| Cover | Oct. 30, 2019 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 29, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 0-9881 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO/VA/ |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000354963 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1162807 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | VA |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 500 Shentel Way, P.O. Box 459 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Edinburg |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 22824 |
| City Area Code | 540 |
| Local Phone Number | 984-4141 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock (No Par Value) |
| Trading Symbol | SHEN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
