Deductions (2)	(13,781		)	(20,308		)	(8,901		)
	Balance at end of year	$	6,541		$	4,811		$	15,666
	(1)	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded primarily in customer operations expense.
	(2)	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	'
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013			2012
	Accrued interest	4,584			300
	Accrued payroll	5,760			4,056
	Accrued taxes	3,842			3,318
	Other *	3,870			14,698
	Total	$	18,056		$	22,372
	* Included in this category is an accrual of $10.0 million at December 31, 2012 relating to disputes associated with the SNA which were settled in September 2013. See Note 14.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Asset Retirement Obligations	'
	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2013		2012
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	16,767	$	15,686
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	5,181		438
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	680		643
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	22,628	$	16,767

Supplementary_Disclosures_Of_C

Supplementary Disclosures Of Condensed Consolidated statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	'
	The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Cash payments for:
	Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	22,693	$	19,870	$	34,561
	Income taxes	4,087		1,761		2,036
	Cash received from income tax refunds	3,704		56		11,064
	Supplemental investing and financing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,272		6,127		4,460
	Borrowings under capital leases	380		638		752
	Dividends declared not paid	9,221		—		8,902

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_Ta

Property, Plan And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	The components of property, plant and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Land and buildings	$	34,223	$	33,556
	Network plant and equipment	471,032		475,090
	Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	103,181		102,862
		608,436		611,508
	Under construction	6,430		6,565
		614,866		618,073
	Less: accumulated depreciation	295,490		314,970
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	319,376	$	303,103

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following:
				31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
	(In thousands)	Estimated		Gross Amount				Accumulated				Gross Amount		Accumulated
		Useful Life						Amortization						Amortization
	Customer relationships	7 to 8 years		$	36,900			$	(32,871	)		$	36,900	$	(30,326	)
	Trademarks	15 years		7,000				(4,044		)		7,000		(3,578		)
	Total			$	43,900			$	(36,915	)		$	43,900	$	(33,904	)
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense for the Next Five Years	'
	Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be as follows:
	(In thousands)	Customer				Trademarks				Total
		Relationships
	2014	$	2,544			$	467			$	3,011
	2015	1,485				467				1,952
	2016	—				467				467
	2017	—				467				467
	Thereafter	—				1,088				1,088
		$	4,029			$	2,956			$	6,985

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	'
	As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-13		31-Dec-12
	Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$	489,441	$	492,984
	Capital lease obligations	925		1,095
		490,366		494,079
	Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,410		5,429
	Long-term debt	$	484,956	$	488,650
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	'
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2013, excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments are as follows:
	(In thousands)	Term		Term		Total
		Loan A		Loan B
	2014	$	1,500	$	3,500	$	5,000
	2015	146,625		3,500		150,125
	2016	—		3,500		3,500
	2017	—		3,500		3,500
	2018	—		3,500		3,500
	Thereafter	—		328,125		328,125
	Total	$	148,125	$	345,625	$	493,750

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2013 and 2012.
		Face			Carrying		Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Amount		Value
	31-Dec-13
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	88,441		$	88,441	$	88,441
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term Loans	493,750			489,441		495,848
	Capital lease obligations	925			925		925
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000		*	229		229
	31-Dec-12
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	76,197		$	76,197	$	76,197
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Original Credit Agreement	498,750			492,984		481,418
	Capital lease obligations	1,095			1,095		1,095
	*	Notional amount

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation	$	24,678		$	18,387		$	(23,715	)
	Denominator:
	Total shares outstanding	21,510			21,261			21,087
	Less: unvested shares	(443		)	(332		)	(252		)
	Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares	(41		)	(40		)	(56		)
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,026			20,889			20,779
	Plus: weighted average unvested shares	422			322			454
	Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options	285			126			43
	Plus: performance stock units	93			—			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,826			21,337			21,276

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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 year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
				Average		Average	Intrinsic
				Exercise		Remaining	Value
				Price per		Contractual
				Share		Term
	Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,826		$	22.47
	Granted during the period	794		12.44
	Exercised during the period	(11	)	12.16
	Forfeited during the period	(6	)	23.7
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,603		$	19.45	7.6	$	6,533
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	1,018		$	22.67	6.1	$	161
	Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013	1,427		$	19.31
Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity	'
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 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, 2013	284		$	22.38
	Granted during the period	167		12.57
	Vested during the period	(126	)	22.19
	Forfeited during the period	—		—
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2013	325		$	17.41
Summary of Performance Stock Units Activity	'
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s performance stock unit awards for the year ended December 31, 2013 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
	Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2013	—
	Granted during the period	110		12.79
	Vested during the period	—
	Forfeited during the period	—
	Performance stock units outstanding at December 31, 2013	110		$	12.79

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of income tax expense from continuing operations	'
	The components of income tax expense from continuing operations are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	589			$	(3,390	)	$	—
	State	987				(81		)	1,038
		1,576				(3,471		)	1,038
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal	13,437				14,271			13,410
	State	3,531				1,876			1,915
		16,968				16,147			15,325
		$	18,544			$	12,676		$	16,363
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	(In thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	15,849			$	11,551		$	13,931
	Nondeductible compensation	273				206			311
	Noncontrolling interests	(721		)		(679		)	(619		)
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2,937				1,167			1,919
	Other	206				431			821
		$	18,544			$	12,676		$	16,363
Income Tax Expenses (Benefit) Allocation	'
	Income tax benefit allocated to other items was as follows:
	(In thousands)		2011
	Discontinued operations		$	(7,136	)
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2013				2012
	Deferred income tax assets
	Retirement benefits other than pension	$	778			$	802
	Pension and related plans	3,685				5,853
	Net operating loss	43,347				58,931
	Accrued expenses	3,644				3,623
	Other	4,002				2,523
		55,456				71,732
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	Property and equipment	69,897				70,081
	Intangible assets	1,567				2,498
	Licenses	36,235				30,087
		107,699				102,666
		$	(52,243	)		$	(30,934	)

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre1

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Qualified Plans' Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Assets and a Statement of the Funded Status	'
	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the qualified plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets and a statement of the funded status as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the classification of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
		Defined Benefit								Other Postretirement
		Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations, beginning of period	$	32,176			$	33,705			$	2,045		$	1,647
	Service cost	—				1,838				54			41
	Interest cost	1,325				1,489				84			73
	Curtailment	—				(7,459		)		—			—
	Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,116		)		3,739				(187		)	295
	Benefits paid, net	(389		)		(375		)		(16		)	(11		)
	Benefit obligations transferred	(222		)		(761		)		—			—
	Benefit obligations, end of period	$	27,774			$	32,176			$	1,980		$	2,045
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	20,837			$	15,343			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	4,255				2,329				—			—
	Employer contributions	32				3,999				16			11
	Benefits paid	(425		)		(386		)		(16		)	(11		)
	Plan assets transferred	(89		)		(448		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	24,610			$	20,837			$	—		$	—
	Funded status:
	Total liability at December 31,	$	(3,164	)		$	(11,339	)		$	(1,980	)	$	(2,045	)
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefits Cost	'
	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plan											Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2013				2012				2011			2013				2012		2011
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—			$	1,838			$	2,790		$	54			$	41	$	89
	Interest cost	1,325				1,489				3,637			78				88		600
	Recognized net actuarial loss	131				734				563			16				28		—
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,595		)		(1,293		)		(4,131		)	—				—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(139	)		$	2,768			$	2,859		$	148			$	157	$	689
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s benefit obligations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are shown in the following table:
		Defined						Other
		Benefit						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Discount rate	5	%		4.15	%		5	%		4.15	%
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s net cost for the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are:
		Defined Benefit									Other
		Pension Plan									Postretirement
											Benefit Plans
		2013			2012			2011			2013		2012			2011
	Discount rate	4.15	%		4.45	%		5.5	%		4.15	%	4.45	%		5.5	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.75	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—		—			—
	Rate of compensation increase	—			3	%		3	%		—		—			—
Schedule of Weighted Average Actual Asset Allocations by Asset Category	'
	The weighted average actual asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and the fair value by asset category as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Actual Allocation as of			Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Asset Category (dollars in thousands)	31-Dec-13			2013				2012
	Large Cap Value	33	%		$	8,097			$	6,627
	Large Cap Blend	16	%		4,022				3,301
	Mid Cap Blend	6	%		1,500				1,271
	Small Cap Blend	4	%		1,005				862
	Foreign Stock – Large Cap	7	%		1,706				1,493
	Bond	31	%		7,548				6,638
	Cash and cash equivalents	3	%		732				645
	Total	100	%		$	24,610			$	20,837
Schedule of Actual and Target Allocation	'
	The actual and target allocation for plan assets is broadly defined and measured as follows:
	Asset Category	Actual			Target
		Allocation			Allocation
	Equity securities	66	%		70	%
	Bond securities and cash equivalents	34	%		30	%
	Total	100	%		100	%
Schedule of Estimated Future Pension Benefit Payments and Other Postretirement	'
	The following estimated future pension benefit payments and other postretirement benefit plan payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated:
	(In thousands)	Defined				Other
		Benefit				Postretirement
		Pension				Benefit Plans
		Plan
	2014	$	550			$	58
	2015	608				59
	2016	645				58
	2017	694				65
	2018	753				56
	Aggregate of next five years	5,152				433

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contractual Obligations, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	'
	Rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $35.8 million, $33.2 million and $32.2 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, and commercial commitments for network capital expenditures, handset equipment and other materials to support its operations, at December 31, 2013:
		Operating		Other
	(In thousands)	Leases		Commitments		Total
	2014	$	36,198	$	115,015	$	151,213
	2015	36,132		6,952		43,084
	2016	35,607		—		35,607
	2017	34,917		—		34,917
	2018	34,147		—		34,147
	Thereafter	137,077		—		137,077
		$	314,078	$	121,967	$	436,045

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Ta

Quarterly Financial Summary (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Summary	'
		Fiscal Year 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	119,345	$	119,859	$	130,912	$	121,766
	Operating Income	17,496		23,554		27,422		7,364
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (1)	6,022		9,927		11,171		(381		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (1)	5,493		9,386		10,583		(784		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.26	$	0.45	$	0.5	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	0.25		0.43		0.48		(0.04		)
		Fiscal Year 2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	110,540	$	111,585	$	114,466	$	117,398
	Operating Income	18,851		16,573		13,719		13,999
	Income from Continuing Operations (2)	7,981		6,487		5,096		764
	Net Income Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (2)	7,852		5,606		4,608		321
	Earnings per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.38	$	0.27	$	0.22	$	0.02
	Diluted	0.37		0.26		0.22		0.02
	(1)	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 include increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the new nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.
	(2)	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 included write-offs of $6,817 of unamortized deferred issuance costs and debt discount associated with our prior senior secured credit facility in connection with entering into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Date of acquisition agreement	18-Jan-05
NTELOS	'
Ownership interest acquired	24.90%
Quadrangle	'
Major shareholder ownership percentage	19.00%

Business_Separation_Narrative_

Business Separation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reverse sock split ratio	2	'	'	'
Reverse stock split	'1-for-2	'	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	'	$0.01	$0.01
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	$86.30	'	'
Mandatory debt repayment	'	283	'	'
Franchise Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	32	'	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	0.2	'	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	4.7	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	16	'	'
Impairment of Goodwill [Member]	'	'	'	'
Asset impairment charge from discontinued operations	'	$33.40	'	'

Business_Separation_Results_Fo

Business Separation (Results For Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Separation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating revenues	'	'	$166,566	[1]
Loss before income taxes	'	'	-52,522	[1]
Income tax benefit	'	'	-7,136	[1]
Loss from discontinued operations	'	$0	($45,386)	[1]
[1]	(1) Includes results through October 31, 2011.

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) - (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Balance at beginning of year	$4,811		$15,666		$14,134
Charged to operating expense	15,511	[1]	9,453	[1]	10,433	[1]
Deductions	-13,781	[2]	-20,308	[2]	-8,901	[2]
Balance at end of year	$6,541		$4,811		$15,666
[1]	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded primarily in customer operations expense.
[2]	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'
Accrued interest	$4,584		$300
Accrued payroll	5,760		4,056
Accrued taxes	3,842		3,318
Other	3,870	[1]	14,698	[1]
Total	18,056		22,372
SNA [Member]	'		'
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'		'
Other	$10,000		'
[1]	Included in this category is an accrual of $10.0 million at December 31, 2012 relating to disputes associated with the SNA which were settled in September 2013. See Note 14.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
					Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]	Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]	Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]
							Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Market rate savings account	$36.50	$36.50	$9.70	'	'	'	'
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts insured by FDIC	51.9	51.9	66.5	'	'	'	'
Amount company is eligible to receive under Government funding auction	'	'	'	'	'	'	5
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	'	'	'	'	'	2.2	'
First scheduled disbursement under Government funding auction	'	'	'	'	1.7	'	'
Performance default penalty under Government funding auction, amount	'	'	'	'	'	0.5	'
Restricted cash	'	'	'	'	'	2.2	'
Increase in asset retirement obligation due to revision of cost estimates	5	'	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising expense	'	$17.30	$16.20	$15.20	'	'	'

Supplemental_Financial_Informa3

Supplemental Financial Informations (Changes To Company's Asset Retirement Obligation Liability) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]	'	'
Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$16,767	$15,686
Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	5,181	438
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	680	643
Asset retirement obligations, ending	$22,628	$16,767

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Supplementary Disclosures Of Condensed Consolidated statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash payments for:	'	'	'
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$22,693,000	$19,870,000	$34,561,000
Income taxes	4,087,000	1,761,000	2,036,000
Cash received from income tax refunds	3,704,000	56,000	11,064,000
Supplemental investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,272,000	6,127,000	4,460,000
Borrowings under capital leases	380,000	638,000	752,000
Dividends declared not paid	9,221,000	0	8,902,000
Interest capitalized	$100,000	$100,000	$200,000

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_Na

Property, Plan And Equipment (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Depreciation expense	$10.30	$9.10
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'50 years	'
Network Plant and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'17 years	'
Network Plant and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'5 years	'
Weighted Average life [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'10 years	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'18 years	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated useful life	'2 years	'

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_De

Property, Plan And Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'
Land and buildings	$34,223	$33,556
Network plant and equipment	471,032	475,090
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	103,181	102,862
Total in service	608,436	611,508
Under construction	6,430	6,565
Property, plant and equipment, gross	614,866	618,073
Less: accumulated depreciation	295,490	314,970
Property, plant and equipment, net	$319,376	$303,103

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$3	$3.30	$4

Intangible_Assets_FiniteLived_

Intangible Assets (Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Useful Life	'15 years	'
Gross Amount	$43,900	$43,900
Accumulated Amortization	-36,915	-33,904
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amount	36,900	36,900
Accumulated Amortization	-32,871	-30,326
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Useful Life	'7 years	'
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Estimated Useful Life	'8 years	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amount	7,000	7,000
Accumulated Amortization	($4,044)	($3,578)

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_Of_

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Future Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$3,011	'
2015	1,952	'
2016	467	'
2017	467	'
Thereafter	1,088	'
Total	6,985	9,996
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	2,544	'
2015	1,485	'
2016	0	'
2017	0	'
Thereafter	0	'
Total	4,029	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'
2014	467	'
2015	467	'
2016	467	'
2017	467	'
Thereafter	1,088	'
Total	$2,956	'

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Nov. 09, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 09, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 09, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2014

Nov. 09, 2012

Nov. 09, 2012

Nov. 09, 2012

Vehicles [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan A [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loans [Member]

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Refinancing of Debt [Member]

Issuance of Debt [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Refinancing of existing first lien term loan

$30,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

'

493,750,000

'

'

'

148,125,000

148,100,000

'

345,625,000

'

'

'

'

New term loan amount

'

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

350,000,000

'

'

400,000

'

'

Future payment

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit facility

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amended and Restated Credit incremental commitments maximal amount

125,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount rate write off

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

Debt discount written off

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

Bear interest rate

'

'

'

'

3.50%

'

'

4.75%

'

'

'

'

'

Base interest rate

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

3.75%

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage Ratio less than

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.75%

'

Stated percentage rate, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

Base rate maximum

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.05

'

'

Number of days before default

'180 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial amount of restricted payment basket

50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Addition to restricted payment basket

6,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of increase in restricted payment

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Leverage ratio threshold for triggering increase in restricted payment percent

2.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Default increase in restricted payments contingent on leverage ratio, percent

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash flow floor over which excess cash flow adds to the basket

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance of restricted payment basket

'

61,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of mandatory debt prepayments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

Mandatory debt prepayments of cash flow be made to more than

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

Leverage Ratio above

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.50%

'

Percentage of excess cash flow

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

Leverage Ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.045

'

Leverage ratio

4.5

0.0327

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.0425

Creditor and third-party fees

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred issuance and repricing costs

7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization costs

'

2,100,000

2,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred debt discounts

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accretion expense

'

900,000

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized deferred fees

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized discount

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Blended average interest rate

'

6.10%

4.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Additional borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000,000

'

'

'

Carrying value of capital leases

'

'

'

2,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated depreciation

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum lease payments

'

900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum lease payments, 2014

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum lease payments, 2015

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum lease payments, 2016

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future minimum lease payments, 2017 (less than)

'

'

'

$100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$489,441	$492,984
Capital lease obligations	925	1,095
Debt and capital lease obligations	490,366	494,079
Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,410	5,429
Long-term debt	$484,956	$488,650

LongTerm_Debt_Aggregate_Maturi

Long-Term Debt (Aggregate Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	$5,000
2015	150,125
2016	3,500
2017	3,500
2018	3,500
Thereafter	328,125
Total	493,750
Term Loan A [Member]	'
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	1,500
2015	146,625
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	0
Total	148,125
Term Loan B [Member]	'
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	3,500
2015	3,500
2016	3,500
2017	3,500
2018	3,500
Thereafter	328,125
Total	$345,625

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost method investments	'	$1,499,000	$1,499,000
Interest rate cap purchased, cost	900,000	'	'
Notional amount of interest rate cap	350,000,000	'	'
Interest rate cap rate	1.00%	'	'
Gain (loss) on interest rate cap	'	700,000	'
CoBank [Member]	'	'	'
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]	'	'	'
Cost method investments	'	'	$1,500,000

Financial_Instruments_Schedule

Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Face Amount [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash	$88,441	$76,197
Restricted cash	2,167	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Term Loans	493,750	498,750
Capital lease obligations	925	1,095
Derivative related to debt:	'	'
Interest rate cap asset	350,000	'
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash	88,441	76,197
Restricted cash	2,167	'
Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	1,499	1,499
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Term Loans	489,441	492,984
Capital lease obligations	925	1,095
Derivative related to debt:	'	'
Interest rate cap asset	229	'
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash	88,441	76,197
Restricted cash	2,167	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Term Loans	495,848	481,418
Capital lease obligations	925	1,095
Derivative related to debt:	'	'
Interest rate cap asset	$229	'

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_1

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Aug. 24, 2009	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 24, 2014
						Subsequent Event [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash dividend amount	'	'	'	'	'	$0.42
Shares authorized to repurchase	40,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Repurchase of common stock, shares	'	523,233	'	'	'	'
Payments for repurchase of equity	'	16,900,000	'	'	'	'
Restricted common stock, repurchased	'	'	$100,000	$100,000	'	'
Excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share	'	'	1,800,000	1,800,000	800,000	'

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_2

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Numerator:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation

($784)

[1]

$10,583

[1]

$9,386

[1]

$5,493

[1]

$321

[2]

$4,608

[2]

$5,606

[2]

$7,852

[2]

$24,678

$18,387

($23,715)

Denominator:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total shares outstanding

21,510

'

'

'

21,261

'

'

'

21,510

21,261

21,087

Less: unvested shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-443

-332

-252

Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-41

-40

-56

Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,026

20,889

20,779

Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,826

21,337

21,276

Restricted Stock [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Denominator:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

422

322

454

Stock Options [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Denominator:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

285

126

43

Performance Stock Units [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Denominator:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

93

0

0

[1]

Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 include increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the new nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.

[2]

Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 included write-offs of $6,817 of unamortized deferred issuance costs and debt discount associated with our prior senior secured credit facility in connection with entering into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

Stock_Plans_Narrative_Details

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Performance Stock Units [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Performance Stock Units [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the Equity Incentive Plan.

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,025,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of stock options issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

751,089

796,337

'

'

'

'

43,000

32,434

'

'

'

Beginning of vesting period after grant date for Employee Equity Incentive Plan, in years

'1 year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options issued under Employee Equity Incentive Plan vest fractionally annually

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

Number of shares issued during the period

167,000

'

'

'

'

110,000

'

'

'

'

153,372

117,073

110,327

'

'

'

'

14,455

10,729

Stock options to be granted, minimum percentage

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2014

$3.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2015

2.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2016

0.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2017

0.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of replacement awards issued upon business separation, stock options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,057,737

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

269,844

'

'

Weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted

$0.71

$3.32

$4.90

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total intrinsic value of options exercised

0.1

0.1

0.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of options vested

1.6

1.2

1.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options

2.4

'

'

'

'

1.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period,

'

'

'

'2 years 3 months 18 days

'1 year 10 months 24 days

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards

$2.80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares available for employee stock purchase plan

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares price percentage

85.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan

6,183

4,601

5,968

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock_Plans_Stock_Option_Valua

Stock Plans (Stock Option Valuation Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.30%	1.00%	1.40%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	1.50%	1.70%	3.10%
Expected volatility, minimum	39.30%	37.90%	37.90%
Expected volatility, maximum	39.60%	39.40%	39.50%
Weighted-average expected volatility	39.40%	38.50%	38.70%
Expected dividend yield, Minimum	12.90%	7.20%	5.80%
Expected dividend yield, Maximum	14.20%	11.60%	7.90%
Weighted-average expected dividend yield	13.50%	7.70%	5.90%
Expected term	'7 years	'7 years	'7 years

Stock_Plans_Stockbased_Compens

Stock Plans (Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	$5,553	$6,029	$6,072
Cost of Sales and Services [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	634	1,199	799
Customer Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	1,067	1,072	1,067
Corporate Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'
Equity-based compensation expense	$3,852	$3,758	$4,206

Stock_Plans_Summary_Of_Stock_O

Stock Plans (Summary Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	1,826
Granted during the period (in shares)	794
Exercised during the period (in shares)	-11
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	-6
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	2,603
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,018
Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,427
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share	'
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$22.47
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.44
Exercised during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.16
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$23.70
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$19.45
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$22.67
Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$19.31
Additional Stock Options Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Outstanding at December 30, 2013, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'7 years 7 months 6 days
Exercisable at December 30, 2013, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding at December 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$6,533
Exercisable at December 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$161

Stock_Plans_Summary_Of_Restric

Stock Plans (Summary Of Restricted Stock Awards Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	284
Granted during the period (in shares)	167
Vested during the period (in shares)	-126
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	0
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	325
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$22.38
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.57
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$22.19
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$0
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$17.41

Stock_Plans_Summary_of_Perform

Stock Plans (Summary of Performance Stock Awards Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	284,000
Granted during the period (in shares)	167,000
Vested during the period (in shares)	-126,000
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	0
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	325,000
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$22.38
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.57
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$22.19
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$0
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$17.41
Performance Stock Units [Member]	'
Shares	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	0
Granted during the period (in shares)	110,000
Vested during the period (in shares)	0
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	0
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	110,000
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share	'
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	'
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.79
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	'
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	'
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$12.79

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Recognized tax benefit	$0.70	($0.10)	($0.30)
Recognized tax cost included in other comprehensive income	3.5	2.1	-7.5
Net operating loss carryforwards adjusted annual maximum limit	8.9	'	'
Expected prior NOLs available	15.9	'	'
2013 [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	7	'	'
2015 Through 2024 [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	8.9	'	'
2025 [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	4.9	'	'
2026 [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforward	0.4	'	'
Irc382Limit [Member]	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected prior NOLs available	$110.20	'	'

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Federal	$589	($3,390)	$0
State	987	-81	1,038
Current tax expense (benefit)	1,576	-3,471	1,038
Deferred tax expense:	'	'	'
Federal	13,437	14,271	13,410
State	3,531	1,876	1,915
Deferred income taxes	16,968	16,147	15,325
Income tax expense	$18,544	$12,676	$16,363

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$15,849	$11,551	$13,931
Nondeductible compensation	273	206	311
Noncontrolling interests	-721	-679	-619
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2,937	1,167	1,919
Other	206	431	821
Income tax expense	$18,544	$12,676	$16,363

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes (Income Tax Expenses (Benefit) Allocation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Discontinued operations	($7,136)	[1]
[1]	(1) Includes results through October 31, 2011.

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_

Income Taxes (Net Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets	'	'
Retirement benefits other than pension	$778	$802
Pension and related plans	3,685	5,853
Net operating loss	43,347	58,931
Accrued expenses	3,644	3,623
Other	4,002	2,523
Deferred tax assets	55,456	71,732
Deferred income tax liabilities	'	'
Property and equipment	69,897	70,081
Intangible assets	1,567	2,498
Licenses	36,235	30,087
Deferred tax liabilities	107,699	102,666
Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net	($52,243)	($30,934)

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre2

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

24 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Forecast [Member]

Forecast [Member]

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]

Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member]

Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member]

Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member]

Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member]

Defined Contribution 401(K) Plan [Member]

Defined Contribution 401(K) Plan [Member]

Defined Contribution 401(K) Plan [Member]

Lumos Networks [Member]

Forecast [Member]

Forecast [Member]

Forecast [Member]

Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transfer of plan assets due to business separation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Transfer of benefit obligation to business separation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized loss of benefit obligation transferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated benefit obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32,200,000

'

'

'

'

27,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction of accrual of projected benefit obligation

-7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan discontinued operations

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of gains and losses in excess of benefit obligation and market-Related value of assets amortized.

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)

-600,000

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

-7,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-700,000

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

1,700,000

2,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred tax assets

10,650,000

4,297,000

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

400,000

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

1,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

'

'

'

'

300,000

500,000

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

'

'

5.00%

6.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Rate of increase(decrease)

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of asset within bond holdings.

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum percentage of bond holding to total portfolio

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net periodic benefit cost (gain)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-139,000

2,768,000

2,859,000

'

'

-500,000

148,000

157,000

689,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Benefit obligation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27,774,000

32,176,000

33,705,000

27,774,000

'

'

1,980,000

2,045,000

1,647,000

'

7,300,000

8,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

Expense recognized related to other benefit plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

400,000

700,000

400,000

'

'

'

Previously unrecognized loss related to supplemental executive retirement plan

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000

100,000

100,000

'

'

'

'

Expected other benefit plans payments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2014

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

550,000

'

'

550,000

'

'

58,000

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2015

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

608,000

'

'

608,000

'

'

59,000

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2016

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

645,000

'

'

645,000

'

'

58,000

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2017

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

694,000

'

'

694,000

'

'

65,000

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

753,000

'

'

753,000

'

'

56,000

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, years 2019-2013

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,152,000

'

'

5,152,000

'

'

433,000

'

'

'

2,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Company's 401K Matching Contributions

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100,000

$1,100,000

$1,100,000

Recovered_Sheet1

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Reconciliation Of The Changes In The Qualified Plans' Benefit Obligations And Fair Value Of Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$24,610	$20,837	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Benefit obligations, beginning of period	32,176	33,705	'
Service cost	0	1,838	2,790
Interest cost	1,325	1,489	'
Curtailment	0	-7,459	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-5,116	3,739	'
Benefits paid, net	-389	-375	'
Benefit obligations transferred	-222	-761	'
Benefit obligations, end of period	27,774	32,176	33,705
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	20,837	15,343	'
Actual return on plan assets	4,255	2,329	'
Employer contributions	32	3,999	'
Benefits paid	-425	-386	'
Plan assets transferred	-89	-448	'
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	24,610	20,837	15,343
Funded status:	'	'	'
Total liability at December 31,	-3,164	-11,339	'
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligations:	'	'	'
Benefit obligations, beginning of period	2,045	1,647	'
Service cost	54	41	89
Interest cost	84	73	'
Curtailment	0	0	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-187	295	'
Benefits paid, net	-16	-11	'
Benefit obligations transferred	0	0	'
Benefit obligations, end of period	1,980	2,045	1,647
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0	'
Actual return on plan assets	0	0	'
Employer contributions	16	11	'
Benefits paid	-16	-11	'
Plan assets transferred	0	0	'
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0
Funded status:	'	'	'
Total liability at December 31,	($1,980)	($2,045)	'

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre3

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Service cost	$0	$1,838	$2,790
Interest cost	1,325	1,489	3,637
Recognized net actuarial loss	131	734	563
Expected return on plan assets	-1,595	-1,293	-4,131
Net periodic benefit cost	-139	2,768	2,859
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost:	'	'	'
Service cost	54	41	89
Interest cost	78	88	600
Recognized net actuarial loss	16	28	0
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost	$148	$157	$689

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions Used In Measurements Of Net Cost For The Consolidated Statement Of Operations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	5.00%	4.15%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.15%	4.45%	5.50%
Expected return on plan assets	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%
Rate of compensation increase	'	3.00%	3.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	5.00%	4.15%	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.15%	4.45%	5.50%
Expected return on plan assets	'	'	'
Rate of compensation increase	'	'	'

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre4

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Weighted Average Actual Assets Allocations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	100.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$24,610	$20,837
Large Cap Value [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	33.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,097	6,627
Large Cap Blend [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	16.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,022	3,301
Mid Cap Blend [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	6.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,500	1,271
Small Cap Blend [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	4.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,005	862
Foreign Stock - Large Cap [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	7.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,706	1,493
Bond [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	31.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	7,548	6,638
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'
Actual Allocation	3.00%	'
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$732	$645

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre5

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Actual And Target Allocations for Plan Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Actual Allocation	100.00%
Target Allocation	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Actual Allocation	66.00%
Target Allocation	70.00%
Bond Securities and Cash Equivalents [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'
Actual Allocation	34.00%
Target Allocation	30.00%

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre6

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Pension Benefit And Other Postretirement Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	$550
2015	608
2016	645
2017	694
2018	753
Aggregate of next five years	5,152
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'
2014	58
2015	59
2016	58
2017	65
2018	56
Aggregate of next five years	$433

Strategic_Network_Alliance_Det

Strategic Network Alliance (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of revenue	34.10%	35.80%	32.40%
Revenue minimum per agreement	$9.30	'	'
SNA [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Litigation settlement, effect on operating income (loss), increase	9.6	'	'
Litigation settlement, effect on revenue, increase	9	'	'
Litigation settlement, effect on cost of sales, decrease	$0.60	'	'
Sprint [Member]	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Partnership agreement with wireless network operator, automatic contract extension term	'3 years	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Renewal options of years	'5 years	'	'
Rental expense for all operating leases	$35.80	$33.20	$32.20
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Purchase commitments expensed over period	'7 years	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Purchase commitments expensed over period	'5 years	'	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases	'
2014	$36,198
2015	36,132
2016	35,607
2017	34,917
2018	34,147
Thereafter	137,077
Total	314,078
Other Commitments	'
2014	115,015
2015	6,952
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
Thereafter	0
Total	121,967
Total	'
2014	151,213
2015	43,084
2016	35,607
2017	34,917
2018	34,147
Thereafter	137,077
Total	$436,045

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Term Loan A [Member] | Refinancing of Debt [Member] | Loans Payable [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Outstanding debt	$148,100,000
Term Loan B [Member] | Loans Payable [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Outstanding debt	533,800,000
Quarterly principal payments	1,400,000
Term Loan B [Member] | Issuance of Debt [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Additional borrowings	40,000,000
Term Loan B [Member] | Issuance of Debt [Member] | Loans Payable [Member]	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'
Additional borrowings	$40,000,000

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Na

Quarterly Financial Summary (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'	'
Increased equipment cost	$8,000,000	'
Write-offs of unamortized deferred issuance costs and discount amount	'	$6,817,000

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_De

Quarterly Financial Summary (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Operating Revenues	$121,766		$130,912		$119,859		$119,345		$117,398		$114,466		$111,585		$110,540		$491,882	$453,989	$422,629
Operating Income	7,364		27,422		23,554		17,496		13,999		13,719		16,573		18,851		75,836	63,142	66,254
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	-381	[1]	11,171	[1]	9,927	[1]	6,022	[1]	764	[2]	5,096	[2]	6,487	[2]	7,981	[2]	26,739	20,328	23,440
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	($784)	[1]	$10,583	[1]	$9,386	[1]	$5,493	[1]	$321	[2]	$4,608	[2]	$5,606	[2]	$7,852	[2]	$24,678	$18,387	($23,715)
Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.04)		$0.50		$0.45		$0.26		$0.02		$0.22		$0.27		$0.38		$1.17	$0.88	($1.14)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.04)		$0.48		$0.43		$0.25		$0.02		$0.22		$0.26		$0.37		$1.13	$0.86	($1.11)
[1]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 include increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the new nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.
[2]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012 included write-offs of $6,817 of unamortized deferred issuance costs and debt discount associated with our prior senior secured credit facility in connection with entering into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.