Document_and_Entity_Informatio
Document and Entity Information (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Feb. 14, 2014 | Jun. 28, 2013 | |
Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Entity Registrant Name | 'FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONS CORP | ' | ' |
Entity Central Index Key | '0000020520 | ' | ' |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | '--12-31 | ' | ' |
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | 'Yes | ' | ' |
Entity Voluntary Filers | 'No | ' | ' |
Entity Current Reporting Status | 'Yes | ' | ' |
Entity Filer Category | 'Large Accelerated Filer | ' | ' |
Entity Public Float | ' | ' | $4,025,490,000 |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | ' | 999,462,000 | ' |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | '2013 | ' | ' |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | 'FY | ' | ' |
Document Type | '10-K | ' | ' |
Amendment Flag | 'false | ' | ' |
Document Period End Date | 31-Dec-13 | ' | ' |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Current assets: | ' | ' |
Cash and cash equivalents | $880,039 | $1,326,532 |
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $71,362 and $93,267, respectively | 479,210 | 533,704 |
Restricted cash | 11,411 | 15,408 |
Prepaid expenses | 68,573 | 66,972 |
Income taxes and other current assets | 179,606 | 144,587 |
Total current assets | 1,618,839 | 2,087,203 |
Restricted cash | 2,000 | 27,252 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,255,762 | 7,504,896 |
Goodwill | 6,337,719 | 6,337,719 |
Other intangibles, net | 1,214,932 | 1,542,739 |
Other assets | 206,232 | 233,822 |
Total assets | 16,635,484 | 17,733,631 |
Current liabilities: | ' | ' |
Long-term debt due within one year | 257,916 | 560,550 |
Accounts payable | 327,256 | 338,148 |
Advanced billings | 137,319 | 146,317 |
Accrued other taxes | 66,276 | 66,342 |
Accrued interest | 188,639 | 209,327 |
Other current liabilities | 324,181 | 232,836 |
Total current liabilities | 1,301,587 | 1,553,520 |
Deferred income taxes | 2,417,108 | 2,357,210 |
Pension and other postretirement benefits | 725,333 | 1,055,058 |
Other liabilities | 262,308 | 266,625 |
Long-term debt | 7,873,667 | 8,381,947 |
Shareholders' equity of Frontier: | ' | ' |
Common stock, $0.25 par value (1,750,000,000 authorized shares, 999,462,000 and 998,410,000 outstanding, respectively, and 1,027,986,000 issued, at December 31, 2013 and 2012) | 256,997 | 256,997 |
Additional paid-in capital | 4,321,056 | 4,639,563 |
Retained earnings | 76,108 | 63,205 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | -260,530 | -483,576 |
Treasury stock | -338,150 | -368,593 |
Total shareholders' equity of Frontier | 4,055,481 | 4,107,596 |
Noncontrolling interest in a partnership | ' | 11,675 |
Total equity | 4,055,481 | 4,119,271 |
Total liabilities and equity | $16,635,484 | $17,733,631 |
Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | ||
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Allowances for accounts receivable, current | $71,362 | $93,267 |
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $0.25 | $0.25 |
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) | 1,750,000,000 | 1,750,000,000 |
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 999,462,000 | 998,410,000 |
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) | 1,027,986,000 | 1,027,986,000 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope
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 |
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Revenue | $4,761,576 | $5,011,853 | $5,243,043 |
Operating expenses: | ' | ' | ' |
Network access expenses | 431,073 | 441,588 | 518,682 |
Other operating expenses | 2,141,068 | 2,234,553 | 2,278,419 |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,169,500 | 1,266,807 | 1,403,175 |
Pension settlement costs | 44,163 | ' | ' |
Acquisition and integration costs | 9,652 | 81,737 | 143,146 |
Total operating expenses | 3,795,456 | 4,024,685 | 4,343,422 |
Gain on sale of Mohave partnership interest | 14,601 | ' | ' |
Operating income | 980,721 | 987,168 | 899,621 |
Investment income | 3,808 | 13,011 | 2,391 |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt | 159,780 | 90,363 | ' |
Other income, net | 5,369 | 7,121 | 9,135 |
Interest expense | 667,398 | 687,985 | 665,196 |
Income before income taxes | 162,720 | 228,952 | 245,951 |
Income tax expense | 47,242 | 75,638 | 88,343 |
Net income | 115,478 | 153,314 | 157,608 |
Less: Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in a partnership | 2,643 | 16,678 | 7,994 |
Net income attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $112,835 | $136,636 | $149,614 |
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $0.11 | $0.14 | $0.15 |
Diluted net income per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $0.11 | $0.13 | $0.15 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Consolidated Statements OF Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Net income | $115,478 | $153,314 | $157,608 |
Pension settlement costs, net of tax (see Notes 14 and 17) | 27,381 | ' | ' |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (see Note 14) | 195,665 | -96,613 | -157,414 |
Comprehensive income | 338,524 | 56,701 | 194 |
Less: Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in a partnership | -2,643 | -16,678 | -7,994 |
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the common shareholders of Frontier | $335,881 | $40,023 | ($7,800) |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Equ
Consolidated Statements Of Equity (USD $) | Common Stock [Member] | Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] | Treasury Stock [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Total |
In Thousands, except Share data | |||||||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010 | $256,997 | $5,525,471 | $77,107 | ($229,549) | ($433,286) | $13,003 | $5,209,743 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010 | 1,027,986,000 | ' | ' | ' | 34,131,000 | ' | ' |
Stock plans | ' | -5,701 | ' | ' | 18,285 | ' | 12,584 |
Stock plans (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,273,000 | ' | ' |
Dividends on common stock | ' | -746,387 | ' | ' | ' | ' | -746,387 |
Net income | ' | ' | 149,614 | ' | ' | 7,994 | 157,608 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ' | ' | ' | -157,414 | ' | ' | -157,414 |
Distributions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -7,000 | -7,000 |
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011 | 256,997 | 4,773,383 | 226,721 | -386,963 | -415,001 | 13,997 | 4,469,134 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011 | 1,027,986,000 | ' | ' | ' | 32,858,000 | ' | ' |
Stock plans | ' | -34,582 | ' | ' | 46,408 | ' | 11,826 |
Stock plans (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3,282,000 | ' | ' |
Dividends on common stock | ' | -99,238 | -300,152 | ' | ' | ' | -399,390 |
Net income | ' | ' | 136,636 | ' | ' | 16,678 | 153,314 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ' | ' | ' | -96,613 | ' | ' | -96,613 |
Distributions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -19,000 | -19,000 |
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012 | 256,997 | 4,639,563 | 63,205 | -483,576 | -368,593 | 11,675 | 4,119,271 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012 | 1,027,986,000 | ' | ' | ' | 29,576,000 | ' | 998,410,000 |
Stock plans | ' | -18,671 | ' | ' | 30,443 | ' | 11,772 |
Stock plans (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,052,000 | ' | ' |
Dividends on common stock | ' | -299,836 | -99,932 | ' | ' | ' | -399,768 |
Net income | ' | ' | 112,835 | ' | ' | 2,643 | 115,478 |
Pension settlement costs, net of tax | ' | ' | ' | 27,381 | ' | ' | 27,381 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | ' | ' | ' | 195,665 | ' | ' | 195,665 |
Distributions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -6,400 | -6,400 |
Sale of Mohave partnership interest | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -7,918 | -7,918 |
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013 | $256,997 | $4,321,056 | $76,108 | ($260,530) | ($338,150) | ' | $4,055,481 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013 | 1,027,986,000 | ' | ' | ' | 28,524,000 | ' | 999,462,000 |
Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas
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 provided by (used in) operating activities: | ' | ' | ' |
Net income | $115,478 | $153,314 | $157,608 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | ' | ' | ' |
Depreciation and amortization expense | 1,169,500 | 1,266,807 | 1,403,175 |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt | 159,780 | 90,363 | ' |
Pension settlement costs | 44,163 | ' | ' |
Pension/OPEB costs | 37,243 | 28,087 | 23,897 |
Stock based compensation expense | 16,932 | 16,775 | 14,209 |
Gain on sale of Mohave partnership interest | -14,601 | ' | ' |
Other non-cash adjustments | 11,065 | 10,319 | -28,036 |
Deferred income taxes | -7,510 | 80,501 | 87,411 |
Change in accounts receivable | 50,487 | 43,813 | -72,600 |
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities | -6,507 | -148,906 | -84,689 |
Change in prepaid expenses, income taxes and other current assets | -80,403 | 11,400 | 71,706 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,495,627 | 1,552,473 | 1,572,681 |
Cash flows provided from (used by) investing activities: | ' | ' | ' |
Capital expenditures - Business operations | -634,685 | -748,407 | -748,361 |
Capital expenditures - Integration activities | ' | -54,097 | -76,478 |
Network expansion funded by Connect America Fund | -32,748 | -4,830 | ' |
Grant funds received for network expansion from Connect America Fund | 63,636 | 65,981 | ' |
Proceeds on sale of Mohave partnership interest | 17,755 | ' | ' |
Cash transferred from escrow | 31,249 | 102,020 | 43,012 |
Other assets purchased and distributions received, net | 12,300 | 4,394 | 19,155 |
Net cash used by investing activities | -542,493 | -634,939 | -762,672 |
Cash flows provided from (used by) financing activities: | ' | ' | ' |
Long-term debt borrowing | 750,000 | 1,360,625 | 575,000 |
Financing costs paid | -19,360 | -27,852 | -5,444 |
Long-term debt payments | -1,563,022 | -756,953 | -552,394 |
Premium paid to retire debt | -159,429 | -72,290 | ' |
Dividends paid | -399,768 | -399,390 | -746,387 |
Repayment of customer advances for construction, distributions to noncontrolling interests and other | -8,048 | -21,236 | -5,953 |
Net cash provided from (used by) financing activities | -1,399,627 | 82,904 | -735,178 |
(Decrease)/Increase in cash and cash equivalents | -446,493 | 1,000,438 | 74,831 |
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1, | 1,326,532 | 326,094 | 251,263 |
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, | 880,039 | 1,326,532 | 326,094 |
Cash paid during the period for: | ' | ' | ' |
Interest | 667,753 | 636,485 | 653,500 |
Income taxes | 94,161 | 4,715 | -33,072 |
Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ' | ' | ' |
Capital lease obligations | 25,082 | 26,596 | ' |
Financing obligation for contribution of real property to pension plan | 23,422 | ' | 58,100 |
Reduction of pension obligation | -23,422 | ' | -58,100 |
Increase in capital expenditures due to change in accounts payable | $39,847 | $9,802 | $1,338 |
Summary_Of_Significant_Account
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Description of Business and Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | ' |
(1) Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: | |
(a) Description of Business: | |
Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) is a communications company providing services predominantly to rural areas and small and medium-sized towns and cities as an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC). Frontier was incorporated in 1935, originally under the name of Citizens Utilities Company and was known as Citizens Communications Company until July 31, 2008. Frontier and its subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Frontier,” or the “Company” in this report. On July 1, 2010, Frontier completed the 2010 Transaction for the acquisition of the 2010 Acquired Business, as described further in Note 3 – The Transactions. | |
(b) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates: | |
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. | |
Frontier had a 33⅓% controlling general partner interest in a partnership entity, the Mohave Cellular Limited Partnership (Mohave). Mohave’s results of operations and balance sheet were included in our consolidated financial statements through its date of disposal on April 1, 2013. The minority interest of the limited partners was reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as “Noncontrolling interest in a partnership” and in the consolidated statements of operations as “Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in a partnership.” On April 1, 2013, the Company sold its partnership interest in Mohave and received proceeds of $17.8 million. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $14.6 million before taxes in 2013. | |
For our financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2013, we evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date that we filed this annual report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). | |
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for revenue recognition including the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, contingencies, and pension and other postretirement benefits, among others. | |
(c) Cash Equivalents: | |
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. | |
(d) Revenue Recognition: | |
Revenue is recognized when services are provided or when products are delivered to customers. Revenue that is billed in advance includes: monthly recurring network access services (including data services), special access services and monthly recurring voice, video and related charges. The unearned portion of these fees is initially deferred as a component of “Advanced billings” on our consolidated balance sheet and recognized as revenue over the period that the services are provided. Revenue that is billed in arrears includes: non-recurring network access services (including data services), switched access services, non-recurring voice and video services. The earned but unbilled portion of these fees is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statements of operations and accrued in accounts receivable in the period that the services are provided. Excise taxes are recognized as a liability when billed. Installation fees and their related direct and incremental costs are initially deferred and recognized as revenue and expense over the average term of a customer relationship. We recognize as current period expense the portion of installation costs that exceeds installation fee revenue. | |
As required by law, the Company collects various taxes from its customers and subsequently remits these taxes to governmental authorities. Substantially all of these taxes are recorded through the consolidated balance sheet and presented on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations. We also collect Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharges from customers (primarily federal USF) that we have recorded on a gross basis in our consolidated statements of operations and included within “Revenue” and “Other operating expenses” of $117.5 million, $119.7 million and $104.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |
(e) Property, Plant and Equipment: | |
Property, plant and equipment are stated at original cost, including capitalized interest, or fair market value as of the date of acquisition for acquired properties. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. The gross book value of routine property, plant and equipment retired is charged against accumulated depreciation. | |
(f) Goodwill and Other Intangibles: | |
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets acquired. We undertake studies to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired and allocate purchase prices to assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other identifiable intangibles. We annually (during the fourth quarter) or more frequently, if appropriate, examine the carrying value of our goodwill and trade name to determine whether there are any impairment losses. We test for goodwill impairment at the “operating segment” level, as that term is defined in U.S. GAAP. During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reorganized into four regional operating segments. Our operating segments consist of the following regions: Central, East, National and West. Our regional operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment. In conjunction with the reorganization of our operating segments effective with the first quarter of 2013, we reassigned goodwill to our reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. | |
The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives and reviews such intangible assets at least annually (during the fourth quarter) to assess whether any potential impairment exists and whether factors exist that would necessitate a change in useful life and a different amortization period. | |
(g) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of: | |
We review long-lived assets to be held and used, including customer lists, and long-lived assets to be disposed of for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to their estimated fair market value. If any assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value. Also, we periodically reassess the useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets to determine whether any changes are required. | |
(h) Investments: | |
Investments in entities that we do not control, but where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. | |
(i) Income Taxes and Deferred Income Taxes: | |
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recorded for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. | |
(j) Stock Plans: | |
We have various stock-based compensation plans. Awards under these plans are granted to eligible officers, management employees, non-management employees and non-employee directors. Awards may be made in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other stock-based awards, including awards with performance, market and time-vesting conditions. Our general policy is to issue shares from treasury upon the grant of restricted shares, earning of performance shares and the exercise of options. | |
The compensation cost recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest. U.S. GAAP requires forfeitures to be estimated and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. | |
(k) Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Common Shareholders: | |
Basic net income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period being reported on, excluding unvested restricted stock awards. The impact of dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards have been deducted in the determination of basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier. Except when the effect would be antidilutive, diluted net income per common share reflects the dilutive effect of certain common stock equivalents, as described further in Note 13 – Net Income Per Common Share. | |
Recent_Accounting_Literature
Recent Accounting Literature | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Recent Accounting Literature [Abstract] | ' |
Recent Accounting Literature | ' |
(2) Recent Accounting Literature: | |
Presentation of Comprehensive Income | |
In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02 (ASU 2013-02), “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” (Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 220). ASU 2013-02 requires disclosing the effect of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in the components of net income in circumstances when U.S. GAAP requires the item to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. This new guidance is to be applied prospectively. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 during the fourth quarter of 2012 with no impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. | |
Internal Control – Integrated Framework | |
On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) issued its updated Internal Control – Integrated Framework (the 2013 Framework) and related illustrative documents. COSO will continue to make available its original Framework during the transition period extending to December 15, 2014. The Company currently utilizes COSO’s original Framework, which was published in 1992 and is recognized as the leading guidance for designing, implementing and conducting internal controls over external financial reporting and assessing its effectiveness. The 2013 Framework is expected to help organizations design and implement internal control in light of many changes in business and operating environments since the issuance of the original Framework, broaden the application of internal control in addressing operations and reporting objectives, and clarify the requirements for determining what constitutes effective internal control. We plan to adopt the 2013 Framework in 2014 and do not expect that it will have a significant impact on the Company. | |
The_Transactions
The Transactions | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
The Transactions [Abstract] | ' |
The Transactions | ' |
(3) The Transactions: | |
The 2010 Transaction | |
On July 1, 2010, the Company acquired the defined assets and liabilities of the local exchange business and related landline activities of Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon) in 14 states (the Acquired Territories), including Internet access and long distance services and broadband video provided to designated customers in the Acquired Territories (the 2010 Acquired Business). Frontier was considered the acquirer of the 2010 Acquired Business for accounting purposes. | |
The Company accounted for its acquisition of the 2010 Acquired Business (the 2010 Transaction) using the guidance included in ASC Topic 805. We incurred $81.7 million and $143.1 million of integration related costs in connection with the 2010 Transaction during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Such costs are required to be expensed as incurred and are reflected in “Acquisition and integration costs” in our consolidated statements of operations. All integration activities for the 2010 Transaction were completed as of the end of 2012. | |
The AT&T Transaction | |
On December 17, 2013, the Company announced that it entered into an agreement to acquire the wireline properties of AT&T Inc. (AT&T) in Connecticut (the AT&T Transaction) for a purchase price of $2.0 billion in cash, with adjustments for working capital. Upon completion of the AT&T Transaction, Frontier will operate AT&T’s wireline business and fiber optic network that provides services to residential, commercial and wholesale customers in Connecticut. The Company will also acquire AT&T’s U-verse® video and satellite TV customers in Connecticut. We incurred $9.7 million of acquisition related costs in connection with the AT&T Transaction during the fourth quarter of 2013. | |
Accounts_Receivable
Accounts Receivable | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable | ' | ||||||||||||||||
(4) Accounts Receivable: | |||||||||||||||||
The components of accounts receivable, net at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||
Retail and Wholesale | $ | 498,717 | $ | 581,152 | |||||||||||||
Other | 51,855 | 45,819 | |||||||||||||||
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | -71,362 | -93,267 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 479,210 | $ | 533,704 | |||||||||||||
An analysis of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows: | |||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Balance at beginning of Period | Charged to Other Revenue | Charged (Credited) to Switched and Nonswitched Revenue and Other Accounts | Write-offs and Recoveries | Balance at end of Period | ||||||||||||
2011 | $ | 73,571 | $ | 93,721 | $ | 16,403 | $ | -76,647 | $ | 107,048 | |||||||
2012 | 107,048 | 74,332 | 14,396 | -102,509 | 93,267 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 93,267 | 68,965 | -3,203 | -87,667 | 71,362 | ||||||||||||
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based on our estimate of our ability to collect accounts receivable. The provision for uncollectible amounts was $65.8 million, $88.7 million and $110.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |||||||||||||||||
Property_Plant_And_Equipment
Property, Plant And Equipment | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
Property, Plant And Equipment | ' | ||||||||
(5) Property, Plant and Equipment: | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | Estimated Useful Lives | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Land | N/A | $ | 126,483 | $ | 126,483 | ||||
Buildings and leasehold improvements | 41 years | 1,061,097 | 1,052,650 | ||||||
General support | 5 to 17 years | 977,941 | 988,707 | ||||||
Central office/electronic circuit equipment | 5 to 11 years | 5,222,928 | 4,965,099 | ||||||
Poles | 49 years | 549,322 | 507,922 | ||||||
Cable and wire | 15 to 30 years | 6,259,292 | 6,038,835 | ||||||
Conduit | 60 years | 359,974 | 354,777 | ||||||
Other | 12 to 30 years | 43,144 | 44,802 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 250,516 | 274,488 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 14,850,697 | 14,353,763 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | -7,594,935 | -6,848,867 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 7,255,762 | $ | 7,504,896 | |||||
Depreciation expense is principally based on the composite group method. Depreciation expense was $841.5 million, $844.6 million and $881.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As a result of an independent study of the estimated remaining useful lives of our plant assets, we adopted new estimated remaining useful lives for certain plant assets as of October 1, 2013, with an immaterial impact to depreciation expense. | |||||||||
Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles
Goodwill And Other Intangibles | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill And Other Intangibles | ' | ||||||||||||||||||
(6) Goodwill and Other Intangibles: | |||||||||||||||||||
The components of goodwill by the reporting units in effect as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Central | $ | 1,815,498 | |||||||||||||||||
East | 2,003,574 | ||||||||||||||||||
National | 1,218,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
West | 1,300,534 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Goodwill | $ | 6,337,719 | |||||||||||||||||
The components of other intangibles at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||
Other Intangibles: | |||||||||||||||||||
Customer base | $ | 2,427,648 | $ | -1,336,852 | $ | 1,090,796 | $ | 2,427,648 | $ | -1,009,045 | $ | 1,418,603 | |||||||
Software licenses | - | - | - | 105,019 | -105,019 | - | |||||||||||||
Trade name and license | 124,136 | - | 124,136 | 124,419 | -283 | 124,136 | |||||||||||||
Total other intangibles | $ | 2,551,784 | $ | -1,336,852 | $ | 1,214,932 | $ | 2,657,086 | $ | -1,114,347 | $ | 1,542,739 | |||||||
Amortization expense was $328.0 million, $422.2 million and $521.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011 of $328.0 million, $410.8 million and $465.4 million, respectively, mainly represents the amortization of intangible assets (primarily customer base) that were acquired in the 2010 Transaction based on a useful life of nine years for the residential customer base and 12 years for the business customer base, amortized on an accelerated method. Amortization expense for 2012 and 2011 included $38.3 million and $49.1 million, respectively, for amortization associated with certain software licenses that were acquired in the 2010 Transaction and are no longer required for operations as a result of the completed systems conversions and $11.4 million and $56.3 million, respectively, for amortization associated with certain properties, each of which were fully amortized in 2012. Amortization expense, based on our current estimate of useful lives, is estimated to be approximately $285 million in 2014, $240 million in 2015, $195 million in 2016, $150 million in 2017 and $105 million in 2018. | |||||||||||||||||||
LongTerm_Debt
Long-Term Debt | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | ' | ||||||||||||||
(7) Long-Term Debt: | |||||||||||||||
The activity in our long-term debt from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013 is summarized as follows: | |||||||||||||||
Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
31-Dec-13 | Interest | ||||||||||||||
Rate at | |||||||||||||||
December 31, | Payments | New | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2012 | and Retirements | Borrowings | 2013 | 2013 * | ||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Debt | $ | 8,919,696 | $ | -1,562,630 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 8,107,066 | 7.95% | ||||||
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds | 13,550 | - | - | 13,550 | 6.33% | ||||||||||
Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts | 9,322 | -392 | - | 8,930 | 6.15% | ||||||||||
Total Long-Term Debt | $ | 8,942,568 | $ | -1,563,022 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 8,129,546 | 7.95% | ||||||
Less: Debt (Discount)/Premium | -71 | 2,037 | |||||||||||||
Less: Current Portion | -560,550 | -257,916 | |||||||||||||
$ | 8,381,947 | $ | 7,873,667 | ||||||||||||
* Interest rate includes amortization of debt issuance costs and debt premiums or discounts. The interest rates at December 31, 2013 represent a weighted average of multiple issuances. | |||||||||||||||
Additional information regarding our Senior Unsecured Debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows: | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||
Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | ||||||||||||
Outstanding | Rate | Outstanding | Rate | ||||||||||||
Senior Notes and Debentures Due: | |||||||||||||||
1/15/13 | $ | - | - | $ | 502,658 | 6.25% | |||||||||
5/1/14 | 200,000 | 8.25% | 200,000 | 8.25% | |||||||||||
3/15/15 | 105,026 | 6.63% | 300,000 | 6.63% | |||||||||||
4/15/15 | 96,872 | 7.88% | 374,803 | 7.88% | |||||||||||
10/14/2016 * | 460,000 | 3.045% (Variable) | 517,500 | 3.095% (Variable) | |||||||||||
4/15/17 | 606,874 | 8.25% | 1,040,685 | 8.25% | |||||||||||
10/1/18 | 582,739 | 8.13% | 600,000 | 8.13% | |||||||||||
3/15/19 | 434,000 | 7.12% | 434,000 | 7.12% | |||||||||||
4/15/20 | 1,021,505 | 8.50% | 1,100,000 | 8.50% | |||||||||||
7/1/21 | 500,000 | 9.25% | 500,000 | 9.25% | |||||||||||
4/15/22 | 500,000 | 8.75% | 500,000 | 8.75% | |||||||||||
1/15/23 | 850,000 | 7.12% | 850,000 | 7.12% | |||||||||||
4/15/24 | 750,000 | 7.63% | - | - | |||||||||||
11/1/25 | 138,000 | 7.00% | 138,000 | 7.00% | |||||||||||
8/15/26 | 1,739 | 6.80% | 1,739 | 6.80% | |||||||||||
1/15/27 | 345,858 | 7.88% | 345,858 | 7.88% | |||||||||||
8/15/31 | 945,325 | 9.00% | 945,325 | 9.00% | |||||||||||
10/1/34 | 628 | 7.68% | 628 | 7.68% | |||||||||||
7/1/35 | 125,000 | 7.45% | 125,000 | 7.45% | |||||||||||
10/1/46 | 193,500 | 7.05% | 193,500 | 7.05% | |||||||||||
7,857,066 | 8,669,696 | ||||||||||||||
Subsidiary Senior Notes and Debentures Due: | |||||||||||||||
2/15/2028 | 200,000 | 6.73% | 200,000 | 6.73% | |||||||||||
10/15/2029 | 50,000 | 8.40% | 50,000 | 8.40% | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,107,066 | 7.78% ** | $ | 8,919,696 | 7.69% ** | |||||||||
* Represents borrowings under the Credit Agreement with CoBank. | |||||||||||||||
** Interest rate represents a weighted average of the stated interest rates of multiple issuances. | |||||||||||||||
The Company has a credit agreement with CoBank, ACB, as administrative agent, lead arranger and a lender, and the other lenders party thereto, for a $575.0 million senior unsecured term loan facility with a final maturity of October 14, 2016 (the Credit Agreement). The entire facility was drawn upon execution of the Credit Agreement in October 2011. Repayment of the outstanding principal balance is made in quarterly installments in the amount of $14.4 million, which commenced on March 31, 2012, with the remaining outstanding principal balance to be repaid on the final maturity date. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest based on the margins over the Base Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or LIBOR, at the election of the Company. Interest rate margins under the facility (ranging from 0.875% to 2.875% for Base Rate borrowings and 1.875% to 3.875% for LIBOR borrowings) are subject to adjustments based on the Total Leverage Ratio of the Company, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement. The current pricing on this facility is LIBOR plus 2.875%. Proceeds of the facility were used to repay in full the remaining outstanding principal on three debt facilities (Frontier’s $200 million Rural Telephone Financing Cooperative term loan maturing October 24, 2011, its $143 million CoBank term loan maturing December 31, 2012, and its $130 million CoBank term loan maturing December 31, 2013) and the remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. | |||||||||||||||
On May 3, 2013, the Company entered into a new $750.0 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) and terminated the Company’s previously existing revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2013, no borrowings had been made under the Revolving Credit Facility. The terms of the Revolving Credit Facility are set forth in the credit agreement, dated as of May 3, 2013, among the Company, the Lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and the other parties named therein (the Revolving Credit Agreement). Associated commitment fees under the Revolving Credit Facility will vary from time to time depending on the Company’s debt rating (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) and were 0.400% per annum as of December 31, 2013. The Revolving Credit Facility is scheduled to terminate on November 3, 2016. During the term of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may borrow, repay and reborrow funds, and may obtain letters of credit, subject to customary borrowing conditions. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest based on the alternate base rate or the adjusted LIBO Rate (each as determined in the Revolving Credit Agreement), at the Company’s election, plus a margin based on the Company’s debt rating (ranging from 0.50% to 1.50% for alternate base rate borrowings and 1.50% to 2.50% for adjusted LIBO Rate borrowings). The current pricing on this facility would have been 1.0% or 2.0%, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. Letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility will also be subject to fees that vary depending on the Company’s debt rating. The Revolving Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes but may not be used to fund dividend payments. The maximum permitted leverage ratio is 4.5 times. | |||||||||||||||
On September 8, 2010, the Company entered into a letter of credit facility, the terms of which are set forth in the Credit Agreement with the Lenders party thereto and Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch (the Bank), as Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank (the Letter of Credit Agreement). An initial letter of credit for $190.0 million was issued to the West Virginia Public Service Commission to guarantee certain of our capital investment commitments in West Virginia in connection with the 2010 Transaction. The initial commitments under the Letter of Credit Agreement expired in September 2011, with the Bank exercising its option to extend $100.0 million of the commitments to September 2012. In September 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the Letter of Credit Agreement to extend $40 million of the commitments. Two letters of credit were issued in September 2012, one for $20 million that expired in March 2013, and the other for $20 million that expired in September 2013. The Letter of Credit Agreement expired on September 20, 2013. | |||||||||||||||
On April 10, 2013, the Company completed a registered debt offering of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior unsecured notes due 2024, issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. We received net proceeds of $736.9 million from the offering after deducting underwriting fees. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes, together with cash on hand, to finance the cash tender offers discussed below. | |||||||||||||||
On April 10, 2013, the Company accepted for purchase $471.3 million aggregate principal amount of its senior notes tendered for total consideration of $532.4 million, consisting of $194.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.625% senior notes due 2015 (the March 2015 Notes), tendered for total consideration of $216.0 million, and $277.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 7.875% senior notes due 2015 (the April 2015 Notes), tendered for total consideration of $316.4 million. On April 24, 2013, the Company accepted for purchase $0.7 million aggregate principal amount of the March 2015 Notes, tendered for total consideration of $0.8 million, $0.8 million of the April 2015 Notes, tendered for total consideration of $0.9 million, and $225.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 8.250% senior notes due 2017 (the 2017 Notes), tendered for total consideration of $267.7 million. The repurchases in the debt tender offers for the senior notes resulted in a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $104.9 million, ($64.9 million or $0.06 per share after tax), which was recognized in the second quarter of 2013. | |||||||||||||||
Additionally, during the second quarter of 2013, the Company repurchased $208.8 million of the 2017 Notes in a privately negotiated transaction, along with $17.3 million of its 8.125% senior notes due 2018 and $78.5 million of its 8.500% senior notes due 2020 in open market repurchases. These transactions resulted in a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $54.9 million ($34.0 million or $0.04 per share after tax), which was recognized in the second quarter of 2013. | |||||||||||||||
On May 17, 2012, the Company completed a registered offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 9.250% senior unsecured notes due 2021, issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. We received net proceeds of $489.6 million from the offering after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. The Company also commenced a tender offer to purchase the maximum aggregate principal amount of its 8.250% Senior Notes due 2014 (the 2014 Notes) and the April 2015 Notes (and together with the 2014 Notes, the Notes) that it could purchase for up to $500 million in cash (the 2012 Debt Tender Offer). | |||||||||||||||
Pursuant to the 2012 Debt Tender Offer, the Company accepted for purchase $400 million aggregate principal amount of 2014 Notes, tendered for total consideration of $446.0 million, and $49.5 million aggregate principal amount of April 2015 Notes, tendered for total consideration of $54.0 million. The Company used proceeds from the sale of its May 2012 offering of $500 million of 9.250% Senior Notes due 2021, plus cash on hand, to purchase the Notes. | |||||||||||||||
In connection with the 2012 Debt Tender Offer and repurchase of the Notes, the Company recognized a loss of $69.0 million for the premium paid on the early extinguishment of debt during 2012. We also recognized losses of $2.1 million during 2012 for $78.1 million in total open market repurchases of our 6.25% Senior Notes due 2013. | |||||||||||||||
On August 15, 2012, the Company completed a registered offering of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes), issued at a price of 100% of their principal amount. We received net proceeds of $588.1 million from the offering after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase or retire existing indebtedness in 2013. | |||||||||||||||
On October 1, 2012, the Company completed a registered debt offering of $250 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, issued at a price of 104.250% of their principal amount. We received net proceeds of $255.9 million from the offering after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. The notes are an additional issuance of, are fully fungible with and form a single series voting together as one class with the $600 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes issued by the Company on August 15, 2012. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase or retire existing indebtedness in 2013. | |||||||||||||||
On October 1, 2012, the Company accepted for purchase $75.7 million and $59.3 million aggregate principal amount of the April 2015 Notes and the 2017 Notes, respectively, in open market repurchases for total consideration of $154.7 million. The repurchases resulted in a loss on the early retirement of debt of $19.3 million. | |||||||||||||||
In 2011, we retired an aggregate principal amount of $552.4 million of debt, consisting of $551.4 million of senior unsecured debt and $1.0 million of rural utilities service loan contracts. | |||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all of our debt and credit facility financial covenants. | |||||||||||||||
On December 16, 2013, we signed a commitment letter for a bridge loan facility (the Bridge Facility) and recognized interest expense of $1.3 million related to this commitment during 2013. On January 29, 2014, we entered into a bridge loan agreement (the Bridge Loan Agreement) with the Lenders party thereto and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, pursuant to which the Lenders have agreed at closing of the AT&T Transaction to provide to us an unsecured bridge loan facility for up to $1.9 billion for the purposes of funding (i) substantially all of the purchase price for the AT&T Transaction and (ii) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the stock purchase agreement for the AT&T Transaction. Pursuant to the Bridge Loan Agreement, if and to the extent we do not, or are unable to, issue debt securities yielding up to $1.9 billion in gross cash proceeds on or prior to the closing of the AT&T Transaction, we shall draw down up to $1.9 billion, less the amount of the debt securities, if any, issued by us on or prior to the closing of the AT&T Transaction, in aggregate principal amount of loans under the Bridge Facility to fund the purchase price of the AT&T Transaction. | |||||||||||||||
Our principal payments for the next five years are as follows as of December 31, 2013: | |||||||||||||||
Principal | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Payments | ||||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 257,916 | |||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 259,840 | |||||||||||||
2016 | $ | 345,466 | |||||||||||||
2017 | $ | 607,375 | |||||||||||||
2018 | $ | 583,273 | |||||||||||||
Other Obligations | |||||||||||||||
During 2013, the Company contributed four real estate properties to its qualified defined benefit pension plan. The pension plan obtained independent appraisals of the properties and, based on these appraisals, the pension plan recorded the contributions at their fair value of $23.4 million. The Company has entered into leases for the contributed properties for 15 years at a combined aggregate annual rent of approximately $2.1 million. The properties are managed on behalf of the pension plan by an independent fiduciary, and the terms of the leases were negotiated with the fiduciary on an arm’s-length basis. | |||||||||||||||
The contribution and leaseback of the properties was treated as a financing transaction and, accordingly, the Company continues to depreciate the carrying value of the properties in its financial statements and no gain or loss was recognized. An obligation of $23.4 million was recorded in our consolidated balance sheet within “Other liabilities” for $23.3 million and within “Other current liabilities” for $0.1 million and these liabilities will be reduced by a portion of the lease payments made to the pension plan. | |||||||||||||||
During 2012, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback arrangement for a facility in Everett, Washington and entered into a capital lease for the use of fiber in the state of Minnesota. These agreements have lease terms of 12 and 23 years, respectively. These capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2012 are included in our consolidated balance sheet within “Other liabilities” and “Other current liabilities.” | |||||||||||||||
During 2011, the Company contributed four real estate properties to its qualified defined benefit pension plan. The pension plan recorded the contributions at their fair value of $58.1 million and the Company entered into a financing lease for the contributed properties for 15 years at a combined aggregate annual rent of approximately $5.8 million. | |||||||||||||||
Future minimum payments for finance lease obligations and capital lease obligations as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Finance Lease Obligations | Capital Lease Obligations | |||||||||||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 6,891 | $ | 3,107 | |||||||||||
2015 | 7,043 | 3,162 | |||||||||||||
2016 | 7,225 | 3,216 | |||||||||||||
2017 | 7,418 | 3,273 | |||||||||||||
2018 | 7,633 | 3,331 | |||||||||||||
Thereafter | 70,892 | 18,976 | |||||||||||||
Total future payments | 107,102 | 35,065 | |||||||||||||
Less: Amounts representing interest | -63,174 | -9,983 | |||||||||||||
Present value of minimum lease payments | $ | 43,928 | $ | 25,082 | |||||||||||
Investment_Income
Investment Income | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Investment Income [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Investment Income | ' | |||||||||
(8) Investment Income: | ||||||||||
The components of investment income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Interest and dividend income | $ | 2,401 | $ | 3,753 | $ | 2,184 | ||||
Investment gain | 1,407 | 9,780 | 1,071 | |||||||
Equity earnings (loss) | - | -522 | -864 | |||||||
Total investment income | $ | 3,808 | $ | 13,011 | $ | 2,391 | ||||
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized investment gains of $1.4 million, $9.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, associated with cash received in connection with our previously written-off investment in Adelphia. | ||||||||||
Other_Income_Net
Other Income, Net | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Other Income, Net [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Other Income, Net | ' | |||||||||
(9) Other Income, Net: | ||||||||||
The components of other income, net for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Gain on expiration/settlement of customer advances | $ | 3,345 | $ | 7,798 | $ | 7,605 | ||||
Litigation settlement proceeds | - | 854 | 1,495 | |||||||
Split-dollar life insurance proceeds | 2,263 | - | - | |||||||
All other, net | -239 | -1,531 | 35 | |||||||
Total other income, net | $ | 5,369 | $ | 7,121 | $ | 9,135 | ||||
During 2013 we recognized proceeds of $2.3 million in the settlement of a split-dollar life insurance policy for a former senior executive. | ||||||||||
During 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recognized income of $3.3 million, $7.8 million and $7.6 million, respectively, in connection with certain retained liabilities that have terminated, associated with customer advances for construction from our disposed water properties. | ||||||||||
During 2012 and 2011, we recognized $0.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, in settlement proceeds related to litigation arising from businesses that the Company exited several years ago. | ||||||||||
Capital_Stock
Capital Stock | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Capital Stock [Abstract] | ' |
Capital Stock | ' |
(10) Capital Stock: | |
We are authorized to issue up to 1,750,000,000 shares of common stock. The amount and timing of dividends payable on common stock are, subject to applicable law, within the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. | |
Stock_Plans
Stock Plans | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
Stock Plans [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
Stock Plans | ' | ||||||||||
(11) Stock Plans: | |||||||||||
At December 31, 2013, we had six stock-based compensation plans under which grants were made and awards remained outstanding. No further awards may be granted under four of the plans: the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the 1996 EIP), the Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2000 EIP), the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2009 EIP) and the Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred Fee Equity Plan (the Deferred Fee Plan). At December 31, 2013, there were 22,540,761 shares authorized for grant and 18,432,664 shares available for grant under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2013 EIP and together with the 1996 EIP, the 2000 EIP and the 2009 EIP, the EIPs) and the Non-Employee Directors’ Equity Incentive Plan (the Directors’ Equity Plan, and together with the Deferred Fee Plan, the Director Plans). Our general policy is to issue shares from treasury upon the grant of restricted shares and the exercise of options. | |||||||||||
1996, 2000, 2009 and 2013 Equity Incentive Plans | |||||||||||
Since the expiration dates of the 1996 EIP, the 2000 EIP and the 2009 EIP on May 22, 2006, May 14, 2009 and May 8, 2013, respectively, no awards have been or may be granted under the 1996 EIP, the 2000 EIP and the 2009 EIP. Under the 2013 EIP, awards of our common stock may be granted to eligible officers, management employees and non-management employees in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, performance shares or other stock-based awards. As discussed under the Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation Plans below, prior to May 25, 2006 non-employee directors received an award of stock options under the 2000 EIP upon commencement of service. | |||||||||||
At December 31, 2013, there were 20,000,000 shares authorized for grant under the 2013 EIP and 17,384,055 shares available for grant. No awards may be granted more than 10 years after the effective date (May 8, 2013) of the 2013 EIP plan. The exercise price of stock options and SARs under the EIPs generally are equal to or greater than the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. Stock options are not ordinarily exercisable on the date of grant but vest over a period of time (generally four years). Under the terms of the EIPs, subsequent stock dividends and stock splits have the effect of increasing the option shares outstanding, which correspondingly decrease the average exercise price of outstanding options. | |||||||||||
Performance Shares | |||||||||||
On February 15, 2012, the Company’s Compensation Committee, in consultation with the other non-management directors of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Committee’s independent executive compensation consultant, adopted the Frontier Long-Term Incentive Plan (the LTIP). LTIP awards are granted in the form of performance shares. The LTIP is currently offered under the Company’s 2009 EIP and 2013 EIP, and participants consist of senior vice presidents and above. The LTIP awards have performance, market and time-vesting conditions. | |||||||||||
Beginning in 2012, during the first 90 days of a three-year performance period (a Measurement Period), a target number of performance shares are awarded to each LTIP participant with respect to the Measurement Period. The performance metrics under the LTIP are (1) annual targets for operating cash flow based on a goal set during the first 90 days of each year in the three-year Measurement Period and (2) an overall performance “modifier” set during the first 90 days of the Measurement Period, based on the Company’s total return to stockholders (i.e., Total Shareholder Return or TSR) relative to the Integrated Telecommunications Services Group (GICS Code 50101020) for the three-year Measurement Period. Operating cash flow performance is determined at the end of each year and the annual results will be averaged at the end of the three-year Measurement Period to determine the preliminary number of shares earned under the LTIP award. The TSR performance measure is then applied to decrease or increase payouts based on the Company’s three year relative TSR performance. LTIP awards, to the extent earned, will be paid out in the form of common stock shortly following the end of the three-year Measurement Period. | |||||||||||
On February 15, 2012, the Compensation Committee granted 930,020 performance shares under the LTIP for the 2012-2014 Measurement Period and set the operating cash flow performance goal for the first year in that Measurement Period and the TSR modifier for the three-year Measurement Period. On February 27, 2013, the Compensation Committee approved 1,123,966 target performance shares under the LTIP for the 2013-2015 Measurement Period and set the operating cash flow performance goal for 2013, which applies to the first year of the 2013-2015 Measurement Period and the second year of the 2012-2014 Measurement Period. The performance share awards approved in February 2013 were granted upon stockholder approval of the Company’s 2013 EIP at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 8, 2013. The number of shares of common stock earned at the end of each three-year Measurement Period may be more or less than the number of target performance shares granted as a result of operating cash flow and TSR performance. An executive must maintain a satisfactory performance rating during the Measurement Period and must be employed by the Company at the end of the three-year Measurement Period in order for the award to vest. The Compensation Committee will determine the number of shares earned for each three year Measurement Period in February of the year following the end of the Measurement Period. | |||||||||||
The following summary presents information regarding LTIP target performance shares as of December 31, 2013 and changes with regard to LTIP shares awarded under the 2009 EIP and the 2013 EIP: | |||||||||||
Number of | |||||||||||
Shares | |||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 | - | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares granted | 979,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares forfeited | - | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 979,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares granted | 1,124,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares forfeited | -354,000 | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 1,749,000 | ||||||||||
The Company recognized an expense of $1.1 million and $0.4 million during 2013 and 2012, respectively, for the LTIP. | |||||||||||
Restricted Stock | |||||||||||
The following summary presents information regarding unvested restricted stock as of December 31, 2013 and changes with regard to restricted stock under the 2009 EIP and the 2013 EIP: | |||||||||||
Weighted | |||||||||||
Average | |||||||||||
Number of | Grant Date | Aggregate | |||||||||
Shares | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | 4,440,000 | $ | 8.29 | $ | 43,199,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 1,734,000 | $ | 9.38 | $ | 8,930,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -1,146,000 | $ | 9.52 | $ | 5,899,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -181,000 | $ | 7.99 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | 4,847,000 | $ | 8.4 | $ | 24,962,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 3,976,000 | $ | 4.18 | $ | 17,017,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -1,387,000 | $ | 8.78 | $ | 5,937,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -387,000 | $ | 5.99 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 7,049,000 | $ | 6.08 | $ | 30,169,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 3,360,000 | $ | 4.1 | $ | 15,626,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -3,097,000 | $ | 6.78 | $ | 14,403,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -1,078,000 | $ | 5.26 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 6,234,000 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 28,988,000 | ||||||
For purposes of determining compensation expense, the fair value of each restricted stock grant is estimated based on the average of the high and low market price of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. Total remaining unrecognized compensation cost associated with unvested restricted stock awards at December 31, 2013 was $19.5 million and the weighted average period over which this cost is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.5 years. | |||||||||||
We have granted restricted stock awards to employees in the form of our common stock. None of the restricted stock awards may be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred, voluntarily or involuntarily, by the employees until the restrictions lapse, subject to limited exceptions. The restrictions are time-based. Compensation expense, recognized in “Other operating expenses”, of $14.9 million, $15.9 million and $14.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, has been recorded in connection with these grants. | |||||||||||
Stock Options | |||||||||||
The following summary presents information regarding outstanding stock options as of December 31, 2013 and changes with regard to options under the EIPs: | |||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||
Shares | Average | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||
Subject to | Option Price | Remaining | Intrinsic | ||||||||
Option | Per Share | Life in Years | Value | ||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | 1,507,000 | $ | 10.50 | 1.7 | $ | 603,000 | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | -10,000 | $ | 8.19 | $ | 12,000 | ||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -602,000 | $ | 10.86 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | 895,000 | $ | 9.94 | 1.3 | $ | - | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -355,000 | $ | 8.35 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 540,000 | $ | 10.99 | 0.9 | $ | - | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -457,000 | $ | 10.59 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 83,000 | $ | 13.23 | 1.8 | $ | - | |||||
The number of options exercisable at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 83,000, 540,000 and 895,000, with a weighted average exercise price of $13.23, $10.99 and $9.94, respectively. | |||||||||||
There were no stock options exercised during 2013 and 2012. Cash received upon the exercise of options during 2011 was $0.1 million. There were no stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011. There is no remaining unrecognized compensation cost associated with unvested stock options at December 31, 2013. | |||||||||||
Non-Employee Directors’ Compensation Plans | |||||||||||
Prior to October 1, 2010, non-employee directors received stock options upon joining the Board of Directors. These options were awarded under the Directors’ Equity Plan commencing May 25, 2006. Prior thereto, these options were awarded under the 2000 EIP. Options awarded to directors under the 2000 EIP are included in the above tables. | |||||||||||
Prior to October 1, 2013, each non-employee director was entitled to receive an annual retainer of (1) $75,000 in cash, which he or she had the right to elect to receive in the form of stock units, and (2) $75,000 in the form of stock units. In addition, the Lead Director, the chair of the Audit Committee and the chair of the Compensation Committee each received an annual stipend of $20,000, the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee received an annual stipend of $10,000 and the chair of the Retirement Plan Committee received an annual stipend of $7,500. | |||||||||||
Beginning October 1, 2013, we revised our non-employee director compensation program in accordance with best practices. Each non-employee director is now entitled to receive an annual retainer of (1) $90,000 in cash, which he or she has the right to elect to receive in the form of stock units, as described below, and (2) $90,000 in the form of stock units, in each case payable in advance in quarterly installments on the first business day of each quarter. In addition, the Lead Director and the chair of the Audit Committee each receives an additional annual cash stipend of $25,000, the chair of the Compensation Committee receives an additional annual cash stipend of $20,000, the chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives an additional annual cash stipend of $15,000 and the chair of the Retirement Plan Committee receives an additional annual cash stipend of $10,000, which in each case he or she may elect to receive in the form of stock units. The annual stipend paid to the Lead Director and each of the committee chairs is payable in arrears in equal quarterly installments on the last business day of each quarter. Each director is required to irrevocably elect by December 31 of the prior year whether to receive the cash portion of his or her retainer and/or his or her stipend in stock units. | |||||||||||
As of October 1, 2013, stock units are credited to the director’s account in an amount that is determined as follows: the total cash value of the fees payable to the director is divided by the closing prices of Frontier common stock on the grant date of the units. Prior to October 1, 2013, stock units were credited to the director’s account in an amount that was determined as follows: the total cash value of the fees payable to the director divided by 85% of the closing prices of Frontier common stock on the grant date of the units. Units are credited to the director’s account quarterly. Directors must also elect to convert the units to either common stock (convertible on a one-to-one basis) or cash upon retirement or death. | |||||||||||
Dividends are paid on stock units held by directors at the same rate and at the same time as we pay dividends on shares of our common stock. Dividends on stock units are paid in the form of additional stock units. | |||||||||||
The number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Directors’ Equity Plan is 2,540,761, which includes 540,761 shares that were available for grant under the Deferred Fee Plan on the effective date of the Directors’ Equity Plan. In addition, if and to the extent that any “plan units” outstanding on May 25, 2006 under the Deferred Fee Plan are forfeited or if any option granted under the Deferred Fee Plan terminates, expires, or is cancelled or forfeited, without having been fully exercised, shares of common stock subject to such “plan units” or options cancelled shall become available under the Directors’ Equity Plan. At December 31, 2013, there were 1,048,609 shares available for grant. There were 11 directors participating in the Directors’ Plans during all or part of 2013. In 2013, the total plan units earned were 374,383. In 2012, the total plan units earned were 306,634. In 2011, the total plan units earned were 197,600. Options granted prior to the adoption of the Directors’ Equity Plan were granted under the 2000 EIP. At December 31, 2013, 116,630 options were outstanding and exercisable under the Director Plans at a weighted average exercise price of $11.95. | |||||||||||
For purposes of determining compensation expense, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which requires the use of various assumptions including expected life of the option, expected dividend rate, expected volatility, and risk-free interest rate. The expected life (estimated period of time outstanding) of stock options granted was estimated using the historical exercise behavior of employees. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life, calculated on a monthly basis. | |||||||||||
To the extent directors elect to receive the distribution of their stock unit account in cash, they are considered liability-based awards. To the extent directors elect to receive the distribution of their stock unit accounts in common stock, they are considered equity-based awards. Compensation expense for stock units that are considered equity-based awards is based on the market value of our common stock at the date of grant. Compensation expense for stock units that are considered liability-based awards is based on the market value of our common stock at the end of each period. | |||||||||||
In connection with the Director Plans, compensation costs associated with the issuance of stock units were $2.1 million, $0.8 million and $(0.6) million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Cash compensation associated with the Director Plans was $0.7 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These costs are recognized in “Other operating expenses”. | |||||||||||
Income_Taxes
Income Taxes | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Income Taxes [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Income Taxes | ' | |||||||||
(12) Income Taxes: | ||||||||||
The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed at federal statutory rates to the effective rates for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011: | ||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
Consolidated tax provision at federal statutory rate | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | ||||
State income tax provisions, net of federal income | ||||||||||
tax benefit | -2.7 | 2.4 | 4.0 | |||||||
Noncontrolling interest | -0.6 | -2.5 | -1.1 | |||||||
Tax reserve adjustment | -1.1 | -5.4 | -4 | |||||||
Changes in certain deferred tax balances | -4 | 3.1 | -2.7 | |||||||
IRS audit adjustments | 3.2 | - | - | |||||||
Federal research and development credit | -3.2 | - | - | |||||||
Reversal of tax credits | - | - | 4.4 | |||||||
Non-deductible transaction costs | 2.0 | - | - | |||||||
All other, net | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | |||||||
Effective tax rate | 29.0 | % | 33.0 | % | 35.9 | % | ||||
Income taxes for 2013 include the impact of a $6.5 million net benefit resulting from the adjustment of deferred tax balances, a $5.2 million benefit from federal research and development credits and a $1.8 million benefit from the net reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions, partially offset by the impact of a charge of $5.2 million resulting from the settlement of the 2010 IRS audit, and a charge of $3.3 million resulting from non-deductible transaction costs. | ||||||||||
Income taxes for 2012 and 2011 include the net reversal of reserves for uncertain tax positions for $12.3 million and $9.9 million, respectively. Deferred tax balances were increased in 2012 to reflect changes in estimates and changes in state effective rates and filing methods. | ||||||||||
Income taxes for 2011 include the reduction of deferred tax balances based on the application of enacted state tax statutes for $6.8 million, partially offset by the impact of a $10.8 million charge resulting from the enactment on May 25, 2011 of the Michigan Corporate Income Tax that eliminated certain future tax deductions. | ||||||||||
The components of the net deferred income tax liability (asset) at December 31 are as follows: | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities: | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment basis differences | $ | 1,950,720 | $ | 1,959,028 | ||||||
Intangibles | 885,661 | 929,749 | ||||||||
Other, net | 25,954 | 29,564 | ||||||||
$ | 2,862,335 | $ | 2,918,341 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets: | ||||||||||
Pension liability | 216,890 | 306,421 | ||||||||
Tax operating loss carryforward | 130,733 | 154,892 | ||||||||
Employee benefits | 161,493 | 177,464 | ||||||||
State tax liability | -642 | 7,422 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses | 26,223 | 43,162 | ||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 11,957 | 35,181 | ||||||||
Other, net | 42,915 | 14,025 | ||||||||
589,569 | 738,567 | |||||||||
Less: Valuation allowance | -112,671 | -78,784 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax asset | 476,898 | 659,783 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax liability | $ | 2,385,437 | $ | 2,258,558 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected in the following | ||||||||||
captions on the consolidated balance sheet: | ||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | $ | 2,417,108 | $ | 2,357,210 | ||||||
Income taxes and other current assets | -31,671 | -98,652 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax liability | $ | 2,385,437 | $ | 2,258,558 | ||||||
Our state tax operating loss carryforward as of December 31, 2013 is estimated at $2.5 billion. A portion of our state loss carryforward begins to expire in 2014 through 2032. | ||||||||||
The provision (benefit) for federal and state income taxes, as well as the taxes charged or credited to shareholders’ equity of Frontier, includes amounts both payable currently and deferred for payment in future periods as indicated below: | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Income taxes charged to the consolidated statement of operations: | ||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||
Federal | $ | 54,915 | $ | -3,824 | $ | -13,320 | ||||
State | -163 | -1,039 | 14,252 | |||||||
Total Current | 54,752 | -4,863 | 932 | |||||||
Deferred: | ||||||||||
Federal | 12,699 | 53,642 | 77,750 | |||||||
State | -20,209 | 26,859 | 9,661 | |||||||
Total Deferred | -7,510 | 80,501 | 87,411 | |||||||
Total income taxes charged to the consolidated statement of operations | 47,242 | 75,638 | 88,343 | |||||||
Income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity of Frontier: | ||||||||||
Utilization of the benefits arising from restricted stock | 1,910 | 2,937 | - | |||||||
Deferred income taxes (benefits) arising from the recognition | ||||||||||
of additional pension/OPEB liability | 132,432 | -58,551 | -97,409 | |||||||
Total income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity | ||||||||||
of Frontier | 134,342 | -55,614 | -97,409 | |||||||
Total income taxes | $ | 181,584 | $ | 20,024 | $ | -9,066 | ||||
In 2011, we received refunds of $53.9 million generated in part by the 2009 retroactive change in accounting method for repairs and maintenance costs related to tax years 2008 and prior. | ||||||||||
U.S. GAAP requires applying a “more likely than not” threshold to the recognition and derecognition of uncertain tax positions either taken or expected to be taken in the Company’s income tax returns. The total amount of our gross tax liability for tax positions that may not be sustained under a “more likely than not” threshold amounts to $9.3 million as of December 31, 2013 including interest of $0.6 million. The amount of our uncertain tax positions for which the statutes of limitations are expected to expire during the next twelve months and which would affect our effective tax rate is $2.4 million as of December 31, 2013. | ||||||||||
The Company’s policy regarding the classification of interest and penalties is to include these amounts as a component of income tax expense. This treatment of interest and penalties is consistent with prior periods. We have recognized in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2011, a net reduction in interest in the amount of $2.1 million. We are subject to income tax examinations generally for the years 2012 forward for federal and 2005 forward for state filing jurisdictions. We also maintain uncertain tax positions in various state jurisdictions. | ||||||||||
The following table sets forth the changes in the Company’s balance of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012: | ||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year | $ | 11,487 | $ | 33,928 | ||||||
Gross increases - current year tax positions | 4,554 | 3,381 | ||||||||
Gross decreases - expired statute of limitations | -7,282 | -25,822 | ||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year | $ | 8,759 | $ | 11,487 | ||||||
The amounts above exclude $0.6 million and $2.1 million of accrued interest as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that we have recorded and would be payable should the Company’s tax positions not be sustained. | ||||||||||
Net_Income_Per_Common_Share
Net Income Per Common Share | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
Net Income Per Common Share | ' | ||||||||
(13) Net Income Per Common Share: | |||||||||
The reconciliation of the net income per common share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows: | |||||||||
($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Net income used for basic and diluted earnings | |||||||||
per common share: | |||||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $ | 112,835 | $ | 136,636 | $ | 149,614 | |||
Less: Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards | -2,531 | -2,901 | -3,743 | ||||||
Total basic and diluted net income attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 110,304 | $ | 133,735 | $ | 145,871 | |||
Basic earnings per common share: | |||||||||
Total weighted average shares and unvested restricted stock | |||||||||
awards outstanding - basic | 999,126 | 997,665 | 994,753 | ||||||
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted stock awards | -6,467 | -7,128 | -4,901 | ||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 992,659 | 990,537 | 989,852 | ||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.15 | |||
Diluted earnings per common share: | |||||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 992,659 | 990,537 | 989,852 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive shares | 1,338 | 1,263 | 1,415 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive stock units | - | - | 557 | ||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 993,997 | 991,800 | 991,824 | ||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.15 | |||
Stock Options | |||||||||
For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 83,000 shares (at exercise prices ranging from $12.50 to $14.15), 540,000 shares (at exercise prices ranging from $10.44 to $14.15) and 895,000 shares (at exercise prices ranging from $8.19 to $14.15), respectively, issuable under employee compensation plans were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (EPS) for those periods because the exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock and, therefore, the effect would be antidilutive. In calculating diluted EPS, we apply the treasury stock method and include future unearned compensation as part of the assumed proceeds. | |||||||||
Stock Units | |||||||||
At December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we had 1,238,542, 864,114 and 557,480 stock units, respectively, issued under the Director Plans. These securities have not been included in the diluted income per share of common stock calculation for 2013 and 2012 because their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect. | |||||||||
Comprehensive_Income
Comprehensive Income | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income | ' | |||||||||||||||
(14) Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting shareholders’ investment and pension/postretirement benefit (OPEB) liabilities that, under U.S. GAAP, are excluded from net income. | ||||||||||||||||
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Costs | OPEB Costs | Deferred taxes on pension and OPEB costs | All other | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | $ | -349,264 | $ | -13,369 | $ | 132,752 | $ | 332 | $ | -229,549 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | -241,064 | -22,668 | 100,978 | -482 | -163,236 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 15,165 | -5,774 | -3,569 | - | 5,822 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | -225,899 | -28,442 | 97,409 | -482 | -157,414 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | -575,163 | -41,811 | 230,161 | -150 | -386,963 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | -152,402 | -29,922 | 68,871 | - | -113,453 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 29,691 | -2,531 | -10,320 | - | 16,840 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | -122,711 | -32,453 | 58,551 | - | -96,613 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | -697,874 | -74,264 | 288,712 | -150 | -483,576 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 205,341 | 67,289 | -100,951 | 2 | 171,681 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 36,938 | 1,745 | -14,699 | - | 23,984 | |||||||||||
Recognition of net actuarial loss for pension settlement costs | 44,163 | - | -16,782 | - | 27,381 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 286,442 | 69,034 | -132,432 | 2 | 223,046 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | -411,432 | $ | -5,230 | $ | 156,280 | $ | -148 | $ | -260,530 | ||||||
The significant items reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Amount Reclassified from | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) | ||||||||||||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented | ||||||||||||
Amortization of Pension Cost Items (b) | ||||||||||||||||
Prior-service costs | $ | -8 | $ | 199 | $ | 199 | ||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -36,930 | -29,890 | -15,364 | |||||||||||||
Pension settlement costs | -44,163 | - | - | |||||||||||||
-81,101 | -29,691 | -15,165 | Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||
Tax impact | 30,818 | 11,282 | 5,763 | Income tax (expense) benefit | ||||||||||||
$ | -50,283 | $ | -18,409 | $ | -9,402 | Net income | ||||||||||
Amortization of Postretirement Cost Items (b) | ||||||||||||||||
Prior-service costs | $ | 6,101 | $ | 10,068 | $ | 10,198 | ||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -7,846 | -7,537 | -4,424 | |||||||||||||
-1,745 | 2,531 | 5,774 | Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||
Tax impact | 663 | -962 | -2,194 | Income tax (expense) benefit | ||||||||||||
$ | -1,082 | $ | 1,569 | $ | 3,580 | Net income | ||||||||||
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate losses. | ||||||||||||||||
(b) These accumulated other comprehensive loss components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (see Note 17 - Retirement Plans for additional details). | ||||||||||||||||
Segment_Information
Segment Information | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Segment Information [Abstract] | ' |
Segment Information | ' |
(15) Segment Information: | |
We operate in one reportable segment. Frontier provides both regulated and unregulated voice, data and video services to residential, business and wholesale customers and is typically the incumbent voice services provider in its service areas. | |
As permitted by U.S. GAAP, we have utilized the aggregation criteria to combine our operating segments because all of our Frontier properties share similar economic characteristics, in that they provide the same products and services to similar customers using comparable technologies in all of the states in which we operate. The regulatory structure is generally similar. Differences in the regulatory regime of a particular state do not materially impact the economic characteristics or operating results of a particular property. | |
Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) | ' | |||||||||||||||
(16) Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited): | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
2013 | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,205,396 | $ | 1,190,533 | $ | 1,185,278 | $ | 1,180,369 | $ | 4,761,576 | ||||||
Operating income | 250,824 | 266,156 | 206,172 | 257,569 | 980,721 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common | ||||||||||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | 48,140 | -38,460 | 35,400 | 67,755 | 112,835 | |||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) per common share | ||||||||||||||||
attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
of Frontier | $ | 0.05 | $ | -0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||
2012 | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,268,054 | $ | 1,258,777 | $ | 1,252,469 | $ | 1,232,553 | $ | 5,011,853 | ||||||
Operating income | 208,458 | 267,784 | 275,196 | 235,730 | 987,168 | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to common | ||||||||||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | 26,768 | 17,989 | 67,000 | 24,879 | 136,636 | |||||||||||
Basic net income per common share | ||||||||||||||||
attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
of Frontier | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.14 | ||||||
The quarterly net income per common share amounts are rounded to the nearest cent. Annual net income per common share may vary depending on the effect of such rounding. | ||||||||||||||||
We recognized $9.7 million ($6.1 million or $0.01 per share after tax) of acquisition costs during the fourth quarter of 2013. | ||||||||||||||||
We recognized $40.3 million ($25.0 million or $0.03 per share after tax) and $3.9 million ($2.4 million after tax) of pension settlement costs in the third and fourth quarters of 2013, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||
We recognized $159.8 million ($98.9 million or $0.10 per share after tax) of losses on early extinguishment of debt during the second quarter of 2013. | ||||||||||||||||
We recognized $35.1 million ($21.7 million or $0.02 per share after tax), $28.6 million ($18.1 million or $0.02 per share after tax), $4.5 million ($2.9 million after tax), and $13.5 million ($9.1 million or $0.01 per share after tax) of integration costs during the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||
We recognized $70.8 million ($44.5 million or $0.04 per share after tax), $0.2 million ($0.2 million after tax) and $19.3 million ($12.1 million or $0.01 per share after tax) of losses on early extinguishment of debt during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2012, respectively. | ||||||||||||||||
Retirement_Plans
Retirement Plans | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Retirement Plans [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
Retirement Plans | ' | ||||||||||||
(17) Retirement Plans: | |||||||||||||
We sponsor a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering a significant number of our former and current employees and other postretirement benefit plans that provide medical, dental, life insurance and other benefits for covered retired employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents. The benefits are based on years of service and final average pay or career average pay. Contributions are made in amounts sufficient to meet ERISA funding requirements while considering tax deductibility. Plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities and alternative investments. | |||||||||||||
The accounting results for pension and other postretirement benefit costs and obligations are dependent upon various actuarial assumptions applied in the determination of such amounts. These actuarial assumptions include the following: discount rates, expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, future compensation increases, employee turnover, healthcare cost trend rates, expected retirement age, optional form of benefit and mortality. We review these assumptions for changes annually with our independent actuaries. We consider our discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets to be our most critical assumptions. | |||||||||||||
The discount rate is used to value, on a present value basis, our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations as of the balance sheet date. The same rate is also used in the interest cost component of the pension and postretirement benefit cost determination for the following year. The measurement date used in the selection of our discount rate is the balance sheet date. Our discount rate assumption is determined annually with assistance from our independent actuaries based on the pattern of expected future benefit payments and the prevailing rates available on long-term, high quality corporate bonds that approximate the benefit obligation. | |||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, we utilized an estimation technique that is based upon a settlement model (Bond:Link) that permits us to more closely match cash flows to the expected payments to participants. This rate can change from year-to-year based on market conditions that affect corporate bond yields. | |||||||||||||
In determining the discount rate as of December 31, 2011, we considered, among other things, the yields on the Citigroup Above Median Pension Curve, the Towers Watson Index, the general movement of interest rates and the changes in those rates from one period to the next. | |||||||||||||
As a result of the change described above, Frontier is utilizing a discount rate of 4.90% as of December 31, 2013 for its qualified pension plan, compared to rates of 4.00% and 4.50% in 2012 and 2011, respectively. The discount rate for postretirement plans as of December 31, 2013 was a range of 4.90% to 5.20% compared to a range of 4.00% to 4.20% in 2012 and 4.50% to 4.75% in 2011. | |||||||||||||
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied in the determination of periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost as a reduction in the computation of the expense. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption, we considered published surveys of expected market returns, 10 and 20 year actual returns of various major indices, and our own historical 5 year, 10 year and 20 year investment returns. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on an asset allocation assumption of 35% to 55% in fixed income securities, 35% to 55% in equity securities and 5% to 15% in alternative investments. We review our asset allocation at least annually and make changes when considered appropriate. Our pension asset investment allocation decisions are made by the Retirement Investment & Administration Committee (RIAC), a committee comprised of members of management, pursuant to a delegation of authority by the Retirement Plan Committee of the Board of Directors. The RIAC is responsible for reporting its actions to the Retirement Plan Committee. Asset allocation decisions take into account expected market return assumptions of various asset classes as well as expected pension benefit payment streams. When analyzing anticipated benefit payments, management considers both the absolute amount of the payments as well as the timing of such payments. In 2013, 2012 and 2011, our expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.00%, 7.75% and 8.00%, respectively. For 2014, we will assume a rate of return of 7.75%. Our pension plan assets are valued at fair value as of the measurement date. The measurement date used to determine pension and other postretirement benefit measures for the pension plan and the postretirement benefit plan is December 31. | |||||||||||||
Pension Benefits | |||||||||||||
The following tables set forth the pension plan’s projected benefit obligations, fair values of plan assets and the pension benefit liability recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the components of total periodic pension benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) | |||||||||||||
PBO at beginning of year | $ | 1,944,731 | $ | 1,799,313 | |||||||||
Service cost | 47,651 | 43,688 | |||||||||||
Interest cost | 75,812 | 78,027 | |||||||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | -180,709 | 196,304 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | |||||||||||
Settlements | -164,608 | - | |||||||||||
PBO at end of year | $ | 1,668,726 | $ | 1,944,731 | |||||||||
Change in plan assets | |||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 1,253,666 | $ | 1,257,990 | |||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 119,328 | 139,679 | |||||||||||
Employer contributions, net of transfers | 62,290 | 28,598 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | |||||||||||
Settlements | -164,608 | - | |||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 1,216,525 | $ | 1,253,666 | |||||||||
Funded status | $ | -452,201 | $ | -691,065 | |||||||||
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | $ | -100,205 | $ | -60,386 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | $ | -351,996 | $ | -630,679 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | Expected in | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||||
Components of total periodic pension benefit cost | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 47,651 | $ | 43,688 | $ | 38,879 | |||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 75,812 | 78,027 | 84,228 | ||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | -94,695 | -95,777 | -100,558 | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost /(credit) | $ | 45 | 8 | -199 | -199 | ||||||||
Amortization of unrecognized loss | 19,274 | 36,930 | 29,890 | 15,364 | |||||||||
Net periodic pension benefit cost | 65,706 | 55,629 | 37,714 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement costs | 44,163 | - | - | ||||||||||
Total periodic pension benefit cost | $ | 109,869 | $ | 55,629 | $ | 37,714 | |||||||
Our pension plan contains provisions that provide certain employees with the option of receiving lump sum payment upon retirement. The Company’s accounting policy is to record these payments as a settlement only if, in the aggregate, they exceed the sum of the annual service and interest costs for the plan’s net periodic pension benefit cost. During 2013, lump sum pension settlement payments to terminated or retired individuals amounted to $164.6 million, which exceeded the settlement threshold of $125.4 million, and as a result, the Company was required to recognize a non-cash settlement charge of $44.2 million during 2013. The non-cash charge was required to accelerate the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses in the pension plan. This non-cash charge reduced our recorded net income and retained earnings, with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive loss in shareholders’ equity of Frontier. | |||||||||||||
We capitalized $19.2 million, $15.8 million and $10.2 million of pension and OPEB expense into the cost of our capital expenditures during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the costs relate to our engineering and plant construction activities. | |||||||||||||
Based on current assumptions and plan asset values, we estimate that our 2014 pension and OPEB expenses will be approximately $65 million to $85 million for our current business operations before amounts capitalized into the cost of capital expenditures and the impact of pension settlement costs, if any. | |||||||||||||
The plan’s weighted average asset allocations at December 31, 2013 and 2012 by asset category are as follows: | |||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Asset category: | |||||||||||||
Equity securities | 42 | % | 43 | % | |||||||||
Debt securities | 44 | % | 40 | % | |||||||||
Alternative investments | 13 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||
Cash and other | 1 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||
Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||
The plan’s expected benefit payments over the next 10 years are as follows: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 100,839 | |||||||||||
2015 | 104,480 | ||||||||||||
2016 | 110,570 | ||||||||||||
2017 | 114,703 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 117,055 | ||||||||||||
2019-2023 | 633,650 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,181,297 | |||||||||||
During 2013, the Company contributed four real estate properties to its qualified defined benefit pension plan. The pension plan obtained independent appraisals of the properties and, based on these appraisals, the pension plan recorded the contributions at their fair value of $23.4 million. The Company has entered into leases for the contributed properties for 15 years at a combined aggregate annual rent of approximately $2.1 million. The properties are managed on behalf of the pension plan by an independent fiduciary, and the terms of the leases were negotiated with the fiduciary on an arm’s-length basis. | |||||||||||||
We made total contributions to our pension plan during 2013 of $62.3 million, consisting of cash payments of $38.9 million and the contribution of real property with a fair value of $23.4 million, as described above. | |||||||||||||
We made total net cash contributions to our pension plan for 2012 of $28.6 million, consisting of net cash payments of $18.3 million in the third quarter and $10.3 million in the fourth quarter. These pension contributions reflect the positive impact of funding rate changes contained in the Highway Investment Act of 2012 and guidance from the IRS on August 16, 2012 related to valuation rates, and on September 11, 2012 related to lump sum methodologies. | |||||||||||||
We made contributions to our pension plan of approximately $76.7 million in 2011, consisting of cash payments of $18.6 million and, as described below, the contribution of real property with a fair value of $58.1 million. | |||||||||||||
On September 8, 2011, the Company contributed four administrative properties to its qualified defined benefit pension plan. The pension plan obtained independent appraisals of the properties and, based on these appraisals, the pension plan recorded the contributions at their fair value of $58.1 million. The Company has entered into leases for the contributed properties for 15 years at a combined aggregate annual rent of $5.8 million. The properties are managed on behalf of the pension plan by an independent fiduciary, and the terms of the leases were negotiated with the fiduciary on an arm’s-length basis. | |||||||||||||
The accumulated benefit obligation for the plan was $1,560.0 million and $1,793.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. | |||||||||||||
Assumptions used in the computation of annual pension costs and valuation of the year-end obligations were as follows: | |||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation | 4.90 | % | 4.00 | % | 4.50 | % | |||||||
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost | 4.00 | % | 4.50 | % | 5.25 | % | |||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 8.00 | % | 7.75 | % | 8.00 | % | |||||||
Rate of increase in compensation levels | 2.50 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.50 | % | |||||||
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions—“OPEB” | |||||||||||||
The following tables set forth the OPEB plan’s benefit obligations, fair values of plan assets and the postretirement benefit liability recognized on our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Change in benefit obligation | |||||||||||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $ | 438,550 | $ | 391,596 | |||||||||
Service cost | 12,533 | 10,812 | |||||||||||
Interest cost | 17,241 | 17,842 | |||||||||||
Plan participants' contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | |||||||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | -67,547 | 30,958 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | |||||||||||
Plan change | - | -743 | |||||||||||
Benefit obligation at end of year | $ | 385,623 | $ | 438,550 | |||||||||
Change in plan assets | |||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 5,055 | $ | 5,101 | |||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | -122 | 466 | |||||||||||
Plan participants' contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | |||||||||||
Employer contribution | 12,528 | 11,403 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | |||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 2,307 | $ | 5,055 | |||||||||
Funded status | $ | -383,316 | $ | -433,495 | |||||||||
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | $ | -11,508 | $ | -9,116 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | $ | -371,808 | $ | -424,379 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | Expected in | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||||
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 12,533 | $ | 10,812 | $ | 8,958 | |||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 17,241 | 17,842 | 17,722 | ||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | -136 | -172 | -324 | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost /(credit) | $ | -3,560 | -6,101 | -10,068 | -10,198 | ||||||||
Amortization of unrecognized loss | 2,886 | 7,846 | 7,537 | 4,424 | |||||||||
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost | $ | 31,383 | $ | 25,951 | $ | 20,582 | |||||||
Assumptions used in the computation of annual OPEB costs and valuation of the year-end OPEB obligations were as follows: | |||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation | 4.90% - 5.20% | 4.00% - 4.20% | 4.50% - 4.75% | ||||||||||
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost | 4.00% - 4.20% | 4.50% - 4.75% | 5.25% | ||||||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 3.00% - 4.00% | 3.00% - 4.00% | 3.00% - 6.00% | ||||||||||
The OPEB plan’s expected benefit payments over the next 10 years are as follows: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Gross Benefit | Medicare Part D Subsidy | Total | ||||||||||
2014 | $ | 16,687 | $ | 489 | $ | 16,198 | |||||||
2015 | 18,004 | 585 | 17,419 | ||||||||||
2016 | 19,342 | 691 | 18,651 | ||||||||||
2017 | 20,575 | 825 | 19,750 | ||||||||||
2018 | 21,785 | 961 | 20,824 | ||||||||||
2019-2023 | 120,619 | 6,994 | 113,625 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 217,012 | $ | 10,545 | $ | 206,467 | |||||||
For purposes of measuring year-end benefit obligations, we used, depending on medical plan coverage for different retiree groups, a 7.50% annual rate of increase in the per-capita cost of covered medical benefits, gradually decreasing to 5.00% in the year 2019 and remaining at that level thereafter. The effect of a 1% increase in the assumed medical cost trend rates for each future year on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of the total postretirement benefit cost would be $1.1 million and the effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for health benefits would be $14.8 million. The effect of a 1% decrease in the assumed medical cost trend rates for each future year on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of the total postretirement benefit cost would be $(1.0) million and the effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for health benefits would be $(13.8) million. | |||||||||||||
The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Plan | OPEB | |||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Net actuarial loss | $ | 411,076 | $ | 697,511 | $ | 30,835 | $ | 105,970 | |||||
Prior service cost/(credit) | 356 | 363 | -25,605 | -31,706 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||
The amounts recognized as a component of accumulated comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Plan | OPEB | |||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at | |||||||||||||
beginning of year | $ | 697,874 | $ | 575,163 | $ | 74,264 | $ | 41,811 | |||||
Net actuarial gain (loss) recognized during year | -36,930 | -29,890 | -7,846 | -7,537 | |||||||||
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during year | -8 | 199 | 6,101 | 10,068 | |||||||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) occurring during year | -205,341 | 152,402 | -67,289 | 30,665 | |||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) occurring during year | - | - | - | -743 | |||||||||
Settlement costs recognized during year | -44,163 | - | - | - | |||||||||
Net amount recognized in comprehensive income | |||||||||||||
for the year | -286,442 | 122,711 | -69,034 | 32,453 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at | |||||||||||||
end of year | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||
401(k) Savings Plans | |||||||||||||
We sponsor employee retirement savings plans under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plans cover substantially all full-time employees. Under certain plans, we provide matching contributions. Employer contributions were $20.6 million, $23.0 million and $22.2 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |||||||||||||
Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments | ' | ||||||||||||
(18) Fair Value of Financial Instruments: | |||||||||||||
Fair value is defined under U.S. GAAP as the exit price associated with the sale of an asset or transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under U.S. GAAP must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. | |||||||||||||
The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows: | |||||||||||||
Input Level Description of Input | |||||||||||||
Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. | |||||||||||||
Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable. | |||||||||||||
Level 3 Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists. | |||||||||||||
The following tables represent the Company’s pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 8,503 | $ | 8,503 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
U.S. Government Obligations | 26,070 | - | 26,070 | - | |||||||||
Corporate and Other Obligations | 235,723 | - | 235,723 | - | |||||||||
Common Stock | 120,801 | 120,801 | - | - | |||||||||
Commingled Funds | 604,975 | - | 571,531 | 33,444 | |||||||||
Interest in Registered Investment Companies | 80,221 | 80,221 | - | - | |||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and | |||||||||||||
Limited Liability Corporations | 129,276 | - | - | 129,276 | |||||||||
Insurance Contracts | 629 | - | 629 | - | |||||||||
Other | 1,660 | - | 1,660 | - | |||||||||
Total investments at fair value | $ | 1,207,858 | $ | 209,525 | $ | 835,613 | $ | 162,720 | |||||
Interest and Dividend Receivable | 2,832 | ||||||||||||
Due from Broker for Securities Sold | 8,916 | ||||||||||||
Receivable Associated with Insurance Contract | 7,044 | ||||||||||||
Due to Broker for Securities Purchased | -10,125 | ||||||||||||
Total Plan Assets, at Fair Value | $ | 1,216,525 | |||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 42,391 | $ | - | $ | 42,391 | $ | - | |||||
U.S. Government Obligations | 14,166 | - | 14,166 | - | |||||||||
Corporate and Other Obligations | 246,024 | - | 246,024 | - | |||||||||
Common Stock | 133,631 | 133,631 | - | - | |||||||||
Commingled Funds | 612,707 | - | 572,893 | 39,814 | |||||||||
Interest in Registered Investment Companies | 99,161 | 99,161 | - | - | |||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and | |||||||||||||
Limited Liability Corporations | 101,678 | - | - | 101,678 | |||||||||
Insurance Contracts | 799 | - | 799 | - | |||||||||
Other | 96 | - | 96 | - | |||||||||
Total investments at fair value | $ | 1,250,653 | $ | 232,792 | $ | 876,369 | $ | 141,492 | |||||
Interest and Dividend Receivable | 3,252 | ||||||||||||
Due from Broker for Securities Sold | 3,788 | ||||||||||||
Receivable Associated with Insurance Contract | 7,610 | ||||||||||||
Due to Broker for Securities Purchased | -11,637 | ||||||||||||
Total Plan Assets, at Fair Value | $ | 1,253,666 | |||||||||||
The Company classified $8.5 million of cash equivalents as Level 1 assets at December 31, 2013 as these investments were held in cash accounts in 2013. There have been no reclassifications of investments between Levels 1, 2 or 3 assets during the years ended December 31, 2013 or 2012. | |||||||||||||
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Plan’s Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations | Commingled Funds | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 101,678 | $ | 39,814 | |||||||||
Realized gains | 10,835 | 975 | |||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 18,033 | 2,656 | |||||||||||
Contributed assets | 23,422 | - | |||||||||||
Sales | -24,692 | -10,001 | |||||||||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 129,276 | $ | 33,444 | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations | Commingled Funds | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 104,033 | $ | 37,194 | |||||||||
Realized gains | 5,587 | - | |||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 454 | 2,620 | |||||||||||
Sales | -8,396 | - | |||||||||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 101,678 | $ | 39,814 | |||||||||
The following table provides further information regarding the redemption of the Plan’s Level 3 investments as of December 31, 2013: | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Fair Value | Redemption Frequency | Redemption Notice Period | Liquidation Period | ||||||||||
Commingled Funds | |||||||||||||
JPM Multi-Strat II C-A Ser 11-07 (a) | $ | 33,444 | Quarterly | 65 days | NA | ||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited | |||||||||||||
Liability Corporations | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Institutional Cayman Fund LP (b) | $ | 26,188 | Quarterly | 60 days | NA | ||||||||
MS IFHF SVP LP Cayman (b) | 2,772 | Through liquidation of | None | 2 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
MS IFHF SVP LP Alpha (b) | 1,504 | Through liquidation of | None | 2 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
RII World Timberfund, LLC (c) | 5,761 | Through liquidation of | None | 10 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
100 Comm Drive, LLC (d) | 8,557 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
100 CTE Drive, LLC (d) | 6,922 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
6430 Oakbrook Parkway, LLC (d) | 24,955 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
8001 West Jefferson, LLC (d) | 29,318 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
1500 MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC (d) | 15,987 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
400 S. Pike Road West, LLC (d) | 1,079 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
601 N US 131, LLC (d) | 1,063 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
9260 E. Stockton Blvd., LLC (d) | 5,170 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
Total Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited | |||||||||||||
Liability Corporations | $ | 129,276 | |||||||||||
(a) The fund’s investment objective is to generate long-term capital appreciation with relatively low volatility and a low correlation with traditional equity and fixed-income markets. The fund seeks to accomplish this objective by allocating its assets primarily among a select group of experienced portfolio managers that invest in a variety of markets, either through the medium of investment funds or through discretionary managed accounts. | |||||||||||||
(b) The partnerships’ investment objective is to seek capital appreciation principally through investing in investment funds managed by third party investment managers who employ a variety of alternative investment strategies. | |||||||||||||
(c) The fund’s objective is to realize substantial long-term capital appreciation by investing in timberland properties primarily in South America, New Zealand and Australia. | |||||||||||||
(d) The entity invests in commercial real estate properties that are leased to the Company. The leases are triple net, whereby the Company is responsible for all expenses, including but not limited to, insurance, repairs and maintenance and payment of property taxes. | |||||||||||||
The following table represents the Plan’s Level 3 financial instruments for its interest in certain limited partnerships and limited liability corporations, the valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of those financial instruments as of December 31, 2013, and the significant unobservable inputs and ranges of values for those inputs: | |||||||||||||
Instrument | Property | Fair Value | Principal Valuation Technique | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Significant Input Values | ||||||||
Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | |||||||||||
100 Comm Drive, LLC | $ | 8,557 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 9.50% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | |||||||||||
Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | |||||||||||
100 CTE Drive, LLC | $ | 6,922 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.00% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 15 | |||||||||||
Interest in | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | ||||||||||
Limited Partnerships | 6430 Oakbrook Parkway, LLC | $ | 24,955 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.50% | |||||||
and Limited | Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | ||||||||||
Liability Corporations | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | ||||||||||
8001 West Jefferson, LLC | $ | 29,318 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.50% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | |||||||||||
1500 MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC | $ | 15,987 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.85% | ||||||||
400 S. Pike Road West, LLC | $ | 1,079 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 10.50% | ||||||||
601 N US 131, LLC | $ | 1,063 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 10.00% | ||||||||
9260 E. Stockton Blvd., LLC | $ | 5,170 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 9.00% | ||||||||
The fair value of our OPEB plan assets, which are all measured using Level 1 inputs, was $2.3 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. | |||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts and estimated fair values for long-term debt at December 31, 2013 and 2012. For the other financial instruments including cash, accounts receivable, long-term debt due within one year, accounts payable and other current liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturities of those instruments. Other equity method investments, for which market values are not readily available, are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. | |||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Carrying | Carrying | ||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 7,873,667 | $ | 8,191,744 | $ | 8,381,947 | $ | 9,091,416 | |||||
The fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based upon quoted market prices at the reporting date for those financial instruments. | |||||||||||||
Commitments_And_Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] | ' | ||||
Commitments And Contingencies | ' | ||||
(19) Commitments and Contingencies: | |||||
We anticipate total capital expenditures for our current business operations of approximately $575 million to $625 million for 2014, excluding the expenditure of funds previously received from the Connect America Fund program. Although we from time to time make short-term purchasing commitments to vendors with respect to these expenditures, we generally do not enter into firm, written contracts for such activities. | |||||
In connection with the pending AT&T Transaction, the Company currently expects to incur operating expenses and capital expenditures of approximately $225 million to $275 million in 2014 related to these acquisition and integration initiatives. The Company incurred $9.7 million of acquisition costs related to the AT&T Transaction during the fourth quarter of 2013. | |||||
In connection with the 2010 Transaction, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and certain state regulatory commissions, in connection with granting their approvals of the 2010 Transaction, specified certain capital expenditure and operating requirements for the Acquired Territories for specified periods of time post-closing. These requirements focus primarily on certain capital investment commitments to expand broadband availability to at least 85% of the households throughout the Acquired Territories with minimum download speeds of 3 megabits per second (Mbps) by the end of 2013. We are required to provide download speeds of 4 Mbps to at least 75%, 80% and 85% of the households throughout the Acquired Territories by the end of 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, we had expanded broadband availability in excess of 3 Mbps to 85.4% of the households throughout the Acquired Territories, and in excess of 4 Mbps to 83.5% of the households throughout the Acquired Territories. Accordingly, we have met our FCC requirement to provide 3 Mbps coverage to 85% of the households and 4 Mbps coverage to 75% of the households in the Acquired Territories by the end of 2013. We have also met our FCC requirement to provide 4 Mbps coverage to 80% of the households in the Acquired Territories by the end of 2014. | |||||
To satisfy all or part of certain capital investment commitments to three state regulatory commissions, we placed an aggregate amount of $115.0 million in cash into escrow accounts and obtained a letter of credit for $190 million in 2010. Another $72.4 million of cash in an escrow account was acquired in connection with the 2010 Transaction to be used for service quality initiatives in the state of West Virginia. As of December 31, 2013, $176.3 million had been released from the escrow accounts and the Company had a restricted cash balance in the remaining escrow account in the aggregate amount of $11.4 million, including interest earned. The aggregate amount of the escrow account will continue to decrease over time as Frontier makes the required capital expenditures in West Virginia. In September 2013, the letter of credit for the remaining $20 million expired. | |||||
We are party to various legal proceedings (including individual, class and putative class actions) arising in the normal course of our business covering a wide range of matters and types of claims including, but not limited to, general contracts, billing disputes, rights of access, taxes and surcharges, consumer protection, trademark and patent infringement, employment, regulatory, tort, claims of competitors and disputes with other carriers. | |||||
We accrue an expense for pending litigation when we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal defense costs are expensed as incurred. None of our existing accruals, after considering insurance coverage, for pending matters is material. We constantly monitor our pending litigation for the purpose of adjusting our accruals and revising our disclosures accordingly, when required. Litigation is, however, subject to uncertainty, and the outcome of any particular matter is not predictable. We will vigorously defend our interests for pending litigation, and as of this date, we believe that the ultimate resolution of all such matters, after considering insurance coverage or other indemnities to which we are entitled, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or our cash flows. | |||||
We conduct certain of our operations in leased premises and also lease certain equipment and other assets pursuant to operating leases. The lease arrangements have terms ranging from 1 to 99 years and several contain rent escalation clauses providing for increases in monthly rent at specific intervals. When rent escalation clauses exist, we record annual rental expense based on the total expected rent payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases also have renewal options. Renewal options that are reasonably assured are included in determining the lease term. | |||||
Future minimum rental commitments for all long-term noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2013 are as follows: | |||||
($ in thousands) | Operating Leases | ||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||
2014 | $ | 61,880 | |||
2015 | 10,452 | ||||
2016 | 8,804 | ||||
2017 | 7,708 | ||||
2018 | 7,393 | ||||
Thereafter | 49,091 | ||||
Total minimum lease payments | $ | 145,328 | |||
Total rental expense included in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $84.4 million, $79.3 million and $70.2 million, respectively. | |||||
In our normal course of business, we have obligations under certain non-cancelable arrangements for services. During 2012, we entered into a “take or pay” arrangement for the purchase of future long distance and carrier services. Our remaining commitments under the arrangement are $145.5 million and $140.8 million for the years ending December 31, 2014 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, we expect to utilize the services included within the arrangement and no liability for the “take or pay” provision has been recorded. | |||||
We are party to contracts with several unrelated long distance carriers. The contracts provide fees based on traffic they carry for us subject to minimum monthly fees. | |||||
At December 31, 2013, the estimated future payments for obligations under our noncancelable long distance contracts and service agreements are as follows: | |||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||
2014 | $ | 28,653 | |||
2015 | 20,796 | ||||
2016 | 9,694 | ||||
2017 | 4,295 | ||||
2018 | 1,204 | ||||
Thereafter | 6,000 | ||||
Total | $ | 70,642 | |||
We sold all of our utility businesses as of April 1, 2004. However, we have retained a potential payment obligation associated with our previous electric utility activities in the State of Vermont. The Vermont Joint Owners (VJO), a consortium of 14 Vermont utilities, including us, entered into a purchase power agreement with Hydro-Quebec in 1987. The agreement contains “step-up” provisions that state if any VJO member defaults on its purchase obligation under the contract to purchase power from Hydro-Quebec, then the other VJO participants will assume responsibility for the defaulting party’s share on a pro-rata basis. Our pro-rata share of the purchase power obligation is 10%. If any member of the VJO defaults on its obligations under the Hydro-Quebec agreement, then the remaining members of the VJO, including us, may be required to pay for a substantially larger share of the VJO’s total purchase power obligation for the remainder of the agreement (which runs through 2015). ASC Topic 840 requires that we disclose “the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee.” ASC Topic 840 also states that we must make such disclosure “… even if the likelihood of the guarantor’s having to make any payments under the guarantee is remote…” As noted above, our obligation only arises as a result of default by another VJO member, such as upon bankruptcy. Therefore, to satisfy the “maximum potential amount” disclosure requirement we must assume that all members of the VJO simultaneously default, an unlikely scenario given that all VJO members are regulated utility providers with regulated cost recovery. Despite the remote chance that such an event could occur, or that the State of Vermont could or would allow such an event, assuming that all the members of the VJO defaulted on January 1, 2014 and remained in default for the duration of the contract (another 2 years), we estimate that our undiscounted purchase obligation for 2014 through 2015 would be approximately $287.4 million. In such a scenario, the Company would then own the power and could seek to recover its costs. We would do this by seeking to recover our costs from the defaulting members and/or reselling the power to other utility providers or the northeast power grid. There is an active market for the sale of power. We could potentially lose money if we were unable to sell the power at cost. We caution that we cannot predict with any degree of certainty any potential outcome. | |||||
At December 31, 2013, we have outstanding performance letters of credit as follows: | |||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||
CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) | $ | 45,659 | |||
All other | 1,186 | ||||
Total | $ | 46,845 | |||
CNA serves as our agent with respect to general liability claims (auto, workers compensation and other insured perils of the Company). As our agent, they administer all claims and make payments for claims on our behalf. We reimburse CNA for such services upon presentation of their invoice. To serve as our agent and make payments on our behalf, CNA requires that we establish a letter of credit in their favor. CNA could potentially draw against this letter of credit if we failed to reimburse CNA in accordance with the terms of our agreement. The amount of the letter of credit is reviewed annually and adjusted based on claims history. | |||||
None of the above letters of credit restrict our cash balances. | |||||
Summary_Of_Significant_Account1
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
Description of Business and Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' |
Description of Business | ' |
(a) Description of Business: | |
Frontier Communications Corporation (Frontier) is a communications company providing services predominantly to rural areas and small and medium-sized towns and cities as an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC). Frontier was incorporated in 1935, originally under the name of Citizens Utilities Company and was known as Citizens Communications Company until July 31, 2008. Frontier and its subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Frontier,” or the “Company” in this report. On July 1, 2010, Frontier completed the 2010 Transaction for the acquisition of the 2010 Acquired Business, as described further in Note 3 – The Transactions. | |
Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates | ' |
(b) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates: | |
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. | |
Frontier had a 33⅓% controlling general partner interest in a partnership entity, the Mohave Cellular Limited Partnership (Mohave). Mohave’s results of operations and balance sheet were included in our consolidated financial statements through its date of disposal on April 1, 2013. The minority interest of the limited partners was reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as “Noncontrolling interest in a partnership” and in the consolidated statements of operations as “Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in a partnership.” On April 1, 2013, the Company sold its partnership interest in Mohave and received proceeds of $17.8 million. The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $14.6 million before taxes in 2013. | |
For our financial statements as of and for the period ended December 31, 2013, we evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date that we filed this annual report on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). | |
The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for revenue recognition including the allowance for doubtful accounts, impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, contingencies, and pension and other postretirement benefits, among others. | |
Cash Equivalents | ' |
(c) Cash Equivalents: | |
We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. | |
Revenue Recognition | ' |
(d) Revenue Recognition: | |
Revenue is recognized when services are provided or when products are delivered to customers. Revenue that is billed in advance includes: monthly recurring network access services (including data services), special access services and monthly recurring voice, video and related charges. The unearned portion of these fees is initially deferred as a component of “Advanced billings” on our consolidated balance sheet and recognized as revenue over the period that the services are provided. Revenue that is billed in arrears includes: non-recurring network access services (including data services), switched access services, non-recurring voice and video services. The earned but unbilled portion of these fees is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statements of operations and accrued in accounts receivable in the period that the services are provided. Excise taxes are recognized as a liability when billed. Installation fees and their related direct and incremental costs are initially deferred and recognized as revenue and expense over the average term of a customer relationship. We recognize as current period expense the portion of installation costs that exceeds installation fee revenue. | |
As required by law, the Company collects various taxes from its customers and subsequently remits these taxes to governmental authorities. Substantially all of these taxes are recorded through the consolidated balance sheet and presented on a net basis in our consolidated statements of operations. We also collect Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharges from customers (primarily federal USF) that we have recorded on a gross basis in our consolidated statements of operations and included within “Revenue” and “Other operating expenses” of $117.5 million, $119.7 million and $104.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. | |
Property, Plant and Equipment | ' |
(e) Property, Plant and Equipment: | |
Property, plant and equipment are stated at original cost, including capitalized interest, or fair market value as of the date of acquisition for acquired properties. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. The gross book value of routine property, plant and equipment retired is charged against accumulated depreciation. | |
Goodwill and Other Intangibles | ' |
(f) Goodwill and Other Intangibles: | |
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible net assets acquired. We undertake studies to determine the fair values of assets and liabilities acquired and allocate purchase prices to assets and liabilities, including property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other identifiable intangibles. We annually (during the fourth quarter) or more frequently, if appropriate, examine the carrying value of our goodwill and trade name to determine whether there are any impairment losses. We test for goodwill impairment at the “operating segment” level, as that term is defined in U.S. GAAP. During the first quarter of 2013, the Company reorganized into four regional operating segments. Our operating segments consist of the following regions: Central, East, National and West. Our regional operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment. In conjunction with the reorganization of our operating segments effective with the first quarter of 2013, we reassigned goodwill to our reporting units using a relative fair value allocation approach. | |
The Company amortizes finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives and reviews such intangible assets at least annually (during the fourth quarter) to assess whether any potential impairment exists and whether factors exist that would necessitate a change in useful life and a different amortization period. | |
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of | ' |
(g) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of: | |
We review long-lived assets to be held and used, including customer lists, and long-lived assets to be disposed of for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Recoverability of assets held for sale is measured by comparing the carrying amount of the assets to their estimated fair market value. If any assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value. Also, we periodically reassess the useful lives of our tangible and intangible assets to determine whether any changes are required. | |
Investments | ' |
(h) Investments: | |
Investments in entities that we do not control, but where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. | |
Income Taxes and Deferred Income Taxes | ' |
(i) Income Taxes and Deferred Income Taxes: | |
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred income taxes are recorded for the tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. | |
Stock Plans | ' |
(j) Stock Plans: | |
We have various stock-based compensation plans. Awards under these plans are granted to eligible officers, management employees, non-management employees and non-employee directors. Awards may be made in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other stock-based awards, including awards with performance, market and time-vesting conditions. Our general policy is to issue shares from treasury upon the grant of restricted shares, earning of performance shares and the exercise of options. | |
The compensation cost recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest. U.S. GAAP requires forfeitures to be estimated and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. | |
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Common Shareholders | ' |
(k) Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Common Shareholders: | |
Basic net income per common share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period being reported on, excluding unvested restricted stock awards. The impact of dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards have been deducted in the determination of basic and diluted net income per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier. Except when the effect would be antidilutive, diluted net income per common share reflects the dilutive effect of certain common stock equivalents, as described further in Note 13 – Net Income Per Common Share. | |
Accounts_Receivable_Tables
Accounts Receivable (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||
Accounts Receivable | ' | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||
Retail and Wholesale | $ | 498,717 | $ | 581,152 | |||||||||||||
Other | 51,855 | 45,819 | |||||||||||||||
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts | -71,362 | -93,267 | |||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 479,210 | $ | 533,704 | |||||||||||||
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts | ' | ||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Balance at beginning of Period | Charged to Other Revenue | Charged (Credited) to Switched and Nonswitched Revenue and Other Accounts | Write-offs and Recoveries | Balance at end of Period | ||||||||||||
2011 | $ | 73,571 | $ | 93,721 | $ | 16,403 | $ | -76,647 | $ | 107,048 | |||||||
2012 | 107,048 | 74,332 | 14,396 | -102,509 | 93,267 | ||||||||||||
2013 | 93,267 | 68,965 | -3,203 | -87,667 | 71,362 | ||||||||||||
Property_Plant_And_Equipment_T
Property, Plant And Equipment (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
Property, Plant And Equipment, Net | ' | ||||||||
($ in thousands) | Estimated Useful Lives | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||
Land | N/A | $ | 126,483 | $ | 126,483 | ||||
Buildings and leasehold improvements | 41 years | 1,061,097 | 1,052,650 | ||||||
General support | 5 to 17 years | 977,941 | 988,707 | ||||||
Central office/electronic circuit equipment | 5 to 11 years | 5,222,928 | 4,965,099 | ||||||
Poles | 49 years | 549,322 | 507,922 | ||||||
Cable and wire | 15 to 30 years | 6,259,292 | 6,038,835 | ||||||
Conduit | 60 years | 359,974 | 354,777 | ||||||
Other | 12 to 30 years | 43,144 | 44,802 | ||||||
Construction work in progress | 250,516 | 274,488 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 14,850,697 | 14,353,763 | |||||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | -7,594,935 | -6,848,867 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 7,255,762 | $ | 7,504,896 | |||||
Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles1
Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill And Other Intangibles [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||||||
Components Of Goodwill By Reporting Units | ' | ||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Central | $ | 1,815,498 | |||||||||||||||||
East | 2,003,574 | ||||||||||||||||||
National | 1,218,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
West | 1,300,534 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Goodwill | $ | 6,337,719 | |||||||||||||||||
Components Of Other Intangibles | ' | ||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||||||
Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||
Other Intangibles: | |||||||||||||||||||
Customer base | $ | 2,427,648 | $ | -1,336,852 | $ | 1,090,796 | $ | 2,427,648 | $ | -1,009,045 | $ | 1,418,603 | |||||||
Software licenses | - | - | - | 105,019 | -105,019 | - | |||||||||||||
Trade name and license | 124,136 | - | 124,136 | 124,419 | -283 | 124,136 | |||||||||||||
Total other intangibles | $ | 2,551,784 | $ | -1,336,852 | $ | 1,214,932 | $ | 2,657,086 | $ | -1,114,347 | $ | 1,542,739 | |||||||
LongTerm_Debt_Tables
Long-Term Debt (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||||
Long-Term Debt | ' | ||||||||||||||
Year Ended | |||||||||||||||
31-Dec-13 | Interest | ||||||||||||||
Rate at | |||||||||||||||
December 31, | Payments | New | December 31, | December 31, | |||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2012 | and Retirements | Borrowings | 2013 | 2013 * | ||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Debt | $ | 8,919,696 | $ | -1,562,630 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 8,107,066 | 7.95% | ||||||
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds | 13,550 | - | - | 13,550 | 6.33% | ||||||||||
Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts | 9,322 | -392 | - | 8,930 | 6.15% | ||||||||||
Total Long-Term Debt | $ | 8,942,568 | $ | -1,563,022 | $ | 750,000 | $ | 8,129,546 | 7.95% | ||||||
Less: Debt (Discount)/Premium | -71 | 2,037 | |||||||||||||
Less: Current Portion | -560,550 | -257,916 | |||||||||||||
$ | 8,381,947 | $ | 7,873,667 | ||||||||||||
* Interest rate includes amortization of debt issuance costs and debt premiums or discounts. The interest rates at December 31, 2013 represent a weighted average of multiple issuances. | |||||||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Debt | ' | ||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||||
Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | ||||||||||||
Outstanding | Rate | Outstanding | Rate | ||||||||||||
Senior Notes and Debentures Due: | |||||||||||||||
1/15/13 | $ | - | - | $ | 502,658 | 6.25% | |||||||||
5/1/14 | 200,000 | 8.25% | 200,000 | 8.25% | |||||||||||
3/15/15 | 105,026 | 6.63% | 300,000 | 6.63% | |||||||||||
4/15/15 | 96,872 | 7.88% | 374,803 | 7.88% | |||||||||||
10/14/2016 * | 460,000 | 3.045% (Variable) | 517,500 | 3.095% (Variable) | |||||||||||
4/15/17 | 606,874 | 8.25% | 1,040,685 | 8.25% | |||||||||||
10/1/18 | 582,739 | 8.13% | 600,000 | 8.13% | |||||||||||
3/15/19 | 434,000 | 7.12% | 434,000 | 7.12% | |||||||||||
4/15/20 | 1,021,505 | 8.50% | 1,100,000 | 8.50% | |||||||||||
7/1/21 | 500,000 | 9.25% | 500,000 | 9.25% | |||||||||||
4/15/22 | 500,000 | 8.75% | 500,000 | 8.75% | |||||||||||
1/15/23 | 850,000 | 7.12% | 850,000 | 7.12% | |||||||||||
4/15/24 | 750,000 | 7.63% | - | - | |||||||||||
11/1/25 | 138,000 | 7.00% | 138,000 | 7.00% | |||||||||||
8/15/26 | 1,739 | 6.80% | 1,739 | 6.80% | |||||||||||
1/15/27 | 345,858 | 7.88% | 345,858 | 7.88% | |||||||||||
8/15/31 | 945,325 | 9.00% | 945,325 | 9.00% | |||||||||||
10/1/34 | 628 | 7.68% | 628 | 7.68% | |||||||||||
7/1/35 | 125,000 | 7.45% | 125,000 | 7.45% | |||||||||||
10/1/46 | 193,500 | 7.05% | 193,500 | 7.05% | |||||||||||
7,857,066 | 8,669,696 | ||||||||||||||
Subsidiary Senior Notes and Debentures Due: | |||||||||||||||
2/15/2028 | 200,000 | 6.73% | 200,000 | 6.73% | |||||||||||
10/15/2029 | 50,000 | 8.40% | 50,000 | 8.40% | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,107,066 | 7.78% ** | $ | 8,919,696 | 7.69% ** | |||||||||
* Represents borrowings under the Credit Agreement with CoBank. | |||||||||||||||
** Interest rate represents a weighted average of the stated interest rates of multiple issuances. | |||||||||||||||
Debt Maturities by Year | ' | ||||||||||||||
Principal | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Payments | ||||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 257,916 | |||||||||||||
2015 | $ | 259,840 | |||||||||||||
2016 | $ | 345,466 | |||||||||||||
2017 | $ | 607,375 | |||||||||||||
2018 | $ | 583,273 | |||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations by Year | ' | ||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Finance Lease Obligations | Capital Lease Obligations | |||||||||||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 6,891 | $ | 3,107 | |||||||||||
2015 | 7,043 | 3,162 | |||||||||||||
2016 | 7,225 | 3,216 | |||||||||||||
2017 | 7,418 | 3,273 | |||||||||||||
2018 | 7,633 | 3,331 | |||||||||||||
Thereafter | 70,892 | 18,976 | |||||||||||||
Total future payments | 107,102 | 35,065 | |||||||||||||
Less: Amounts representing interest | -63,174 | -9,983 | |||||||||||||
Present value of minimum lease payments | $ | 43,928 | $ | 25,082 | |||||||||||
Investment_Income_Tables
Investment Income (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Investment Income [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Investment Income | ' | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Interest and dividend income | $ | 2,401 | $ | 3,753 | $ | 2,184 | ||||
Investment gain | 1,407 | 9,780 | 1,071 | |||||||
Equity earnings (loss) | - | -522 | -864 | |||||||
Total investment income | $ | 3,808 | $ | 13,011 | $ | 2,391 | ||||
Other_Income_Net_Tables
Other Income, Net (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Other Income, Net [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Components Of Other Income, Net | ' | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Gain on expiration/settlement of customer advances | $ | 3,345 | $ | 7,798 | $ | 7,605 | ||||
Litigation settlement proceeds | - | 854 | 1,495 | |||||||
Split-dollar life insurance proceeds | 2,263 | - | - | |||||||
All other, net | -239 | -1,531 | 35 | |||||||
Total other income, net | $ | 5,369 | $ | 7,121 | $ | 9,135 | ||||
Stock_Plans_Tables
Stock Plans (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||
Stock Plans [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||
LTIP Target Performance Shares | ' | ||||||||||
Number of | |||||||||||
Shares | |||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2012 | - | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares granted | 979,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares forfeited | - | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 979,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares granted | 1,124,000 | ||||||||||
LTIP target performance shares forfeited | -354,000 | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 1,749,000 | ||||||||||
Restricted Shares Outstanding | ' | ||||||||||
Weighted | |||||||||||
Average | |||||||||||
Number of | Grant Date | Aggregate | |||||||||
Shares | Fair Value | Fair Value | |||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | 4,440,000 | $ | 8.29 | $ | 43,199,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 1,734,000 | $ | 9.38 | $ | 8,930,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -1,146,000 | $ | 9.52 | $ | 5,899,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -181,000 | $ | 7.99 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | 4,847,000 | $ | 8.4 | $ | 24,962,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 3,976,000 | $ | 4.18 | $ | 17,017,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -1,387,000 | $ | 8.78 | $ | 5,937,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -387,000 | $ | 5.99 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 7,049,000 | $ | 6.08 | $ | 30,169,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock granted | 3,360,000 | $ | 4.1 | $ | 15,626,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock vested | -3,097,000 | $ | 6.78 | $ | 14,403,000 | ||||||
Restricted stock forfeited | -1,078,000 | $ | 5.26 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 6,234,000 | $ | 4.8 | $ | 28,988,000 | ||||||
Options Outstanding | ' | ||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||
Shares | Average | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||
Subject to | Option Price | Remaining | Intrinsic | ||||||||
Option | Per Share | Life in Years | Value | ||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | 1,507,000 | $ | 10.50 | 1.7 | $ | 603,000 | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | -10,000 | $ | 8.19 | $ | 12,000 | ||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -602,000 | $ | 10.86 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | 895,000 | $ | 9.94 | 1.3 | $ | - | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -355,000 | $ | 8.35 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | 540,000 | $ | 10.99 | 0.9 | $ | - | |||||
Options granted | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options exercised | - | $ | - | ||||||||
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed | -457,000 | $ | 10.59 | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | 83,000 | $ | 13.23 | 1.8 | $ | - | |||||
Income_Taxes_Tables
Income Taxes (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||
Income Taxes [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||
Reconciliation Of Provision For Income Taxes | ' | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | ||||||||
Consolidated tax provision at federal statutory rate | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | ||||
State income tax provisions, net of federal income | ||||||||||
tax benefit | -2.7 | 2.4 | 4.0 | |||||||
Noncontrolling interest | -0.6 | -2.5 | -1.1 | |||||||
Tax reserve adjustment | -1.1 | -5.4 | -4 | |||||||
Changes in certain deferred tax balances | -4 | 3.1 | -2.7 | |||||||
IRS audit adjustments | 3.2 | - | - | |||||||
Federal research and development credit | -3.2 | - | - | |||||||
Reversal of tax credits | - | - | 4.4 | |||||||
Non-deductible transaction costs | 2.0 | - | - | |||||||
All other, net | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | |||||||
Effective tax rate | 29.0 | % | 33.0 | % | 35.9 | % | ||||
Components of Net Deferred Income Tax Liability (Asset) | ' | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities: | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment basis differences | $ | 1,950,720 | $ | 1,959,028 | ||||||
Intangibles | 885,661 | 929,749 | ||||||||
Other, net | 25,954 | 29,564 | ||||||||
$ | 2,862,335 | $ | 2,918,341 | |||||||
Deferred income tax assets: | ||||||||||
Pension liability | 216,890 | 306,421 | ||||||||
Tax operating loss carryforward | 130,733 | 154,892 | ||||||||
Employee benefits | 161,493 | 177,464 | ||||||||
State tax liability | -642 | 7,422 | ||||||||
Accrued expenses | 26,223 | 43,162 | ||||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 11,957 | 35,181 | ||||||||
Other, net | 42,915 | 14,025 | ||||||||
589,569 | 738,567 | |||||||||
Less: Valuation allowance | -112,671 | -78,784 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax asset | 476,898 | 659,783 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax liability | $ | 2,385,437 | $ | 2,258,558 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected in the following | ||||||||||
captions on the consolidated balance sheet: | ||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | $ | 2,417,108 | $ | 2,357,210 | ||||||
Income taxes and other current assets | -31,671 | -98,652 | ||||||||
Net deferred income tax liability | $ | 2,385,437 | $ | 2,258,558 | ||||||
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] | ' | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Income taxes charged to the consolidated statement of operations: | ||||||||||
Current: | ||||||||||
Federal | $ | 54,915 | $ | -3,824 | $ | -13,320 | ||||
State | -163 | -1,039 | 14,252 | |||||||
Total Current | 54,752 | -4,863 | 932 | |||||||
Deferred: | ||||||||||
Federal | 12,699 | 53,642 | 77,750 | |||||||
State | -20,209 | 26,859 | 9,661 | |||||||
Total Deferred | -7,510 | 80,501 | 87,411 | |||||||
Total income taxes charged to the consolidated statement of operations | 47,242 | 75,638 | 88,343 | |||||||
Income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity of Frontier: | ||||||||||
Utilization of the benefits arising from restricted stock | 1,910 | 2,937 | - | |||||||
Deferred income taxes (benefits) arising from the recognition | ||||||||||
of additional pension/OPEB liability | 132,432 | -58,551 | -97,409 | |||||||
Total income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity | ||||||||||
of Frontier | 134,342 | -55,614 | -97,409 | |||||||
Total income taxes | $ | 181,584 | $ | 20,024 | $ | -9,066 | ||||
Changes in the Balance of Unrecognized Tax Benefits | ' | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year | $ | 11,487 | $ | 33,928 | ||||||
Gross increases - current year tax positions | 4,554 | 3,381 | ||||||||
Gross decreases - expired statute of limitations | -7,282 | -25,822 | ||||||||
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year | $ | 8,759 | $ | 11,487 | ||||||
Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ta
Net Income Per Common Share (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||
Calculation Of Net Income Per Common Share | ' | ||||||||
($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) | |||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||
Net income used for basic and diluted earnings | |||||||||
per common share: | |||||||||
Net income attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $ | 112,835 | $ | 136,636 | $ | 149,614 | |||
Less: Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards | -2,531 | -2,901 | -3,743 | ||||||
Total basic and diluted net income attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 110,304 | $ | 133,735 | $ | 145,871 | |||
Basic earnings per common share: | |||||||||
Total weighted average shares and unvested restricted stock | |||||||||
awards outstanding - basic | 999,126 | 997,665 | 994,753 | ||||||
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted stock awards | -6,467 | -7,128 | -4,901 | ||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 992,659 | 990,537 | 989,852 | ||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.15 | |||
Diluted earnings per common share: | |||||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - basic | 992,659 | 990,537 | 989,852 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive shares | 1,338 | 1,263 | 1,415 | ||||||
Effect of dilutive stock units | - | - | 557 | ||||||
Total weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 993,997 | 991,800 | 991,824 | ||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to common | |||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.13 | $ | 0.15 | |||
Comprehensive_Income_Tables
Comprehensive Income (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax | ' | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Costs | OPEB Costs | Deferred taxes on pension and OPEB costs | All other | Total | |||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 | $ | -349,264 | $ | -13,369 | $ | 132,752 | $ | 332 | $ | -229,549 | ||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | -241,064 | -22,668 | 100,978 | -482 | -163,236 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 15,165 | -5,774 | -3,569 | - | 5,822 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | -225,899 | -28,442 | 97,409 | -482 | -157,414 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2011 | -575,163 | -41,811 | 230,161 | -150 | -386,963 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | -152,402 | -29,922 | 68,871 | - | -113,453 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 29,691 | -2,531 | -10,320 | - | 16,840 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | -122,711 | -32,453 | 58,551 | - | -96,613 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2012 | -697,874 | -74,264 | 288,712 | -150 | -483,576 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 205,341 | 67,289 | -100,951 | 2 | 171,681 | |||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 36,938 | 1,745 | -14,699 | - | 23,984 | |||||||||||
Recognition of net actuarial loss for pension settlement costs | 44,163 | - | -16,782 | - | 27,381 | |||||||||||
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 286,442 | 69,034 | -132,432 | 2 | 223,046 | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | -411,432 | $ | -5,230 | $ | 156,280 | $ | -148 | $ | -260,530 | ||||||
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ' | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Amount Reclassified from | |||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (a) | ||||||||||||||||
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented | ||||||||||||
Amortization of Pension Cost Items (b) | ||||||||||||||||
Prior-service costs | $ | -8 | $ | 199 | $ | 199 | ||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -36,930 | -29,890 | -15,364 | |||||||||||||
Pension settlement costs | -44,163 | - | - | |||||||||||||
-81,101 | -29,691 | -15,165 | Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||
Tax impact | 30,818 | 11,282 | 5,763 | Income tax (expense) benefit | ||||||||||||
$ | -50,283 | $ | -18,409 | $ | -9,402 | Net income | ||||||||||
Amortization of Postretirement Cost Items (b) | ||||||||||||||||
Prior-service costs | $ | 6,101 | $ | 10,068 | $ | 10,198 | ||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -7,846 | -7,537 | -4,424 | |||||||||||||
-1,745 | 2,531 | 5,774 | Income before income taxes | |||||||||||||
Tax impact | 663 | -962 | -2,194 | Income tax (expense) benefit | ||||||||||||
$ | -1,082 | $ | 1,569 | $ | 3,580 | Net income | ||||||||||
Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract] | ' | |||||||||||||||
Quarterly Financial Information | ' | |||||||||||||||
($ in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
2013 | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,205,396 | $ | 1,190,533 | $ | 1,185,278 | $ | 1,180,369 | $ | 4,761,576 | ||||||
Operating income | 250,824 | 266,156 | 206,172 | 257,569 | 980,721 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) attributable to common | ||||||||||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | 48,140 | -38,460 | 35,400 | 67,755 | 112,835 | |||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) per common share | ||||||||||||||||
attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
of Frontier | $ | 0.05 | $ | -0.04 | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.11 | ||||||
2012 | First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | Total Year | |||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 1,268,054 | $ | 1,258,777 | $ | 1,252,469 | $ | 1,232,553 | $ | 5,011,853 | ||||||
Operating income | 208,458 | 267,784 | 275,196 | 235,730 | 987,168 | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to common | ||||||||||||||||
shareholders of Frontier | 26,768 | 17,989 | 67,000 | 24,879 | 136,636 | |||||||||||
Basic net income per common share | ||||||||||||||||
attributable to common shareholders | ||||||||||||||||
of Frontier | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.07 | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.14 | ||||||
Retirement_Plans_Tables
Retirement Plans (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Retirement Plans [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Values of Plan Assets and Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) | |||||||||||||
PBO at beginning of year | $ | 1,944,731 | $ | 1,799,313 | |||||||||
Service cost | 47,651 | 43,688 | |||||||||||
Interest cost | 75,812 | 78,027 | |||||||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | -180,709 | 196,304 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | |||||||||||
Settlements | -164,608 | - | |||||||||||
PBO at end of year | $ | 1,668,726 | $ | 1,944,731 | |||||||||
Change in plan assets | |||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 1,253,666 | $ | 1,257,990 | |||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 119,328 | 139,679 | |||||||||||
Employer contributions, net of transfers | 62,290 | 28,598 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | |||||||||||
Settlements | -164,608 | - | |||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 1,216,525 | $ | 1,253,666 | |||||||||
Funded status | $ | -452,201 | $ | -691,065 | |||||||||
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | $ | -100,205 | $ | -60,386 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | $ | -351,996 | $ | -630,679 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | |||||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Expected in | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||||
Components of total periodic pension benefit cost | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 47,651 | $ | 43,688 | $ | 38,879 | |||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 75,812 | 78,027 | 84,228 | ||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | -94,695 | -95,777 | -100,558 | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost /(credit) | $ | 45 | 8 | -199 | -199 | ||||||||
Amortization of unrecognized loss | 19,274 | 36,930 | 29,890 | 15,364 | |||||||||
Net periodic pension benefit cost | 65,706 | 55,629 | 37,714 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement costs | 44,163 | - | - | ||||||||||
Total periodic pension benefit cost | $ | 109,869 | $ | 55,629 | $ | 37,714 | |||||||
Weighted Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category | ' | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Asset category: | |||||||||||||
Equity securities | 42 | % | 43 | % | |||||||||
Debt securities | 44 | % | 40 | % | |||||||||
Alternative investments | 13 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||
Cash and other | 1 | % | 3 | % | |||||||||
Total | 100 | % | 100 | % | |||||||||
Expected Benefit Payments Over The Next Ten Years | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||||||||||
2014 | $ | 100,839 | |||||||||||
2015 | 104,480 | ||||||||||||
2016 | 110,570 | ||||||||||||
2017 | 114,703 | ||||||||||||
2018 | 117,055 | ||||||||||||
2019-2023 | 633,650 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,181,297 | |||||||||||
Schedule of Assumptions Used | ' | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation | 4.90 | % | 4.00 | % | 4.50 | % | |||||||
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost | 4.00 | % | 4.50 | % | 5.25 | % | |||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 8.00 | % | 7.75 | % | 8.00 | % | |||||||
Rate of increase in compensation levels | 2.50 | % | 2.50 | % | 2.50 | % | |||||||
Schedule of Changes in Projected benefit Obligations for OPEB Table Text Block | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Change in benefit obligation | |||||||||||||
Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $ | 438,550 | $ | 391,596 | |||||||||
Service cost | 12,533 | 10,812 | |||||||||||
Interest cost | 17,241 | 17,842 | |||||||||||
Plan participants' contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | |||||||||||
Actuarial (gain)/loss | -67,547 | 30,958 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | |||||||||||
Plan change | - | -743 | |||||||||||
Benefit obligation at end of year | $ | 385,623 | $ | 438,550 | |||||||||
Change in plan assets | |||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | $ | 5,055 | $ | 5,101 | |||||||||
Actual return on plan assets | -122 | 466 | |||||||||||
Plan participants' contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | |||||||||||
Employer contribution | 12,528 | 11,403 | |||||||||||
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | |||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $ | 2,307 | $ | 5,055 | |||||||||
Funded status | $ | -383,316 | $ | -433,495 | |||||||||
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet | |||||||||||||
Other current liabilities | $ | -11,508 | $ | -9,116 | |||||||||
Pension and other postretirement benefits | $ | -371,808 | $ | -424,379 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||||||
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs For OPEB Table Text Block | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Expected in | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||
2014 | |||||||||||||
Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost | |||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 12,533 | $ | 10,812 | $ | 8,958 | |||||||
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | 17,241 | 17,842 | 17,722 | ||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets | -136 | -172 | -324 | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost /(credit) | $ | -3,560 | -6,101 | -10,068 | -10,198 | ||||||||
Amortization of unrecognized loss | 2,886 | 7,846 | 7,537 | 4,424 | |||||||||
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost | $ | 31,383 | $ | 25,951 | $ | 20,582 | |||||||
Schedule of Assumptions Used for OPEB Table Text Block | ' | ||||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation | 4.90% - 5.20% | 4.00% - 4.20% | 4.50% - 4.75% | ||||||||||
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost | 4.00% - 4.20% | 4.50% - 4.75% | 5.25% | ||||||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 3.00% - 4.00% | 3.00% - 4.00% | 3.00% - 6.00% | ||||||||||
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments for OPEB Table Text Block | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Gross Benefit | Medicare Part D Subsidy | Total | ||||||||||
2014 | $ | 16,687 | $ | 489 | $ | 16,198 | |||||||
2015 | 18,004 | 585 | 17,419 | ||||||||||
2016 | 19,342 | 691 | 18,651 | ||||||||||
2017 | 20,575 | 825 | 19,750 | ||||||||||
2018 | 21,785 | 961 | 20,824 | ||||||||||
2019-2023 | 120,619 | 6,994 | 113,625 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 217,012 | $ | 10,545 | $ | 206,467 | |||||||
Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not Yet Recognized | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Plan | OPEB | |||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Net actuarial loss | $ | 411,076 | $ | 697,511 | $ | 30,835 | $ | 105,970 | |||||
Prior service cost/(credit) | 356 | 363 | -25,605 | -31,706 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||
Amounts Recognized as a Componenet of Accumulated Comprehensive Income | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Pension Plan | OPEB | |||||||||||
2013 | 2012 | 2013 | 2012 | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at | |||||||||||||
beginning of year | $ | 697,874 | $ | 575,163 | $ | 74,264 | $ | 41,811 | |||||
Net actuarial gain (loss) recognized during year | -36,930 | -29,890 | -7,846 | -7,537 | |||||||||
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during year | -8 | 199 | 6,101 | 10,068 | |||||||||
Net actuarial loss (gain) occurring during year | -205,341 | 152,402 | -67,289 | 30,665 | |||||||||
Prior service cost (credit) occurring during year | - | - | - | -743 | |||||||||
Settlement costs recognized during year | -44,163 | - | - | - | |||||||||
Net amount recognized in comprehensive income | |||||||||||||
for the year | -286,442 | 122,711 | -69,034 | 32,453 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at | |||||||||||||
end of year | $ | 411,432 | $ | 697,874 | $ | 5,230 | $ | 74,264 | |||||
Fair_Value_Of_Financial_Instru1
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract] | ' | ||||||||||||
Pension Plan Assets Measured At Fair Value on Recurring Basis | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 8,503 | $ | 8,503 | $ | - | $ | - | |||||
U.S. Government Obligations | 26,070 | - | 26,070 | - | |||||||||
Corporate and Other Obligations | 235,723 | - | 235,723 | - | |||||||||
Common Stock | 120,801 | 120,801 | - | - | |||||||||
Commingled Funds | 604,975 | - | 571,531 | 33,444 | |||||||||
Interest in Registered Investment Companies | 80,221 | 80,221 | - | - | |||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and | |||||||||||||
Limited Liability Corporations | 129,276 | - | - | 129,276 | |||||||||
Insurance Contracts | 629 | - | 629 | - | |||||||||
Other | 1,660 | - | 1,660 | - | |||||||||
Total investments at fair value | $ | 1,207,858 | $ | 209,525 | $ | 835,613 | $ | 162,720 | |||||
Interest and Dividend Receivable | 2,832 | ||||||||||||
Due from Broker for Securities Sold | 8,916 | ||||||||||||
Receivable Associated with Insurance Contract | 7,044 | ||||||||||||
Due to Broker for Securities Purchased | -10,125 | ||||||||||||
Total Plan Assets, at Fair Value | $ | 1,216,525 | |||||||||||
($ in thousands) | Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012 | ||||||||||||
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 42,391 | $ | - | $ | 42,391 | $ | - | |||||
U.S. Government Obligations | 14,166 | - | 14,166 | - | |||||||||
Corporate and Other Obligations | 246,024 | - | 246,024 | - | |||||||||
Common Stock | 133,631 | 133,631 | - | - | |||||||||
Commingled Funds | 612,707 | - | 572,893 | 39,814 | |||||||||
Interest in Registered Investment Companies | 99,161 | 99,161 | - | - | |||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and | |||||||||||||
Limited Liability Corporations | 101,678 | - | - | 101,678 | |||||||||
Insurance Contracts | 799 | - | 799 | - | |||||||||
Other | 96 | - | 96 | - | |||||||||
Total investments at fair value | $ | 1,250,653 | $ | 232,792 | $ | 876,369 | $ | 141,492 | |||||
Interest and Dividend Receivable | 3,252 | ||||||||||||
Due from Broker for Securities Sold | 3,788 | ||||||||||||
Receivable Associated with Insurance Contract | 7,610 | ||||||||||||
Due to Broker for Securities Purchased | -11,637 | ||||||||||||
Total Plan Assets, at Fair Value | $ | 1,253,666 | |||||||||||
Changes in Fair Value of Plan's Level 3 Assets | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | ||||||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations | Commingled Funds | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 101,678 | $ | 39,814 | |||||||||
Realized gains | 10,835 | 975 | |||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 18,033 | 2,656 | |||||||||||
Contributed assets | 23,422 | - | |||||||||||
Sales | -24,692 | -10,001 | |||||||||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 129,276 | $ | 33,444 | |||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2012 | ||||||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations | Commingled Funds | ||||||||||||
Balance, beginning of year | $ | 104,033 | $ | 37,194 | |||||||||
Realized gains | 5,587 | - | |||||||||||
Unrealized gains | 454 | 2,620 | |||||||||||
Sales | -8,396 | - | |||||||||||
Balance, end of year | $ | 101,678 | $ | 39,814 | |||||||||
Redemption of Plan's Level 3 Investments | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
Fair Value | Redemption Frequency | Redemption Notice Period | Liquidation Period | ||||||||||
Commingled Funds | |||||||||||||
JPM Multi-Strat II C-A Ser 11-07 (a) | $ | 33,444 | Quarterly | 65 days | NA | ||||||||
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited | |||||||||||||
Liability Corporations | |||||||||||||
Morgan Stanley Institutional Cayman Fund LP (b) | $ | 26,188 | Quarterly | 60 days | NA | ||||||||
MS IFHF SVP LP Cayman (b) | 2,772 | Through liquidation of | None | 2 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
MS IFHF SVP LP Alpha (b) | 1,504 | Through liquidation of | None | 2 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
RII World Timberfund, LLC (c) | 5,761 | Through liquidation of | None | 10 years | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
100 Comm Drive, LLC (d) | 8,557 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
100 CTE Drive, LLC (d) | 6,922 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
6430 Oakbrook Parkway, LLC (d) | 24,955 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
8001 West Jefferson, LLC (d) | 29,318 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
1500 MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC (d) | 15,987 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
400 S. Pike Road West, LLC (d) | 1,079 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
601 N US 131, LLC (d) | 1,063 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
9260 E. Stockton Blvd., LLC (d) | 5,170 | Through liquidation of | None | NA | |||||||||
underlying investments | |||||||||||||
Total Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited | |||||||||||||
Liability Corporations | $ | 129,276 | |||||||||||
Valuation Techniques Used to Measure the Fair Value of the Plan's Interest in Limited Partnerships | ' | ||||||||||||
Instrument | Property | Fair Value | Principal Valuation Technique | Significant Unobservable Inputs | Significant Input Values | ||||||||
Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | |||||||||||
100 Comm Drive, LLC | $ | 8,557 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 9.50% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | |||||||||||
Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | |||||||||||
100 CTE Drive, LLC | $ | 6,922 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.00% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 15 | |||||||||||
Interest in | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | ||||||||||
Limited Partnerships | 6430 Oakbrook Parkway, LLC | $ | 24,955 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.50% | |||||||
and Limited | Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | ||||||||||
Liability Corporations | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.50% | ||||||||||
8001 West Jefferson, LLC | $ | 29,318 | Discounted | Discount Rate | 10.50% | ||||||||
Cash Flow | Duration (years) | 10 | |||||||||||
1500 MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC | $ | 15,987 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 8.85% | ||||||||
400 S. Pike Road West, LLC | $ | 1,079 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 10.50% | ||||||||
601 N US 131, LLC | $ | 1,063 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 10.00% | ||||||||
9260 E. Stockton Blvd., LLC | $ | 5,170 | Direct Capitalization | Capitalization Rate | 9.00% | ||||||||
Fair Value Of Long-Term Debt | ' | ||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||||||
Carrying | Carrying | ||||||||||||
Amount | Fair Value | Amount | Fair Value | ||||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 7,873,667 | $ | 8,191,744 | $ | 8,381,947 | $ | 9,091,416 | |||||
Commitments_and_Contingencies_
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 12 Months Ended | ||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | |||||
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] | ' | ||||
Future Minimum Rental Commitments for All Long-Term Noncancelable Operating Leases | ' | ||||
($ in thousands) | Operating Leases | ||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||
2014 | $ | 61,880 | |||
2015 | 10,452 | ||||
2016 | 8,804 | ||||
2017 | 7,708 | ||||
2018 | 7,393 | ||||
Thereafter | 49,091 | ||||
Total minimum lease payments | $ | 145,328 | |||
Future Payments for Obligations under Noncancelable Long Distance Contracts and Service Agreements | ' | ||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||
Year ending December 31: | |||||
2014 | $ | 28,653 | |||
2015 | 20,796 | ||||
2016 | 9,694 | ||||
2017 | 4,295 | ||||
2018 | 1,204 | ||||
Thereafter | 6,000 | ||||
Total | $ | 70,642 | |||
Outstanding Performance Letters of Credit | ' | ||||
($ in thousands) | Amount | ||||
CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) | $ | 45,659 | |||
All other | 1,186 | ||||
Total | $ | 46,845 | |||
Summary_Of_Significant_Account2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
segment | |||
Description of Business and Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Proceeds on sale of Mohave partnership interest | $17,755,000 | ' | ' |
Ownership percentage of subsidiary sold (in hundredths) | 33.33% | ' | ' |
Gain on sale of Mohave partnership interest | 14,601,000 | ' | ' |
Customer surcharges | $117,500,000 | $119,700,000 | $104,500,000 |
Number of operating segments | 4 | ' | ' |
Number of reportable segments | 1 | ' | ' |
The_Transactions_Details
The Transactions (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | |
The Transactions [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of territories acquired | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 14 |
Acquisition purchase price | $2,000,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | $2,000,000,000 | ' | ' | ' |
Acquisition and integration costs | $9,700,000 | $13,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $28,600,000 | $35,100,000 | $9,652,000 | $81,737,000 | $143,146,000 | ' |
Accounts_Receivable_Narrative_
Accounts Receivable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Accounts Receivable [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Provision for uncollectible amounts | $65.80 | $88.70 | $110.10 |
Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R
Accounts Receivable (Accounts Receivable) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Accounts Receivable [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Retail and Wholesale | $498,717 | $581,152 |
Other | 51,855 | 45,819 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | -71,362 | -93,267 |
Accounts receivable, net | $479,210 | $533,704 |
Accounts_Receivable_Schedule_O
Accounts Receivable (Schedule Of Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, End of Period | $71,362 | $93,267 | ' |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Beginning of Period | 93,267 | 107,048 | 73,571 |
Charged to Other Revenue | 68,965 | 74,332 | 93,721 |
Charged (credited) to Switched and Nonswitched Revenue and Other Accounts | -3,203 | 14,396 | 16,403 |
Write-offs and Recoveries | -87,667 | -102,509 | -76,647 |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, End of Period | $71,362 | $93,267 | $107,048 |
Property_Plant_And_Equipment_N
Property, Plant And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Millions, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Property, Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Depreciation expense | $841.50 | $844.60 | $881.50 |
Property_Plant_And_Equipment_P
Property, Plant And Equipment (Property, Plant And Equipment, Net) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | $14,850,697 | $14,353,763 |
Construction work in progress | 250,516 | 274,488 |
Less: Accumulated depreciation | -7,594,935 | -6,848,867 |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 7,255,762 | 7,504,896 |
Land [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 126,483 | 126,483 |
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 1,061,097 | 1,052,650 |
Estimated useful lives | '41 years | ' |
General support [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 977,941 | 988,707 |
General support [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '17 years | ' |
General support [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '5 years | ' |
Central office/electronic circuit equipment [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 5,222,928 | 4,965,099 |
Central office/electronic circuit equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '11 years | ' |
Central office/electronic circuit equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '5 years | ' |
Poles [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 549,322 | 507,922 |
Estimated useful lives | '49 years | ' |
Cable and wire [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 6,259,292 | 6,038,835 |
Cable and wire [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '30 years | ' |
Cable and wire [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '15 years | ' |
Conduit [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | 359,974 | 354,777 |
Estimated useful lives | '60 years | ' |
Other [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment | $43,144 | $44,802 |
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '30 years | ' |
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ' | ' |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Estimated useful lives | '12 years | ' |
Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles2
Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Amortization expense | $328,000,000 | $422,200,000 | $521,700,000 |
Estimated future amortization expense, year 1 | 285,000,000 | ' | ' |
Estimated future amortization expense, year 2 | 240,000,000 | ' | ' |
Estimated future amortization expense, year 3 | 195,000,000 | ' | ' |
Estimated future amortization expense, year 4 | 150,000,000 | ' | ' |
Estimated future amortization expense, year 5 | 105,000,000 | ' | ' |
Frontier Legacy Properties [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Amortization expense | ' | 11,400,000 | 56,300,000 |
Customer Base [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Amortization expense | 328,000,000 | 410,800,000 | 465,400,000 |
Customer Base [Member] | Residential Customer List [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated useful life | '9 years | ' | ' |
Customer Base [Member] | Business Customer List [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated useful life | '12 years | ' | ' |
Software Licenses [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Amortization expense | ' | $38,300,000 | $49,100,000 |
Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles3
Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Components Of Goodwill By Reporting Units) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Goodwill | $6,337,719 | $6,337,719 |
Central [Member] | ' | ' |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Goodwill | 1,815,498 | ' |
East [Member] | ' | ' |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Goodwill | 2,003,574 | ' |
National [Member] | ' | ' |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Goodwill | 1,218,113 | ' |
West [Member] | ' | ' |
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Segment [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Goodwill | $1,300,534 | ' |
Goodwill_And_Other_Intangibles4
Goodwill And Other Intangibles (Components Of Other Intangibles) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Gross Carrying Amount | $2,551,784 | $2,657,086 |
Accumulated Amortization | -1,336,852 | -1,114,347 |
Net Carrying Amount | 1,214,932 | 1,542,739 |
Customer Base [Member] | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Gross Carrying Amount | 2,427,648 | 2,427,648 |
Accumulated Amortization | -1,336,852 | -1,009,045 |
Net Carrying Amount | 1,090,796 | 1,418,603 |
Software Licenses [Member] | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Gross Carrying Amount | ' | 105,019 |
Accumulated Amortization | ' | -105,019 |
Trade Name And License [Member] | ' | ' |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Gross Carrying Amount | 124,136 | 124,419 |
Accumulated Amortization | ' | -283 |
Net Carrying Amount | $124,136 | $124,136 |
LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail
Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Oct. 02, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Apr. 24, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | 17-May-12 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Apr. 24, 2013 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Apr. 24, 2013 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Oct. 02, 2012 | 17-May-12 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Apr. 24, 2013 | Oct. 02, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | 17-May-12 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Oct. 02, 2012 | Aug. 15, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
property | property | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2013 [Member] | Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/1/2018 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2020 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts [Member] | Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts [Member] | Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts [Member] | CoBank Term Loan 2012 [Member] | CoBank Term Loan 2013 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility [Member] | Unsecured Letter of Credit Facility [Member] | Letter Of Credit, March 2013 [Member] | Letter Of Credit, March 2013 [Member] | Letter Of Credit, September 2013 [Member] | Letter Of Credit, September 2013 [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | 2013 Pension Real Estate Contributions [Member] | 2011 Pension Real Estate Contributions [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | |||||||
item | Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | item | Letter Of Credit, Extension [Member] | Letter Of Credit, Extension [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | property | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Base Rate [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Debt instrument, face amount | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $575,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $500,000,000 | ' | $250,000,000 | $600,000,000 | ' | ' | $750,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Interest Rate | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.25% | ' | ' | 6.63% | ' | ' | ' | 7.88% | ' | ' | ' | 8.25% | ' | ' | ' | 8.13% | 8.50% | 9.25% | ' | ' | 7.13% | ' | ' | 7.63% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Remaining outstanding principal | ' | ' | 8,942,568,000 | ' | ' | 8,129,546,000 | 8,942,568,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8,107,066,000 | ' | 8,919,696,000 | 8,930,000 | 200,000,000 | 9,322,000 | 143,000,000 | 130,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 750,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | 40,000,000 | 190,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | 20,000,000 | ' | 20,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Line of credit facility expiration date | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3-Nov-16 | ' | ' | 30-Sep-11 | ' | ' | 30-Sep-12 | ' | 31-Mar-13 | ' | 30-Sep-13 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 24-Apr-13 | ' | ' | 1-Oct-12 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 17-May-12 | ' | ' | ' | 15-Aug-12 | ' | 10-Apr-13 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Debt instrument, maturity date | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1-May-14 | ' | 15-Mar-15 | ' | ' | 15-Apr-15 | 1-Apr-15 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 14-Oct-16 | 15-Apr-17 | ' | ' | ' | 1-Oct-18 | 15-Apr-20 | ' | 1-Jul-21 | ' | ' | 15-Jan-23 | ' | ' | 15-Apr-24 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Issue price expressed as a percentage of principal amount (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 100.00% | ' | 104.25% | 100.00% | ' | ' | 100.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 489,600,000 | ' | 255,900,000 | 588,100,000 | ' | ' | 736,900,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Aggregate principal amount agreed to be purchased | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 471,300,000 | ' | ' | 400,000,000 | ' | 700,000 | 194,200,000 | ' | ' | 800,000 | 277,100,000 | 75,700,000 | 49,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | 225,000,000 | 59,300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Amount of consideration for purchase of notes | 154,700,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 532,400,000 | ' | ' | 446,000,000 | ' | 800,000 | 216,000,000 | ' | ' | 900,000 | 316,400,000 | ' | 54,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | 267,700,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Payments and Retirements | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -1,563,022,000 | ' | 552,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -1,562,630,000 | 551,400,000 | ' | -392,000 | 1,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt | 19,300,000 | -159,800,000 | -19,300,000 | -200,000 | -70,800,000 | 159,780,000 | 90,363,000 | ' | 104,900,000 | 54,900,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 69,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 64,900,000 | 34,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax (in dollars per share) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $0.06 | $0.04 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Loss on repurchase of debt | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -2,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Repurchase of senior notes | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 78,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 208,800,000 | ' | ' | 17,300,000 | 78,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Repayment of the outstanding principal balance, quarterly installments amount | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 14,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Interest Rate Margin | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.88% | 1.88% | 0.50% | 1.50% | 2.88% | 3.88% | 1.50% | 2.50% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Initial pricing for LIBOR based borrowings (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2.88% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1.00% | 2.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Maximum permitted leverage ratio | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.5 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Line of credit facility, current borrowings | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 46,845,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Interest Rate (in thousandths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 0.40% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Exercised extension of commitment | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 100,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of letters of credit | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of properties contributed | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4 | ' | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4 | ' |
Contribution of Property | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 23,422,000 | ' | 58,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 23,400,000 | 58,100,000 |
Pension Building Contribution Aggregate Annual Rent | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2,100,000 | 5,800,000 | ' | ' |
Pension Building Contribution Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 107,102,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Lease term of contributed property | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '15 years | ' | '15 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '15 years | ' |
Sale and leaseback term, minimum (in years) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '12 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Sale and leaseback term, maximum (in years) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '23 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent | ' | ' | 266,625,000 | ' | ' | 262,308,000 | 266,625,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 23,300,000 | ' |
Other Liabilities, Current | ' | ' | 232,836,000 | ' | ' | 324,181,000 | 232,836,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 100,000 | ' |
Bridge loan facility | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,900,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Commitments fees related to bridge loan facility | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $1,300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De
Long-Term Debt (Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, beginning balance | $8,942,568,000 | ' | ' | |
Payments and Retirements | -1,563,022,000 | 552,400,000 | ' | |
New Borrowings | 750,000,000 | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, ending balance | 8,129,546,000 | ' | ' | |
Less: Debt (Discount)/Premium | 2,037,000 | ' | -71,000 | |
Less: Current Portion | -257,916,000 | ' | -560,550,000 | |
Principal Outstanding | 7,873,667,000 | ' | 8,381,947,000 | |
Weighted average interest rate | 7.95% | [1] | ' | ' |
Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, beginning balance | 8,919,696,000 | ' | ' | |
Payments and Retirements | -1,562,630,000 | 551,400,000 | ' | |
New Borrowings | 750,000,000 | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, ending balance | 8,107,066,000 | ' | ' | |
Weighted average interest rate | 7.95% | [1] | ' | ' |
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, beginning balance | 13,550,000 | ' | ' | |
Payments and Retirements | ' | ' | ' | |
New Borrowings | ' | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, ending balance | 13,550,000 | ' | ' | |
Weighted average interest rate | 6.33% | [1] | ' | ' |
Rural Utilities Service Loan Contracts [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |
Long-term debt, beginning balance | 9,322,000 | ' | ' | |
Payments and Retirements | -392,000 | 1,000,000 | ' | |
Long-term debt, ending balance | $8,930,000 | $200,000,000 | ' | |
Weighted average interest rate | 6.15% | [1] | ' | ' |
[1] | Interest rate includes amortization of debt issuance costs and debt premiums or discounts. The interest rates at December 31, 2013 represent a weighted average of multiple issuances. |
LongTerm_Debt_Senior_Unsecured
Long-Term Debt (Senior Unsecured Debt) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | 17-May-12 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Apr. 10, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | 17-May-12 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Aug. 15, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | ||||
Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/1/2018 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2020 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Notes And Debentures [Member] | |||||||
Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | Senior Unsecured Debt [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Note Due 1/15/2013 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2013 [Member] | Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 5/1/2014 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2015 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/14/2016 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2017 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/1/2018 [Member] | Senior Note Due 10/1/2018 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2019 [Member] | Senior Note Due 3/15/2019 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2020 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2020 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 7/1/2021 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2022 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2022 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2023 [Member] | Senior Note Due 4/15/2024 [Member] | Debenture Due 11/1/2025 [Member] | Debenture Due 11/1/2025 [Member] | Debenture Due 8/15/2026 [Member] | Debenture Due 8/15/2026 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2027 [Member] | Senior Note Due 1/15/2027 [Member] | Senior Note Due 8/15/2031 [Member] | Senior Note Due 8/15/2031 [Member] | Debenture Due 10/1/2034 [Member] | Debenture Due 10/1/2034 [Member] | Debenture Due 7/1/2035 [Member] | Debenture Due 7/1/2035 [Member] | Debenture Due 10/1/2046 [Member] | Debenture Due 10/1/2046 [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Note Due 2/15/2028 [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Note Due 2/15/2028 [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Note Due 10/15/2029 [Member] | Subsidiary Senior Note Due 10/15/2029 [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ||||
Principal Outstanding | $8,129,546,000 | $8,942,568,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $8,107,066,000 | $8,919,696,000 | $7,857,066,000 | $8,669,696,000 | ' | $502,658,000 | $200,000,000 | $200,000,000 | $105,026,000 | $300,000,000 | $96,872,000 | $374,803,000 | $460,000,000 | [1] | $517,500,000 | [1] | $606,874,000 | $1,040,685,000 | $582,739,000 | $600,000,000 | $434,000,000 | $434,000,000 | $1,021,505,000 | $1,100,000,000 | $500,000,000 | $500,000,000 | $500,000,000 | $500,000,000 | $850,000,000 | $850,000,000 | $750,000,000 | $138,000,000 | $138,000,000 | $1,739,000 | $1,739,000 | $345,858,000 | $345,858,000 | $945,325,000 | $945,325,000 | $628,000 | $628,000 | $125,000,000 | $125,000,000 | $193,500,000 | $193,500,000 | $200,000,000 | $200,000,000 | $50,000,000 | $50,000,000 | ||
Interest Rate | ' | ' | ' | 8.25% | ' | 6.63% | ' | ' | 7.88% | ' | 8.25% | 8.13% | 8.50% | ' | 9.25% | ' | 7.13% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 6.25% | 8.25% | 8.25% | 6.63% | 6.63% | 7.88% | 7.88% | 3.05% | [1] | 3.10% | [1] | 8.25% | 8.25% | 8.13% | 8.13% | 7.13% | 7.13% | 8.50% | 8.50% | 9.25% | 9.25% | 8.75% | 8.75% | 7.13% | 7.13% | 7.63% | 7.00% | 7.00% | 6.80% | 6.80% | 7.88% | 7.88% | 9.00% | 9.00% | 7.68% | 7.68% | 7.45% | 7.45% | 7.05% | 7.05% | 6.73% | 6.73% | 8.40% | 8.40% | ||
Weighted average interest rate | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 7.78% | [2] | 7.69% | [2] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ||
Debt instrument, maturity date | ' | ' | 1-May-14 | ' | 15-Mar-15 | ' | 15-Apr-15 | 1-Apr-15 | ' | 14-Oct-16 | 15-Apr-17 | 1-Oct-18 | 15-Apr-20 | 1-Jul-21 | ' | 15-Jan-23 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 15-Jan-13 | ' | 1-May-14 | ' | 15-Mar-15 | ' | 15-Apr-15 | ' | 14-Oct-16 | [1] | ' | 15-Apr-17 | ' | 1-Oct-18 | ' | 15-Mar-19 | ' | 15-Apr-20 | ' | 1-Jul-21 | ' | 15-Apr-22 | ' | 15-Jan-23 | ' | 15-Apr-24 | 1-Nov-25 | ' | 15-Aug-26 | ' | 15-Jan-27 | ' | 15-Aug-31 | ' | 1-Oct-34 | ' | 1-Jul-35 | ' | 1-Oct-46 | ' | 15-Feb-28 | ' | 15-Oct-29 | ' | |||
[1] | Represents borrowings under the Credit Agreement with CoBank. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
[2] | Interest rate represents a weighted average of the stated interest rates of multiple issuances. |
LongTerm_Debt_Debt_Maturities_
Long-Term Debt (Debt Maturities By Year) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Long-Term Debt [Abstract] | ' |
Principal Payments 2014 | $257,916 |
Principal Payments 2015 | 259,840 |
Principal Payments 2016 | 345,466 |
Principal Payments 2017 | 607,375 |
Principal Payments 2018 | $583,273 |
LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Futu
Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Obligations) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Finance Lease Obligations, Future Minimum Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | $6,891 |
2015 | 7,043 |
2016 | 7,225 |
2017 | 7,418 |
2018 | 7,633 |
Thereafter | 70,892 |
Total future payments | 107,102 |
Less: Amounts representing interest | -63,174 |
Present value of minimum lease payments | 43,928 |
Capital Lease Obligations, Future Minimum Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | 3,107 |
2015 | 3,162 |
2016 | 3,216 |
2017 | 3,273 |
2018 | 3,331 |
Thereafter | 18,976 |
Total future payments | 35,065 |
Less: Amounts representing interest | -9,983 |
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments, Total | $25,082 |
Investment_Income_Details
Investment Income (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Investment Income [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Interest and dividend income | $2,401 | $3,753 | $2,184 |
Investment gain | 1,407 | 9,780 | 1,071 |
Equity earnings (loss) | ' | -522 | -864 |
Total investment income | $3,808 | $13,011 | $2,391 |
Other_Income_Net_Details
Other Income, Net (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Other Income, Net [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Gain on expiration/settlement of customer advances | $3,345 | $7,798 | $7,605 |
Litigation settlement proceeds | ' | 854 | 1,495 |
Split dollar life insurance proceeds | 2,263 | ' | ' |
All other, net | -239 | -1,531 | 35 |
Total other income, net | $5,369 | $7,121 | $9,135 |
Capital_Stock_Details
Capital Stock (Details) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Capital Stock [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Common Stock, Shares Authorized | 1,750,000,000 | 1,750,000,000 | 1,750,000,000 |
Stock_Plans_Narrative_Details
Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
ShareBasedCompensationPlan | Chair of Audit Committee [Member] | Chair of Audit Committee [Member] | Deferred Fee Plan [Member] | EIP Plans [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Performance Shares [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member] | ||||
entity | Chair of Retirement Plan Committee [Member] | Chair of Retirement Plan Committee [Member] | Chair of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee [Member] | Chair of Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee [Member] | Chair of Compensation Committee [Member] | Chair of Compensation Committee [Member] | Lead Director [Member] | Lead Director [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of stock-based compensation plan under which grants were made | 6 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of stock-based compensation plan under which grants were not made | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Shares authorized for grant under the plans (in shares) | 22,540,761 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 540,761 | 20,000,000 | 1,123,966 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2,540,761 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Shares available for grant under the plan (in shares) | 18,432,664 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 17,384,055 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,048,609 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Expense recognized during the period | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $1,100,000 | $400,000 | $14,900,000 | $15,900,000 | $14,800,000 | $2,100,000 | $800,000 | ($600,000) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Performance Shares | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Initial period over which target number of performance shares are awarded | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '90 days | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Measurement period | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '3 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of shares granted (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 930,020 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Restricted Stock | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Remaining unrecognized compensation cost associated with unvested restricted stock awards | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 19,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Weighted average period over which unvested restricted stock awards unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized (in years) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '1 year 6 months | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Stock Options | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Exercisable at end of period (in shares) | 83,000 | 895,000 | 540,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 116,630 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share) | $13.23 | $9.94 | $10.99 | $10.50 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $11.95 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Cash received upon exercise of options during the period | ' | 100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Unrecognized compensation cost associated with unvested stock options | 0 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Non Employee Directors Compensation Plans | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Annual retainer for non employee directors in cash | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 90,000 | 75,000 |
Annual retainer for non employee directors cash value of stock units | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 90,000 | 75,000 |
Annual stipend | ' | ' | ' | ' | 25,000 | 20,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10,000 | 7,500 | 15,000 | 10,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 25,000 | 20,000 | ' | ' |
Plan units earned during the period (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 374,383 | 306,634 | 197,600 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of directors participating in the plan during the period | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 11 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Cash compensation | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $700,000 | $700,000 | $700,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Stock_Plans_LTIP_Target_Perfor
Stock Plans (LTIP Target Performance Shares) (Details) (Performance Shares [Member]) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | |
Performance Shares [Member] | ' | ' |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | 979,000 | ' |
Shares granted (in shares) | 1,124,000 | 979,000 |
Shares forfeited (in shares) | -354,000 | ' |
Balance at end of period (in shares) | 1,749,000 | 979,000 |
Stock_Plans_Restricted_Shares_
Stock Plans (Restricted Shares Outstanding) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Restricted Stock [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | 7,049,000 | 4,847,000 | 4,440,000 |
Shares granted (in shares) | 3,360,000 | 3,976,000 | 1,734,000 |
Shares vested (in shares) | -3,097,000 | -1,387,000 | -1,146,000 |
Shares forfeited (in shares) | -1,078,000 | -387,000 | -181,000 |
Balance at end of period (in shares) | 6,234,000 | 7,049,000 | 4,847,000 |
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per shares) | $6.08 | $8.40 | $8.29 |
Restricted stock granted (in dollars per shares) | $4.10 | $4.18 | $9.38 |
Restricted stock vested (in dollars per shares) | $6.78 | $8.78 | $9.52 |
Restricted stock forfeited (in dollars per shares) | $5.26 | $5.99 | $7.99 |
Balance at end of period (in dollars per shares) | $4.80 | $6.08 | $8.40 |
Balance at beginning of period | $30,169 | $24,962 | $43,199 |
Restricted stock granted | 15,626 | 17,017 | 8,930 |
Restricted stock vested | 14,403 | 5,937 | 5,899 |
Balance at end of period | $28,988 | $30,169 | $24,962 |
Stock_Plans_Options_Outstandin
Stock Plans (Options Outstanding) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 |
Shares Subject to Option [Roll forward] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) | 540 | 895 | 1,507 | ' |
Options exercised (in shares) | ' | ' | -10 | ' |
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed (in shares) | -457 | -355 | -602 | ' |
Balance at end of period (in shares) | 83 | 540 | 895 | 1,507 |
Weighted Average Option Price Per Share [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period (in dollars per share) | $10.99 | $9.94 | $10.50 | ' |
Options exercised (in dollars per share) | ' | ' | $8.19 | ' |
Options canceled, forfeited or lapsed (in dollars per share) | $10.59 | $8.35 | $10.86 | ' |
Balance at end of period (in dollars per share) | $13.23 | $10.99 | $9.94 | $10.50 |
Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period | '1 year 9 months 18 days | '10 months 24 days | '1 year 3 months 18 days | '1 year 8 months 12 days |
Balance at end of period | '1 year 9 months 18 days | '10 months 24 days | '1 year 3 months 18 days | '1 year 8 months 12 days |
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Balance at beginning of period | ' | ' | $603,000 | ' |
Balance at end of period | ' | ' | ' | 603,000 |
Options Exercised | ' | ' | $12,000 | ' |
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 Taxes [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Adjustment of deferred tax balances | $6.50 | ' | ' |
Federal research and development credits | 5.2 | ' | ' |
Reversal of reserves for uncertain tax postions | 1.8 | 12.3 | 9.9 |
Settlement of 2010 IRS audit | 5.2 | ' | ' |
Non-deductible transaction costs | 3.3 | ' | ' |
Effect of expiration of statute of limitations during next twelve months | 2.4 | ' | ' |
Impact of charge resulting from enactment of Michigan Corporate Income Tax that eliminated certain future tax deductions | ' | ' | 10.8 |
Reduction of deferred tax balances based on application of enacted state tax statutes | ' | ' | 6.8 |
State tax operating loss carryforward | 2,500 | ' | ' |
Tax effect of change in method of accounting for repairs and maintenance costs | ' | ' | 53.9 |
Gross tax liability for tax positions that may not be sustained under a more likely than not threshold | 9.3 | ' | ' |
Additional interest recognized on tax liability | 0.6 | ' | 2.1 |
Accrued interest on tax liability | $0.60 | $2.10 | ' |
Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of
Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Provision For Income Taxes) (Details) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
Income Taxes [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Consolidated tax provision at federal statutory rate (in hundredths) | 35.00% | 35.00% | 35.00% |
State income tax provisions, net of federal income tax benefit (in hundredths) | -2.70% | 2.40% | 4.00% |
Noncontrolling interest (in hundredths) | -0.60% | -2.50% | -1.10% |
Tax reserve adjustment (in hundredths) | -1.10% | -5.40% | -4.00% |
Changes in certain deferred tax balances (in hundredths) | -4.00% | 3.10% | -2.70% |
IRS audit adjustments (in hundredths) | 3.20% | ' | ' |
Federal research and development credit (in hundreths) | -3.20% | ' | ' |
Reversal of tax credits (in hundreths) | ' | ' | 4.40% |
Non-deductible transaction costs (in hundreths) | 2.00% | ' | ' |
All other, net (in hundredths) | 0.40% | 0.40% | 0.30% |
Effective tax rate (in hundredths) | 29.00% | 33.00% | 35.90% |
Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Net
Income Taxes (Components Of Net Deferred Income Tax Liability/Asset) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Property, plant and equipment basis differences | $1,950,720 | $1,959,028 |
Intangibles | 885,661 | 929,749 |
Other, net | 25,954 | 29,564 |
Gross deferred income tax liability | 2,862,335 | 2,918,341 |
Deferred income tax assets [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Pension liability | 216,890 | 306,421 |
Tax operating loss carryforward | 130,733 | 154,892 |
Employee benefits | 161,493 | 177,464 |
State tax liability | -642 | 7,422 |
Accrued expenses | 26,223 | 43,162 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 11,957 | 35,181 |
Other, net | 42,915 | 14,025 |
Gross deferred income tax asset | 589,569 | 738,567 |
Less: Valuation allowance | -112,671 | -78,784 |
Net deferred income tax asset | 476,898 | 659,783 |
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected in the following captions on the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Deferred income taxes | 2,417,108 | 2,357,210 |
Income taxes and other current assets | -31,671 | -98,652 |
Net deferred income tax liability | $2,385,437 | $2,258,558 |
Income_Taxes_ProvisionBenefit_
Income Taxes (Provision/Benefit for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Current [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Federal | $54,915 | ($3,824) | ($13,320) |
State | -163 | -1,039 | 14,252 |
Total current | 54,752 | -4,863 | 932 |
Deferred [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Federal | 12,699 | 53,642 | 77,750 |
State | -20,209 | 26,859 | 9,661 |
Total deferred | -7,510 | 80,501 | 87,411 |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total | 47,242 | 75,638 | 88,343 |
Income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity of Frontier [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Utilization of the benefits arising from restricted stock | 1,910 | 2,937 | ' |
Deferred income taxes (benefits) arising from the recognition of additional pension/OPEB liability | 132,432 | -58,551 | -97,409 |
Total income taxes charged (credited) to shareholders' equity of Frontier | 134,342 | -55,614 | -97,409 |
Total income taxes | $181,584 | $20,024 | ($9,066) |
Income_Taxes_Changes_In_The_Ba
Income Taxes (Changes In The Balance Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Income Taxes [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning of year | $11,487 | $33,928 |
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions | 4,554 | 3,381 |
Gross decreases - expired statute of limitations | -7,282 | -25,822 |
Unrecognized tax benefits - end of year | $8,759 | $11,487 |
Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Na
Net Income Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
Stock Options [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) | 83,000 | 540,000 | 895,000 |
Exercise price range of stock options related to employee compensation plans - lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $12.50 | $10.44 | $8.19 |
Exercise price range of stock options related to employee compensation plans - upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $14.15 | $14.15 | $14.15 |
Non-Employee Directors' Deferred Fee Plan and Equity Plan [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) | 1,238,542 | 864,114 | 557,480 |
Net_Income_Per_Common_Share_Ca
Net Income Per Common Share (Calculation Of Net Income Per Common Share) (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 |
Net Income Per Common Share [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $67,755 | $35,400 | ($38,460) | $48,140 | $24,879 | $67,000 | $17,989 | $26,768 | $112,835 | $136,636 | $149,614 |
Less: Dividends paid on unvested restricted stock awards | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -2,531 | -2,901 | -3,743 |
Total basic and diluted net income attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $110,304 | $133,735 | $145,871 |
Total weighted average shares and unvested restricted stock awards outstanding - basic (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 999,126 | 997,665 | 994,753 |
Less: Weighted average unvested restricted stock awards (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -6,467 | -7,128 | -4,901 |
Total weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 992,659 | 990,537 | 989,852 |
Net income per share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier (in dollars per share) | $0.07 | $0.04 | ($0.04) | $0.05 | $0.02 | $0.07 | $0.02 | $0.03 | $0.11 | $0.14 | $0.15 |
Effect of dilutive shares (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,338 | 1,263 | 1,415 |
Effect of dilutive stock units (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 557 |
Total weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 993,997 | 991,800 | 991,824 |
Diluted net income per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $0.11 | $0.13 | $0.15 |
Comprehensive_Income_Accumulat
Comprehensive Income (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning | ($483,576) | ($386,963) | ($229,549) |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 171,681 | -113,453 | -163,236 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 23,984 | 16,840 | 5,822 |
Recognition of net actuarial loss for pension settlement costs | 27,381 | ' | ' |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 223,046 | -96,613 | -157,414 |
Balance, ending | -260,530 | -483,576 | -386,963 |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning | -697,874 | -575,163 | -349,264 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 205,341 | -152,402 | -241,064 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 36,938 | 29,691 | 15,165 |
Recognition of net actuarial loss for pension settlement costs | 44,163 | ' | ' |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 286,442 | -122,711 | -225,899 |
Balance, ending | -411,432 | -697,874 | -575,163 |
Postretirement Costs [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning | -74,264 | -41,811 | -13,369 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 67,289 | -29,922 | -22,668 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 1,745 | -2,531 | -5,774 |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 69,034 | -32,453 | -28,442 |
Balance, ending | -5,230 | -74,264 | -41,811 |
Deferred Taxes On Pension And OPEB Costs [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning | 288,712 | 230,161 | 132,752 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | -100,951 | 68,871 | 100,978 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | -14,699 | -10,320 | -3,569 |
Recognition of net actuarial loss for pension settlement costs | -16,782 | ' | ' |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | -132,432 | 58,551 | 97,409 |
Balance, ending | 156,280 | 288,712 | 230,161 |
All Other [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning | -150 | -150 | 332 |
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 2 | ' | -482 |
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | ' | ' | ' |
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 2 | ' | -482 |
Balance, ending | ($148) | ($150) | ($150) |
Comprehensive_Income_Reclassif
Comprehensive Income (Reclassification Out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |||
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Income before income taxes | $162,720 | $228,952 | $245,951 | |||
Tax impact | -47,242 | -75,638 | -88,343 | |||
Net income | 115,478 | 153,314 | 157,608 | |||
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Prior-service costs | -8 | 199 | ' | |||
Actuarial gains/(losses) | 36,930 | 29,890 | ' | |||
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Amortization Of Defined Benefit Cost Items [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Prior-service costs | -8 | [1] | 199 | [1] | 199 | [1] |
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -36,930 | [1] | -29,890 | [1] | -15,364 | [1] |
Pension settlement costs | -44,163 | [1] | ' | ' | ||
Income before income taxes | -81,101 | [1] | -29,691 | [1] | -15,165 | [1] |
Tax impact | 30,818 | [1] | 11,282 | [1] | 5,763 | [1] |
Net income | -50,283 | [1] | -18,409 | [1] | -9,402 | [1] |
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Postretirement Costs [Member] | Amortization Of Defined Benefit Cost Items [Member] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | |||
Prior-service costs | 6,101 | [1] | 10,068 | [1] | 10,198 | [1] |
Actuarial gains/(losses) | -7,846 | [1] | -7,537 | [1] | -4,424 | [1] |
Income before income taxes | -1,745 | [1] | 2,531 | [1] | 5,774 | [1] |
Tax impact | 663 | [1] | -962 | [1] | -2,194 | [1] |
Net income | ($1,082) | [1] | $1,569 | [1] | $3,580 | [1] |
[1] | Amounts in parentheses indicate losses. |
Segment_Information_Details
Segment Information (Details) | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2013 | |
segment | |
Segment Information [Abstract] | ' |
Number of reportable segments | 1 |
Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Oct. 02, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Jun. 30, 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 (Unaudited) [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Acquisition and integration costs | ' | $9,700,000 | ' | ' | $13,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $28,600,000 | $35,100,000 | $9,652,000 | $81,737,000 | $143,146,000 |
Acquisition and integration costs, after tax | ' | 6,100,000 | ' | ' | 9,100,000 | 2,900,000 | 18,100,000 | 21,700,000 | ' | ' | ' |
Acquisition and integration costs, after tax effect on net income (in dollars per share) | ' | $0.01 | ' | ' | $0.01 | ' | $0.02 | $0.02 | ' | ' | ' |
Pension settlement costs | ' | 3,900,000 | 40,300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 44,163,000 | ' | ' |
Pension settlement costs, after tax | ' | 2,400,000 | 25,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Pension settlement costs after tax effect on net income (in dollars per share) | ' | ' | 0.03 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt | -19,300,000 | ' | ' | 159,800,000 | 19,300,000 | 200,000 | 70,800,000 | ' | -159,780,000 | -90,363,000 | ' |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax | ' | ' | ' | $98,900,000 | $12,100,000 | $200,000 | $44,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Losses on early extinguishment of debt after tax effect on net income (in dollars per share) | ' | ' | ' | $0.10 | $0.01 | ' | $0.04 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud3
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (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 (Unaudited) [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Revenue | $1,180,369 | $1,185,278 | $1,190,533 | $1,205,396 | $1,232,553 | $1,252,469 | $1,258,777 | $1,268,054 | $4,761,576 | $5,011,853 | $5,243,043 |
Operating income | 257,569 | 206,172 | 266,156 | 250,824 | 235,730 | 275,196 | 267,784 | 208,458 | 980,721 | 987,168 | 899,621 |
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $67,755 | $35,400 | ($38,460) | $48,140 | $24,879 | $67,000 | $17,989 | $26,768 | $112,835 | $136,636 | $149,614 |
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to common shareholders of Frontier | $0.07 | $0.04 | ($0.04) | $0.05 | $0.02 | $0.07 | $0.02 | $0.03 | $0.11 | $0.14 | $0.15 |
Retirement_Plans_Narrative_Det
Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | 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, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | |
property | property | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | 2013 Pension Real Estate Contributions [Member] | 2011 Pension Real Estate Contributions [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | Debt Securities [Member] | ||||
property | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4.00% | ' | 4.90% | 4.00% | 4.50% | ' | ' | 4.90% | 4.00% | 4.50% | 5.20% | 4.20% | 4.75% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 100.00% | ' | 100.00% | 100.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 42.00% | 43.00% | 35.00% | 55.00% | 13.00% | 14.00% | 5.00% | 15.00% | 44.00% | 40.00% | 35.00% | 55.00% |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 8.00% | 7.75% | 8.00% | ' | ' | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% | 4.00% | 4.00% | 6.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Expected Long Term Rate Of Return On Plan Assets In Future Year In Hundreths | ' | ' | 7.75% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Lump sum pension payments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $164,600,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Settlement threshold | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 125,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Pension settlement costs | -3,900,000 | -40,300,000 | -44,163,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -44,163,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Capitalization of pension and OPEB expense related to engineering and plant construction | ' | ' | 19,200,000 | 15,800,000 | 10,200,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated Pension And OPEB Expense | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 65,000,000 | 85,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Pension and other postretirement benefit expenses | ' | ' | 37,243,000 | 28,087,000 | 23,897,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of properties contributed | ' | ' | 4 | ' | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Contribution of Property | ' | ' | 23,422,000 | ' | 58,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 23,400,000 | ' | 58,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Lease term of contributed property | ' | ' | '15 years | ' | '15 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | '15 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Pension Building Contribution Aggregate Annual Rent | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 2,100,000 | 5,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Pension Building Contribution Minimum Lease Payments Sale Leaseback Transactions | 107,102,000 | ' | 107,102,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Contributions to pension plan | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 62,290,000 | 28,598,000 | 76,700,000 | 12,528,000 | 11,403,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Cash contributions to pension plan | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10,300,000 | 18,300,000 | 38,900,000 | 28,600,000 | 18,600,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated benefit obligation | 1,560,000,000 | ' | 1,560,000,000 | 1,793,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Annual rate of increase in the per-capita cost of covered medical benefits (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 7.50% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Annual rate of increase in the per-capita cost of covered medical benefits in 2019 (in hundredths) | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 5.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1 percentage point increase | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 1,100,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1 percentage point increase | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 14,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Effect on total of service and interest cost components, 1 percentage point decrease | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -1,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation, 1 percentage point decrease | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -13,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
401 (k) Savings Plan employer contributions | ' | ' | $20,600,000 | $23,000,000 | $22,200,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Retirement_Plans_Projected_Ben
Retirement Plans (Projected Benefit Obligation) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | $1,216,525 | $1,253,666 | ' |
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Pension and other postretirement benefits | -725,333 | -1,055,058 | ' |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' |
PBO at beginning of year | 1,944,731 | 1,799,313 | ' |
Service cost | 47,651 | 43,688 | 38,879 |
Interest cost | 75,812 | 78,027 | 84,228 |
Actuarial loss | -180,709 | 196,304 | ' |
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | ' |
Settlements | -164,608 | ' | ' |
PBO at end of year | 1,668,726 | 1,944,731 | 1,799,313 |
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | 1,253,666 | 1,257,990 | ' |
Actual return on plan assets | 119,328 | 139,679 | ' |
Contributions to pension plan | 62,290 | 28,598 | 76,700 |
Benefits paid | -54,151 | -172,601 | ' |
Settlements | -164,608 | ' | ' |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | 1,216,525 | 1,253,666 | 1,257,990 |
Funded status | -452,201 | -691,065 | ' |
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Current liabilities | -100,205 | -60,386 | ' |
Pension and other postretirement benefits | -351,996 | -630,679 | ' |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | 411,432 | 697,874 | ' |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Change in projected benefit obligation (PBO) [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' |
PBO at beginning of year | 438,550 | 391,596 | ' |
Service cost | 12,533 | 10,812 | 8,958 |
Interest cost | 17,241 | 17,842 | 17,722 |
Plan participants' contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | ' |
Actuarial loss | -67,547 | 30,958 | ' |
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | ' |
Plan change | ' | 743 | ' |
PBO at end of year | 385,623 | 438,550 | 391,596 |
Change in plan assets [Roll Forward] | ' | ' | ' |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | 5,055 | 5,101 | ' |
Actual return on plan assets | -122 | 466 | ' |
Plan participant's contributions | 4,293 | 4,059 | ' |
Contributions to pension plan | 12,528 | 11,403 | ' |
Benefits paid | -19,447 | -15,974 | ' |
Fair value of plan assets at end of year | 2,307 | 5,055 | 5,101 |
Funded status | -383,316 | -433,495 | ' |
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Current liabilities | -11,508 | -9,116 | ' |
Pension and other postretirement benefits | -371,808 | -424,379 | ' |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $5,230 | $74,264 | ' |
Retirement_Plans_Net_Periodic_
Retirement Plans (Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ||||
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Service cost | ' | ' | ' | $47,651 | $43,688 | $38,879 | $12,533 | $10,812 | $8,958 |
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation | ' | ' | ' | 75,812 | 78,027 | 84,228 | 17,241 | 17,842 | 17,722 |
Expected return on plan assets | ' | ' | ' | -94,695 | -95,777 | -100,558 | -136 | -172 | -324 |
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) | ' | ' | ' | 8 | -199 | -199 | -6,101 | -10,068 | -10,198 |
Amortization of unrecognized loss | ' | ' | ' | 36,930 | 29,890 | 15,364 | 7,846 | 7,537 | 4,424 |
Net periodic pension benefit cost | ' | ' | ' | 65,706 | 55,629 | 37,714 | 31,383 | 25,951 | 20,582 |
Pension settlement costs | 3,900 | 40,300 | 44,163 | 44,163 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Total periodic benefit cost | ' | ' | ' | 109,869 | 55,629 | 37,714 | ' | ' | ' |
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) expected in 2014 | ' | ' | ' | 45 | ' | ' | -3,560 | ' | ' |
Amortization of unrecognized loss expected in 2014 | ' | ' | ' | $19,274 | ' | ' | $2,886 | ' | ' |
Retirement_Plans_Asset_Allocat
Retirement Plans (Asset Allocations) (Details) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' |
Asset category [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Equity Securities [Member] | ' | ' |
Asset category [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | 42.00% | 43.00% |
Alternative Investments [Member] | ' | ' |
Asset category [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | 13.00% | 14.00% |
Debt Securities [Member] | ' | ' |
Asset category [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | 44.00% | 40.00% |
Cash and Other [Member] | ' | ' |
Asset category [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Weighted average asset allocation (in hundreths) | 1.00% | 3.00% |
Retirement_Plans_Pension_Expec
Retirement Plans (Pension Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (Pension Benefits [Member], USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | $100,839 |
2015 | 104,480 |
2016 | 110,570 |
2017 | 114,703 |
2018 | 117,055 |
2019 - 2023 | 633,650 |
Total | $1,181,297 |
Retirement_Plans_Assumptions_U
Retirement Plans (Assumptions Used) (Details) | 12 Months Ended | ||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | |
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation (in hundredths) | 4.90% | 4.00% | 4.50% |
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost (in hundredths) | 4.00% | 4.50% | 5.25% |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) | 8.00% | 7.75% | 8.00% |
Rate of increase in compensation levels (in hundredths) | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost (in hundredths) | ' | ' | 5.25% |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation (in hundredths) | 5.20% | 4.20% | 4.75% |
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost (in hundredths) | 4.20% | 4.75% | ' |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) | 4.00% | 4.00% | 6.00% |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ' | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' |
Discount rate - used at year end to value obligation (in hundredths) | 4.90% | 4.00% | 4.50% |
Discount rate - used to compute annual cost (in hundredths) | 4.00% | 4.50% | ' |
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths) | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
Retirement_Plans_OPEB_Expected
Retirement Plans (OPEB Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
OPEB, Gross Benefits [Member] | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | $16,687 |
2015 | 18,004 |
2016 | 19,342 |
2017 | 20,575 |
2018 | 21,785 |
2019 - 2023 | 120,619 |
Total | 217,012 |
Medicare Part D Subsidy [Member] | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | 489 |
2015 | 585 |
2016 | 691 |
2017 | 825 |
2018 | 961 |
2019 - 2023 | 6,994 |
Total | 10,545 |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | 16,198 |
2015 | 17,419 |
2016 | 18,651 |
2017 | 19,750 |
2018 | 20,824 |
2019 - 2023 | 113,625 |
Total | $206,467 |
Retirement_Plans_Amounts_In_AO
Retirement Plans (Amounts In AOCI Not Yet Recognized as Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Pension Benefits [Member] | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Net actuarial loss | $411,076 | $697,511 |
Prior service cost/(credit) | 356 | 363 |
Total | 411,432 | 697,874 |
Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ' | ' |
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Net actuarial loss | 30,835 | 105,970 |
Prior service cost/(credit) | -25,605 | -31,706 |
Total | $5,230 | $74,264 |
Retirement_Plans_Amounts_Recog
Retirement Plans (Amounts Recognized as a Component of AOCI) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Pension Benefits [Member] | Pension Benefits [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (OPEB) [Member] | ||||
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Accumulated other comprehensive income at beginning of year | ' | ' | ' | $697,874 | $575,163 | $74,264 | $41,811 |
Net actuarial gain (loss) recognized during year | ' | ' | ' | -36,930 | -29,890 | -7,846 | -7,537 |
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax | ' | ' | ' | -8 | 199 | 6,101 | 10,068 |
Net actuarial loss (gain) occurring during year | ' | ' | ' | -205,341 | 152,402 | -67,289 | 30,665 |
Prior service cost (credit) occurring during year | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | -743 |
Settlement costs recognized during year | -3,900 | -40,300 | -44,163 | -44,163 | ' | ' | ' |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax | ' | ' | ' | -286,442 | 122,711 | -69,034 | 32,453 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income at end of year | ' | ' | ' | $411,432 | $697,874 | $5,230 | $74,264 |
Recovered_Sheet1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Pension Plan Assets Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | $1,207,858 | $1,250,653 |
Interest and Dividends Receivable | 2,832 | 3,252 |
Due from Broker for Securities Sold | 8,916 | 3,788 |
Receivable Associated with Insurance Contract | 7,044 | 7,610 |
Due to Broker for Securities Purchased | -10,125 | -11,637 |
Plan assets | 1,216,525 | 1,253,666 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 209,525 | 232,792 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 835,613 | 876,369 |
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 162,720 | 141,492 |
Cash and Other [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 8,503 | 42,391 |
Cash and Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 8,503 | ' |
Cash and Other [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | ' | 42,391 |
U.S. Government Obligations [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 26,070 | 14,166 |
U.S. Government Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 26,070 | 14,166 |
Corporate and Other Obligations [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 235,723 | 246,024 |
Corporate and Other Obligations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 235,723 | 246,024 |
Common Stock [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 120,801 | 133,631 |
Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 120,801 | 133,631 |
Commingled Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 604,975 | 612,707 |
Commingled Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 571,531 | 572,893 |
Commingled Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 33,444 | 39,814 |
Interest in Registered Investment Companies [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 80,221 | 99,161 |
Interest in Registered Investment Companies [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 80,221 | 99,161 |
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 129,276 | 101,678 |
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 129,276 | 101,678 |
Insurance Contracts [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 629 | 799 |
Insurance Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 629 | 799 |
Other Investments [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | 1,660 | 96 |
Other Investments [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure | $1,660 | $96 |
Recovered_Sheet2
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Changes In Fair Value Of Plan's Level 3 Assets) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning of year | $101,678 | $104,033 |
Realized gains/(losses) | 10,835 | 5,587 |
Unrealized gains/(losses) | 18,033 | 454 |
Contributed assets | 23,422 | ' |
Sales | -24,692 | -8,396 |
Balance, end of year | 129,276 | 101,678 |
Commingled Funds [Member] | ' | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' |
Balance, beginning of year | 39,814 | 37,194 |
Realized gains/(losses) | 975 | ' |
Unrealized gains/(losses) | 2,656 | 2,620 |
Sales | -10,001 | ' |
Balance, end of year | $33,444 | $39,814 |
Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Redemption Of The Plan's Level 3 Investments) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 |
JPM Multi Strat II C A Ser 11 07 [Member] | Morgan Stanley Institutional Cayman Fund LP [Member] | MS IFHF SVP LP Cayman [Member] | MS IFHF SVP LP Alpha [Member] | RII World Timberfund, LLC [Member] | Comm Drive, LLC [Member] | CTE Drive, LLC [Member] | Oakbrook Parkway LLC [Member] | West Jefferson, LLC [Member] | MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC [Member] | S Pike Road West, LLC [Member] | N US 131, LLC [Member] | E Stockton Blvd, LLC [Member] | Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | Interest in Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Corporations [Member] | Commingled Funds [Member] | Commingled Funds [Member] | Commingled Funds [Member] | |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Fair Value | $33,444 | $26,188 | $2,772 | $1,504 | $5,761 | $8,557 | $6,922 | $24,955 | $29,318 | $15,987 | $1,079 | $1,063 | $5,170 | $129,276 | $101,678 | $104,033 | $33,444 | $39,814 | $37,194 |
Redemption Frequency | 'Quarterly | 'Quarterly | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | 'Through liquidation of underlying investments | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Redemption Notice Period (in days) | '65 days | '60 days | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | 'None | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Liquidation Period (in years) | ' | ' | '2 years | '2 years | '10 years | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Valuation Techniques Used to Measure the Fair Value of the Plan's Level 3 Investments) (Details) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2013 |
Comm Drive, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | $8,557 |
Capitalization rate | 8.50% |
Discount rate | 9.50% |
Duration (in years) | '10 years |
CTE Drive, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 6,922 |
Capitalization rate | 8.50% |
Discount rate | 10.00% |
Duration (in years) | '15 years |
Oakbrook Parkway LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 24,955 |
Capitalization rate | 8.50% |
Discount rate | 10.50% |
Duration (in years) | '10 years |
West Jefferson, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 29,318 |
Capitalization rate | 8.50% |
Discount rate | 10.50% |
Duration (in years) | '10 years |
MacCorkle Ave SE, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 15,987 |
Capitalization rate | 8.85% |
S Pike Road West, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 1,079 |
Capitalization rate | 10.50% |
N US 131, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | 1,063 |
Capitalization rate | 10.00% |
E Stockton Blvd, LLC [Member] | ' |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | ' |
Fair Value | $5,170 |
Capitalization rate | 9.00% |
Recovered_Sheet3
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Long Term Debt) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Carrying Amount [Member] | ' | ' |
Long-term debt [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Long-term debt | $7,873,667 | $8,381,947 |
Fair Value [Member] | ' | ' |
Long-term debt [Abstract] | ' | ' |
Long-term debt | $8,191,744 | $9,091,416 |
Recovered_Sheet4
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Sep. 30, 2012 | Jun. 30, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2010 | |
state | state | |||||||||
entity | entity | |||||||||
Acquisition and integration costs | $9,700,000 | $13,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $28,600,000 | $35,100,000 | $9,652,000 | $81,737,000 | $143,146,000 | ' | ' |
Regulatory Commitments [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households to have broadband availability and speeds of 3 Mbps by year 2013 (in hundredths) | 85.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | 85.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Targeted minimum megabits per second in markets acquired by year 2013 (in Mbps) | 3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Targeted minimum megabits per second in markets acquired by year 2015 (in Mbps) | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 4 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households to have broadband availability and speeds of 4 Mbps by year 2013 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 75.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households to have broadband availability and speeds of 4 Mbps by year 2014 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 80.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households to have broadband availability and speeds of 4 Mbps by year 2015 | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 85.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households throughout acquired Territories with broadband availability in excess of 3 Mbps (in hundredths) | 85.40% | ' | ' | ' | ' | 85.40% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Percentage of households throughout acquired Territories with broadband availability in excess of 4 Mbps (in hundredths) | 83.50% | ' | ' | ' | ' | 83.50% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of state regulatory commissions requiring capital investment commitments | 3 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 3 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Aggregate amount placed into a cash escrow account for capital investment commitments required by state regulatory commissions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 115,000,000 |
Amount of letter of credit obtained for capital investment commitments required by state regulatory commissions | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 190,000,000 |
Aggregate amount of cash in escrow accounts for service quality initiatives in the state of West Virginia | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 72,400,000 |
Amount released from escrow | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 176,300,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Escrow Deposit | 11,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 11,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Expired letter of credit | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 20,000,000 | ' |
Operating Leases [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Term Of Lease Arrangements Lower Range | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '1 year | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Term Of Lease Arrangements Upper Range | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '99 years | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Rental expense | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 84,400,000 | 79,300,000 | 70,200,000 | ' | ' |
Unconditional Purchase Obligation [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Commitment under the arrangement in 2014 | 145,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 145,500,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Commitment under the arrangement in 2015 | 140,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 140,800,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Vermont Joint Owners Consortium [Abstract] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of utilities forming the Vermont Joint Owners consortium | 14 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 14 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Purchase power obligation (in hundredths) | 10.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' | 10.00% | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Number of years assumed if members of the consortium remained in default for the duration of the contract | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | '2 years | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Undiscounted purchase obligation if members of the consortium remained in default for the duration of the contract | 287,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' | 287,400,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Minimum [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated Future Capital Expenditures For Business Operations | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 575,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated Future Operating And Capital Expenditures For Acquired Business | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 225,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Maximum [Member] | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated Future Capital Expenditures For Business Operations | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | 625,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Estimated Future Operating And Capital Expenditures For Acquired Business | ' | ' | ' | ' | ' | $275,000,000 | ' | ' | ' | ' |
Commitments_and_Contingencies_1
Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Rental Commitments For All Long-Term Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | $61,880 |
2015 | 10,452 |
2016 | 8,804 |
2017 | 7,708 |
2018 | 7,393 |
Thereafter | 49,091 |
Total minimum lease payments | $145,328 |
Commitments_and_Contingencies_2
Commitments and Contingencies (Future Payments For Obligations Under Noncancelable Long Distance Contracts And Service Agreements) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract] | ' |
2014 | $28,653 |
2015 | 20,796 |
2016 | 9,694 |
2017 | 4,295 |
2018 | 1,204 |
Thereafter | 6,000 |
Total | $70,642 |
Commitments_and_Contingencies_3
Commitments and Contingencies (Outstanding Performance Letters Of Credit) (Details) (USD $) | Dec. 31, 2013 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ' |
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding | $46,845 |
CNA [Member] | ' |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ' |
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding | 45,659 |
Other Letters of Credit [Member] | ' |
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] | ' |
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding | $1,186 |